Ol' Timer's Day

Sunday, my in-laws' church planned an Ol' Timer's Day. Most everyone came to church dressed in special costumes to represent those of the old days, coming to the Lord's house. It was fun!  Diva and I did the best we could, dressing up for the occasion. I told a couple of ladies that we were representing the 60s and 70s decades. LOL!

I think the kids had a good time. One of the guys, Perry, rode up on his horse. As you may know, Flash loves horses. I was surprised how easy he was to be placed on the back of Perry's horse. The horse was very gentle with the kids.





The kids did pretty good during church. I thought a time or two that we were going to have to take Flash out because he was being so loud. It was pretty funny whenever we or the choir stopped singing, Flash would announce "we're done!"

After church, we had a very nice luncheon with the church family. It was the best food put in your mouth. Yum! Fried chicken, homemade pies, cakes, and other goodies. It was so good. No one went hungry, trust me. A few of us photographers in the making, had fun taking pictures of couples and groups to document the special occasion.

Back at the farm . . .



the kids played on the tractor, with their paw-paw right beside them. Meanwhile, this mama went pine cone hunting for future holiday decorations.

The Skeleton Bone Dance

Colton told he liked this a lot and agreed that we should put it on our blog for this Halloween week.

Katie Stays the Night

Katie and "A" dressing up for the ball

I've enjoyed getting to know "A's" momma. She is so sweet and we seem to have quite a bit in common. Yesterday, the girls had a field trip. The class went around (walking) visiting the Police station, power company, and distributed canned goods to organizations that will make sure it goes to the needy. Us parents met up with the children at the area park for a picnic lunch. A's mom and I texted each other until we got to the park. By the time I got to the park, I had enough time to play catch up with a few of the parents that are friends of mine. I was so glad that A's mom got to place their picnic blankets next of ours, so we could talk. We just didn't have enough time.

I've never seen such happy little girls because they have planned this sleepover for a week. This maybe sad, but this is the first time Katie's slept over at one of her friend's house, that is not a relative. She has been aggravating me for the past couple of days about what she is going to take and stressing over who will be picking her up. Too funny.

Of course, a few times tonight I've been wondering what the girls are doing. Is Katie using her good manners? She is like any other kid and forgets them from time to time. LOL! I've enjoyed A's mom sending me pictures of the girls having a great time.

Oh me!

My sweet princess!

It was so strange not picking Katie up after school today. Get this, I even got to take a 15 minute nap. This never happens! So nice. I'm going to have to do something special for M, A's mom. She just doesn't know what an angel she is. LOL! So, what did I do with all this free time. Just me and Colt. Well, I finished up a couple of my Halloween gift projects.

This is for Katie's teacher.  Kind of a Halloween "Teacher Appreciation" gift.

The cup is an 24 oz. insolated plastic cup filled with assorted chocolates and candies.  It's decorated with a Halloween bow and label.  Yes,  I actually put together the decoration.  I got the idea from Blackberry Vine.  I printed the label about a month ago and already punched out the label with my cutter.  I'm pretty sure that I got the label from either Living Locurto, The Celebration Shoppe, or The Tomkat Studio.  I honestly can not find it in any of my bookmarks, so if it is yours let me know.  For the black part of the label, I cut  2 - 1 1/2" strips of black cardstock paper.  Folded the paper accordion style and cut off the tail at the end.  I placed a small strip of double-sided tape to both ends and attached both strips of paper together.  It should look like a zig-zag circle.  Once you have the paper down on a flat surface, tape the "Happy Halloween" label to the black cardstock and then tape it to the bow.  Yay!  I love it.  

I helped Katie put these together for her classmates at school.  There are a whole lot more, but I only have a few for the photo.  I made all the kids Halloween bookmarks by using clipart from The Toymaker.  He has a lot of neat things that you can print out on paper/cardstock.  All I did was save his clipart bookmarks and then by using Photoshop, I added the sayings: "Happy Halloween" and "Spooky" for examples.  I printed them out on cardstock paper.  I think they turned out cute.  Katie likes them.  I stuffed all the candies, bookmarks and stickers in sandwich baggies.  I stapled the cute trick 'r treat labels on top.  You can print the same design for several other party supplies through The Celebration Shoppe.  I just loved this theme last year and had to use it this year for something.

Colton Meets Zayden

Colton didn't know what to think about Zayden.  He wanted so bad to touch him.  For a little while, he thought he was a toy.  Susan was the one holding Zayden and talking to Colton about him.  Some how Sue asked Colton, "what is this?"  Colton answered her "a toy."  LOL!  Mom and Susan cracked up laughing at him.  Then Susan asked him something like where did he come from.  Colton told her, very serious I might add, "Target."  Too cute! 

Doug's parents came by and Colton had to show them all the Halloween decorations and tell them about seeing the baby.  It was priceless!  I don't think he took a breath between subjects.  He is so funny because it seems like he starts talking from the time he gets out of bed to the time he goes to bed.  LOL!  He talks about everything.  There are times when he gets so excited and wound up that he begins to stumble and stutter his words.

While entertaining mom and Susan, Katie and Colton were playing kick boxing in the Living Room.  They were acting this way not only because they had new people around to watch them act crazy as a bed bug, but mom helped by giving them a load of chocolate candy before supper.  Thanks mom!  They were bouncing off the walls.  We had to start laughing at Colton because Katie has taught him before the Karate chop to stand just so and motion your hand out to your opponent like he is saying "come on, I dare you."  When he did that all authority and control (on my end) went right out the window because everyone was laughing.  Ugh, my son.  He is such a clown.

For the past couple of months he comes up with these sayings or names that I have to write down before I forget.  They are:

• He calls the blow-up Frankenstein (Halloween decoration) outside - "Einstein".
• He calls Fruit Loop cereal "Donut cereal"
• He couldn't get over Zayden having his diaper changed.  "That babe pooh, poohed?" "Change diaper."  He said with his eyes wide open and pointing his finger at Zayden. 
• "I watch Mickey."  This means, he wants you to either turn Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the TV or put in the movie. 

Colton's changing everyday:
Not only is Colton growing out of his 24 month clothes, but changing everyday.  Here are just a few things:

• He is into playing games more now.  His favorite games are: Go Fish, Don't Break the Ice and Elefun.
• He likes to be read to now, especially at bedtime.  His favorite books right now are: "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," "I Love You, Stinky Face," "The Monster at the End of This Book," and "Miss Spider and The Sunny Patch Kids".  I found the neatest thing on YouTube.  Movies of some of his favorite books being read or animated.  Yay!  It occupies him, while I'm helping Katie with her homework.
• His new favorite toys that he would rather play with are: Hot Wheels cars, toy trains, balls, Batman figurines, stuffed animals, small simple puzzles.  He has stopped putting together the peg puzzles.  I guess he got bored with them.  LOL! 
• His favorite TV shows are: Good Luck Charlie, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Super Why, Martha Speaks, America's Funniest Home Videos.
• His favorite movies are: Disney's Cars, Disney's Tarzan, Baby Einsteins Mozart, Baby Einsteins World Animals, Scooby Doo meets Batman, Mickey meets Santa, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo-Choo Express. 
• He absolutely loves it when his sister comes home from school.  He misses her throughout the day.  He doesn't like it when I spend time with her during homework time, which takes a little over an hour a day to complete.  He doesn't like it at all when she doesn't want to do what he wants to do. 

I've been working with him during the day, while Katie is at school.  We are learning our colors, shapes, numbers, alphabet, sorting, and matching.  I got most of my material from 1+1+1=1.  She has a Tot Homeschool section filled with lapbooks, games, crafts and lots of resources.  Making Learning Fun is another great source because they go by themes or favorite storybooks to make learning more appealing.  Colton loves it! This week, we've done the worksheets based on the Bill Martin Jr. book, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear."  Add in the You Tube
story read by Bill Martin Jr. himself and you've got a great lesson about colors. Colton loves this video and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Harvest Season Spirit

Now that I made my first ghost, I wanted to be creative with the second one.  This time, I supported the frame by adding more wire, from a cut wire hanger.  I also added a more frilly bow with furry boa and hair bow. 

I've been a little busy, decorating for Harvest Season.  It's amazing how you put out a few things and it gets you into a great spirit.  A table full of different sized gourds and pumpkins.  I still plan on making some salt dough characters and spooky trees.  Where I'm going to put them?  I have NO idea!  LOL!  Would someone like them? LOL! My hanging "Halloween Greetings" card, I purchased from one of my favorite stores "World Market." 

The "Trick or Treat" beggers and haunted house with graveyard, I purchased from Big Lots for $7 each.  I absolutely fell in love with them. 

I must tell you that you will have to start checking into Eighteen25 beginning tomorrow for all the Halloween craft and cooking ideas Link Up Party.  I'm thinking about sharing my crafts this year.  What do you think?  I know last year, I had so much fun at their Halloween Link Up Party.  I posted a couple of my crafts, but I received so many other inspirations.  I encourage you to link up, browse, and just have good fun.

Oh and I guess you can see from the photo above, I finally received my Bama Cross today.  Don't you just LOVE IT?!?  I'm so tickled.  A sweet sweet lady from Mississippi makes all kinds of these crosses for a living.  She makes all sizes.  Mine is considered large and is perfect for the front door.  Instead of displaying on my front door, I've got it in my hallway because I didn't want to take down my Halloween wreath that I just made.  Mrs. D had my cross ready for quite sometime.  Unfortunately at the time that she was ready to ship it to me, her son had an accident.  Isn't that awful?  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  I asked her if he was doing better, but she hasn't given me a response back.  If you are interested in purchasing one of these crosses (in any color), please leave me a comment along with your name and web address and I would be glad to get you in connect with Mrs. D. 
Happy Harvest!

Monkey Bread Recipe

A friend of mine, likes my Monkey Bread and requested my recipe.  I haven't made it in a while, but thought I would share it with you as well. 

Monkey Bread Recipe
2 tubes biscuits
Stick of butter, melted
Sugar and Cinnamon mixture (half and half)
Chopped Nuts (I like Pecan)

Cut each biscuit in 4's.
Roll up in a ball.
Dip in butter.
Roll in sugar/cinnamon mixture; roll in chopped nuts
Place in a Bundt cake pan.
Pour remaining butter over rolls
Bake at 350-375 degrees until golden brown

Black Boa Halloween Wreath

Well, I finally finished my Halloween wreath. I just love it! The only thing is my guests will be able to see at the door and not so much at the driveway. I guess that's what I get for having a dark colored wood door. LOL! I've had a few sweet compliments, but again I had to bring it to my guests attention.

What you need:
16" straw wreath
7 black feather boas
Floral pins
Ribbon
Halloween decorations to your taste

I didn't take the plastic off the straw wreath because I knew that the straw would end up all over my floor.  My first 2 feather boas were shedding everywhere before I could finish the wreath.  The next 5 boas, I picked up the fur feather boas.  They were thinner, but seemed to work better.  The poor clerk at my Hobby Lobby tried to get me to purchase the individual feathers, after I explained to her what I needed the boas for.  Now, let me ask you one thing.  Can you imagine me hot glue each individual feather to this wreath?  I'm not out of my mind.  After I realized that she was serious, I shut my mouth.  Thanked her and purchased the fur feather boas.  That's why I had to use so many boas, but so worth it.  I just wrapped the boas around the wreath and secured it with the floral pins.   I tied a decorative ribbon at the top for hanging purposes and made a bow on the wreath with the ribbon left over.  Have fun decorating! 

The wreath shown at my front door. 

Katie's School Picnic

Friday was Katie's school picnic and this time, Doug got to come. I think he really enjoyed visiting Katie's classroom and seeing all that she does in class. Ms. G went over a few of their regular activities. We got to read a few stories in Katie's journal. We found a couple of the pretty funny stories.

I had the opportunity to meet a few of Katie's friends and their parents. I finally got to meet Katie's close friend, A. They are like two peas in a pod. They are a lot alike. I think A's mom and I hit it off pretty good. The more we talked, getting to know one another, the more we found out that we have the same connections. She knows my family members and friends and I know hers. She's already talking about having the girls spend the night one weekend. We even met up with them at Hobby Lobby. I needed to get some supplies and A's mom needed to pick up her eldest daughter's framed painting. Her daughter is only 10 years old and I saw the painting. She has such a great talent. She's planning to have it entered into a contest.




Katie's teacher, Ms. G, had nothing but nice things to say about Katie, which makes my heart smile.  She said that Katie is making all good choices and makes a good leader with the group of girls that she is friends with.  Hearing this makes me relieved, knowing that Katie can't be persuaded.  Kids are under so much peer pressure in school at all ages.  I never thought I would say this, but I hope she will continue to be the hard head she is and stand firm in her beliefs. 

Her grades are doing great.  The progress report that we just received showed that she had a 100 average.  I reminded her that all the hard work really does pay off.  Ms. G has added a little more to the homework.  Katie has math flash cards to go over every night now.  The objective is to teach the children how to add in doubles (ex. 9+9=18).  I think it's great because I've been teaching Katie her numbers by 5, so it will help her to tell time.  In class, they did the doubles song in front of all the parents.  They added all the way up to 10+10=20.  Their Doubles Rap is pretty cute and they love singing it. 

Doubles Rap

It's the doubles, baby,

Let's go, let's go!

It's the doubles, baby,

And we'll start with 0.

0+0=0 (oh)

1+1=2 (oooh)

2+2=4 (more)

3+3=6 (kicks)

4+4=8 (that's great!)

5+5=10 (again)

6+6=12 (that's swell)

7+7=14 (that's keen)

8+8=16 (let's lean)

9+9=18 (jelly bean)

10+10=20 (that's plenty!)

Their class just had a word indentification test on the two pages of words lists.  They are suppose to bring home another list of words to remember.  They won't officially begin having spelling tests until after Thanksgiving or Christmas.  In Social Studies they will be exploring the continents and oceans and doing some research.  I've seen an improvement on Katie's reading this month.  She was so excited because Ms. G. moved her reading level up to Level E, which is a more reading and less picture helping stories.  I've noticed Katie grabbing books from our family library and reading them to Colton.  I've got to get my video camera out, so I can tape them at least one time.  Their class is scheduled for a field trip coming up soon.  I'm sorta glad that they won't need chaperones this time around.  The class is gathering canned foods for the next two weeks.  The field trip is the students going to several different charitable organizations, distributing canned food items that will go to those in need.  I absolutely love trips like this.  I love knowing Katie is participating in charity groups such as these. 

Lighted Ghosts

Light up your Halloween by making this ghost for your front door.  This ghost was fun and simple to make.  I plan on making one more ghost to greet our little Trick-or-Treaters.  Katie hasn't seen this ghost yet and she is going to flip out in the morning. 

You can make this ghost too.
 
All you need are:
Twin size white flat sheet
Sheet of black felt
Tomato cage
100 count white Christmas lights
Black Ribbon
Glue gun
Safety pins
Scissors
Duck Tape
Needle nose pliers
Wire cutters

1. Take your tomato cage with top down (flat side) and stakes sticking straight up.
2. Bend the metal stakes slightly to make a round head for our ghost greeter.
3. Duck tape the stakes securely at the top, forming the ghost's head. 
4. Begin securely (using cable ties) stringing your lights around the metal cage. Begin at the bottom first.  I followed the wire all around and up and down.  There's no wrong or correct way of doing this.
5. Cut all the tails left on the cable ties.  Making it nice and neat.
6. Fold your twin sheet in half.
7. Drape it over the frame.
8. Once you've equally created your ghost's body.  Tuck in the sides and safety pin them.  This secures the ghost's shape and keeps from the lights being exposed.
9. Free hand draw an eye and mouth template.  I made mine approximately a 4 inch oval shape with a triangle inside cut, to make it look like the ghost was looking off to his side.  Gives it character.
10. For the mouth, I cut a 4 1/2 inch oval shape. 
11. Lay the templates (eye & mouth) on top of the black felt.  Secure it with a safety pin.
12. Cut out 2 eyes and 1 mouth.
13. Hot glue them onto the ghost's body.
14. Tie a black ribbon around the ghost's neck area.  To keep it secure place a dot of hot glue on the sheet and press the ribbon on to it. 

Viola! 

There are other ways to make this ghost out of the tomato cages.  If you don't want to see the lights in the head portion, you can simply stick a large round styrofoam ball in the stakes.  The styrofoam ball becomes the ghost's head.  I didn't want to use the styrofoam because I wanted to see the ghost's face all lite-up. 

For arms, simply cut some durable wire and twist around the metal part of the cage on both sides.  With your pliers, curl your wire around so it won't poke out so much.  This makes the sheet stick out a little more. 

You can also apply wire legs for the ghosts to be a little taller, probably a plant stand or set it on top of an upside down pot.  Remember the sheet covers what's underneath. 

There really is no wrong way to create your friendly ghost.  So create and have fun with it. 

More crafts in the making:
Black Boa Wreath
                                                            . . . stay tuned!

Our Bama Game Trip and Prayer Requests

Sue called me a few days ago, saying that her husband bought tickets to the Bama game this weekend. This would be her first football game and she was bringing Maryann with her. She knew we were going, so we planned to ride together to the game and the places she would like to see. She was excited. I was excited. Maryann was excited.

We got to T-town really early because we wanted to take our time to see the sights. We drove through the tornado raged area. The clean up effort seems to be going well. We noticed that they went ahead and tore down the Hobby Lobby building along with many many others. Sue has heard us rave about Mellow Mushroom and had to try it. I don't think she was disappointed. The time we arrived there, was great timing. As you may know, it was the university's homecoming. Thus, a parade was making it's way downtown, right in front of the restaurant. It was great! The floats, sororities/fraternities walking along the streets, followed by area school bands. From there, we went ahead, parked the car, and walked along the streets headed for the quad. I felt so bad for Maryann. While we were walking, she twisted her leg and got hurt. She felt that as long as she could move her leg, walking, it might working out the soreness. She insisted walking to the museum and quad area. We took frequent stops, but she was able to hobble around the campus.

We did get to see the team's bus drive up to the walk of champions. Because there were so many people, we were not able to get up close to see the players or coaches. Maryann and I rode up the elevator to our nose bleed section in the stadium. LOL! Doug and I sat three rows from the top of the upper level. What a work out, walking up ALL those stairs. I really got a work out because the time we got seated, I had to go buy a shaker. Sue and I got the shakers. I had a mild heart attack by the time I got back to my seat, just to have to go back because Doug drank most of my soda. Here we go again. I surprised myself, making it back to my seat without needing fibulator.

Doug and I had a hard time watching the game for all the surrounding entertainment. We had the typical drunk, feeling real good and couldn't believe that the fans around him didn't feel as good as he. One guy a couple of seats by him asked him to sit down, so everyone else could see. Well, he didn't like it and let him know it. It wasn't long before another guys tapped him on the shoulder and asked him again to sit down. Well, he had a few choice words for him as well. That is until the fan pulled out his badge and told him to sit again. It wasn't until the off duty or undercover cop went to get security to escort the drunk out of the stadium, the drunk decided to sit down. The cop followed by three guards climbed up the stairs assess the situation. One security guard holding the drunk's collar, so he wouldn't fall going down stairs.  Yay! The surrounding fans cheered with satisfaction. We had a great time at the game. Doug had an awesome time because Auburn lost and Bama won. LOL! He tickles me.

After the game, we went to Mugshots for a late night supper. I love Picou (grilled chicken sandwich), so good. I don't think Sue believed us when we told her how good their sandwiches were until she tried it. She went on and on about how good it was and she just knew it was something that they put in the meat. We had so much fun and hope to do it again.

On our way home, we talked Maryann into just letting us drop her off at home. She was feeling really bad by the time we got back to the car from the stadium. Bless her heart, she will probably need to see a doctor this week about her leg.

Prayer Request
I would like to take this time to humbly ask you to please pray for the following people.

My cousin April was recently diagnosed with a terminal cancer. We don't know how long she's expected to live, but it's not good. She's only around 12 years older than me.  Her brother and sisters are either there with her during this difficult time or they are on their way. She has three older kids.

My nephew and his wife just found out that they are expecting their second child. She is having some difficulties and would appreciate your prayers.

Of course, my sister, Maryann, for her leg pain.

My mom's feeling much better.  The doctor says that they got all the cancer out of her temple.  She is on the road to recovery.     

Katie Meets Zayden

Last Sunday, Peggy, Katie, mom and I went to a baby shower. It was so nice and like I told the new expecting grandma, now we need a baby to meet.

Afterwards, we stopped by Zayne and Whitney's to see the baby. It would be the first time Peggy and Katie met him. Katie was in love immediately. She absolutely loved holding him and looking at all of his toes, fingers and tiny ears. LOL! She pretty much examined every inch of his body, eww and ahhing over him. Of course, we passed him around like a sack of potatoes with Katie following him all over the Living Room. Too funny.

Katie giving Zayden a kiss on his head

Katie gets to hold Zayden for the first time with Leslie's help

She kept telling all of us how cute and tiny he was.

I don't remember what was said here, but I'm sure whatever Katie said was amusing with Leslie grinning the way she is in this picture. 

It's my turn to hold baby boy. 

Great Grandma gets a chance to look him over.

Peggy and Katie are checking him out

Katie loves to look at babies feet.  She did the samething with Colton.

Autumn Vegetable Soup

Vegetable Soup
2 cans (lbs) Veg-All
1 can (lbs) Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes
2 3/4 qts. Tomato Juice
16 oz. Elbow Macaroni (2 1/4 cups) - cooked and drained
2 lbs. Ground Chuck - cooked and drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together ina 6 qt. stock pot. Bring to a boil. Stir occasionally. Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes.

Makes for a very LARGE gathering, be prepared. This soup is so easy to freeze and use for later.

Serve with corn bread, bread bowl or saltines.

Charlotte's Web

I have a huge fear of spiders - HUGE! So, first thing one morning when I went to the kitchen sink, I found this garden spider right in front of me. It scared me at first, but immediately I became grateful that she was outside and not inside the house. Of course, she was much much bigger than she is shown in this photo. My first instinct was to go outside and kill her. Then, I became very calm and okay with the idea of having a garden spider in my Kitchen window for a little while. I thought it would be educational for both me and my children to watch her. Every morning, we check on the spider, which was later named "Charlotte." Knowing that I'll be alright, I've enjoyed watching her and admiring her beauty. She's a Black and Yellow Argiope Spider. 

For the past couple days, Charlotte hasn't been feeling well.  I know this because, she wouldn't run after an insect that had just gotten tangled up in her web and she wasn't making new webs every morning.  First thing in the mornings, I enjoyed watching her create her masterpiece.  It's amazing how it would be in a perfect circle.  The kids absolutely love her!  It's a sight to see her eat very large insects. Amazing!  Doug even enjoyed it. 

Yesterday, I found out what was going on.  The night before I went to bed, I checked in on her.  She had crawled up to the edge of her web, hanging up-side down.  This wasn't like her.  I figured she was preparing to die.  I went ahead and warned Katie what was probably ahead.  Well, to my surprise yesterday morning.  I found a very skinny spider and a very LARGE egg sac.  The above picture is of Charlotte sitting on her egg sac.  Charlotte would work diligently making her egg sac secure with her web weaving, but I knew she was getting tired.  She'd work for a while and then rest.  Busy once again and get real still.  Katie couldn't get over the egg sac.  She is so tickled that we will be having baby spiders this coming Spring.  It has been a real experience for her, watching God's work in such a small creature and how life is always going on.  After reading up on garden spiders, I prepared Katie to the worst.  According to an article, garden spiders die off soon after laying their eggs in the Fall.  The spiders will hatch during the Winter months, but will stay securely in the egg sac.  Once Spring has sprung, the spiders will come out of the sac and go on their marry way.  Of course, Katie doesn't want her spider to leave us, but I'm trying to teach her that this is God's plan.  Lives are lived and then they must pass on, no matter how long or short. Before I went to bed last night, I checked on Charlotte and she was still hanging on.  Today, she seems to be hanging in there.  It took her most of the day, but she was able to dispose of the old web and spin a new one.  I even found her eating a bug that had gotten tangled up in her web. 

Here's a better picture of what our spider looked like before she had her babies.  This picture is supplied by Fairfax County Public School System. 

Let Your Light Shine This Autumn

Sure, it's fun to dress up and go from door to door receiving candy. But is there a different meaning to celebrate Halloween. Did Historical Christians take part in celebrating or honoring All Hallows Eve?

The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Today, All Hallows Eve is seen as a night of pagan rituals, but it has Christian roots. All Hallows Eve or Halloween is a time to honor the saints, the living and the dead. All Hallows Eve literally means the eve or day before all "holy ones" (hallows). The Lord’s Prayer, used by many Christians, contains the phrase, “hallowed be thy name.” Medieval Christians hallowed, or honored, not only God, but also all the saints who worked for God’s work in the world and glorified the Church with their prayers and service.

Skeletons decorate walls and scenes for Halloween today, but the original Halloween skeletons were bodies of holy Christian men and women.

Early Christians gathered bones and remains of their dead and honored them with special prayers and devotions. Christians began celebrating the Feast of All Martyrs and its vigil during the fourth century to honor all Christians who had died for their faith (martyrs).

Despite King Louis and Pope Gregory IV’s intentions, Samhain ("Sow" "en") traditions such as trick-or-treating, dressing in costumes, and pranks continue to be a part of Halloween celebrations.

Catholics and other Christians observe All Saints Day on November 1, and some honor the vigil of this feast, All Hallow’s Eve, with prayer and reflection for the saints.

In order to keep this special day holy, offer thanks and prayers to God. Here are a few October prayers and dinner grace.

"God of time and timelessness, thank you for a new month, October. Please bless us in all that we do this month [one may insert significant activities occurring during October such as birthdays, children's concerts, tests, or projects at work.] As this month begins and continues, let us notice Your changing creation around us and rejoice in the goodness of Your world. Amen."

Christians historically celebrated the Eve of All Saint's Day, known as All Hallow's Eve or later Halloween, with candles and prayers to honor the saints. The following prayer invites God to bless all who celebrate All Hallow's Eve as well as the saints who glorify God in heaven and on earth:

"God of heaven and earth, thank you for all Your saints who serve you and glorify Your name, especially [insert names of saints and other Christian friends and family if desired.] As we notice the celebrations around us, let us remember Halloween's basis in You, that we may celebrate Your goodness in the world, this day and always. Amen."

A family might light a candle and share this prayer together on Halloween to honor God and all the saints who have served God's church.

October is a month of beauty, cool weather, and many blessings from God. With prayer, a Christian can honor the passage of time this October and always.


Do you remember me carving this last year's Halloween? If not, HERE is the post for Halloween 2010. The glasses were my mother's special touch.  LOL!  You'll also find the Pumpkin Carving Prayer posted on last year's Halloween as well. 


This year, 1+1+1=1 posted a really cool free template regarding the Christian Pumpkin.  So precious!  My kids did their Christian Pumpkin today and wanted to share it with you tonight.  I simply printed out the cute printables and had my children color and glue the symbols onto their pumpkin.  I read the pumpkin gospel to them as they created their Christian pumpkins.  We have them displayed in our windows for everyone to see.  I really love this and wanted to share it with you.  Thank you 1+1+1=1! 


Pumpkin Gospel
I am a Jack O' Lantern
My lights will shine so bright
For I'm a Christian pumpkin
My symbols tell what's right

My nose is like the cross
On which our Savior died
To set us free from sin
We need no longer hide

My mouth is like a fish
The whole wide world to show
That Christians live in this house
And love their Savior so!

The story starts at Christmas
My eyes are like the star
That shone on Baby Jesus
And wise men saw from far

My color it is orange
Just like the big bright sun
That rose on Easter Day
Along with God's own Son

And so on Halloween
Let's set our pumpkins out
And tell the trick or treaters
What God's love is all about!


I love reading "The Pumpkin Patch Parable" to my children.  We've only just checked it out from the Library, but I think we should add it to our own Library at home.  If you haven't read it, I highly recommend.  You won't regret it. 

1+1+1=1 also offers a Pumpkin Patch Parable printable activity for you and your children to read and color.  Just CLICK HERE!
For more awesome Christian Fall Books, CLICK HERE!

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!

Resource:
 Suite 101;
Grace To You
1+1+1=1