{ Pumpkin Carving and a wrench thrown our way }

Hello everyone, it's been a few days since I've posted.  Let's just say that we have been in a bit of a haze with certain things that have transpired.

You know, Curt and I have always prided ourselves in being good people, helping those we can, minding our own business and always thinking of other's feelings before we make any decision.  It is the way we have chosen to live our lives and honestly, we wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

Well, with that kind of living comes the realization that there are a lot of people out there that take advantage, and quite literally pull the rug out from under you.

I'm not going to talk about all the details, but I will say that we have been in this house for 4 years, with the full intent of buying it, the owner knows it, the landlord knows it and we have just been working super hard the past few years to pay off all our debt.

Just this Monday we received a phone call from the landlord informing us that the lease we signed back in May, for another 2 years, was never signed by the owner and therefore on the 1st of November, they are putting the house on the market for sale and we either try to buy it or then we need to move.

We also were informed that we have been on a month to month basis since May.

To say that we were shocked, would be an understatement.  I have never in my life felt so disappointed, so shocked at the nerve of these people to pull something like that on us.  It's just not right.

After a half a day of some crying, some panicking and dropping to my knees in prayer, my husband and I put it in God's hands and just let it go completely.  Much as we would like to stay in this house  and buy it, it is not a MUST for us, and if the Lord feels that it is not our forever home, then that is ok too.

We are now waiting to see what comes of this.  We've done our part, we've applied for a loan, whatever else happens, which ever way we go from here is up to the Lord.

So, if you would be so kind to throw some prayers our way, for the Lord's will to be done, one way or the other.  The way we see it and feel at the moment, is that no matter what, we will be fine and we win.

If we stay in this house that we love, great.  If we end up moving or buying another house, great.  Either way it is something to be thankful for and not panic about.

In the middle of this storm, we still managed to come together as a family, gather around the table and carve some pumpkins.  It was  lot of fun and I'm so glad that we did it this year, it reminded us of years gone by when the kids were little.

I've also received some kitchen products to test out and review, and I am so excited to share them with you all.  It will probably be on Friday, so keep an eye out for that.

The weather has been crazy.  We are under  freeze watch, which is insane for this time of the year.  There's also been a ton of rain and wind, which means the fire has been going, but unfortunately today, I had to turn on the central heating because the temps dropped down to 30 and it was just incredibly cold in the house.

I'll be turning it off here in an hour or so because I don't want to have it running constantly.

So, there you have it, you are all caught up on what has been happening here.  As always, you know that I share my life, the ups and downs, and I don't want anyone thinking that it's all rainbows and puppies over here, though that would have been nice wouldn't it?  Haha

No, it's ups and downs and lefts and rights, rugs pulled out from under feet, falling flat on our faces, being attacked from one side and the other, but always and I mean always doing it with a smile on our faces and holding the Lord's hand.

I don't know if maybe one of you is going through a rough patch and feeling lost and hopeless, and maybe hearing my words will help you remember that we are not alone, even when we think we are.  Sometimes what seems like a bad thing is a blessing, we just have to let it go and let God do His work.

Right, I am going to snuggle under the covers and try to warm up.  Hope you're all staying warm, and if you're one of the few with snow already, I am so sorry and do hope you are able to get a little warmth soon.

Have a blessed day friends.

{ Carving Pumpkins - Blogtober 2018 }

It's the last day of October, my word, how did we get here so fast?

The morning started cold and wet and stayed that way all day long.  It was just the most perfect Autumn Day, yet.

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,