Snapshots

This past week, as I write with little humility and quite a bit of mama pride, seemed to be a week for awards--Austin being on the receiving end of most of them. Each one provided great lessons in reaching a goal that you set for yourself, humility, simply finishing something you start, and ultimately that all the glory goes to God!! It's never about us.

"Most Unique"

My little artist!

like father like son!

Austin's "REAL Super Grass Valley Kid"

my Soccer Boys!!

The weather is definitely feeling a lot more fall-like and I finally had to cave and turn the heat on in our house. Like I've said before, it's never gradual this whole changing of seasons thing, and we suddenly found ourselves waking up to a bone-chilling 15 degrees outside. But, to the boys' enthrallment, the leaves are indeed falling and the piling has already begun. So--these are the first of many snapshots that will continue to happen over the course of these next few days and possibly weeks as the leaves bare the trees and fill our backyard. 

Mason laughed SUPER hard when Andy got out the leaf blower--he loved it!

Where's Austin?!

Mason just ran through the leaves....

We love fall!!!!

FALL!!

I really do love all things "fall". Just like the other 3 seasons, this one brings with it quite a few distinct changes and things that make it a season all it's own. For starters, there's the finale to the baseball season but the introduction to football season. And who doesn't love sitting on the cold bleachers on a Friday night, wrapped up in blankets, hands cupped around steaming hot cocoa and cheering on the local football team even if you haven't a clue to the player's names?? Maybe it's just a small-town thing, but there's something about listening to the energy of the pep band with the crowd roaring right behind it's musical lyrics, especially when you have a team heading to the play-offs. And being able to take home a souvenir football? Totally worth it.

footballs!!!

daddy & mason

family photo...almost :)

another Soccer Saturday!

Go Austin!

 I've written enough about our apple-picking to last for years...well, maybe for every two...but it's part of fall and with that comes the apple baking, apple peeling/slicing/dicing, and canning! I love all (mostly) things apple. I tried my hand at apple butter for the first time this year and I think it was a success!

more apples!!! 

the start of the cooking process

Apple Butter...complete!

The most obvious notable thing of fall is the bold and bright colorful arrangement of leaves on the trees. I'm sad that they don't last a little longer. My boys would beg to differ--they can't wait for those things to fall to the ground!! They already have the rakes out, and even made a few "kid size" piles this past weekend. If only this same enthusiasm will be present when we really have to rake the leaves....it's hours upon hours of work. Trust me. The end reward of leaf mountain jumping is totally worth it though. 

Austin taking advantage of the warmer fall weather--doing a little drawing

Mason trying his hand at raking

Carson raking a little leaf pile

:) I love this mini-man :)

:)

Fall also brings it's drastic change in temperature. And it is never gradual. Why is that? Before the cold snap is upon us, however, hour after hour was spent in the backyard this past weekend. But then again, who wouldn't want to play outside until sundown if there was a bus in your backyard?! Long-sleeves and shorts...perfect "play clothes" to complete our weekend of fallishness enjoyment. 

AA and CJ

CJ--with a thumbs up and all!

And last but certainly not least, you can't talk about fall without including the infamous pumpkin. Those little ones especially, serve as the perfect medium for any little artist's hands to get creative. 

Yep--I love fall. Distinct fall colors splashed everywhere, pumpkin goodness at every turn (whether baked or candle-lit), my hooded sweatshirts reappearing, the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet, squeals of delight as your children await the marshmallow- topped warm chocolatey drink while watching Snoopy and the gang appear on the screen. Another perfect season.

                         "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Gen. 1:31a
 

Uniqueness

Part of being a mom is watching your children develop into their own little character, seeing their personalities spring into life, noticing that their individualness shines through just a bit more each day. I caught myself recently looking at a few pictures from when my boys were all 9 months of age....good thing I wrote on the back of them! So much similarity but each with his own distinguished features that clearly set them apart from the other. I know my boys are young but already it's been such a joy to watch their interests change and some of them even grow deeper over time.
 Austin's first word was "pup" and to this day, he wants his very own puppy in the worst way! He's always taken an interest in crafts and even told us recently that when he grows up he wants to be an art teacher. (like father like son!)

Austin concentrating on his drawing

Carson was "driving" trucks around our kitchen floor before he could walk and "vvrroooooomm" was a part of his vocabulary from the very beginning. He loves anything to do with cars (in movie land and real life), race cars, and hot rods. No guess as to what the theme of his upcoming birthday will be! He does have a "crafty" hand as well...most of his color books are of racecars. :)

Carson with his "Cars"

Mason, at the ripe old age of 23 months, can hear a train miles away and at the sight of a train, whether in real life or the page of a book, raises (or lowers) his voice an octave or two with an excitement I can hardly describe and an incredibly enthusiastic "choo-choo...choo-choo...choo-choo"! (there again...no guessing as to what his bday party will be like in a few weeks) He's also my little go-getter, using one speed to get from point A to point B. Running. 

Mason gazing up at a helicopter

 

















Even with their striking differences, my boys are still, well, boys at the end of the day--the best of friends as brothers (for the most part). All three laugh so easily and have a contagious laughter, they love anything to do with dirt and trucks and loudness, the outdoors is their playground, but they also thoroughly enjoy the calmness found on the pages inbetween covers of books, and each has an imagination that when all put together....watch out! :)  

 (This is what I turned the corner to find after switching a load of  laundry--it's no joke when they say things "happen" in a matter of minutes...or seconds!). Blankets piled and the jumping began!)

I love my boys!!!

dirt and trucks...doesn't get much better!

mason eyeing a yellow leaf

On a "PJ" note....he is home!! Mitch and Heather brought their little guy home this past Tuesday and are adjusting well to life with 2 boys! I was able to spend some time just holding this mini-man as he slept and it was, well, quite blissful. :) He is doing really well "post-surgery" and is healing up nicely. You'll notice the little 'bootie' on his foot in one of the pics. and I think it's just adorable! Prayer is still a high priority as they continue adjusting, continue seeking and giving the best care for PJ, anticipate the upcoming trip back to San Fran in a few weeks for dr. appts, and continue to seek rest and strength for themselves.

one eye open--sorta

he is just soooo handsome!!

I love being an aunt!! :)

Uniqueness....what a gift from the One who created us, in HIS image.