This and That

We have been just doing stuff around the house lately, but almost everything has been on a list so if feels good to get them done. The stuff not on the list was pumpkins, but I had to try out some of the ideas I posted about earlier.

I really, really like how they turned out. Might be a yearly decoration - an never mind the dead mums in the backround. I would like to say I am setting the mood for Halloween, but reality is that I forgot to water them.

I really do enjoy carving pumpkins, but have lost some of my enthusiasm, so I let the kids design what they wanted. Teagan's is done from a sketch and Tate just told me he wanted a ghost and a house. Easy enough.

Anybody else have WAY TOO MANY of these little guys at their house too? Don't get me wrong, I love nature as much as the next girl, but seeing these both outside and too close to inside my house has me frazzled!

So, I spent a good 20 minutes on Sunday inspecting the outside of my house like a lunitic spraying for them. The ones way up towards the top got a small dose of wasp spray (still did the trick) and the ones on the foundation got good ol' fashion spider stuff. I am not exagerating when I say I probably killed at least 30 of them on the spot - gross!!!!

I got one step closer to the Teagan finale. Her closet was purged, and so were all the drawers in her room. I covered the baskets with material from Hobby Lobby and used bins from Dollar Tree. I think I did all 4 plus little holders for about $8.

The mirror will soon be brown, but thats a rainy day project. I also covered the bulletin board with extra material and got the hamper at Dollar General.

I also got Tate's closet cleaned out and Brad even installed a shelf in our supply closet to hold extra stuff. It was a super productive weekend. My next project is ordering family pictures and figuring out where to display them in the house. I feel a Hobby Lobby trip in my future!!

Punkins!!

I was perusing the Better Homes & Gardens website over lunch today and found some great ideas for pumpkins - they aren't just for carving you know!



















How about these with thumbtacks? Bought a pack of 300 at Dollar Tree. It would be cute way to do your house number.



















Another use for chalkboard paint. Love it!! And your kids can change their mind about what they want on their pumpkin. Mine usually change it right after I have the first major cuts made-awesome!



















Metallic paint - cute with minis on your counter or tables. Or with a Thanksgiving centerpiece.

















Yes, a lot of patience, but so dang cute!!
















These might be my favorite and maybe the simplest. Draw and fill in houses with sharpies or black paint and just cut out the windows. You can make your own little Halloweentown!! Mine would include a pub though - just sayin!!

Birthday Day

Yep its true - another notch on the birthday ladder, but I took it in stride (what else are you going to do?) Anyway it was a great weekend spent with family. The kids and started with a trip to the zoo on Friday, but first a picture of the card Teagan gave me for my birthday. For anyone who knows my daughter I have definately passed on a couple of traits!!

Funny, huh? We'll talk in a couple years! Now onto the zoo.

My monkies!!

No pictures of the animals this time - plenty from our trip this summer.

The sign of a good day and mom got to just listen to the radio and drive.

Saturday night we celebrated my cousin Chris' wedding. It was a beautiful night and a good time to hang out with family.

Today after church we went to my favorite brunch spot - P.H.A.T. Daddy's in Marengo.

It didn't disappoint and was amazing. Ate WAY too much, but it was so good! We went to the park so the kids could play and run off some of their extra energy and us adults could walk off some of that food. They had a great time! And they got to spend some time with Aunt Beth!

These two are peas in a pod!!!

Do you think these 2 share a couple of the same genes?

Never a dull moment with these 3 around!

After dropping the boys off for a nap Teagan and I headed out to Rue 21 to pick up this pretty I have had my eye on. Love it, but I can wait for the weather needed to wear it.

I had a really great weekend and had the chance to take a step back to appreciate all the blessings that surround me. It makes me look forward to the next 33! Enjoy the moments!

Be Aware!

Most of you are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And some of you may have watch a NFL game yesterday and saw the support that league is giving to help raise awareness. I love the slogan: "A Crucial Catch."




Just seeing the pink on these tough, huge men gets me everytime. I know that some of them wear the pink just because, but I love the guys who have it all over. It makes me wonder what their story is and they also gain a little respect with this woman too.


















The NFL is also selling the gear that the players and coaches were wearing and donating some of the profit to research. Who knew a Bears hat could look so great?!



Awareness isn't just going on in the NFL. It is spreading to other sports as well and I love that they are male dominated sports.

So, be aware ladies and take care of yourselves. It is the most important thing thing you can do to take care of your family and those you love.

Homecoming 2010

The kids were asked to be attendants for Homecoming last night and did a great job. It was a beautiful night for a pep rally and we look forward to the game tonight.

This is pretty much what Tate's face looked like the entire time. He isn't quite into the social showings like his sister.

Here they are with Hannah and Aaron before the coronation. Thanks for the pics Sonya. For those of you who weren't there - I had to make myself sparse so that Tate would not be stuck to my leg the entire night. Once I left he did great.

He wouldn't leave his sister's side though. Saving this pic for the future when they say they don't need each other - I know that day will come!

Last picture of the night. As always, Teagan is up for it - Tate, not so much!!! Have a great weekend and GO RAIDERS and GO HAWKS!!!

A Whole Lotta Nuthin' (today)

I am nowhere near a beach today - just my house, but after a fun-filled, busy Friday and Saturday I have declared today my "do nothing day". Brad's cousin and her husband were here to visit this weekend and left this morning. We had an amazing time and did a ton of stuff, but now I am ready to ease back into reality. Teagan has been gone for the weekend and I am awaiting her return and right now Tate is napping and Brad is playing golf in Cedar Rapids. It is just me and I am loving it. Doing a little blog surfing, but that is it - the rest of the stuff can wait.








Tate and I did get a little bonding time in (between his stunt moves on the couch) and we rocked and watched some tv. Its nice for him to have some time being the "only child". It amazing how different they are when the other isn't around - and it is just a little quieter!
That being sad we might have some crazy times ahead. Both the kids were asked to be attendants for Homecoming this weekend which is so fun and exciting. They are together which should make it easier to convince Tate to cooperate - hopefully! I have also started the hunt for deals on Christmas gifts - I know, but if I can get a good deal on something now, why wouldn't I?








Anyway, while at Walmart last week Tate showed an interest in this video game system from V-tech. To me its a young kid version of a DS, but I don't know much about it. Any of you out there have it or heard anything about it? Let me know if you have. Thanks!
And last, but not least - FALL TV!!! There are my old diehards that are starting over and my favorite:







The Amazing Race!! Starts tonight and I can't wait!! Have a great Sunday everyone!

Aww!!

Walked past this on the kitchen counter this afternoon. It was just one of those moments where you think "we are doing alright." It was a great family day and I love my family too!!