Ahhh, the GREAT PUMPKIN!

One thing Cary and I remember most about Halloween and our childhood memories is watching "The Great Pumpkin" on television and being enthralled. We are continuing that tradition with McKinley and adding our own take to it as well.

Tonight was the annual showing on television, so I put some yummy, warm chocolate chip cookies on a plate and put together a cute little Halloween treat with some of our entertaining stash (I just can't pass it up...ever, no matter the holiday).

As you can see, McKinley really got into his chocolate chip cookies. We almost had to give him a second bath! All of us enjoyed watching the show and munching on cookies and milk.

It was a special family night!

Lynn

Unhaunted Halloween Party & more!

Yay!!! It's almost Halloween!!!!!!! That means LOADS of awesome Halloween festivities and we're taking full advantage! Though it's looking like we won't make the annual Pumpkin Train, we've had lots in store this year - new and old, and are having some serious fun.

Last night we all chipped in to carve McKinley's pumpkin. Though he's not really old enough to do the carving himself (with a VERY safe knife, I might add), he did get to help draw the face on and help me cut a little. We think he got the biggest kick out of removing the guts. And much to our surprise, he made a game out of throwing the seeds throughout the living room. That was a fun clean up...anyway, we love the outcome. McKinley's pumpkin is WAY cute and he's been chatting about it ever since!

Tonight we met Robin & Savannah at Deming Park for their annual Unhaunted Halloween. The kids had a ball on the train (where McKinley nearly burst from shear excitment) and on the hayride. While we were in line, we sipped hot chocolate and listened to the kids get wound up. In line for the hayride McKinley and Savannah were jumping and dancing, chanting "JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!" in anticipation of the empending ride. They were adorable dancing together and screaming, "CHEEEEEEEESE" for the camera. So fun!

After the park festivities, we headed to Dennis & Karen's house for their annual Fall Gathering. McKinley & Savannah giggled and laughed while swinging together on Karen's porch swing. It was precious, and the event even gathered a crowd. After we ate everyone went outside to gather by one of the bonfires to listen to Dennis & Karen's grandchildren tell scary stories. Sophia attached herself to Savannah and Max to McKinley, while Grace enjoyed them all. It was heartwarming to see everyone gathered by the fire.



What a chilly night, but so worth it!

Lynn

Fall Projects, Part I

McKinley, Daddy and I have put our heads together to do some fun fall projects lately. We're nearing a time where we will have to stay inside a LOT more than some little boys want, so I figured now would be the opportune time to start creating some fun!

I'm a long-time crafts lover...I fondly remember many things I did with my family growing up, and now that I am a mother I can appreciate keeping little hands and brains busy - plus it's fun for us too! Some of the things I remember doing are painting ceramics with my Mom (I even painted a LARGE ceramic Christmas tree and two nativity scenes, holiday napkin holders and lots of other fun stuff), dipping candles with both of my parents, and making "stain-glass fall leaf displays" with my Grandma every autumn. I could hardly wait until McKinley was old enough to do the leaf thing - I remember that being such a BIG deal when I was little, I knew he would enjoy it. So, that's just what we did! Earlier this week, McKinley and I took a walk around our neighborhood to gather some lovely leaves. When we had plenty we headed home to get started. Below are the instructions:

*gather lots pretty fall leaves

* sharpen old crayons in pencil sharpener (I bought some cheap crayons so we wouldn't have to use McKinley's good crayolas. I also used an enclosed sharpener with a lid to catch the shavings)

*cut two equal-sized pieces of wax paper to desired size

*lay one sheet down on ironing board or heat safe surface and randomly place leaves across paper

*sprinkle crayon shavings all over paper and leaves

*carefully top the page with the second sheet of wax paper, move carefully and line up the pages

*with a warm iron (and adult supervision...duh), start in one corner to test heat. Press the pages together and watch the crayon shavings melt on contact.

*allow to cool

*wipe iron off after it has cooled - or else you'll wind up with a crayon colored shirt next time you use your iron. Or use additional sheet of wax paper and wipe wax side across cooling iron that still has a 'little' heat to it. This will clean the plate very well!

I punched holes in the sides of the stained glass page and hung it with a string or ribbon. It also looks nice on a fridge! I didn't take a picture of the one we created because we delivered it down the street to Jodi, who needed something like that to make her smile. I'm sure we'll create more - we loved working on it together!

More recent projects are our tie-dye pumpkin t-shirts. I think I had the most fun with this, but that's okay. McKinley got a real kick out of handing me all those rubber bands (and there were a LOT...). I haven't taken a pic of the finished product here either, but I will...and will repost soon.

McKinley & I also made paper-bag-pumpkins, many Halloween coloring projects and even some Halloween mail to deliver while trick-or-treating. And, the three of us worked together on McKinley's Lowe's Build-and-Grow Frankenstring project from Zoo Boo. We all had fun with that...matter of fact, I've already signed McKinley up for another project at Lowe's!

I'm sure the crafting fun will continue...I've already got a fall leaves placemat and turkey napkins in the works. Can't wait!

Lynn

Zoo Boo!!!

How much fun did WE have on Sunday??? We went to the ZOO!!! The ZOO BOO!!!!

Since it's our first year as zoo members, we thought it would be in our best interest to hit the annual Zoo Boo and boy am I glad we did! According to the zoo's website all the kids dress up in their costumes, there is trick-or-treating offered in The Plains area, as well as a wide array of other Halloween festivities. So, we packed McKinley, his adorable Halloween costume, and his beloved wagon and away we went!

When we arrived we discovered the zoo website wasn't lyin'! Every child was dressed up in costume, the zoo grounds were decked out and all the zoo employees even got in on the fun. The first thing we did was hit the 'Party Tent' where McKinley did some pumpkin bowling, danced to the DJ's spooky tunes and even posed as a fireman.

Next we moved on to the Seals and Sea Lions...a favorite exhibit of McKinley's. After that, it was time to hit the Lowe's Build & Grow tent where McKinley got the cutest thing EVER - a Lowe's apron with his name on it and a patch signifying the completion of his chosen project, a Frankenstein Face figure. The line was forever long, so we just picked up the goodies and headed on to the rides. We'll make his Frankenstein Face soon! And he'll wear his apron too...OH so cute!

It was time for the train, and what a ride it was! There were so many things to see on our ride! We met Ariel and Eric from The Little Mermaid, we got to see a magic show at another destination, and we got to see Dorothy and all her friends from The Wizard of Oz - all without getting off the train! We all enjoyed that so much.

Time for the annual carousel ride! This time it was a real surprise because the carousel went BACKWARDS! It caught McKinley off guard a little, but he laughed and giggled the whole time! After the carousel it was off to trick-or-treating in the Plains. It was a real relief for Mommy to discover that each treat station was only handing out 2 small pieces of candy. Whew...

Finally, to wrap up our awesome day (since the splash park is obviously closed because it's so chilly) we shared a festive yummy candy apple, warm pretzel and a nice hot apple cider. We had such an awesome day! I can't help but remember our last trip to the zoo when the guy manning the carousel asked Cary what it was like to have two kids (after I proceeded to hang by my pinky finger and lean WAY back to try and get a good shot with my camera, thus breaking some sort of carousel law). I simply told the guy it was the only way to be...I guess it also made me realize just how much fun Cary and I have doing all these things with McKinley. It's like we get to share in his childhood (of course) while taking a step back in time and releasing the inner child of our own. It's great! The zoo is the perfect place to do that...

We love Zoo Boo!

Lynn

FIVE...Count 'em...FIVE years as a Mrs!

Today we celebrated our FIFTH wedding anniversary! What amazing milestones for us this year; ten years together and five years married! Everyday I thank God to be so blessed and to have such a wonderful husband. He has been a rock for me, my best friend and rockin' Dad...I could never ask for more.

It's so hard to believe that it was five years ago that we became 'Mr. & Mrs. Vernon'. In so many ways it seems like yesterday, and in so many ways it seems like Cary has always been in my life. I'm thankful that together we are building a beautiful family, I'm thankful for always being able to take time to be together as a family, and I'm thankful that we are where we are in our lives. I wouldn't change a thing!

Cary and I shared a wonderful evening together while McKinley spent a little time with Nonna. We went out to dinner at a place we enjoy very much - Louise's. It's got a lot of history in this city (my Grandma even used to work there WAAAAAYYYY back in the day). The restaurant recently re-opened under new ownership and in a new location ... at the AIRPORT!

We had a lovely view to dine, a table by the window overlooking the runway. It was a nice treat for us to share a glass of wine and some delicious food. When the manager came to our table, we chatted about the day and why we were visiting tonight, and he explained that soon they'll be offering a new "Dine & Fly" package. How cool is that? I'm holding out hope that we can soon share in that too...hee hee hee! Mr. & Mrs. V didn't stay long, McKinley had his flu shot this afternoon and it hit him a lot harder than any other year. Soon we went home to nurse his fever and care for him, but we didn't mind...it was just as nice to be together as a family on our anniversary as it was to have a little date.

Happy Anniversary to Cary & me...here's to many, many more years of wedded bliss!

Love you, Cary!!!

Lynn

The payoff

Go here to see just how much our family is helping by choosing to purchase organic dairy products alone. That's not all the organics we use, but the dairy industry is a main leader in the organic movement and an easy place to start if you're new to organics. I'm so proud of our choice, because not only are we keeping these pesticides and hormones out of the soil --- we're also keeping them out of our bodies. I don't really care how anyone else feels about using organic products, this is our choice...but you absolutely cannot argue that putting these foreign, toxic chemicals in our bodies could ever be considered HEALTHY.

That's all I'm sayin'.

Lynn

Race for the Cure!!!

Yesterday was such a wonderful day! An annual thing for my family, we participated in Race for the Cure once again. It's hard to believe that this is McKinley's THIRD Race, but it is amazing to be able to share in this special day with my son. It's a day to celebrate those who have fought and pushed on to become surviviors, and a day to memorialize those who have lost that battle. Always on my mind this day is Jackie...long time bff of my Mom's and someone I loved as another important mother-figure. I have many fond memories of Jackie, but one thing that always stuck out about her was the stickers she always added to every card and envelope she ever sent. It was so personal, that little token can probably be credited for my love of receiving cards - any card! She is missed.

This day now makes me celebrate those I know who have become survivors of the disease...friends of mine who are far too young to have to deal with such a battle in the prime of child-rearing years and at the beginnings of their marriages. They know who they are, I continue to be so very proud of those friends!

On a lighter note, the day was gorgeous - a little breezy, but downright beautiful. Mom, McKinley & I enjoyed chatting with old friends and enjoying all the festivities. We wish Cary could have joined us, but he had to work.

I just can't say enough about how important it is for me to have my son by my side at this particular event. Though he is young, we can see he is so compassionate and loving and this day is an good thing to be a part of...we never know what the future is to bring and someday he may have a better understanding of the battles involved in treatments of a disease such as cancer.

We had a wonderful time, and even put some pink on our boy! Pink ribbon tatoos!!!

Lynn

It's a U-Pick kind of day

Happy Fall! Yahoo!!! My favorite (FAVORITE!) time of year. I'm so happy to usher it in, though I don't complain...I love all the seasons for various reasons (Spring symbolizes renewal, Winter is cozy and snowy and gorgeous, Summer means relaxation and awesome outdoor time, etc...) but fall...fall and I get along really nicely. Good things happen in the fall, to me. Six years ago (whoa!) my adorable boyfriend proposed, then five years ago that adorable boyfriend went from fiance to hubby. A couple years after that we found out our precious boy was on the way. I love sweaters, I love those days when you can wear jeans, some kicky sandals and short sleeves still, I love butternut squash soup (which I made yesterday), I love the beautiful changing leaves, I even love the crunch they make when one steps on those that have fallen, I adore decorating the outside of our home with mums and kale and rich colors of fall. But my most favorite are PUMPKINS! Our son has QUICKLY become the orange gourd's biggest fan, letting us know each and every time he sees a pumpkin. And today, we all got our share of pumpkins, apples and all things fall!

Cary was blessed with a GORGEOUS day off, so we went to this great U-Pick place called Anderson Orchard. Originally, I found it on pickyourown.org, soon Cary also heard of it through another source and we were set! This place was beautiful...and so worth the drive for the delicious apple cider slushes alone!

When we arrived, we headed for the raspberry patches (um, the word patches does not accurately describe these massive expanses of raspberry bushes). It's the end of the raspberry season, but we still got a beautiful abundance...FOUR POUNDS of raspberries! I've got lots of plans for these suckers: smoothies galore, warm raspberry crisp, and even a glaze! Plus PLENTY for freezing too.

McKinley absolutely loved helping us wander through the rows, he even got in and picked the berries - not even noticing the stickers on the bushes. He didn't care, he just loved it so much! He would weave in and out of each row, running back and forth from Mommy to Daddy and back again, helping collect and distribute the berries to our bucket. I think we all enjoyed the fact that he could truly run freely among these many, many acres without a care in the world. We didn't have to watch for cars, strangers (though it was busy, no one bothered anyone at all), nothing of any kind of harm. Every child needs some time like that. The best part was during McKinley's treks back and forth between me and Cary when he looked up at me and said, "Hey Mommy? I having fun!" Oh, I melted. Into a big ole' puddle of love.

McKinley verbally expressed how Cary and I felt too. Spending a nice, quiet day like this in a HUGE, peaceful orchard with fresh air, the lovely smell of ripe berries and smooshed apples and only the sound of the grass underfoot...well, it does the soul a lot of good.

Cary and I agreed to relinquish our new found raspberry-picking obsession (I mean, really...FOUR POUNDS???) and head for the apples! You name the variety, they had 'em. We ended up with some yellow delicious, Jonagold and Scarlet-something-that-I-can't-remember-but-are-really-yummy. We got a whole peck! I love using that word - hahahaha!

After driving through the orchards and jumping out to climb apple trees (thank you, Cary), and sneaking a taste of our delicious finds we headed back up to the orchard store to pick our pumpkins. We ended up with what is no doubt the largest pumpkin I can ever remember having as an adult (because I've had them every year...it's a must - carved or not), some cute mini gourds, and some little bitty pumpkins for our pumpkin painting party currently in the planning stages. This place was a real treat today. There's something about the small things in life as simple as picking a pumpkin that just makes for wonderful family memories and put smiles on our faces. Cary and I were both transported today, back to our youth. Me, remembering picking raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries and many more from our own little patches and three cute apple trees right in my own backyard...and Cary remembering picking strawberries with his Mamaw, and going to a local orchard in his hometown that's still open today. I hope we're making sweet, tasty memories for McKinley's childhood like the ones we have in our hearts. What a wonderful day!

I'm so thankful to have been able to share it with my husband and my son.

Lynn