Halloween and the Cheeky Kitchen

I am in total Fall/Halloween mode! Yesterday, I went into TJMax on a whim, and left there with 3 shirts for me, a pair of tights for Sienna, and several glittery little Halloween pretties that I just had to have. Then, Grant and I made our way over to Target where I proceeded to purchase 2 new pillows for the couch, and a couple more Halloween goodies. So now, "Decorate the house for Halloween" has been placed at the top of my to-do list (photos to come).

I also came across this blog over the weekend, and decided that I will be making these for the kids (and their daddy) in the very near future!!

and when I finish with those.....I may just have to make these:

I can not get over the talent of this woman!! I don't even like to cook (although I do love to bake), but she makes me want to get in the kitchen and whip something up pronto......and take beautiful photographs in the process!! There is nothing that inspires me more than a well-designed blog with amazing photography and smart writing.....well done Cheeky Kitchen!!

ten on tuesday

1. Busy editing back to school photos and gathering supplies for "School of Life" albums for Grant and Sienna. Just bought a bunch of digital goodness from House of 3 to pretty up some of my fav photos!!

2. The hubby and I took a little get-away trip to Austin this past weekend to celebrate our 6th anniversary, and it was definitely one of our best trips to date! We relaxed by the pool, got a massage, went shopping, ate like kings and just enjoyed each other's company.....we needed it, and we are so blessed to have people in our life who can help out with the kiddos while we are away!

3. Watched a little bit of "Dancing with the Stars" last night and was pleasantly surprised by Bristol Palin. Can not wait for Grey's Anatomy on Thursday!

4. Saw this idea over here and immediately started my own facebook/photo/gratitude list. It's a simple way of being mindful every single day of how much I have to be grateful for. All you have to do is snap a photo each day of something that you are grateful for, upload it to facebook and share it with all of your friends and family. Try it!!

5. These boots were my anniversary gift from the hubby......love!!

6. I am taking an online class over at decor8, and I am totally and completely and amazingly inspired!

7. I am so doing this in my next house!! When I saw this, my mouth literally fell open.....this is a little niche in Becky Higgins' kitchen where she put in 2 small televisions that constantly rotate their family photos. Right now, they have all of their Fall family photos on rotation........be still my heart!! I am inspired by everything she does, but this just takes it to a new level :)

8. I started pulling out the fall decor yesterday. The wreaths are hung on the front door, our friendly little "Welcome" scarecrow is on the porch, 2 white ceramic pumpkins are on the mantel, and I started burning my pumpkin roll Scentcy = heavenly!

9. I am ready to start scrapbooking with all of this loveliness:

10. This time of year makes me happy. I feel inspired, ready to create, ready to simplify our home, clear out the clutter, make way for new dreams to come true........

her room

Last week, Gaga, Aunt Jenni and I decided to tackle Sienna's room and make a few adjustments. She is at that age where she enjoys hanging out in her room "reading," listening to music (on mama's ipad), dancing in front of the mirror, playing kitchen, dress-up, etc...., so I decided that it needed a little organization and de-cluttering. We didn't do anything major, just moved a few pieces around, added a few wall decals from Target, and boxed up some keepsakes, but she LOVED the end result and we were pretty proud of what we were able to accomplish in about 2 hours :)

The view from her door

Her newly organized bookshelf

The reading corner

I need to get a cute switch plate for this outlet, but I am in love with these little mushrooms!!

This antique mirror has been in her room from the very beginning. It is from Paris and was originally the most beautiful blue color, but we painted it pink (gasp!!) and it has been one of the best purchases I ever made!

A shot from the mirror :)

I'm just realizing that I didn't get a full shot of the cute little tree on the wall.....must do that!!

meet the teacher....finally

This little boy of mine has been waiting so patiently for his turn to go to "school." He has carried his back pack and nap mat around the house (and sometimes outside of the house) for weeks now. He tells everyone he meets, "I'm going to school!' And he asks me almost every single day if today is the day.

Yesterday was finally the day. He was so excited that he could barely finish his breakfast, and he loved riding with me to drop his sister off at school before we drove on to Meet the Teacher! He walked right in, sat down in one of the chairs and started tracing his hand on the coloring sheet. He told me over and over again not to leave, and he stayed very close to my leg most of the morning, but the smile never left his face!!

So tomorrow will be the first "real" day of school, and I can't wait to see how he does. I can't wait to see him walk into his own classroom with that backpack and nap mat he has been carrying around for weeks. I am so happy that it is finally his turn!!

at 4 going on 5

* you love Hannah Montana (and I finally just gave in)

* you are super perceptive and absolutely NOTHING gets past you

* you are going to school five days a week

* you are and always have been a total mama's girl

* you are taking dance and soccer (and want me to sign you up for gymnastics too)

* you LOVE art and making "projects"

* you are sensitive and hate it when people laugh at you (even when they aren't really laughing at you but just think what you said was cute)

* you love being outside

* you are super-duper smart

* you like to organize things just like your mama

* you fight with your little brother on a daily basis but never go to bed without hugs and kisses and telling him you love him

* you have your own ideas when it comes to fashion (just as it should be)

* you love taking pictures and playing on my iphone

* you love jewelry and makeup and dresses and skirts and tutus

* you have the best smile

* you would probably watch movies and tv all day long if I let you

* you think it's funny when I tell you to "make it a good day" on our way to school

* you love going to school and you love your teacher

* you have daddy wrapped around your little finger (and you know it)

* you love going to the book store and you always pick out a book you think Grant would like

* you like saying prayers at bedtime and you always remind me if I forget to say "that was a beautiful prayer"

* you are a special, special girl and we are so blessed to have you