Way too much for one post again? Absolutely!!!
Monday, Oct. 13th
After arriving home late the night before, I was anxious for some good time with the kids and to see Lisa, Aunt Bonnie, and Uncle Lee. Columbus Day at Buell's tradition was the perfect place to do both! This year, it was Lisa's whole crew (including Shaun for the first time!), Tim's whole crew, Mom and Russ, and Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Lee! The weather was o.k; a little chilly, but dry.
The '06-ers:
Once the live folk band began to play...
This girl is a dream! My goodness. So sweet and never made a peep.
Our 'group' took up a whole tractor to the pumpkin patch!
Renna wanted her sweatshirt tied just like Avery's.
The band played a Waltz. And these two swayed. What a beautiful example they are to me.
A first for the DiSalvatores: carving pumpkins. When I think back to my childhood memories of harvest and Halloween, I'm honestly a little confused. I remember: "It's the devil's day", "we don't 'do' Halloween", getting to skip school that day, going to school in costume at least two different years, and a 'harvest party' at church one year. So, I'm still not exactly sure how my parents handled it. I definitely remember the years I was Big Bird and Johnny Appleseed, but the more prevelant theme seemed to be a complete non-participation in the idea of all things Halloween, which included jack-o-lanterns.
But my kids really wanted to carve pumpkins and although there was a bit of a pull inside of me- some inner voice of my youth, "It's the devil's day"- honestly, it seemed fairly innocent.
The final result: our big, bad jack-o-lanterns.
Nathanael's:
Madison's:
Tuesday, Oct. 14th
Ladybug infestation. Thankfully they are harmless, easily eradicated, and not even that annoying.
Wednesday, Oct. 15th
Thursday, Oct. 16th
We had the girls for the afternoon while Lisa had appointments. My plan to hike Case Mountain with all the kids was foiled by the rain. They opted for apples, popcorn, and Boxcar Children on the big screen.
Exactly one week late, we were able to take Nathanael out for his birthday dinner. No hockey and no dance.
Friday, Oct. 17th
Mom came up and picked up Renna to take her on an adventure for the morning so I could get school done. I can't express how grateful I am for those who have taken the Busy One off my hands for a couple hours here and there. I am also quite jealous that Renna made it to Hobby Lobby before me!
Around 11:00, I got a phone call from Lisa saying Shaun was not able to take her to her port placement surgery. She asked if I could leave in 5 minutes. Sure! There's nothing I wouldn't drop to be by her side. Despite the pesky fringe of cancer, surgery, needles, blood draws, iv's, nurses, and outdated hospital decor, we actually had a lovely day together, all things considered. Of course, I count it a blessing to have any time with her.
Surgery was a success and we were one day closer to her complete healing. Progress.
Bob sent this picture of the our house on a pretty, fall day.
Saturday, Oct. 18th
We celebrated 18 years of marriage. I almost typed wedded bliss, but that'd be a lie. There's been periods of bliss, no doubt, but our story is more one of 18 years of wedded work. I don't say that as a negative thing. It's just how it is. Marriage is work. A garden that needs constant weeding. When tended to, it's beautiful and enjoyable and fruitful, but it can quickly become overcome if not properly cared for. Thankfully, we are both committed to the weeding process, knowing that God's glory will be revealed through our married life if we will work toward that. I'm thankful for a faithful husband. I chose wisely!
We hit the gym together early and then went to a late breakfast. Then the day happened. Three hockey games, dance, church, and nursery duty. Then later that night, we exchanged gifts. He made a video for me that I will cherish.
Sunday, Oct. 19th
Madison had a dance convention in Hartford during the morning. When I dropped her, I saw thousands dressed in pink, congregating at the Capitol building for the breast cancer walk. Back at home, I saw a picture on Facebook of several women at the walk with a caption that read, "Making strides against the cure."
It struck me so, so funny and I just couldn't stop laughing. I'd stop, and then it just would just start again. It reminded me of my high school math days in Mr. Anderson's class when something would happen and I'd get giggling so bad that Mr. Anderson would send me to hall until I could collect myself. Anyway, Colombo and C4 were finally like, 'what is so funny?!' I read them the caption. They smiled to be polite, clearly not having the same reaction I did. C4 said, "Yeah, we were doing prayer requests yesterday at school and some kid raised his hand and said, 'I want to pray for the spread of Ebola.'" Oh, man! That put me over the edge. ALL DAY LONG, whenever it popped into my head, I laughed. It was like medicine. A gift.
Afterwards, I was determined to get my hike with the kids. Daddy had Nathanael and Renna at Nathanael's game, but the rest of us enjoyed our walk up the mountain, taking in the beauty of New England in the fall.
Trev found a "T".
Sword fighting was the theme of the trip.
The "T" came home.
We went to Avery and Amanda's soccer game under the lights. It was freezing!!!
Chinese take-out to end our day and cap off a busy, but great weekend.
