Today I want to tell you about a fun get-together our family does every October! There’s plenty of time for you to plan one if you like the idea!
In 2004 we started doing a Fall Party-Pumpkin Carving Party. By 2005 all the focus was on the pumpkin carving. We eat barbecue, caramel apples, apple crisp and bunches of other autumn favorites, then we split into 2 person teams and the competition begins! Within an hour or so the carved pumpkins are done and the judging starts…
We’ve had some amazing winners in the past…like Crocodile Hunter and Tiger Woods. Last year though, the stakes were high. There were drills, fancy carving tools and my sister carved…are you ready?
The face of the Lord.
But the face of Jesus didn’t win! (See the winner: HERE)
I remember thinking when the face of Christ lost that we just might be getting overly competitive. Maybe it would help year off!
So this year we’re having a Chili Cook-off instead! The competition promises to be just as fierce since we have some major competitors in the group, I’ll let you know how it goes!
We take a family photo every year too. These photos are so precious, showing the way our babies have grown and reminding us of how those we love aren’t here forever. The family photo is one of the most important parts of the time we have together.
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This year we’ll be a year of firsts with the Chili Cook-Off, we’ll also be wrapping and filling shoe-boxes for Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child. I love and trust Samaritan’s Purse, it’s the Christian organization “providing physical and spiritual aid to hurting people around the world”. The president of Samaritan’s Purse is Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s son. (The pick up date for Operation Christmas Child is the week of November 15! Wanna join in? Info HERE)
Might be fun to get family and friends together this month for a pumpkin carving or a chili cook-off. It won’t be long before the whirl-wind of Holiday activity starts!
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A post with more ideas for your own Pumpkin Carving Party: HERE
and HERE
Julie Garmon says
October 5, 2010 at 9:02 amPerfect! I love your new ideas.
Rose says
October 5, 2010 at 9:08 amI was blessed to be a part of this event last year and had a blast! Your family is so much fun, thank you for a great party!
Lisa says
October 5, 2010 at 9:21 amSeriously?? The M & M’s a good….but the face of Jesus, hmmm, was there a recount?? All in good fun I am sure!
Bill (cycleguy) says
October 5, 2010 at 9:23 amThat, my friend, is a mighty big family. I hope everyone comes with belts that loosen or with pants that have elastic. That chili cook off sounds like a belly full. I cast my vote for you…if you make it with chicken or turkey meat (and then send me some). 🙂 Love and hugs to you today.
.-= Bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Connecting the Dots =-.
Emma says
October 5, 2010 at 10:10 amCant wait to be a judge this year! Since i wont be in any mood to cook because this party is ON MY DUE DATE! haha
Hopefully little Lucy will be here before then and we can all relax and not have to worry about me going into labor 🙂
Gina says
October 5, 2010 at 11:02 amWhat a great idea. I would love to do something like this but seems like folks schedules are so full. I know a family who gets together for an apple butter stir off. We’ve gotten together to watch football games but I like the addition of other activities. Making the shoe boxes is a fabulous idea too!
Jane Carter says
October 5, 2010 at 11:11 amNow that we are living in the same town with our grown kids and more extended family, I think the idea of a pumpkin carving party would be Perfect! Lord knows my husband is into carving pumpkins, as are both of my boys, so we might have some pretty stiff competition. So, if the face of Christ didn’t win, who trumped it???
.-= Jane Carter´s last blog ..WARNING – Delay Ahead!!! =-.
Pinky says
October 5, 2010 at 11:33 amI love that you can all get together for an event like this. Hoping Emma and LUCY will be there, (Lucy having been born already:):) Have a great time! The pictures are the most precious thing to have and remember!!!! XO, Pinky
rose says
October 5, 2010 at 4:37 pmthat’s a big group. good ideas you have suggested. rose
.-= rose´s last blog ..Our Dogs-Our babies =-.
Entertaining Women says
October 5, 2010 at 5:31 pmYou are blessed with such a marvelous HUGE family! The family photo was my favorite element in you post. If Jesus didn’t win, who did? I just hope that it wasn’t Michael Jackson. You have a family of incredible artists…such fun! Will you serve corn bread muffins with the chili entries? You are establishing such high value traditions for your family. Thank you for sharing your wonderful events. Cherry Kay
.-= Entertaining Women´s last blog ..The Bungalow- Part V =-.
Vicky says
October 5, 2010 at 5:50 pmOh how I love a family that knows how to throw a fun party 🙂 Can I be adopted? I make a mean chili… will you post the winning recipe for us? You can never have too many chili recipes.
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Extreme Makeover Home Edition- Day 2 =-.
Tom Raines says
October 5, 2010 at 9:03 pmWow, that is talent but reading your recap last year I have chuckled all day about the
“I was torn up all day wondering if Deb might go to hell for carving Jesus’ face in a pumpkin or if the REST of us would go to hell since we didn’t vote for it…”
that is sooo you! Toooo funny. Many very talented and competitive folks! Can’t wait to hear the chili stories!! Jesus probably liked chili too…oops probably shouldn’t have said that! Ha
.-= Tom Raines´s last blog ..Affirmation of God- My citizenship is in Heaven =-.
Jean Fischer says
October 6, 2010 at 9:08 amRobin,
Would you adopt me, please? I want to be in your family!
Jean
.-= Jean Fischer´s last blog ..Fear Strikes the Queen! =-.
pamela ponder says
October 6, 2010 at 9:21 amgreat pictures, we have a chili cookoff, pupkin carving, costume contest planned for the 23rd..can’t wait
.-= pamela ponder´s last blog ..WORDLESS WEDNESDAY THE MEN IN MY LIFE =-.
Sandy says
October 6, 2010 at 10:51 amYou are so blessed that you have a large family that enjoys getting together. What a talented group. That’s some pretty fancy pumpkin carving.
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Cottage Style Decorating – Choose Your Own Style =-.
kelly says
July 26, 2011 at 4:57 pmHi! What a fun idea! We are actually casting a new show for MSN (webseries) and are looking for families who have fun/unique traditions. You tradition is amazing! If you would like more info or want to be a part of this webseries please email me at [email protected]
Thanks