Friday Favorites-10.30.20

First and foremost...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I hope your weekend is full of chocolate, no tricks, and as many scary movies as you can handle.  :)  Andrea and I are hosting FRIDAY FAVORITES!  Like always, we'd love for you to join us!  Instead of sharing a big list of FAVORITES, I'm sharing some pics from a FAVORITE night this week...our pumpkin carving evening.

Last year was the first year for pumpkin carving to feel like a blast versus a chore.  With little kids it can just be messy and lots of work.  Maybe 10, 9, 6, and 3 were the magical ages for our family as well as we figured out a formula that works for us?  I'm really not sure but when I heard a neighbor discussing the chore of pumpkin carving I knew EXACTLY what she meant!  My biggest suggestion is carve your creations outside.  This REALLY helps me relax and enjoy the night versus be stressed about the pumpkin goo getting on the floor.  And if your kids are old enough, make it a competition!  Next year I'm gonna even include a little prize for the winner! 

Nixon and his neighbor-friend joined forces to create a three-pumpkin masterpiece.  #theirwordsnotmine

Britt and Tab were on Team #2!

Team #3 was READY!

And Ebby Lee was flying solo on Team #4.

Tab did all the work other than a bit of help from Britt on the cleaning but Bowen really created our pumpkin.  He asked me for a few little things here and there but mostly it was all him.  Meanwhile, I was roasting pumpkin seeds.  {Do you guys remember roasting these at school?  For some reason when we carved a pumpkin at school and the teacher roasted seeds it was as if I'd never tasted anything more delicious.  Those are the school pumpkin seed memories I have.  Just me?}

The aftermath :)

I shared our pumpkins on my Insta-Stories and asked for your help in voting.  By the way, it was a "question" on IG, but only because the "poll" would only allow two options instead of four.  Don't worry I could still see how many voted for each option.  

Pumpkin #1

Pumpkin #2

Pumpkin #3

Pumpkin #4

Pumpkin #2 won in a LANDSLIDE!  And I officially declared Tab as disqualified to do much in next year's competition.  hahaha!  THANK YOU to everyone who watched and voted! 

We had the heaters and fireplace cranked up!  It was so chilly outside!

One of our FAVORITE Halloween traditions!

Thanks again to all of you who watched and voted!  You helped make our night a little more fun!

Happy Halloween, Friends!  Hope you have the best weekend!

XO

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Lesson in Loving People

 I'm a big believer in God moments and if you're truly looking for them you'll see them all around you.  Maybe it's as small as a smile from a stranger or as big as the miracle of new life but we can spot them if we're really looking.

I had one of these God moments this past weekend...

Nixon's baseball team scrimmaged another local team this past Sunday.  I'd like to add here that Nixon's baseball team includes some of his very best friends but the team we were playing happens to include some of the boys on his new football team {and he happens to really like those boys too}.  Nixon is one of the most competitive ten-year-old boys ever  so I wasn't sure how this scrimmage would play out.  Would he be upset if he lost?  Would the boys on other team be mad or angry if they lost?  If our team won would he be a great sport?  Would they be a great sport?  Moms of ten-year-old boys, if your kiddo is like mine, there's really no predicting tween boy behavior especially when you add in a big dose of competitiveness and nineteen other boys.

The weather was absolutely horrible with a cold misty drizzle the entire evening and when the lights shut off ending the game abruptly we were down a few runs.  As we all walked towards our cars, I turned to look back at Nixon and he was shaking the hands of a friend on the other team telling him, "Good game".

Not that I want to brag on him for doing the "right" thing because this is of course the way he should have handled it, but it got me thinking...

How all of us adults could really take a note from Nixon and his friend.

No matter what side of an issue you fall on {or baseball team in this instance} the whole big picture is just loving people.  

It's that simple.

We don't have to agree on everything but at the end of the day what really matters is loving them.

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." 1 John 4:11 NLT

Sometimes God tugs on my heart in big ways and other times he chooses to use two ten-year-olds to speak right to me.  I thought those boys might be able to teach us all a little something.

Thanks for letting me share my heart today!  Here's to loving others big!

XO

Horrifying Halloween Menu

 The weather could not be more perfect for Halloween Week here in north Texas.  It's yucky, wet, and cold right now but on Friday and Saturday the sun is supposed to come out!  That doesn't always happen so I'm soaking it up this year!  Something to be thankful for in 2020!

Most of our usual Halloween happenings well, just aren't happening this year.  Instead I'm trying my best to bring a little spooky fun to our everyday in one of the smallest ways which happens to be our dinner table.

*Shay's Ghoul-Ash-This has been a Halloween week staple for YEARS now!  This year I got the idea from Pinterest to dye the noodles black.  I think I saw a Spooky Spaghetti recipe with dark noodles?  I'm gonna give it a go tonight but our noodles will be orange {which will be a mess with the meat mixture-but I couldn't find black food coloring}.  It's all about bringing a little fun, right?

*Jack-O-Lantern Pot Pie-Last night I made a typical chicken pot pie but carved a jack-o-lantern face in the top pie crust.  We also carved pumpkins right after dinner so this might have become a new tradition.  Now, I've gotta be honest chicken pot pie isn't my go to favorite meal so I don't think I'd EVER made it.  But the year Tab and I were first married I felt the need to look up every type of recipe you can imagine to store away for one day when I'd need it.  I got a similar one from a Taste of Home magazine YEARS ago but this is super close.. 

*Chili-I made my regular ole chili recipe {which always begins with a McCormick Chili Seasoning packet and goes on from there...just whatever cans I've got on hand} on Monday but dumped a couple green olives that resemble eyeballs during the week of Halloween on top of each bowl.  You could call it something scary or sweet depending on your kids ages and make a simple meal like chili a little more fun. 

*Growing up my mom always served Mummy Dogs on Halloween so they're on our menu as well.  These are so easy!  Just wrap a little crescent roll around a hot dog and bake for a bit!  If you really want to get my kids excited make a box of macaroni and cheese {yes, a box-not a homemade version} to serve with those Mummy Dogs.

*Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas-Papa Murphy's is our go to for these special pumpkin pizzas.  They are such a festive way to take the night off from cooking!  

*We made our favorite pumpkin muffins on Monday when the kids were out of school!

*Friday before school we're having a special spooky breakfast {because football is EARLY on Saturday morning}.  I'm serving them orange, green, and purple pancakes with bacon.  

A few searches on Pinterest helped me see making dinner a little "extra" this week really doesn't take much effort on my part but it's something my kids are enjoying!

What's on YOUR Horrifying Halloween Menu this week?

XO

Fall Shirt You Need in Your Closet

One thing this quarantine has taught me is to be searching all over for the best finds.  Prior to this I tended to stick to my one or two favorites places for all my shopping needs {and wants}.  But I've been hitting up Walmart, Target, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Abercrombie, Express, American Eagle and so much more just to see what they have to offer.  I stumbled upon a top I have to share and really think deserves it's own post.  Are you ready?

This is how excited I am to share!!!  

😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

THIS TOP!!-I think you need it in your closet too!

*The perfect lightweight option for fall in Texas {except right this second it happens to be really chilly outside}.  I actually paired mine with a mustard cardigan after wearing it last week and loved that look as well.  If wherever you live the weather can be fickle too, then it's perfect.  Wear it alone, wear it under a leather jacket or fall cardigan too.  I wore a nude bra underneath and was totally fine.

*Super cute balloon sleeves.

*Great fall colors...blues, mustards, and oranges.

*THE PRICE!

Mine is laying funny because I have one arm stretched high above my head to take this, but I'd suggest your normal sizing-unless you're in between, then I'd size up.  Or if tops often are too small in chest, then I'd definitely size up.

I front tucked it in all these pictures but could have worn it out as well.  This was a top I randomly ordered to check out and was so happy about it I strongly considered planning our family photos around this shirt!  

The rest of my outfit details...

Bracelets

Jeans

Boots-currently on sale!

Similar Earrings

Lipstick-Pillow Talk-a GREAT nude

The verdict is still out on the combat boot look, I'm just not sure how I feel about it at this moment.  Have you added any to your closet?

What do you think?  It was a little Walmart secret I knew I needed to share with all of you!  

Have a great day, friends!

XO

Third Annual Halloween Dinner

 This little tradition started three years ago and it's one I hope continues many, many more!

I host a little Halloween dinner for a group of my friends who've been meeting for years.  Instead of getting together for dinner, I send invites {this year an e-vite}, make the plans, have some kind of theme costume, and we all bring our best attitudes for a fun little evening together.

Tab had all the dad duties for this one while he coached Bowen's baseball game.  Don't worry, lots of my mom friends had her covered in the stands.

This year we all sported our favorite witch costume!  It's hard to see but my skirt wasn't a full skirt there were black leather pants as well.  My hat was MIA when it was dress-up time so I improvised.

These girls brought their "A" game!  We had Hermione herself, a 2020 witch-you know in sweats and totally unexpected because THAT is 2020, and so much more.  Some of THE cutest witches around!  

Please take note of Nixon's first attempt of a group picture...

Hahahahahaha!

My whole plan this year for hosting at home was a nice night on the patio but when the date finally rolled around the weather was HOT!  I was hot flashing just thinking about sitting out back in my black leather pants.  I improvised by moving the dinner indoors, cranking that AC way down and just set the dining room table.

I had food delivered which made everything so easy!  Salad, crab cakes, spinach artichoke egg rolls, steak skewers and more were on the menu.

Mini pumpkins and little candles were the decorations for the evening.

We ate and ate and just had a great night.

Thankful for these girls!

To see our past Halloween Dinners, 

2019

2018

As you're reading this my parents are driving down from Missouri, I've decided to take a long weekend from this little space.  My kids are off on Monday so I'm signing off today and will be back on Tuesday.  It'll be so nice to have the weekend with them and not worry about any blog work.  Andrea is holding down the fort on Friday Favorites tomorrow.  I'll see you Tuesday, Friends.  Have a GREAT weekend!

XO

Photo Every Hour Coming At You

 I'll be over on Instagram sharing a look at my day via Insta-Stories!  I hope you join me!  To be honest, it's gonna be a really normal, average day but if you're like me, those are often the days I enjoy seeing the most from others.  

You can find me on Instagram here.

I'll see you back here tomorrow, friends!

XO

Tuesday Talk-Scary Movies {Kind Of}

It's TUESDAY TALK, which means Fancy Ashley and I have teamed up!  Once a month we join forces and chit chat about anything and everything.  Like always, blogger friends we invite you to join us!

Today, I'm in the full Halloween spirit!  Our costumes have all arrived, we have fun plans on Halloween night, our pumpkin carving date is set, the weather is cooling off, and I've already set a few Reese's Cups WAY back in the pantry to hide.  We're Halloween READY!

But we're having a big debate about...

HALLOWEEN MOVIES!

My kids are in that awkward stage where they want to watch something scary but it's hard to find something scary but still appropriate for their ages.  So, our family is kind of stumped!  

There's a part of me that's envisioning THIS as my future if we go too scary!  We need something in between, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and Halloween.  Know what I mean?  They want something a little scary but nothing that's gonna have them running into my room for weeks on end.

I remember watching Tremors with Reba McEntire when I was little.  I think it was a complete accident and the super appropriate kid movie stopped playing so it automatically clicked over to regular television that happened to be on the channel airing Tremors.  I had bad dreams for days!  So much so that I just googled the rating on that movie and am shocked it was only PG-13!

Does your family have a favorite "in between" kind of scary Halloween movie you'd recommend for 5th and 6th graders?  If so, PLEASE share!!  

And do you remember the scariest movie you watched when you were little?  I don't even remember another option coming close to Tremors for me!  What about you?

I can't wait to watch your suggestions!  Thanks, friends!

Only ELEVEN days to Halloween!  Let's make them spooky...well, maybe just a tad spooky.  ;)

XO

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Fall Decor

I busted out our fall decor back in September and wanted to give you a little look at the fall touches to help you get into the spirit.  There's just something about pumpkins and plaid that make the space feel cozy.

I found this moose a few years ago on sale at Pier One.  He gets added to the mantle every year for fall and winter.

I add some pumpkins, cotton, fall leaves, and that little, "Give Thanks" sign.

I need to figure out how Go Clean Co would get that off the hearth.  If you have any ideas, please shoot them my way!

We always add some pumpkin pillows.  I got the picture after Britty jumped on the couch.  #andthensheposed

In the front room, I decorate the mantel as well with a few fall additions.

And that's about it!  

Hope you enjoyed the little peek inside!  Now I'm off to do all the Monday things.  May your coffee be strong today, friends!

XO

Friday Favorites-10.16.20

Hey There Everyone!  Happy Friday!

WHEW!  There's something about those four day weeks that feel like they go on FOREVER to me!  Andrea and I have teamed up again to bring you FRIDAY FAVORITES!  It's that day of the week where we get together to share some FAVES from our week.  Bloggers, we'd love for you to join us just add your blog to the link-up at the bottom of the post.  Thank you!

Here's my list for the week...

First up is THIS!  One of my girlfriends, Tracy, shared it over on her Insta-Stories and it spoke to me.  Definitely a FAVORITE!  I've never thought about balance versus harmony but I loved her words.  We should be striving for that harmony that leaves us fulfilled and peaceful when we go to bed every night.  And who am I kidding?  Harmony just sounds a little better.  Doesn't it?

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Friendships in my life are one of my FAVORITE things!  Long time friendships, new friendships, neighborhood friendships, and the list goes on and on...something God has placed on my heart this week is how thankful I am to have women of all kinds who are so supportive and prayerful for me and my family. This week was a tough one and I had several friends praying, reaching out, and just checking up on us.  

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This meme is for sure my FAVORITE of the week!  HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!  One of Nixon's baseball coaches used quick sand as an analogy this week and I seriously wondered if he even knew what that was.  Why was it such a big deal when I was younger?  Now, we never hear about it!!

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Back to that friendship quote, some of the same friends who were praying for our family this week grabbed this at Trader Joe's for me.  A new FAVORITE coffee!  It's seasonal, which means I should probably be stocking up right now because it's so good!  Pumpkin spice lattes are not my jam, but this pumpkin spice coffee is almost so good I don't even need creamer!  However, I still add a splash.  ;) 

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Guess who has an off-weekend?  THIS GUY!!  I'm all-in supportive of Tab's officiating but one of my FAVORITE things is when he's home in the fall.  Last weekend, his game got postponed so we had a little unexpected weekend together, but this weekend has been on the books.  Looking forward to a weekend with him!

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My kids' new FAVORITE space is our loft.  This used to be an utilized spot in our house, but after our little update now this is the new game/book spot.  Just a reminder to myself that moving toys around, rearranging furniture, etc. really does help my kids see toys/games/books in a new light.  Maybe it'll help yours too?

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My friend, Erin, shared this Instagram account, SimplyOnPurpose.  She's a great mommy follow who emphasizes positive parenting and positive reinforcement.  She shares such great little reminders for me and thought it might help you too!  New FAVORITE!  {Thank you, Erin!}

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Thank you guys for reading today!  Hope your weekend is a great one!

XO

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