Out of Hand: October 2023

All Saint's Eve / Halloween

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

There was panic and mania the night before -- like usual -- but we retrieved something better than a ripped bed sheet for each of the kids.

Here is Blessed Karl of Austria.

Saint Francis.

Two Saint Giannas.

Saint Thomas Aquinas, who (the Engineer was thrilled to discover) was obese. He pretty much won by all the adults for this getup. One of the seminarians told him that the Dominicans had to cut out an oval in the dinner table to fit St. Thomas's stomach.

Better from the side. "Does this make me look fat?"

Saint Bonaventure. He and Mr. Serious won by Mom this year because they were actually ready the night before. No panicking by them!

He did try to get kicked out the monastery though:

I love the simplicity of boys. God knew what he was doing when He gave me five sons.

The whole crew for our secular celebration:

He read this upside down and asked for a picture of just him.

It was 55* last night and 85* today. Amazing weather for trick-or-treating!

Sunday, October 29, 2023

“Mom, what are drugs?”

This week encourages our children to ask us important questions, which gives us the opportunity to address critical topics. I’m grateful when our kids demonstrate curiosity. I’m grateful when they trust us. I’m grateful for the chance to talk about these things before they are confronted with them in real life. Unfortunately, we have a personal example of what happens when you become addicted; and that some drugs will make you dependent after just one use. However, I firmly believe in the power of love and its ability to overcome every evil. We hope and trust that our kids are getting enough.

Friday, October 27, 2023

"Do you want to go there?" "Yes." Apparently this is the Father with Jesus as his right with angels, saints to the left. There is so much going on in the Engineer's mind at all times.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

DH told me affirmative action would prevent me from winning. But I applied and won! Thank you, Jesus. (I told him it would give me so much encouragement to win.)

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Some days you land on an activity that everyone loves; and there is no fighting. This was one such day. These are the days I like to document. These memories cheer me up on the hard days.

Monday, October 23, 2023

In the morning let me hear of your mercy, for in you I trust. Show me the path I should walk, for I entrust my life to you. -Psalm 143:8

Sunday, October 22, 2023

This is exactly how he wanted to spend his birthday money. Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma!

Saturday, October 21, 2023

We joined 1400 people to hear Temple Grandin talk about thriving on the autism spectrum. She’s fascinating. Her best line was, “The world needs all kinds of minds.”

The Engineer asked good questions like, “Who was Steve Jobs?” and, “Did she really draw that sketch?” He also noted part of a mechanical blueprint and said, “We have two of those. The kids broke them.”

Monday, October 16, 2023

Someone asked us the secret to thirteen years of marriage. They were older. So we asked how long they’d been married as they walked closely looking chummy. “Oh we’re not married,” the woman responded. “HE’S married.” I had been wanting to ask what THEIR secret was before I realized the situation. Ew. So I guess we aren’t doing so badly by comparison!

DH says, “I just LIKE YOU.” He’s a keeper. I feel the same way about him. I love being equally-yoked. I have always felt that we were equals. He never makes me feel inadequate. I never think he's inadequate. I admire him. He inspires me to do better. I enjoy talking with him. We share values. God has been good to us. With Him at the center, we thrive.

These two surprised me with flowers at work; I delivered an Edible Arrangement to DH.

Here are our other anniversary celebrations:

Twelve, Eleven, Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One.

Mr. Serious Turns Seven

He is so easy to excite. He is very enthusiastic about simple things like this bottle of coke. "Mom, can I get a drink?" he asked while DH and I took him out for lunch. "Yes, Dear," I responded. "But, can I have a REAL drink, not water?" "Yes!" "HOORAY!" He chose Chipotle. We had a lovely time with our boy.

Bought him a pop. He loved it.

Ice cream cake per his request by DH:

McDonalds for breakfast:

And he received two gifts along with some Kinder Joys and all of his favorite foods. We were a little worried that we wouldn't have loads of gifts without Pop Pop. Though he noticed, he was still thrilled with each of the two gifts he received. They were exactly what he wanted.

We love him so much!

Current Stats:

Weight: 51 lbs., 51st%

Height: 3'11", 33rd%

Previous well checks: Birth, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 30 months, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years and 6 Years. We love him so much!