Our Halloween Convictions

My husband, Doug and I have read a number of different articles about whether or not it is okay for Christians to celebrate Halloween. All of them talked about the origin of Halloween and one mentioned that it is okay to celebrate if you are not celebrating the origin, another mentioned that it is bad to celebrate something with such a bad origin, yet others mention that you can use the day to evangelize. Doug and I feel that we don't like the origin or many other things about it, so we aren't going to have any involvement in it at all.
Up to this year, not celebrating Halloween was easy, we just carried on like any other day. But this year with Anson being school it has gotten a little harder. At school in the afternoon they had Halloween activities. I called the school to see if they had any alternative activities for those who chose not to participate, but unfortunately they didn't, so we picked Anson up at lunch. He seemed to understand why, and didn't mind.
Sometimes we feel like we are the only ones who feel this way, yet we understand that others might not be convicted as we are. Anyway with all this being said I just want to breath a sigh of relief that it is done for another year.

Cameron is 4!

Yesterday was Cameron's fourth birthday. He got to choose the menu and the activity. He choose hotdogs and bowling. Can a party get any funner than that? He had a great time and that is the important thing.

Comfy Cameron?

Lately I have been separating the boys during nap time(they share a room), because often it turned out to be goofing around time instead. My methods of disciplining were ineffective in this matter and my frustration was building. My wise husband came up with a plan of putting one of them in our bed during that time. Needless to say things have been going quite smoothly. Cameron usually falls asleep. While Anson doesn't always sleep, he at least has quiet time. Now they have a more sane mom:) Anyway yesterday I went to get Cameron up from his nap, but couldn't see him on our bed. That's when I noticed his blanket sticking out from underneath our bed. I had to lift the bed skirt to actually see him. I couldn't believe that he could be comfortable under there, with nothing between him and the laminate flooring.

Friends

Our Friend Lindsay came for a visit from Alberta. She took the time to hang out with Anson and Cameron. They played with lego, and did some finger painting. Needless to say the boys are quiet fond of her, and we really appreciate her as well.

Brandon playing with his little friend Calliegh who is 6 weeks younger than him.

Oh Boy

I really believe that God has a sense of humour. I grew up with seven sisters and no brothers. (My poor dad often mentioned that he could taste hairspray) Now God has blessed me with three sons and no daughters. I'm not complaining, I think that it's great! To be honest though, I often feel clueless.
I just finished reading an article in Today's Parent magazine called It's a guy thing, by John Hoffman. It talks a lot about how boys are wired differently than girls (that's not a news flash, I have been married to a guy for seven years) but I did learn some things and was reminded of others. For instance, it talks about how boys have the tendency to take more risks and end up injured more often than girls. Also because boys have more testosterone they are more aggressive and rambunctious. I know that I need to change some things in the way that I parent my boys...I need to find positive outlets for their boyish tendencies.

When I was expecting Cameron, a group of us from Church went the the video series by Focus on the family, Bringing up boys. Unfortunetly I don't remember too much of it and would love to go through it again.

If anyone has any tips for me about raising boys, or if you could just say a quick prayer for wisdom for me that would be greatly appreciated.

6 months old already!?!?

I am finding it hard to believe that my baby is six months old already. He is such a joy to have around. He is a happy and content boy, who likes to give lots of smiles. He has the sniffles right now so he likes to cuddle lots.

Fall Fun