Weekend Plans...Abbreviated Edition

Well, that week flew right by. I'm writing this on my iPad as our vacation comes to a close.  Friday night will find us enjoying our last night at the beach. This translates to final walks in the sand, goodbyes to the beautiful ocean, and strategic packing to get everything to fit back into the van. Add to that sentimental and tired kids, and I'm sure a few tears will fall...

Saturday we will get up and start our trip home early. The ride home is never as exciting, but truth be told, I am always happy to be home sweet home. Depending on what time we get home, we may attend Mass. If not, we will go Sunday morning.

Sunday finds us back in the real world. Madison has her last day of work for the season at Dairy Queen, and Steve and Rhett have a soccer game. Peyton, Flynn, and I will stay home and get started on laundry and such. I plan on working on a vacation post too. : )

Sorry no pictures...they are coming soon! But I do hope your weekend is happy and autumn-ish, whatever your plans may be!

Fall In Our House 2013

Fall is here! And that means we are spending a bit more time inside. I love making our home feel more cozy this time of year. Adding a few touches here and there does the trick. Here a some pictures of fall in our house. I would love to see some of yours!

The table in the mudroom is decked out with a few small pumpkins, and greets visitors with the warm scent of Harvest Welcome.

The kitchen table has a few small touches too...

like this cute ceramic pumpkin

and our ever popular candy dish filled with autumn wrapped goodies!

A couple little touches hang on the kitchen walls...

and this one hangs right over my desk.

The sideboard has some decorations I have had forever, and the brand new leaves the girls made in school.

The fall mantle is simple but warm,

and this cute little pillow adds a sweet touch nearby.

We decorated the holiday tree with autumn ornaments...

acorns, and pumpkins, and colorful leaves.

The hearth room is cozy with the late afternoon sun shining in.

Adding just a few touches to the bookshelf makes all the difference.

The kitchen sink even gets an autumn addition.

And our very favorite candle burns brightly in our home every autumn evening.

Happy fall, friends!

Crockpot Pizza Bake

Here is another Pinterest recipe Peyton found. And it is good! It is perfect for a busy school night or a lazy Sunday afternoon. I hope you give it a try! Enjoy!

Crockpot Pizza Bake

Ingredients:

1. 28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce, more if needed
2. 12 oz. rigatoni, cooked
3. 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
4. 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
5. 1/2 lb. pepperoni slices

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef and drain.
2. Add sauce and mix well.
3. Boil noodles and drain.
4. Spray crockpot and begin layering.
5. Layer sauce and meat mixture, the noodles, the cheese, and then the pepperoni.
6. Repeat.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

I serve it with garlic toast and applesauce for an easy meal. Enjoy!



Weekend Plans...Off To The Beach!

One of the blessings of our new cyber/homeschooling journey is the freedom that comes along with it...the freedom to work ahead so that we can resume our September family vacations. Years ago, when Madison was young, we took our family vacation in September. Then she started school, followed by Peyton and Rhett, and multiple kids missing a whole week of work was just too much for this mama to handle. So this month we worked ahead and are all set to go!

Friday will be a do laundry, pack, organize, and clean day.  I am blessed that my sister Margie and her husband are coming to stay here to watch our doggie and get the mail, so I don't have to worry about that.  Thank Heaven for sisters!

Saturday will find us on the road heading to the sandy beaches of Maryland. I am taking my iPad along to keep in touch with you all and will be posting a few times as well. I would just miss you all too much to go cold turkey for a week! : )

Anyway, that is what our weekend looks like. I hope yours is happy and cozy and fall-ish, whatever your plans may be. Thanks for visiting!

All set for Mass last Saturday...

And after Mass...it was Birthday time!

I love this candle from my sister Margie...

and my mom surprised me with this picture of my sweet Daddy from his high school days. : )

Peyton made a delicious apple pie...

and it was as good as it looks!

It was a wonderful day. Thanks for all the wishes and prayers, dear friends!

Oh...one more gift! My hubby got me this glider for in the school room! It is sooo comfortable. : )

And the perfect spot for a little tea break.

My sweetie...

How we do tacos at our house...chicken tacos that is.

My little baby with her first ever ice cream in a cone!

She always gets a "twist in a dish", and decided she is old enough to get it in a cone. : )

And a last shot of my Flynn's hair. And I will be forever grateful to my sweet mother-in-law for gifting my children with this naturally curly hair. : ) This is natural, and two days after washing too!