Annual Pumpkin Carving Party

We had a free evening at home one night, so we cooked hotdogs and s’mores over the firepit on the deck.

Brett was pouring part of his driveway last week, so Creighton, Anya, and I went to watch.  Not content to simply stand and watch, Creigh climbed to the top of the dirt pile and watched from up there. 

:)

One afternoon, we needed a diversion, so we went and raked up some leaves at Dad and Mom’s and jumped in them. 

We are very blessed in that our kids all LOVE to read.  This is a common sight and it makes me smile every time.

This weekend we had our annual pumpkin carving party with the neighbors.  Kate took most of these pictures. 

In case you think that life is all perfect pictures and fun outings, let me throw in some real life for you.  The reality of it is that in between the outings, we have two older kids learning the art of fighting with each other what sometimes feels like every waking moment.  We have a 3 year old who is well into the “thrilling 3’s.”  He finds it fun to assert himself in many different ways and the correction this often requires is quite often not enjoyable for anyone.  The babe continues to struggle with her teeth, seemingly getting an ear infection every time a tooth is about to pop thru which will likely mean a trip to the ENT doc is in our near future.  I personally have been struggling off and on lately with figuring out the balance of “running” a 4 kid household.   I find it hard to figure out the balance between getting the “stuff” done that keeps everyone fed, clothed, and from living in filth and getting down on the floor and playing and helping and reading and paying no attention to the to-do list.  I tend to swing back and forth between the extremes.  It is easy for me to forget that comparing what I do or do not do will never get me anywhere good.  In fact, what we do in our family will not work for someone else and what someone else does, will not work for us.  The dynamics of every family are different and you have to find what works the best for you in your particular situation.  Whatever situation you find yourself in, I pray you can find the joy in the journey.

Anniversary Trip and A New Niece

We had the opportunity to take a trip to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.  We stayed in Panama City, Florida.  The weather was fantastic, warm (hot actually) and sunny the whole week.  Special thanks to my my parents and my mother-in-law for keeping the kids for us.  We wouldn’t have had the opportunity without their help and we are so grateful!

We enjoyed watching the sunset each evening. 

While we were gone our precious new niece arrived.  Brett and Tessa welcomed Jocelyn Paige on Tuesday.  She is so sweet!  Congrats Brett and Tessa!

Campout

Do you ever get caught in the comparison trap?  It seems to sneak up on me.  All the sudden another’s offhand comment can send me into a tailspin.  I can all the sudden be convinced that my parenting will never be enough.  I can picture that instead of raising kids that love Jesus and seek to honor Him and be productive members of society, I envision that all my failures are going to lead them to disaster and destruction and ultimately a permanent seat in therapy as adults.  I so easily forget that as parents God has called us to do our absolute best to give our kids the tools they need to love Him and make wise choices and the results are up to Him.  So, this week, I’ve been trying to think about what I most want to see in my kids and keep those things in the forefront of my mind, while extending grace to them and myself when we miss the mark.  Our family will never look like any other family and that’s ok, we just need to do our best with our situation.  Don’t let yourself get caught up in the ugliness of comparison, it very rarely ends well.  Enough on that, here is another picture update. 

Anya has had some ear infection trouble lately.  One trip to the doctor, Anya and Creighton were all over the waiting room.  Fortunately it was empty, so I didn’t even bother trying to keep them still.  : )

At times, Creighton can be very sweet to Anya.  This particular day he wanted to drive her around in the Cozy Coupe. 

Lincoln’s picture of him skiing

Kate wanted to find out what it felt like to run a train on your head.

 

Creighton LOVES farm equipment.  We’ve spent a lot of time watching the tractors and combines lately.

Anya is getting closer and closer to walking every day.

Some snapshots from our annual Rassi family campout.  We missed you, Jason and Ellie!