{Trunk or treat!}

Thursday night was trunk or treat. It worked out perfectly as it was a long weekend for the children so I didn't have to watch the clock closely to make sure they made it to bed at a reasonable hour. Instead we put on pajamas & traded candy & watched Halloween cartoons & skits.  Maddox won best all around costume...I am pretty sure it was the awesome mustache that put his costume in the running. Presley about lost it because she did not win a prize for her costume. She is trying so hard to catch up socially to her peers. Its been tricky watching her navigate relationships this year. She is learning to be happy for others & rejoice in others successes. Someday I am certain it will come easier to her...but for now...I hide all the birthday invitations that come because as of late she is not a very good little guest. poor baby. I like to have play dates over here so I can help her to be a friend & defuse any situations where she might begin to ignite.  I had a good cry after her fit at the trunk or treat though because I feel like I spend so much energy teaching our children to think of others, celebrate others...and then moments of sheer selfishness pop up & I feel discouraged. But as I often am reminded--Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies. I was hand picked to teach these spirits & I know as long as I seek guidance through prayer & study I will be able to be the mother they need me to be. right?!  I do believe it even if I have to remind myself daily.

anyway....

We have such a fun ward. these people are so giving & kind & all came together to give the primary & youth a wonderful Halloween celebration! I don't know what I would do without a ward family wherever we go. 

This years costumes were all over the place! I love letting them express their interests & ideas! 

Tre- The Flash

Britton-A dolphin with a mustache & a fedora ????? But he loved it! 

Maddox- A viking

Presley-A ballerina

Cooper-Chase from Paw Patrol 

{Fall on the farm}

October was always a favorite time of year for me. I love the leaves turning to the color of fire, and cooler weather. Here in the desert it is just different. No leaves changing and falling, no cooler weather. But we pretend. I have pumpkin scented candles & cider in the fridge. I like to pretend its cooler outside so I bump up the air conditioner & wear buffalo checked shirts.  Here in the desert November is where its at. It is chilly enough that snow starts to fall on the mountains & its just a 40 minute drive to white covered hills for sliding. All of our city is pretty good at pretending fall is upon us. The school held an adorable autumn at the farm inspired musical performance for the kinder & 1st grade children. It was super cute & of course Presley being the princess she is wore a huge petti skirt & bow.

{Pumpkin patch prt.2}

Tre was so tender with Presley the night we went to the pumpkin patch. It was just the sweetest thing to see Tre walking about with his sister hand in hand making sure she was taken care of & safe amongst the people & animals. I couldn't get enough of how sweet our children were being to each other that night. Its not always like that when we have exciting family outings...but the ones that do go well and are filled with smiles & hugs are the ones I hope they cherish as they grow.