No Wooden Spoons

P64: Yellow

2012-02-04T11:25:00.000+01:00

Yellow

Banana Macro.

Linking up at Project 64.

2012 Bucket List

2012-02-01T14:54:00.001+01:00

I have become addicted to Pintrest.

It's true, I have 29 boards and over 600 pins! From food to fashion to things that make me laugh, I've got a board for it!

One of my recent boards is one for things I want to do this year. I don't have everything on there but it was fun creating it and hopefully I can √ things off as I go along!

See what else is on my 2012 bucket list here.

Also, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who reached out after my last post. I didn't mean for it to come across as a pity post and I hope it didn't. Sometimes I think we see honesty and struggles as weakness but it just means we are human. And it's okay to say "Hey, I'm having a rough day". Thank you for all your kind and supportive words. Every comment, email and letter meant a lot to me!

Let's Be Honest

2012-01-25T21:19:00.000+01:00

via

:: deep breath ::

You may have noticed I haven't really been around my blog much lately.

A lot of things play into this: I had my family here visiting so I was busy with them, Ariana has kept me busy with preschool and gymnastics, and I've started going to the gym with my friend.

And I had a panic attack.

:: deep breath ::

Yep, a panic attack. At least I think it was a panic attack, shaking, couldn't breathe, those kinds of things. I've never had one before so it totally freaked me out. Luckily, I had a dear friend who talked me through it and made sure I was okay. This happened on Black Friday and I don't think I've been the same since. I'm a little more timid in certain situations.

I debated whether or not to share this information, but after reading a friends post who had been going through some of the same things I was, I thought it was time to open up. I could use a little support right now and hopefully can offer support to some of you as well.

So here I go with my honesty.

With my husband deployed it's been hard on me. He's been gone over 4 months and still has 2 more to go. I've come a long way but still some days are harder than others. Having to be a "single mom", living in a foreign country with only a handful of friends, having to explain to my 3 year old why her Daddy is away for so long, tantrums, German preschool rules, landlord issues, language barrier, car issues, my best friend being hospitalized, the death of a pet, being away from family, the depressing German weather. It's all added up over time.

I've also had some personal issues I've been dealing with. It's been an especially rough time lately. But, I've tried to keep it together and trudge on. It's hard to learn to deal with issues you have no control over. But I'm learning to let them go and find my inner peace.

Today, I feel stronger.

Today, I'm feeling less worn down and more empowered.

Today, I'm feeling the love.

It may not last long, but I'm holding onto that feeling while I can.

:: deep breath ::

P64: Brown

2012-01-24T13:56:00.000+01:00

Mmmm.....coffee beans. Perfect for brown.

Linked up with Project 64.

P64: Blue Green

2012-01-22T17:54:00.000+01:00

I feel like I'm starting to say this every week, but I struggled a bit this week. Found this at the last minute. It's Listerine looking through the bottom at the bubbles, taken with my macro. Not the best, but we'll just go with it for the sake of moving on.

As usual, linking up with Project 64 this week.

Florence Italy Video: Amazing Race Style Scavenger Hunt

2012-01-16T16:44:00.002+01:00

Remember back LAST May when we went to Florence, Italy for my hubby's birthday?
(And had the most amazing food ever I might add!)

Remember how I said I made a fun scavenger hunt for him?

Remember how I promised to share the video here?

Well, I'm just now getting around to putting it on my blog, oops.

Anyways, moving right along...

Florence is one of the best cities. There is so much to see and oh, the food is heaven. I would move to Italy in a heartbeat! Italy or Paris, but that's another story.

Anyways, here is our silly fun video from our trip. I made up clues the week before and he had to answer or find each clue before he could move on to the next one. It was a fun way to spend his birthday and get to learn about the city a little bit. I'm still bummed we didn't get to see David but the line was 2 hours long to get into the museum and in the blazing heat so we skipped it. If I ever go back though!

You may or may not have made it to the end of that video. If you did, high fives from me, cause unless you know us, it was probably pretty silly, and kinda boring.

Three Cheese Potato Soup {recipe}

2012-01-10T13:06:00.000+01:00

* My friend gave me this recipe and I tweaked it a little. All measurements are estimates. I didn't measure but only eyeballed these ingredients and used what I had in the cupboard. You could use heavy cream instead of milk if you have it. Use whatever cheese you have, I just happen to have those cheese in my fridge. It all turned out delicious though and I've made it a few times!

Three Cheese Potato Soup

1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced

4 hot dogs, sliced

olive oil

2.5 cups chicken broth

4-5 medium potatoes

2.5 cups milk

1 cup cheddar

1 cup mozzarella

1 cup swiss

Cut potatoes into 1 inch chunks, begin boiling in salted water about 10 mins or until tender. Meanwhile, in a large pot sauté onions, garlic, and hot dogs in olive oil over medium heat until onion is slightly browned and soft. Stir in chicken broth. Dump in drained potatoes and mash with potato masher until smooth, some lumps are okay. Add in salt and pepper to taste and mix in milk. Stir in cheeses, leaving a little for topping. Adjust milk and chicken stock if the soup is too thick. Heat through and serve.

I like mine with a big German pretzel and a cold beer!

p64: Wild Strawberry

2012-01-10T13:02:00.000+01:00

Ariana and I had a good time the other day when it was finally sunny for a couple hours. We've had cloudy rainy weather for a few weeks and it was getting old. We played hide and seek and ran around the yard together. Even though it was cold out, it was nice to get some sunshine. Her gloves are Wild Strawberry colored.

Linking up with Project 64.

What I read in 2011

2012-01-05T12:16:00.000+01:00

2011 has come to and end so I thought I would post my list of books I read this year. Originally I wanted to read 24 books but I only finished 19. I kind of fizzled out at the end of the year.

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen was one of my favorite books of this past year. I flew through this book in about 24 hours. It was that good. I'm dying for the movie to come out on video since I missed it in theaters here, bummer.

I love having my nose in a good book, and one of my goals this year was to read more.

Here is my list of books I read in 2011.

19 Minutes - Jodi Picoult

My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult

The Weight of Silence - Heather Gudenkauf

Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

Horns - Joe Hill

The Snow Falcon - Stuart Harrison

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

The Last Juror - John Grisham

The Host - Stephenie Myers (yep, that's the lady that wrote the Twilight Saga!)

The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud - Ben Sherwood

Committed - Elizabeth Gilbert

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell - Tucker Max (my first kindle read!)

Bossy Pants - Tina Fey (I steal my husbands kindle)

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

Assholes Finish First - Tucker Max

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games trilogy)

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games trilogy)

Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games trilogy)

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

-------------------------------------

Have you read any really good books lately? Do you have any suggestions for 2012!?

Email them to me (nowoodenspoons@gmail.com)

P64: Green (fairy)

2012-01-04T16:23:00.000+01:00

Have you ever tried Absinthe?

I have.

I love the idea of it, but honestly it's not my favorite thing. Actually, it tastes like someone took a licorice jellybean and set it on fire. Oh and added sugar.

In Heidelberg there is a cute Absinthe shop on a side street. I saw this cute fairy in the window reflecting the green Absinthe sign when we were shopping there. Abisnthe is also known as the green fairy so I loved this.

Linking up with Project 64 as usual.

Christmas Q and A (last post of 2011)

2011-12-21T18:52:00.000+01:00

here

Tomorrow I'll be driving to Frankfurt to pick my Mom and Sister up from the airport! I may not be back on the blog until after the new year. Busy with family and all! This is their first trip to see us here in Germany and I'm excited to show them around, take them to Christmas Markets, maybe even Paris! So, I'm leaving you with a little Christmas Q and A that I've seen floating around and warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Egg nog or hot chocolate? Dang, how can I get stumped on the first question. I'm a lover of both, depends on my mood. I've been wanting more hot chocolate this year though.

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa sits them on her blanket

Colored or White lights? white, I think colored lights are kinda tacky

Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, but I would if I had some!

When do you put up your decorations? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving but this year we waited until December 1st.

What is your favorite holiday dish? STUFFING!

Do you remember your favorite gift? my Nikon from my sweet hubs last year. I use it everyday!

What is your favorite holiday tradition? I love decorating the tree, with Christmas music playing and getting out all the old ornaments and talking about them before putting them on the tree. Oh and of course playing my fireplace DVD!

Whats on top of your tree? a gold star

Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Who doesn't love getting gifts? I really love giving them though, I especially love when I've found something that the person is really going to love!

Candy canes yum or yuck? yum!

Favorite Christmas movie? The good old classic A Christmas Story, Prancer and Mixed Nuts, it's a funny wacky Christmas movie but I love it!

Favorite Christmas song? Baby It's Cold Outside, White Christmas, Let it Snow

DIY Amaretto Hot Cocoa Mix

2011-12-20T14:11:00.002+01:00

This is a perfect (super easy) last minute gift for teachers/friends/coworkers, or make a batch for the family on Christmas morning to sip while opening presents!

Amaretto Hot Cocoa

8 cups dry milk (10oz)

1, 1 lb box confectioners sugar

1, 16 oz can of Amaretto flavored coffee creamer

1, 8 oz box Hershey's Cocoa (natural unsweetened)

1/2 tsp. salt

This makes about 20 cups so be prepared to give a lot to friends or cut the recipe down. Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl until combined. Store in an airtight container.

To serve: stir 3 heaping tablespoons of mix into about 6 oz of hot water. Top with mini marshmallows if desired. Enjoy!

We made this to give to the teachers at Ariana's preschool and we made cute little labels for them and topped the jars with fabric, twine and a candy cane.

Here is the label we made. Feel free to save and print them for your cocoa too!

Want more Christmas recipes?

You might like Candy Coal, Egg Nog Cake, or Candy Cane Cupcakes

I'm linking up with Holiday Bokeh Party!

P64: Silver

2011-12-19T15:47:00.000+01:00

The color from this week was silver and I decided to feature this pretty present under my tree. I love the silver writing embossed on it so much!

See other silver entries here.

I'm working hard on a last minute gift in a jar post. I'm hoping I can get it up on the blog later tonight, so be sure to check back. It's a perfect last minute gift for teachers/friends/coworkers! :)

P64: Mahogany

2011-12-13T17:46:00.000+01:00

This week for Project 64 you get a sneak peek at a piece of artwork I'm working on.

Music has been a big part in my life these past few weeks. It has inspired me to create some art including it. For this piece I was aging some sheet music in tea to create a certain look when I found this week's color.

Find more pretty photos here on Project 64 blog.

75 Stocking Stuffers For Kids

2011-12-12T17:01:00.000+01:00

I was thinking of things to put in Ariana's stocking the other day, and then a friend of mine posted asking for advice for stocking stuffers for her little boy and I was coming up with ideas. I decided to share them here too! This list is for boys and girls probably ranging from age 1 - 5.

Stocking stuffer ideas for little ones.

1. foam soap

2. barrel of monkeys

3. character socks

4. crayons

5. mini books

6. little cars

7. toothbrush

8. magic washcloth

9. hairbows

10. flashcards

11. dress up crown

12. train whistle

13. colored bubbles

14. playdough

15. hat/mittens

16. dress up jewelry

17. bath crayons

18. glitter glue

19. spinning top

20. CD of kid songs

21. harmonica

22. stickers

23. kalidescope

24. watercolor paints

25. character fork and spoon

26. temporary tattoos

27. curly straws

28. small flashlight (you'd be surprised, explorer, doctor, shadow maker, cat annoying toy and dentist toy rolled into one)

29. bubble bath

30. mini puzzle

31. letter magnets/foam letters

32. finger puppets

33. animal masks

34. stamps

35. fun bandaids

36. sunglasses

37. growing dinosaur

38. toy baby bottle

39. mini tools

40. candy canes

41. small doll

42. rubber duck

42. silly putty

43. cookie cutter (for helping mom and dad make cookies)

44. Barbie

45. action figures

46. wind up toys

47. earmuffs

48. pez

49. viewmaster slides

50. echo microphone

51. matchbox cars

52. go fish card game

53. punch ball

54. bath fizzers

55. bird whistle

56. sidewalk chalk

57. little people

58. dinosaurs

59. grabber hand

60. mini magna doodle

61. personalized cup

62. bouncy balls

63. glow in the dark star stickers

64. kid scissors (Ariana loves to cut now)

65. bendy characters

66. purse

67. mini tractors

68. markers

69. foam airplanes

70. small snow globe

71. doll clothes

72. play shaving kit

73. fuzzy slippers

74. fruit snacks

75. handwritten letter from Santa

Maybe this is helpful to a few of you out there. Stockings were always one of my favorite things. I still love to get/give them with my family. Sometimes they can be a challenge to find little things to fill them with though. Happy Holidays!

P64: Black

2011-12-06T13:08:00.000+01:00

Black. I thought, how can I swing this one? And then, I looked over and there sat a black ladybug on my windowsill. BLACK!

I mean at least I think it's a ladybug. I can't be sure though, I've never seen one that looks like this before.

Find more on the Project 64 blog.

Thankful Thursday {10}

2011-11-24T20:54:00.000+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I can't believe I've been doing this feature for 10 weeks already!

Friday I was thankful for dollar bill rings that make me smile

(we used this tutorial)

Saturday I was thankful for my life! I know it's a big one but we visited a WWII Holocaust museum and old concentration camp site and it was so moving and horrible to think about what went on back then.

Sunday I was thankful for all the people that care about me and checked in on me. It was a rough night and things were piling up and taking their toll.

Monday I was thankful for finally getting to talk to Rich after a long time of not getting to.
(those are our happy faces!)

Tuesday I was thankful for funny movies that make me laugh, thanks Horrible Bosses.

Wednesday I was thankful for spending some good old fashioned quality time baking with my Aunt.

Today I was thankful for
all the people who have been so supportive and helpful during this deployment. For all the messages and chats and little things you've done. Just letting me know you are thinking about me makes me feel so loved and makes that day brighter. A special thank you to my Momma, sister Sarah, Maggie, Andrew, Jordynn, Marie, and Natalie for being such awesome people in my life!

I'm also thankful for my amazing husband (miss you babe) our sweet daughter and the love that we share!

P64: Orange

2011-11-22T18:43:00.000+01:00

I'm kind of sad that Winter is coming, because it means it will be harder to find pretty nature photos for each week's color.

This week Ariana and I found these pretty mushrooms in the backyard.

My very own lullaby! {music and interview}

2011-11-18T19:29:00.000+01:00

My friend Andrew has come up with the idea of writing lullaby's for all the people in his life and creating an album. He recently shared the lullaby he wrote for me, and I'm in love with it. He gave the okay to share it with y'all and I'm pretty excited! It's a rough draft and still needs refining but it's so pretty. It's soft and sweet and magical.

We've been friends since 1995 when we were 11 and 10. He's the younger brother of my best friend Maggie. I thought it might be fun for y'all to get to know Andrew a little bit.

Name: Andrew

Age: 26

Hi Andrew! I know you read my blog, are you excited to be sharing your music today?

It's really exciting and kind of nerve wracking to share something that's so personal to me, but I think it's important to put yourself out there sometimes and share what makes you happy with others.

How long have you been playing piano? Do you play any other instruments?

I've been playing the piano since I was five. I also play the organ and sing.

What type of formal training to do you have?

Well, I have a BA in music performance from Presbyterian College in South Carolina, as well as additional training at the Mainz Conservatory of Music in Germany and numerous other pianist from around the world.

What made you decide to write lullabies for your family and friends?

The people in my life are beautiful in many different ways so this diversity and beauty provided the perfect inspiration to write music. Lullabies are a wonderful genre to express the emotion and beauty that I feel about these people.

What kinds of feelings do you get when you play piano?

For me it's just a very relaxing experience. And composing is a very freeing and creative experience. I love the idea of starting with nothing and in the end you have something beautiful.

How do you handles mistakes during a performance?

Mistakes are just part of life and therefore part of performing. I kind of like hearing mistakes when I listen to other musicians because it reminds us that we listening to a person with feelings and not a robot.

What famous musicians do you admire?

I think Beethoven was really ahead of his time as far as emotion and expression goes. As far as modern day composers I actually like John Williams stuff. Abel Korzeniowski just recently wrote a beautiful soundtrack for the movie A Single Man.

What type of songs do you like listening to on the radio?

Lady Gaga is a real trendsetter and I actually think she has talent. One Republic writes really good music as well.

Thanks for letting me interview you and share your music today. I really love my lullaby but I've told you that about a bagillion times already haven't I?

This was fun! I'm really glad you like your song!

And now I'll end the interview with the beautiful lullaby. Let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Cat Lullaby 2 by Andrew Connelly on Grooveshark

Thankful Thursday {9}

2011-11-17T21:40:00.000+01:00

Friday I was thankful for lazy days at home.

Saturday I was thankful for Paris. My Aunt and I went there for a mini vacation. I'm so lucky to live to so close to such an amazing city. My goal is try is to try to visit as much as I can while I'm living here. I love it so much.

Sunday I was thankful for ART!! We went to the Louvre and wow, I'm always amazed. So far my favorite piece there is the sculpture of Psyche and Cupid by Antonio Canova.

Monday I was thankful for sleep. Sleep hasn't been my friend lately.

Tuesday I was thankful for the fact that Ariana is so open to trying new foods. She picked out octopus at the grocery store all by herself and TRIED it! She's pretty much the coolest kid EVA!

Wednesday I was thankful for being able to my way to the German preschool without having to go way out of the way. I've had 2 roads blocked with road construction while trying to get her there, and it's 2 villages over. It's been a long process but I think we're getting into a routine.

Today I was thankful for music. My friend wrote this beautiful lullaby for me! I'm going to try to post it on the blog tomorrow! It's lovely!

P64: Purple Mountains Majesty

2011-11-16T15:39:00.000+01:00

Purple, I love it! All shades of purple!

This is a picture of the inside of a geode and the pretty purple amethyst inside. Nature is amazing!

I found this on display in one of the Lourve gift shop windows. It was about 4 feet tall!

Find more purple mountains majesty here:

Autumn Lanterns {tutorial}

2011-11-15T19:53:00.000+01:00

These Autumn lanterns are pretty and easy to make. And perfect for Thanksgiving!

First you need to gather some pretty colorful fall leaves.

Make sure they are dried well and not damp from being outside on the ground.

Lay them between pieces of newspaper and stack heavy books on top of them for a few days to press them flat and help dry them out.

Once the leaves are dried a few days later, you can start the work on your lanterns. Gather up your supplies: glass jars, mod podge, leaves, paintbrush and candles. (I used Yankee Candle- Harvest for my candles.) You may also want newspaper to protect your table and rubber bands for stubborn leaves.

Coat your jar with a layer of mod podge.

Place your leaves on top and coat with another layer of mod podge.

I broke off the hard stem of my leaves before using them on the jars.

Layer leaves around on the glass, overlapping slightly in a pretty pattern.

Let your jars dry overnight. If needed to back over stubborn edges that want to pop up with mod podge

and help hold them down tight to the jar using rubber bands. I let my jars dry about 24 hours.

Place candles inside and light them for a pretty autumn lantern.

Happy Early Thanksgiving everyone!

Les Portes de Paris - photography series

2011-11-14T11:47:00.000+01:00

Les Portes de Paris - The Doors of Paris.

Large colorful ornate doors like these are found all over Paris.

I became fascinated with them during our trip back in May. I went to Paris with my Aunt this weekend and wow, do I love Paris! I decided this would be a great time to post my doors to Paris post that I've been holding onto for a while.

I've decided that I'm going to go to Paris as many times as I can while we are here!

*sigh* Oh Paris, je t'aime

P64: Dandelion

2011-11-11T09:11:00.000+01:00

I had a hard time choosing a photo for the color this past week. This one is one of the last flowers growing in my neighbors garden. And SOOC also.

Find more here:

Thankful Thursday {8}

2011-11-10T17:52:00.000+01:00

Friday I was thankful for my Aunt Lavon who took the time to come and visit us!

Saturday I was thankful for my Aunt who watched Ariana while I did a little shopping with friends.

Sunday I was thankful for a pretty awesome 3rd birthday party with Ariana.

Monday I was thankful for all the new birthday presents Ariana got. You could tell she needed new toys, those old ones were getting boring.

Tuesday I was thankful for my friend Maggie who I always can count on to be there for me. To be an ear to listen to me, laugh with me, and give me her advice.

Wednesday I was thankful for all the wonderful experiences we had when we lived in England (2004-2007). All the places we went, the foods we ate, the friends we made! I was having an especially good time reminiscing about all my favorite English foods: Jaffa cakes, scotch eggs, Pimms and cornish pasties!

Today I was thankful for the past 3 years that I have gotten to stay at home with Ariana. Today was her first day at German preschool and it went splendid!

Ariana's Birthday Interview and Party

2011-11-10T02:08:00.000+01:00

Sunday, Ariana turned 3 years old.

It was a really emotional week for me, having a 2 year old has been so much fun and it was bittersweet to see her becoming a big girl and celebrating her birthday without her Daddy here was hard on us.

My Aunt is here visiting and our friends Andrew and Viky came to visit us for the weekend. We kept the party small and low key and it was pretty perfect that way!

She was treated like a little princess all day and wore a pretty butterfly crown practically from breakfast until dinner!

She helped me decorate her blue Ariel cake that she requested. And she loved having Happy Birthday sung to her and blowing out her candles.

People from all over the world sent her cards and gifts in the mail and she loved every one of them. She got to Skype with Grammy, Aunt Sarah and Daddy!

Happy Birthday our little love girl!

The night before her birthday I interviewed her. Here's how it went down.

Mommy: Do you know what tomorrow is?

Ariana: Yes.

Mommy: What is it?

Ariana: MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Mommy: Yes, your Birthday! Do you know how old you are going to be?

Ariana: 3 years old!

Mommy: What is your favorite food?

Ariana: mmm....chicken

Mommy: Oh yea, you do love chicken. What is your favorite color?

Ariana: Red.

Mommy: You told me it was green.

Ariana: No, it's red.

Mommy: Ok, that's fine. What is your favorite toy?

Ariana: Hole Bunny (a bunny with a hole in his paw)

Mommy: Aww you love Hole Bunny!

Ariana: Yes I do (giving him a big squeeze)

Mommy: And what is your favorite thing to do?

Ariana: Play, wiggle, laugh.

Mommy: Yep, ok my little 2 year old, let's hop in bed.

Ariana: Ok my little....wait, how many are you?

Mommy: Just call me Mommy.

Thankful Thursday {7}

2011-11-03T23:38:00.000+01:00

Friday I was thankful for the 0.45% of our population who have served in the global war on terror. Yea, that's not really a big number when you compare it to the 11.5% who served in WW2, and the 4.30 who served in Vietnam. To read the story that became a shirt, go here. A friend of mine posted it on Facebook.

Saturday I was thankful for free calling to the States. How else would I have a 3 hour 41 minute phone conversation with my mom! I think it was a new record!

Sunday I was thankful for internet. I was able to make a video of Ariana scooping out the "gross nasty stuff" from the inside of our pumpkin when we were carving it, and post it that night for my husband to watch when he had a chance.

Monday I was thankful for Halloween. My favorite holiday. And how awesome Ariana is! She wanted to be Elphaba from Wicked for Halloween! I'm raising that girl right.

Tuesday I was thankful that it was November. It means the beginning of another month, another month closer to him coming home.

Wednesday I was thankful for cookies. Ariana and I made a big batch of our favorite cookies. We kept some for us and shipped some to Daddy!

Today I was thankful for my washer and dryer. I did a lot of laundry today and if I had to haul all that down to a laundromat I might have just cried. I'm glad we have those in our house, we know some people that don't.

What have you been thankful for lately?

P64: Turquoise Blue

2011-11-03T22:18:00.001+01:00

Wow, I think this is the latest I've ever posted my Project 64 photo. I just wasn't in the mood to blog lately. But I did find a cool subject for this blue color! I thought turquoise blue was going to be more of a greeny blue but it really wasn't. It was a soft pretty blue.

Since it's fall, I've been lighting my candles more, you know for the warm and cozy feeling they give. And since I don't have a fireplace. So, I found this week's color in my lighter one night.

Find more by clicking the picture below and check out the Project 64 blog.

Autumn is my favorite

2011-10-28T18:24:00.001+02:00

I have a little secret.

I love Spring, I love Summer, and Winter is pretty with it's snowflakes.

But, I ADORE Autumn.

The colors in the leaves are like candy for the eyes.

The air feels so crisp and clean and pure.

I love sipping on hot cocoa and apple cider I love seeing pumpkins and Halloween is the best holiday!

Boots and sweaters and crunching leaves under your feet.

Yep, Autumn is my favorite.

Thankful Thursday {6}

2011-10-27T23:55:00.001+02:00

Friday I was thankful for crocheting. Now that fall is here I've picked up my yarn again and I'm loving it. It's my favorite cold weather craft!

Saturday I was thankful for people who understand. Saturday was a bad day. Ariana had a meltdown in the commissary (base grocery store) check out, which caused me, the cashier, and 2 baggers to get choked up and teary eyed. She missed her Daddy. They were sweet about it though.

Sunday I was thankful for my friend Jordynn. She offered to watch Ariana so I could have some alone time. It was the perfect chance to go to a friend's baby shower, and then grab a coffee and have a date with myself at the bookstore. I forgot how much I love sitting and flipping though all the new books in peace!

Monday I was thankful for these yummy pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes. I hadn't baked in a while and I had fun baking these and eating frosting along the way! It made my whole house smell like Autumn!

Tuesday I was thankful for fun times at Macaroni Grill with Ariana and Andrew. Pictionary on the paper tablecloth, sharing free chocolate birthday cake, and an excellent, fun waitress! Rock on!

Me drawing on the table (photo courtesy of Andrew!)

Free dessert tastes the best! Happy Birthday Andrew!

And finished off the night with a Happy Birthday serenade for Andrew by our waitress (left) and a few others.

Wednesday I was thankful for sunshine on a pretty fall day. The park was the perfect place to let off some steam after dealing with rude Germans in the stores earlier that day. The slides were so much fun!

Today I was thankful for PATIENCE! After calling 10 different German preschools and 7 of them immediately telling me no, they wouldn't accept Ariana because she's American, 2 telling me to call back another day, the 10th one finally said they would accept her! I have an interview/tour tomorrow morning!

What have you been thankful for lately?