Last night we carved our pumpkins. We didn't make it to the pumpkin patch this year, so I just bought a few pumpkins at Harry's Farmers Market and then we carved them last night. This was our first time doing this as a family and we all had a lot of fun. I want to form traditions and make memories that my kids will remember and enjoy and I think this will definitely be one of them! Of course, it didn't keep Gavin's attention very long since he could only clean out the pumpkin, but the adults had a lot of fun carving the faces that the kids came up with. As we were carving, Chris cleaned off the seeds and kept them for toasting. Yum!

WAAARRR EAGLE, HEY! Mom and I went to the Auburn vs. Kentucky game this past weekend. Even though our beloved Tigers lost, it's always a lot of fun to go to a football game in Auburn. The experience of it all was well worth the trip - even though we were freezing our buns off by the 4th quarter!

This hat was the most creative thing I think I've ever seen. I don't know how this lady made it, but she wore a hat that looked like an eagle. Everybody got quite a laugh out of it!

At Tiger Walk - one of my favorite parts! Aubie leads the cheerleaders and football players to the stadium.

Up close and personal with Gene Chizik - trying to fire up the Auburn fans!

My other favorite part is watching the band.

Now, to watch the Tigers play!

This past weekend was my FIRST EVER camping trip. My mom's idea of camping is staying in a Motel 6, so we never went camping as kids. I was never really keen on the idea of sleeping in a tent or having to cook my own food over the fire, but when some experienced camping friends asked us to go last weekend we decided to give it a try. And we had a blast! Of course, we borrowed the tent and the air mattress from our friends... as well as many other things that I didn't bring. How was I supposed to know??? I'd never been camping!!! Anyway, it all worked out and we had a great time. We went with three other couples and it was nice to have lots of time to talk and play. Shannon and Craig even have a flat screen TV, so we were able to watch the Georgia vs. Tennessee game. A very nice man that was camping next to us, had a satellite dish and set up his tv for us so that we could watch the Auburn game, too! Too bad there wasn't much to see! We had a great time and Chris and I are even talking about buying our own camping gear. I definitely am not into "hardcore" camping like killing my food, pitching a tent in the middle of nowhere or sleeping in subfreezing temperatures. I'll stick with campgrounds. It's a great way to spend time as a family away from home for very little money. HOORAY FOR CAMPING!

Craig, Shannon, Chris and I are watching the Auburn. They played terribly! You can tell by our faces that we weren't happy.

Chris and Gavin fix the fishing poles.

Good morning, Sunshine!

The kids really enjoyed riding their bikes. There was also a playground nearby that they spent a lot of time at. It was a great way for my sheltered kids to learn how to entertain themselves outside.

Our tent. Well, actually it belongs to Craig and Shannon... thanks guys for a wonderful camping experience!

My accountability group just began reading "Lies Women Believe" and I have to say that I'm already loving it. I'm sure it was not by accident that we chose this book - God is sovereign. He is teaching me many things about my selfish desires, what I think will make me happy, what my idea of family is, what HIS idea of family is and especially how I have believed the many half-truths and deceptions that Satan has every-so-slyly brought my way... inching his foot into the door of my heart. Yes, I'm learning a lot. The mirror is being held up to my heart and I'm seeing things that I'd rather not. Yet I'm grateful. Being aware of these things means that I can now purge myself of them. I'm ripping Satan's mask off and letting him know that I have no room for his lies in my life.

Last weekend we went apple picking. It was an absolutely beautiful day and the scenery is gorgeous! This is the second year in a row that we've gone and I'm sure we'll go again next year. Everyone has a great time and the adults even got in on climbing the trees this time. The best apples are always at the top!