Halloween Nails!

Halloween is my favorite time of the year.  Well, actually, fall is my favorite time of the year.  I love the decorations, the weather, the warmer drinks, and fall festivals!!  Fall festivals are always the best. I enjoy being able to wear flip flops with jeans and a short sleeve shirt.  I was doing my nails regularly - at least once a week for over a year.  And then for about a month, I stopped.  Lately, I've noticed girls wearing black nail police.  I've never been one to wear dark nail polish; always pinks and reds.  A mom at my kids daycare had black nail polish on last week and it looked great.  I mentioned my phobia of dark polish to her.  Her reply was "just do it!  it's just nail polish", so that's what I did.
Check these nails out (done on Saturday night while drinking bottle of wine!):

In case you can't tell, the green are frankensteins and the middle is supposed to be mummy.  It didn't too out to well.  I broke my base coat trying to open the bottle.

(yes, that's blood!  that hurt!!!)

On Sunday, I did lots of yard work. And of course, my nails were ruined. I redid on Sunday night. 

I didn't realize photo was so blurry, but you get the point. I love them! Tyler said the frankensteins are so cool!! 

Xoxo,

Jen

The Story

Interested in the low down of the Story?!?!  The Story has literally changed my way of thinking in just ONE chapter.  Remember how I wanted to read the bible?  I wanted to read the bible just to understand.  I feel like I'm out of the "know" since I've never actually read it.  I don't even know how to quote the bible OR go to a quote from the bible.  Please don't give up on me yet!!

I decided it was time to change.  It was time to learn - The time is now!  I miss my dad so much and I know this is NOT going to bring him back.  But MAYBE this will distract me enough to feel connected to him again.  Whenever I go to this new church, I feel my dad.  Weird, huh? I figured people have thought stranger things than that!

The Story is about 90% the bible.  I'm goode with 85% - so this is better.  It takes the stories of the bible and places them in chronological order.  The order is all published in easy to read chapters!  There are 31 chapters.  The church plan is to read one chapter a week.  The sermon each week will revolve around the assigned chapter.  Small groups are are also highly encouraged. 

The small groups will meet once a week.  There is a guide to use for discussion questions.  My small group consists of my 3 neighbors and a girlfriend.                                                                                                              

Sooooo, I was hoping to blog once a week about the chapter assignment (in addition to the small group).  My blog post on the chapter will be all my thoughts.  The thoughts might include what I learned (mostly this), surprised me (and this), or a basic summary.  Good plan?  I think so too.  I'll use the next week to catch up.  Join the journey with me!!  

Xoxo,

Jen

First Friday

Today is the first Friday in October!  I can't believe it is already October. Jason got the decorations out of the attic...maybe, three weeks ago.  Three weeks is how long I've been wanting to decorate for fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving.  Why haven't I decorated?  This week I went to a yoga detox class on Monday evening, Tuesday was a family committee meeting for boys school, Jason worked late on Wednesday, and Thursday was a PTA meeting.  So, I've been busy.  I'm hoping I will be able to get several things done between tomorrow and Sunday.  Here is my To-Do List:

-Decorate for Halloween.

-Clean bathrooms and kitchen floor.

-Finish Laundry.

-Finish Chapter Three of the Story (I'll explain the Story in my next post).

-Start Chapter Four of the Story.

-Paint Nails.

-Plan Ty Ty's FOURTH birthday party.

-Plan dinners/lunches.

-Go grocery shopping.

-Drink bottle of wine.  ;)

Oops - I didn't mean that...whelp, yes I did.  Ha ha ha.

Photo after today's laps for learning at Andrew's school!

Picture of Spiderman and Ninja Turtle.

And finally, one of my favorite things... FRESH FLOWERS!!

xoxo,

Jen

Life Changes!

Over the past 8 months or so, my life has changed in so many ways.  First and foremost, my dad passed away in July.  He fought hard, but it still breaks my heart everytime I think of it.  I still can't believe he is really gone.  I feel like he is just away on vacation and he will walk through my front door to play with boys.  I was there when he passed away.  I can still remember what I was feeling and what I saw.  I'm not sure I will ever forget.  I'm glad I was there for him; just wish I could block out the memories of that morning.  Last year, when he was given two weeks, I made a decision on what I wanted to do to keep his memory alive.  I wanted to make a t-shirt quilt from his t-shirts.  I presented the idea to him and he loved it.  We talked about it a lot over the last year.  He was really excited about it.  He was afraid the boys wouldn't remember him and felt the quilt would make them ask questions.  Tyler has talked about my dad a lot over the last couple months.  I think my dad has visited him several times.  It makes me happy to think of him still being here and seeing what is happening.  I only received a few t-shirts which means the quilt probably will never happen.

Andrew started kindergarten.  I really dreaded him starting; however, he has transitioned well.  Actually, he loves it.  He goes to our neighbors house before and after.  I really feel they have helped him to stay focused.  Plus, this has opened several other doors for us.  I've met several nice families in and out of the neighborhood.  Our families seem to mesh well and that gives us another opportunity to be active. I'm excited for our future and to see how the friendships progress.

I decided to start completing items on my bucket list.  At the top of my list was to read the bible.  The minimal experience I had with the bible, I knew I wouldnt' be able to just read and understand.  I wanted to read and actually understand the bible.  One day, I was discussing this item with one of my neighbors.  And it changed my life, literally.  She told me the creative way her church was exploring the bible.  Her church was using the book "the story" to read through the bible.  I decided to go a few weeks ago (even got a close friend to join me whose kids are the same age as my boys) and we haven't stopped.  I look forward to the weekend now, but to explore the next chapter in the book. I NEVER thought I would EVER say that and actually mean it.  But I do.  I love it.  I feel great when I'm there and I never even look at my watch.  Amazing.  Jason doesn't know what to do with me.

Xoxo,
Jen  

Pinterest Dinner!

On Friday night, we had a co-worker and his family over for dinner.  His wife has a great personality and their son is adorable!  I think Jason was unsure at first, but he eventually gave in to my crazy ideas.  We both enjoy hosting and meeting new people.  Makes perfect sense to invite someone over who moved here recently.  Right??
Anyway, I waited until Friday afternoon to finalize dinner.  I knew I wanted to make something good (but then again, who doesn't want to make something good for dinner?!? ha!).  I searched pinterest and ended up searching through the people I follow "food" boards for some extra ideas. 
First thing I found was this Oreo pudding pokey cake thingy. 

It was delicious!  And super easy!  I used devil food cake instead of dark chocolate cause that's what I had on hand. :)  I followed the directions to the tee.

I also had chocolate covered strawberries.  A friend told me about using a straw to cut the top off and it worked AMAZING as well.  I already purchased more strawberries to dip in chocolate. 

And finally, the main course.  I knew I wanted a vegetable with a meat (I completely forgot about it being Friday and not having meat - so FAIL!).  But the honey mustard crusted chicken turned out great!  The semi-home made honey mustard was great! 

Current Trends.

Two current trends....dexter and nail polish.
I started watching season one of dexter. I'm interested, but I'm not. The basis behind the show is good; a serial killer who kills other serial killer. A good serial killer. Hmmm. I'm on disc two of the first season. We shall see.
I paint my nails once a week; usually on Sunday nights. I find once I work something in my schedule, I tend I stick with it. I'm not the best at painting my nails, but I've definitely improved. My favorite nail polish brand is wet n wild mega last.

Overload?

Do you ever feel like there is not enough time in day? Right - I know; the story of everyone's life. I feel there is not enough time for me to sleep, to work at work, and of course at home. Not enough time to feed boys, clean-up, bath time, read and do whatever else. Not to mention read a book or watch a tv show. So I think I need to think of one thing to work on each week. Each week I will challenge myself to change the way I do something.
Week one: encourage boys to make beds. I've never been a bed maker. My parents bed was always made growing up. I like the feeling of getting into a made bed in the evening. So - I need to have boys start it. :)

Next week: cooking five times a week. :)

Busy!!

Whoah - how many parties do you attend in one weekend?? Three?
That's right. In one weekend, we were invited to four parties. Three were at the same time and the fourth on the next day. I failed to remember the one on Sunday, but a member of my family attended each of the other parties.
A good friend of the family was celebrated their sons fourth birthday. My MIL took the younger two boys to the baseball themed party. I was hoping to come late, but I didn't make it. Jason took oldest to a party for a boy in his class. Andrew had a blast! Meanwhile, I attended a baby shower. I loved my gift! I took a wood crate and requested hubby to paint it. He did an awesome job! Then took white letters and added some glitter!! The small frame is done the same way! The onesies turned out great!! Inexpensive thoughtful gift!!

Valentine's Day - Celebrate Goode Style!! ha ha

I know - cheesy title.  I heart Valentine's Day. 

But to be completely honest, I love any holiday I can decorate and make different things. 

Back to V-Day.  I love it!

I saw this post I thought last year, even though it was updated in January 2013.  I knew I wanted to do the mailbox thing.  My mom picked up the mailboxes for me from the Target Dollar Bins.  They mostly had pink and red, but she was able to find a few blue and a white.  Yippee!  I used my Cricut and cut out some vinyl lettering.  The front has their initial, xoxo on one side, and a heart on the other side.  The back has the inside of the heart.

 

My plan is to fill them up with a love note and a treat every day from February 1st to V-day.  Hopefully I start writing and collecting this week.  :)

 

The mailboxes currently are on my mantel.  I got the block words from Target ($3).  I still have one in the wrapping, because I didn't realize it was covered in glittered.  I don't like glitter - I like bling, not glitter.  :)  And yes, there is a difference.  The banner is also from Target dollar bin.  Tyler and Colton each made a V-Day inspired picture which hangs on each side.  Lastly, there are two Yankee Candle bear things holding yummy smelly candles.  **My current favorite scent is actually from Bath and Body Works, "Marshmallow Fireside".  It is perfect. I LOVE it! 



Kitchen Table window has a nice banner.  I used some red crepe paper to make the banner work across the whole window.

 Nice heart table runner!!  Anytime I can have an excuse to decorate my house in pink and red, you know I'm going to use the opportunity!!  ha ha

And of course, I had to put some pink and red in the nice new bathroom!  I would love to make what my girl Mackenzie made over at M&M (#1).  hmm...I wonder where I could hang it?!? What do you think?  :)

Confessions

Two Confessions.
I'm actually going through withdrawal. We joined a gym about a month and a half ago. It's not just any gym - it's like an all-in-one club! Swimming, Childcare, classes, women's gym, trainers - everything!! I love it! And boys love it even more. I've been going at least five times a week until the past several days. Weather has been so crazy and I'm a loser for driving! I get too uneasy and freak out. I feel like I'm going crazy!!! I need to exercise! Is it possible to become addicted to exercising?
PLL!!!! My other obsession at the moment. I just watched last nights episode. (**spoiler alert!! If you didn't watch it, don't continue!! And if you don't know what PLL is....you're not in the know!! Ha ha PLL equal pretty little liars. The show is downright addicting. I rented the first few seasons through the library.) Anyway, my thoughts are that the cop is involved but not how you think. I don't think the cop killed Allison nor got her pregnant. I'm still a Toby believer in that he didn't hurt spencer intentionally. Something is up with Paige. I can't see her hurting Emily just like I can't see Emily hurting Allison. Ooh maybe Emily killed the person who got Allison pregnant. And Allison is still alive. Ahhh - crap! This is exactly what the producers want us to do - guess and try to figure out what happened! Looking forward to next Tuesday already!!

Long Break - OvEr! (well hopefully anyway)

WARNING!!  WARNING!!  PIC HEAVY!!  **had a lot to catch up on!

I took a break - a six month break.  I'm not sure what happened, but life.  I want to keep blogging so I have to make it a point to post!!  The last six months have been crazy!  Here is a quick summary:

-June 2012:  my dad was told he had two weeks to live.  I spent as much time as I could with him.  Turns out, he is more stubborn than anyone I know!  Cause he is still alive and going strong!!  I'm so proud of him. He has survived through so many things which should have killed him, I'm not sure I'll ever be prepared to lose my dad.  I'm a daddy's girl - all the way.

-July 2012:  *I hosted my SIL (my husband's sister) baby shower.  It was an airplane themed with the colors blue and brown.  My wonderful neighbors helped me make the tissue balls (can't think of the name - ha ha!),

*My brother and sister-in-law welcomed a handsome healthy little boy to our family, Leland.  I love his name! 
*Colton's 1st Birthday Party!  The theme was "A Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.  My wonderful neighbors helped me make the invitations and all the wonderful decorations. 

Caterpillar cake made from cupcakes and a small cake!  I placed it on a piece of cardboard wrapped in white tissue paper.  The ears and legs were hand-drawn by my awesome neighbor!  (They also made and decorated the cupcakes and cake!)

Some of the decorations...

 

All decorations made using a cricut!!

I'm thinking I took these pictures after the party cause the Colton cupcake is missing a "wiggly" eye!  :)

A book for everyone to sign! And the favors were adorable!! My neighbors helped me make thank you bags. The main sheet says "happy 1st birthday Colton! -thank you!" and there were M&Ms inside! Tied with a bow!

 

-August 2012: *Andrew's fifth birthday party was batman themed.  AMAZING!

Homemade banner with lots of bats everywhere!





The kids had capes made out of trash bags and masks.  The trash bag capes were the biggest hit.  I took big black (or maybe they are a dark green) trash bags.  Cut down the seam on each side and the bottom.  I ended up cutting about 12 inches off the bottom as they were too long for 4-5 year olds.  The tie part of the trash bags were used to tie the cape around!  It was awesome!  The kids decorated their masks and capes.

-November 2012:  Tyler's 3rd Birthday party! It was safari themed.  I'm not sure why I don't have more pictures.  The kids had some safari crafts all with stickers. 

Dirt Cake

 

-December 2012:  My wonderful hubby was put to the test and built two AMAZING things for our house.  Check it out!!

*First Project

This was the first thing he we made!  It's a shelf hanging in our hallway.  It reads:  Children hold our hands for a while, our hearts forever.  I did the vinyl work.  Turned out awesome!

*Our next project was a new shelving unit in our family room.  We needed something to mainly hold the box for cable. 

On New Years Day, we went searching for items to place on our shelf.  Turns out, we found an awesome antique gone crazy shop.  It's the kind of shop you have to know what you want and ask for it.  If not, it's too packed with stuff to just look through.  We ended up getting two coke cases (bottom left and upper middle right), the lantern (upper middle left) and the jug (upper center) all for less than $50. 

-January 2013:

*We moved to our current house October 2011.  Jason and company painted the whole house from ceiling to floor within a week of us moving in.  The only room not touched was the powder room.  It was covered in wallpaper.  I didn't mind the wallpaper, so he touched it up for me and we left it alone.  We finally figured out what we wanted to do with it.  We wanted a"pallet wall" behind the toilet.  I'm not sure how I found the blog post, but as soon as I showed it Jason, we made up our mind.  Here is the after:  (I'm sorry - I failed to take the before, but imagine wallpaper from floor to ceiling in a maroon color with flowers)

I'm pretty sure that sums it up until this past weekend.  My next post will be all about V-Day!