VOWT OBOMA

Andrew pretty much knew all along who his presidential candidate was. He drew this picture at school last week.

When I asked Andrew why he chose Obama, he answered quite simply, "The things he says are just more reasonable." It's so amazing (and sometimes frightening) to me how much of the "adult world" children soak up!

I wanted to take the time to record my feelings about this historic event. I really struggled with this election because I didn't really agree with either candidate on all issues. In the end, after praying and studying the issues, I chose Obama (I know, I'm a minority in my circle - please don't disown me, family and friends). But even if I had voted McCain, I think I still would have been impressed at the outcome, to see our country's first African-American President elected. It made me happy and proud to see how far our country has come. I was very touched by Obama's acceptance speech and even teared up a little when he said,

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

Family Home Evening

Tonight, we had a family home evening about Thanksgiving. We talked about being grateful for the things we have, and shared the story about the first Thanksgiving. We then gave the parable of the Ten Lepers from Luke 17 and talked about how only the Samaritan fell down and gave thanks. After a short activity and game, the following conversation occurred:

Andrew: This was a really good family night guys.

Me: Yeah? Do you remember what it was about?

Andrew: Ummm... a story..., people..., LEPROSY!

Hey, at least we tried!

Also of note, Logan's prayer at the beginning of family home evening:

Logan: Thank you for our blessings you gave to us, and thank you for www-dot-com.....

A Historic Day

Today was the day that Hannah finally had enough hair to wear a real bow!

Yay, Hannah!

Trick-Or-Treat!

Who would have guessed, after all the cold, rain, hail, and snow on Wednesday, that we would have such PERFECT Trick-Or-Treat weather?! We had such a great time!

Hannah and her boyfriend, Hudson.

In this picture, Hannah looks so much like Andrew when he wore the Eeyore costume.

It was no surprise that the boys wanted to dress as their favorite Star Wars characters. Darth Vader was an easy costume to find, but R2-D2 took a little more creativity. A few weeks ago, we found this little plastic domed garbage can and thought, hey, we might be able to use this!

Bryan cut out the bottom and made arm holes in the sides and spray painted the top silver and the bottom white. Then, using an R2-D2 toy as a model, he drew and painted the markings. Finally, he used his little blow-torch to burn battle wounds into the body. Great job, Babe!

R2-D2 and Darth Vader

We were intending to dress Hannah as Princess Leia to complete the Star Wars theme, but to save money, we ended up dressing her in the Eeyore costume that Andrew wore on his first Halloween. She made a pretty cute Eeyore, I think.

The force is strong with this one!

Andrew really enjoyed trick-or-treating with his best friend, Noah, who dressed as Luke Skywalker. Luke, I am your father!

Logan was a little slower and stuck closely to his Daddy. After every house he said, "I want MO candy!"

Bryan makes a pretty good R2 too!

This Halloween thing is a pretty good deal!

I have really loved Halloween the last six years; kids make it so fun! I love the excitement they have for their costumes, and how they seem to stand a little taller the moment they put them on. I love seeing their energy as they run from house to house and their smiles as they examine their loot! I love the warm feeling of community as neighbors, who may have never met before, literally rub shoulders and share a laugh on the sidewalks.

I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father allows us joy and even FUN in this life! "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured!"

I *heart* Ohio!

...in the Fall!

Yesterday afternoon, we took a little Sunday drive out to Chagrin Falls to enjoy the beautiful Fall colors.

It couldn't have been a more perfect day to be outdoors! The sky was clear and sunny and the air was crisp and cool. The colors were so bright and vibrant. We went for a nice walk, played at the playground, and fed the ducks at the river. It was so fun to just play and be together.

I was fascinated by this red berry tree (very scientific, huh? You'll have to help me here, Tyson!), and made Bryan pose in front of it.

It's days like these when I feel like I could live in Ohio forever! Don't worry Mom; soon the frigid, bitter winter winds will blow, followed by a nearly non-existent spring and a suffocatingly hot and humid summer, and I'll be reminded why we will be happy to move back West when the time comes. For now, I am basking in the glorious Ohio autumn!

My School Musical 3

I hope you will all come out and support Bryan and me by coming to see our new movie!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Patterson Farm

Hannah's New Trick

Hannah decided she was old enough to pull herself up to standing in her crib today. Who told her she could do that?!
Someone's pretty proud of herself! I think Daddy's pretty proud of her too!