halloween ninjas

we had a lot of fun for halloween this year.  we did our usual pumpkin carving and homemade donuts and cider.  we also did a the trunk or treat at the church which is always my favorite halloween activity.  these pictures are preceding that.  then of course, we went trick-or-treating on halloween night.  we just went from our house to my parents.  they kids got plenty of candy...especially from grandma who pretty much emptied her entire bowl into their bags.  adam had an unfair advantage while trick-or-treating of being exceptionally cute especially when he said "tankyooooo" and scored a bunch of extra candy from people.  after arriving home, the kids loved answering the door for other trick-or-treaters.  before long, our bowl was out of candy...and so all by themselves, the kids starting handing out candy from their own bags.  i may not have told them that i had 3 more bags sitting up in my cupboard;) but they didn't miss any of the candy they gave away and still managed to get full-on halloween candy stomach aches!

x-country

**we are resuming the regular line of our blog here.  trying to play a little catchup after several months of chaos.

i do want to recognize maryn and caleb for their x-country season this fall. to be honest, i was surprised when maryn came to me one day at the beginning of the school year asking if she could join the cross country club at school.  while quite athletic, she is not very competitive (like me) and so i was excited that she wanted to try this out.  i like individual sports myself because i like to improve myself without the pressure to not let the team down.  i asked caleb if he was interested and immediately jumped on board.

they both seemed to enjoy the season. they had several friends there too and a few little races.  we really laughed because they both had some pride about running the long distances.  both ran in 1 mile and 1.5 mile races.  i was so proud of them for trying so hard.  such precious kids.

Caleb in the middle

Maryn right in the middle

changing leaves

This year, we have experienced a beautiful and unusually long fall enjoying the vibrant colors and depth before they blow away.  I feel like it has been a gift to me that has caused me a lot of reflection.  My life (and my family) is changing dramatically right now.  I have spent the last few months preparing myself for this change…and it is time now to let you know that Eric and I are getting divorced.  It has taken me months to be able to say that word.  It has been the most painful process I have ever experienced so far (and will continue on) but I also have to say that I have never in my life been as lifted and uplifted by the Spirit as constantly, felt the sweet love, concern, and especially prayers of family and friends, and I feel like I have gained years of testimony and knowledge so far.  These are days that I will one day look back on as being both painful and sacred.  

The overall feeling that I currently feel is peace.  There is uncertainty and fear in there too but I am trying to let the peace ride that out step forward with all the bravery that I can muster (and it doesn't feel like much) to move forward and take care of my sweet little family and myself.

These beautiful leaves remind me that all things testify of Christ and while I can feel myself heading into a rough winter, I am calmed and strengthened by the fact that I know that spring will come and I will once again feel the warmth of summer on my face and also that although this process is hard and I am trying to accept finding myself in Holland and that I now have to dream and new dream and create a new plan, there is beauty is changing and falling leaves.  

sunday evenings

we count this time in our lives as such a blessing getting to live so close to my parents and enjoy our sunday dinners with them.  we love the summer time when we get to eat outside and sprawl out on the grass int he evenings and play.  it is heaven.

i can't believe how big these kids are getting.  i love watching them grow up especially playing so nicely together, loving on the little ones and forming bonds with each other.  they love all their family so much and i am so grateful that they get to grow up in an environment where they are smothered with love.

this boy, i tell you....

that naughty face....i want to squish it!

my beauty....love those freckles!

always the charmer!

grandpa trumps all!

maryn loves her great-grandma....making lots of special memories with her!

summer evening

we took advantage of grandma's visit and a last minute FHE plan to go out on a hayride and make dinner and s'mores along the way.  it was the most gorgeous not-too-hot-not-too-cool evening.  we saw elk and deer, beautiful mountain view, filled out tummies with yummy food and enjoyed the company. adam was in heaven the whole time being surrounded by all of his favorite people who he loves to shout at, all the marshmallows he could stuff into his already chubby cheeks and lot of love and attention.  the older kids just love being outside and exploring and poking the fire with sticks.  this is what summer nights are supposed to be like:)