It was time to carve the pumpkins and this year it would not be the same old triangle eyes and ridged teeth. I got on-line, they looked at some pictures and printed out the one they wanted to try their hand at. No stencil involved, it would be free handed.

Out they went, Jo Bea, Madge and Ty, to choose the pumpkin that best suited them....they were almost exactly the same so it really didn't matter : )

After their "canvas" was chosen, the weapon of choice was chosen. First they cut the bottom out...if you didn't know it, it's much easier to lift the pumpkin and light the candle than trying to light the candle inside the pumpkin....

then on to the gutting phase....and need I say none of them really liked that part, but knew it had to be done : ) when all was clean, well most of it, they moved on to their free hand drawing....

where they had all my washable markers, damp sponge in case of a mistake, and as you can see, a big container with water to keep their hands washed. No one was allowed to look at the others work at ANY time.

As soon as the drawing was established ,the cutting began..and yes, they had every knife, spoon, and ice pick on the porch with them...

As they widdled away at their creative art, several friends cheered them on...some even licking toes as they went by to motivate them to widdle faster!

For the critters, licking toes and watching spoons, knives, and pumpkin skin flying about can be a thirst builder so they too have to stop for a break.

Finally the widdling began to come to an end, with Madge putting down the knife first...

Come to find out, Madge wasn't feeling well at all...she was in so much pain we were up all night and she went to the Dr. today, but she is proud of her "new design" pumpkin. Next to drop the knife was Ty. Because of his leg, he handled his differently and it broke but he fixed it back and all was well. Of course, last but not least was Jo Bea to finish. Hers was more complicated (naturally) and had fine detail work. We picked at her about not being done till next years Halloween, but in a few hrs. she was done...yes, I said a FEW HRS. she finished!

Actually I took this picture today (the day after) and the inside has begun to dry and separate but it is still in working order. If you look at the witch's nose it has Jo Bea's name and the mouth is Tyler's name. That was very creative. While they rejoiced in her FINALLY being done, they cleaned up the "guts" that didn't make it in the bucket and etc.

We went in for a bite to eat, waiting for the right time to light them and the anticipation was running high. I would not allow them out of the house until I set each pumpkin up and lit them. Jo Bea, Madge & Tyler was excited to see their handiwork. It was a job well done by each of them and lots of fun in the process. They wanted to have a "public" voting on my blog for your favorite one, but I think we can all agree that there are 3 well carved, creative and beautifully lit pumpkins.

They would love to hear what you have to say tho.

I remembered seeing a pic. of Madge, much younger, painting a pumpkin so I wanted to compare them to last evenings carving......NOW

and THEN....

WOW, how they grow! I don't have a younger pic. of Jo Bea doing this because she use to couldn't stand ANYTHING on her hands.

As they were cutting the bottom open so they could reach inside and pull all the guts out, I thought about how we are ALL given that opportunity EACH and EVERY day.....through Christ. Acts 13: 38, 39 state," Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." My study notes go on to say....."this is the Good News of the gospel: that forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt are available through faith in Christ to ALL people---including YOU. Have you received this forgiveness? Are you refreshed by it EACH day?"

The Lord wants us to be refreshed EVERYDAY so that we can be used fully for His purpose. Get rid of the slimy, stringy, cold stuff inside and replace it with love, compassion and all His goodness so that HIS light will shine, for others to see . Christ is the "oxygen" in our lives...just as with the pumpkins, if we placed the light (candle) inside before cleaning, before changing anything, inside or out...the light goes out...still no beauty. But if you clean it out good, make some changes so oxygen (Christ) can flow, then the light continues to burn brightly and His beauty is undeniable.

Lord continue to give us the desire to come to You each day to be cleansed so that YOU can flow freely through us!

Have a FREE FLOWING day in Christ!

God bless you.....