Pumpkins! Pumpkins?

We normally attempt to carve pumpkins on my birthday, however this year because my birthday landed on a Wednesday we decided to carve pumpkins later.  (probably a good thing we opted to do it later because I was blessed to be at the hospital with my friend Megan who gave birth to her daughter Aija (Iyah) Marie.)  The boys took their pumpkins to the Phelps house this year and carved them with the youth group and we carved as a family the 3 little boys pumpkins.  Katie did Orion's' this year because he really was not in to the pumpkin thing. Joe helped Justus and Luke helped Matthias.  So it all worked out for them all. 

Matthias decided to try to eat the innards and all went well until he got the stringy part all the way in his mouth and then he started the gagging reflex.  All you who have been around Matthias when he decides that he does not like something know what can come next if you don't hurry and get what ever is in his mouth out. 

Later David attempted to get a picture of the 3 little boys and their pumpkins.  Lets just say that patience is something we both worked on during this ordeal. 

"Praise God!"

One year ago today my Joe had a seizure.  For this whole year I was in constant prayer that he would not have another seizure.  And today I am praising my God that he answered my prayer.  I still struggle with letting God have control and I think with me being "mom" I struggle with giving God complete control. I still check on Joe during the night, especially when I hear noises.  God is my protector and my children belong to HIM. So today and always I will thank and praise my Lord for continuing to show me grace and for being my protector.  He is in control....  Praise God today with me.

I am aware that their are many other families that have gone through so much more than I have.  So as I think of this past year I am praying for those who have lost their children and who are going through so much more than I ever did.  I am so grateful for the life that Joe has and continue to be blessed by my son daily.  Thank you Lord for my son Joe!!!  Thank you that he has chosen to serve you in this life.  Thank you that one day we will be with you! 

First Snow!

I woke up this morning at 6:15am to Luke telling me " I love you Mom.  Did you know it is snowing?"  David and Luke went hunting this morning and what great timing for them.  Snow is always good for deer hunting because it brings the deer down the mountains a little more. 

Everything was beautiful with the first dusting of snow.  It also brightened my spirits because it wasn't rain.  I love the freshness of the snow and the air is so crisp.  Justus wanted to go out and play, however their wasn't enough snow to play in and most of it is already melted out of the yard.  The snow is coming and I know eventually I will be saying "Will it ever go AWAY?"  But for today I will say " Thank you Lord for this refreshing day." 

What are some things you like about the snow?

My New Camera...

I was able to get a new camera!  (Thanks to the state of Alaska. ~ PFD)  I own a Nikon N60 35mm camera & I really loved this camera, however with the fact that you can't find film hardly anymore I got a small digital for mothers day about 3 years ago.  This year I was wanting a little more options for taking pictures so I decided to upgrade.  I chose another Nikon because I have all these really nice lenses and wanted to be able to use them with my new camera too.  So I got a Nikon D3000..... I am really enjoying learning how to use my new camera. 

What type of camera do you use or what camera are you thinking of upgrading to? 

Monkey See.... Monkey Do....

Here are the pictures of Orion I take with his monkey. I use the monkey to see how much he has grown from month to month. I must say I got some pretty cute ones.