What a Beautiful Day!!!

Today was such a pretty day, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get some fall pictures of the kids. They cooperated very well, for the most part. Of course, we got off to a little bit of a rocky start - you know, the "squinty-eye smiles", to which I replied (frustrated), "What are you doing?? Nobody smiles like that! Don't scrunch your nose so much!" - you know, all those things that I can say that will keep me from winning "Mother of the Year"? (Don't act like you've never said them yourself!!!):)
Anyway, after a few of those, we ended up with some great shots!!! Here are some of my favs. of the kids by themselves:
Here are some of my favs. of them together (notice the comic relief in some - my attempt at an apology for the aforementioned statements):

I will admit that I am NOT sad that "planned photo shoots" only happen once a year. Maybe I'll even get Mark in on them next year - a WHOLE can of issues, in and of itself!!! Let's just put it this way - "squinty-eye smiles" would be the LEAST of my worries....;)

Go Colts!!!

Flag football is officially OVER! With all the rain we were getting a week or so ago, I think we all wondered if we would ever get to finish up the season. Last night, though, was the "Super Bowl". It was kind of neat - the boys got to play on the High School field on Friday night. Couldn't help but think of all the Friday nights I'll be spending that way in the future. Can't wait! Anyway, Mark and Parker had a great time - Mark was more excited than him, I think. Wouldn't even eat supper until after the game. Had to wear the same clothes that he had worn in all the other games. You know, that kind of stuff.:) The Colts came out on top and ended the season undefeated! They were a great group of kids - hope we get em' back next year, too!!

GO COLTS!!

Halloween Fun

What a fun Halloween we had! I think it was possibly our best one yet! The weather was awesome, the kids looked adorable (is it okay to say that about a 10 year old???) in their costumes, and we just had a great time!!!After Trick or Treating, we grouped up with some neighborhood friends and headed downtown to the coffee shop for their 1st Annual Costume Contest!! Well, both kids won best costume, and got a gift certificate for a free smoothie!! What a great finish to an already fun night...
So, now with Halloween out of the way, it's time to gear up for Thanksgiving, and last but not least.....CHRISTMAS! I cannot wait! I just LOVE this time of year....

Jack-o-Lantern Carving at its Best!!!

Well, thanks to a rainy day and cancelled football games, the Finton family stayed in and finally had a chance to do some pumpkin carving. Somehow, in the course of it all, it turned into a competition between boys and girls. The boys revealed their "Razorback-o-lantern"......To which the girls, in turn, revealed their "Puppy dog-o-lantern".....

The judging was a little tough - 2 to 2, of course, so we decided on Originality for the Boys and Artistic Ability for the Girls. I really think, though, that if we would have let Noodle have a say in it, she would have DEFINITELY voted for the fellow pup!!!

Either way, though, it was a good night, and now the Halloween festivities may begin!!!

When is Your Son Also Your Brother???

Sound like an interesting riddle?? Well, here is the awesome answer: Your son can also be your Brother when he is baptized into Christ. That is exactly what Parker decided to do last night. Talk about a proud, relieved, happy moment! An answer to a lot of prayers, that's for sure. Mark baptized him and they both did a great job. When it was over, Parker asked him, "So, dad, how did you hold up?" :) Needless to say, it was a very emotional moment for all of us. I never knew how proud I could be! Our prayer continues to be that he lead a strong Christian life and that we are right there beside him all the way, teaching him what it's all about!
We are very proud of you, Parker!!!

4th Grade Field Trip

Last Friday, Parker's class took a field trip to an Agriculture Museum closeby. They were gearing up for their "Pioneer Day" celebration over the weekend, and our kids got to have a "sneak peek" at some of the exhibits. It was really neat, and really made you appreciate the things we have today and the things we can just go to the store and buy. They got to see how they used to wash clothes, quilting, pottery, goat milking (this one was about all Parker and his buddy, Timothy, could handle :)), basket making, and lots of other cool things.Here are some pictures of Parker that I managed to snap throughout the morning. He really seemed to enjoy himself. You can see in the bottom picture of this collage his reaction to the goat-milking.....

It was a cold day, but very interesting....I'm glad the kids got to go.

Look What I Did!!!!

Okay, so I know this is probably no big deal to so many of you bloggers out there, but I was very excited to finally be able to figure out how to do this. Thanks, Sandy, for sending me to picnik.com to find it. As you can tell, I took the picture above, changed it to black and white, and focused color on only the pumpkin. I am so impressed. Like I said, I know it is "old hat" for so many, but new to me. Thought I'd share....Thanks for listening!!!!