November Rain

Chase and our scarecrow in camo

The cutest monster I've ever seen

Go, Go Power Ranger!

Chase holding the pumpkin he picked out from the pumpkin patch

What a happy monster!

I didn't know monsters mowed grass!

November Rain

I’m typing this blog update as it’s raining outside and in the mid-70’s.  It hardly feels like the first day of November with the warm temperature and humidity, but we’re already halfway into fall.  The past two months flew by between church and company picnics, October birthday celebrations, going on FOEC school field trips to Disney on Ice and the pumpkin patch, travelling to a funeral, celebrating Halloween, and just keeping up with the daily grind. 

A couple weeks ago, my great uncle Richard (“Dick”) Armstrong was called to his heavenly home.  Tim, the boys, and I travelled up to Staunton, VA to attend the funeral and visit family.  Even though funerals often have a solemn aura, it was more of a celebration of life and family reunion for us.  Chase got to play with cousins that he normally doesn’t get to see and some family met Gabe for the first time.  We also got to soak up the mountain air and see the leaves just starting to change color this season.

Last night, we celebrated Halloween with Tim’s parents joining us for trick or treating.  Gabriel was dressed up as a blue, furry monster (some people called him the cookie monster, others called him “Sulley” from Monsters Inc.).  Chase was the red Power Ranger.  Much to my surprise, both boys hung in there without any meltdowns for well over an hour trick-or-treating and racking up more than enough candy. 

One of my favorite highlights from the past month:  Chase is learning to pray!  He prayed for my mom one day when her knee went out on her.  Lo and behold, God heard and answered Chase’s sweet prayer and my mom’s knee went back in place for her within seconds. 

Although Chase and Gabe have their sibling rivalry moments, Chase is really proud of his brother when we’re out in public.  He never misses an opportunity in a grocery store to introduce strangers to his brother.  In fact, Chase never misses the opportunity to talk in general!  He is quite the chatterbox and isn’t shy at all.  I’m enjoying seeing the differences in personalities between Chase and Gabe.  Chase is the sensitive, cautious, and outgoing child.  Gabe can be shy, but he’s more of a risk-taker and doesn’t seem to get his feelings hurt as easily. 

With the exception of seasonal allergies and an ear infection for Gabe, both boys have been healthy.  Chase weighs in at the 40-pound mark, with Gabe trailing by about 15 pounds.  Chase is starting to eat a little better, but is still the picky eater of the two.  Gabe, on the other hand, still eats well and isn’t nearly as selective with trying out new foods.  Both boys are still in great sleeping patterns with Gabe settling down for the night between 6 and 7 and sleeping until around 6 the following morning.  If I hear him stirring before 6, I just let him entertain himself in his crib for a while.  Chase goes to bed around 8 and usually sleeps until around 6:30 (slightly later than that on the weekends). Chase doesn’t nap during the day and Gabriel’s naps are starting to shift later towards the afternoon hours.  I’m thankful to have two sleeping beauties! 

Speaking of being thankful, it’s already that time of year again with Thanksgiving right around the corner.  I’ll take the time now to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving month and to encourage all to reflect on their blessings.  I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t admit that I fall short of being thankful for all that I have from time to time, but I’m really trying to make an adamant effort to appreciate God’s enduring love that has carried me through so many obstacles. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever….” –Psalm 136