Getting them something they don't know they want..

Most people (even me) will go shopping for Christmas or birthday presents and think about their age and get things that seem appropriate for them.  For instance.. if you're shopping for a 7 year old girl.. you'd go straight to toys, right?  I'm not saying that I'm the best gift giver.  I get stumped a lot of times and end up giving some of the lamest presents that I could possibly give.  When it comes to my kids, I'm pretty good at knowing what they want or need.  This year though.. I've been going crazy trying to figure out what to get for my daughter.  -She's too old for this or too young for that kind of thing.-  HOWEVER... we spent some quality time together today and I paid attention to the things she was doing and what she was saying.  BAM!  Best idea for a present she will LOVE and she has no idea she even wants it.  No, it's not a shiny new toy or the latest electronic gizmo.  It's not even in an area of a store that I would dream of looking for her.  Yes, my kids will get toys and gizmos too, but they expect that sort of thing.  It's funny because if I were to say "make a Christmas list", this gift would be nowhere on it.. but it'll probably be one of her favorites Christmas morning.  I guess what I'm trying to say is take some time to listen and do the unexpected.  You might be surprise by some of the things you come up with!

Fall Again!

I can't believe it's already fall again.  The weather actually agreed for a little while and it was pretty chilly, but then it changed it's mind and decided to get hot again.  :(  Maybe this will be the last week of 80-90 weather.  I hope so anyway!  This time of the year is so much fun!  Ever and the older kids both have fall parties and festivals coming up!  Ever being in school this year is a lot different for me, but she loves it and I am so so happy that she does.

With fall coming up, we had to make a few changes to the house.  Fall is a great time to redo some things ... Plus I get a little bored if everything stays the same for too long.  :)

Our kitchen table used to be my pride and joy with bright pink chairs.  I LOVE pink, but they were getting a little dull.  So it went from this:

To this:

I also changed my desk.  My white one was looking a little tired and I needed something with more storage.  I found this great desk at Target with lots of space and a built in file cabinet!

Now, my laptop..  I have been using only an iPad mini since last year.  I saw a laptop that I really wanted back in June and for some reason, I never bought it.  I finally got it this week and I am so glad I did.  I originally wanted the blue, but I ordered the coral and again... I am SO glad that I did!

It is kind of hard to get used to typing on the laptop and not having everything auto corrected like the ipad.  Lol.

I also needed a new agenda since my 2014 was looking a little rough.  I couldn't find one that had what I needed anywhere, so I decided to make my own.  It was so much fun and I may stick with making my own from now on.  :)

Since we were doing some fall cleaning and getting ready to put decorations out, I decided to work on the girls' room a little bit and change some things around.  I also needed room to put the new furniture I bought them.  I decided to get the new furniture, because I needed somewhere to put Ever's books (Emily already had a place on her desk) and they also needed somewhere to put the things Santa will be bringing them since they had no where to put things other than in drawers.  I love the way it turned out.

And now that the house is ready for fall, it's time to sit back, relax, and get ready for the holidays!!!!

Happy Fall!!!

Not decorating award goes to meeee

I decorated for fall on or before Sept 15 two years ago, and I decorated last year on Sept 6. Today is September 16... And I still have not decorated!! I'm winning against myself hahaha. I really think I might make it to October 1 this year.  I've put out a very small amount of things that I bought recently, but I HAVE NOT pulled out my decorations out of storage.  I am so proud of myself.

HOPEFULLY El Niño happens this year.  They've been talking about it since spring.  Now it's only a 60% chance or so, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!! Some colder weather would be really nice!

WILW

Is it Wednesday yet? I'm loving lots of stuff!

Next week can't come fast enough

My new schedule next week seems so far away. It's not easy working nights the first week of the school year. I feel so unorganized! I was sitting at my desk drinking my coffee when Christian came in this morning looking like thug life. Hahaha. Shorts down past his knees and a baggy button up. Looks like I'll be grabbing some more things at jcp. :/

I got home last night and made me a plate of food. As I sit down, I hear "we need our lunches made" and "what should I wear tomorrow?"  Finally made it to bed around 11 to be back up at 6. ONE. MORE. WEEK.

This weekend will (hopefully) be a nice chance to relax surrounded by mountains and cooler air. It is greatly needed!

Trying to catch up..

Oh it's been far too long.  I have been such a terrible blogger lately.  Like, really really lately.

I cannot believe that in less than a week, summer will be over!  (Well, the "school year summer".) We register the kids tomorrow and find out who their teachers will be!!  Ever will be starting school this year too! I am so happy and excited and scared and nervous.. all rolled into one.  I know she'll do well though and will enjoy it. 3K means my baby is growing up way too fast! I'm still (not very) patiently waiting on the letter that tells us when her orientation is.  Our weekends will be filled with school lunch shopping again and cleaning frenzy Sundays! As much as I don't want it to start getting dark early, I can't wait for the school year to kind of put us back on track... Schedules, homework, snacks, family time, etc. Plus, you know what I'm going to say.... With the school year coming... So does Thanksgiving and Christmas!!! :)

I am as always, so excited for the holidays!  The kids will be with us this year and we get to bake, cook, watch the Thanksgiving Day parade, go see lights, shop(!!), and all of the other amazing things that come along with the holidays.  I've already been buying Christmas presents. I think I've pretty much finished Christian's and have a few things for the girls.  Ok ok... I'll stop.

Love to all most!

What I'm loving Wednesday!

Okay, I am in a super super huge hurry since I have a zumba class in 40 minutes that I need to get ready for, so I will make this fast!!

It's Wednesday again!!  Here it goes...

I am loving this beautiful wax burner..

I am loving this Celebrate Christmas candle that I got today on sale since it's not Christmas anymore!  But this candle has more of a "I just smell dang good" kind of scent than Christmassy.

I am loving these yummy yummy snacks!

 I am loving this that I bought to put out during Spring, but for now since it's so dang pretty.. it's hanging in my room!  (and will stay until Spring!)

 I am loving the new idea I had today while walking through the store.  I cannot wait to get started on this project with the girls.  Here's a sneak peek...

Last, but not least.. I am loving that ONE DAY it will be Spring.  :)  (I know I fussed about wanting cold weather... sorry!)

What are you loving on this Wednesday?  Love to all most!