Pumpkin Carving

I am loving the mornings around here, just beautiful. We've been having the cooler temps but also quite a bit of rain, I'm just hoping it doesn't rain tomorrow night or we'll have very disappointed kids.

I'm having the hardest time trying to get the arm knitting tutorial done. I wanted to do photos but that was quite difficult since I have to use both hands, then I tried a video and just can't seem to get it done right, my tripod is not exactly cooperating and I can't seem to find the right angle to show you what I'm doing.

But, don't worry, I WILL get it done and will show have that tutorial up including a scarf for giveaway :)

So yesterday after fighting with the whole tutorial thing for a bit, I was quite frustrated and I happen to think that the best medicine for that is a yummy treat.

I had been craving a Victoria Sponge for a while, and I think it had been a few years since I last made one, the last was back in Arizona about two years ago, maybe?

Yep, that is what I made, a quick Victoria Sponge with raspberry jam and cream.  It was divine, I do love a simple cake and I'm not much into sugary frostings, so this one just hit the spot.

As my children get older, I try to hold on to our family traditions, a little tighter than usual.  I keep thinking that very soon they will be off on their own, or too old to want to carve pumpkins, and I don't think I'm quite ready to face that yet.

I have been finding myself feeling very nostalgic the past few weeks.  So many things that we used to do as a family when they were little, that we still do now but things have changed as they're not little toddlers anymore, they're teens and so see things very differently, obviously.

Pumpkin carving however, is one of those activities that I will continue to do for as long as I can, even when my birdies have flown the nest.

Last night, instead of going to Tae Kwon Do, we took a family night instead.  We need it, it is so important to make time to spend together especially in this crazy busy world we all live in.  My husband goes to school full time and when he's not at school, he is either at work or doing homework, so the moments we get alone as a family, have become few and far between.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you how important it is to maintain the close bonds with our children, especially as they grow into adults themselves.

Last night, for the first time ever, the kids both cleaned out, traced and carved their own pumpkins from start to end.  You know that is a big thing, if you have little ones it always starts out well but a few minutes in the parents are the ones doing the carving.  LOL

It did feel good to see them take on the whole project by themselves, and even when the hubby and I offered to help, they declined.

Above are mine, the big Jack Skellington, and then Bella's says Moo and Lola's says Treat because she is obsessed with dog treats.

Nicholas carved the one above, it is a Transformer.

This one is Jasmine's, it is something from the show Supernatural, you can see the cross on the bottom there.  She did so well.

So while they carved, Curt and I had a cup of coffee, supervised and also caught up on Agents of Shield from Tuesday night.

We've been a bit worried about our oldest pug Bella, her back legs are giving her major issues as she has gotten older and the past two days she's been drinking a ton of water and peeing everywhere.  I am making an appointment for the vet to get her checked out, quite honestly I don't know if this is due to her age or if there is some underlying issue at hand.

Would appreciate all prayers, if you feel inclined.

Right now I am going to get busy with the menu plan and grocery list for the next two week weeks. 

I almost forgot to get dinner in the slow cooker today, but thankfully it is something that doesn't take too long and I'm sure will be done in time.  If you're wondering what it is, it is a slow cooker sweet and sour pork, never made it before so we'll see how it turns out.

Tonight we have Tae Kwon Do since we missed it last night, if the choice were mine, I would stay home again just for the fact that it's getting so chilly out there and I would much rather be in my home wearing a pair of comfy warm pjs and watching TV.  *snicker*

Hope you are all having a fantastic Thursday, I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday already, we have a bit of a busy weekend ahead so seems that we'll have another super fast weekend without much time for relaxation.  Good grief!!!

Right, I better get going, love and blessings to you all,