The Little Moments

Have I ever blogged about how amazing my parents are? Really I should write it every day. This past weekend they came in and helped us pack up the house-uggh and THEN played with the kidddos so Darrell and I could go out and have fun. Thanks mom and dad!
So we went to SOL this weekend with Potts, Sue and Brent and had a great meal-except the tortillas I had to saw with a knife. Ms. Ricci gave Jackson this cookie decorating kit- he loved it!

Not a super picture of Linley, but just look at those curls-Uncle Paul we are catching up to you!

So several years ago some of my favorite people started the trend of bringing Jackson a hat from the country they visited. So far he has China, Morocco, Spain and France. Can't you just see him fitting in with the Griswold's?

Birthday Help

So I need cake help. Since I made Linley's carousel cake, Jackson thinks his mommy can bake any kind of cake. I appreciate his confidence in me, except for the fact that he wants a haunted house cake for his birthday. I realize that his birthday is exactly two months away, but considering I will need to find all things halloween I think I need to get started.

So I need a really good picture of a Haunted House Cake. That means that all of you googlers need to waste your work time and start looking for pictures for me-oh and if you have any leftover halloween candy or stuff that might make good decorations for it-save them for us!!!!!!!!Here is the best cake I have found so far, but don't think it will make the cut.

Last time I made Darrell a Martha Stewart cake it took three of us and we didn't finish the cake until after midnight and I ended up in tears and huge belly laughs-yes both of them (thanks mom for smooshing our Italian Merengue Icing!!!!!!)

A Sweet Saint in a Restored Body

I have been reminded again that God's promise to us "I am with you to deliver you,' says the LORD" (Jeremiah 1:8), means that wherever he sends us, He will guard our lives. Our possessions and property should be a matter of indifference and we should not cling tightly to them.

My sweet sweet friend Lorena Jackson returned to her place near God yesterday and I am thrilled that she is in a restored body next to her Savior.

I love Mrs. Jackson, she has been my friend for 4 years now and at 92 years old had great wisdom, kind words and funny jokes to share with me and my family.

After every doctor's appointment when I was pregnant with Samuel, I would go to her apartment and cry with her and leave knowing that no matter what, Samuel was not mine, but God's.

As I prayed with Mrs. Jackson on Monday night, for a peaceful last few days and for her desire to return Home quickly I knew that she was God's child and I love her for that.

New President?

Believe it or not I am not talking about the United States here, but our future. Today Jackson's class talked about Election Day and then they voted for the President they would choose from their class. Our sweet little Jackson won by a landslide. He was voted in because he was "so nice to everyone." When Darrell asked him what he would do as President Jackson said, "umm, share my food."

How sweet is that! Somehow I am guessing that in 4 years I won't be writing this about our beautiful but slightly less sweet Linley.

Never Iron Around Small Children

It has been a busy few days and just the beginning of a wonderful holiday season. Those that know me well know that I don't like to fill my time with lots of "things" to do so the past five days with something planned every single one of them is not exactly my idea of normal. I will say that this was the most fun Halloween ever! The title of ironing reflects are slightly hectic and crazy weekend. As I was ironing Linley decided to join me. I was very sure to keep her away from the cord: so sure that I pulled the iron to my bare belly (thankfully there are no pictures to document this) and burned myself! Anyway here are pictures from our SUPER weekend and they are in no particular order. Oh yeah and if you read this before Tuesday say an extra prayer for our nation and voting tomorrow. For the first time since I was born I have really been prayerful for this country and our leaders. (sorry for the political side note)

So this is Jackson headed from house to house-Even from the back he makes a great Ghost!

We went to J's buddy's house and trick or treated with his best friends. This was definitely the way to do it. The kids had a blast comparing candy and the adults had a great time too!
Linley was not interested in trick or treating or her costume. I got one quick pic with the head thingy on, but only because I distracted her with her first sucker. She had on her PJ's with her cute fairy outfit aunt Cake got her!

Wasn't Jackson Scary?

The daycare had a Trunt or Treat on Halloween that the kids loved- here is Linley with Miss Michelle her teacher.

Eating some candy after Trunk or Treat

After all of the Halloween Candy subsided I did get to celebrate with some great friends by going to baby showers. First we celebrated with Joanna and her two daughters on the way. On Sunday we had a shower for Claire and her baby(I am guessing son) coming in January. Can't wait to meet all 3!