Thursday, October 31, 2013

A Love/Hate Haul-a-day

Halloween and I have a love/hate relationship. I love candy way too much, and I hate that I can't stop myself from eating it if it is in my house! I love seeing my kids dress up in their costumes, yet I hate it when they change their minds about what they are going to be approximately 386 times before the big day. I love the idea of jack-o-lanterns glowing on the front porch, still I hate the mess they make when we carve them. I love all the cute little kids that come to our door, alas I hate that my kids are almost too big anymore to be anything more than candy junkies looking for a fix.


This is our boys with the more than 5lb. haul Bowen and Rex brought home!
Theo, reliving his hair glory days in the Target costume section

Pumpkin carving with power tools, yeah that's how we roll!
Apparently the urge to do bunny ears in any given photo is genetic (Allen Martin).


 
I love Halloween, and I hate that it is a whole year away until we get to do it all again!


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Rockin the Climb

I am currently serving in the Amarillo 1st Ward as the Young Women's president. We have an awesome group of girls that are fun, brave, thoughtful and adventurous. I am so lucky to work with them, especially since I don't get much female interaction at home!

On the first Wednesday of the month, we have a combined activity with the Young Men. In October, the Deacons (12-13 year old boys) were in charge, and they decided we should do some rock climbing. Lucky for us, one of the leaders on the boys' side is an experienced climber, and taught the kids everything they needed to know to have a safe and enjoyable time.

What impressed me the most about these young men and women was their willingness to try. I know that not all of them would choose rock climbing as a way to spend an evening. That said, every single young man and woman gave it their best effort. They all tried it. And they were all successful in their own right. As they trusted the equipment, their training, their leaders and most of all each other, they rocked it!

This is such a great metaphor for their lives. We talked about that with them. I am thankful that my boys have the chance to participate in these great activities with these exceptional people!