Well Jon and I have been pretty busy lately with school and work but since we've become teachers in the marriage and family relations class we've really been working on having quality time together. We're both a little bit of perfectionist and I think we both have a little problem with letting other things get in the way. Ok, I'll be honest it's mostly my problem... Date nights are something that was stressed to us from the get go and I'm really starting to understand why. It's really easy to loose that focus on your spouse and you just forget how important they are or why you liked them so much in the first place!

So now to the fun stuff!

About two weeks ago Jon and I spent our date night going to the pumpkin patch. Probably not the wisest expenditure we've made thus far but it was a lot of fun to reminisce and enjoy each others company. We went to the pumpkin patch over a year ago when we were dating so it was fun to re-experience that. The corn maze is always really frustrating to me because they really don't make sense especially when people make their own short cuts. We somehow went from check point 1 to check point 8 without seeing any of the others... Over all it was a good time and just nice to have that quality time to enjoy each others company... even though Jon wouldn't jump on the giant balloon pillow thing with me. But I kicked his but at the duck race so it's OK.

Collage of five pumpkin patch panels at night: Jon and Danielle smiling together, Danielle and Jon on swing rides, Danielle kneeling by a "Cow Milking Contest" sign, and Danielle grinning at the "Duck Races" tub

So this last weekend we got to carve pumpkins. I've started dabbling in the world of couponing so I'm kinda obsessed with sales.. We waited it out and got our pumpkins at a whopping $.09/lb!

Just under $5 for 3 good sized pumpkins. This was Jon's first time carving an intricate pumpkin. It was a complete success. He was really proud of the outcome and I finally got to do flounder! So I think we're both excited for next years pumpkin carving festivities.

Jon in a green shirt kneeling on newspaper-covered floor, smiling while scooping out a pumpkin

Danielle in a grey hoodie kneeling on the floor carving one of three pumpkins laid out on newspaper, a roll of Brawny paper towels nearby

Jon's carved pumpkin lit from inside, glowing orange-red against a black background in the shape of the Android robot logo

Two carved pumpkins glowing in the dark side by side: Flounder from The Little Mermaid on the left, and the Android robot wearing a halo on the right

I can really see the improvements in our patience and willingness to have a strong marriage since we've received our calling. You really do find a strong love and understanding for your spouse as you keep the Christ at the center of it all. I'm really happy I've had this time with my husband! Well it's sad that October my favorite month has come and gone. And what's even worse is the snow is quickly finding it's way here... Pray for us. I hate the cold!