Pumpkins, Chocolate Muffins and a Full Heart

Yesterday I packed the kids up and we went in search of the perfect carving pumpkins. I drove out into the country thinking we would happen upon tons of pumpkin places along the roadside. I found three, all of which had nasty rotting pumpkins. Guess we went too late? My last attempt found two suitable pumpkins and it wasn't all for naught...the day was gorgeous and I think we all enjoyed the beautiful ride into farm land (well Landon and I...Noah fussed most of the time  ). Last night, we carved pumpkins. I used to love doing that as a kid and until now, Landon wasn't really old enough to get into it, so we haven't carved pumpkins since we lived in Ohio and were childless. We reminisced about that last evening...the last time we carved pumpkins was in our first apartment in Ohio with our friends Jason and Courtenay. We made caramel apples and listened to fun music and laughed the evening away. No kids. Fast forward five years, two kids and a house later and here we are. But last night was equally as fun, just in a different way. Landon was really excited about it, loved scooping out the goopies (not so much into handling them, but as long as he had a spoon it was all good), and really got into choosing the face for daddy to cut out of the pumpkin. We listened to fun music and after pumpkin carving I made chocolate pumpkin muffins. Yumm!

Landon has been an angel since I got home from Florida. Seriously, no whining, no complaining, immediate obedience. I dont know what happened! Two days ago Noah's room was a disaster as both boys had been playing in there. After dinner I could not find Landon so I went looking for him. I found him in Noah's room scampering around cleaning everything up (and putting stuff in the RIGHT places!). I asked him what he was doing and he said he was trying to surprise me by cleaning up. I started crying...I was so overwhelmed by the spontaneity and helpfulness of my little boy. He has done a few of those types of things...and the other day when I said it was nap time he instantly obeyed and told me I was his favorite mommy. He has just been so wonderful lately, and has filled my heart with such joy. It is even sweeter considering the time I was having with him just a few short weeks ago. My little Landon...

Noah is officially sitting up. He way prefers that and is to the point that I can sit him down in the middle of the floor and leave him there to play. He is growing up way too fast. I just got him dressed and he is wearing a pair of pants that were Landon's. Noah is sleeping now and seeing him in the crib with those pants on is almost like looking at Landon...

Sunday afternoon is Landon's party. He is so excited and I am starting to get a bit nostalgic about him turning 4. I know that his fifth birthday will probably be a big one for me...but even this one is tugging on my heart string. He is just growing into a little man right before my eyes.

Grad school is going to be a killer this time around. I can't even explain to you the burden that has been put on my shoulders since this class started four days ago. It is a more difficult class and the prof seems out to make our life as difficult as possible. I hope I make it through...and I hope my family makes it through. I feel sick even thinking about the dumb thing...and I have seven more weeks to go.

Well, I have a house to clean, a party to plan (we are doing another train party due to my lack of time for planning), grad school to do, a shower to take, a library book to take back (just got a call that it was overdue), and kids to entertain. Have a wonderful weekend friends!!!!!!!!!!