A few decorations later...

It's finally coming together!

After living here for almost a year and a half, I am proud to announce that I am satisfied with one room in the house!   

Before:

A few decorations later and I am much happier!

Next on the list for this room is hardwood flooring (that will hopefully be next year's tax return) and a baby grand (that will be a little longer in coming.....)

Random photos

Since I've been a bit of a bore lately, I thought I'd post some random photos.

Enjoy!

Goofy Grayson

Always ready for the camera!

Woodward Grandchildren

Aiden enjoying a caramel apple.

The Silhouettes that still need some fixings!

Cousins Logan and Alora

Best Ever Taco Soup

Need Something Quick and Yummy for Dinner?

This is an easily made and easily adapted dinner. Dan hates all beans except black so I just substitute one can of black for the 3 of the chili. My kids think this dinner is the best because they can basically make it by themselves!! Added bonus: all three eat it!

Taco Soup:

1 lb. ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

3 cans (15 oz) Mexican Style Chili Beans, undrained

1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, undrained

1 can ( 15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles

1 envelope (1 1/4 oz) taco seasoning

1 envelope (1 oz) Ranch-style dressing mix

1 1/2 cups water

Toppings: corn chips, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sour cream, shredded Cheddar

Cook beef and onions in Dutch oven until meat is browned. Drain.

Stir beans and next 7 ingredients into beef mixture; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spoon into bowls, top with toppings, ENJOY!!

Actual photo of my child's dinner bowl!

And, finally, here are the pictures~

The Before Pictures:

Our Wonderful Landscaper! (I took lots of pictures of him because I think he's cute!!!)

The Truck That Brought Our Plants

Our sideways tree. It is a special tree.

The After Pictures! (Has anyone noticed the broken camera lens yet?)
Backyard and New Sports Court

Looking South from our newly extended backyard patio

The front yard

Yay for being done!!!

Wazz Up?!?

I am trying to do this post with a little man helping me. It just isn't helpful!

Well, I have been as good as dead in the blogging world this month. It is time to become resurrected, however, and update ya'll on this wonderful, blessed month of October.

In this month I/We have:

• A yard!! In case you are wondering why there is not a picture attached, read on!
• A broken camera. :( Darn little girls who think they are photographers.
• Still no fence. Supposed to be here today but....
• SNOW!! Today we are having our first snowfall. That makes me believe we will not have a fence tonight.
• Window well guards put in.
• Window boxes put in.
• Cement poured.
• Been off track and are now on track again.
• Done Red Ribbon Week at the Elementary school. Did it three weeks ago and doing it again this week for those who were off track.
• Had the flu. All of us but Dan.
• Had bugs. Aiden and Alora. Poor little buggers.
• Molars coming in. Yes, in case you are wondering, that would be Aiden.
• Lots of classes (cheer and basketball) at the gym.
• A basketball hoop!! It's amazing how popular you become once you have one of these.
• Learned how to dribble, and thank goodness for that. It took over month to learn this.
• Lost five and a half pounds.
• Gained five and a half pounds.
• Had several Halloween parties. Fun fun!!
• Played and played and played with neighbor kids.
• Started Family Home Evening!!
• Started a book that I don't believe will get past 5 chapters. Writing is hard!
• Enjoyed being extremely lazy by avoiding the computer at all costs.

So, that was our month. One day I'll post pictures of the house. It looks fantastic. This is definitely the best yard we have ever had!! (Little does it matter that it is the ONLY yard we have ever had!)

Sorry I've been neglectful of your blogs, all. I will pick up and start reading again soon!!

It's finished!

Bedroom: Kitchenette/ Billiards room:
T.V. Room/ Billiards Room:

T.V. Room

My favorite room (seriously.)

The Bathroom:

Another shot of the kitchette:

Wooah!

So, we went to Ikea last night.

Just to get out.

Buddy had to use the little men's room.

(Tangent: I totally am still paranoid about him going to the restroom on his own. He still comes into the women's restroom with me. He hates it but I don't care!!)

Anyho....they had a family restroom there. Yay!

IT WAS THE COOLEST!!!!

There was a big plush comfy chair for a tired mom to sit in while the kiddo uses the potty. Ingenious.

Unfulfilled Dream

I was not allowed to by ice cream from the ice cream truck.

It was a big No No.

WHY?

(Mom, if you read this, maybe you can answer it.)

High way robbery, maybe?

Today I let Buddy buy ice cream from the ice cream truck.

It was EXCITING.

(Baby is irritated that she has to share the lens with Buddy. Rude.)

Funny, funny, funny

This is what I found when I walked in the house today after talking to a neighbor. Apparently I talked to long.

And, no, I did not find any fingers, thank goodness! Grayson is currently in time out in his room for the little fiasco.

On another totally random note, I have a few crushes going on. I have been debating whether to blog or not to blog but today I have been influenced and must share.

So, all my crushes are on Disney Stars. Pathetic at first until you begin to realize that the only T.V. I EVER watch nowdays is Disney in HD.
Watching Dadnapped the other day I realized that David Henrie is a little hottie. Ya know, he is on Wizards of Waverly Place. I also realized that I have a thing for David's. Not Dave's, but David's. Remember David Duchovny? Yum. I went to school with a hot David, he was gay though. And I was married.
AND
Let me tell you what, those Jonas Brothers are hot enough that a near 30 year old woman can appreciate them. Plus, they make me giggle. Jonas is a nice reminder of the Monkeys, is it not?
So, what infuenced me to share?

This:
WATCH IT!!!! Especially if you appreciate Joe Jonas!!!

Fat Flinging Friday

Guess what I did yesterday????

I JOINED A GYM!!

I have been talking about this for, well, five years now!

It's time, ladies. I put on my swim suit on Friday and almost wanted to cry.

I am so excited.

Then I found a blogger who is starting Fat Flinging Fridays. I am all about getting some good lovin' sent my way now that I embark upon a life of fitness.

My goal: Workout five days a week. I really don't care about "pounds" lost. I just want my flab to begin to look fab!!

Yikaroos!

So, I have been avoiding all things technical for the past week.

I have become a slave to the basement. But, today I have been released!!!

Paiting is done. Tile complete. Caulking and touch-up finished.

I feel free.

My luck is changing!

So, I never win anything.

But, my luck is changing!!!

This week I have won two great giveaways!!

My kiddos can not get enough of these Bendaroos complimentary of Blissful Kids

Grayson has been playing with these puppies for 2 1/2 hours now!

Then......

I bought these yesterday for my snacks this week. Not thrilling. Trying to loose the 10 pounds I gained from the three bags of yummy chocolate chips. MMMMM.

So I was THRILLED to find these:

sitting there, tempting me. I ate two immediately. Cupcakes never tasted so wonderful.
She has the best giveaways.