Monday, October 31, 2011

halloween highlights

We borrowed costumes from a friend this year--Minnie, Mickey and a Queen. All day long I was asked, "How many more hours until Halloween?" I told them it was already Halloween . . . what they really wanted to know was how much longer till we can go on a candy hunt!

These squeaky ears didn't last long, but at least I got a picture.


Oh, to be a kid again!

Hope you enjoyed your evening!


Friday, October 28, 2011

christmas card class

Here is a little sneak peak at the cards we'll be making at my upcoming card class . . .


If you are local, hope you can join me!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

the patch


Sneak Week has started over on the Green Tangerines Kit Club Blog. November's kit is full of autumn colors!



Last weekend we made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch with a few friends. We usually go during the middle of the week, but this year we had to go on the weekend . . . never again. WAY too crowded! The kids didn't seem to mind the lines and still had a great time!

Happy Day to you!

Friday, October 21, 2011

october kit club cards

You know I love to make cards with my scraps! Here are a few simple fall themed cards:




Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

october kit club layouts

We are well into October and I am finally taking the time to put my remaining layouts up:

This was a homeschooling co-op a friend and I put together for 75 kids from our homeschool group at church. We learned all about the difference between bats and birds. It was super fun!


This layout was inspired by Susan Weinroth. She's always got great sketches.

This is from our trip to the ranch this past summer. Cousins galore!

I traced the letters with my white Signo pen to make them pop a little more.

I stitched the bottoms of my journaling strips to add a little dimension and detail.

I'll share my October Kit cards next. Have a great day!



Monday, October 17, 2011

Italian Dip

My friend Tanya shared this recipe with me a few years ago and it's always a hit wherever I bring it. It involves a little chopping and shredding, but it is SO worth it!


Ingredients:
1 lb. monterey jack cheese, shredded
2-3 roma tomatoes, chopped in little pieces
1 4oz. can black olives, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, stems removed, chopped
1 4oz. can diced green chilies
1 medium jalapeno, finely chopped
1 package Italian dressing mix (then make according to directions with oil and vinegar, no water)

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. Pour dressing over and mix well. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve with the chips of your choice. Pictured here, I have Trader Joe's Rice and Black Bean chips. Yum!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

vacation photos

We've just returned from our favorite place and I have pictures to share. One of the perks of homeschooling is that we can take our "school" on the road with us whenever we desire. The kids had a great time exploring and learning. We hiked A LOT. Seth put several miles on his little legs this past week and he loved it! (And he took REALLY long naps!) Note to self: Take Seth on a 2-mile walk every morning.

The first snow of the season happened the 3rd day we were there.

The deer are everywhere this time of year!


Blackberries were everywhere . . . too many to pick! Next time I need to bring my canning supplies and make blackberry jam while we are there!

The girls love making faces whenever I pull out my camera. These are their tongues . . . pre-blackberries!


We picked a bunch of apples and had fun feeding them to the horses.

We've read through most of the Little House series, so posing with a covered wagon is always a treat!

Tennis courts are not for tennis . . . they are for roller-blading and scooter riding . . . and lots of running! It always makes my heart happy to see how much fun they have together, and how they include Seth in all their shinanigans. 

On our last day at the ranch, the girls found a lizard, a frog and a caterpillar. They talked us into bringing all three home. The frog has it's own habitat, the lizard is at home in an old aquarium we happened to still have and the caterpillar made it's cocoon in the bowl that we brought it home in--they are so excited to see what it will become. Science at it's best!




Whenever we are surrounded by beauty, I try and capture a favorite picture of each of my kids. These are my favorites . . . yes, Seth had two favorites. : )

If you have a moment, tell me which photo of Seth you prefer . . . I'm adding pictures to my photo wall and can only pick one. Hope you have a great weekend!