Bonfire 2011...

This weekend was probably one of the best weekends ever.  It really was just nearly perfect.
Great weather, great events, and great friends and family.  Fabulous.

Saturday was Jon's birthday.  He got to sleep in, and had a big ham steak for breakfast.  {This was really exciting to him.}  I am a horrible wife, cause I did make him cook the breakfast....but he's just so much better at it!  We lounged around for the day, and then Saturday night was the much anticipated bonfire at the farm!  Wheeeee!  It was SO. MUCH. FUN.  We had friends and family who joined us, along with lots of friends of Jon's dad and stepmom.  There was chili  and hot cider bubbling over the (smaller) fire, and s'mores (also over the small fire, cause you couldn't get within 30 feet of the bonfire without burning your face off).

*Jon insisted on wearing his "hair hat ".  According to him it's the perfect headwear for a bonfire.  Uh-huh....whatever, sweetie...it's your birthday!

The barn was opened up so the kids could check out all the animals.

Gosh, I love that place.

I'm so grateful for the friends and family who came to celebrate fall {and birthdays} with us.  I cannot get over how blessed we are.

I also had a brief moment standing in the barn looking up toward the house all lit up, with the party sounds all around me, where I had a little flashback to my wedding night.  {For those of you who don't know, our reception was held at the farm.}  I'm for reals tearing up typing this...I'm so lame.  Anyway, it took me back, and it took my breath away all over again.

Life is good, people.  It is so, so good.

This cold snap is messing with my head...

                                   Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

It took me way to long to get dressed this morning.  Apparently I have two long sleeved shirts.  {One of which I wore yesterday, the other looks like a sleep shirt.}  How did that happen?   My "wants" list  from yesterday is looking more and more tempting...and I really, really am not ready to wear a jacket!

I slept for 9 hours last night.  I was all snug in my bed in lots of layers.  We're talking a cami, a long sleeved Chiefs T-shirt {not counted in inventory above}, a hoodie, leggings, pants, socks, and leg warmers.  Yeah.  Seriously, I was dressed for snowshoeing in the arctic.  Luckily, I woke up this morning to the furnace going.  Jon must have turned it on last night.  I was ready to tough it out, but I was happy to have a warm house this morning!

This weather is also messing with my appetite.  All I want is comfort food.  On Monday, I would have devoured a meatloaf and mashed potatoes if given the chance.  I don't even know where that came from.  I haven't had meatloaf in YEARS.

And, I could see my breath this morning.  Ugh.  It's coming.....winter.  Are you ready?

And, in case you weren't panicking yet, there are 5 weeks til Thanksgiving and 9 til Christmas!  Eeek!

Help me friends.  Tell me some good stuff about the colder weather.  {I love the holidays, but am not looking forward to the cold.}  Remind me of fun things to look forward to!  Please?


p.s. If you know the original source of the above photo, please let me know so I can give it proper credit.  It's linked to a Tumblr from Pinterest, which means I have no idea where it's from.  Am I the only one who doesn't get Tumblr?

Pumpkin Patch 2011...

The first weekend of October, we took our yearly pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch.  It was an absolutely perfect fall day!  Of course, we stopped by the Louisburg Cider Mill for apple cider and donuts on our way, and we all agreed that the donuts were extra delicious this time.

But, the real treat of the day was, as always, the pumpkin patch!

 Mom and I at the gate.

the sisters...

We followed a nice couple to their truck to snag this primo pumpkin picking wagon.  We need one that's large and in charge.

Tallying the loot.

Trunk full of punkins!

The front porch is ready for fall!  {Can you believe I got all the pumpkins you see here, plus two fiesta gourds and three fancy gourds all for $21?!...I LOVE this place!}

Am I the only one who likes to leave some of the vine attached?  I just think it makes them more visually interesting.

My sisters and I have this thing when we're hunting for pumpkins.  We like to look for the ones that "the light is shining on".  You know, the ones that have that extra something special, at least to us.  

Lydia picked out a white one that she plans to carve into a Hello Kitty Jack-o-lantern...um, cute!  I think Madi and Marc just went for the biggest ones they could find.  I went for variety.  I always say I'm going to carve one, but then I never do.  So, I'll just say it right now, I probably won't carve one for Halloween.  :)

Do you have plans to go to the pumpkin patch?  Have you already been?  Do you carve Jack-o-lanterns?

To see our previous adventures at the pumpkin patch, check out the posts from 2010 and 2009.

For your morning...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Some beautiful fall foliage.

That is all for now.

Be back soon.

Ravencrest Cemetery...

Jon and I went for a walk last night on the new trail by our house.  It was a beautiful fall evening, and it was so nice to just walk and talk with my sweetie.  {Just checked "crunch through leaves off my list!}
I'm always amazed at how awesome the trail system is here.  It's so accessable, but hidden at the same time.  Love it. 

We came to a cross street and looked over to see this...

 

There was a big banner that read www.ravencrestcemetery.com 

The picture I took certainly doesn't do it justice, but there are some awesome pictures on their site, as well as some tutorials on making some of the props and ideas for Halloween parties.  I highly suggest you check it out!  If you're in the area, they welcome visitors on Halloween night.  You can find directions on their site.  Hopefully we can make it by to see what it's all about. 

Do you, or do any of your neighbors get this into Halloween?  

I like Halloween, but can't see myself ever constructing this many props for it.  I think it's great when people use creativity and artistic talent to share something really fun with their communities, just because they love it. 

What? It's Monday already?

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Wow, this weekend flew by!  I swear it was just Friday afternoon, and suddenly the weekend is over.

It was a good one, though.  Saturday was full of wonderful girl time, crafts and pretty fall leaves.  {I'll share what I bought sometime this week.}

Yesterday, we spent some time cleaning, watched the Chiefs play a good game til the very end {boo}, payed some bills, clipped some coupons, put a car up for sale, and grilled a yummy dinner of grilled chicken with mushrooms and peppers.  It was a jam packed day, and before I knew it, it was 9:00 and the weekend was over.  So, here we go again.

Tonight we have small group, and that is always a wonderful way to start off the week.

What did you do this weekend?  Were you ready for Monday morning?

A pretty bicycle picture and random thoughts from the week....

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Dried cranberries make a salad so yum!

I've had two dreams this week of a guy in my office stabbing people...what the heck does that mean?

I'm excited about exercising all of a sudden, and I really hope I can hang on to this feeling...I've been waiting for it!

Sometimes I get tired of reading about how perfect some blogger's lives are.   I mean, I'm all about seeing the good, but I can't help but notice an air of elitism.  Sometimes I can't figure out if this is on purpose or not.  I'd like to think not.

I think I could put pumpkin in everything....love it.

I'm definitely in the anger part of the grieving process from this.  I think a long run is in order this evening.

I'm so glad a coworker brought frappaccinos for us all!  I didn't have time to make my coffee this morning, so this is a real lifesaver!

**spoiler alert**
I'm really sad that April didn't make it to Fashion Week.  :(

*************************************************************

I can hardly believe it's the weekend again already.  Tomorrow I'm headed for some more fall goodness with my Mom, Mother-in-Law and a friend.  We're going to the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City.  I've never been before, but have been promised some beautiful foliage and crafters galore.  It should be fun.
I'm also looking forward to spending some time with my husband, going to church and relaxing! 

What do you have planned?  Have the leaves changed where you are? 

Pumpkin Patch Recap 2010...

Saturday was a gorgeous {almost too warm} fall day.  Since we'd all ran the 5k that morning, we made a pit stop at Pizza Hut to fill our bellies before the big hunt, and the Louisburg Cider Mill for some cider donuts and drinks for later. 
Before we even pulled in the parking lot, we jumped out for the annual picture by the sign.  {makes mom happy!} 

Then, we hopped on the hay ride to take a peek at the pumpkins before setting out.  This year, we snagged a couple of wagons instead of wheel barrows.  AWESOME.  Wheels are what we've been missing our whole lives!

Thanks to a look back on my blog, we remembered to bring a knife this year, and it was a lifesaver!   We also remembered to bring water along, although we just brought one bottle to share, and really should have brought more.  It was hot! 

Mom spotted this siamese gourd.  We thought  it looked like they were kissing.

We tromped, and hunted all around the acres and acres of fields.  I have to say, Those three may have been cooler than me in their shorts, but I was really glad I had jeans on so I could make my way into the dense parts of the field.  After all, that's where the best pumpkins are!  {Plus, Lydia ended up with a rash on her legs from the vines.}

It didn't take long before we had loaded up both wagons.  One for mom {and the girl's carving pumpkins} 

 and one for me!

Good thing we brought the youngsters along to pull the wagons....{we love you Lydia and Madi!}

Once we were loaded up and back in the car we busted into the cooler for the refreshments we'd bought at the cider mill.  My sparkling apple-pomegranate cider really hit the spot! 

This stuff was good, and at only 70 calories, that's a treat I can love! 

I may or may not have told Jon that we should make a trip back down there to get more!  I want to drink this everyday.

Another wonderful visit to the pumpkin patch!  Next year we just have to remember...
Find the wagons, even if you have to stalk someone to their car...they are worth it!
Don't go out late the night before, or run a 5k that morning if possible.
Jean's are good.
Bring a water for everyone.
Don't forget that knife! 

p.s. I also enjoyed the old lady who kept asking me if my pumpkins were edible.  Then she explained to me how to cook one.  I kept trying to tell her that I had no intention of eating them.  ;)

Pumpkins...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I am going to the pumpkin patch this Saturday with my mom and sisters, and I cannot wait!  {last year's visit can be seen here}

I came across a whole bunch of beautiful pumpkin photos on Pinterest this morning, and I can hardly contain myself!  Eeeek!  I don't know what it is about pumpkins that makes me so giddy, but I just love them!   I would bring home a hundred if I could.  Cannot. get. enough. 

Plus, there's something so exciting about tromping through the patch in search of that one several perfect pumpkins.  It's like a treasure hunt.  Every year I think, "these are the best ever!".  And every year they are! 

I will make sure to take pictures and share next week.


Are you as crazy for pumpkins as I am?  
Have you, or will you be visiting a pumpkin patch this year?

Fall wardrobe....

fall basics by jdavissquared

It has turned to fall so fast around here, that I'm finding myself in a pinch over what to wear.  I don't want to spend a lot of money, but my wardrobe desperately needs some help!

I am far from a fashionista, but lately I've been feeling super frumpy.  My clothes are getting old.

I've had a Polyvore account for some time, so I decided to finally give it a try and create an inspiration board of basics for fall.  I think if I add some key pieces to my wardrobe, I might just be able to scrape by on what I have.  I tried to pick some images that are similar to things I already own.  I would like to purchase:  a feminine grey cardigan, black flats, a bright colored tee {or maybe a couple}, a black long sleeved tee, grey pants and a fun scarf.  That shouldn't break the bank, right?  I think sticking to grey/black basics and adding in pops of color and fun scarves is my ticket.  


I've never made a wardrobe plan before...it's kinda exciting!

What do you think, is there anything I'm missing?  Do you have a wardrobe plan?

Pumpkin Spice Syrup...

I've been anticipating fall for a while, but couldn't really get my heart into it until this weekend.  Wow, was it gorgeous!   There was that distinct chill in the air, football on the tv and pumpkin spice lattes in our hands.  I also put out some fall decorations, and I'm dying to go to the pumpkin patch!  It's scheduled for the 9th, but I can't wait! 

{the inaugural pumpkin spice latte of 2010}

 I crossed the first thing of my Autumn List and made pumpkin spice syrup.  Oh man, this stuff is so good you guys! 

Some of you asked for the recipe, so I'm going to share my adaptation of this recipe.  It's essentially the same, but with a couple tweaks to the directions, and I just use regular old ingredients instead of organic.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

ingredients:

1 1/4 cup water
3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup molasses
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups whipping cream

directions:

• Simmer water and sugar in large saucepan (I think I used the 3 quart) until sugar has completely dissolved.

• While sugar is dissolving, prepare all other ingredients so they can be easily added.
• Add in molasses, sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream and pumpkin
• Bring to a boil and simmer, constantly whisking, until temperature reaches 230 degrees F.  {I've found this takes about 25 minutes...It helps to have a husband to help stir, but I would not recommend help from children, as it is very hot!}
• Add in spices, and continue whisking and simmering until mixture reaches 235 degrees F.  {This shouldn't take long}
• Let cool and pour into a wide mouth jar.  Store in refrigerator.

Making a pumpkin spice latte with your syrup:

• put 1-2 tablespoons syrup in the bottom of your mug. {if it's straight from the fridge, you may want to microwave for 10-20 seconds, just to take the chill out so it doesn't cool down your coffee}
• pour 2 shots espresso over syrup and stir.
• froth 1/2 cup milk and pour over coffee
• stir and top with whipped cream, nutmeg or sugar

Seriously, just as good if not better than Starbucks, and way more budget friendly!  I would imagine this syrup would be great in drip coffee as well.  I really don't think you can  go wrong!

Let me know if you try it, how you like it! 

How was your weekend?  Does it feel like fall where you are?

Autumn List...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Okay, so I've come to terms with the fact that summer is headed out the door, and fall is on it's way in. I'm really going to miss summer, but fall's not so bad himself. I've been thinking recently about what sort of things are must-do's for this season. I want to make sure that I experience fall and all it's glory, so I thought I'd make an Autumn List so I don't miss out on one tiny bit!

• Make this pumpkin spice syrup and enjoy in my morning coffee.
• Go to the pumpkin patch.
• Come up with a better halloween costume.  {perhaps a more flattering one!  eek!}
• Go horseback riding at the farm.
• Enjoy a bonfire.
• Crunch through some fallen leaves.
• Carve a pumpkin. {I always intend to, but never quite accomplish this one.}
• Bake pumpkin cakes!
• ???

What am I forgetting?  What's on your must-do list for fall?  

Goodbye summer!

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I'd say this weekend was a perfect in to a wonderful summer. 

The whole weekend consisted of windows flung wide open to let the late summer breeze in.  I watched way too many episodes of America's Next top Model and Hoarders, got some self serve fro-yo, spent some time with my girls {where I made a fab headband that I'll share this week}, feasted on a perfectly grilled dinner and did a little decorating with the hubs.  I think every weekend should be 3 days long.  It only seems fair. 

I've been in denial that summer is on it's way out, but I have to say after the absolutely phenomenal weather we've had the last few days, I'm welcoming fall with open arms! 

I'm finding myself more and more excited about pumpkin patches, crunchy leaves, football games naps while Jon watches football, and of course pumpkin spice lattes! 

What did you do this weekend?  Are you ready for the seasons to change?

Pumpkin Patch!!!

In case you didn't know, I LOVE going to the pumpkin patch!  Every year, my mom and sisters and I venture out to the Powell Pumpkin Patch near Louisburg, Kansas.  On the way we stop at the Louisburg Cider Mill for cider donuts.  Oh, they are sooooo good!  Weekend before last, we took advantage of a beautiful Sunday afternoon to go pumpkin hunting!  It's always funny, because there are all kinds of families with little kids picking out pumpkins, but I don't think anyone gets as excited as the four of us! 

Each of the girls picked out a pumpkin to carve, so that accounted for two pumpkins.  We brought home 15 plus some goards!  We love seeking out the unusual ones.  As Lydia put it, you just know when you've found the "one".  The light shines on it just right and its like it's just you and the pumpkin in the field....or in mom and my case, you and your many perfect pumpkins! 

The variety of pumpkins that they planted this year had rediculous stems on them.  I guess they must have got tired of people breaking the stems off! 

Things to remember next year:

Bring a knife to cut pumpkins from the vine.

Stay calm and walk to the back of the patch and work your way to the front.  {this would certainly save us from lugging all those pumkins further than neccessary}

Bring water.

 

Ombre Pumkins...

How gorgeous are these ombre pumpkins from Martha found on Jordan Ferney's Oh Happy Day!  I LOVE pumpkins.  They get me all excited.  I have some pumpkin patch wonderfulness to share with you later this week.