MERRY CHRISTMAS, NOAH

I saw somewhere on Facebook that there was a young boy named Noah that was terminally ill. He was expected to die very soon and his last wish was to get lots and lots of cards for Christmas. People from all over the country were encouraged to write to the boy so his wish could be granted. His story just touched my heart so deeply that for Family Home Evening tonight, we made christmas cards for Noah. As we talked about him tonight, the tears were flowing. This boy is the same age as our kids and his parents knew they would not have him for this Chrismas and many Christmases to come. My heart ached thinking about it. But at the same time, the spirit was strong and peaceful, because we know that  we have a loving Heavenly Father who has promised us that families really are together forever. The kids were touched by Noah's story and wrote the sweetest cards to him. I couldn't help but photograph them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Today Chris is an old man....35 years old!! His parents were here to celebrate and we went to his favorite bbq restaurant for dinner. Then we headed home for presents and some yummy lemon cake. It was a fun evening. You are aging well, honey...don't look a day over 23! I love ya!

HALLOWEEN

Olivia's stash

Halloween was really fun this year! The kids had great costumes- Olivia was a zombie, Nick was a ninja and Ben was a Lion, again! Chris' parents were here visiting so that made it fun, too. We had our traditional chili dinner with hot dog mummies before heading out to meet up with our neighbors. In this neighborhood, everyone with kids trick-or-treats together. So at those homes, bowls of treats are set out on the steps and the kids choose a candy. It was fun to go as a big group, all the kids were crazy and running ahead while the parents hung back and took pictures!

This was Ben's first year of really "getting" the whole idea of Trick-or-Treating and he loved it!

Checking out his loot...every five seconds.....

Ben didn't last quite as long as the big kids....they stayed out for a couple of hours, all in the name of candy! Of course they ate most of the good stuff that night, but the next day they were outside in the leaf pile making trades.....

This ninja will be strung out on sugar for the next week...

NICK'S LEAF

One beautiful fall morning the kids and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. We hadn't been out long when Nick, who was behind me, called out "Hey, mom! I have a little something for you!" He knew from previous walks that I love the leaves of a maple tree in fall more than any other leaf. He caught up to me and in his hand was a beautiful red maple leaf. He handed it to me and said,"It's a perfect one!" His sweetness melted my heart. I want to remember that moment on the sidewalk and the look on his precious face forever.