Hurricane Sandy

Eating popcorn and watching cartoons during Hurricane Sandy.

We came away from yesterday's hurricane with almost no damage (we lost some shingles on our roof). We were even lucky enough to keep from losing power. The biggest fear running through our house, even during the howling winds, was whether or not the storm would be gone in time to go trick-or-treating. It's a valid concern for a 5 year-old.

The destruction of the hurricane, especially in New York and New Jersey, was devastating. All of the images and videos and stories have had me glued to the computer. My heart goes out to all of those who lost so much. 

Isaac @ 5 1/2 Years Old

Hiking with the family last weekend.

• Nothing makes Isaac happier than Legos and Ninjas, so Ninjago Legos are a dream come true. Ryan thought it would be fun to show him the end clip of Karate Kid, so now Ike can often be found practicing his "crane move." Let's just say he has a ways to go before he gets to Daniel-Son's level. 

Everybody loves Saturdays, but Maddie in particular "because I get to be with Isaac all day!" I think he misses her while he's gone all day as well.

I was able to join Isaac on his first field trip. We went to a nearby apple orchard. It was really fun to see him interact with his teacher and peers. My favorite part was how excited he seemed to have his mama there with him--I felt like a superstar. My normally less-affectionate boy couldn't stop hugging me and holding my hand. It was really cute. 

Always a Ninja.

 Since starting school, Isaac's vocabulary is just exploding. He often attempts to use big words, though not always in the right context. It's pretty funny and pretty adorable.

Who is this girl making a move on my little boy? Just for the record, he was there first.

• Getting Isaac to pray often takes some convincing, but when I am successful, he says some pretty funny and often touching things. Just tonight he prayed the following: "...and please bless me to have a very happy Halloween  and that I will be able to share all the candy that I don't like with other people, and the toys I don't like, that I will share those, too. And please help me to remember Jesus on Halloween and remember the true meaning of Halloween so that I can feel the Holy Ghost that day..." I'd say there are plenty of teachable moments to choose from in that prayer. I might have my work cut out for me.

From the Mouth of My Babe

October is my favorite month of the year in CT. We see this tree every day as we walk Isaac to the bus stop.

Not too long ago the younger kids and I were running errands around town when a popular song came on the radio. I turned up the volume and we started jamming out. After about 30 seconds of me singing along with Ms. Underwood, Maddie suggested, "You know, Mom, you don't have to sing along with her. You can just listen so we can hear her better."

From the Mouth of My Babe

East Rock Park, Oct. 2012

Isaac and I were talking this afternoon about why his dad gets called into work sometimes. 

Me: "People have problems with their feet and Dad has to go to the hospital to take care of them."

Isaac: "Can I be a foot doctor when I grow up?"

Me: (a little bit surprised by his response) "Of course, if that is what you want to do."

Isaac: "I do. Then I will get to work with Daddy every day."

It's Autumn Time, It's Autumn Time!

It's much more fun to be a mother when your kids are getting along.

• Fall has definitely arrived here in CT. The leaves have started changing colors (so beautiful!), hoodies are a daily part of our wardrobe, and we even put our air conditioning units away until next summer. I love this time of year and am crossing my fingers that it lasts until Thanksgiving.
• Isaac and Maddie both seem to have fallen into the school routine quite well. I like the structure that it gives us during the week, and I think everyone in the family has a new-found love for Saturdays. It can often be heard on Saturday mornings, "Mom, can we stay in our pajamas all morning if we want to?" One of my favorite new habits that Isaac has adopted is that of raising his hand--he raises his hand almost nightly at dinner if he has a question or wants to say something. Makes me smile every time.

Having a pretend sleepover with big sis.

•  I am so so so excited about the announcement from General Conference regarding the age change for missionary work in The Church. What a difference this could make! My mission changed me in so many positive ways that I can only hope for it for all of my children. Not everyone needs a mission, but I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't served. So many life lessons were learned. I still reap the blessings from that decision I made almost 13 years ago.
• Speaking of General Conference, there were so many great talks, weren't there? As is to be expected, Elder Holland's talk, "The First Great Commandment" on Sunday morning was one of my favorites---I love how he is using so many New Testament examples in his discourses these days. We are currently studying Jesus the Christ in Institute, so his examples are taking on more and more meaning as we study the life of Christ this semester. I also loved Elder Gay's talk, "What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?",   Elder Oaks' talk, "Protect the Children", and President Uchtdorf's talk, "Of Regrets and Resolutions." 

Maddie at college football pre-game party for kids. She watched the kids 3x her age go down the slide before her and got too many daredevil ideas.

• I think the D-Man might have turned a corner in his toddlerhood. He has recently become easier to reason with, slower to anger, more likely to listen, and generally a happier child. He cracks us up on a daily basis and it is fun to finally be able to see his little personality come to light. He seems to shine best when we have guests that give him lots of love and attention. He really won over his grandparents last week.
• LEGOS are taking over our home. I am happy that both Isaac and Maddie are in love with these little plastic blocks, but they are seriously EVERYWHERE. Ryan has already put a ban on LEGOS for Christmas, insisting that we give them something else. I don't think it will last.
•  My dear friend, Kandis, is coming to visit us for Thanksgiving. I am so very excited. Ryan will be working that day so it will make the holiday much more fun to have her around. Plus, I can't wait to see her.We really have so much to look forward to.