Blustery Day

Today was cool, wet and windy. I spent most of my day watching the wind whip from the comfort of home.

I did go out for a brief time this morning for a trip to the doctor. Do you know what cool, wet, windy weather does to someone with a sinus infection? Not a pretty thing!

I made the best of the day by lighting some smell good candles.

Notice those cute pumpkins?  They were a gift from sweet Mary Ann... Adorable!

I kicked my feet up in some cozy slippers.

Keep warm with a nice blanket and lots of hot tea.

I viewed more television today then I usually do as I could not focus to read.  My heart was breaking as I watched the devastation unfold on the east coast..  I am certainly praying for those effected. 

Now I am off to bed.  I hope to wake up with no headache and for my nose to longer feel like it has been socked. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Pinned It, Made It: Handprint/Fingerprint Tree

I almost hate to admit this but I have started to think about Christmas. Yes, I know it isn't even November yet! I looked at the calendar for December and almost cried when saw how packed it is. I made the decision that I was going to work ahead so that the busy schedule and all the other things that come with the month of December would not take away the wonder of the season.

I saw this idea and thought it was something that the boys would enjoy.  We did it last week and they turned out better then I had imagined!
 

You know how crazy a two and three year old can get when they are painting so  I made a template to keep things neat.  I cut out a circle in another piece of cardstock for where the leaves would go.  I placed it over the handprint tree trunk that way I could let the boys do it, but still control where the paint went.  Trust me if I hadn't done that there would be fingerprints everywhere!  I originally hadn't planned to make the leaves falling.  Since there was an oops with the paint falling leaves it was!

I always have the boys make a handmade Christmas gift for their parents.  When I saw how wonderful these looked I knew what the boys would be giving this year. 

To make it super frugal I could have gone thrifting for frames.  As things are busy right now I opted to buy frames that were on sale and then use an extra 15% off coupon.  I can't tell you how happy I am with the way these turned out.  I hope Jeff and Angel love them as much as I do!

Please be sure to stop by and visit Tammy for more Pinterest inspired ideas.

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Roarrrrrr!

My little lion ready to attend a Noah's Ark party. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Project Pass or Fail?

I have an idea for a Christmas project.  I saw a round enamelware style bucket at Michaels. I didn't have a coupon when I was there so I decided to wait to go back the next week. Fast forward a couple of weeks and I finally made it back. The bucket I wanted was no longer there. Out of stock and I was told there would be no more. They said their seasonal supply will be limited this year as they are trying to avoid a lot of unsold merchandise. I get it, but still I was disappointed. So, on to plan B. I couldn't find a round container so I settled for this oval. The price was right and with my coupon I hoped to make it work.
 

I had Chuck spray it with an off white paint.  One that I had for another project. 

When that was done I painted the rim in my favorite brick red color.  I wasn't in love with it at this point so I lightly sanded where I had painted the rim.  My hope was to give it a old feel.

 

This is one of those project where I wasn't like Wow I love it! when I was done.  Now my question to you is did I pass or fail at achieving my goal?  What do you think? 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Living Life

As I type this I am cozy under a nice blanket listening to the hum of the dryer. Megan is in bed for the night and Chuck is sitting next to me watching a race he recorded earlier today. So much has happened in the last week that I don't even know where to begin. 

The big news is that Chuck and I made the decision to be baptized last Sunday.   Our pastor came by last Saturday and we made the decision at that time.  We didn't tell anyone we were doing this. 
On Sunday morning those who were going through baptism spoke and then Pastor Bryan said that he had been speaking with a couple other people about baptism, could we please come forward.  As we were leaving the isle I heard Chuck's mom say "Awwww" as she sucked in a huge breath. 

It was amazing hearing my husband become emotional as he shared his heart.  To be able to share this experience with the one I love is indescribable. 

Megan has been home for the past two weeks for fall break.  It feels like she has been home a long time.  I have mixed feelings about her returning to school tomorrow.  She loves it, but I really miss her. 

One night while making pizza I went to help Megan spread the dough.  She asked how I could do it so well.  I told her it is experience and she would get better the more she did it.  She look at me and then said who are you... Chef Boyardee?  I laughed and then thought someone has been watching to much television! 

We are experiencing some Indian Summer.  I am trying to take advantage of it. 

I hope that the rain holds off so I can clean out the flower beds and complete some projects. 

Chuck is off for the next two days.  I am looking forward to spending my days with him. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Pinned It, Made It: Hot Chocolate Mix

The temperatures have started to dip and there have been some freeze warnings. That means it is time to switch from iced drinks to hot drinks. I whipped up some homemade hot chocolate.
 

I had some whipping cream that needed to be used so I made some whipped cream to top it off.

Megan gave it a thumbs up!

I am not sure I am ready for freeze warning and such.  I am trying to look on the bright side and hot chocolate helps!

Stop by and visit Tammy for more great Pinterest ideas. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Enjoying Fall!

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~ Albert Camus

 

The season is really starting to show itself.  The mornings are cool, damp and it is taking longer for Mr. Sunshine to show himself.   This week there was an afternoon that reached the upper 70's.  I knew we had to spend as much time as we could enjoying it.

Notice those dirty knees.  Yep, it was an afternoon full of fun!

Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

Awww... I  am thankful I slowed down and enjoyed this day!  What about you?  Are you watching the leaves turn?  If not I encourage you to slow down and enjoy an afternoon.  It left me feeling refreshed. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Easy Caramel Dip

Megan mentioned she wanted apples for snack. I thought a caramel dip would be perfect for the apples.  

 

We melted one bag of caramels with 2 Tbs of water. When almost melted add 1/2 tsp vanilla.  We then poured it into small jelly jars. 

Oh my... it is good! I love Megan's eyes in picture below. 

It is so delicious that we never made it to the table.  We shared an apple and one jar was gone fast.  The other jars are in the frig.  We will share a couple and enjoy the last jar later this week. A perfect cool weather snack! 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!