the possibilities are endless

back in the saddle

Wow- hate how being sick puts everything behind, laundry, house projects, etc.

Spending today catching up and finishing a few projects. Hard to believe it is November already-

I always host Thanksgiving at my house for my family and I want to do something fun with the table settings this year. I plan on picking up some mismatched plates at thrift stores, finding a kid friendly project for centerpieces, and want to have a grateful table display.

 

photo source

as for the display- thinking I am going to make that project up as I go-but I will take photos. I want to have a table where everyone places an item that represents what they are thankful for and after dinner we sit down and share. (and of course I take photos)

Do you host? or do you attend? if so, what projects do you do to incorporate this holiday into your home?

Please share any ideas you have on the above-

video from Studio 5 on table setting ideas

09 photos from the pumpkin patch

Every year we go to Pack's Pumpkin patch in Farmington, UT. I like to take my camera and snap photos, of course. My favorites from this year's visit are below.

This is Minnie, a long time friend of Jake and Nate's, so sweet.

 

Love this shot of Caden-since I so rarely get one with his face

 

My favorite of the bunch is this one of Kent. The clouds were dark

and the wind was blowing in a storm. He appears so grounded and secure.

Love that guy!

I think Tay was jabbing Justin in the back or something--

thanks Elizabeth for the photo lessons

 

make this for dinner

While visiting the Dillow's last week Elizabeth made this yummy dish. I have made it for my family and my mom has made it for her new neighbors and everyone loves it!

1. brown sweet Italian sausage in skillet, drain

2. prepare vegetables- add olive oil and toss to coat, add salt and pepper, roast for 30 minutes or so at 425

4 yellow summer squash/zucchini sliced 1 inch thick crosswise

3-5 carrots, sliced

1-2 pints grape tomatoes 

1-2 medium red onions, halved and sliced 1/2 inch thick

4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed or chopped up

1/4 cup olive oil

3. cook ruffly pasta according to package directions

box of curly/wavy/ruffly pasta (looks prettier, holds the oil and roasted vegetables better)

4. combine all together
add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves

Done!

serve with yummy crusty artisan bread

***note***

After I combined all the ingredients I placed it in my slow cooker to keep it warm since we had people eating at different times that evening.

my handsome boys, all dressed up

My two oldest sons went to homecoming (Taylor's second time) this last weekend and they brought their dates over for some photos and boy did I have fun.

Taylor and his date,  Kailee

 

Justin and his date, Grace (this was his first date)

Caden refused to make a normal entrance

love these pretty colors

 and cute shoes

ahh, they had a fun evening, and I was so happy to see them all dressed up

update on my hair

kind of sounds vain doesn't it- but it really isn't

A few  friends and I are growing our hair out as a simple way to support those who suffer from cancer.

Angie

Megan

and here is the back of me- wow getting long girls, getting long

oh and check out this page I made as guest blogger over at CK

I am not the only one shooting in manual mode

My oldest son Tay is taking photography and was playing around with  my camera and look what he did- I about passed out when I saw this photo of Justin- it really communicates his personality, wow proud of my son Tay!

working on...

I have some good stuff happening this week

* Preparing for a Studio 5 segment that will air live this Thursday

and I am using goodies from one of my all time favorite scrapbook companies, Doodlebug Design

The project includes glitter and their new product offering from the plain and simple line.

 

* Learning how to shoot pictures on manual, yes you read correctly- and I am thrilled!!

* Working on a few Halloween layouts for  Express the Moment, kit club and will share later this week. 

* The weather has cooled dramatically here in Utah it is time for the Crock Pot to come out. Going to try these two new recipes this week

Dump and Go Cheesy Chicken

End of Summer Harvest Soup

* Enjoying looking at these home decorating sites for the everyday woman.

Between Naps on the Porch and The Inspired Room

Have a great week!

homecoming 2009 update

Had to share the cute photo of Taylor and his date. He doesn't like the cheesy pose, but I think it is cheery

Justin, my second son, is going on his first date to homecoming for his school (he and Tay go to different high schools) in two weeks. I am excited for him to go on a date, he really likes the girl he is taking.

someone has an attitude

found this photo while I was editing and organizing summer photos and I love it for 3 reasons

1. I got Caden's entire face, which is rare since he avoids the camera

2. He is showing some personality

3. He is wearing his favorite t-shirt that says Blame my Sister

get it, he has no sisters

oh by the way, I have been trying out picnik for editing photos and it is simple and free

check it out here

Looking forward to

Thanks for all the happy fall comments, this made me want to make my own list

It is true, this time of year can be challenging for me. I have learned that it is important to have something to look forward to. Thought I would share what I have on the horizon that I am happy about.

1. I couldn't resist this picture, I signed up immediately for this organizing class with Aby. Join me!

(if you have never taken an online class at Simplify 101 before, watch this video tutorial to understand how it works)

2. My friend Angie and I are going on a road trip next month!

3. Making Christmas gifts (more to share about this soon) and baking holiday treats.

4. Meeting the Pioneer Woman and getting my cookbook signed.

5. Scrapbooking with friends

6. Learning how to make some jewelry

7. Reading, lots of reading

8. Spending time with my kiddos (and nieces and nephews)

9. Going with family and friends to a beautiful cabin in Smith and Morehouse

10. Connecting with blog readers, yes that is you.