The GREAT 'Punkin'

October has been flying by and so many great things have happened!  Jason and I had the chance to visit the Hanover Vegetable Farm.  It was SO much fun.  We got to go on a hayride to a field full of pumpkins.

Of course we took the challenge of "All You Can Carry for $20".  Jason was able to carry 6....yes SIX pumpkins! It was quite a feat!

 

  When we got home that night we decided that we were going to make a night of it and carve our pumpkins, watch a Halloween movie, and enjoy a quiet evening together.  I have to admit that I was not very helpful in the carving department.  I think I am responsible for 1 of the 6 pumpkins.  But as I was carving my one and only pumpkin, I got to thinking about God and Pumpkins.

    A pumpkin is quite a bit like being a Christian.  As you would go into a pumpkin patch a pick a pumpkin, God chose you from his "patch".  After picking the perfect pumpkin you take it home and clean it off.  In the same way God, takes you in as his own and begins to "clean" you off.  Next you take the pumpkin and cut the top off and scoop out all of the pumpkin guts and God does the same thing to us.  He digs all of the yucky stuff out.

 

 All of the pumpkin seeds and guts are removed and then you begin to carve a cute pumpkin design, you put a candle inside and BAHDABING! God removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. And then he carves you a new smiling face and puts his light inside you to shine for all the world to see.

 

  I hope that everyone has a safe and fun filled Halloween.  Continue to let your light shine for all to see!

 

Rush Rush Rush

   WHEW!! October is flying by! This past weekend was slammed!  We were in Virginia Beach for my best friend's wedding.  It was a beautiful ceremony followed by a delicious and relaxing reception!  Jason and I had to drive back to Richmond the night of the wedding because our Sunday was so full. 
   Jason had to work Sunday morning/afternoon and I went to the "October Birthday Party" at Bradley and Stephanie's (Jason's brother and sister-in-law). Stephanie had invited all of her family as well as the whole Joyner clan.  It just so happened that they are expecting their first child!!! I AM SO EXCITED TO BE AN AUNT!!!  They told the family in a really cute way.  After everyone opened their birthday presents they gave each set of parents and grandparents a card.  Inside the card was a picture of the first ultrasound and it was signed "Bradley, Stephanie, and Baby J"....SO STINKING CUTE!!
   I left the birthday party early because my cousin, David, was in town from Seattle and I had planned a little cousin time.  We went to Champp's at Stoney Point then made our way to Bar Louie.  We had a great time catching up and it's crazy how you don't realize how much you miss someone until you are able to catch up with them again. I miss him so much and hope he will come live on the east coast some time soon!
   The beginning of the week has gone by so quickly!  There are a lot of things coming up that we will get to later:-) Stay Tuned!

It Was a "Thrilling" Weekend

    This weekend was one to remember!!  Jason and I traveled to Virginia Beach for Kristin and Matt's wedding.  We left early on Saturday morning and arrived at Betsey and Patrick's (Patsey) house around 10am.  Betsey and I started right away running around for the bride!  We were lucky enough to help set up some things AND spend some time with the beautiful Mrs. Sheely!  Jason and Patrick spent the afternoon watching UVA win!!  The wedding was gorgeous and the reception was a blast!  One of the key parts was  a "Thriller" dance by a group of dancers that Kristin's dad knew! It was so cool! I will post a few pictures soon!

 Kate, Betsey, and Me (I look a little scared, not sure why)

The Beautiful Mrs. Sheely

  On Sunday Jason and I left early to head back to Richmond.  We had a minor detour and met my sister in Williamsburg.  While Catie and I shopped all day, Jason made his way back home to check on the kitties and unwind with some golf!

   All in all it was a great weekend!  It is great to travel on the weekends but also good to be back home; although, sometimes coming home involves encountering stress that you were able to leave behind. More to come on that later.......

FALLing into October

   October is finally here and you know what that means........ Fall, pumpkins, chili, football games/tailgates, and lots of other fun things!  We have a busy month coming! 

   This weekend we are headed to Virginia Beach to celebrate the marriage of one of my sorority sisters and good friends, Kristin!  We are so happy and excited for their journey!  We are going to be staying with my best friend Betsey, who is getting married the following weekend, and her fiance Patrick.  I am so excited to see what Betsey has done with baby Molly's room

   Life as a school teacher is going well.  I am so blessed to work with the people that I do!  We have just started to get kids and there are some interesting ones!!  Today a child said a word that I had not heard in a while.  It was not a cuss word....I  know I was surprised too!  I am used to hearing the normal "f", "b", and "s" words but this word struck a serious nerve with me!  I asked this particular student if he had completed an assignment I had given him and he said "Yes, Mrs. Joyner.....SYKE!" Man oh Man!  SYKE? Really?!?  I felt like I was back in my school days when "syke" was a cuss word. I absolutely LOVE my job though. The classroom is getting cuter and cuter each day! It seems that throughout the day Adriane and I are always thinking of a cuter way to do something or a decorating idea!  We actually pulled out the pumpkin wreath , pumpkins,AND the fall leaves today...so exciting!!! (pictures to come soon)


  We have started the preliminary steps of househunting. Found a Realtor...check!   Preapproved for a Loan...check!  Now we are just going to slowly begin this exciting process. We will definitely keep everyone posted with our progress!