Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Quinten dressed up as a skunk which his grandma made for her 1st grandchild 15 years ago! Quinten was as cute as I remember Cassidy in this costume. I wondered if this might be the last "cutey pie" outfit since Super Hero's are probably not far behind! Quinten was not sure of trick or treat as he wanted to pass out the candy to the neighbors! It did not take long before he realized he would get the candy! Being allergic to peanuts will be a Halloween challenge. However, Quinten understands he cannot eat peanuts so it was not nearly as difficult as I imagined. Upon returning home he asked for a piece of candy. And what did he pull out of the basket-Reese's peanut butter cup! It was the only tears of the night. Lauren choose some type of vampire girl look. While she allowed a picture, she said I could not publish it so I am honoring her wishes. Her friend did a great job with make-up as we did not recognize her. While I personally think 8th grade is too old to go out, she still has a good time. Candy will be in her room-forever! Seriously, she will have candy in her room for months and months.

Blessings

Quinten gives the sweetest blessings at dinner. In the last month, he has added on things that make him happy. He always starts the dinner blessings with "you say something, you say something, you say something" to each of us. He always says "thank you for the yummy dinner" and lists each thing on his plate. At night, Quinten gives his blessings for things that happen during the day. Last night he wanted to tell me why he had been sad. Earlier in the day his preschool had the traditional holiday costume parade. Mark and his mom arrived earlier than me and went to his classroom. He was convinced I was not coming and put a frown on his face. He would not smile even when he saw me. I was pleased that he wanted God to know about his being sad. Some day I hope he learns to truly turn his sadness to God and let Him take the pain.

Last Eastern Star Meeting

This picture is from my last meeting as the Worthy Matron of the Grove City Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Pictured are my sister, Mary, parents-Roger and Fran and the Worthy Patron-Fred Ford. What a tremendous year and experience for me over the past year. My family has a long and proud history with the masonic families. My maternal grandmother and mother were past matrons of their chapters. When my mother presented me with my past matron pin, she talked about memories of the year. There will be friendship, 10 commandments, snowman, presiding in the East and good people. Most of all will be the memories and shared experience with my mom. I love her so much and am glad that I gave my time to share this with her. Most likely I will be her only daughter to share this experience with her in her life time (I am not sure either of my sisters which are members are interested). It was not easy given my young marriage and even younger child. Mark was really wonderful through this time and I am grateful for him.

Babysitting weekend!

For the last three days, we hosted the Essig children-Phoebe and Charlie. This was our exchange weekend with their parents! Going from one toddler to three was a stretch but so much fun! Once you got over the extra volume from two additional children, it went pretty well. Quinten offered more challenges than either Phoebe or Charlie. He is not used to sharing at home with his toys or mommy's attention. I felt this was an especially good experience as he needs to learn to share!

We took the kids to a pumpkin patch and hay ride. Lucky for us, Lauren came along! Phoebe loved having a "big sister" and Lauren responded quite well. I am enjoying seeing Lauren's nurturing side come out. The kids looked over all the pumpkins! Quinten thought they were more like soccer balls! Everyone liked being on the large tractor and going through the apple orchard.

San Francisco

Mark and Janet attended the lavish but elegant San Francisco wedding of his cousin Travis. We took advantage of the gorgeous weather and time together to tandem bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a new challenge which actually requires communication since the rear rider cannot see what the front driver is navigating. The rear rider has the advantage of the front rider not knowing if she is pedaling! I took video as we crossed the windy bridge as the tandem was quite steady. Most of Mark's family was able to attend and we enjoyed their company at the rehearsal dinner and of course the wedding.

Quinten stayed behind with Janet's friend's the Essig's. In exchange, their kids will be with us next weekend. Going from one toddler to three should give an interesting blog! Quinten did great at Phoebe and Charlie's! He would be so excited to talk with us we could hardly understand what he was saying on the phone. Hopefully we can offer the same excitement to the Essig children!

Cabbage Patch Jenny

Quinten's Grandpa Jim was cleaning out his Grandma Cheryl's house and they found cabbage patch dolls! He brought this today for Lauren but Quinten has taken her under his care. He initially named her artichoke (as far as I know he has never eaten one so I have no idea where he came up with that for a name!). We decided to call her Jenny after his Aunt Jenny. Immediately he has been taking care of her including giving her a flu shot! He offered to change her diapers and is watching the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown with her in his lap. It is sweet to watch him be so loving and attentive.