Events
Halloween Rice Krispie Treats
Green cat with a “K” on it….wonder who that one is for? We also found a purple cat with a “B” on it too! 🙂
While Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa were here visiting we made some delicious rice krispie treats. I made regular rice krispie treats and cut them out with Halloween (pumpkin, ghost, and cat) cookie cutters then the kids and Grandmas decorated them. It was a lot of fun making these tasty treats together.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treat
Someone ate a Black Cat…….Karlie!
Brina enjoying one of the rice krispie treats after she finished helping decorate!
Colorful pumpkin!
Spooky green rice krispie ghost!
Decorating rice krispie treats with Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa. The decorating team was MUCH faster than the cookie cutter, ha! 🙂
A plate full of decorated rice krispie treats!
Another tray full of pumpkins, ghosts, and cats…….
After the girls got a chance to taste test one cookie we sent some of the treats home with the Grandmas, 1 went into each of the girls lunches for the next day, and the rest we brought to Community Group to share with friends. This was a fun and easy Halloween activity for everyone to do.
Family Activities: 3 Big Pumpkins with 6 Different Faces!
One side of the pumpkins had a Mr. Potato Head type face on it! Karlie’s “serious” pumpkin, Grandma Penny & Great Grandma Willa’s “silly” pumpkin, and Brina’s “puppy dog” pumpkin! This side of the pumpkin took a lot less time to do. It was super easy and if you don’t want to mess with carving or cleaning out a pumpkin this is a great alternative. The girls loved picking out the pieces for their pumpkins and designing a face.We were super excited to have Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa come visit us for a few days in October. During their visit we were able to squeeze in a lot of fun activities. One of the activities was carving pumpkins! The girls had a blast hanging out with both Grandmas and have a lot of great memories of their time with us. Thankful that they were able to come visit us. 🙂
The other side of the pumpkins had the carved version on it which was perfect for the evening. Karlie’s “scary” pumpkin, Grandma Penny & Great Grandma Willa’s “cat” pumpkin, and Brina’s “happy” pumpkin sitting on the front porch.
The PROCESS……
Scooping out the pumpkin seeds
Gross……slimy pumpkin hands!
Karlie designed her own “scary” pumpkin face complete with eyelashes! She drew her face on a piece of paper and Jake helped her transfer it to her pumpkin. So proud of her scary pumpkin!
Brina wanted a “happy” pumpkin!
Trying to get Skip-A-Doo to pose with them in front of the pumpkins…..ha! Skipper wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but I have to give them credit for trying to get her to cooperate for the picture!
The girls had a lot of fun doing the pumpkins with Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa. They thought it was neat having a “2 sided” pumpkin with different faces on each side. The jack-o-lantern that they carved was their night pumpkin and the silly faces were their day pumpkins. We used the pumpkins seeds to make 3 Seasoned Pumpkin Seed recipes. Did you carve or decorate pumpkins? I would love to see your pumpkins, feel free to post a link to your pictures in the comment section below!
Leaves + Pumpkins + Ghosts = Oh My….It’s Halloween
Karlie and Brina raked up a bunch of leaves to “stuff” the pumpkin!
What a difference a year makes…..so much has happened over the past few months it is hard to believe it is Halloween again! I like to think that I have learned all the lessons I need to know by now but I find myself still trying to balance this thing called life. At times I am torn between having fun with my family and getting things done on my never-ending and always-growing “to do” list (does anyone else struggle with this or is it just me?!).
Sometimes the best way to get things done is to have fun doing it with your family. For example, you can make raking leaves a game by seeing who can stuff their “leaf pumpkin” the fullest or fastest! You get to have fun with the family plus you get a few extra leaves off the yard all at the same time.
Last year it was much warmer for Halloween so the kids spent almost all their free time outside playing. Only a few days ago we were wearing shorts and it was 80 degrees outside, but with the storm up north the wind has picked up, leaves are raining down on the yard, and there is an extra chill in the air.
Two little pumpkins for my sweet “pumpkins”!
They got these cute little pumpkins from a fall activity we did with a group of friends at a local farm. Since these pumpkins were too small to carve we made delicious Pumpkin Dip and a small batch of Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds!
The girls made these easy “Banana Ghosts” to take in their school lunches!
It was cute hearing them giggle as they put together their little ghosts. We took 1 banana, cut it in half, the girls put a dab of peanut butter (or soy butter) on it, adding raisins for the eyes, stuck a straw in the bottom and put them into bags for their school lunch. The straw was a fun addition because the ghost would “move” (in slow circles) when they held it up which added to the excitement. Sometimes it’s the simple things that you already have in your kitchen that bring the widest smiles!
Family Activities: Fall Festivals
Jake on the spinning teacup with the girls! The last time I went on this ride it made me so sick and dizzy I thought I was going to throw up in one of the girls pumpkins full of Halloween candy!
One of the fun activities our family enjoys participating in every Fall is the local festivals! The girls love getting a chance to go for a ride on carnival rides, hayrides, bouncy castles, check out ambulances, firetrucks, helicopters, pet farm animals and more (for free)! They always have a blast at this event!
Here are a few pictures from one of our favorite fall festivals that we try to go to every year at a local church in our area. Although you do get a bag of candy the highlight is the fun activities (not candy). If you are looking for a safe place to trick or treat for Halloween check to see if any of your local churches do a “Trunk or Treat” event.
Off they go on another ride!
Going UP……..
Jake and the girls flying by me on a chair swing!
Brina flying down the slide!
Karlie zooming down the giant slide!
All of us went on the Thomas the Train ride together!
Checking out the inside of the ambulance!
They had a lot more activities going on that I didn’t get pictures of like face painting, hair glitter, carnival games and more! Do you have fall festivals in your area that your family always looks forward to attending? What type of activities do they have at the festival?
Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins (4 Ingredients)
As the Fall leaves continue to rain down in our yard we are enjoying some delicious treats! These Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins are super easy to make, only contain four ingredients, and taste awesome. The last time I made these for a group of friends only 2 came home with us and the girls begged to take them in their school lunches. You will not have to add any water, eggs or oil to this recipe and the muffin will still turn out with a moist.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins:
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line 24 muffin tins. Mix together yellow cake mix and canned pumpkin until blended (the batter will be thicker than your typically cake mix). Scoop evenly into muffin tins (I use an ice cream scoop) and set aside. In another bowl blend softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Drop a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar over the top of each muffin prior to serving.
The last time I made these I did about half with the cream cheese and half without cream cheese. Both were a big hit with the group, but the ones with the cream cheese went faster. 🙂
Pumpkin & Yellow Cake Mix Muffins topped with Cream Cheese & a touch of Powdered Sugar
Fresh out-of-the-oven Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins
Pumpkin Cheesecake & regular Pumpkin Muffins sprinkled with Powdered Sugar and ready to be eaten
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was another fun one! Our Community Group did our first overnight camping trip. We had a lot of great food and fellowship. The kids had a blast and wanted to know if we could do it again this weekend! 🙂 Although they will probably have to wait a while longer I am thankful that they got to hang out with friends, meet new friends, and created a lot of great memories. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – didn’t get to read on the weekend during the camp out
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the Family– Camp Out Adventure!!!! 🙂Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this week- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t drink enough the last couple of days with all the camp out preparations and cleanup
Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine– excellent bookFinish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)– great book- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – working on it
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – staying on track
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a few items done (need to tackle a couple more this week)
- Pay all upcoming bills – have a couple that came in the mail during the camp out adventure so they were put on my desk until this week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group EmailWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team EmailCommunity Group Camping Adventure
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – was able to set aside a little bit extra this month to put towards the van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Celebrate Halloween with the Family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Project (Focus – Office / Garage)
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Finishing cleaning up from Community Group Camp out
- Put away all the Halloween Items
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming (November) blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Schedule November work dates
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Recipe: 3 Easy Seasoned Pumpkin Seed Recipes
Every Fall our family likes to pick up a couple pumpkins to carve. One of our favorite parts about carving and enjoying some time together as a family is making toasted pumpkin seeds. This year was even more special because Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa were here to join in the festivities with the girls.
We did 3 different seasoned pumpkin seed recipes this year. The two that we did last year were such a huge hit that we did them again plus added one more. To make it easier on you I have all three recipes in this post.
Seasoned Salt Pumpkin Seeds
- 2 c pumpkin seeds
- 2 T butter
- Sprinkle Seasoned Salt (or substitute a 1/2 package ranch package mix)
Rinse the pumpkin seeds. Saute pumpkin seeds in the butter for about 5 minutes (until they start to turn brown). Sprinkle the Seasoned Salt on the seeds. Spread seeds into a shallow baking pan and baked at 250 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until crispy. Stirring every 10 minutes.
Dill Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
- 2 c pumpkin seeds
- 2 T butter
- 1/2 package Hidden Valley Dill Ranch Mix
Rinse the pumpkin seeds. Saute pumpkin seeds in the butter for about 5 minutes (until they start to turn brown). Sprinkle half the pack of Hidden Valley Dill Ranch Mix (or any flavor of Ranch mix) on the seeds. Spread seeds into a shallow baking pan and baked at 250 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until crispy. Stirring every 10 minutes.
Cinnamon Apple Cider Pumpkin Seeds
The cinnamon apple cider pumpkin seed recipe was adapted from the recipe My Retro Kitchen shared on her blog. I removed the nutmeg from the recipe but otherwise it is the same. These seeds came out with a perfect mix of sweetness. The other two recipes were more the salty flavors so adding this sweet one was awesome compliment to the three. I want to make them again because mine came out a little oily (maybe they needed to cook longer or I had too much butter?). These were a hit with family and friends, perfect for the Fall festivities!
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds, cleaned and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter OR olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Pour the apple cider in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add the pumpkin seeds and boil on medium heat for 10 minutes. Drain the seeds and pour them in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the melted butter or olive oil into the bowl, along with the salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to coat and spread pumpkin seed in a single layer onto jelly roll pan or a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring them them every 10 minutes, until butter topping has dried and the pumpkin seeds are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and dry-out the rest of the way on the cookie sheet on top of the stove. Store in an air-tight container.After cleaning out our pumpkins we had a little over 6 cups of pumpkin seeds so we decided it up three ways and made three different recipes. These seeds were a hit with our family and friends. The girls had a blast cleaning and carving their pumpkins!
Local Activities: “Dine Out for Mom” Event on Thursday, October 25, 2012
There is a special event going on tomorrow, Thursday, October 25, 2012 called Dine Out For Mom which is a part of the Let There Be Mom organization. As a Mom with small children it is important for me to remember that life is precious, sweet, and short. We never know what joys and trials life will bring our way. You may know of a friend or family member that has gone through serious illness and given only a short amount of time to live. This event is to remind us to celebrate life, create memories, cherish our family, and help others because our life here on earth is not forever.
What is Let There Be Mom? It is an organization that provides help to Moms when they or their spouse is diagnosed with a serious illness. How was it started? “Let There Be Mom” comes along side the family going through this difficult time to preserve memories. They do this through a variety of services tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the individual families. Some examples of ways you can get involved – photography, scrapbooks, journals, videos, meals, errands, special events, care packages, family cookbooks, and many more wonderful activities. The Dine Out For Mom event tomorrow is designed to help raise funds for this great organization. When you eat at one of the participating restaurants they will donate a portion of the proceeds to “Let There Be Mom” so they can continue to help families that are losing a loved one.
Take some time out of your busy day to meet a friend for lunch or take the family out for dinner. What a great way to spend time with those you love while helping a wonderful organization that is committed to preserving family memories.
For more information about the “Let There Be Mom” organization, their services, and how to get involved please visit their website.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week my Mom, Grandma, several Aunts, and cousin flew in from Kansas to South Carolina for a visit. My Mom stayed with us the entire time and Grandma came the last half of their time in South Carolina to stay with us. So thankful to have some time to catch up, get some projects done around the house, and have fun. The girls loved having Grandma and Great Grandma stay with us. A lot of great memories! Jake was traveling for work for part of the week so it was nice having family to spend some time with me while he was away. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the FamilySpend extra time with Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – only did three days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t count
- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – almost done
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – reading through it
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekStart tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule– got a few extra projects done thanks to the help of my Mom and Grandma!Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – had guests so took some time off last week
Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on 5 blog items – took time off with my Mom and Grandma here last week
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group EmailWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team EmailWork out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure- A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – staying up to date
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – working on it
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – moving forward
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
- Community Group Camping Adventure
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Guest “Welcome” Basket
Welcome Basket
Occasionally we have missionaries, family, or friends staying with us that have been or will be traveling. When they stop by for a few days or weeks we try to make sure to have a “welcome” letter and basket full of goodies for them to use. They can go through the basket and pick out any items that their family can use or take with them. If there are some items that they won’t use they can give them away or leave them.
One of the best parts about shopping the sales and using coupons is you have an opportunity to be a blessing to people that you meet. I love being able to pack a basket full of products for our guests to pick out what they want or need. It saves them a little cash plus they don’t need to make that extra trip to the store.
Here are some of the items in the basket pictured above that was beside the guest bed for a family earlier this year:
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Women’s Deodorant
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Men’s Deodorant
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Breathe Right Strips
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Finger Nail Polish
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Trident Gum
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Adult Mouthwash
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Kids Mouthwash
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Floss – Adult & Kids
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Sheets Energy Strips
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Men’s Shaving Foam
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Men’s Razors
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Women’s Shaving Cream
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Women’s Razors
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Hand Sanitizer
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New Toothbrushes (for adults & kids)
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Antibacterial Bandaids
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Eye Drops
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Women’s Body Wash
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Men’s Body Wash
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Kids Kool Fever Busters
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Chapstick
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Lotion
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Cologne
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Perfume
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Women’s Body Spray
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Men’s Body Spray
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Feminine Products
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Adult Toothpaste
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Kids Toothpaste
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Contact Cleaning & Rinse Solution
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Pens / Pencils
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Paper
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Kid’s Medicine
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Adult Medicine
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And More!!!!!
Our family doesn’t have everything money can buy, but we have been richly blessed with many items so it is a real treat being able to share what we have with others. If there is something specific I know a guest enjoys (food, products, or other items) I do my best to make sure it is available for them when they arrive. I don’t always remember (or get it right) but I think it helps make your guests feel welcome when you have something to welcome them into your home. If I don’t have a basket ready for them I try to put out a note or something little on the bed or in the guest bathroom for them. How do you make your guests feel welcome when they come to stay in your home?
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