Carving Pumpkins

It's that sticky, messy, gooey time of year again and we love it!

This year Pierce was more than eager to help pull all the seeds out of his pumpkins. There was no trepidation, no pulling faces, this guy was on a mission. He didn't rest until every last seed was pulled from his pumpkin.

Allee was able to design and carve her own pumpkin this year. Derek helped with the mouth but that was only because I broke the good carving knife. She spent most of her time drawing faces, there is one on the back side of her pumpkin as well, she is always drawing, our little artist.

Derek made his traditional "throwing-up" pumpkin which was made even more spectacular by the bumpy knotty pumpkin he had this year.

We are ready, we are set,

Halloween Here We Come!

Success!!!!!!!!

It has taken me a little while to post this because I wanted to be really sure we were done. I didn't want to have to look back at this post and say, "remember when he did this?" It has been 6 weeks and I can confidently say with all the enthusiasm I can muster

PIERCE IS POTTY TRAINED!!!
He loves his big boy underwear, especially the ones with the balls around the waistband!
He was so easy to potty train. The first day I put a pull up on him at nap time and he was dry. The second day he refused to wear one for naps and has never had an accident. By day three he wouldn't wear a pull up at bedtime, and has never had an accident at night. Of course there are the occasional accidents during the day, but all in all it has been a wonderful experience (whew!) I was so nervous, everyone told me boys were so much harder, but this little angel proved them wrong.
Way to go Pierce!

10 Years

Ten years ago yesterday I was privileged enough to be marrying my best friend. I remember seeing him for the first time that cold morning and thinking,

"I really get to marry him?!"

That day went by so quickly. I barely remember what was said. I had to think really hard about whether or not our cake had raspberry filling.

But, I can remember perfectly clear, looking into his eyes as we were being sealed and feeling safe, warm, and loved. I always knew that I was going to love him forever, I just didn't realize at that time how MUCH I would love him forever.

10 years later I still get that warm feeling when he walks in the door from work. I still get excited when we go on dates. And I am so excited that I am the person who gets to love him forever.

Now, onto the fun part of our anniversary!

This is the package my present came in!

I never thought I would be the type of girl who wanted a present that came in one of those famous blue boxes, but guess what?? Now that I have received one, I totally am!

It was so beautiful, I didn't even want to open it.
I love, love, love my present. It is beautiful. In the light it sparkles like it is filled with hundreds of little diamonds. In practicality it is flexible sterling silver and the coolest ring I have ever seen.

Thanks for 10 amazing years my love.

Aunt Christy

We were so lucky to have my sister Christy come for a visit. She called me about a week and a half before her visit and said her dentist had the week off and she was coming out to stay for a week. We were all so ecstatic! The kiddos couldn't get enough of her (poor girl). She had to do all the bedtime baths, and put both kids in their pajamas. As soon as Allee came home from school, she wanted to read with Aunt Christy.

We were able to go check out the Amish Market, make candy apples, and eat at our favorite restaurant in Springfield, Nakato's.

We are so glad she took time to come and see us.

Da Bears

Just a little glimpse of what our family looks like come Fall. We are training the kids up young, they have no choice but to cheer for "Da Bears".

We are hoping for a fantastic season.

Go Bears!!