All Hallows Eve

We began the day with a full schedule which doesn't include the overwhelming amounts of candy... Kristine and Isabella had a Halloween parade at school. Rebekah opted not to dress up - the pressure of Middle School.

And Mom was joined by Grandma, Naya and Nyssa - we cheered for our girls then we all headed over to the preschool.

Ramsey's class had a party and Noah's Ark parade - he was a Tiger for that activity!

Mrs. Piazza and the four other children in his class had a great time! They are the best of friends. Then it was off to Roller Hockey practice and Grandma's house for dinner. When we finished there, we ran home and put on costumes. Ram was back to his real costume: The Human Torch from Fantastic 4.

Assyia came by for a visit in the gingerbread suit I bought for her before she was born! She was cute enough to eat. And Aunt Shirley gave all of the kids goodie bags (just in case they didn't get enough candy!).

Then friends and cousins joined us to go trick or treating! Rebekah went with friends and then the rest of this crazy group danced through my neighborhood and enjoyed the soft rain and cool evening. It was lovely.

Carving Pumpkins

It was the night before Samhein's so we had to cut into the gourds... and hack away we did! And Mom actually enjoyed it - we managed to isolate the mess and enoy the artisitic process.

And so we gathered all of the costumes and treats for tomorrow and with our pumpkins displayed headed to bed... well, okay, the children went off to sleep. Mom, well she is a night owl!

Fall Madness Continues

I went with the man of my dreams to the pumpkin patch and then helped him carve the pumpkin at preschool! These early days fly by far too quickly and I wish I could just freeze time and savor this moment with my beautiful children. The laughter, noises, smiles and tenderness that makes being a Mother the most amazing job in the world - these treasures are what I live for.



And of course we are entrenched in a myriad of fall festivities, as well as normal obligations like dance, piano, church groups, roller hockey, and so on... And all the while I am watching each child - logging in my mind's eye the intricate details of childhood - of innocent faith and blind hope - of new beginnings and complete forgiveness - of truth and love - of wonder and amazement... of knowing magic is real and God is bigger than everyone. Childhood is so very sacred and breathtaking... and gone all too soon.

I love my children so much it hurts - my heart is full and brimming with the hopes, fears and hurt I shoulder for them. Rebekah is now in middle school with a new interest in boys, music and fashion - the world has begun to infringe on her youth... and I see the start of a woman in the making. Kristine still holds to the end of her childhood with the awkward transitions that we all remember too well. She is happy and honest and senses that more is coming, but doesn't yet know what that means. Isabella is still free spirited and child centered but has a calculated agenda when she is focused on her own priorities - she could rule the world one day! Ramsey is a beautiful, intelligent and active boy - who loves super heroes, transformers and wants to marry his Mother someday!!! His littleness is blissful and perfect and I am trying to savor every minute. They have grown, they have changed, they are on the road to becoming their own people... and as their mother I want this and dread it all at once. If only they knew how deeply rooted my soul is to them, how much their goodness and strength springs from me and is within me - how symbiotic our relationship is - that all I do and all I am is reflected in Mothering. This is the most important role I have taken on and the most challenging course I have ever studied... It is my greatest achievement in all of eternity. I am honored to be their Mother.

On a lighter note, the activities and the season keep(s) us running and busy. But no matter, these are my children and they do have enough energy for work and play... LOTS of play! Saturday we had three parties all of which we attended in full force and with our best party clothes ;)

As you can see Rebekah is a gang member this year, Kristine is Medusa, Isabella is an angel (no laughing!) and Ramsey is 'Johny' - the Torch from the Fantastic 4. Our friend in the photo is a Valley Girl. We have embraced the fun and delight of fall so far and look forward to the multitude of experiences the holiday season has in store for us!

Life in My Fast Lane

Here comes fall with it's leaf piles, pumkin carving, costume wearing, pie baking, bread rising, warm winds, darker nights, thick sweaters and homemade soups... and I love this time of year. I am distracted by the countless things I want to make and bake: squash, pumkin, apples, cranberries, potatoes and pecans... Mmmmm. If only I didn't have so little time to cook! But somehow I manage (who misses my chocolate chip cookies?).

With the season change comes all of the related activities! Ramsey's preschool went off on the annual pumkin patch tour which seemed like a fall Disneyland more than a farm!

I did manage to spend last weekend having way too much fun in Texas! I was in Dallas, not Houston - which seems to be a trend. I don't seem to go home to the Woodlands very often. But it will always hold my heart with fond memories and good friends. (I miss the Greywing Ladies!)

(The Frodsham's Sunday morning)

And the weather changed while I was gone... crisp cold mornings and still warm afternoons awaited me back home. - That strange in between weather that makes me want to cuddle up with someone and watch a scary movie! And pull out the wardrobe of warm fall colors. This is such a great time of year!

(On my way to a meeting at the college)

While running to dance, piano, roller hockey, young women, achievement days, Rainbow girls and Mad Science the world rolled effortlessly through the vast abyss of space and brought us to the glorious season of autumn! And I welcome the change of temperature with open arms and a pile of firewood outside. I am also looking forward to teaching in January - a US history class and a World History class - at DeAnza college.

Life is still wonderfully fun and crazy. I am busy with church, getting ready for my classes, my company and the children's lives. They are first in my heart and with my time - and so it is sometimes hard to make time for myself. But it makes me ridiculously happy and I wouldn't have it any other way. (I have been back to training and hope to do a race soon!) I love our life.

And I relish in the traditions of this time of year!

How is Mom doing?

Between a crazy Presidential campaign, working on another graduate course, my business, church calling, training, PTA, kid's activities, friends, family (and dating - lol), life is good - and fast and crazy and perfect. We are doing very well and feel very blessed. Heavenly Father has been very good to us and we have lots of laughter and blissful moments of joy everyday.

Family Birthday

Our final birthday celebration was with our family on Sunday. Everyone came and Mom made the chocolate mint cupcakes. Everyone ate at least 2!

Super Mom does a Super Birthday!

Friday was Ramsey's birthday party with his friends. He chose to have a 'super hero' party and he came as Johny from the Fantastic 4. We had Buzz Lightyear, a Knight, Spiderman, and man others. And the weather was perfect for all of our super friends to have super cool fun!

Our friends and cousins came and we played some games and had lots of fun. Then it was time for birthday cake and presents!

Then there was more playing and more fun. We even played Limbo! And we all had sooo much fun!

There is no doubt, Ramsey is a well loved child - and his Mom is so COOL. Happy Birthday, Ramsey.