The Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch last night. We tried to make it on the weekend, but the Lizard King worked. A lot. Still, Princess had a blast. Check it out!

I really like this silhouette.

Believe it or not, all these photos were taken with my iPhone (OS5). Yes, I forgot my camera again.

Oh . . . and we got a pumpkin, too. I'll get some photos when we carve it. It's the biggest pumpkin we've ever gotten!

$75

This is how I decorated the first floor of our house for only $75. 

Princess and I headed out for a day of treasure hunting. We went to TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Tuesday Morning, Michael's Crafts and Dollar Tree. We also searched the house for objects to repurpose. 

We took the house from a completely blank, cluttered and disorganized mess to this. 

Most of the items in the wall unit we already had. The only new thing that we purchased is the candle (4th item on the top shelf) from Michael's, using a 40% off coupon.

One of my favorite finds was this vase, made in Spain from recycled glass. It was only $17! The stuff inside we found at Dollar Tree.

This vase and the plate/bowl were quite the bargain, too. We found them at Marshall's. The filler for the vase was from Michael's. The books came from my bookshelf and the photo we already had. I do plan to hang a photo of mine on that wall. I'm just not sure what yet.

 We hung these pictures that we already had and yes, we still have the camouflage wall. We've decided on the lightest green . . . sort of. I'll update you later on that once we actually paint the house. That's planned for December.

This Aztec/Mayan calendar was from our trip to Mexico two years ago.

I've had this framed poster since before I met the Lizard King.

This is the arrangement on the wall in our entryway. It's a nice big wall, so there is lots of room to add photos as the years go by.

I also bought colorful dish towels to go with my colorful Fiestaware.

Our house now feels like home and I find that I am a happier, better mommy when things are in order. Doing these few little things has made our family life so much better! All that for only $75 - that's therapy at a bargain price.

Pokemon

Pokemon has entered the royal family. Princess watches and loves the TV show, we've gotten movies from the library, she's got two Pokemon DS (handheld game system) games and we've started collecting Pokemon trading cards. The trading cards are my favorite part of this new passion. We've probably got about 250 cards, maybe more. The cool thing about Pokemon cards is that you don't just collect them, you play them. There's a game that's relatively complex that uses the cards. I think it's a lot of fun and Princess and I play several times a week.

She kicked my but in this game, taking every prize card while I got none. I'm looking forward to our next game!

Turning Eight

We did things a little different this year for Princess' birthday. We spent her birthday weekend (last month) at the beach with Freckles and her family. Not only is Freckles my best friend, her son Blue-Eyed-Boy is Princess' best friend. We had a wonderful time and a special birthday celebration.

The following Friday, it was time to party, Pump It Up style. Pump It Up is an "inflatable fun zone" and the kids sure had fun!

One difference between homeschool birthday parties and non-homeschool birthday parties is that (in my experience) parents stay at homeschool birthday parties.

We've got the Paleo chicks. 

The Duchess (Princess' aunt/my sister).

More adults!

Lots of kids who had a fabulous time. Not bad for a bunch of unsocialized homeschoolers. Yeah, that's a never ending joke in our house.

There was cake and our traditional number candle . . . and a very happy Princess who still can't believe she's eight.

Happy Birthday to the most beautiful thing in my life. I am truly grateful every single day that you came into my life, Princess. I am a better person for it and motherhood is the most rewarding, life fulfilling experience I could ever hope to have. I love you, sweetheart!

Not Back to School Day

Each year, on the Friday after Labor Day when all the other kids are in school, our local amusement park opens their doors to hundreds of homeschoolers. Every year, on the Friday after Labor Day, Princess, the Lizard King and I, join hundreds of homeschoolers in celebrating Not Back to School Day at Oaks Park. It is always a good time. This year, my parents were in town and joined us for a fun filled day. And I forgot my camera. Thanks to my trusty iPhone, I have a few photos. Unfortunately, it doesn't take the best action shots.

 The only sad part of the day was when Princess didn't win this unicorn. And it was a sad moment indeed. She cried and mourned the loss of this much wanted prize. It took a long time, and after asking me to snap a photo, she did get past it. At least I thought so. She still talks about the unicorn. We searched Amazon and found something similar and yes, we added it to her wish list.

Hanukka is coming soon. Who knows . . . maybe it will be in the line up.