My Boy Scouts

Andrew and Christian are new Boy Scouts. Today they got themselves ready to sell wreaths for their troop fundraiser. I did not tell them to get ready or prompt them to be responsible to do their part. They, on their own, wanted to go sell their wreaths because they have enthusiasm to do so. They are so excited about scouting. I'm thrilled that they are self-motivated. It hasn't always been that way for my guys. It's been a journey in maturing (and we are still working on this). I pat them on the back today and say, "good for you guys!"


The boys practiced how to stand tall and speak up. They rehearsed what they were going to say and they worked out a sales plan. Adam helped them too and went along with them for safety and a bit of reassurance. "Thank you Adam, for encouraging them."

Lucey wanted to be in a picture too...."Peace!"

While they are out....I'm registering Adam for the ACT...There is always something that needs to be attended to. This is important for Adam and he has been taking time on the weekends to prepare for this exam. Life is exciting and the boys are growing up. They have their areas of interest and responsibilities. It's such an exhausting time rewarding-busy time in our lives right now. There are days I do miss those little years when Adam was 5 and the twins were in their exersaucers spinning around and giggling...it was busy looking after them but it really was a very simple time. Those years went fast. (Now I sound like an old Mom.) What a blessing to have Lucey in our lives....it takes me back to those years. I really appreciate more now than ever, sitting on the floor and reading, doing puzzles, counting, colors and watching a little one learn. Preparing a little one for the real world....thank you Lord that I'm trusted to do this all over again.

Company Comes

We had the pleasure of having the Bilslands come and stay overnight with us. It was a quick visit but Jeanne and I managed to get in a lot of visiting time. Just what we needed.

Jeanne's daughter, Megan, is 4....she is beautiful....such a beautiful complexion.

We live right next to the "Big House." That's what Leavenworth is known for. I took our guests to see the buffalo that roam in the fields near the penitentiary...unfortunately they were in the far field and we really could not see them. We did stop to take a peek at the look out point.

Here it is....it was the largest maximum security federal prison in the United States from 1903 until 2005. It is now a medium security prison. Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and the Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud are an example of famous inmates who were imprisoned here.

I could not get a good picture of the kids....it was so windy and bright. Here is the best shot. Jack(Jeanne's son) is on the far left, Andrew, Christian holding Lucey's hands, and Megan.

Jeanne and I--

"Thank you Jeanne, for traveling to see us....I really enjoyed our time together."

An Elegant Pumpkin

I had a few Halloween decorative pieces around the house. I'm not a huge fan of Halloween but I do want to make it fun for the kids. I was more than happy to pack Halloween up and send those few things back to the basement shelf.

I'm hosting Thanksgiving in my home this year and I'm looking for some new, festive arrangements that are fresh and elegant.

I found this simple yet lovely pumpkin here. I'll let you know if I manage to reproduce something similar. In my spare time of course.

Halloween Fun

Last night, our small cul-de-sac of 4 families spent the evening together. Thank you Tanna and Ken for hosting such a fun gathering. We started out at their house with yummy food and warm sugary drinks for the kids and some adult variety for the older crowd. After we ate, the kids and a few of the parents went trick-or-treating. There are so many houses filled to the brim with families here on Ft. Leavenworth....so much candy was brought home last night.

Here is Lucey before getting on her costume. She has her Hello Kitty basket ready.

Adam was off to a dance this evening dressed as a "classy pirate."

I prepared some fun foods to take...."mummy dogs," "witch's hats," and "cheese fingers." Yum! Click on the photo for a close up....

Between our 4 homes we have 16 kids. This is a picture of a few of them. Don't they look great!

Lucey and Whitney....

Our neighbor's dog was dressed just like Tanna.... How fun.

Our Weasley Twins are off to get some loot.

Lucey is not sure of what is going on but she is enjoying herself.

I have one tired bunny on my lap.

We enjoyed sitting around the fire chatting and laughing with our neighbors. What a fun evening!