Pumpkins & Cupcakes

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable weekend. Things were jumping around here this weekend. Literally!

Friday started out with a fundraising Jump A Thon at school. Then there was an orange party in the classroom. Dinner with the in-laws and a trip to the hardware store. Another section of fence was almost completed.


The swoop needs to be cut and then this section will be done. Yes!

Megan asked for a large pumpkin this year.


She was delighted with this and anxious to get busy.


After all of the yuck and muck was removed it was carving time.


Megan drew both of the faces and Chuck helped her to cut them. I think they turned out great.

I saw a cupcake that looked like candy corn on Pinterest and knew I wanted to try them.


This is the first time Megan has used the mixer by herself. She did really well, but I am waiting for the splatter. I don't think you get the don't pull the beaters out of the batter statement until you do it and make a splatter mess. One of those lessons that you have to learn the hard way.


I didn't get the color separation I was looking for because I forgot to drop the pan on the counter to settle the yellow before I put on the orange batter. Oops! Oh, well I think they are still cute.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Warm Glow

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Amish Farm

While away we knew that we were in an area with Amish. While out and about we saw a sign that said showed a horse and buggy and said next five miles. We decided to turn off the main road and ran right into an area with about six Amish farms.








I know that Amish are just people. They have their ups and downs just like anyone. I think the thing that draws me to the Amish is the simplicity of their lives. I sometimes wish it was as easy for me to turn away from the world. Leave behind phones, television and pressure to keep up with the Jones.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Soaking Up Fall

Thursday afternoon we headed out for our annual fall getaway. I wasn't sure how the weekend would be since it was raining and we were under a high wind advisory when we left. Luckily by Friday morning the weather had improved and we enjoyed frosty mornings, sunny days and crisp nights. Perfect fall weather.

Megan is still enamored with the Smokey the Bear display.


The inn that we stay in does a great job decorating for the season.


Each year we try to get a picture of all of the grand kids in front of this wagon.

Most of the trails and road are centered around a large body of water.


Chuck was trying to show Megan the proper way to skip a rock. One of Megan's favorite things to do. She tried and tried.


There turned out to be more plops and


splashes then skips. She still had a great time.



Chuck took the girls for a hike while I stayed back and enjoyed a good book.


There was also time for a drive. I love old, little towns.


This building was along the town square. In faded letters the top of building says "Genn a Cohen Farmer Friendly". I would love to be able to take a peek at this cute town square about 75 years ago. I can just imagine the hustle and bustle on a Saturday.

There was a cute country decor store and some antique stores to explore.


On our way back to the inn we got off the beaten path and ran across an area of Amish farms. Soon I will share some of those pictures.

As nice as it is to get away it is always good to be home!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Pajama Day

Megan is out of school for fall break. She had asked for a pajama day. We called the boys I watch and asked them to join the fun. The day started out with pancakes.


Have you ever used a squirt bottle to make pancakes? It is really fun! It gives you control to make letters and shapes. I made everyone's first initial and then created hearts.

While I tidied up the kitchen they used their pillows and blankets to create a house.


They had loads of fun!

I made an afternoon snack of popcorn.


Then we watched a movie.


A Christmas movie! We even listening to Christmas music. A great way to spend a rainy day.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Homemade Paint

This paint was a huge hit.



Use equal parts water and flour to make this. I used 2 cups each. Mix well and then add food coloring. I poured mine into baby food jars and then added the food coloring in order to have a variety.

I like that I don't have to worry if the toddler gets this in his mouth. Yesterday was day two of using this paint. I would suggest that you shake it really well after it sits for a while. The flour starts to settle to the bottom.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Pumpkin Patch

On Friday we went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. It was quite a trip from from where we live. At first I wasn't happy that a kindergarten class was going on such a long trip. Once we arrived I knew it was worth the drive.

We drove down a gravel road through the tree nursery. Once we reached the truck loaded with pumpkins we were finally there.

I just love this truck! Oh, the stories it could tell.

Mama, Daddy, you have to come see the ducks.


The ducks were cute, but the view is what caught my eye.


I felt such peace as I looked over the pond.

Next it was time to hit the pumpkin patch. We loaded onto the hay wagon and off we went.


I love this picture! It captures the fun and joy of the day.

The pumpkins are grown among the Christmas trees. Talk about making every space count.


I like the pumpkin growing in the trees.


It reminded me of an ornament.


I found it! The prefect one.

There were so many things to see and do.





There was a nip in the air and then it started to sprinkle so we wrapped it up and headed home. I am grateful that Chuck was able to take the day off and join us. A fun, fun trip!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Work In Progress

This weekend was spent working on projects. While I was at the table working on some Christmas things Megan spent time working with her beads.

She happily created bracelets and necklaces for herself and cousins.

Chuck spent most of the day outside working on something for my sewing nook.



He built a shelving hutch to go on my sewing table.


It turned out great! I had envisioned open shelves that would just back up against the wall. When I saw he had added beadboard to the back I was so excited. Beadboard is one of the things I love! Chuck is great about taking an idea I have and turning it into something great!

There is a ways to go before it will be finished. It needs a good sand and a couple coats of paint. I have a hard time working in a space that is cluttered so I am excited to get things organized and get creating.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!