October Fun

I know that I don't have to let all of you know that this past month has been a difficult one. I also want you to know that that does not mean that my days are in despair. Kamara and I both have learned to not stop living. There is still so much to be grateful for. This time in my children's lives is short. Right now they have no idea what is happening in our family. Kate does pray for Baby Cox every night, but she doesn't really understand. My weeks are much more hectic now, but that is ok. My heart is always heavy with what is going on and what lies ahead, but there is also a joy and a peace attached to that. There is still so much joy when I look at my life and my kids. Yes, I am going to remember the pain that this year has brought on, but I also want to remember the good times that I had with my family. I want to remember how I felt God carrying me through this year. I am reminded yet again that we cannot get too carried away with our own plans. I also don't always feel like there is a reason for everything. I think we live in a fallen world and with that brings pain. God does not want Kamara to have to go through this with her baby, but I am completely trusting in him that he will work through this baby's life. She will have a purpose whether she is living or not. God will bring good out of bad things and work in our lives when we go to him. Those were Tami's deep thoughts.

On another note some little things I am enjoying is the cool crisp air right now, Christmas music (yes, I am already listening to it), and peppermint frappachinos at Starbucks. It also warms my heart to see Zack playing and loving on our kids or to see the girls playing lovingly together. It is then that I feel truly blessed.

The fall weather has brought on sickness in my children. Carly is on her second dose of antibiotics for a sinus infection and Kate started antibiotics today for a basically a really bad sinus infection that has her eyes all crusty. It is just that time of year though, right?

Here is a look at Kate's hand now that she has recovered from surgery and no cast.

Painting pumpkins for Kate's preschool.

Which one did Kate do?

They had a pumpkin patch and petting zoo at Kate's school. Carly enjoyed it from the outside of the cage.

We need to work a little more with Kate on how to hold the animals correctly.

It is so hard to get both of my kids looking and smiling.

Kate especially loved the guinea pigs.

Here Kate is with one of her teachers, Miss Lisa. This is during the Halloween parade. Kate is wearing the flower girl dress that my niece wore in our wedding. Now Kate gets to wear it for Halloween as a flower girl. She is holding a basket full of fake flowers.

Halloween party at school

Carly enjoyed sitting at Kate's table like a big girl.

Another picture of the Halloween parade. It was so cute to look at all the costumes and little kids!

Sheri and Chad, my sister and brother-in-law, have a Boo Bash for their church and community every year on Halloween weekend. Here are two of the cousins Aubrey and Isabelle. Notice they are all in pink. I did not put Kate in the flower girl dress for this because I did not want it to get dirty. She is a ballerina.

Here is an attempt at a cousin picture.

Carly was a ballerina too.

Last Sunday we celebrated Isabelle's 4th birthday at Jump Town. Carly surprisingly went down a really big slide after her cousin took her up there. A little shocking! You really pick up speed on those things.

Kate would get all the way up one and decide she was too scared. Sheri got the best Aunt award because she went up with Kate and down with her. They were both going so fast!

Making memories!

Carving a pumpkin with Daddy.

The finished jack o lantern and the girls ready to go trick or treating.

Carly stayed in my arms the whole time. Kate did a great job trick or treating, though. It was a fun family night. We missed our traditional Halloween night with the Hughes and Coxs, but Carly had a sinus infection so we couldn't risk other kids getting sick.

Despite everything we have managed to have some great fun family time in October. It is important to appreciate the great things that we have been given.