WeekEND News {Halloween Edition}

Rob and I had our annual Halloween party to got to on Friday. My friend, Carrie, has one every year and it is always fun. This year was a music mania theme. We went as Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. We won the costume contest. I was actually really surprised that we did. We didn't decide what we were going to be until last week and I really didn't think it was the best idea. It came together great though. And we had a wonderful time.

Saturday morning we carved pumpkins. I love that this is a "family" activity, because do you know what typically happens?
Rob and I dig out all the goop.
Sometimes the kids draw the face.
And then Rob and I carve them.
Oh well, the kids like doing it. (Whatever "it" is that they do!)

Later on Saturday we went Trick or Treating at an old Pioneer Village. We could go in the old houses. They were so cool. Sometimes I think it would have been so neat to live back in this time period. I did find out that if you become a member of the association you get put on a waiting list to "own" one of the houses. Basically, you are responsible for up keep on it. But you can stay in it. Wouldn't that be great! I am seriously considering it!
(Notice how I said I! I don't know if Rob would go for it!)

Sunday, after a very convicting message about "Who's Your Daddy?", we had Bagging Day for Haiti. I am going to do a post on Wednesday all about Bagging Day, but here is a picture to get you excited.

Last night, I think was my favorite moment of the whole weekend though! We had movie night, and got done a little early. It was just starting to get dark and the kids had a lot of energy. So, I told them they could go jump on the trampoline if they wanted.
There eyes got as big as oranges and they said, "Really!"
I mean, seriously, was it that big of a surprise? Must have been, because they thought it was the greatest. I need to remember...it is the small things that matter to them!

Now, after 2 parties and visiting Grandma, it is time to get ready for Trick or Treat!
I have a very excited Ninja and Kitty!

Happy Halloween!

Thankful Thursday {Friends}

Friends just have this way of brightening my day.

Calling to see how I are.

Asking me to go get a cupcake.

Having a crazy party with me.

Watching silly movies together.

Not caring to be seen in public with me if I have no make up on.

Bringing me a coffee just because.

Listening to me ramble about nothing.

Helping me with a project.

Encouraging me in my walk with the Lord.

Teaching me how to be a fashionista.

Fixing a wig for my Halloween costume.

Doing anything I need!

Today I am thankful for friends. I don't know what I would do without them.

Who Runs the World? (GIRLS!)

plus one little man, but we will take him. Thankfully he is adorable and sweet!

This weekend was the annual girls trip. (Jamison joined the fun this year.) We kept tell him it was a girl's trip and he would say, "No it's not. It's a boy's trip!"
Either way, we did our part to keep the economy moving and had a blast doing it!

We started Friday leaving town around noon. My sister gave us each a gift when we got to the hotel. Wrap towels that she made, (you may have seen them on Pinterest.) magazines, snacks...she is so sweet and thoughtful!

We hit the big stores first and spent 5 hours in two stores! Yup...that's the way we do it! Kelly, Carys and I had a great time trying on these fun "hats" at Nordstrom. Wouldn't you love to have a place to wear these? Who knows, maybe I will show up at the preschool to teach with it on!

Fabulous!

Friday night we stopped at the store and bought salads for dinner and ate them in the hotel room. It was so fun and relaxing.

Having fun!

Day two...here we come!

(Mom and Carys after our trip to get cheesecake.
Carys is in a shopping coma! This was at about 10:00.)

Saturday night we went out to eat. When we got back tot he room we decided we wanted some cheesecake. My mom and I decided to walk up and get it...in our PJ's. I also decided I wanted something else from H&M so we went there too! I told my mom, "The funny thins is, no one is even staring!" We got a good laugh out of that!

Sunday we did more shopping. There is this great scrap booking store that I love. We go there every Sunday before we leave. It is like sensory overload! I am already to work on Carys' scrapbook now!

We had a great time and I am already looking forward to next year!

Thanks Mom and Kelly for a fun time!

Thankful Thursday

Friends, I can not tell you how excited I am about this post! It literally had me in tears this morning!

My friend, Jeni, is heading up an effort to give gifts to all the foster kids in the county she lives in. Now, I don't know Jeni super well, but there are a few things I do know about her.

She is humble.
She is caring.
She is compassionate.
She is generous.
And she has a huge conviction for foster care!

I would love for you to go read the story of how God gave her this brilliant idea.
Did you read it? If not, go do it now and then come back.

Ok, are you thinking, "Why do these little girls need American Girl dolls?"
If so, STOP! What girl does need an American Girl doll, or 2, or 3? None.
That is not the point. Why shouldn't they have something special too!? Are only our little girls entitled to get expensive things? I don't think so.

Think back to a time when you were little and there was one thing you really wanted for Christmas. Do you remember the excitement when you opened it! I do!

One year my sister and I got leather bomber jackets (I know...sweet! Hey, it was the 90s!) and TVs for our rooms. We were so excited!

Think about bringing that kind of happiness and excitement to a child this Christmas that has nothing!

So now, go back to Jeni's blog and donate, please! I can not wait to hear how God is going to work through this amazing opportunity!



So in all this you might be thinking, "What is Amy thankful for today?" (Does it really matter?)

Today I am thankful for foster parents and the love they have for children that may only spend a brief part of their lives with them.

Shake it!

I am not going to bore you withe details of this past weekend. Truthfully, it was just that...boring. The most exciting thing I did was paint my shutters. I know, I lead an exciting life. And the real bummer is, I didn't even paint them a fun color, green. They were already green, but hunter green. Eew! They have been since we bought the house, except now, they were faded. Even worse than hunter green is faded hunter green.

Ok, so I did bore you a little. Sorry.
One night last week I had a super fun night with my friend Maria at The B.M.C. Report.
She called me a few weeks ago and had gotten 2 tickets from one of her friends to go see So You Think You Can Dance, live! Of course when she asked me to go with her, I said YES!!

Maria and I do Zumba together. (She is the one who got me into it.)
She could tell you first hand how terrible I am! Either way, I love to shake it!
(I am sorry to all the people that have to watch!)
Needless to say, we watched in amazement at how well these people can dance. It is one thing to see them on tv and a completely different thing to see them live.
Do you remember the Broadway dancer Jess?
Well, I did not like him at all on the show. He drove me crazy.
I am sorry for that because he was the best one!
Amazing!

Oh and did I mention, we had box seats? Which means that when we ordered pretzel bites, we got about 150. No lie! We didn't eat them all. A lot, but not all!

We had such a great time and now...
we want to take adult dance classes!
Wouldn't that be hysterical!!!?

Thankful Thursday

Look at this adorable face...


And this one...


And this...


Seriously, does it get any cuter!?

I started to do a different post entirely and then I came across these pictures.
They brought a smile to my face.

Don't get me wrong, I have no desire to have anymore children.
I do however, love looking back at these old pictures.
I really want to just squeeze those rosy red cheeks!

It really is hard to believe that those little bambinos are now 5 and almost 8!
There are days that I think, "I wish the kids were little again."
But there are also things I absolutely love about where they are now.
I really do need to remember to cherish and enjoy the moment.

Today I am thankful for pictures!

My friend is doing a thankfulness series over at the momma bird...go check it out!

Weekend News

Once again, our weekend was crammed pack of fun! That is how we like it!
Friday night we took the kids to do something very special that they have never done before, but something Rob and I love!
We started the evening off at a new place to eat.
We got to eat in the kitchen of the restaurant. So fun!
The food was good and we all enjoyed it.

After that we headed downtown and walked around for a bit.
And then,
We went here...

This is the first Broadway show the kids have been to. Rob and I saw Beauty and the Beast years ago and when we found out it was coming this year I knew I wanted to take the kids.
When we first told them what we were doing (we didn't tell them until they saw the poster above) Carys of course of ecstatic! Broderick got this look on his face and said, "really?"
What 8 year old boy wants to see a Broadway show about a princess?
I knew as soon as it started he would love it! And that is exactly what happened.
As soon as the curtain opened he said, "This is awesome!"
Followed by a, "Wow! This is so cool!"
They both could not take their eyes off the stage the entire time!
I can not wait to take them to another one!

Since Friday was such a late night Saturday morning we hung around home and rested for a bit and then Rob and I got some yard work done while the kids played.
Some of the leaves have started to fall so we made our first of many leaf piles to jump in.

What is it about jumping in a leaf pile that makes everyone smile?

We all took an afternoon nap and then headed out for the evening again.

A few weeks ago we found this great park/farm.
When we heard they did a fall festival we were all over it!
It was so much fun! We will for sure go back!
They had lights all over the place, a moon bounce, a huge slide, a magic show, hayride, snacks, an indoor play barn, music, fires, s'mores. It to top it off, the weather was perfect to be outside!

We are not done yet folks. Are you tired yet?
Sunday we went to the amusement park for their Halloween fun! The kids wore their costumes and we met some friends down there. How fun to ride roller coasters in your costume!? They loved it! There was a maze, tractor riding, games, crafts, music, dancing, and a foam pit. Which we did not do because a kid puked in it right before we were about to do in! Dis.gus.ting!
(I would love to do one in my garage for a birthday or just for fun...any ideas how?)

That pretty much wraps up the weekend!
Today the kids don't have school and my car is getting worked on so that means...
relaxing and playing for them,
and cleaning for me.
I am going to try to get it all done early so we can play this afternoon!

How was your weekend?

Drum Roll Please...

And the winner is...

Ricki from The Family Fun Mom!

Thanks EVERYONE fro reading and for commenting.

Have a great weekend!
I know we will. The kids have Monday off and we have something super special and fun planned for tonight!

Thankful Thursday - Carys addition

I thought today we could get a little "perspective" from a five year old about being thankful.

I asked Carys what she was thankful for and her first response was, "That you could come to my school today." Now, don't get me wrong folks, I am thankful that I can go to her school too, but I really don't want to right a post about myself, so...

I asked again.

"Our house."

"Why?"

"Because we have beds to sleep in, I like it and we need somewhere to live."

"What do you like about our house?"

"That we can watch shows and movies. I like our playroom."

I think we do take our houses for granted. (At least I do anyway.) It is so easy for me to forget, or not think about, the people that don't have homes.

Sunday at church we had the privilege of listening to a choir made up of homeless people. It was truly a blessing to listen and watch these people sing and worship the Lord. They really have nothing else. When we walked into church I told Broderick that all the people singing had no homes. He was shocked! Understandably. He has never been exposed to homeless. He can not comprehend what it would be like to not have a home, food, clothes, toys. He has never gone without. While we have talked about this subject and gave to the poor, I don't think he...shoot I can't...comprehend this matter.

Today, Carys and I are thankful for our house!

What are you thankful for?

Ready to go snacks and lunches

I can not take credit for the AMAZING idea. I found it on Pinterest. (Where else?)

It makes my mornings and sometimes my afternoons, so less hectic.

It is really simple, quick and easy.


Simply find some sort of storage box. I used the plastic things that salad comes in. (Reuse. Let's be good to the environment.)

Then fill baggies, or reusable containers, with snacks and lunch items. I have containers with ham and cheese ready to go. I can either slap in (literally) on some bread or throw in some crackers with it. There is carrots, celery, fruit, yogurt...whatever your kids like.

I do one box for lunches and one box for snacks. I also have one in the snack drawer for lunches.

In the morning I grab what I want to pack Broderick, or what he wants, and put it in his lunch box.

When the afternoon comes and I hear the "snack time blues," you know the ones...

"I am starving."
"Can I have a snack."
"I am so hungry."

I simply say, "Get something out of the snack drawer or box in the fridge." This way, I know they are getting something healthy, and they can do it themselves.

I did forget to pack Broderick's drink today so I am off to drive up to school to drop it off. Oops!

Today I am linking up with Works for me Wednesday. Go check out all the other great ideas!

Also, today is your last day to enter the giveaway. I will announce the winner Friday!

My favorite beauty products

Many of you know that I am no pro when it comes to beauty and products.

However, I thought I would share with you a few of my favorites. Most of them are Aveda products. My sister owns an Aveda salon and once you try their products there is no going back. They are fabulous!

1. Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing shampoo - it smells great and does amazing things for my hair.

2. Aveda Balancing Conditioner - again...smells great and I love the way it makes my hair feel.

3. Aveda Outer Peace Face products - I use the foaming face cleanser and moisturizer. I have had some trouble with break outs and ever since I started using this product I have less break outs.

4. Aveda moisturising liquid foundation - It is oil free and makes may skin look even and natural.

5. Aveda powder foundation - Goes great with the liquid and using all the face products for really helps with the break out situation.

6. Aveda Concealer - I just started using this about a week ago and I am so glad I switched! It really covers!


7. Maybelline great lash mascara - I have used this forever. I love that it is inexpensive and makes full lashes. (I am still looking for a great eye lash curler.)

8. Maybelline Baby Lips - I just found this yesterday. I think it is a new product. It is like a lip gloss/chapstick. It has spf, comes tinted and with great smells. I love it!

9. Bare Minerals loose powder blush - I didn't think I would like the loose powder but I do. (I also need to find a good brush.)

10. Teasing U teasing comb - This is great! It helps give the perfect amount of volume.

There you have it ladies...what are your favorites?

This post is linked up with Top Ten Tuesday. Go check out all the other fun things...

Also, if you have entered the giveaway you have 3 more days. I will announce the winner Friday. Go here to enter.

Weekend News

We had a great weekend!

(Do I say that every Monday?)

Friday the weather turned cold. COLD!

We had already bought tickets to go to the high school football game so we bundled up and headed up to the field.

Of course, we went out to eat before at one of my favorite local places.

We were very cold, but we had a great time with our friends.

I found it very humorous that the high school played against the high school that Ricki, Jeremy and I went to. Big rivals people! It was way better to be sitting on this side of the field!

Saturday, we did some work around the house and then went shopping. We bought this ginormous mirror for above our couch.

You may remember awhile ago I did a post about needing help with my wall color and mantel. Well, Maria from the B.M.C. Report, helped a sister out. She suggested we move the shelves and break up the wall space with a huge, bulky mirror. Rob and I both liked the idea so the work began.

We were up until midnight Saturday rearranging things. I think we have most of it figured out and I love it.

I really want my pictures back on the walls so we need to still work on that.


Here is the fireplace before...

I would say an improvement! A fresh coat of paint, removed the fireplace doors, and added a few things. The mantel is not done. We are going to get a deeper shelf, hang something up and put different things on the shelf. It is hard right now because the shelf is only about 4 inches deep.

Here is the before of the walls...


And the after...

What do you think?