Toilet Paper!

So now that Grace has been potty trained for about 5 months now I am giving her more freedom to be in the bathroom and finish her duty...if you know what I mean. So, this is what happens when I leave thinking she is wiping herself. One toilet paper roll is completely unrolled and the other is almost there. She gives me this coy little smile when I walk in. Little stinker!

Trick or Treat!

It's that time again...trick or treating!

The kids couldn't wait to dress up and get some candy. Jackson must of asked me if it was time to go several times today.

This year Jackson had a choice between Spiderman or Optimus Prime. He went back and forth, but couldn't get away from the Spiderman costume just yet. This was the 3rd year in a row that he went as Spiderman.

As for Grace when we went to Spain last April I bought her a flamenco dancer dress for a play dress. It worked perfect for her...and she loved it too!

We went with the Yosts and Eisenharts around Ramstein for about an hour. It was a perfect amount of time for the kids. The were able to see all sorts of costumes (even the yucky ones) and get a small amount of candy. We have been blessed with some amazing fall weather so far, so we enjoyed strolling around the neighborhood seeing all the unique costumes.

My flamenco dancer and superhero.

Grace, Jackson and Ella before the festivities.

Let the fun begin!

They loved going up there together to get candy.

This photo cracks me up. Jackson just wants to get candy, Grace is posing like she is supposed to do and Ella is probably looking for a rock.
Our friends Jaimie, Ben and Audrey
I love this shot of Ella and Grace.
Grace loves her chocolate!

Pumpkin Carving

We did our usual pumpkin carving this year. Jackson was so excited, but Grace was a little unsure about it when we started to cut and scoop out the guts. It was a perfect fall evening for our tradition!

Grace went inside to just watch. She was so funny!
Jackson couldn't be more happy.
Grace starting to warm up a little.
Jason sorting through the guts to get out the seeds.
I think they turned out great!

First Stripe

Jackson is loving karate so far. He got a new karate outfit, a gi, and is very proud of it. He wants to wear it all the time. While he plays, eats and just about anything else. While at class yesterday he earned his first stripe on his belt from his sensei. They had to do some jumps and Jackson did just as he was told. He was very proud of himself...and I was one proud mama!

Jackson showing one of his punch moves.

See the nice stripe on his belt? That is one proud boy!

Here is a video of him doing some kicks and punches.

Black Forest

For the three day weekend we took an overnight trip to the Black Forest. I had no idea what to expect when we got there, but sometimes that is when the best trips happen. The area we went to was absolutely gorgeous! Not only were there houses lined up on the rolling hills, but the leaves changing into all sorts of beautiful colors just added to the beauty. Thankfully we had beautiful weather the whole weekend. Gotta love Indian summers!

There are a lot of pictures, so I'll just explain with each one.

This is the view from our hotel room. Can you say picturesque?

Emma was able to come with us this time. It was so nice to have her there. She loved it too!

The hike up to the waterfall.
Aren't the fall leaves beautiful?

Nothing like sibling love

Gotta have the lederhosen and dirndl.
I think I might dye his hair red and grow it out. What do you think?
And what would the Black Forest be without cuckoo clocks? Jason and I will eventually buy one, but only when we find one we can both agree on. I like more of a simple style and Jason likes the really decorated ones.
Grace dressed and ready to explore the city of Titisee.
Lake Titisee

It was a very foggy morning, but by the time we were leaving the skies opened up and it was beautiful. Definitely a place for us to return next summer.
Don't you just love her butt crack? I tried fixing it several times, but it kept sneaking out!
This is what our drive was like as we were leaving Titisee. Terrible, I know! ;-)
We loved our first trip to the Black Forest and can guarantee there will be many more in the future!

Busy Morning...

Wednesday’s are usually a busy time getting ready in the morning. I work at mother’s day out at our church and have to get all three of us dressed, eat breakfast, lunches made as well as each of our “necessities” together by 7:30 so I won’t be late for work.

So, in the busyness of getting ready the kids were playing in my bathroom while I was finishing up. I looked over and saw Jackson lying in Grace. My first reaction was to get onto him for lying on his sister. But I calmly just watched to see what was going on. She was horizontal and he was laying vertical across her and telling her, "see Grace, it is a cross for Jesus."

It made my heart smile!

Another funny story...

When I am correcting Grace or telling her the right way to act after a two year old outburst she looks at me in the face, smiles and say, "Yes, that's right, because Jesus loves you all the time!"

Even though I really want her to know what she did was wrong, it is so stinking cute that she says that!

I pray each and every day that I am able to teach my children right from wrong according to what the bible says. I know I am not perfect and make mistakes on a daily basis, but I continue to strive to set an example for them of what a Godly mother and wife should be. Not only is it important for my family, but for me so I can lead a healthy Christian life.