apples.

This past week my brother was up from TN. Whenever he is home we always go fruit (whatever is in season at that time) picking. 

It was my little guys' first time. I honestly thought it was going to be a bit stressful but I was surprised how great he did. We were up in the Mountains of Virginia; away from all roads basically surrounded by acres upon acres of trees. I was able to give him a little freedom to walk on his own. Whereas usually I have a tight grip on him, he's a bit of a runner. :)

It was insane how many apples were on the ground. Thousands. Honestly it was a bit disheartening. Half of them looked decent. Maybe not the wash and eat kind but at least to cook with. When you think about how many go hungry and then to see how much waste was there. It's just sad.

On a brighter note though it was just what we needed. It was awesome just being out in the fresh air and the boys having the freedom to run, climb, and just do boy things (like throw rotten apples at each other). I'm so blessed that I get to spend each day with these guys. 

Gray for Days

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Winter is incredibly hard for me. I crave sunshine. Color. Life. Everything just seems so gray and dead. It slows me down. Makes me tired mentally as well as physically. 

This year I've tried to bring some pieces of spring inside. 

I adore this feeder, such an amazing variety of birds visit all throughout the day. We've been able to use this as a learning tool. Studying each species, migration patterns, anatomy, egg varieties, and so much more.  My favorite though is the sound of their chirps. It's none stop all day. So perfect. 

The temperature may say winter but the sound coming into my kitchen screams spring. 

Halloween 2012

This was a first for me this year. In the past I was always anti-scary but they're getting older and cute and cuddly just doesn't fly anymore. It's cool though...they're boys. 

So vampire it was. 

 Cole went as a Marine. He's proud of his daddy...a United States Marine. Camo paint is something that cannot be rushed. Seriously. 

 Mummy Dogs for dinner. 5 min prep 15 min in the oven. I was going for a theme here but I didn't realize how easy these would make cooking that night.

 Nate went as a mini Marine. This costume was actually Payton's from 2 yrs ago. I just cut off some of the arms and legs.  I was more concerned with his warmth since he was strollin' his way around this Halloween. His one piece fleece fit perfect underneath. Happy warm baby = brothers get more candy

 We hit the entire subdivision. They carried the small pumpkins but I had one large bag on the stroller for them to "deposit" their candy into. I weighed the bag....12 flippin' pounds! 

Now I have all this candy to torture myself with. ;)

Ruffle Scarf...a tutorial :)

Here's the pattern

Any yarn (approx. 300 yards) 

Any needle (use whatever is recommended by yarn)

Gauge not important!!

Cast on 20 stitches

Row 1: k20

Row 2: k8, turn, k8

Row 3: k6, turn, k6

Row 4: k4, turn, k4

Repeat all four rows to desired length

For a more finished look sew ends

and here's ME! explaining the "turn" :)

Farmer's Market

For an art supplement I ordered from kiwi crates. Each month they send a box with 2 crafts and all the supplies. This was perfect, I just don't always have the time to come up with new cool crafts. This month was Farmer's Market. Not only was it crafty but we turned into a math lesson! 

Just hangin' around the house

I swear one of my favorite things about having boys are the funny things I find around the house.

Darth on my purse hook.

Dinner time or as Cole wants to call it...Operation Fat. (chicken soup does not make you fat)

Who knew Patrick had a thing for cake stands and jadeite.

Sippies, gnawed yellow crayon, and vintage embroidery...yes please!

 And who knew Abe had a thing for camo?!

Keep it comin' boys!

Nothing is wasted

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 

1 Corinthians 15:58

I love this. No work done in HIS name is wasted in light of eternal glory. So today I will think on this verse as I wash the dishes, change poopie diapers, clean the toilets, and all those other "less desirable" daily tasks. To God be the glory in all things!