MarytheKaytheBlog

The Most Imaginative Place I've EVER Been!

Can you remember being a kid, and experiencing the thrilling wonder of exploring the woods behind your house and discovering a secret creek?...Or being allowed to explore your grandmother's chest of drawers deep inside her darkened closet, and your sheer delight of finding boxes of sparkly jewelry or stacks of old-fashioned hats nestled into colorful round boxes?

That is the BEST way I can think to describe St. Louis' City Museum.   Or, rather, the way I FELT the entire 6 hours we were there recently.

My husband Dave and I giggled when, halfway through our visit, I asked him, "How many times have I said, 'This is so AMAZING'  today?"  But, I just couldn't help myself.  The City Museum is just that:  AMAZING.

On our drive to the City Museum that morning, right after the new year, we were worried about the $12/person entry fee, and really hoped we were making the best choice for our last day in St. Louis during our quick and last-minute getaway.  After it was all said and done, Dave and I both agreed--that was $48 WELL-SPENT!  It was by-far our favorite St. Louis attraction!

From the moment we walked in, and were told by the sweet girl at the Admission window, "There aren't any maps of our facility--we invite you to explore and discover today!" I KNEW this was going to be a wonder-filled visit.

Every square inch of the City Museum is creative, thoughtful, mysterious, and artistic.

There are gorgeous mosaics on the floors and walls and columns, and all of them tell imaginative stories.

There are tunnels to explore, trees to climb, nooks and crannies to discover--a child's (and parent's!!!) imagination paradise!

 Every inch of the museum was created by a team of 20 artists, using building materials reclaimed from its city, to create a magical playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel--all made out of unique, and found objects.

To experience the fullness of the wonder, Dave and I had to join in, and explore right alongside our daughters.  We climbed treehouses, explored hidden caves and dark tunnels, and even slid down the 10-story slide!  I was so happy I'd changed into my tennis shoes in the parking lot.  I couldn't have explored as easily without sensible shoes.
  I felt comfortable letting our daughters explore together when the tunnels got a little too small for my taste.  I would not have felt comfortable letting my 8-year-old explore alone.  So, if you plan to go--decide ahead of time what scenario would make you most comfortable.  The City Museum is well-staffed, but we didn't always notice the staff, and there ARE a lot of dark tunnels and nooks and crannies...

I really liked the fact that a staff member was at the darkened cave area and outside play area entrances, very carefully admitting children WITH a parent.  They also made sure children were with the same parent upon exit of these areas, too.

What a delight that the cave area was completely hands-on!  In fact, I'm not sure we found ANYTHING that was hands-off or off-limits.  It was an explorer's PARADISE!

Just when we thought we'd explored every cool nook and cranny of the Museum, we climbed the stairs and found MORE whimsy and delights around every single corner!

Oh look!  The Architecture Museum was just around the corner!  Showcasing original architectural pieces from buildings of Louis Sullivan, considered the father of modern architecture, and his chief draftsman George Grant Elmslie, later an important architect in his own right.

And around another corner...a circus!  We were sad the Circus Harmony tumblers and aerialists weren't flying through the air while we were there, but one of them sure was doing some impressive yoga.

How about a huge indoor "skateless park" to run off some energy after lunch?  Yes, thank you!  I must admit...that running these bowls made a certain mama feel...a little older than she is...in her mind!

It took us a while, but we finally found the human hamster wheel!!  It did not disappoint!

I had to throw in my picture--just to show you that I WAS THERE, too!

And, of course, who could ever forget the OUTSIDE of City Museum?  The antique airplanes and connecting metal tunnels and catwalks are the first things you see when walking up.  Our girls COULDN'T WAIT to explore the dizzyingly high tunnels!  As you can tell, I watched from ground-level.  To take pictures, of course!

I could post 100 more pictures (literally) from our day of exploring St. Louis' City Museum, and I wouldn't even begin to capture its MAGIC and WONDER.  I'm sure it's why they don't issue maps of their sprawling building.  The whole experience is about hands-on exploration, and mysterious discoveries, and wonder-filled moments around every corner.

I haven't felt more like a child in a very long time.

The whole experience was amazing and thrilling and happy and smiley...and maybe the very best day our family has ever spent together.

Have you been?  What was your favorite part?

2012 Favorites

I just love a fun list!  Today, I am telling you some of my favorites from 2012.  However, I cannot take credit for the idea...Mama Kat listed the idea as one of her writing prompts for her Weekly Writer's Workshop.  She drew inspiration from MomSmack's 2012 Favorites. (Click on over and read their faves!)

Oh, and one more thing...Please do not hold me to strict rules.  I just CANNOT always pick ONE favorite.  Sometimes a girl needs 2 or 3 favorites...

Favorite 2012 Movie:  Les Miserables and call me a teenage wanna-be, but I also loved The Hunger Games!

Favorite Album:  My favorite cd to listen to while cooking and doing dishes (I lead an exciting life, don't I?) is still Chris Rice's The Living Room Sessions.  These lovely piano hymns have a way of rolling away all stress from the day.

Favorite Song:  Who are we kidding?  With 2 pre-teen daughters, I am always listening to their music.  And I have to say, a couple of the songs are pretty catchy!  I can't keep from head-bob-dancing in my minivan when One Direction's What Makes You Beautiful.  Oh yeah, I'm cool like that.

But, my OWN personal favorite song still remains this one:

 

Favorite Tweeter:  I LOVE being able to follow my teenage nephews (who live far away) on Twitter!!  Also, @HonestToddler NEVER fails to make me LAUGH!!!

Favorite Blog:  My daily must-reads (other than my close friends' blogs) are Hollywood Housewife and Young House Love

Favorite TV Show:  Downton Abbey, Parenthood, and Nashville  (I'm sorry--I just can't pick ONE!)

Favorite Instagrammer:  My cute almost-13-year-old daughter!  (No, I'm not gonna give out her Instaname!)  

Favorite Moment:  Sitting in a hotel hot-tub with my little family of 4 on a recent last-minute family getaway, and thinking contentedly, "There's nowhere I'd rather be right now... (even though there is a weird soapy foam bubbling up that I really don't want to think about...)"

Favorite Conference:  Blissdom '13, which I WAS PLANNING to attend until recently...sigh...

Favorite Viral Video:  Well, I do giggle when people now say in parody, "Ain't nobody got time for dat!"  But, honestly, my absolute favorite part of this video is when she says, "I woke up to go get me a cold pop..."  Yeah.  That is MY kind of lady!  

 

 C'mon!  Play along with me!!!  What are YOUR favorites! 

Some of my Favorite Practical Gifts

 I just love the gift-giving time of year!  I work really hard to find thoughtful gifts that will delight my family and friends.  Sometimes, though, I struggle.  I especially love giving gifts that are not only fun, but are also useful, and help fill a need.

I gathered together some of my own favorite practical and fun gifts, in case something here inspires you as you finish up your own Christmas shopping...

Happy shopping!  Be sure to leave yourself some hot cocoa and bon bon time as you're rushing about!

 

1.  Boot Shapers - This is a must-have for boot owners!  One of my favorite organizational finds last year.  Most recently, I found a fun hot pink pair (they make me smile!)

2.  Jar Opener - We bought this handy little gadget for my mom last year.  At first she thought it was a silly thing...until she used it.  Now, it is one of her FAVORITE helpful tools in her kitchen.  This gift wonderful for those that don't have as strong a grip anymore.

3. Steam Mop - Woo hoo!  I do believe Santa has a Shark Steam Mop under my tree this year!!  I am proud to say that I actually wore out my last one.  This time, I am going to use only distilled water in mine--I think our mineral-rich well water clogged the steamer over time.

4.  Peppermint Soap - I LOVE using peppermint / rosemary mint soap in the shower, and it's something I don't always splurge on for myself in my normal grocery shopping routine.  (Plus, it's not a product I can always find at the grocery.  My most recent find was at Bath and Body Works)

5.  New Perfume - I know it sounds strange, but I still wear the same perfume that I wore in high school.  I figure when you find a good thing, why change?  This is a luxury gift that I always appreciate receiving. 

6.  Craftsman Multi-Bit Screwdriver - Pure brilliance in a screwdriver--every bit you need is right there--and built-in!  A friend of mine has this $20 all-in-one tool, and the minute I first saw it, I went straight to Sears.com and ordered 3 of them for gifts this Christmas.  SHHH!  Don't tell!  This tool is cool, cool, cool.

7.  New Pajamas - This is something I typically don't splurge on for myself.  By the time I've bought all the necessities for 2 growing girls at our house, I don't always feel like I have money left over to buy myself new pj's.

8.  Vera Bradley Duffel Bag - A sweet family friend gave me a quilted duffel bag she'd made for my own high school graduation, and I used that thing every single time I went home...for years!   Vera Bradley's duffel bags are the next best thing to handmade, and are the perfect size for a quick weekend pack and go.  It's one of my favorite things to give graduating girls.  To make it even more special, I get it monogrammed.  (The Grand Traveler is the one pictured--and it's my favorite!!  However, there are less-expensive models available, and just as wonderful for weekend travel.)

9.  Salon Shampoo and Conditioner - Another luxury I don't always splurge on for myself.

10.  Favorite School Hoodie Sweatshirt (Go Hogs!) - A good pullover hoodie is like a old friend...without the good gossip, of course.

11.  New Socks - I know this seems silly, but I love getting fun socks!  Either whimsical ones, or cushy new running socks--a new sock makes my toes smile.

 

12.  Interesting Books - Always!  If you absolutely don't know which book to buy, an Amazon gift card is always a beloved gift.  But, there's just something special about receiving a book someone else loved and wanted to share.

13.  Devotional Book - I got this little devotional book last year because my cousin wrote a couple of the devotions (Hi, Rachel!!), and it has been one of my favorite, and most meaningful things this year.  

All right--your turn!  What are some of YOUR favorite practical gifts to receive?

Just in time for Christmas giving: My favorite DIY projects!

Christmas is quickly approaching, but there is STILL TIME if you'd like to get crafty!  Heck, there's always time for crafty, right?

I thought it would be fun to gather up some of my all-time favorite DIY gift projects into one place.  I sure hope something here inspires you, and gets your crafty heart pumping faster. 

Now, I am NOT a professional--or perfect--crafter.  I am not presenting you with perfect crafts, but I AM presenting you with easy DO-able projects that don't require a ton of time (or money.)

That is my mantra, after all:  Quick and Easy.

 

Christmas Photo Placemats 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating Silhouettes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Custom Bulletin Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy DIY Christmas Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick & Easy Teacher Gift Idea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy Scrabble Word Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Chocolate Popcorn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EASY & BEST Cinnamon Rolls

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does anything inspire your crafty little fingers?  

What do you have left to be ready for Christmas?

Some of my Favorite Things for Christmas this Year

(If you're looking for another installment of our Summer Camp Love Story, tune in next week for more juicy details!  Today, my brain is filled with shopping, shopping, shopping!)

I don't know about you, but I LOVE seeing peoples' favorite things.  I struggle to be a creative gift-giver, so I really appreciate finding cool gift ideas.

I thought it would be fun to show you some of my favorites.  Also--I really hope you'll share some of your favorites in the Comments!!

I don't know if you noticed a fancy new button over in my right sidebar.  The cute "Favorite Things" one.  (Yeah, the one that only took me about 17 tries to get it right!)   I am kind of in love with Amazon--ESPECIALLY this time of year.  Those smiley boxes on my doorstep just make me smile.  Now, Amazon is not paying me a single thing to gush on and on about them.  I really do love them that much!  However, they made it easy breezy for me to set up a page of my favorite things.  They will pay me a tiny percentage if you happen to purchase any of my favorite items from them.  However, please feel free to buy them anywhere else!  I just had fun telling you about some of our family's very favorite things!

I do want you to know that I believe in all of the items I suggest.  I promise I won't tell you I love something, unless I really believe it.  The pennies I'd make would not be worth losing your trust.

So, go on--click on over to see some of our family's favorite things!!  But, please don't tell my daughters--a couple of the items are actually sitting in my shopping cart on Amazon, just waiting on me to check out.

Okay, here are some more favorites...

Oh, how I LOVE these beads!!  They are made by women in Uganda, and Katie Davis' Amazima Ministry helps market them.  I have the solid red ones, but am really hoping someone gives me these multicolor ones...(Am I shameful, or what?)

 

 

 

Speaking of Katie Davis and Uganda...Have you read her book Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption ?  It is WONDERFUL, and oh-so-inspiring.  Need a gift for a friend or family member?  This is it!

  This little cutie pie is the Vera Bradley Hipster in Happy Snails.  I have it pinned to one of my Secret Boards in Pinterest--reminding me I need to get on the ball and ORDER it for a certain cute girl at my house!  (I was kind of waiting for it to go on sale...but I'm running out of time!)

 

I have a problem...and it's name is:  Scarves.  I cannot help myself.  I just love the feel and look of a scarf around my neck in winter.  Sadly, I am passing on this obsession to my daughters.  Yep, both of them will be getting at least one scarf each in their stockings!  I especially love the lightweight feel and cheery bright color of this Super Soft Faux Pashmina Scarf (LIGHT PINK).

  See?  I DO have some ideas for men.  Or, at least this one idea.  My husband LOVES the extra-heavy Champion sweatshirts.  They remind him of the heavy sweatshirts he used to wear back in the 80s and 90s.  Champion still makes them, and I am SO EXCITED to surprise him with one this Christmas!  (Don't worry--I've told him NOT to read today's post.)  Champion Men's Eco Fleece Crew Neck Tee, Petroleum Blue, Large.   Even though these say "Eco fleece," they are just an extra heavy knit--like a regular sweatshirt.

My mom started a fun tradition when I was a little girl, of giving us pretty thank you cards in our stockings every Christmas.  What we didn't love was having to write our thank you's before the day was over.  Thank you notes are a dying courtesy.  I sure hope I am passing on this tradition to our daughters.  I'm doing my part by stuffing a box of cute cards into their stockings!  Bird Song Thank You Notes (Stationery, Note Cards)

Okay, those are a couple of my favorite items on my shopping list this Christmas.  Now, I just need to get busy and ORDER them!! 

What are some of your favorites on your shopping list this year?

Brownie Cookies: I've Died and Gone to Heaven

They're like brownies...only BETTER!

But, how could someone improve on a good and dark chocolate brownie, you ask?

How about a brownie that has that tiniest bit of lovely crunch on the top, and is chewy and dark with little chunks of chocolate hidden in the middle?  YES, PLEASE!

And how about a brownie that you don't have to cut out of a pan?  I mean--having to find a spatula, and then having to cut a brownie square, and then having to find a plate and a fork...Oh my--that's just SO much work!   OH, NO!!!

Who wants to WORK at eating a brownie, when (*chipper chord*) you could just lift a lighter-than-air brownie cookie to your eager mouth?

Ah, but have I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!!!

Forget pans of brownies cluttering up your countertops!

No more frantic searches for spatulas and knives!

No more fist fights over who gets the special crispy corner brownies!

Because NOW you can CHANGE YOUR LIFE with ONE SIMPLE RECIPE!!!!

I present to you:  BROWNIE COOKIES!!!!

(Over-kill?  Perhaps.  But, try the cookie, and then answer that question.)

Here's the magical recipe: 

(The recipe is adapted from AllRecipes.com--my favorite!!)

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocoloate chips

 Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat butter and white and brown sugars until smooth.  Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla extract.   Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, and stir into butter mixture until just incorporated.  

Drop a spoonful of dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet, and then eat a bite of dough.  Repeat, until either dough is gone, or you have a stomach ache.

Bake in preheated oven until edges of cookies are just done--and the tops are just set, about 10-12 minutes. DO NOT over-bake these cookies.  That would be a SIN!  The allure of these cookies are their lightly crisp outsides, and rich and gooey middles.  Let the cookies cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before removing.

Remove cookies from pan, and then HIDE THEM FROM YOUR FAMILY!!!

..............................

All right, all right.  I'm done chattering on about these cookies.  But, I did want to share a fun recipe with you this Thanksgiving week!

I'm SO looking forward to a week with family and yummy food and giggles and beautiful weather.

What are YOU looking forward to this week?

image credit

Welcome to the 40 Club, Little Sister!

In honor of my little sister's BIG 40th birthday this weekend, I'd like to do what all good sisters do...

Share embarrassing pictures of her as a baby!

And as an adolescent.

And in swimsuits.

And picking her nose.

Okay, I'm only kidding about the swimsuit part.  I fear paybacks too much to risk that!

So, please indulge me a little today.  This is my Sissy we're talking about.  And I have loved her with all my heart for...well, for 40 years now!!

 

I have to tell ya--Ginny (left) was an ADORABLE baby and little girl!  We all called her the "Gerber baby" back then.  I mean--look at those cheeks!!

She's still adorable now...only she won't let me pinch her wittle cheeks anymore.  Mean.

 

I'd like to entitle this next section:  Sisters All Dressed up for Church

Seriously.  Could she be ANY cuter?  These pictures just make me smile.  She has always been my very best friend.  I loved her back then, and I love her now.

Ah, what would a good Southern girl's Easter picture be...without a little chiffon and some azaleas?

And what would junior high and high school be...without hair products?
Ginny would have been 15 here.  I was about to graduate from high school.  I think we should entitle this picture, and the next few:  White Rain Hairspray

This picture makes me want to break out into song..."Sisters, sisters, tra la la la la la...Sisters..."  (Sorry--neither one of us ever remembers the words.  But, we can sang that tune like a charm!)

Please take a moment of silence for the Liz Claiborne purses.  *sigh*

There are some serious bi-level haircuts here.  And also--oh, how I miss the days of denim and chambray and braided leather belts.

 

Okay, enough funny hair pictures for a moment.  Look how RADIANT she was on her wedding day:

Well, I can't let my brother get off the hook with embarrassing pictures, now could I?  I mean--he WAS (and IS) the older brother who picked on us relentlessly.  Although, I must say that he was always sweeter to Ginny than to me.  

That might have had something to do with her being nicer to him!  And also cleaning his room for free.

Oh, but we shouldn't leave out our other sister!  Well, she's really our sister-in-law, but we love her like a sister.  And we even LOOK like sisters...  See:

I think we should call this picture:  Bangs and Eyebrows.  Oh, and also maybe...Matching Wind Suits.

 

Speaking of eyebrows, I'm not going to let my brother-in-law off the hook, now am I???

No siree!
The very first time Ginny brought John home to meet everyone, I found funny pictures of Ginny growing up--and placed them all around the family room.  Ginny was so mad at me, and was rushing around trying to hide the pictures.  But, I have to say--her future husband sure thought it was funny!

 

I'd like to entitle this next picture:  The Skinniest Any Of Us Will Probably Ever Be.

This was when my whole family went to Maui.  We would have gone to England...except a certain someone said, "WHAT WOULD I DO IN ANG-LUND???

Before I finish embarrassing my Sissy, I should show you her DARLING kids.  Love 'em.

 

So, happy birthday, Sissy!!!!  You are one of the BEST GIFTS God has given me.  I love ya like a sister.  I mean--you are my sister.  But, even if you weren't, I'd love ya just like one!

15 seconds that can change your life (and possibly your waistline)

Nope, not going to discuss politics today.  'Cause a very wise woman once said, "If you can't say something nice...come sit by me."  (Name that movie)

Instead, I want to infuse this election season with some SWEETNESS.  Because, what the world needs now, is dessert, sweet dessert. It's the only thing...that's there's just too little of (Amen!)  No, not just for some...but for EVERYONEEEE!!!

Oh,excuse me.  I just got caught up in the moment.  Desserts do that to me every time.

Okay, maybe you already know about this wonderfully simple dessert.  Or, as I like to call it:  "A delightful little afternoon snack."  I was just re-introduced to it's simple goodness when my husband brought home a bag of marshmallows...

(See--I blame it all on him!)

Have you ever made a S'more in the microwave???  Well, I am here to tell you--15 seconds, and your life will be forever changed.  Never again will I think I have to wait 270 long days until a summertime cookout--risking my very life as I toast a marshmallow on the end of a dirty stick...dangerously close to a fire, that, frankly, makes my face really really hot, and my eyes filled with smoke.

Just 15 seconds, people.  15 seconds in the convenience of my very own comfortable kitchen.  15 seconds where my face isn't hot, and my clothes don't smell like I've been hanging out in the 7-11 again.

15 seconds, and I have a beautiful S'more dripping melty chocolate all over my chin, and marshmallow goo sticking to my fingers.

Amen.

You need:

2 Honey Maid graham crackers (they are simply the best!)

1-4 rectangle(s) of a Hershey's chocolate bar (depending on your PMS ratio)

1 marshmallow

1 dose of willpower...to resist having a 2nd S'more...or a 3rd...

15 seconds in the microwave, and your marshmallow will get all puffed up and prideful.  You SMASH that sucker down with your graham cracker half.  Don't let him get uppity with you!

WARNING:  Do not eat this dessert while operating heavy machinery!

What ridiculously simple dessert is YOUR favorite?

Linked up with:

We are THAT Family

An EASY (and Inspiring!) Way to Add Artwork to your Home

(This is one of my favorite projects.  I originally told you about it in September, 2010)

One of my favorite ways  to add artwork to the walls is--

You guessed it:  Quick and easy!

I love hanging scripture verses on our walls.  I have simple framed verses all over our house now--our living room, kitchen, both of my girls' rooms, their bathroom, and our Master bath.  I try to match the themes of the verses to the purpose of the room.  Family verses for our common areas.  Verses about beauty, confidence, and kindness in our girls' bathroom.  Verses to remind me about inward beauty and the state of my heart in our Master bath.

I find that as I am getting ready in the mornings, my eyes will catch a glimpse of one of the verses--and I am reminded that all the hair brushing and shimmery make-up in the world cannot touch the state of my heart.  That is a good reminder for my rushing-around morning routine!  I hope that as my girls grow, and are primping in their bathroom mirror, the verses on their walls will  help them navigate the murky waters of the teenage years and into womanhood.

 Girls' Bathroom Verses

  

 Master Bathroom Verses What??  You can't read these verses?  

Sorry...that didn't help much, did it?

If you want to look them up, they are Proverbs 31: 25, 26, and 30

and Philippians 4:6-7
 

Want to know how EASY these framed verses are to make?  All you need are 3 things:

1.  Vellum paper (the semi-transparent paper you purchase at a craft store)

2.  Pretty scrapbook paper - or fabric to put under the vellum paper, which serves as the background

3.  A frame - all of the frames pictured above were very inexpensive frames

Now what?

Find your favorite Bible verses (or those that you want to inspire you), type them out, and HAVE FUN playing with all those fonts you never seem to use!  You can even insert some simple clipart, if you want.  If you notice on the girls' bathroom verses, I inserted some simple butterflies.  They just seemed to match the whimsical font I used.  When you're satisfied with the look, just print on the vellum paper as you would on regular copy paper.  Place the vellum over the scrapbook paper (or fabric), and frame it!  Easy breezy!

To see what the vellum and scrapbook paper look like, I'll show you a picture of the 5-year faded paper I just replaced in our Master bath.  I replaced the faded blue with the cheerful yellow and white polka dot fabric.  It was just some fabric I had leftover from an earlier project. 

You'll notice the vellum I used last time was patterned.  You might think I searched high and low to find it...but actually, that was the only kind of vellum I found at our craft store that day.  That is the way all of my projects end up around here--IMPROVISED, because I am too impatient to wait one more day to finish!!!

Notice the grey paper on the right?  That paper used to be the bright blue like on the left...I just flipped that page over--the other side is the horrible grey, too!  I doubt scrapbook paper would have faded that much.  Once again, I improvised...and just used regular construction paper!  Why?  Because that is what I had on hand at the time!

Want more QUICK and EASY ideas?

    Teacher Gifts

    Baby Gifts

    Dessert...my love language

    White Chocolate Popcorn

I hope this easy breezy project inspires you to hang some meaningful Bible verses around your house.   

Or, if you already do this, I would LOVE to hear what verses you use!  Another GREAT thing about this project is that you can change out/update the verses easily!

What I'm Into Right Now...

1. Sleeping with open windows - I forgot how MUCH I like sleeping with open windows when the temperatures drop...until I opened our bedroom windows that first night.  I love snuggling beneath my comforter in the chilly air, and I love hearing the wind blow through the trees.  Let's just face it:  I love fall.

2. Making sweet rolls in my waffle maker

Source: ahensnest.com via MarytheKay on Pinterest

 

- Has anyone else tried this Pinterest trick?  I finally got around to trying it out, and I LOVE the results!  Such a fun--and quick--way to make breakfast.

3. Elvis cake - Oh. My. Hound. Dog. is this ever some good cake!  A friend made one for Dave's big 50th birthday, and I gotta tell ya--I'm all shook up over it...especially since I just can't help believin' that I don't have any more pieces of its sugary goodness.  Thank ya, thank ya very much, Pinterest!

4. A cool shower after a (very) sweaty run - I must confess...that the Netflix and I are running on the treadmill lately, and that equals a very sweaty run.  Shoo-ee, that cool shower show does feel good.  (Name that Hillbilly)

5. A cold G2 after a run.  Perfection! - Oh my heavenly drink!  Have ya'll tried G2?  It is Gatorade's low-calorie electrolyte drink.  After a long run, an ice-cold G2 is even better than Coca-Cola!

6. Wearing my favorite hot pink jacket on cool mornings - Nothing says "happy jacket" like stretchy spandex, good pockets, and a happy pink color!

7. Crockpot cooking - Mmm!  I love it when it's Chicken and Noodles weather (How's Yer Whatachicken?)  And chili weather.  And potato soup weather.  And taco soup weather.  And...well, you get the idea.

 8.  Shopping the book aisle at Target...and making purchases!! - I just bought 3 new books, and can't wait to crack them open!  I'll tell you all about them soon!  But, first--I have to finish The Maze Runner.

 9.  Laid back days that don't feel like we're running at break-neck speed - With Rebecca in junior high, and Sara Beth doing school only at home this year, our days are MUCH more laid back.  I didn't realize just how crazed and stressed I was last year.  This year, Sara Beth and I are taking our time, enjoying reading together on the couch, doing lots of movement and activity while learning, and even taking spontaneous field trips.  These kind of days are exactly what I love about homeschooling.  Not the long to-do list getting checked off, but having the luxury to follow the learning spark, in whichever direction it leads everyday.

 10.  Small Group study - Our small group at church just started a new study about marriage, Sacred Marriage.  Whoa.  We've only done the first week, and already it has resonated deeply with me--and for Dave, too.  The whole premise of the book turns e-ver-y-thing the world tells us about romance and love, upside down.  And so far--it makes a heck of a lot of sense!

 What are YOU into right now?