Bermda

I'm starting to get really excited about our trip to Bermuda. It's beginning to feel real like it's actually going to happen. I'm also really nervous about leaving James and Ruby for six days. When we went to Chicago for a few days James cried on the phone the first night, "I want you to come get me!" It broke my heart. It was so sad. I wanted to fly home right then. I keep thinking about that and I am increasingly apprehensive about leaving. Plus, we're leaving the morning of Halloween and I'm super sad that I won't be with the kids Halloween night. Adam doesn't care but I really love Halloween and I want to share that magical evening with my children. I posted these pictures for inspiration.

As a side note, Adam has lost 20 pounds in 17 days!! Woo hoo!

This Weekend

I've been trying to savor the last few days of warm weather. I think I'm already in mourning for the summer/fall temperatures. I hate winter. I know I shouldn't but I do. I hate being cold and I hate feeling couped up. We have spent as much time outdoors as we possibly could this week. I took the kids to the train depot on Thursday and watched the HUGE Koi fish jump and splash. James loved following the train tracks and was in awe of "Big Mike" the train engine. I love the train depot. The views are lovely of the city and the mountains and the ponds and plants are so tranquil. I have so many fond memories of the depot--watching the fireworks during the River Festival (before it was canceled), playing night games (sardines, hide-n-seek, etc), exploring the man-made cave, seeing my friend off as he headed back to New York... It feels like a little nature oasis in the midst of the city.
Friday Adam and I went to the temple, picked up the kids and then headed up to Bogus. We found a little trail off the side of the road and went exploring. The weather was absolutely gorgeous with clear skies and cool temperatures. James loved finding pinecones and sticks and had to stop every few feet to dig a hole.
That evening we went downtown to pick up some concert tickets and ended up walking around. James played in the fountain on the Grove and we did some people watching. I love the energy of downtown. It makes me feel like I'm back in a big city.
Anyway, that was my weekend. How was yours?

Adam

Adam started a new diet about 9 days ago. It's called the HCG diet where he injects himself with hormones and subjects himself to 500 calories a day. He's doing awesome! I was a little worried that he wouldn't have the will power. Anyone who knows Adam knows he loves food. He's already lost 13-14 pounds. He heard about it from my SIL who lost 30 pounds in a month. Adam's sister decided to do it and she lost 25 pounds in a month. He's hoping to reach his weight loss goal by the end of 26 days. He's already had to tighten his belt and his wedding suit actually fits again. Amazing what can be accomplished in a short time if a person is really motivated. Go Adam!

Harvest Time

It's that time of year again! I am looking forward to making lots of yummy pumpkin desserts: bread, cookies, cake, and pie, oh my!

Must-Reads

Last week I read the first book pictured Under Pressure and this week I am working on So Sexy So Soon. Under Pressure is a great read about the consequences of hyper-parenting. The author asserts that in today's world parents hover too much and obsess about germs, getting into the right university, keeping them involved in every activity available, stranger-danger, and more. It was full of good advice in how to raise a happy, non-anxious, creative, well-rounded child. Really enjoyed it.

The second book So Sexy So Soon I actually found from the bibliography in the first book. Sexy is a little frightening but eye-opening in terms of how to protect our children from an over-sexualized world. So fascinating-- the book covers topics from pornography to Bratz dolls to pop music and cartoons. While reading, I thought how depressing this would be if I didn't have the gospel in my life. I'm so grateful for the safety the gospel provides, for latter-day prophets whose counsel if heeded will keep my family safe from the evils of this world. The thought of sending my little babies out into the world (ie: school) scares me but I also have faith that Heavenly Father will protect them if I do all that I can to teach them correct principals. If anything, this book has reinforced my views of limiting television, internet and other media exposure, spending quality time with my kids, and being more consistent with family scripture study, prayer, and home evening.

Some sobering facts from the book: The average teenager spends 6 hours a day in front of a screen (tv or internet) and view over 14,000 sexual acts a year.

The majority of children have viewed pornography unwillingly on the internet by the time they reach 6th grade.

The list goes on. Like I said, it can be depressing but I'm glad that I know what I'm up against as a parent. I'll take all the help I can get.

Ruby the street walker.

James in the middle of saying "cheese."

This is at our new favorite park called Quarry View. It's right next to the Old Pen and has great views of Tablerock and Castlerock. It's beautiful and quiet and the hills glow a lovely reflective purple at sunset.

Speaking of sunsets, the most beautiful sunset graced the sky the other night. I tried to snap a picture of it while driving but it obviously didn't turn out all that great. James said, "I want to go to heaven someday and paint sunsets with Heavenly Father." He's so cute!