Breaking out the fall

You know how they say you don't know what your're missing until it is gone? Well...Arizona's 100+ degree weather seems to be gone and I have to say...I do not miss it! I love the cold weather; however, it could be due to my love (and slight obsession) to sweaters, jackets and scarfs.  Although I wear these items all year long I at least avoid the "What is she thinking" stares during the winter months.

 No matter where your decorations come from; whether they are from Target or the tree down the way enjoy it. Mother nature has given us a gift and it is a reminder to stop and take a moment to reflect on the changes in our lives. The future is on it's way...make it as warm and promising as the gifts nature gives us. 

Earrings: Claire's
Necklace:Goodwill
Shirt: Goodwill
Belt: Target
Jeans: Target
Flats: Target

I also have a love for fall colors. The beautiful oranges, yellows and browns bring such warmth the everyday scenery. Well, if you live in the valley your warmth comes from the heater and some store bought decorations.

(My mom, sister, and I went to Goodwill this past Thursday (we had to...it was 50% off day!) and I found some great items. It will take a few posts for me to actual get the hang of self-portraits so bare with me! )

Bloggers Anonymous

Hello, my name is Lori and I am addicted to blogs. I love to read other people's blog and sharing in their interests.  Blogging is such a great way for us little people to be able to share our thoughts, passions and anything else we think the "world" should know.  It may actually be a disease....I am addicted to them, no seriously where is that BA meeting again?

I came across The Small Things Blog about a month ago and was immediately hooked.  Kate, the author shares a great deal of style tips and I love that she labels the different pieces and where they are from.  She either was or still is a hair stylist and so she also gives tips on hair and beauty, including videos...which is really neat.  

Reading her blog actually inspired me to post more to mine. I would love to be able to blog daily about style, crafts, or just things that interest me (and I think would interest others as well). Of course  I am aware that I need to improve my grammatical skills and be a bit more disciplined. In a year I'd love to have followers and to know that people enjoy reading my thoughts but to be realistic I know it takes time...especially with how many blogs are available.

  As children we are told that we can do whatever we want, right? I may not be a child anymore but I can still accomplish those goals that my heart is set on...right?

Happy reading...cannot wait to see where we are in a year!

DIY...my new obsession

    Sunday was another DIY weekend for our family. We have been spending most weekends improving our home and making projects and I must say I have really enjoyed it.  I know I am growing up when I go from wanted to spend the weekend at the mall to wanting to spend the weekend at Home Depot.  I remember going there with my parents when I was younger, in fact it felt like a second home.  After Lois and I walked through all the display doors, sat on the display toilets and tried out the showers we became deathly bored.  I vowed I would never step foot into a Home Depot when I was an adult...well, that vow went out the window.




     Today I attempted the transfer pin that some may have seen on Pinterest. Basically it is transferring a picture from regular printer paper to a board. I was pretty nervous and excited because I really wanted it to work. It also requires overnight drying which was quite trying on my patience but I made it through.  I am happy to report it was a SUCCESS! I will definitely being doing this craft again (a couple will be Christmas presents). Actually most of my presents this year will be handmade, which I love.
      Ryan had his own DIY project today as well and I love him for doing it. Our coffee table was becoming scratched through wear (and not to mention three boys) and I wanted to make it darker with a antique look, giving it some character. Ryan did a great job, it looks amazing and now our living room is really coming together.

I've gotten many of my ideas from Pinterest lately and this was one of them.  There are several links located on Pinterest for "How To's" but I am going to list it below as well for anyone interested. With the holidays coming up soon these are great gifts for Grandparents and friends.

Transferring pictures to wood

What will I need?

*Block of wood (in your desired size...I used 8 X 10)

*Picture printed on basic printer/copy paper (same size as your wood)

*Gel Medium

*Mod Podge

How do I do it?

Brush gel medium onto your wood (not to much but not to little). Place picture (face side down) onto the piece of wood and smooth out any bubbles. Let this dry overnight (or for at least 5 hours). After it is dry wet the paper and rub it off gently to reveal the picture. Soaking a washcloth in water and letting it sit on the paper for a few minutes makes this easier.  Once the paper is removed brush mod podge onto the wood. Let dry and viola! Hope you enjoy it :-)

Halloween and pony rides

So Halloween has already come and went, where did this year go? I swear it was just August and the kids were getting ready to start school.
Every holiday the boys get a card from "Grandma 2" it's a tradition they have come to love...the included dollar doesn't hurt either.

                               

         Instead of doing the usual trick-or-treat we went to our church's "Family fun night" which was a lot of fun. The boys got to do a pony ride (Bentley wasn't sure if he was having fun or not) and play games. 

As they played the games they were given tickets for prizes (think Peter Piper Pizza) and Andrew got a flute, Leland a baseball an bat, Bentley a fireman and slinky. All in all it was a fun night. We were glad to have daddy there to enjoy it with us.

Don't worry, they didn't miss out on candy as the church gave out a HUGE bag of it...which somehow Bentley keeps finding!







         We didn't do the usual pumpkin carving either...we really slacked on the traditions didn't we? However, we did go to Mother Nature's Farm and it was fun as always.




We've been going for a few years now (ah...there we go a tradition). This year along with the tractor pull ride, petting zoo and pumpkin patch there was also a reptile exhibit. The boys spent most their time there. I was a little hesitant as was Bentley. They had a python in a windowless cage!

I welcome November with open arms as it is my favorite time of year. The decorations, pumpkin smells, and yummy feasts. I could; however, do without the Christmas displays...to early! Towards the end of the month is mom and I's new tradition...BLACK FRIDAY! Last year we went at midnight, shopping on no sleep...now that's the way to do it! This year? Who knows but I can't wait to find out!

      I had a wonderful time on my trip to Illinois. I spent much of my time with my sister Lois and wouldn’t change a thing. We both have noticed how much closer we have gotten in our last few visits and continue to do so. Our relationship means the world to me, in a way I feel like I have gained a best friend. I am not the only one though; Leland and Clayton (my sister’s son) love playing with each other and have the BEST relationship. It makes me sad to know we live so far but they’ve already talked on the phone once and talk about each other all the time.

The boys started school on Monday
and love it…so far, lol! Leland has had a colored themed week which will
continue for the next few. He thinks the idea is fun, he has to wear a shirt
with the color of the day and bring a picture with something of that color…Monday
was brown day.  He had no issues with
heading off to school which was a total change from Andrew who cried for the
first week.  It was comforting to know
that he was ready emotionally but sad too.

I met with Andrew’s teacher
yesterday regarding his learning skills. I had gotten a message from her the day before saying she was “concerned
about a few of his skills.” She didn’t say which ones, I already knew.  Even though I knew I was still scared as to
what she was going to say.  One year
behind…I was shocked. I knew he struggled a bit but had no idea it was that
bad.  I think I just kept telling myself
it would get better and it would click. His last school mentioned only briefly that
he was struggling a bit but placed him in a reading program and never heard
another word. I think now, should I have asked more? Pushed harder? I guess I
figured if there was a strong deficit they would tell me.  As of now we are not sure what will happen
but she suggested reading! Read! Read! And that is what we are doing. I bought
him a book of short stories I know he can read and I also bought a book on CD
(she suggested it would help with his confidence and memorization).   

Bentley is now 6 months and I
cannot believe it…how time has sure flown by! I am loving every moment of him
growing but sad that it is happening so fast. I am part a group of mom’s who
all delivered around the same time and I love watching our little ones grow “together.”
Being able to share what is happening and seeing how different each baby is is
neat and wonderful. I have never met these mommas but feel very close to each
one as we have all shared so many things and have one very special common
bond.  I hope our friendships never
cease!

Barbecue season is here!

When I first started this blog I was so excited...it was something I had wanted to do but wasn't sure I could. It has been a while, yes, but I am still here! So much had happened...both good and bad but I prefer to focus on the good. I cannot believe the school year is almost over! Where did the time go? I am usually not looking forward to summer but this year I am counting down the days for several reasons. One of which being that we have a pool and I can't wait to just lay around by it and relax while my boys swim like fish. I bought a hat yesterday (I've always wanted one just for the occasion of laying around soaking up some sun while reading and looking good of course).


     Bentley officially one! His sock monkey birthday party was a huge success and everyone had fun. I made monkey cupcakes and cake pops and Ryan grilled (of course). Bentley shares a birthday with Angie my sister in law so of course we had to surprise her with a little song as well...we love you Angie.

   Andrew was awarded student of the month last month and with all the struggles he had in beginning I couldn't be more proud. I am hoping we can continue to send him there next year, that school has been a blessing.










Today is going to be filled with great family time as Ryan's family is coming over for a barbecue later. The weather is perfect and I am looking forward to visiting, eating some yummy food that my amazing grill master of a husband whips up, and soaking in those rays ( with SPF of course). Hopefully it won't be so long next time.

XOXO






Almost forgot to mention...don't forget to keep those fingers crossed. Manning's in town to talk with the Cardinals, they better bring their A-game...that man is worth every penny...or should I say million??

They deserve to be honored and respected

     This is a bit out of character for me but after reading so many posts placed on "Facebook" I wanted to share what was on my mind. It is not ment to offend.

      9, 11....alone these numbers mean little but together their meaning is endless. I never lost anyone in the 9/11 attack and I thank God for that but that does not exclude me from the many to think of it almost daily. As I read through facebook this morning I was not surprised to see so many references to that tragic day; however what I would have liked to see is less hate. All of the men and women who died that day deserve more respect than an argument of what and how it happen. Some believe it was a governmental conspiracy while some do not. Ten years later this is still a fight and the reality of the event still causes grief and sorrow in many. Any other day politically and personally dispute your opinion but today just honor and respect those who died and those brave enough serve in all respects, for not only our country but all who deserve freedom. No matter the cause they didn't ask to die that day and they deserve to be remembered.

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