Here are a couple of pumpkin carving pics. Daron ended up doing all of it as it was getting late and the kids completely went beserk and needed to go to bed. We'll post one of the finished product later. But Nathan's eyes when he saw all the goop in the pumpkin was priceless.

And here is Esther pretending to be Groucho Marx - with cucumbers.

Dallas Arboretum

Somehow it's managed to sort of feel like fall around here. It's been mostly cool in the mid 60s or low 70s and we've had quite a bit of rain. Hooray! Unfortunately, the leaves aren't cooperating. You can tell they are tying to change their leaves into gorgeous autumn colors, but then they give up and within a couple of days drop their leaves in one dump.

But we were able to experience some color and beauty this morning at the Dallas Arboretum. The flowers and pumpkins were beautiful and the crisp, cloudy skies were perfect! We went with three other mommies and their kids. Thanks, ladies!

Butterfly House

A new butterfly house opened up recently in Dallas and the kids and I went there last week. It was so quiet and peaceful and we walked around with a woman who worked there. Esther just took her hand and the lady told her all about the flowers and butterflies. Both of the children were fascinated by all the fluttering and flying. Suddenly, the peace was ripped to shreds by the arrival of dozens of middle schoolers, running down the paths and swatting at the butterflies with their clipboards, their chaperones trying unsuccessfully to corral them into a corner. Yikes! Nevertheless, we still enjoyed our visit.

Sunday Best

Nathan has just recently started wearing a tie to church. I adore him in a tie. Here are some slightly blurry shots from a photo shoot that Daron did with the kids right after church on Sunday. It's hard to get these two to hold still!

My Underwear is Where?

Esther came out of her room awhile back looking like this. What a goose!

Sisters

Last Saturday I performed in a small skit that some friends and I put together. It was part of our ward's annual Blitz (a day of crafts, hanging out with friends, warm soups, and yummy salads). If you know the movie White Christmas then you'll recognize this song - or perhaps you won't!



Lyrics:

Sisters, sisters,
There were never such devoted sisters.
Reading, praying, serving hands are all around
where any Irving-ite can be found.

Caring, sharing
every little thing that we are wearing.
Even when a baby bump appears on scene
Three to nine months – and in between!

All kinds of weather, we stick together,
the same in the rain or sun.
So many faces, but in tight places
we think and we act as one. Uh-huh!

After meetings
a hallway full of talking and of greetings
Husbands all have tried to split us up, but no one can.
Oh, bless the mister who patiently waits for his sister
and oh, bless the sister who patiently waits for her man!

All kinds of weather, we stick together,
the same in the rain or sun.
So many faces, but in tight places
we think and we act as one. Uh-huh!

Sisters’ meetings
never are complete without some eating.
Whether it’s Enrichment night or not, it’s all the same.
Casseroles, chocolate – just tryin’ to follow the Prophet
Go visit your sister. We know she’ll be glad that you came!

Sisters!
Sisters!
We’re glad that you came!