Magic Pumpkin Patch

There is magic in the Nelson home. Earlier in the week, I posted up a piece of paper with the words The Magic Pumpkin Patch. Ms. A and I said the magical words: "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," held our breathe and made a magical wish. As the week progressed, we were delighted to see the magic in action. First some roots, then a wisp of a vine and soon there were vines twirling all around. Next came some more magical words. When we woke up the next morning yellow blossoms had appeared! Some more words and two days later we spied PUMPKINS growing on the vine. Ms. A was delighted to take the non-slippery insides out to discover candy!

I loved watching her excitement and anticipation as the patch grew.

idea from Mother Goose

Playing in the leaves {revisited}

Oh, how I love autumn! Raking leaves is one of my favorite parts of fall. I love to do it and can't stand it when it's left undone. I know a bit weird.

Ms. A loves playing in the leaves, but what was on our lawn wasn't enough to play in. So I raked part of our neighbor's leaves to fill in our pile. She ran, jumped and played for awhile, then mean mommy brought the yard debris container over. She promptly laid down on as many leaves as possible protecting the leaves from me cleaning them up, as I have in the recent past. (A tragic experience for another day.) I let her play in the leaves for a bit longer. When I tried to clean them up, Ms. A grabbed armfuls to tuck them safely away. We finally got the leaves put away with the promise of more leaves falling soon. :)

Ready...Set

...JUMP

Protecting her leaves from momma's rake {Evil Laugh Ha, Ha, HA!!}

Leaves, Glorious Leaves!

Ms. A LOVES leaves. Today I raked them into a pile and she raced and 'jumped' into the leaves. I love how she is cheering herself as she runs! After the race, she laid down in her nest of leaves and pretended to be a baby pony. She had a great time until mommy threw the leaves in the yard debris container. I've spoiled her leaf playing antics a few times this season.

Christmas cards with Ms. A

After making more Christmas cards, Ms. A decided to create a card. I had a couple of extras that I let her use. She placed all the pieces and picked out the ribbon and felt snowflake. I think she did a pretty good job. :)
Ms. A loves making cards. I love helping her. I need to teach her the joy of giving them away. When I asked if she wanted to mail her card to someone, she said no and promptly hid the card so no one could take it. She's created quite the collection of cards which she keeps in her 'kitchen'.

Kristina {revisited}

I was working on my Christmas cards when I checked out my favorite crafting blog. Another challenge!! Hooray! I love this lady!! :) I love the colors, so the Christmas cards went on the back burner, Numb3rs went unwatched (for a few minutes) and I played.

Here are the supplies:
Stamps: Stampin' Up Boho Backgrounds
Paper: Sage Shadow, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Whisper White
Ink: Sage Shadow, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Pumpkin Pie Striped Ribbon. Paper Piercer

Standing as a Witness

With the past two weeks I have been reminded how fragile life is. What do I want my family, my daughter and my friends to remember about me if something should happen. I am saddened by the way so many people are pulling away from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Our ward Relief Society, my church women's group, has been challenged to write down our testimony of Jesus Christ. I thought I would share what I wrote. I wanted to STAND and STATE what I KNOW!

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, the Son of God, my King, my friend and my brother. I know He lives. He died and on the third day He was resurrected. Because He was resurrected, I can be also. I look forward to the day when I can bend on my knees before Him and with tears of joy, reverence and love; I can express my gratitude for His love, His sacrifice and His perfect example.

I am so grateful for His Atonement, he overcame death through His resurrection and created a way for me to be forgiven of my sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. I am grateful for His willingness to take upon Him all of my sins, mistakes, pains, and heartaches. He is the one I can turn to when I feel alone, sad, scared or happy. It is such a miracle to me that He willingly took my sins and died for me. When I think of His Atonement I am in awe at His great love for me and all of Heavenly Father’s children. Thinking about His love helps me focus on how I should act and how I should treat others. It also brings my heart back where it should be. Because He took upon Him my sins, if I repent and follow His teachings I can live with my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, my family and my friends.

I know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith and ushered in this the last Dispensation of Time. I am so grateful for the knowledge revealed to Joseph. I know that he restored the Gospel to the earth through the Holy Ghost. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that it testifies of Christ and His gospel. No better source of Christ’s teachings can be found anywhere else. I love reading in 3 Nephi when the Savior visits the Nephites and Lamanites. I especially love the passage where He blesses the children. I feel His love for the people and for me. I am grateful for the blessings the Gospel brings to my life and to my family.

What a blessing to have a friend and elder brother like Jesus. He knows me better than I do. He knows my potential and the intents of my heart. He will be my advocate with my Father. I know He loves me. I love Him and will be eternally grateful for His sacrifice and love.