Wrapping up October...

The month is over and I only posted once!  To tell you the truth, the month was busy and has left me hoping next October is more positive.

In family news,  my parents have been officially separated and my mom has met with a lawyer to go forward with a disillusionment.  (Not sure what that really means, but its cheaper than a divorce.)  It's been ugly and even though the four of us kids are adults, we are still getting put in awkward positions.  There are so many emotions to deal with and the fact that my dad has pretty much said nothing to me or my siblings makes it hard.  I suppose the coming months will show what kind of relationship I will have with my dad and how involved he will be with my kids.  My mom is hanging in there but she is so mentally/emotionally fragile.  I'm so thankful for her church friends and her counselor that are giving her extra support right now.  I know God is faithful and will give her strength to heal and learn how to be independent after almost 30 years of marriage.

A few weekends ago, I attended Blake's 10 year reunion with him.  We had a good time, mainly because we were able to hang out with our friends Drew and Ashley and we were childless for a night.  Facebook pretty much took away any surprises there may have been to how people have or have not changed.  Doing line dances and watching some of the guys karaoke brought back high school memories. 

Fun playing in the grass.

 Caleb has gotten to spend lots of fun times with his favorite cousin Abby. Kate and Abby were in town several weekends for birthday celebrations and to visit my mom. Saturday, Kate threw a Halloween themed party at my mom's house for Abby's 5th birthday. It was so much fun. Most of us dressed up in our costumes and all the food was spooky or fall themed. Caleb loved playing "Find Mr. Bones' bones."

Nana's little chick.

The dressed up gang.

Delicious caramel apples Meg made.

Scary witch cupcakes by Kate

 Caleb has gotten to spend lots of fun times with his favorite cousin Abby. Kate and Abby were in town several weekends for birthday celebrations and to visit my mom. Saturday, Kate threw a Halloween themed party at my mom's house for Abby's 5th birthday. It was so much fun. Most of us dressed up in our costumes and all the food was spooky or fall themed. Caleb loved playing "Find Mr. Bones' bones."

Saturday also wrapped up Blake's first season as a high school football coach. We survived as a family and I have learned that we can make his football season and our famly coexist. I need to lower some of my expectations and remind myself that the long practices and Saturday morning/afternoons away from home last only 2 months though. I think it will be easier as the kids get older. I really enjoy watching Blake coach and football is fun to watch. Toting two small kids to the games is rough and finding a babysitter can be a challenge.

"Helping" scoop pumpkin goo.

Caleb and Daddy.

We ended the month with a fun night of trick or treating.  My mom came down to eat dinner with us and helped  get the kids ready.  Caleb was super excited and asked me all day long "How many hours til i can put on my costume?"  He was very polite and gracious for all of the goodies he received.  Elizabeth was happy to practice her walking and was the cutest chicken in the neighborhood.  The evening ended with my brother in law Luke, his wife Danielle, and their kids stopping by.  Caleb showed off his Frankenstein costume to cousins Connor and Emmerson. 

Now to start November off.  The weather is supposed to be nice this week so maybe we can get outside as a family since Blake is going to be home more!