what I loved about today

:: taking the kids on a hike to the trail that I used to hike on when I was their ages

:: siblings co-existing happily (for moments at a time of course...let's not spoil mom too much)

:: discovering "dinosaur eggs" and then smacking them with sticks

:: letting birds eat out of my very wrinkly hand

:: watching my children exhaust themselves thoroughly....YAY!!!

I am so thankful that I found so many moments to love today.

cave dwellers

I have never really been interested in decorating the house for halloween but this year I thought I would give it a try.  I must say that I am pretty impressed with myself.  I remembered this paper bat post from Dana of MADE fame from last year and new that I wanted to give it a try in our family room.  I downloaded this template from Country LIving and got cutting.  

If you are going to give this project a try I found that I had to shrink the template a bit in order to get it to fit on a standard 8.5"x11 piece of paper. 

 I have some bats left over so if anyone is interested in them just leave me a comment and we can figure out how to get them to you.  

The kids love these bats and the shadows they cast on the walls....with all the lights off except a little table lamp it really feels like you are in a bat cave.

celebray-ate!!!

Yesterday we celebrated the 7th birthday of our dear dog Ruby .  It is so hard to believe that she is already 7....my oldest baby.  I can remember the day we got her, and how she used to terrorize me by nipping at my pants and socks whenever my feet touched the floor.  She has been so wonderful each time we brought a new baby into the house and protects them as if they were her own.  Last night we threw her quite a birthday bash, complete with peanut butter delight dog cupcakes (recipe here), party hats, birthday cards, chicken mixed in with her dinner and a nice long walk.   Since Ava is now a birthday party expert (she attended her first party without me on the weekend) she is planning Ruby's next party....expect invitations, snacks, a pinata  and perhaps bowling.

Also, check out my post over here about  DIY watercolours using everyday pantry items and bottle caps....super easy and a money saver!