autumn

This is my favorite time of year. There is a crispness to the air, the mornings and evenings are cooler. Pumpkins and all kinds of squash are abundant. School is in session and, like Meg Ryan says in You've Got Mail, "I could have bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils". There is just something about the newness of it all, the transition from summer to fall, and I just cannot get enough of it. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. The Pumpkin Walk, corn maze, leaves changing colors. And, last but definitely not least, peaches. They are in full bloom this time of year and we definitely take advantage of that! What you are looking at now is considered liquid gold among my family and close friends. These are at the top of the list of high commodities. Plus canning them is half the fun (eating them is the other half). I love to can peaches with my mom. I know I could probably do it myself but it is way more fun to do it with her. Admittedly, she does most of the work, but it is always great to hear her stories of canning and doing this exact thing with her grandmother. That in itself is liquid gold.

fall festival

We had so much fun at the fall festival. I was really impressed by all the activities and booths set up for us and the kids.

Of course, the hay bale jump was the favorite.

Even the hubby got into it.

The corn maze was fun but we got lost a lot. So here is a pic the hubby took while one of us looked at the map and the rest just stood around, sweating.

This was also a favorite among the kids. Wish I had something like this to drive around the neighborhood.

dear mr. driver

Dear Mr. Driver,

You almost hit me this morning. Yes, it's true! I'm not lying. You seriously almost hit me. I know. I'm just as surprised as you; like when you FINALLY looked my way. I was one brake pad away from kissing the right side of your bumper. I mean, if we were filming a cool action scene in a movie that involved a near-fatal car crash, we would have won an award for our crazy skills. But since we were not filming a movie and were not looking to get in a an accident, I do want to share a secret with you that us drivers know universally: it is really hard to make a left hand turn when you are looking right. I know that Michael Jordan makes it look easy -- like in those McD's commercials with Michael Jackson; he looks left but throws right. PSYCHE! Yeah, totally throws you off. In the basketball world it works wonders -- not so much when you are driving.

Don't get me wrong -- I did try to get your attention. I really did try. I was honking and honking and HONKING. I really did want you to look at me. All those students walking up the hill can be a bit of a distraction. I understand. This may be your first year at the uni and you were just trying to look cool in your Mazda SUV. I know how it goes. It's hard to make your mark when you are just a little fish in such a large dating pool. It is rough. But please, please, I beg of you...for the sake of saving face and not looking like an idiot (like you did this morning) and for the sake of us defensive drivers who do not want to aggravate your insurance company, keep your eyes on the road.

snapshot

9:11am: riding in the car to grandma and grandpa's house. Primary songs playing in the background. M (child no. 1) singing along and N (baby no. 2) babbling.

"I'm trying to be like Jesus...stop babe! I'm trying to sing!"

"Ba ba ba. Da da da. Mom. Mom. Na na na."

"...I'm following in his ways...babe! Stop! I'm S-I-N-G-I-N-G!"

"Mom. Mom. Na na na. Da da da. Ba ba ba."

"...I'm trying to love as He...mom! Babe won't stop talking! I'm T-R-Y-I-N-G to sing!"

"Mom. Mom. Na na na."

skin conditioning oil

This product has saved me time and time again!! Unfortunately, I live in a very dry climate. When the weather turns cool, my skin reacts by cracking and I mean deep, canyon-like crevices around my fingernails. Defintely very painful and not attractive. The Skin Conditioning Oil from Arbonne smooths and deeply conditions dry skin with an international blend of oils. It relieves dry, irritated skin without feeling greasy. Some of the key ingredients include: pecan oil, avocado oil, hazel seed oil, sea kelp (which aids in oil absorption and is a moisturizer), and mallow (which soothes and acts as an anti-inflammatory). Not only do I rub this on my fingers, but also on the heels of my feet, elbows and even cuts/scrapes. I find it heals much, much faster. And, as always, is included in the Arbonne motto of pure, safe and beneficial.

time for bed by mem fox

My cute sis-in-law gave us this book. She said it is a favorite

of theirs and wanted to share the love. We are so glad she did! It has quickly become a favorite of ours. Mason even loves to read it to himself (he has most of it memorized). This book is characterized by it's charming illustrations and comfortable, lulling rhymes. Each page shows animal pairs, each with a parent settling its offspring down for the night. Anyone else have this book?

first kiss

Recently some friends and I have been reminiscing about the good ol' days. We saw a wedding announcement in the paper of a guy we all liked. He was a year older than us (which makes you that much cooler) and eyes bluer than the Caribbean. I mean, we are talking middle school days. There was always a crush or a cute guy to talk about in middle school. Always. But seeing his announcement in the paper got us talking about who had kissed who and our 'first' kisses.

Now, a couple of my friends had already had their first kisses by the sixth grade. And, of course, as an adolescent, I was feeling left out. I had yet to be kissed. For some reason I felt I needed some sort of vindication (like a kiss) to say I was being noticed for the awesome, funny, bubbly person that I was. I doubt any boys even noticed I was part of the opposite sex. I mean, check this out:

Definitely only a face a mother could love but exuding potential. ;) (This was one of my favorite shirts, BTW). This is all pre-braces, pre-contacts, pre-makeup, pre-swan stage (i.e. Ugly Duckling).

My first kiss didn't come until I was a freshman in high school. Thinking back on it now, when it finally did happen, I felt pretty, confident and happy; like I finally had been elected into that next stage of life; that I was good enough. It is just too bad (and scary) that I based my confidence on a kiss. It makes me nervous for how my kids are going to be!! Will they be the same? Will they have the same type of issues that I did as a kid? Will it be worse?

For right now, I will enjoy their innocence and their age. I'm thinking a 3 year old is much easier to deal with than an adolescent (tantrums included).

Who else remembers vividly their first kiss?

sheet cake

I know, right?! Doesn't this just make your mouth water? (If not, you are just some kind of crazy). The Pioneer Woman can seriously cook. (If you have not heard of The Pioneer Woman, you are definitely crazy and been living in a box for the last couple of years). She has this killer chocolate sheet cake recipe. And by killer I mean 4 cubes of butter, lots of cocoa and 1 lb. (yes, 1 lb.) of powder sugar. This is not Weight Watchers material. I have made it three times now and it is always a hit. So head on over and check out the step-by-step recipe instructions. But be ye warned -- it is addicting!!

phases and stages

So is this even possible?? No clue that you could nurse while standing. My boobs get so big when I nurse that I have to take 10 minutes of prep time and be heavily supported before I even latch the kid on.

But, I am happy (and sad) to say baby no. 2 has finished nursing. I truly enjoy nursing. Yes, it isn't always comfortable or convenient (i.e. middle of McDonald's playland and baby yanks the covering off) but I love that extra time spent one-on-one with baby. Especially with this second one. I always feel like I am not spending enough time with her because baby no. 1 never stops.

There are bonuses to being done. I finally can wear a normal bra. I can leave her for longer periods of time with the husband and not have to rush home to feed her. No more rock hard, painful, overfull breasts or embarrassing wet-spots. But even with all of this, knowing that I am able to provide her very own, perfectly balanced meal, makes it all worth it.

snl weekly

A new season of SNL started Saturday night. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler welcomed us back with a very funny non-partisan skit as Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. It was very, very entertaining. Did anyone else catch Michael Phelps hosting on Saturday night?

monster pops

I love these pop-up books by Jan Pienkowski. The drawing are very original and creative. I grew up with these books and now love sharing them with the kids. My mom actually gave baby no. 1 this box set for his 1st birthday. They have seen some better days but it is evidence these books are preferred. The box set includes Dinnertime, Oh My a Fly! and Small Talk.

arbonne

I was introduced to Arbonne approximately 2 years ago by my dear friend Dayna. She called and told me she had found something that changed her skin and she wanted to share it with me. I'm so grateful she did! The health of my skin has always struggled. I have very sensitive skin (my dad's genes for sure) and I could never find the right products to alleviate that. Not only has Arbonne cleared up my skin but it has also given me a wonderful business opportunity. I love being a part of Arbonne and sharing these amazing products with others.

Blogs are platforms of all varities. As you have noticed, I love sharing with you things that I love. From my family to Christian Bale; SNL to photography. I am going to also share with you my love of Arbonne and its many products.

In the Arbonne world September 1 is the launch of all their great Holiday items. These are special because they are only available from September 1-December 31. One of my favorites from the Holiday line is the Ginger Citrus Scrub. It is a gentle exoliating scrub with a succulent, fresh scent.

I love to use this on my feet. They are usually pretty ragged by the end of the summer. Now I can protect them from the drying effects of the hot summer and harsh flip-flops. The essential oils are very moisturizing and not greasy. If you are interested in ordering, let me know.

homeage to bale

Reason no. 437:
Christian Bale and Kermit the Frog have much in common. Two of my favorites coming together, like chocolate ice cream and whoppers.

Here is just an example:



















To see more Kermit Bale, go here.

Kudos to Annie for bringing this to my attention!! I knew there were more Christian Balers out there. ;)

snl weekly

So I'm a bit late in getting this out but here is the latest SNL clip that put a grin on my face. Who knew that Brian Williams would not only be a great news-caster but also an SNL favorite?!

happy birthday

I must wish Miss Nemesis a very happy birthday. Do you feel much older than yesterday? I'm heading the same direction you are and wondering if I need some kind of heads-up. I sure hope your new hubby (my cute cousin) makes your day uber special and you get to do all kinds of crazy and fun stuff. Just make sure you don't hold back on eating any cake. It's your birthday so stuff it in your face!! ;)

trailers

So many fun movies coming out this fall! Here are a couple I'm looking forward to seeing:


The Secret Life of Bees is such a good book. I've read it twice actually.
I'm really hoping the film can do the book justice. Though generally it is
a fact that the books often fare better than the movie.





The Boy in the Striped Pajamas looks excellent as well. It is about a young boy in a concentration camp and another boy, his same age, who meets him but is on the other side of the fence. I like the idea of taking on another perspective for WWII/Nazi Germany type movies.


Now let's just hope they both come to L****. :)

what happens in vegas...

Mullet wig: $28.

Retro neon skull t-shirt: $8.

Surprising your friend at his 80's-themed 30th birthday bash and having his wife not recognize you: priceless.

charlie and lola

Mason has truly come to love Charlie and Lola. He loves watching the show but also loves reading the books. If you have not yet been introduced to the cute siblings, definitely take this opportunity to do so. Charlie has a little sister Lola. She is small and very funny. And always up to something. Fun and quirky stories that keep the kids interested as well as mom and dad!

desperately seeking...a car??

Anyone in need of a car? Yes, it is old and doesn't start...definitely needs work BUT it is still in good condition and has excellent mileage. It even has a sun roof and a CD player. Lots of good memories with this car. Any takers??

no more diapers

Never thought the day would come when I would have just one child in diapers instead of two. Blood, sweat and tears have been shed in order for my little sugar plum to no longer crinkle when he runs. So many changes happening in his little life but he has taken them in stride and I'm so proud of him. How come he has to grow up so fast? At least he will still let me give him hugs and kisses. Not looking forward to the day when that will stop. :)

Naomi turns 1

My sweet bundle of joy turned 1 last week. We had fun introducing her to messy eating, cake and ice cream. For some reason, she just didn't like us to sing to her. I guess it could be compared to dogs howling but still...there is no crying on your birthday! Isn't that a cardinal rule or something?

This first year has been full of ups and downs but with Naomi, it has always been up. She amazes us everyday with all she is doing and has the most kissable cheeks out there. Her babbling little voice just melts our hearts. Happy birthday, babe (as Mase likes to call her). Time for a big hug and kiss!!

September

Can you believe it is already September? Posting has gone to the wayside as of late. Pictures and stories to come of our latest adventures:

Naomi's first birthday

Potty training 101

First day of preschool

Celebrating in Vegas

Nightmares of yellow jackets

In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite clips of Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) playing the drums.