Keeping up with Fall

So things have been pretty busy around here since the last time I posted...or maybe I should say, I've been very distracted from my blog. :) As most of you know, I am not the cleanest most organized person in the world. :) (I already hear my sister chuckling as she reads this... :) ) BUT as of late, I am beginning to actually thrive on being organized and actually enjoy cleaning my home! Can you believe it! :) I have always enjoyed cleaning because it blessed my family, but now I'm finding I actually have a difficult time when things are messy and unorganized, and it gives me much pleasure to see things tidy. This is a MONUMENTAL stage in my life, and honestly, I hope that it never goes away! I know there will be seasons where mess will find its way in, and seem like it just doesn't know where the door is...but I'm so excited that I am finding it easier and easier to maintain our home! Also, as I am able to keep things clean, I feel that I am now more freed up to enjoy yet other surprising artforms. Decorating and Crafting! Oh yes. I said it. Crafting. I actually get giddy about going to the craft store now! Seriously, it used to give me a headache! Ha! Added to my days are thoughts of how to make my home beautiful and times searching out creative and inspiring craft ideas. This, honestly, is why I have been a bit distracted. :) I have been having a blast making our nest, and enjoying it for that matter. :)

In addition to all of this, we have been busy potty training our son. He is doing wonderfully! I was a bit nervous at first, when it seemed that the inconvenience for him of using the potty was our greatest enemy, but after introducing a nice chocolatey reward for doing so, all is going smoothly. :) (I love chocolate!) I am so proud of Ezekiel! He gets so excited when he knows that he's successful too! it's wonderful! We also had the privilege of visiting the pumpkin patch a couple weeks ago with some friends of ours. We all had a great time! We looked at animals, had yummy mini doughnuts, went on a hay ride, picked apples, and strolled along in the pumpkin patch. Zeke got to choose one pumpkin that he wanted. This is what he chose.

(The little squash in his hand)

I think he likes it 'cuz it kinda looks like a drum stick or a hammer. Here are some more pictures from the day.

(I love how Ezekiel is admiring his daddy in this picture.)

We also spent another day with some friends at an A-mazing park that we had never been too! Oh my goodness, it was awesome! There was a big red barn with tractors and farm animals and TONS of running space, beautiful trees, a playground, and a gorgeous view of Mt. Baker just to name a few! I was so sad, because my camera was on the wrong setting when I took all of the pictures here, so sorry they look so funny, but I just had to share them anyway so you can have an image of this wonderful place! It brought so much joy to my heart to see Ezekiel with his new friend Liam laughing, exploring, and tromping all around this park together!

Zeke and Liam by the barn. These two hit it off so quick!

I'm not sure what this is, but they were sure having a blast rocking it back and forth! They kept asking me and Liam's mom to sit in that seat! Haha! :)

A possible new tree climbing friend? :)

This tractor looks so much like Papa Cliff's! It was so fun to see!

This picture if one of my favorites! I'm so sad it looks so bright! I absolutely love Ezekiel's face in this picture! Pure boyhood bliss! :)

A park full of beauty and adventure! I can't wait to go back!