Halloween 2014

Low-lights: Cold, windy weather. Running out of candy (even though I started stocking up in September and bought more than I ever have.)

Highlights: matching costumes. Uncle Joseph came again (tradition). Loads of candy. Fern faced her fear of talking aloud and was friendly to all the houses (I required her to say trick or treat and thank you, but she added Happy Halloween Day to each house. Plus, she worked her cuteness and asked for more candy at several houses-which I allowed because she was so brave that night!). Letting them eat as much as they wanted but they could only handle 5-6 pieces.

The Camping Trip Where I Cried

Let's cut to the chase: not all camping trips are kumbaya. We went away for a one-night, middle of the week camping trip. This was my first time as a pregnant, not-as-energetic version of myself, camper. I couldn't keep up with the normal pace that I usually have. After breakfast, I had myself a little meltdown. The kids were playing in the woods and John just listened and reminded me that this isn't forever. I told him I wanted to climb a mountain (and we did a week later). But, for this camping trip, I just went on a little hike with my family and called it a trip. While everything was basically the same as it usually is, my attitude was not up to par. Again, not all camping trips are kumbaya.

Right Now {Pregnancy Version}

...entering my second trimester of my third pregnancy

...touring schools for Burl's kindergarten next year

...going solo to the movie theater as a treat to myself

...finding my way back to normal after a tiring first trimester

...lighting candles

...turning on music

...starting to pick up my camera more often

...getting up to chase the kids and tickle them (even though I could stay on the couch)

...running less but still trying

...answering Fern's daily check on the baby (is the baby still in your tummy? is it ok? Good.)
...raising this next baby on Philly cheese steaks
...loving the kids busy little worlds that they create at home

We Start With A Bonfire

Bonfires make regular appearances on this blog, no matter the weather. May or October, we do not hesitate to light some logs on fire in the name of a good time. However, it feels more right this time of year. We've bonfire-d just a couple of times so far this season-friends over for pizza and smores, a group of teenagers over for chili mugs/smores/outside movie, E.T.-and it's always a relaxing time. I'm sure this weekend, we will have some regular family nights as well. This is always true for us: we start with the idea of a bonfire and other details fall into place. Let's have a bonfire! What should we eat? Who should we invite? Should we add some other things to do? Bonfires are also the redemption to the weather turning cold, so for that, we always celebrate and welcome them.

A few of you have noticed the silence on my blog, and one reader {my dad} is almost in protest over it. I haven't been feeling myself lately, and all the cheese is slipping off all my crackers. However, I'm returning to the little and big things that make me feel normal, even if my cheese is on the floor. Thanks for reading!