Y’all, I LOVE fall. I love the colors, the smells, the holidays, and mostly the crisp cool air. It wasn’t like that all week, but we had a few days and it got me in the mood. Apple spice pumpkin candle wax is melting in my kitchen, my porch is lit up in Halloween frill, and I’ve got Bev wearing Halloween tutus to school. I don’t usually start my Halloween celebrating until October 1st, but something pushed me to do it earlier this year.
Most of my days this week were spent recovering from this dumb lingering cold or chasing around this hooligan who also has been under the weather (on top of getting new mollars).
At least he’s been taking good naps… mostly. 
He loves to move boxes or stools around the house. In this case he is planning his escape. 
Now going for the keys 
He wanted my phone, but really he just likes to see himself in the camera. 
He likes to “help” me do my chores. He “mopped” up some milk mess then I discovered he was making the milk mess on purpose. He also loves to empty the washer and dryer… even if I’m not ready for him to. 
He has been getting up at the crack of dawn so some days he just can’t make it to bedtime.
Work continues to be stressful for Andy. He occasionally gets to work at Fort Gordon where the pace is a little slower and there are less severe cases. He always comes home a lot happier on those shifts. We are really hoping to be able to stay here. He sent me this picture from work of him intubating one of his patients.
Aside from that I’ve been having fun with the kids and keeping up on housework, sports, and life as a mother. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Our world is quick to demean or discount the work of a mother. Women are angry that their husbands get to pursue their careers while they’re expected to stay home or put their career second and their children first. I want to state, I have no problem with women working, but I do have a problem with this mentality. Being a mother is grueling work. But my mom wrote recently about the greatest accomplishment of hers has been raising wonderful children. It is one of the longest investments in a brighter future. I don’t think of any other accomplishment I could personally achieve that would bring me greater fulfillment and leave a better legacy. Andy doesn’t work to follow his dreams, though he has followed his dreams while fulfilling his role in our ultimate dream of supporting this family. He works for us. He works to come home and spend time with his eternal family. These kids will grow up so stinking fast and at times it is exhausting and I’ll admit there are moments I just want a break for a day, but again, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love these children and my husband and putting my career aside for them has been the best decision I’ve made next to marrying Andy.
Harvey gives the best hugs 
Mav broke out little red flyer wagon. He didn’t get upset, just tried to look for a way to fix it, then a way to use the new separate pieces. He is a clever kid 
Max is seriously a genius. No really, I know all you see is a kid with trash bags all over him, but in his mind he is fully equipped to go to battle. I love this kid’s imagination! 
Harvey’s FAVORITE thing to do is go on ATV rides with his oldest brother. 
Max got a tackle during his game this week! He’s getting better. 
Bev and Afton have been getting along so much better lately. It’s so nice and handy to have your best friend live next door. 
Harvey mostly likes the frosting on donuts 
And this is where he learned it from.
So adorable. I’m ready for Fall as well. And I love the traveling escape box.