From Our House to Yours

2 1/2 Weeks in a Nutshell

I’m back–with a lot to catch up on! I’ll keep it simple:

Carl was in Norway October 4-11th, and left for Brazil on the morning of the 13th. He’ll be home next Monday, the 27th! I think I can survive just a few more days… I had envisioned fulfilling solo time and plenty of sappy girl movies, but I’ve been too busy to fit a lot of that stuff in. “Alone” is getting old, and I’m anxious to have Carl back! We got to see him on video over Skype the other day. He’s been growing a beard, and running from thing to thing to thing. (More news on his adventures later!)

October 6 was the beginning of a busy week! The kids had “drug free” activities and school pictures. Joseph lost his first tooth on his Kindergarten zoo fieldrip! We received two treats from the Halloween “Phantom,” and had to return the favor the next night by leaving secret surprises on people’s doorsteps. (Me and all the kids…do you think we were super-sneaky?) I bought out the local Kid to Kid for the kids’ fall wardrobe, and did a bunch of other things. Cousins came to play on Saturday, and Carl returned home for the day on Sunday. What a week!

We had a little cake celebration with Carl, on Sunday the 12th, for James’ and Joseph’s birthdays. Joseph turned 6 years old on October 14th! We had to visit the eye doctor after school, but treated ourselves to Happy Meals after that. The kids were overjoyed to find Hot Wheels cars in their meals. James’ birthday was Sunday the 19th, and he turned 8 years old! We ate chocolate cake and played Monopoly Junior. Simple celebrations, really, but the boys seemed happy, and loved their birthday Bionicles. They’ve been promised some nifty bunkbeds when Dad returns.

We were delighted to have a Fall Break from school last Thursday and Friday! Grandma Jane and Grandpa Dick came with us, on Friday the 17th, to the Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point. We had a great time with the rocket launch, balloon-house bouncing and slides, pedal cars, barnyard animals, and tractor ride. And we still have two bags of leftover cotton candy! (Grandpa went all-out:)) Then Mom and Dick watched the kids while I enjoyed myself at my Relief Society’s “Fabulous Friday.” I made a bracelet and a magnet board, and appreciated the time out.

Now this week is already half over. Errands, groceries, and James’ homework that just about kills me off! (For a second-grader, he sure has a lot!) As I mentioned, James is now 8 years old, and we bought him a scout shirt and took him to his first pack meeting tonight! He’s really excited to be in the Wolf den, and race in the Pinewood Derby next month. Years ago, I used to dream of the day when I had an 8-year-old child, getting baptized and the like. Well, the day has come! James will be baptized a member of our church on November 1! It truly is amazing how the time flies.

I’m done with the “nutshell.” OK, it’s a little more than a nutshell, and mainly for my own record of our goings-on, but at least it has brought us up to date.

A few applicable pictures:
Joseph’s first missing tooth
Cake celebration with Dad
The boys and their birthday Bionicles