I love this idea.

One more post to make up for not posting yesterday. A little display of clocks all set to the times of when your children were born. A sweet idea for a side table, a mantel ... anywhere, really.

If you don't have children, the time of your wedding would be a sentimental statement...

Halloween Fun

Do you do this in your neighborhood? You leave a bag of goodies with this note on 2 neighbors' doorsteps...ring the doorbell and then run away, fast.

It's fun to see the windows of everyone's houses fill up with these "Boo" signs. A great way to kick off the season!

Last year I found cheap but good smelling Halloween candles that smelled like candy corn that I gave as a gift, but this year I am doing candy, wrapped up in pumpkin bags (Target). You know what Caeden and I will be doing when the sun goes down tonight - running fast!

P.S. To use this template, just double click on the image for a full-sized version to print.

Halloween Idea

I am looking forward to Caeden's Halloween party this year at school. We are in charge of bringing drinks and I just wanted to share an idea ... adapted from Martha Stewart, of course.

Make this Green Party Punch:

GREEN PARTY PUNCH
2 liters ginger ale 1 lg. container frozen lemonade 1 lg. can pineapple juice (chilled) 1 qt. lime sherbet Stir together. The lime sherbet melts and makes a milky green punch with foam on top.

And then (the best part!) put it into these plastic chemistry flasks (they even come with lids!)

Our weekend was nice. We thought we were going to get snow, but instead just saw some cold temperatures and drizzling rain. It made for a cozy weekend with the fireplace on. The kids were on the floor and I got some pictures worth sharing. The one of Claire looking at the camera with Caeden in the background cracks me up because it's as if she is saying, "Get a load of this guy. What in the world is he playing with?!"

Caeden is completely into Monster Trucks and played with them all weekend. At one point he was just wearing underwear and brown socks, running around the house with Monster Trucks everywhere. All he needed was a can of PBR and he was the (underage) poster child for WT. He is such a honey, though. I thank God every night for him. He is already so thoughtful. -- Today at Costco, an adult cut Caeden off in the aisle, and Caeden said, "Oh! Excuse Me." The guy was completely taken aback. He should have been as he was so rude, but at the same time, for such a little boy to have manners ... was it wasn't even his fault ... it was a proud Mommy moment for me.

Claire is such a doll. She is happy most all of the time and is starting to sleep in her crib (some of the time) which is wonderful!

Can Money Buy Happiness?

In this economy, for all of our sakes, I hope we can find happiness in other places than our wallets. However, I have to be honest. These made me very happy yesterday. And when it stops raining and snowing, they will make me happy again.

New shoes. A stylish way to run away from all the bad news out there.

Corn Bag Critters & More

This company caught my eye in Country Living Magazine this month. Since my neck-pulling days, I have become a firm believer in the corn/rice bags that you put in the microwave to soothe away aches and pains. They really work! I've been on the hunt for one of my own (I have stolen my mother-in-law's for the time being) and finally found them.

They say they are good for ear aches ... well, all aches. And this company makes them in smaller sizes for kids. Igor is my favorite.

Another find is family run business that makes pie fillings. They say if they can get someone to try it, they always buy it. My brilliant baker friend is in Rapid City, and so I have to rely on short-cuts like this: Appleseed Farm.


Anyhoo, just wanted to share some Country Living Product Winners. Click here for the complete list.

Out of Town Ritual

When Wayne is out of town (this week: Vegas) I try to take pictures of the kids daily so he feels connected. This morning I told Caeden we were taking pictures, and while he was up for it, he definitely had his own ideas.




"Take a picture of me picking my nose."







"Make sure Daddy sees my Monster Trucks crashing into the cars."
"I will sing, 'Bad to the Bone' for Daddy."

Today ...

Claire holding on for dear life as she tries out the Bumbo seat. She's blowing raspberries (I LOVE that she can mimic - it's so fun!)

Caeden is addicted to YouTube. He watches Monster Truck crashes. I find it a bit appauling that I let him do this, yet it makes getting dinner ready so much easier...

Etiquette

This is what you do when you eat (most) of the piece of cake you bring home for your husband. Yes, I really did leave him this note in the fridge. If I hadn't, he would have found me greedy and insensitive. Now he just thinks I'm cute and lack self-control.

Halloween Stuff

The black pumpkins are fun. I just painted (some faux pumpkins I got from the craft store) black with acrylic paint. Once it dried, I used white, opaque pens to doodle on them.

Caeden has one just for listing his Halloween costumes each year...each season we add the date and what he was and then sit it in his room. Super cute.

The sparkle pumpkin is just the modge podge and glass glitter. I have brown, orange, and yellow ones scattered throughout the house. I keep them out all Fall long.

Register to Vote

Watch the entire thing. For some entertainment. To be informed. Please. This is a big deal. Voting is a huge deal. Vote.

Tighter, Tighter

I am loving the new Kohl's commercial. It's the one with the song, "Tighter, Tighter."

Something like, "C'mon hold me a little bit tighter, baby..."

I did a wiki search and found Holly Conlan sings it (the original is by Alive n' Kickin) but that it is not available.

Not available? In this day and age when you can find pretty much anything??!

I want it so I can make a movie of the kids' pictures. I am off to search the bowels of the internet, illegal or otherwise, until I come back victorious.

(If you don't hear of this post again, it's because I was not victorious, but we won't mention that now will we?)

Is Anyone Watching Lipstick Jungle?

I am loving this show. It's sort of my new stand in for "Sex and the City." And, as a person who hardly watches TV, I make sure I'm free on Wednesday nights to watch -- even if I'm Tivo-ing it.

What is everyone else watching this Fall?

Took it Like a Champ (her, not me)

Claire had her 4 month appt. this morning which meant a series of shots. She did great, I however, had to leave the room because I cannot stand to see her hurt. Wayne carried her out of the exam room, and there she was all bright eyed and quiet ... except I could see the tears that were on her cheeks. :(

She weighs 12 pounds 15 oz. (33rd percentile)
She is 23 1/2" long (25th percentile)
Her peanut head is 15 1/2" around (10th percentile)

Caeden got a flu shot and didn't even wince. Such a little man. Took him out to the dirt pile behind the house as a reward for being so brave.

One Boy's Rocky Mountain

Caeden was overjoyed to see a Bobcat piling dirt up behind our house on Friday. He waited as patiently as any excited 3 1/2 year old can until the weekend when he could claim it for his own.

So far, we've been over there 4 times in 2 days and have just given up on hauling toys back and forth ... we just piled them up by the fence so they're ready to go when he is.

Some running commentary I overhead:

"Okay Bobcat. You are done with the dirt. You take a break while the cement truck has some fun."

"I am building a fireplace (rolling large rocks around the field into a pile). There! Now, none of you move!"

Claire 4 Months

Baby Claire,

You have the sweetest smile that lights up your eyes ... and an entire room.

You have a belly laugh that is so contagious that I will spent hours trying to make you do it just one more time.

You still are not rolling over, but love to play with your toes.

You discovered your hands and suck on them all day long.

You love to be cuddled, and I think that's why you will only sleep in your swing, car seat, or in bed with me (your crib being the goal ...)Your brother tries to pet you, kiss you, and love on you whenever he gets the chance.

You love bath time and look up at me with this amazing face when I wash your hair. Totally trusting that I won't get water in your eyes (talk to you brother about this one, I have traumatized him many times...)

Your skin is the softest thing I have ever felt and you smell like baby goodness.

You kick your legs and wave your arms in anticipation of being held.

You love when I sing to you. And, when fussing in the car, my John Mayer playlist puts you to sleep (and your father).

Your nickname is still Claire Bear.

We love you soooo much.

XoXo

Mommy

Getting Ahead

Okay, I know this is a bit of a jump, but how cute are these new stockings at Pottery Barn Kids??

I am hosting Christmas this year, and short of redecorating the house, these might have to do.

You see the ornamental greenery above them? I learned a trick years ago ... just get a piece of MDF cut to the size of the top of your mantel. Place it up there and then staple real (mist with water daily) or faux greenery to the top of the MDF. Your mantle will look fabulous and the whole thing comes down after Christmas and you haven't hurt your mantle.

One More Thing ... Nike Pants

I discovered a wonderful pair of Nike pants. Totally soft and flattering. I have black but am going back for all the colors. Perfect for Fall walks and the grocery store.

Day to Day

I am feeling quite Martha today. I rearranged my living room, scrubbed the hardwood floors, and made Cowboy Cookies.

Caeden has been "helping" me clean, and has been happy as a clam. It also might have something to do with the bribe/brilliant comment ... "How about Chuck E Cheese after quiet time?" Super casual. Didn't sound anything like a desperate plea for good behavior. I am getting the hang of this mothering thing.

Claire turns 4 months tomorrow. I am going to do a major photoshoot - I still have yet to get professional portraits done, but am waiting for her to sit up. However, I have some great ideas and hope the photos turn out. Stay tuned.

Thanks Sara, for the Home Depot shout-out. You were right. We found sheet metal and Wayne is going to work on the "Ta Da" project this weekend.

We are fortunate to live near Estes Park, CO. This time of year, the Elk come down into the town and hang out. They walk all over the place - crossing the street, wandering through public places without a care in the world...so we're headed up there this weekend (or next week if Wayne plays hooky) to check it all out.

I slipped into a pre-pregnancy pair of jeans yesterday. It's about time! I was feeling quite cocky, and proceeded to try on some of my other favorite pairs. Uh, no go. Apparently the ones that fit are my new favorites until my oatmeal/cheese/apple/crackers diet kicks in. Should be any moment. Really. Any time now.

Happy Weekend to All!

Ingredients for Cowboy Cookies

Makes about 5 dozen

• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch chunks (1 cup)
• 3 ounces (3/4 cup) pecan halves
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray, line with parchment, and spray parchment. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl.
2. Beat butter and sugars with a mixer on medium-high until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
3. Reduce speed to low, and slowly add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Beat in oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut until combined. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.)
4. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop or a small spoon, drop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.
5. Bake until edges of cookies begin to brown, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks. Let cool. (Cookies can be stored up to 3 days.)