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Pumpkin Plans

Ricky was looking forward to his Kindergarten Oktoberfest last Thursday. They were going to have a lot of fun activities including making scarecrows and carving pumpkins. When Ricky woke up on Thursday morning with a fever, he cried big tears. He would have done anything to go to school for the party. He even woke up me up several times during the night before to tell me, "I don't think I'm sick. My head only hurts a little bit . . . I'm all better now because my throat only hurts sometimes."

I was also sad that he wasn't feeling well because I was looking forward to spending some time in his classroom getting to know his classmates and their parents. I had even managed to find somebody to stay home with Andrew during the activities.

But, being a mom has taught me over and over . . . and over, that plans change and being flexible is much better than getting upset over things you just can't change.

I had an idea that morning that helped the both of us to feel a little better: I would walk to school that morning to bring Ricky's pumpkin home to carve. So, that's what we did.
Makayla was also home with us, so she took a few pictures. Cleaning out pumpkins for carving is not high on my list of favorite things, but we do it every year. Ricky wanted a "mean guy" this year, so we did our best. Here is Ricky with his "mini-me."

He is much cuter with a smile. In fact, in this picture, you can hardly tell that both Ricky and Makayla are sick.


The other kids are disappointed because I have been unable to take them to do the usual fun fall activities that we like. We never made it to the apple orchard like last year. We also weren't able to go to the pumpkin patch. The only reason Ricky had a pumpkin was because he needed one for his school activity. The selection at the store was pathetic, so I couldn't make myself buy them for all of the kids. Makayla and Andrew helped with Ricky's pumpkin, and Emily was able to help her friend carve a pumpkin on Saturday. That will have to do this year, unfortunately. It has kind of been a bummer of a fall, but we're making the best of it.
We are all looking forward to Wednesday for Andrew's cast removal. We are also excited for Halloween on Saturday when Aunt Cheryle and Uncle Troy will be visiting along with our friends, Max and Amy, from Indiana.

Comments

The Nedrys said…
I would be sad if I were Ricky too! Good thing he has an awesome Mom that made missing the party not quite so bad. I'm glad Andrew is getting his cast off this week, and hopefully you guys will be back to all your normally activites quickly!
Chalonn said…
You are such a great example Bonnie...way to be flexible!!! Your kids are so lucky you are their mother! I think I'm going to steal your quote on your sidebar by Pres. Monson...find joy in the journey!!

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