Pumpkin Time

Saturday we took the family to a local farm for a "pumpkin patch" experience.

We got to go through a hay bale maze and a corn maze. The kids each got to pick out a pumpkin. We didn't ride out to the patch because of the cost, but they got to pick one of the pre-picked ones.

They've been talking about it and want to paint their pumpkins now, so we're looking forward to that activity.

A Big Change

Today I attended the court hearing for Marcus. All the attorneys, his caseworker, and the judge all agreed that it was in Marc's best interest to send him home to live with his mother. There were many stipulations placed on her in order for this to continue, but she has come a long way and is well on her way to being a successful mother. I am glad for him and his family's sake that he is able to do this, but I am very sad to be loosing one of my children whom I have some to love. He has turned our lives upside down and has made the last six months the most stressful and hard 6 months I've ever gone through, but I have learned so much in trying to work with and teach him and in the process fell in love with this little fellow. I am going to miss him terribly, despite the relief of not having to deal with his outlandish behaviors. Not to mention the other children who are loosing a brother next week when Marc leaves. I can only hope that I have prepared them to accept this and that we can all work through the grieving process together.

I hope Marc and his mom can be successful in their journey together. I have done a lot to set him up for success as long his mom follows through with the programs I have set up.

I've known and taken care of him (daycare before foster care) since he was 11 months old, now I'm not sure if we're going to see him again. We're sure going to miss him...

Marc at 12 months oldMarc 15 months old
Marc 2 years oldMarc 3 years old
PS-The kids haven't been told that Marc is moving home yet because it will set off their behavior and we don't need any more stress than we already have right now. So if you see us don't mention the fact that Marc is leaving in front of the children- not, until moving day: Nov. 4th.

Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam

Brigham participated in his first primary program today. He did a great job of singing the songs and sitting reverently while on the stand. When it was his turn to say his part, he walked up the the stand, stood the first step of the two-step stool. On the first step you could see his hair above the podium. Then, ever so slowly he rose to the second step. It was so funny watching his head raise slowly - from my position I could see hair, then a little bit of forehead, then eyebrows, then eyes, then nose, and lastly mouth. Then he smiled a goofy smile and he said his line in words I'm sure no one could understand. Then, he hopped down and was done. :) It was so funny I couldn't stop laughing for a few minutes.

For those of you not familiar with the primary program. It is when the children and their leaders take over the later part of our Sunday meeting and each of the children take a turn speaking and they sing the songs they've learned over the past year. It's always a fun day and the spirit is so strong as these little people bare their testimonies of Jesus Christ.

Another 2 year old!

Hyrum is two!

Happy Birthday, Hyrum! I can't believe my baby is now 2. Time flies so fast I worry they're all going to be gone before I ever get this parenting thing right.

Hyrum had a great day today. He got pretty spoiled with new toys and clothes.

He is really into balls right now so I decided to make him a basketball cake.

He also loves ice cream and blueberries so Timothy made him some blueberry ice cream.

Hyrum is a happy little guy. (When he gets enough sleep) he's usually smiling. He says, "hi" and smiles to everyone he sees where ever we are. I think he's cheered up a lot of strangers just by that small act. I hope he keeps up his cheery friendliness. A smile and a friendly hello can go a long way in this fast paced world. :)
He is also learning to talk very well. Just in the last few weeks he's been speaking in sentences almost every time he speaks. His vocabulary continues to expand daily. His favorite things are balls and animals. He is always the first to point out animals where ever we are. He is becoming a good helper like Rebekah. He listens and notices things that need to be done and when he's in the right mood, he'll jump at the chance of helping others.