Good Food, Good Friends

Good food, good friends and heartbreaking football............

Our Chef

Good Friends.......

Good Food.......

And a heartbreaking game.........

Still love the Tide!!

Yay Alabama!!

Embracing the Big 50

Since there is nothing I can do about turning 50, I've decided I may as well just embrace it. As I told Caleb, my only 2 choices are dying or getting older......I think I'd prefer to get older.  I am a little amazed at how fast time flies! Anyway, Reed arranged for an early birthday celebration that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Reed and I, along with Caleb, met Lindsey and Maddie in Birmingham. (Josh was working.)  We first  ventured to Home Goods, which is a store I truly love!  I bought myself some great birthday gifts including a new cookie sheet, a toothbrush holder, dishtowels and some napkins!  Then we went to see the new movie "Puss in Boots".  We had hoped that Maddie would enjoy it, and she did for about an hour.  It was just a little too much for her.  I, on the other hand, thought it was pretty cute.  Following the movie, we headed over to The Cheesecake Factory.  I think I'll borrow one of Maddie's favorite sayings - "It was yummy!"  We all ate very well, (except for Lindsey, who is just a little sick these days). I truly love spending time with my family, so I would have to say that this was a perfect birthday treat!

We met Lindsey and Maddie in the parking lot of the theater.  After I opened a precious present from them, we headed inside to the movie.

This was a cute movie, but it is really suited for more of an older audience.......We think Maddie did great though!

Reed and Lindsey

Maddie was not too sure about the waitresses singing Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to me!!  Yummy!!

 

Thanks for a special day!!

Playing Hooky

After 28 years of teaching, I love an occassional day of playing hooky.  I especially enjoy it when I get to do something as fun as going to a pumpkin patch with a group of daycare children.  The weather was wonderful, and it was simply (Caleb says I use the word simply too often!) a perfect day- or as perfect as a day can be with 23 toddlers and 25 adults!  The day was filled with a pumpkin patch, tractor ride, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, and more!  Everyone was well behaved, and we all had a great time!!

"Miss" Angela's Sweet Blessings! (And it was impossible to take a picture with everyone looking.)

The Whole Gang

Finding the Perfect Pumpkin

This face pretty much sums up the day!  We had a ball!

Craft Time

I recently became acquainted with Pinterest.  It didn't take me long to become addicted.  If I make/cook just a small portion of the things I like on that site I'll be doing great!  If you're not familiar with the site, check it out.  I promise you'll be hooked.  Anyway, I had all the supplies for one of the crafts, so I decided to give it a try.  I headed outside to the old  picnic table where I like to do projects on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and got busy.  I also need to add that Caleb was a great assistant.  I will do things a little differently next time, but was pretty pleased with my first attempt.

Coasters/Trivets-The site recommends using your favorite pictures or even scrapbook paper- so I did both!

The pictures show a slight glare that's not acutally on the coasters. 

I also made this easy calzone from a recipe I found on Pinterest.  I simply spread the pizza dough out on a cookie sheet.  Spread pizza sauce down the middle.  Next, I added pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, cheese, etc.  Then, I took my kitchen scissors, and cut the edges into strips and criss-crossed until finished.  Bake and enjoy!

I am hooked!  I have found lots more projects that I want to try!

Pop's Idea of a Fun Day

Reed enjoys nothing more than to spend an afternoon fishing or playing/working on a tractor.  It's even more special when he has a special helper to spend the day with to enjoy these things.

Wild West Days

Several years ago Sandra and Tony began having Wild West Days during the month of October.  Each year it has grown to be bigger and better.  Wild West Days is held on their ranch outside of Zion.  The event this year included a giant inflatable slide, pony rides, a huge sandpile, swings, kittens and chickens, a real live wild west show (with actual shooting), a wonderful meal, a hayride that ended with a trip to the pumpkin patch, and simply lots of fun for kids both young and old alike.

Fun on the inflatable

Wild West Show

Pony Rides

Pumpkin Patch/Hayride

Happy Fall!

Sweet Little Lizard

One of my favorite things about Maddie is her sense of adventure.  She is most definitely not a "girly" girl-thank goodness.  She plays and plays hard.  She loves to try new things.  I am usually not surprised by the things she is willing to do, but this time I was totally surprised.  Josh pointed out two baby lizards on a fence.  He picked up one to show her, and she immediately reached out and grabbed it.  She carried it around for quite some time, holding it upside down, playing with its legs, putting it on Cody, and even giving it several sweet little pats!  Amazing!  Her dad convinced her to put it back, and she did.  However, we were playing outside later, and she was quite disappointed when we couldn't find them again.  I have a feeling that all the lizards of the world better look out!  They may all become her pets!

Wow Dad!

Don't you wonder what this guy is thinking?

You hold him Daddy.....

A little time on his back......

And now a little ride on Cody.......

I can't wait until our next adventure!

Reed asked if the lizards survived, and

 I assured him that they lived to see another day! 

She was actually very gentle with them.