Fall Weather. Halloween Prep. And SnapChat Filters.

I'm loving this fall weather in North Carolina. The sun shines bright, the air is cool, and the skies are the bluest blue. Temperatures are getting down in the 50s at night and topping out at 70 during the day. Doesn't that sound heavenly?

I'm not sure if mums are a Fall thing or a Southern thing. I have always loved them but they don't stand up well in dry desert heat. This Carolina weather is much better for them. Aren't they pretty?

The lizard loves them too. He is always out there lounging around by the yellow ones.

We are ready for Halloween! Costumes prepping is in full swing. Some kids are more ready than others. Zac is super excited to roam the streets with his new pet.

We usually do homemade costumes, like Minecraft guys...

...and a Zombie Hot Dog Seller. But this year, I just don't have creative in me.

Even Charlie appreciates a homemade Halloween costume.

Fall isn't the same as it was in California where we visited pumpkin patches every single year

2015

2013

2005-2012

And those easy day trips to Disneyland all decorated for Halloween :(

But it's more authentic in NC :) Where leaves change colors... 

and you can actually afford pumpkins.

And the weather dips below 80 in October.

God Bless California. I still love that state.

I have been more into the Halloween festivities this year compared to other years. It probably helps that I'm not working and completely stressed out. I have enjoyed putting together and receiving some themed gifts to celebrate the season. 

Orange and black is a good color combo.

  If I could be anymore into Halloween, then Snapchat filters would be sending me over the edge right now. I love all the Halloween filters this week. Some aren't the most flattering but perfectly done!

This one is a little weird.

My mean Halloween dog face. 

Gotta play the part!

Wishing you all a fun festive weekend and a Happy (safe) Halloween!

Big Bear Lake Adventures

When you grow up with snow in winter, then Christmas will never be right without it! My husband struggles with the sunny and 75 Christmases more than I do. In fact, he declared next year we will go somewhere with snow for Christmas. I hope he changes his mind before then! Playing in the snow at Big Bear reminded me of how cold snow is. Or how cold it has to be for snow to be on the ground. I think I like the idea of snow...from a warm house, with a good book, and hot chocolate.

#notafan 

But you know who is a fan...

#bestdayever

We went to hike but snow play overruled.

Snowball fight?!? He is so mean to me.

And sledding! I think we managed all the snow fun you can have. 

Minus snowman building.

Here are a few pictures I couldn't quite fit in.

Many of my favorite views are from the top. They always put things into perspective.

The Legend of Ranger Children's Book #Giveaway

Last night I stayed up late catching up on my DVR'd holiday movies. After the credits rolled, I grabbed my latest holiday read and curled up in bed. I just can't get enough of the Christmas season! I am soaking up all the feel good stories, whether video or print. I'm not even particular about genre. I can enjoy children's stories as much as those written for grownups.

I didn't think twice when asked to review the children's book, The Legend of Ranger: The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly by Alan Salisbury and illustrated by Roberta Baird. Not only would I be able to enjoy yet another holiday story but I could do so with my kids! The book is a feel good story about a reindeer, Ranger, who must find the secret to become a flying reindeer. After much searching in physical locations and encountering obstacles along the way, Ranger finds the secret within himself. The story is creative, encouraging, and engaging story for young listeners. I love the many talking points included for parents and children to discuss throughout the story. This story may not be suitable for the youngest listeners in one sitting, the book is word heavy and picture light. I believe readers 5 years and up would most enjoy cuddling up and reading with an more experienced reader. And really, isn't that the best way to enjoy holiday stories?

To learn more about author Alan Salisbury (Retired Army General) and The Ranger Project, visit: http://opusonestudios.com/projects/legend-of-ranger/

All proceeds of the sale of Ranger products will be donated to the Antonia J Giallourakis Endowed Fund in Art Therapy for Children with Cancer at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

This #giveaway will run from Dec. 22- Dec. 25. Which means the items won't be received until after Christmas. Giveaway includes signed copy of The Legend of Ranger: The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly, a plush Ranger toy, and Dream and Believe (Ranger's Song) musical CD. A simple email entry is all that is required.  A winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


To purchase your copy of the book, visit Barnes & Noble online:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-legend-of-ranger-alan-salisbury/1117006261?ean=9781626523333

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Favorite Things Tree

We are all familiar with Oprah's Favorite Things, right? All the wonderful things Oprah loved and gifted to unsuspecting audience members year after year. Turns me green with envy!

This year I volunteered as a room parent for Zachary's class. Honestly, I am the poorest excuse of a classroom parent. Partly because I volunteered when I worked 3 hours a day and now I'm working a fuller schedule. I have little time to devote to anything much less being a stellar room parent.

After consistently dropping the ball for the first few months of school, I got my act together. My goal was to make a solid effort to help parents gift the teacher. Hopefully spoil her with all her favorite things. I made a tree filled with chipboard giftags which doubled perfectly as ornaments. Each ornament had one of Ms. J's favorite things written on the back. The tree is displayed in the classroom and each parent informed of the list. I've also scanned the list to send to parents inquiring by email. Based on the response, I think the tree is helpful. Hoping Ms. J is wonderfully gifted this holiday season.


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Christmas Tag

I've been anxiously waiting to see if this blog meme would make the rounds this year. I had so much fun with it last year. I must say Thank You to Munchkins and the Military for passing it on to me. I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas or Mele Kalikimaka, whichever one you are celebrating in your tropical paradise!

In case you aren't familiar with these types of posts, there are a handful or two of questions for bloggers to answer. The list is passed around bloggyland until someone has the good sense to stop it...because Christmas is over.

Until that happens, I'm joining in and tagging others. What can be more fun than Christmas posts? Ok... besides birthdays and Disney and shopping without kids and... Seriously the question was rhetorical.

1.       What do you love the most about Christmas time? 
My most favorite part about Christmas is the decorations. I love how everything, almost everywhere is decked out in color and sparkle. I also love the spirit of the season. I feel like people are more giving and focused on others this time of year.

2.       Do you celebrate the holiday in style or is Bah-Humbug for you? 
I'm not quite sure what this question means. I do celebrate. Not sure if I'm in style. Sometimes I just hang out in my pj bottoms and an old ratty sweatshirt at home while I celebrate :) Not a Bah Humbug though!.       

Note my (husband's) comfy Iowa sweatshirt

3. Are you leaving anything out for Santa Claus this year so he remembers to leave your presents?

I don't know if Santa will get anything. It will depend on the kids. Do they or don't they want to put in the effort?
 
4.       What is the one gift you are most looking forward to GIVING? {It can be to your kids, another family member, etc – remember to be discreet if they read your blog!} I'm pretty excited about my daughter's gift because it's something she has been wanting but we couldn't find. And my mom's gift. But that is all I can say.

5.       What is your all-time favorite Christmas movie?
Elf. It's always the first movie on our list after Thanksgiving.
  

6.       What is your all-time favorite Christmas song?



Baby, It's Cold Outside. I have to dance or sing whenever it comes on. And the kids are trained well enough to join me! 

7.       If given the opportunity would you participate in an “Ugly Sweater” party and what sweater would you wear?  Peruse one on the internet or even in your own closet and show us!
I'm always up for anything! I suppose I would have to scour the internet to find the perfect sweater. Or raid my mom's closet like my sister does! But hosting an ugly sweater party probably wouldn't be on the top of my list. However, it would probably be the first on my husband's list.


8.       Have you started any Christmas traditions this year that you plan on carrying forward?

We haven't started anything just yet. I have seen the mini-van express idea for Christmas light viewing and love it. I think it would be a tradition worth starting!

9.       It’s Christmas morning … what does it look like outside where you live?
Sunny. Green. Warm. Not the way Christmas should look.

10.   You just found yourself standing under the mistletoe … who comes up to give you a kiss first?
Zachary. Any chance he can get to be affectionate. 


Time to tag some blogger friends...

Bleu Dress Jess
Going Coastal with the Plumes
Ramblings of a Marine Wife
Just the Stew of Us
Borrowed Heaven
Imperfectly Perfect World
Dream and Differ
The Lieber Family
Chores and Chandeliers
Trailerhood Aristocrats

Hello December!

Wow. December. Can you believe it? I mean really. We just put away our Halloween decorations. We celebrated Thanksgiving, did a little Black Friday shopping, and then wham! December. What happened?!? I'm still eating leftover turkey.

Now it's Christmas this, that, and everything! My neighbors have inflat-a-santa-and-Snoopy-and-snowmen up in the yard. Beautiful lights twinkling from the rooftops. I've got the Christmas music going. One batch of caramel corn made which is a true sign of the holidays in our house. And the kids and I have started our December calendar. An advent calendar of sorts. Each day designated for some holiday activity to help us to think of more than just toys. We do Santa stuff, we do Jesus stuff, and we do giving-to-others stuff. I try to mix it up so we can enjoy all parts of the holiday.

One thing not on the list but has been the forefront of many conversations is our Elf on the Shelf. Will he be back this year??? A question I love given all three children were not at all impressed upon his arrival in 2012. I suppose it was a little beneath them... age wise. But our elf Buddy is pretty ornery and my kids LOVE ornery!

When the kids woke up this morning, Buddy was waiting to greet them with a decorated tree.  Such a wasteful elf. Does he know how much toilet paper costs these days?!? That is how my kids know Buddy is real. Mom would never throw around an entire roll of toilet paper just to play elf. 

Just in case you miss last year's mayhem. Here are a few of Buddy's antics we endured. War games, stuff animal parties, snow forts. He toilet papered the bathroom, tagged the mirrors, ate all the kids candy (the teenager wasn't impressed!), and so much more.

 Our favorite was the war games. My husband was deployed and Buddy was a great distraction during the holidays. He even teamed up with the Daddy Doll to protect our Christmas tree. 

This year my husband is here and gets to experience Elf on the Shelf for the first time. He isn't a believer yet. I have a feeling it will change. As much as my kids love ornery, my husband loves it 10 times more!

It's Here, November is Here!

November 1st is one of my most favorite days. I feel like we have raised the veil on the holiday season. I look forward to Thanksgiving. It's one of my favorite holidays. A toss up with Easter but too close to really choose one. I love the food. I love hanging with family. I love focusing on gratitude. I love waking up early and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in my pjs. I love a relatively lazy day. I love the idea of Christmas around the corner. Grabbing a second piece of pie and combing Black Friday ads.

I try my best to enjoy the days of November. Not to rush this season. I try to really focus on Thanksgiving. Gratitude. Giving to others. Enjoying the moments. I hope you do to. I really do. Sometimes, I feel that the powers that be, i.e. retail stores, want to keep us thinking about buying stuff. Getting a head start. Staying ahead of the game. I just want to go against the flow this month. I want to devote three weeks to concentrating on what I already have. Then I will think about what I still "need". I promise Target, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, and Toys R Us; I will not ignore you forever.

There is one thing needing to be done before we say goodbye to October. Share Trick or Treat pictures.
Last night, we went trick or treating for the first time in my children's lives...off base. It isn't a major thing but it's something for us...or maybe just me. I'm sentimental, what can I say?

Let's try this again! Last night, the kids got to go trick or treating. The boys dressed up as two characters from the wildly popular, Minecraft game. Others might call them blockheads or Lego guys or box head guys. Hopefully not in front of a 7-12 year old boy, if you don't want to be lectured on all things Minecraft.

The girl dressed up as a zombie Hot Dog vendor. Because teens think that is fun.

I think she mostly just wanted to dress her dog up.

He's a hot dog.

Love to see my kids having a great time and being kids. I suppose it makes walking three miles in the dark, carrying masks & costume pieces, and picking up spilled candy baskets (twice) worthwhile!

Goodbye October!

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Happy Halloween

There are three little people over here very excited today is Halloween.
They have been busy making costumes,

carving pumpkins,

and watching Halloween specials on the Disney channel.

Even Charlie has gotten into the Halloween activities! 

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