Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Things you need to do TODAY!!



If you haven't tried indoor bulbs before you MUST MUST MUST!

It is so easy- go buy an amarylis bulb or paperwhite bulbs at your local nursery or walmart-- plant very shallow in dirt, rocks, coconut fiber, or both!!! They are so easy to grow and are so beautiful for the holidays.

You must start them today!!! Because they take 5-6 weeks to bloom. The blooms could last 3 weeks if you are lucky!!

I planted mine in river rock and soil mixture then added a little green moss on top- not necessary!! Just keep moist--do not over water or they will get moldy- do not cover bulb with water either. I love planting them in glass container but this year I did an old cookie tin because I thought the red container with the green stems and white flowers would be gorgeous. You dont have to choose a container with drainage on the bottom (ie holes) so anything funky could work! Good Luck!


On the Christmas note-- (I know already right?!-) Order your Christmas Cards or Christmas Photo Cards TODAY. Costco and other online options already have their templates ready! Can you imagine having them out of the way?! Do I sound like a magazine calendar? Well I ordered mine in attempts to try and stay ahead-- get stamps too!!


Thrifting,
you also need to go thrifting today!! There are so many good finds! If you are hosting thanksgiving there are tons of fun decorations. I found this old silver bowl for $2.00 at Goodwill. It is tarnished but I love it for a rustic fall look. I think I will clean it up for christmas and make it shiny!!


And last of all- I am Hosting Thanksgiving!!!! ( for my mom and dad and one sister) Some of you know we are in a small nasty rental house for right now blahh. but I cant miss the chance to decorate. I found this leaf idea in an old Martha Stewart magazine I had-- green scrapbook paper with real twigs hot glued or twisty twine for a twig. Im going to the craft store today to buy the paper. I imagine persimmions, eucalyptus branches (Im going to steal from my neighbors tree) and some gords or fruit.

I'll post the final picture when Im done!!

Good luck with all your holiday preparation!!

Halloween in Brief


Here is a brief Halloween update:

Murder Mystery Dinner, Neighbor Halloween Party, Trunk or Treat, Chili/FirePit Trick-or-Treating= a fun month!!!!!

Here are a few pics from my phone because Im too lazy to download from my camera!


Our 1 pumpkin we carved!! Good enough!!

Our attempts at spooky lights-- graves and skeletons to the left


Decorating outside -- it was 78 degrees so it was the perfect chance to wear a hoodie??!!

Costumes this year...

Kid-Neighbor halloween party there were probably a 100 kids- so fun.
hot dogs crafts
We love you Halloween!!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Us Last Halloween!


This was us last year at this time...

have you ever seen a giraffe drive a van or a man wear a headband for that matter??


you are adorable!!!


I actually padded my butt!! I dont think I probably needed to...


What a Ham. I started thinking how did Robert let me talk him into this?
Then I remembered that he has a flair for the theatrics.
He would have been mad if I hadn't made him a giraffe costume.


Yup-- we were Madagascar--Hippo, Giraffe, Marty the Zebra, and Alex the Lion. What a grand time we had.

and yes, we have 3 trick or treat bags--!!!!
Did no one notice???!!
Score on the chocolate bars for us.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

We found fall in Sedona!!!



We found Sedona, AZ ,

to me it was the most beautiful place.
After record temperatures feeling the 80's was
spectacular!
I made James wear a long sleeved shirt because it was "cool" weather!

There were so many breath taking views and stunning artistic buildings.
We've only scratched the surface there I cant wait to go back!!

I had no idea how popular it was to go to Sedona- we left with about a half hour of thought and planning so when we arrived all the hotels were full!!! Wow! After doing some great searching we found what felt like the last room available! Thank goodness!

Robert couldn't come because of obligations so it was just me and the kids. It was a great relaxing weekend!




a small hike


Look at this view we had at lunch!

The only yellow leaf we could reach! we took it- sorry nature but I was a little fall crazy!!

Gorgeous!

Good Times!


Our Friends the Blodgetts are moving away next week and James is sad
to not be close to Jacob. We have gone with them this last month to
the Zoo- 3-- maybe 4-- times!! What a blast!

We will miss you!


All the kids saying "cheese"




Precious!

James Friend Party





James received $4 in a card from his friend Zina in Utah this is how he used
his money.....


This ride was repeated over and over and over again....



JAMES also had his first friend party!!
Here are some of the Super Heros in attendance!

(Notice the large pile of Cheetos by James, can you share?!
Cheetos is a Birthday and Christmas Tradition in our family)


Cake by Aunt Myrna!!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

James is Four!

James' Favorite Toy from Grandma Smith


Before the Chaos!


Birthday Bowling with friends Gina, Bert, and Anthony


Max carried his own ball everytime!


Birthday boy with the tall socks


Yummy Pizza


Preschool time. Rob went to school with him
all day and brought the snack of the day-- of course cupcakes!


James' Aunt Myrna made these cupcakes for his preschool.
What kid gets Fondant Basketballs??
Thanks Myrn!

More to post of the friend party that will be this weekend.

Love you James!

First Field Trip




James' first field trip was to the fire station. Max and Cousin Lucy tagged
along. The kids of course were in awe the whole time!