The Girl's Surprise Halloween Breakfast...

Adelyn has been talking about Halloween non-stop, and I do mean non-stop, for about a month now.  Last night before bed, she could hardly control her wiggly squirmy body in anticipation for the big event the next day.  And it occurred to me, there is no way this little monster is going to make it till dark.  She needs a festive distraction earlier in the day to 1.) keep her mind busy and off of the evening and 2.) keep her from asking me about a bagillion times, "Is it time yet?".  So, once I put her down I took a last minute trip to Target to grab some CHEAP decorations.  Bad thing is they were already clearing out Halloween stuff and setting up for Christmas (don't even get me started on this pet peeve of mine).  Good thing is everything was clearance!  I got a table cloth, cob webs, plates, napkins and glow necklaces all for $5!  Awesome.  When I got home I started decorating for the girl's Surprise Halloween Breakfast.  I cut out bats and a black silhouette cat out of construction paper and hung them around the table.  I made spiders out of some black craft pom poms and pipe cleaners I had laying around.  I set out the plates and napkins for the special breakfast I had made them.  I used my pumpkin cupcake mold to make jack-o-lantern blueberry muffins.  Threw some mini pumpkins I had laying around on the table for a center piece and voila, Surprise Halloween Breakfast Party ready in 20 minutes for under $10.

Jason really wanted to see Adelyn's reaction and was bummed he was going to miss it because he had to leave for work.  So, since Marcella was already up and raring to go we decided to wake Adelyn up a little early too so Daddy could enjoy as well.  Words can not describe how excited Adelyn was.  It was one of those moments I will have in my memory forever.  For a split second as she was taking it all in, she was actually speechless.  And for those of you that know Adelyn, this I don't think has ever happened.  Then she made up for lost time telling us about everything she was seeing.  Giddy, just giddy.  Loved it.  Can't wait to do it again next year!

Neat Spin on the Jack-o-Lanturn...

I did this coloring activity a couple years ago at a kids program we ran for the church we attended.  I came across it recently and am excited to complete it with my kids.  We love Halloween in this house but I acknowledge the importance of discussing with my kids smart decisions when choosing costumes and activities.  I have always enjoyed more of the autumn side of the day rather than the guts and gore.  I really liked the Christian spin on a popular past time.  I printed the poem on the back of the coloring sheet and we read and discussed it together.  Hope you enjoy.

Coloring Sheet

Candy Apples

Ok... here's my disclaimer on these.  They are ugly but they are delicious.  Every dessert I make seems to have that disclaimer.  I feel like I have to be present when serving anything I make to convince people to see through the sloppiness of it.  However, these were incredible, simple, cheap and delicious.

I splurged on honey crisp apples, because I have tried several different types of apples when making these and honey crisp is in a class all their own.  I just bought a bag of Bach carmel chews.  This bag came with the Popsicle sticks.  I melted it according to the directions on the package.  I took several different kinds of chocolate candies from the Halloween candy I bought.  I hammered Twix, Snickers, Peanut M&Ms, KitKat and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups on individual plates.  I could have done this with a food processor to get a more refined coating and it probably would have looked better, but... I'm lazy.  If I was making it for people other than my family I would have put a little more time into their appearance :) After rolling the apple in the melted carmel, I rolled it in the crushed candy.  I decided to not go all the way up to the stick with the carmel coating because I was adding such rich chocolate candy I thought it might be too much, if there is such a thing.  Fantastic.  Best ones I ever made.  It was so filling I'm seriously considering skipping the conventional dinner tomorrow and settling for one of these bad boys :)

Unplugged...

I have been doing a little soul searching lately...  I have been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, tired and just plain burnt out.  However, if you asked me about what though, I don't think I could tell you.  Maybe I would have said, life.  Being a wife, a mother, a maid, a nurse, a teacher, a daycare center, a spiritual leader, a vet, a made to order cook, a financial adviser and real estate agent can be exhausting on just four hours of sleep.  But I really don't think that's what it is.  I think those are the easy answers.  The real reason is one I have felt on my heart for a while but have been too intimidated about the response and scrutiny of friends and family that read this blog to post the real reason.  I have misplaced my priorities. Let's be honest, beliefs and religion are not always a safe zone topic.  But I am investing my time and energy into fleshy, worldly pastimes and concerns instead of focusing on what should be the precedence of my day; the Lord. 

I have come to a very simple Biblical conclusion that I have been clouding with justification from a individualistic propelling society; not what am I doing for me, but what am I doing for God.  I realized that everything that I do should be glorifying God and if it's not then it's a waste of time.  And WOW, I am doing a lot that does not, including this blog.  I am trying to run my life on my steam, not His.  No wonder I keep coming up short.  I know this is hard for some of you to believe, but I'm not wonder woman :)  I like to think I can do it all, be level headed and run my day to day life in a compartmentalized fashion.  Kid stuff here, house stuff here, friends here, church family here and so on and so forth.  What would it look like if I included Him in all these areas, including this blog.  Yeah, I might ruffle some feathers, make some feel uncomfortable but I truly believe if I start living my life this way I will be blessed.

Just typing this, I already feel a weight lifted.  What if my day wasn't about what I could get done but for Who I could glorify with my actions.  What if I started to scrub the toilet to... glorify Him, changed diapers to glorify Him, made dinner that two screaming children didn't appreciate to glorify Him?  What if I actually prayed for strength to mention Him to someone I know could use His strength but would not necessarily welcome the conversation with open arms?  What if I spent the time I use to relax searching facebook and pinterest and rested in His word?  What would it look like if I really celebrated a true Sabbath, unplugged and tuned in to Him?  There is a lot of rest in those questions.

I have found my answer and my solace all in one wonderful bundle.  A trusting, rest and peace in a God that provides all of the above.  Am I intimidated about the world's response to this, what seems like an archaic and no longer a social norm... yes.  But I believe in something bigger than Twitter and Blackberry.  And whatsoever you do, do it heartily unto the Lord and not unto men.  Col. 3:23  My new mantra...

What's Up Doc...

Well, I finally got some pictures of my favorite little bunny and carrot!  We took at little trip down to Stuckmeyer's Pumpkin Patch.  It had just rained a ton and was still drizzling so we weren't really able to get out into the fields like I would have liked; due to me being anal about them destroying their costumes before Halloween.  However, it was fun to see my creations come to life.

About a month ago, I started collecting coupons and ideas for the girls' costumes.  I am proud to say that I ended up only spending $20 to make both!  Adelyn was very excited about being a bunny "princess" (you have to throw princess behind everything to make it worth while) and as you can see from the following pics the Lord even blessed her with some awesome bunny teeth to match :)  Her costume was simple.  I took a grey hoodie and cut two slits at the top.  I slipped a leftover bunny headband she had from Easter through the holes.  Next, I sewed a large white pom pom onto the back for a tail.  I made a tutu out of three different shades of grey tulle knotted around a band of elastic.  Paired it with a discount pair of grey leggings and the grey boots that I had already bought her for the winter.  Voila, bunny princess.  On Halloween, I'll paint whiskers and a cute pink bunny nose but she was being a stinker today and I didn't feel like that battle :)

Now, Marcella's carrot costume wasn't hard, but it posed a set of challenges that required some creative thinking outside the box.  I dyed a white hoodie orange with RIT dye from Michaels.  I already had the orange leggings and socks from another outfit.  I made her an orange tutu out of three shades of orange tulle knotted around elastic.  I wasn't exactly sure how to make her a recognizable carrot and not just an orange monster.  So, I randomly sewed on three shades of green tulle from the top of her hood and hot glued a scrap of white vinyl with "fresh carrots" written on it to secure the bundle of greens.  I'm still not sure if I'm 100% satisfied with how it turned out but it got a lot of "oohs, ahhs and look at that adorable carrot costume" at the pumpkin patch.  So, I guess the picture got across!  She was REALLY grumpy and not very camera friendly but you get the idea...

I think they turned out pretty cute and I'm proud to say that I did them cheaply, uniquely, and warmly :)

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ok, Ok... I know I'll stop with the pumpkin stuff.  But this is one of my favorite traditions.  I love an evening of homemade chili, hot apple cider, family, friends, pumpkin carving and it's wonderful bi-products; happy faces, stuffed tummies, spooky jack-o-lanturns and glorious salty pumpkin seeds.  This is the recipe I use every year but I occasionally like to change up the seasonings...

After carving out the inside of my pumpkins, this year was an especially good yield, I place the pumpkin seeds in a strainer.  While running water over them, I try to pick out all the "pumpkin guts" that made it in with them.  Once I have them all cleaned out, I coat them with olive oil while still in the colander.  I spread the seeds out flat on a baking sheet and coat with season salt and another seasoning of choice.  You can use the seasonings sparingly or extra salty like I like them :) This year I chose a Pico de gallo hispanic seasoning.  I bake them in the oven for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 15, at 350 degrees.

Pure yumminess!  Oh, why can't there be a pumpkin harvest year round? Would love to hear some other pumpkin seed recipes!

My Pumpkin Tribute

Ok, this ones for all my pumpkin lovers out there.  I was thinking this morning how incredible it is that a color, smell and taste can ultimately change a bad mood to a good one for me.  Therefore, I decided to share the happiness and divulge all my little pumpkin obsession secrets to you.  I literally count down the days till when the stores start bringing pumpkin back and here are a few seasonal favorites of mine...

This is Trader Joe's seasonal pancake mix and it is to DIE for.  My kids love it too.  It's music to my ears to hear Adelyn ask for the pumpkin pancakes that make her happy :) Me too, Adelyn, me too.

This is the moistest pumpkin bread I have ever tasted.  I love making muffins out of it.  Little perfect portions of perfection!

Another one from Trader Joes.  This tastes INCREDIBLE in vanilla yogurt!

 Already mentioned these once in a previous blog but they are so good I thought they deserved an encore!

This is my favorite!  These smell goods make me feel good.  Love you Bath and Body Works.

Of course there are countless others such as, my beloved pumpkin spice latte, Yankee's pumpkin spice candle and just the simple lovliness of a pumpkin all by itself.  I think I have "accidently" rubbed off on my daughter and she is now tickled with pumpkins.  

She told me yesterday that orange makes her happy and our new favorite pass time is taking Chango for a walk and spying the pumpkins on people's porches.  Love this wonderful season that promotes thanksgiving for the boundless beauty God has graciously given us.  Right now, I am more than thankful for the pumpkins :)

Give Me Some Lovin...

This blog, funny enough, is one I wouldn't have touched with a ten foot pole.  It was Jason who approached me with the idea of putting it out there.  We have seen this very thing get out of control, deteriorate and even destroy several of our friends' marriages. 

The past year has been a rough one for the hubby and I.  Between him having to work four jobs to make ends meat in this poopy economy until a teaching job opened up, wrestling season, living with the rents till we got on our feet and me being a tired blimp while pregnant to being a tired blimp postpartum, J and I time has all since vanished.  Now I'm not even talking big stuff, like dare I say, a night to ourselves.  But even the little stuff, like a kiss goodbye in the morning.  It snuck up on us fast, too. 

We were recently having a stressed out, kid screaming, dog whining, my head's going to explode kind of day and it oddly occurred to me, "When is the last time the hub and I really separated ourselves from this?"  Now, let me put it out there loud and clear, I LOVE MY HUSBAND and HE LOVES ME, but marriage can be hard.  We have entered a season in our relationship that actually, as scary as it sounds to some, requires a little work.  Let's face it, as much as I love and adore those little germ buckets, kids muddle things.  And the extra stress of a down economy, a cross country move, and living with family, just zapped all our effortless intimacy.  However, we have always been really good at communicating our concerns before they get out of control.  So, I feel blessed that we acknowledged the shortcomings in our relationship immediately and came up with a quick plan of action.

We were the two that started this family and when the kids are grown and gone, God willing, we are going to be the only two left.  It's so easy to put the kids schedules and needs before our own, and at this age it's hard not to because they are so dependent still.  Consequently, we have really been talking a lot lately about the importance of the little things.  Big probably isn't realistic.  And I have to say I'm much happier and I feel, so is Jason.  I had forgotten in the craziness of life that men don't know anything about women and women think we know too much about men.  The truth is, we both just needed to be blunt and brutally honest with our needs.  I was feeling like I was last in Jason's long list of to dos and Jason felt like a paycheck and disconnected from our familiy. 

It was a lot to hear at first, but encouraging because it was the first time that we just put it out there without fear of being hurtful or needy.  It was just honest and really helpful.  I had no idea Jason felt that way and vice versa.  I realized that I write about and exhaust all my energy towards my girls.  It's time that I devote some more gusto for my other half.  That includes me speaking up instead of, as Jason puts it, being a martyr.  We then started talking about ways to ease that a little on a daily basis.  Since then I've gotten random little post it notes on the kitchen table waiting for me when I bring the girls in for breakfast, just saying I love you and have a great day.  It's amazing how much that little reminder helps my day and improves my overall mood.  In return, I'm more motivated to be more affectionate and take a chill pill with the girls and let Jason take the reigns.  I know that it's not an end all fix all but it's a start and it's encouraging. 

I loved him this day...

Four years later, I love him, admire him and have come to enjoy even the quirks :)

I hope you take time to let the one that lifts you up, know so.  

Ingenius Pajamie Jams...

So one of my latest battles is one that I would never have dreamed three years ago pre-kids I would be waging war against.  Pajamas.  You heard me.  Pajamas.  It seems like every time I go to grab these little night time garment monsters one or the other is missing, no upper or no lower.  Adelyn is very particular about her wardrobe these days and I wouldn't dare offend the diva by mismatching her at nigh night time.   What would her stuffed animals think?  Many a tantrums have ensued by the very suggestion of wearing a discombobulated ensemble.

The solution came in a folding laundry session with my love.    Jason's synapses were firing that night.  He suggests, "Why don't we just tie the pants around the shirt in a loose knot.  You know, kinda like you do with socks?"  GENIUS!  So simple, yet so profound!  I was oddly jealous that, I, supermom had not thought of it first.  Now I don't know about you, and maybe I'm just getting lazy these days, but I really couldn't care less about wrinkled socks, undies or jammie jams for that matter.  Therefore, I really didn't care that we were knotting my freshly washed laundry.

Look at them!  Neat little pajama bundles.  Our fashinista is satisfied, Mom is relieved knowing that there will be no late night matching games and Dad is a little puffed up with pride that his idea was a perfect fit for our little dilemma.  It's the little things people.

Busy Life, Crazy Wife...

Breathe... Just breathe.  My mantra these last couple weeks.  I have to say I am quite surprised at how busy a stay at home mom's life can be.  I know when I was teaching, before having my sweet cherubs, I used to think, "How can these stay at home moms not have time to get their kids stuff together before school?  Or I'll just ask one of my sahm to do it.  They have the time."  Sorry, to all those moms out there I might have burdened while blinded by selfish single ignorance.  I had no idea and I don't think you could have convinced me either even if you did try to explain.  I work twice as hard as I did before and get half the things accomplished that I once did.

Oh, I remember daydreaming while pregnant with number one, "I can't wait to stay home so I will finally have the time to scrapbook, do all those DIY things that I have dreampt of doing forever, and enjoy a nice clean home."  HA!  Not that I'm complaining, I thank the Lord everyday that my husband supports the decision to have me home and I love every minute of it, but where does it go?  This time.  It eludes me.  I wake up every morning with a plan of things I would like to get accomplished and my head hits the pillow at the end of the day trying to figure out why I got absolutely nothing done.  I like to consider myself pretty productive and have always been capable of staying on task.  So, I don't think that is it.  Sometimes I wonder, when Jason gets home and sees the craziness that is our life, if he imagines me sitting at home all day with my feet up, watching re-runs of Glee and eating bon bons.

The thing that kind of scares me though, is this is probably the slowest it will ever be.  I mean I know my kids will be a little more self sufficient but we'll have dance, soccer practice, school plays, who knows what else and when those boys come, wrestling( Although, just to make Jason mad I constantly remind him that his future boys might not want to wrestle... they might just want to play the flute and dance).  The funny thing is though, I love all that business.  I secretly enjoy having non-stop action.  It's how I operate.  So, it's not that I wish for it to slow down, I just wish I had a few more hours everyday to get some more of those necessary evils (cleaning, organizing, paying bills...) factored in as well.

So here's to those moms who somehow do it all.  I hope you share your wisdom and pass it along because as of right now, nothing is getting done at our house :)

Kid-Friendly Events Coming Up in the Lou...

I love October for many reasons.  But besides the obvious ones, weather, fall colors and foods, it's the fun family friendly activities that are everywhere that really excite me!  I was perusing my normal family friendly sites and I came across a few that got me tickled.  Let me share, shall I...

St. Louis Art Museum's Family Sundays
This month the art museum is celebrating impressionism, focusing on Monet's Water Lilies.  They will have kid friendly art activities using several different mediums and techniques inspired by the museum's collection.  It if free to all, always a plus!  Tours leave at 2:30.

Jumpin' Pumpkin Jamboree
Eckert's Family Fun Farm in Millstadt, Il, is having their annual wagon ride to pumpkin picking.  Tons of activities including petting zoo, jumping pillows, pumpkin launcher, live music and entertainment, crafts, and festival foods.  Open all Saturdays and Sundays in October from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  $10 per person but under two is free.  Also, Eckert's will periodically put coupons on it's site so check back before your trip!

Fall Family Hayrides
Hour long hayrides at Jefferson Barracks Park.  Roasting marshmallows over outdoor fire pits, hot chocolate and enjoying live bluegrass music.  Rides are available on the hour between 6-8 p.m. on October 14th and 15th.  $10 per person.

"Bootterflies" Halloween Party 
A nonspooky family Halloween event day at Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, Faust County Park.  Crafts, games, game prizes and goody bag.  11 am -2 pm on October 22nd and 23rd with paid general admission. I always print out the buy on get one free coupon on Drury Inn's site.

Not-So-Haunted House at the Magic House
Get your kiddos dressed up in their costumes to mingle with some timeless fairytale characters.  Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow white, Willy Wonka, Tom Sawyer, Madeline, Alice and many more.  Every little one will receive a trick-or-treat bag and an autograph book for characters as they trick-or-treat through the Magic House.  9:30 am to 9 pm on Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, and 11 am to 5:30 pm on Oct. 23 and 30.  Normal Museum Admission.


Fall Festival of Local Flavor
A celebration of everything fall in downtown Kirkwood.  Local art show and live music from 10 am -5 pm.  Kids crafts from 11 am - 2 pm.  And of course the awesome Farmer's Market and Pumpkin Patch will be open as well!  Tons of things to do with the kiddos.  Play fort, corn pit, swings, tractor trikes and much more!  I will definitely be attending this one!

Downtown Kirkwood's Halloween Walk
Thursday, October 27th from 5-7.  Come dressed in your Halloween duds and enjoy trick-or-treating at the local businesses.  We attended last year and had a blast.  Can't wait to do it again this year!

Stuckmeyer's Halloween Farm Fun Days
Open Saturdays and Sundays throughout October from 9 am - 5 pm.  FREE ADMISSION!  This is where we usually go and I have always had a great time.  Fort Spooky, Hayrides, inflatables, animals, live music and lots of yummy fall treats.  Great farmers market and excellent pumpkin picking.

Oh, how I wish I had the time and resources to attend all of them!  If you do get to go to one that I have listed or another fun opportunity I missed, please share your experience!