The Pumpkin Patch and Other Fall Projects

This past Saturday, Will and I and the kids, along with Kordon and Morgan, all went to the corn maze and pumpkin patch.

Taking the hay ride to the pumpkin patch. Liam talked about it for a long time afterwards.

Moira wasn't very happy. She and Morgan wandered alone in the corn maze after they broke off from our group. Morgan purposely got them lost and Moira panicked. By the time they got out, Moira was crying. It took a long time for her to realize that even if they got lost for real, we wouldn't let them stay out there for long.

The awesome thing about the maze that we went to was that it was right behind Will's parents' house. This is Pam's cousin Margie coming to the back gate to say hi after we got off the hay ride in the pumpkin patch.

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I recently took up crocheting again. I had forgotten how soothing it could be. I made myself a cardigan and a matching hat. I had such a good time making these that I'm looking forward to my next projects.

Kyla wanted a turn posing as well:

Pam Rogers 1944-2010

Yesterday we said goodbye to a wonderful lady who left us too early in her life. Will's mom, Pam, passed away from cancer on October 14th. She found out a year ago in August that she had colon cancer. After surgery and a year of chemo therapy, she lapsed into a coma and died. Even though we all knew the time was coming, it still didn't prepare us for the feelings of loss and sorrow. Yesterday afternoon was Pam's funeral. A lot of people came to pay their respects, which I'm sure Pam would have loved since she was always a social person and loved to talk to anyone who would listen.

On our way to the funeral. Everyone looked so nice.

The funeral was at the Idaho State Veterans' Cemetery. Since Will's dad was in the army, he and Pam were both eligible to be laid to rest here.

Will and Jimmy playing Amazing Grace, Pam's favourite bagpipe song.

One of the pictures of Pam that was there.

Pam's ashes, along with a letter from Moira and the reed from Will's bagpipes.

Pam lived for her grandkids. There were lots of sleep overs and shopping trips. A couple of years ago, Pam and Jim took the kids up to the winter festival in McCall.

Moira's birthday this past May

This is Pam with her oldest friend Barbara. This was at my baby shower for Kyla.

A few weeks ago, some family from out of town came down for a visit. This is Pam with her oldest grandchild, Morgan.

It's never easy watching someone you love suffer and knowing that there is nothing you can do for them. I should be happy that Pam isn't hurting anymore and that she is in a better place, but the selfish part of me wishes she was still here. I could really use her help making the kids' Hallowe'en costumes and last week, when I was trying to finish up my very first crocheted sweater, I wanted her to teach me how to block the pieces. There will always be a hole in my heart, not only for my own sense of loss, but for that of Will and the kids. Will lost his mother and my kids lost a grandma, both significant roles in their lives. We all talked fondly of her this past weekend and I know that we will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. Pam has touched us all in a most profound way.

General Randomness

September has come and gone and, I have to say, I'm not sorry to see it go. It was a crazy busy month for us and I'm looking forward to the upcoming boring times we have planned.

Two days after my mom left, my dad, sister and nephew came down for a couple of days. Meanwhile, Will's brother-in-law and nephew also came down to stay for a week, not to mention two of Will's uncles and their wives were in town as well. It was an incredibly crazy weekend, but lots of fun too. I was happy to see my family again and Erica and I went to a thrift store and walked to the near by book store. It's hard being so far away from home and it all seems all the more painful when visits are few and far between.

Here are some random shots of our last weekend of September.

My dad and Liam taking Ashlee for a walk

Kyla being silly

The weather was very warm, but the water was cold. It didn't stop the kids from jumping in, though. This is Morgan taking a brave leap.

Moira's cannonball

Then it was time to dry off by jumping on the trampoline. Here Morgan is doing a forward flip.

Then Kordon had a turn practicing his back flips.

Kordon surprised us all by bringing down two of his turkeys. They are living a relatively comfortable life in the confines of the old dog kennel at Will's parent's house.

On Sunday evening we all got together at Will's parent's for dinner. It was the first time that I had met some of these people.

This is Jim's brother Gary and his wife

Pam with Clyde and Elizabeth

This weekend was the first we've had in quite a while where we didn't have anything planned. We all sat on the couch watching cartoons until noon on Saturday and today the girls and I actually made it to the cat shelter. I managed to get quite a bit of homework done. It was the perfect do nothing weekend.

Liam's 3rd Birthday and Mum's Visit

September 8th marked Liam's 3rd birthday. It's hard to believe that three years have already gone by since he came into this world. Yet, it's hard to remember when he wasn't around. Will had to go out of town the morning of Liam's birthday so we had a little party for him a couple of days before. Will's dad came over to have some cake with us. On Liam's birthday, he got to open his presents before Will left.

Liam decorating his cake

Opening presents on his birthday:

Last week my mum flew down for a visit. It was the first time she had been down in almost six years. She got to experience the Highland Games here in Boise. It was our last game of the season.

The kids petting a border collie after the agility demonstration

Working our butts off because we were swamped all day

The same weekend was the Hyde Park Fair. Idaho Indie Works set up a really kick ass booth again this year and I was so happy to be a part of it. We got electricity this year and the "Christmas" lights really set a great mood for shopping.

My display

On Monday, Kyla, Liam and I took Mum to the zoo. She hadn't been there before and I thought it would be a good place to go where we could all have some fun.

Looking at ducks

Feeding the goats

Pretending to be birds

Mum left yesterday morning. Now we are getting ready for a visit from my dad and sister and two of Will's uncles this weekend.