Fall Leaves

 

Our trees are now bare, but a few weeks ago Matt and the kids raked what little we had and played "sleeping zombie" for what seemed like hours!  I took this opportunity to play with my camera, which has been collecting dust. I am a little rusty!

Fall Decorating

I love fall and it is my favorite season!  This past weekend I made pumpkin donuts and chocolate chip pumpkin bread,  which reminded me of this pin.  In between baking I dug out my fall decor just in time for October!

My new tiered server for the buffet.  This will be fun to fill for all seasons.

And a new rug! I had been wanting one in the dining room and when I saw this one on sale weeks ago I snagged it and I am so happy!   I love the visual interest and it is an indoor/outdoor which is perfect for this clan.

The fall quote for the week, ok,  let's be honest, the month!

A little mum for the front porch.  I can't wait to enjoy hot drinks on cool evenings here. 

In Anticipation of Fall

I painted an old beverage tray with chalkboard paint and drilled holes for my bow.  I can switch the bow out for different ribbons to match the occasion.  The glass pumpkins are from the Dollar Tree (thanks for the tip LaNae)!  The faux white pumpkin is a Target score for $2.

Last year we had a thankful tree. I wanted something a little different so I cut leaves out of package wrap and used tiny clothespins to attach to our wire dome.

Jute wrapped candle and an inexpensive twig pumpkin along with cute word art for a touch of fall in the corner of the family room.

My fall mantle has not changed much from last year, except we are sporting our new deer prints.  I did add some jute twine to the hanging vase.

Food, Food and More Food!

I am hosting Thanksgiving this year.  This is a first with my husband's family and I am going to have a hard time competing with past Thanksgivings.  

The menu includes a fresh turkey, Grandma's stuffing, Ree's mashed potatoes, Paula's mashed sweet potatoes, the classic green bean casserole, glazed baby carrots, rolls (frozen dough), homemade chocolate cream pie and pumpkin pie using this crust recipe. I like that most of these can be prepared ahead of time.

What tried and true recipes do you use for Thanksgiving?

Turkeys and Trees

Amidst the business of the approaching holiday we took a time out to make hand print turkeys!  They are displayed in the kitchen and I love looking at my kids' creations. Luke's turkey is more of an abstract interpretation.  These are keepers!

There has been a lot of talk about the turkey, but we have also taken time to be thankful.  

I saw this on Pinterest and loved the idea.

Source: flickr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Here is our version.

I Survived Halloween 2011

We had a lot of fun last night!  I think the kids are having a candy hangover this morning... I am saying a prayer for all the teachers today.
Here are some pictures of our night. Enjoy!

The Food

Even the dolls dressed up

McMummy 

Two Little Indians

The gang is all here

Halloween Preview

The kids dressed in their costumes today for a party at the library. This year costumes were easy on the wallet because the pirate costume is hand me down, Madeline picked out the Native American costume last year on clearance after Halloween, and we picked Wyatt's up on sale this year. He has grown so much since last year that his older costumes are too small.

Wyatt wore this pirate costume in 2008.  I almost don't remember him that small!

Halloween Party Inspiration

This is the first year that we will trick or treat in our own neighborhood. In the past we always did it at the Ball's so this is new territory for me!  Awhile back I was flipping through the PBK catalog and saw this cute banner. I made my own using scrapbook paper and a little ribbon.

There are a lot of cute food ideas on Pinterest and these were my favorite that made the menu.
All of these festive foods can be found on my Halloween board!