Favorite Friday (early)

Every Fall, as a Child, Mom would take us for a hike in the mountains. We each had a bag to keep  our treasures in. We were on the hunt...for the most beautiful leaves. After we were all satisfied that we had found the most beautiful leaves on the planet, we eagerly went home, and carefully used them to create our own "Fall Place mat". To this day, I still have some of my favorites from years past, and have continued this fun tradition with my own crew.

 Craig was trying to take a picture of us from our reflection on the dirty mini vans' window:) I love how you can see Benson yelling at us from inside the car, haha.

 Gosh, isn't this just breathtaking! I love it.

 Carter spotted a water snake with his awesome eye spying eyes, so Craig tried to catch it. Sadly, (said with sarcasm) the little guys got away. Too bad;)

 Craig gave Baby B a wild berry to try out. Did he like it?...not so much.

 I kind of feel in love with this picture of Carter and Layla Lou

 If you want to make your very own "fall place mat", here is what you do.

You need:

Leaves

thin flowers

pictures

contact paper

Cut 2 pieces of your Contact paper to the size you would like your mat to be. Carefully, and artistically, arrange your leaves, flowers, and pictures on the sticky side of  1 piece of contact paper. When you are happy with the way it looks, place the other piece of contact paper (sticky side down) over your masterpiece.

So easy. So fun. so do it:)

Ahoy!

This morning after I got everyone dressed Layla remarked, in her sweet little melodic voice "hey, we all match". Apparently, there is a nautical feeling in the air at my home today, and I must be feeling it.

Gosh, with all these sailor style, navy blue and white stripes, it kind of makes me feel like I should be on a Cruise somewhere in the Caribbean or something....just sayin;)

The big 30

Guess what I did this weekend...other than watch a WONDERFUL General Conference?!?!

Give up?

I entered a new decade of my life!

Now, I am well aware of  the feelings of grief, sadness, pity, disappointment, and depression that some people have felt on this milestone, entrence to a new decade, birthday. However, I do have to say, I   didn't feel any of the aforementioned feelings.   

I am completely pumped up about being 30! I have this feeling that my 30's hold greatness for our little family, and I really think I'm going to enjoy what the 30's have in store. You know what they say right? ...30 is the new 20.

 I know Mom is rolling over in her grave right about now, but I have ALWAYS wanted a TV in my bedroom (sorry Mom, I know you've always hated the idea, but I still love & respect you), and my wish finally came true:) I don't know if you can tell in the below picture, but I was so excited that I may have gotten a little teary eyed. I just Love the idea of falling asleep (which I ALWAYS do) to a movie, and not having to get up and walk to my bed. YAY for me, I guess dreams really do come true. hahaha.

In between Conference sessions, we went for a drive/walk in the mountains. I LOVE going up there this time of year, and seeing vibrant colors that abound as the leaves Begin to turn. I had a hay day taking pictures, but I'll save those for another day. I'll just say, it was rejuvenating and perfect.



That night Dad came  over for dinner. One of my favorite things to do is cook dinner with my hunky husband, so we did that:) It was Delish! Once we got dinner all cleaned up I started to make cupcakes, and Dad didn't feel like I should make my own birthday cake, so he joined me. It was so fun baking with him.

When it comes to birthdays, I guess it really comes down to one thing for me. It's better to have them then not to!

Happy birth month Preston, Jeff, and Becky. I hope you have it, rather then not:)