El Pumpkin Patcho

Off to the pumpkin patch in the rain and mud. Last year it was much drier and warmer. I learned today that I didn't appreciate last year enough. My boy Jacob was telling me the other day, "When it is summer we always want winter, and in winter we always want summer." Yes, we never appreciate where we are. So let me think a minute and figure out something to appreciate about this rainy day at the pumpkin patch... We were with family and that is who I love the most. Another highlight: Jeff took a sick day off of work, NO not to come to the pumpkin patch. But to come to my doctor's appointment with me to hear the babies heart beat. YES, I made the appointment for the same day as the pumpkin patch so that jeff could be at both.

THE HAYRIDE TO GO PICK OUT A PUMPKIN... THIS YEAR WITH JEFF THERE, WE COULD PICK OUT BIG PUMPKINS INSTEAD OF SMALL ONES LIKE LAST YEAR.
THE HAY MAZE... COLE SOMEHOW ENDED UP ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE MAZE.

FEEDING THE GOATS AND SHEEP

ALL OF THE COUSINS WHO WERE ABLE TO COME ON THE RUSSON SIDE OF THE FAMILY.

This year we went cheap

This year we decided not to pay the giant amount for school pictures. We took them our self, in the backyard, not professional at all. We will have to see what they look like on the wall.

experiment

This is my little pet experiment... I am interested who will read this and find out that I am pregnant! Interesting huh? I am 11 weeks prego. I am over the worst part, that is if this pregnancy is like my others. I have only told family so far, so this is old news to most of you. I like doing detective sneaky things. ANd with Halloween around the corner, I can't help but feel sneakier than usual. Have a good day to all of you!

friendzy

One last dinner outside...

The lesson in relief society was on friends. Everyone has a lot to say on that subject, so I kept my comments to myself. In the lesson I learned about how a friends heart never fails. In my mind I decided that meant that a friend is not selfish, a friend doesn't stop thinking about others.

There has been so many times in my life where I have been in self pity. I would be so sad about something or so overwhelmed and think to myself... where is that call I need, or that knock on the door. BUT, it is when I am being a friend and caring about those around me, that I am blessed by that knock on the door and that saving phone call. So I can't live in ignorance anymore in my self pity.

On a lighter note. I am so excited for this fall time. The leaves are already falling, and the coolness has started. I am sad to see my summer go.... but I still love the holidays.

So SO much

Jacob's birthday, the first day of school, and we are back in the swing of things.
The birthday cake, ended up being another one of my demolition derby cakes. And after the fact, I pretend that is what I meant it to be. Jacob couldn't care that it is not perfect, he just feels privileged to come home from school and see that I was thinking of him and had the cake already made and waiting for the party to begin.

I got these balloons to set out front to surprise jakey when he got off the bus. I hid behind the porch to await his reaction. As I saw the complete humble look of surprised happiness, I started to cry. Maybe my hormones are to blame, but it made me feel so happy to make him happy. That is one of those times that I felt joy in motherhood.

Ben's first day of Preschool, hot stuff and all! He is so excited to become as smart as his older brother.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Okay, this picture was taken after school, because I forgot the camera gig in the morning.

Sunday lessons

This past Sunday our Bishop was talking about how the church has been trying to make sure the teachers teaching the lessons are teaching well. But the problem now is with the learners (in general). That we are not doing a very good job learning. At the moment I was sitting there, I realized how I fit so well under that category. I don't ever read the lessons before hand. I don't ever study up on the lessons.

... I must end off with reassuring you that I am going to change for the better in that area.

Beach

The drive to the beach

A view of a lighthouse

A hermit crab and a starfish that Jakey found

A big mound of mussels and starfish and anemone

We went to the beach with our extended russon family. We went to Ecola Beach along the Oregon Coast. It was said that it was going to rain, but it never did! It was pretty cool weather, but it doesn't stop kids from getting in the water.

It is when my children are in danger that I remember how precious they are to me. Ben had ash from the fire pop up and hit his neck. It was like no other burn I have ever seen. I am still worried about it, I hope he is okay.