Afternoon Coffee and Evening Tea

Last week I turned forty-nine. My birthday was wonderful. I homeschooled, napped, went to dinner with my people, and ate Dairy Queen cake. When I think about this being my last year before I turn half a century old, I actually feel a sense of peace. And thankfulness. Because forty-nine is awesome. Forty-nine is...

~knowing who I am and what I like, while not really giving a damn what other people think about it.

~using the word "damn" on my blog without worrying about someone being offended.

~accepting my middle age body, curves and all.

~ letting small things go...because...who cares if all my silverware matches anyway?

~watching my children embrace adulthood with confidence and joy.

~living each day in the moment, not wanting to rush life along.

And

~enjoying perfect nights with the ones I love.

Nights like this...

The First Day Of School 2018

Not so long ago, our schoolroom was filled with four students. This year, we had one. One little, sweet third grader! Rhett began his cyber schooling last week, and was at work when we took these pictures. He is a junior this year. I know. How? In any case, my girl and I had a wonderful first day together.

Random Photo Friday

Happy Friday, my friends! Another week behind us. Another weekend ahead! First though, please join me in sending prayers and thoughts to all those affected or in the path of the hurricane, as well as the first responders.

Here are a few photos of the past week here in our cozy home...

We completed our first week of Third Grade!

We are really enjoying it!

I was sad to leave the preschool~kindergarten~lower elementary grades behind.

I have a special spot in my soul for young learners, ABC's colors, stories, and songs.

But I am finding I also really enjoy our third grade curriculum which includes geography, sentence structure, scientific method, art appreciation, and cursive handwriting to name just a few of the things Flynn is studying.

We still love our story time too. : )

A Touch Of Fall...For The First Time!

I have been waiting to decorate our new home for fall since the day we moved in. April 1st, to be exact. After a beautiful summer, the blissful days of September finally arrived. Here is a peek at our cozy home, all decorated for my favorite...autumn. Some of our decorations survived "The Great Purge of 2018" as Marian refers to the frenzied whole house cleanup that occurred before we packed to move. And others are new and are adding a fresh cozy feel to our new home.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We flew home from Las Vegas on Steve's birthday. And my children made me so proud. We returned home to a clean house and a wonderful birthday dinner party for Steve. Few things in this world make a mother happier than when she realizes her children are carrying on the traditions she began and holds dear. So now Steve has caught up with me...for a few more days that is!

Madison made dinner...Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes.

And Peyton made Steve's favorite cake...

Chocolate with Peanut Butter Icing!

Relaxing In Vegas!

Yep! You read that correctly. We relaxed in Vegas. Steve and I, along with his sister and her husband, spent a few days in one of our favorite cities...Las Vegas. In my humble opinion, Vegas gets a bad rap. Yes, certain undesirable people and activities are available to those who are so inclined. Yet, Las Vegas also offers beautiful and affordable accommodations complete with amazing pools and spas, fun and exciting shows, and the most delicious array of food choices. Which of course is of utmost importance to me. Here are a few pictures of our little getaway in Vegas...

10 Things To Do In September

1. Sip A Favorite Pumpkin Spice Beverage

2. Watch Sunday Afternoon Football

3. Light A Spiced Pumpkin Candle

4. Go Apple Picking

5. Make Homemade Applesauce

6. Snuggle Under A Soft Fleece Throw

7. Buy A Fall Mum Or Two

8. Wear A Fall Lipstick

9. Read A Fall Cozy Mystery

10. Plan A Fall Television Schedule

What is tops on your list, my friends?

Happy Labor Day 2018!

Random Photo Friday On Labor Day Weekend

Welcome to the unofficial end of summer, my friends! Goodbye swimming pool and frozen lemonade! Hello football and pumpkin spice everything! Every season is a blessing, and although I love some more than others, I try to live and enjoy each one as mindfully as I can. Our last week of August was filled with cute puppies and good food. Because. Life is good.

A Super Simple Weeknight Supper

Time to pull out those Crock-Pots, ladies...it is almost fall! Actually, I use mine all summer. But, I digress. Have you ever had one of those days where you have no plans for dinner, but you don't want to eat takeout? A few weeks ago, Madison and I threw this simple supper together in the morning and let it cook all day. It was amazing! Want to give it a try?