Pumpkin Patch

Monday was the perfect day to visit the pumpkin patch!

Cayla, Lisa, Luke, Autumn, Mark & Kelly

Cayla and Luke on the tractor headed to the apple orchards!

Autumn and Mark ready to pick apples!

Autumn with a Red Delicious!

Leo the big, black Newfoundland who lives on site, came out to the orchard to eat apples.

Cayla in the orchard!

Mark and Autumn!

My sister was delirious about picking apples!

Can you see the little spider on the pumpkin?  How very Halloween!

I just liked these!

Autumn posing with her pumpkin!

Cayla and Autumn!

Mark and Autumn!

Me with my pumpkin pick!

The kids had a blast on the huge tire swing.  Since it was Monday  we had the place to ourselves and it was awesome!

Kelly and her pumpkin!

Autumn and the sheep!

Autumn and Mark

Apple options.  All the Granny Smith were gone :(

Kelly and Lisa paying for their produce!

Autumn eating a grape honey stick.

Mark, on the cow!

 

We brought hot chocolate for the kids to have afterwards.  It was still so hot they could hardly drink it!

Trying to cool down the hot cocoa, before heading home!  Great day at the pumpkin patch.  Definitely one of my favorite fall activities!1!

Clip-It!

I finally got around to doing another craft and this one was E-A-S-Y!!!

Using medium sized binder clips I cut pieces of fabric to fit, and then mod-podged the fabric to the clip.  Done!

I think these would also be cute using ribbon or scrapbook paper, but with the paper I would definitely want to mod-podge the outside of the paper as well and not just secure it to the clip.

These are the tiny binder clips and they weren't quite as easy, but they're definitely as cute :)

Status Report!

I was in the mood to write a post, but had nothing spectacular to write about at the moment, so I thought I'd make a list because who doesn't love a list?  So, without further ado, here's my status:

1)  Reading:  "A Simple Amish Christmas" by Vannetta Chapman and "Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children" by Allison Bottke.

2)  Baking:  Muffins, quick breads and cupcakes.  I've been on a bit of a baking kick lately!

3)  Eating:  Soft foods....due to my recent oral surgery.  But I'm really loving chocolate milk and chocolate pudding which I seldom indulge in, but really should because they're full of calcium and have some redeeming qualities unlike the aforementioned items in 2.

4)  Working:  On the handbook for my VBS meeting which is May 17th.  Oh, and preparing my girls for their standardized tests.  Never a dull moment.

5)  Sewing:  Mini draw-string bags for the girls' friends.  So practical for toting change, tiny toys, or chapstick and hand sanitizer.

6)  Watching:  My husband change out one of the windows in our kitchen.  The old garden window had moisture between the glass and it was gross.  After finding a nice white, vinyl one on Craigslist for $25, the project is nearly finished.  Pictures to come when it's complete.

7)  Studying:  Well, actually I just finished "Daniel" by Beth Moore.  It was amazing and the Lord really taught me some great lessons through this study.  Hoping to participate in another Beth Moore study soon.

8)  Planning:  Our upcoming family vacation to Branson, Missouri.  The girls are super excited to fly (for the first time) and visit Silver Dollar City, and I'm excited to see family I haven't seen in ages.

9)  Learning:  How to use my Singer Bias Tape Maker so I can create the world's cutest bias tape to enhance skirts, tops, bags and any other sewing project that needs a cute embellishment.

10)  Praising:  My incredible Savior for the way He heals (Caitlin and me), the way He protects (My family daily), the way He loves (each of us), the friends He blesses me with (Becky, Mary, Lisa, Trudy.....), the family He gave me to love with all my heart (Cory, Cayla, Autumn and Chuck and all my extended family).

I am blessed!

Comic Relief!

Because my stress level is nearing maximum capacity.....

Blog Button!

If you're reading this post and you shift your eyes to the left....you will see my new blog button.  After noticing numerous buttons on other blogs, I thought I could make one for my blog, proudly advertising my denomination.  It was a piece.of.cake to create too.  Here's what I did:

1)  Go to picnik.com
2)  Click on 'upload a photo'
3)  Use an existing photo, or surf the web for a background (like my snowflakes) you like and save it to your computer.
4)  Follow picnik's instructions to create your picture (button).  Start by re-sizing the photo (picnik automatically sizes one of the sides, so if you pick '250' as your height, it will automatically adjust the width to be proportionate).  250 or roughly there is a good button size.
5)  Add your text in the box on the top left of picnik.  On the top right, you can change the font, and size and direction of your wording by playing around with it - it's all right there on the screen for you.
6)  Click on 'save photo' and save your picture to your computer.
7)  Open your blog and add a gadget (choose 'add photo' as your gadget).
8)  Click on 'image' and select the photo you just created in picnik.

There you go!  It's a lot simpler than my instructions make it seem!  You now have a button!  What a great way to advertise something about yourself, something you love, or an Etsy shop (if you have one :)

Be Thankful!

It's the season for giving thanks, and what better way than with a list.  Because you all know how much I LOVE a list?!  So, here are 10 things I'm thankful for.  They're a tad out of the norm, but I figured family and friends go without saying.......I hope you'll play along and add your list in the comments section......

1)  Pinterest - Pinterest is a list-lovers dream only better, because it's pictures.

2)  Sweet Potato Casserole - It's the only sweet potato dish I really like and it's my sister's recipe so you know it's incredible.  If you've ever had Thanksgiving with us, you've had it.  And if you didn't try it, you only cheated yourself because it's amazing!!!

3)  Spray Paint - I've gone a little crazy lately painting everything in sight, or planning to anyhow.  For just a few bucks, spray paint turns trash into treasure.  LOVE!

4)  Lists - Whether they're on my phone, my Mac, or just a slip of paper, I'd be a disorganized mess without my lists.  Lists are essential.  And obviously the people at 3M think so too.....have you checked the price of "Post-It's" lately?

5)  Mason Jars - They're not just for canning anymore Toto!  I store everything from spools of thread to decorated clothes pins in mine.

6)  Organization - Admittedly, I'm not always on top of it, but I'm still thankful for it.  When I see rooms, cabinets, items, stores, anything completely organized, it gives me this wonderful, warm feeling.

7)  Discounts - Because retail is sooooo overrated!

8)  Blizzards - No, not the kind that shuts down streets and knocks out power.  The ice cream kind.  And as a member of the Blizzard Fan Club, I get 6 "buy one get one" coupons a year.  It's a family fave :)

9)  Humor - I'm grateful to God for giving us a sense of humor.  Afterall, who doesn't love to laugh so hard they have tears in their eyes?!

10) Tooth brushes - Yep!  I said it.  I'm thankful for tooth brushes.  Admit it, you are too.  As a child, I loved getting a new one from the dentist, and today, as an obsessive teeth brusher, I still love cracking open the package on a colorful, perfect-bristled brush.

Just so you know, this isn't just some list I randomly threw together.  I genuinely, at one time or another, have pondered the things above and thought, "Man, I'm thankful for this."  And I've thought it more than once about Post-It notes :)

Happy Thanksgiving!  Be Thankful!!!

It's Almost Heeeeere........

It's almost that time of year again.  My favorite.....autumn (or fall if you prefer).  I have tagged dozens of fall crafts and projects that I cannot wait to put together and blog about.  I hope my sister will join me :)  What are you most looking forward to about fall?  I am looking forward to...................................................................................

keep scrolling........

..................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................

What did you think I was going to say?

Favorite Finds!

As summer is drawing to a close, I thought I'd let you in on a few of my favorite things during summer 2011.  Oh, and I just added a new poll.  Play along if you like :)  In no particular order:

Fabric!  I love a fabric store.  The way the bolts are stacked according to color, warms the organizational part of my soul.  They're beautiful to look at and even more fun to purchase.  As I search for sewing projects that appeal to me, my fabric selection continues to grow.

Not just maple syrup, but anything maple flavored really.  Maple candy, maple frosting, maple bars.  I'm mad for maple!

Whether you call it robin's egg blue, turquoise or aqua, it's my go-to-color for summer.  And since I just purchased a shirt today in a shade just a touch darker than this, it may be my go-to-winter color as well :)

Even though this has been on the market for some time now, I have not enjoyed it as much as I did this summer.  The best part about iced tea?  As the ice melts, it doesn't water down the drink and make it unpalatable like a soda.  I love that!

I always enjoy Bath and Body Works products, but their Fresh Picked scents for spring/summer 2011 were pure genius.  Not only did they smell divine, the packaging was the perfect complement to my country styling.  My favorite products were the hand soaps, but I did acquire quite a few of the PocketBac's as well!

Mat stacks.  They're not just for scrapbooking anymore.  They're the paper version of fabric.  I love the way the stacks are grouped by themes and color coordinated.  While not a scrapbooker, I have enjoyed accumulating these for decoupage projects, home made cards and any other project that comes to mind.

Even if you don't blog about it or post pictures, be sure to leave me a comment and share your summer '11 favorites with me!

Summer Status Update....

Summer's almost over, but we're still trying to cram in a bunch of things....

Yesterday - Took the kids and cousins to the park downtown where they rode the rides, enjoyed the carousel, and got in a ton of walking (Clare, that's PE right?! :)

Today - Removing some plants that got scorched in a couple of our 90+ degree days, and putting in some mums that are great cool-weather plants!  Then.....going shopping with my sister.  Trying to find some swim shorts for me.  I have a cute swim skirt and it looks great OUT of the water, but once I get in, it floats up (ridiculous).

Tomorrow - Taking the kids and cousins to the pool.  It's supposed to be in the mid-90's.  It's going to be a great day for swimming and soaking up the last few days of sun before our cold weather hits.

Next Week - Going with the family and cousins to Silverwood.  The girls received free passes for reading and they are very excited to spend the day at the park.  Also need to use a day next week for Cayla to take her CAT-5 test.  She's been doing a little school work all summer, so we're looking forward to getting her testing out of the way before September.

Next Month - School won't start for us until our co-op starts, so we have an extra 1.5 weeks after the public school starts.  I'm hoping my sister and I can take the kids on a picnic and engage in a few activities that would normally be full/busy, but due to school being in session will be less packed.

Whew!  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.  Fortunately, nearly all of it is fun and should be a great time.  Hope you're enjoying your summer and having fun with family and friends before the cold weather flies.

Coconut Craze!

You've probably heard that your tastes change as you age.  I'm living proof.  While not a fan of coconut growing up, I have discovered just how wonderful it really is.  I've always enjoyed the scent, because it reminded me of suntan oil and summer time, but the taste was something different all together.  On the advice of my niece (thanks LisaDawn) I tried the Limited Edition Coconut M&M's and they're incredible.  Read on for me coconutty goodness :)

Delicious milk chocolate with a hint of coconut.  YUM!!!

I tried a sample of Starbuck's Mocha-Coconut Frappuccino and was instantly addicted.  I would have never paid to try it, so the sample was the perfect bait to get me hooked!

This scent came out last summer and I immediately adored the Berry, but was a bit apprehensive about the coconut.  When Bath & Body Works put the minis on sale for $1 I figured I had nothing to lose, and discovered I had everything to gain.  The coconut vanilla is warm, light and absolutely amazing and I can't get enough of it!

Life in Washington!

I've seen this before, but it cracks me up every time because it's SO true.  Have a good laugh on behalf of all of us who live in Washington.  I added my own comments in red :)

THIS IS WHAT JEFF FOXWORTHY HAS TO SAY ABOUT 'LIVING IN WASHINGTON'!

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Washington. (This is really a plus, because actual employees are never around.  They're like elusive, nocturnal animals)

If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Washington. (Standard WA attire)

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Washington.

If you measure distance in hours, you live in Washington.  (I thought everybody did this?)

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Washington. (Sadly true)

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Washington.  (Yep.  Or you start out with a hoodie, change to a tee, then back to a hoodie)

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Central, Southern, or Eastern Washington.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Washington.  (I design my girls' Halloween costumes so they can be worn with matching leggings and turtlenecks, because it's going to be cold)

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow and ice, you live in Washington.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Washington.

If you feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash, you live in Washington.

If you know more than 10 ways to order coffee, you live in Washington. (I've traveled, and NOBODY has decent coffee, as readily available)

If you know more people who own boats than air conditioners, you live in Washington.

If you stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal, you live in Washington.

If you consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain, you live in Washington.

If you can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Tullys, you live in Washington.

If you know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon, you live in Washington.

If you know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Wenatchee, Spokane, Umpqua, Yakima, and Willamette, you live in Washington.  (Love this one.  Eastern newscasters always pronounce Spokane as Spo-Cane)

  

If you consider swimming an indoor sport, you live in Washington.  (This is why I only sign the girls up for swimming at the Y, it's indoors)

If you can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, you live in Washington.

If you never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho, you live in Washington.

If you have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain, you live in Washington.

If you think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists, you live in Washington.

If you buy new sunglasses every year because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time, you live in Washington.

 If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your Washington friends, you live or have lived in Washington.

**If you're getting married in August and still can't commit to an outdoor wedding, you live in Washington.  (reader submitted commented - but it's hilariously true).

Cookies & Awana Awards!

My sister asked me to contribute something for the youth auction at church.  I decided to make cookies and since I was making them, I wanted to make more for family who live in town.  They're definitely  not professional, but they were fun to create!

This is the bucket, filled with cookies, that I made for Ben & Caitlin.

The cookie filled planter, for the church auction.  The planter was paired with a couple of other hand crafted items which sold at auction for $30.00.  Not bad considering it cost me pennies to make :)

Another basket of cookies for Lisa Dawn, Kelly, Luke & Mark.

Another shot of the auction basket.

Cookie close-up - smile :)

Deciding on patterns took more time than actually implementing them!

Cayla, receiving her award for finishing her book in Awana.

Autumn, receiving her Awana book-1 award!  So proud of my girlies.  They worked hard to memorize verses, and loved attending Awana every week!

The Color Purple!

My poll on the side bar is the result of a discussion over the color purple.  Specifically, a purple toothbrush.  So, cast your votes.  Is purple PREDOMINATELY a male color, or a female color?

A Feel Good Post!

It's no secret....I love animals. And I've always loved otters. I mean, what's not to love? They're soft, and cuddly and playful and just look at those babies. Aren't they adorable? I'd like to add otters to my wishlist which also includes a cow, chickens and a goat. Oh and a Shetland Pony. I like how short they are :)

Why is this man wearing gloves? He's missing out on the experience. I'd be willing to suffer some cuts and scratches for a chance to hold that otter pup!