His First Job

When we moved into our neighborhood 10 years ago, we were asked via letter from a neighbor to help pay for the maintenance of the cul-de-sac. Not thinking that much about it and not wanting to ruffle the feathers of 6 new neighbors, we agreed. It's definitely the nicest "island" in our subdivision. I learned this year, that's because every other circle just waits for the county to mow it. Argh!
Each spring when we got the letter, EJ and I just rolled our eyes and chuckled and agreed that neither of us wanted the job, so we don't complain.
Well, the man that asked for money every spring and zoomed his riding mower over it and put down fertilizer every summer, decided he didn't want to be tied down for the job ;) He wanted to be free to travel in his supersized RV with his wife whenever he felt like it.
So who did the neighbors hire? My strapping young man. He hasn't yet decided what to do with his earnings. It's a lot for a boy his age, in my opinion, but he is a saver so I am not too concerned.
Overall, it's been a great experience for him. He has done a good job and the neighbors have commended him. I keep reminding him of the extra muscle he is gaining. I am pretty sure he is game for next summer. The only downside is it's made him a little disgruntled about mowing ours for a meager allowance :( Hmm... lessons there too!

Happy Halloween!

There was so much excitement about trick or treating this year. Having 3 kids who know what's coming, changes the atmosphere ;) It was an all-family affair as my parents and sister's family joined in the fun. We feed the kids first and the adults ate after the littlest 3, were done on our cul-de-sac. The older 2 joined neighbors on their first ever golf cart trick or treating! It was weird having them off on their own, but it was such a treat to enjoy the adult dinner and then hear about their night when they returned.

 My crew

This girl handled the night so much better than I anticipated. First, until very recently she has been very scared of the dark. Second, when there is candy around, she HAS to eat it. She got a little nervous as it got dark, but as long as she held my hand she was fine. She did ALL her trick-or-treating without eating a single piece. I knew if she started she wouldn't stop. She listened and didn't throw a fit when I told her to wait. It was awesome.

I must say, we are SO blessed by our neighbors. Most are retirement age and they just love our kids. There was such a since of joy on their faces b/c they were waiting for MY kids. Until recently my kids were the only ones that came by ;) They ALL were concerned for EJ and offered to help whenever I needed.

 "Strong Man" dashed from house to house with such joy.

This is my kids' 3rd grandma. She came to my rescue a few weeks ago when the boys were camping and I had a small medical emergency. I will never forget the sight of her running to my house at 8 in the morning on a Sunday, before I had even set the phone down.

 I am bummed that this pic didn't turn out better. Trip was Evil Knievel and simply adorable.

My fondest memory of the night was at every door, Ryan always shouted, "don't forget about Evil Knievel." He knew that Tripp was the last to the door and too little to be noticed. If Tripp didn't make it in time, he'd bring his candy to Lissa. Love him!

 

He counted and sorted all his candy and even graphed it for school. 106 pieces

I let Ryan stay up to wait for his brothers. The advantage to having him still nap! Especially since he shares a room with Mason. EJ had to head to bed early b/c the day was a lot for him, but I was so grateful he could walk around with us. I am normally the one whisking them off to bed, but God gave me extra strength to just sit back and enjoy them.

Friendly Neighbors

The house behind ours, recently upgraded their lending library. It began this summer, has a wooden mailbox, attached to her tree and thanks to another handy neighbor, it now looks like this. Now it has room for kid's books and for little ones to visit. Its really fun just walking to get a new book. There isn't much to choose from yet, but hopefully it will become more popular. We bring one of our books and trade for a different one. No checking out, just an honor system. Pretty fun!

 

Another set of neighbors had us over for a pumpkin carving party. Brave people!

  

Ours are the bottom 3 on the right, but one got cut off. I'll have to take another picture. They were more interested in enjoying the party so they aren't as creative as in years past. Overall, the pumpkins look fabulous.

We had a very busy weekend. Something each night! I was thankful for some quiet time this morning with everyone in school.

Neighborly Love

We have lived in this house for almost 9 years. We are the only young family in the cul-de-sac sac of 9 houses. Our yard usually looks like a day care provider. I should really be more of a stickler about that. The neighbors love us anyway. They all recognize how quickly time flies and love watching our children play.

Two neighbors go out of their way to be friendly and engaged in our children. A grandmother (of 2 girls) who lives directly across from us and a dad of college grads (daughters) next door to her.

Both got involved, the other day as my boys and their friend were trying to rig their own zip line. I watched from the window for quite awhile before stepping outside to take pictures.

It was pretty funny. One came over to make sure they didn't hurt themselves. She left and brought back extra rope :) The other insisted he could make it really work. Sadly, it didn't. I was somewhat relieved.

I mostly love that neither of them were surprised by my boys plans nor cared that we now have a ugly rope strung between our trees.

I was just so excited to see them use their imagination instead of their go-to sports, that I didn't say a word.

Avery slept through the whole thing.