building a surprise fort for my youngest son today...it's gonna rock! can't wait to see his face.

Soooo, I am cleaning out my clothes! I had so much laundry to do and had a pile of clothes that needed folded and put away. After folding everything and making piles for each person....I realized I had 5 stacks of clothes and everyone else had one stack! Ummmm....I think it's time to downsize!!!

Oh my goodness...I finally finished my painting for the mantle!! I painted the Christmas subway art and was trying to come up with a cohesive idea to go along with it for another painting! I'm so glad I asked my readers for suggestions! Well, it is done and I feel relieved. I was wanting to reveal it on my blog, but was so nervous that it wouldn't turn out well! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go eat some Christmas cookies! Yes!

Well, only 5 days til Christmas and there is not a snowflake in sight. We did have some nice flurries all day on Saturday. It's been raining all day today, but it is just too warm...just a little colder and we would've had some beautiful snow! I did a little shopping today and had lunch with my in laws...nice day.

Christmas will soon be here. My husband and I only shop for our 2 boys..that's it. Usually we buy each other one thing..sometimes 2 if we're lucky...but we don't even care if there is anything under the tree for us. The only ones who care is our children...they really delight in watching us have something to open as well. My hubs usually asks for the big bag of pistachios, and I usually ask for shower gel from Bath n Body Works...if we get that, we are usually quite content. :)

If it doesn't snow soon!!!!! It just really does not look anything like Christmas here in PA. It is cold, but we are having sunshine and blue skies. Grateful for the sunshine though...but I would love to see the snow fly!! Putting the finishing touches on my Christmas tree today!!

Last night I bought a 1/2 gallon of chocolate ice cream and a 1/2 gallon of peppermint ice cream. I scooped equal amounts into my bowl and man was it good!!! This is the first time I have tried any seasonal Christmas flavors of ice cream. I think the peppermint would be a little much standing on it's own, but side by side with the chocolate, it was the perfect accompaniment!

Last night we had our small groups Christmas get together at the church. Good food and good friends. We had a great time! My friend gave me 3 cupcakes to take home....of course they were staring me in the face this morning and I had to have one before breakfast while the coffee was brewing! Store bought....but really, really tasty! I was impressed!!!

Baking Magic Cookie Bars today....these are for us...love these things!!

Today I baked peppermint snowballs topped with a glaze and crushed candy cane. They turned out so good!! These will be going to my church for fruit baskets for shut ins. It is trying so hard so snow flurry today. The temperature is right...about 30 degrees...but need a little more precip. I looked out the window a few minutes ago and it was like almost a flurry...little pieces of fine slush falling from the sky. Come on snow!! Let's go...I'm ready!

the peanut butter cookies I made turned out great...I added mini Reese's Pieces and chocolate chips...very delicious! baking gingerbread cookies today....using star cookie cutter, baking them for fruit baskets for church for the "shut ins".

planning on baking peanut butter cookies today!

outdoor work

Late this afternoon, the kids and I did some outside work that we have been putting off. Me and my older son raked leaves...old dead yucky brown wet leaves now! LOL! My other son cleaned out the front half of the chicken coop and the nesting boxes. Also, together we brought in some damp kindling to dry by the fireplace. Now it's time for dinner and I believe I'm going to make chicken salads with french fries, hard boiled eggs and cheese! Oh yes!! I'm hungry and ready!

Woke up to major thick frost on the ground this morning. We still have to rake up some leaves in the back yard before the snow comes. My oldest son has been doing target practice with his bow and arrow out in the field. My hubby set up a nice 6' x 6' wall of bales of hay and a cardboard cut out of a deer. I have yet to try my luck at shooting the bow, but I think I will go out and try later this afternoon.

Well, our warm weather here in SW Pennsylvania is never ending it seems! Vegetation continues to grow on the hillside in the woods, and I just cannot believe it. The earth is a little confused in these parts. Yesterday was 60 degrees and today is very close to that as well.

I've been making various paper ornaments for the tree and the house for Christmas. I am having too much fun with it! I need to quit and get back to my housework!!

I've been thinking about doing some handmade Christmas cards this year...wonder if I should. I want to do a Scandinavian look...my husbands side of the family has roots there...so I guess it would be appropriate! It would be fun, but a dedication!

Thanksgiving

Well, I am actually getting a little excited that the holidays are upon us...only for the reason that I get to spend time with family I haven't seen in a while...oh and the food! I wouldn't even mind if it snowed. However, we are forecast for 54 degrees and sun on Thanksgiving. That's fine. We are planning on doing archery out in the field behind the house while dinner cooks. It will be my mom and dad, two of my sisters, my sister's boyfriend, my 2 boys and my hubby. It will be such a great day...well, that is what I pray for!

tired

What a busy day...I think I'm ready for bed, but I feel like I want to watch the weather on the 11 o'clock news.

pinned

I was pinned on Pinterest! Yay!

church dinner

Harvest dinner and pastor appreciation tonight at church...I'm baking my triple layer applesauce cake. The recipe is on my blog.

eggnog latte

Today I made an eggnog latte. Well, it's as close to a latte as I can get. It's all the right ingredients, but I don't have an espresso machine and a steaming wand to heat and froth up the milk! Anyhow, it was really tasty! I'll make another one tomorrow morning.

latte

Just made myself my own version of a vanilla latte with a dash of cinnamon on top. Um, loved it!

cleaning the kitchen

I'm sleepy today. Must be because I scrubbed down my kitchen yesterday! Well, I still have some work to do in  there...the whole refrigerator is getting the "once over". My forearms are actually a little sore from washing down my cabinets and detailing around the edges of the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. Glad it's done, my kitchen is sparkling and ready for the holidays! Yay!

unseasonably warm

I cannot believe the warm weather we have been having....60 degrees every day for the last 4 days. On the hillside I can see fresh green growth appearing on the ground. Mother Nature is a little confused. The plants think it is Spring for it is wet, a little chilly and warm during the day. So crazy!

it looks like November

It really looks like November out there today! The trees are bare, dry leaves cover the ground, and it's freezing outside, about 32 degrees all day.  We've had occasional snow flurries here and there throughout the day.

easy day

Baked cookies today and got Chinese take-out for dinner.

quiet here

My house is absolutely silent and I am loving it. I need to make sure I don't get lazy today!! I have lots of laundry to put away and just a few dishes. I should probably mop my floor today....why do I always put it off like it is such a big deal?? LOL!!

time off for me

Once again, beautiful day...67 degrees today, sun and blue skies. Watching my nephew today, but after  today, I have 5 days off in a row. Yes!! I plan on doing some cleaning and organizing...getting ready for the holidays...planning my Thanksgiving meal, take some walks, take some naps...stuff like that!

hello Monday morning

Another gorgeous day! Blue skies, warm weather, but still getting a frost every morning. What will today bring?

nice day

beautiful day!! blue skies and warm!

mantle decor

Just got inspired to design and decorate our mantle above the fireplace for Thanksgiving this weekend. Enlisting my sons to help with some good ideas...hope we can do something awesome!

chickens

Our Leghorn hen was squawking like crazy...just went   out to see what was going on. She was down in  the window well to the basement window...thought she was stuck, but no, she flew out, and there I found 2 brown eggs from our Rhode Island Reds. The Leghorn lays white eggs, so I knew they weren't hers. I don't know if she was mad or she was trying to lay her own eggs there...but there was a Rhode Island Red watching her. I took the eggs  out of the window well....then the Rhode Island Red was sqwakin' and bawkin'.....who knows what goes through their minds!!! Too funny! Well, she eventually got bored and walked away....commotion is over. Had to throw away the eggs though...not sure how long they have been there!!! Don't worry, the eggs were not fertilized...we don't have any roosters...so it wasn't like the Red was protecting her babies or anything like that!

Friday

It's Friday...yes! I am ready for the weekend. My friend is stopping by for a visit today....girl talk and coffee. Today I need to stop by my son's school to pick up a hermit crab. His class has a bunch that they are studying and they can bring one home if a parent comes in to pick it up...they won't send the crabs home on the bus with the students...probably a good idea!

winding down

And so, the day is winding down...chicken for dinner. I baked chocolate sugar cookies for an after school snack today...so good! Finished up the laundry today but still have lots to fold!

bacon and eggs

My hubby made bacon and eggs for everyone before he went to work this morning. How nice was that! Now time for coffee and I am ready for the day.

laundry day

It got up to 50 degrees today. The sun was shining all day! It was so pretty! Mostly a laundry day...and eating Halloween candy...more specifically, Reese's cups...my favorite! Dinner is leftover pasta with meat sauce. Washing sheets today..so I better go check the dryer and see if they're ready to be put back on the beds!

November

Ahhh yes! It is November! I am done with Halloween. Although it was pleasant, I'm over it. Bring on pumpkin pie and turkey and pilgrims and such!!! I am ready for the fireplace to glow and some good reading and some good baking! Yes!

warm today but grey skies all  day...did some  grocery shopping. forgot to buy liquid dish  soap, but at least I remembered the toilet  paper. ..tonight my son has gun safety at the sportsman's club with the Boy Scouts..

40 degrees this morning

40 degrees this morning. supposed to get to 80 degrees this afternoon. this kind of weather is pretty awesome...i guess kind of like living in the desert. soccer game this morning. i'm washing my son's soccer clothes as we speak. got up early on purpose because forgot to do it yesterday. not like i didn't have a whole week to do it..hahaha! Older son has bow and arrow training today. that will be awesome. i think i would like to learn myself. then, later, a lamb roast at my friends house, out in the country. yummy!

Chili on the stove

Today is an awesome day. First, my son's soccer game in the rain. I'm not being sarcastic...it was a different experience and it's nice to get out of your comfort zone...that's what makes "life experience". The temperature this morning was 44 degrees. After soccer, showers, then we cooked Wal Mart pizzas. Right now we have a fire going in our fireplace. It is absolutely beautiful! It's cold and wet outside. We haven't put the heat on yet...haven't needed it yet. The fire is making our living room so very cozy right now. I am loving it. Right now there is  a pot of chili simmering on my stove. We'll be eating soon! I don't know about you, but I like to eat my chili with either corn bread or Saltine crackers with butter. I put a bit of butter on the cracker, then a bit of chili on top of that and in my mouth it goes! Sooooo goooood!!

Fall cleaning

Wow, nothing like watching 2  episodes of hoarders to get  you in the  mood to  clean!!

buckyes

I have all the ingredients to make Buckeyes! Oh man! I cannot wait to sink my teeth into one of those...or 5 of those!

pork roast and peanut butter cookies

Made a pork roast with apples for my in-laws  today...as well as peas, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. Going to deliver it after my hubby  gets home.  Boy Scouts tonight! Making peanut  butter cookies for the Scouts. I'm sure they will be happy!

time with my oldest son

Absolutely beautiful Fall day. My husband and my youngest son went backpacking for one night. My oldest son's allergies are bad right now so he was not too interested in going and getting worse in the damp night air. Things are pretty peaceful here today. I played Frisbee with my son this afternoon. He schooled me on the history of the Frisbee and the physics of how a Frisbee sails through the air. Am I smarter than an 8th grader? no.

Starbucks and friends

Warm and humid today. I put my air conditioning on. Today I am watching my nephew Lucas..he's napping now. My friend is stopping over for a visit today and she's bringing Starbucks!! Yay! I ordered a Chai Latte'. Oh yummy!! My house is actually pretty clean so all I had to worry about was touching up the bathroom. I love it when I get to visit with friends.

Fall is coming

Yesterday it rained all day long! The skies were dark and gray. By the end of the day it really started getting to me. I felt tired and lazy and chilled. I told myself I better learn to embrace winter or I am done for. So, I went and bought a bag of powdered sugar mini donuts. I put blobs of peanut butter on top of them and washed them down with some iced tea!!! LOL It made me feel better. hahahaha

It's been a while since I've written in my journal here. I'm not anyone actually ever looks at it. Anyway, the weather has cooled and I am happy about that. The humidity was starting to take it's toll.

Lately, I've been trying to eat healthier. I still don't mind if I have a sweet snack now and then, but my goal is to eat veggies and fruits for my meals and limited meat. So far, so good. I bought 4 different squashes from the farmers market the other day....acorn, delicata, spaghetti and butternut. Can't wait to eat them...all cooked a different way. My older son is up for anything, but the younger one will be complaining about different veggies showing up on his dinner plate! LOL

cooler weather

I think I am done with the heat and humidity. Now that I have had a taste of cooler weather...I am ready for the Fall.

hair

So, I'm going to do my hair today. Don't even know the last time I did my hair. All summer long I've put it up in a ponytail/bun while it's still wet from the shower!

humidity

I love summer, but I just don't know if I can take the humidity anymore. I am a little tired of having damp sheets and pillowcases every night. Ugh!

rain storm

Massive amounts of rain in a very short period of time today. Lots of flooding, roads closed just for a little while until water receded, our creek crested and flooded into our back yard a good 12 feet. Took video, it was an awesome sight to see!

reading

Just finished the most amazing book called Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons. I read it in a few sittings throughout a couple of days. It was one of those books you just can't put down!

breakfast on a monday morning

Just ate eggs with fried diced salami and shredded parmesan cheese. Oh so good. Not really that healthy! Ha Ha! Drinking hazelnut coffee with cream and sugar...oh so good! Watching my baby nephew today, but in between his naps, planning on working on handmade exchange gifts that I have put off for a hundred years now! My blog friends will be happy!

best day ever

Best day ever! Hiking 2 miles of rocky terrain along a beautiful river filled with massive bolders..then, swimming in beautiful Lake Arthur. Great, great, great day!

recap of today

Watched my nephew today. After he went home I took a nap. How is it possible that a 7 month can make you tired? Ha Ha. Really, this is nothing...soon he'll be crawling and climbing. LOL! Made wide egg noodles for dinner...also sauteed fresh zucchini, portabella mushrooms and orange pepper in some olive oil and a little margarine...put that on top of the noodles. It was so darn good. Also cooked up remaining red potatoes I got from farmers market couple weeks ago. Cut them in quarters, put them on a baking sheet, drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted them in the oven. Omg...so delicious.
It's 10 pm, but I trying to get a little laundry done..so no bed yet. But..I can't wait to fall into bed and read until I'm sleepy..and the sound of the whirring fan..soothing.

can't sleep

It is 12:50 am. I should be asleep as I have a baby to watch in the morning..my little nephew. I just don't feel sleepy. Funny, cause when I was reading in bed, my eyes got droopy, I turned out the light...but then...I'm still awake. Decided to go downstairs, check Facebook, check my blog, now it's time to go back to bed, read again until my eyes get droopy...again...then turn out the light...again...and hopefully fall asleep. Til the morning light, I bid you goodnight!

let it go

Did you ever have someone say something to you, like judging a decision, even something really minor, and it instantly gives you that feeling like...like...I can't quite articulate the feeling. It's not really a feeling of hurt, you're not quite offended, you're not mad at all, it just feels like yuck. I felt that today. I quickly told myself to "get over it" it's not that big of a deal and if I keep thinking about it, I will have created it into a big deal. I think writing this down has actually made me feel better..not that I felt really bad, just had that little nagging in my gut. Letting it go. :)

overcast and misty

It has been one heck of a damp, fine-mist, overcast day. It has been a very long time since we have had a day like this. The humidity is so thick you could cut it with a knife. It all but hugs you when you step outside. Our power went out twice today. Once for one hour and a second time for about 10 minutes. Saw ladder trucks out on the road fixing something. Realizing once again how "dead in the water" we are when the power goes out. The number one issue...we have a well, and an electric pump...so no water. Doesn't have to be that way, so started making a list for a 48 hour power outage supply.

heading to the farm

The kids and I are heading out to my friends house today. Her property is surrounded by family farms on her husband's side. Can't wait to pick blackberries right off the bush and eat them straight away. Love this part of summer. Plan on taking lots of photos to share. I still have to post my photos from Buttermilk Falls!

monday morning

sitting here holding a sleeping baby, my nephew. typing with one hand so don't expect any capital letters..ha ha. i've tried to put him down 2 times now, but as soon as i do..forget it, he wakes up. i've resorted to holding him so he will sleep. it's a wonderful feeling holding a sleeping baby, yes, but, um....i'm starving. it's almost 8 am, i've been up since 6 and my tummy is grumbling. some coffee would be nice too. well, you know, baby comes first and that is the way it is. i love this little guy. he's a little stinker pie.

swimming at the falls

Oh my gosh, had the best day ever! Went swimming at the bottom of a waterfall. It was so beautiful and gorgeous and peaceful and perfect and nature, nature, nature. I am totally smitten. I have to post my photos on my blog for all to see. My kids had a blast. We all swam for about 2 hours. The kids did not want to leave at all. I told them we will definitely be back a bunch of times before the summer is over. My whole body is cooled off right now. I feel great. I think all that fresh air and fresh water has infiltrated my being and I am happy!!

this evening

Went for ice cream this evening. Doing laundry and working on my embroidery. Not doing anymore housework today. Accomplished enough for the day. :)

housework :(

Time for housework...please send me some motivational thoughts through the blogoshphere...my house is a mess and it's time to make it beautiful...of course I have no motivation...but, I haven't had any coffee today. lol

summer storm

Very muggy this morning. We had a very hard rain storm yesterday evening...lightning, thunder, gusty winds, heavy rain. The storm stopped for a few minutes, and then all of all sudden...holy cow, strong swirling winds, more rain...I was really thinking maybe we were in for a tornado..but thank goodness it didn't happen. I know my garden is happy. This is the 3rd time it has rained in a week. We are very fortunate. I have to weed the garden today...have to! But, I will save that for later in the evening when the sun goes down. I know I have tomatoes that are ready to be picked, so I can't wait to get out there and have a look!

rainy morning

Woke up to rain showers this morning. I'm so happy! A nice change of pace. However...it is still supposed to be 89 degrees today. I have my nephew today..I can hear him..he is just now waking up from his nap..so I've got to go!!

Hoping to get some baking in later today!

St. Ives

I have found a product that I love! St. Ives has come out with a new fragrance for their body moisturizer called "coconut milk and orchid extract". Holy freakin' cow! This stuff smells so darn good. What an interesting combination...coconut and orchid...and I love it! By the way, it's made with 100% natural moisturizers, not tested on animals and doesn't contain animal ingredients. I love the way the lotion absorbs into my skin. It does not leave a greasy feeling at all! My hands feel so soft with just one application. Wow, I really hope they never discontinue this fragrance. No, I'm not being paid by St. Ives...I just really love the product! I only paid $3.97 for an 18 ounce bottle at Target. Should I be working for them?? Ha Ha!! LOL!

recooperating

After having 2 different visitors for 11 days straight, I am ready to get my house and life back in order. We had a lot of fun though!
I got to sleep in an extra hour and a half this morning. I am so grateful. I think I could use about 2 more hours though.
My bedroom was nice and chilly this morning! What a relief from the constant heat and humidity we have been experiencing lately. It feels so good to wake up with all that fresh cool air being sucked in through the window!
Time for breakfast and coffee!

The Strip District, Pittsburgh

Spent the day in Pittsburgh at the Strip District...no, it's not a place where strippers hang out! It's where all the markets are. It was incredibly hot! Too hot for walking the sidewalks, traffic, street vendors cooking...all of it. My favorite time to go to the Strip is in the fall, when it's chilly..the smell of the coffee house, the freshly baked breads, Chinese, Mexican, Greek and Italian food smells floating on the air. Oh yes! But not now...95 degrees, it just isn't right. Well, my cousin wanted to go into town...so we went. But anyhow. We had some great pizza for an early dinner while we were there. I also bought a bag of my favorite popcorn...Reese's peanut butter and chocolate...oh my, I knew it would be melty, but I did not open it and brought it home and put it in the fridge for a little bit. I hope it still tastes good! It better! Hey, maybe I should make some of that popcorn at home...I could do that..and I could make a blog post on it! Sweet!

rain and visitors

Thank heaven! It rained yesterday evening. It poured. That helped bring the temperature down. I think everyone around here is so grateful for the rain!
This has been the week for visitors. My niece from Maryland stayed with us for one week...she left yesterday evening...just as my cousin from Jacksonville arrived. He'll be staying through the weekend. Then, last night, our long-time, very good friends from Kentucky stopped by for a few hours. They are not staying with us though. Lots going on around this house!! Today we are planning a trip into Pittsburgh with my cousin. I hope we go to the strip district..very historical, popular place..all the markets are located there: fresh fish, produce, herbs, spices, bakeries, coffee, street vendors.

heat

It's so stinkin hot outside. It's been in the 90's here in SW Pennsylvania. When I woke up this morning the humidity was very thick! All of the windows in my house had condensation on the outside. It feels just like a steam bath outside.