Pumpkin Carving

Our VA visitors took the day yesterday to go explore the Oregon coast. While they were gone, we took some time to knock out some of our Halloween traditions; like carving pumpkins  and watching Charlie Brown!! Colin was allowed to carve some of his pumpkin this year. He has been waiting for years to have this privilege. Will ended up helping a bit with the actual face part.

We also roasted pumpkin seeds. I used a ranch seasoning for one batch and cinnamon and brown sugar for the other. Delicious!!

Colin's is the leader pumpkin with dad's goofy sidekick!

                                                         ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                                   The B Family

A New Look

I have been talking about cutting my hair short for over two years now. I wanted to wait until I reached my weight goal. Getting closer but taking longer than I thought. Last week, I finally decided enough with the excuses, I just needed to do it. So, I chopped it off...myself. I know, probably not smart to do it myself, but my hair is extremely curly and if it is not exactly even no one would notice. Well, once I let my hairdresser touch it she would, but no one else. I ended up cutting more than 10.5 inches!! I kept it longer than I thought I wanted (knowing it would need a little TLC from from dear hairdresser) and I did not worry about a shape or style. The goal was just to keep it straight as possible.

Before

I thought it turned out really cute. I did not like it all of the way down since it was just straight across. As long as I had one side kind of pulled up, I loved it!

First Cut

A couple of days ago, I had my hairdresser fix it up. Now it is even shorter! I was surprised by how much hair was on the floor. To some, my hair probably still looks kind of longer, but to me it is GONE!I love the new cut and style. Curly it is really short and cute...but I think I may straighten it more often. Especially, since it is so quick to do now!

Second cut

I love how different an easy change like cutting your hair can give you. I feel like a new me!

Family day - Pumpkin Patch

This week was very long and busy. So, Will took today off for a family day! I was ready for Friday...Work was busy for Will, we had soccer and school conferences, and we offered to watch a friend's two girls for three days. I am tired!!! That last part had our kiddos very excited! The girls were very well-behaved, but with four kids I was exhausted. It was funny going to the store with the two youngest (Meli & Aubrey - both 4). The one that was not my child kept being mistaken for mine. She has brown, curly hair and big eyes. They were very surprised when I responded that the blonde was mine.

This morning we had a nice family breakfast. Then headed to a pumpkin patch. Meli is ecstatic about Halloween this year. Oh my! She went ballistic when I put up the decorations. She kept thanking me. She keeps saying "Halloween is soon! Then snow too!". 

We had a horse-drawn carriage take us to the patch. The kids love this part. It was Will's first time. We ended up getting a fairly big pumpkin and two smaller ones the kids picked out. We also have a few from my garden this year!! (Pictures to come).

I am so glad I have been inspired with taking pictures again. I had a good time snapping a few today.

Meli grabbed a pumpkin that may have been a little too big for her. I love her face in this picture. 

We let the kids do a maze and play on the playground before heading to a Halloween store to look at costumes. 

Colin decided on Teen Titan's version of Robin and Meli will be Rainbow Dash. Bith outfits are adorable.

Colin had his first sleepover tonight. He went to a local high school football game with a friend, then is staying the night. Meli was sad without Colin, so we headed to DQ for a little sister treat! She of course had to wear part of her costume. 

I probably should proofread this in the AM...Will and I are enjoying mimosas tonight:) 

Renewed Inspiration

Taken with my iphone

Anyone that knows me fairly well, knows that I love taking photos. Since moving back to Oregon, I have put it on the back burner. I was focused on rekindling all sorts of old hobbies that I forgot of my new found ones. 

Last week, a friend of mine wanted to go take photos. I am so glad I went. It was exactly what I needed to awaken my inner creative goddess!

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The top pictures were taken while hanging out with my friend at a place known as Turtle Pond. The pictures below are from my garden the next morning. 

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Until next time...