Happy B-Day John Deere Style

My son turned 3 on 10/25 and he had a fabulous birthday party! Here are the pics of the festivities....

Here is the "Candy Bar"...I took some pics before the party got started...

It was a big hit, the kids loved it!!! (and I didnt mind the left over candy)

These are the JD party favors...like little happy meal boxes-so CUTE!

We set up a table and each child got to decorate a pumpkin.....

I decided to make cupcakes this year, instead of a traditional cake. Perfect size for the kids and ofcourse the adults didnt turn their nose up!

Me (and everyone else) singing Happy Birthday
to Clayton...notice my niece in the background plugging her ears-lol..she does that every time!

My brother in law painting Payton's face..this is a scary thing!

We had a surprise guest...Clayton LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...he was so excited to have Mickey at his party. In fact, he is still talking about it!

Kudos to Granny!

Opening gifts...he had a wonderful b-day!

Clayton's buddy, Karrter, stayed after so they could play!

It turned out great, but I am glad to have that behind me...now it's time to start thinking about the holidays!!!

Getting Caught Up

It's been a little while since I last blogged. I am definelty not the blogging Queen, but I am making an effort here! Anyhow, I have been busy planning, partying and getting caught up with work, having gotten WAY behind after we were greeted by Hurricane Ike. Thankfully, we had minimal damage, but I dont know if I would call having no power or water for 5 days, minimal. We were actually more fortunate than some though, whose power was out for 10+ days. Even though it is already mid-Oct and fall is in full swing, I took some time to re-evaluate my goals a few nights ago, so now I can post my Oct goals, even if a little late! I am determined to accomplish a few things these last few weeks.

1.) Finish "Nights in Rodanthe" by Nicholas Sparks...I also cant wait to see the movie, but have to finish the book first!
2.) Start "The 5 Love Languages of Children" when finished with #1.
3.) Sort & file away 1 bag of receipts that my wonderful husband placed on my desk (this is 1 0f 2 big WalMart sacks FULL of receipts). *background:he runs his own company and I get to do the books! YEA..
4.) Finish 1 month of inputting entries for Ryan's company-I designated Thur nights each week to complete this duty.
5.) Pay off loan at CU
6.) Pull off a great 3rd Bday party for my precious son! (I love party planning, so this is no chore!)
7.) Post atleast 1 blog each week
8.) Finish the last part of organizing my "Personal Recipe Binder" *background: as I sort through blogs, mags, cooking websites, I collect/tear out recipes, cooking tips, etc and I placed them in a binder in clear sheet protectors,-the last part is to organize them by category...

Upcoming Events to Work on:
1.) Planning all events for son's party..10/25
2.) Schedule a small weekend get away..mid-Nov
3.) Figure out menu for the church's Christmas Party...12/13

This should be an adventure..I will re-cap beginning of Nov, but ofcourse I will be blogging before then... (see #7)

Everything Fall

I am so excited that fall has arrived and brought all of its wonderful little pleasures that come with it! From yummy spice candles to pumpkin quick bread and golden leaves around us (just in the decor down here in the south!)....it puts a smile on my face. Being the shopper that I am, I have found some fall goodies that I think deserve some recognition! These are a few of my favorite finds.... (so far....I mean we still have 2 months of this, and I can fit ALOT of shopping in!)

1. Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Spice handsoap & lotion.

This stuff is fabulous, and I have tried many-a- pumpkin scents!

Best thing is that it's "pure and green"

2. Crate & Barrel Pumpkin Tureen.

I love, love, love to make soups when it starts to get chili outside and this is the perfect pumpkin to serve it in! We actually have a C&B here in Houston, so I immediately ran down and purchased this!! Since there is no slot for a ladle, this is also great for decor, cookie jar, etc.

3. Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Quick Bread

I do love to bake, but with a 3 year old, it is sometimes hard to find the time, so I love to use this mix and bake it in small individual loaf pans and take to friends & neighbors!

4. Ann Taylor Loft grey cardigan

This is my absolute favorite store and I have made friends with grey this season! I love anything grey, especially clothes. This is the perfect cardigan for a chili day (no snow here, so we can get away with this)

5. Bath & Body Works Oils

Autumn Leaves is a new scent that is so yum! I burn the oils and also buy the scented wallflowers to match! Your home will smell like a crisp fall day!

Hope you enjoyed my Fall Finds, feel free to share your faves too!!