Hey Pumpkin!

I just LOVE fall.... the crisp, cool air, the smells of cinnamon and apples and pumpkins, and the fun fall produce. The pumpkin signifies fall and harvest. Their pretty orange color brightens front porches and tables along with gourds, squash, and mums. Oh Happiness!
The little pumpkins have so many wonderful uses. Some of them are pie pumpkins and they are best for yes, making pies! Others can be hollowed out to serve delicious dips in at a fall gathering. My friend, Frances, once served the BEST artichoke dip in a pumpkin. She cut off the top and it adorned the plate along with delicious crackers. Those who are super gourmet can make their own leaf-shaped crackers like my sister-in-law does. Fantastic! You hollow out the pumpkin and put the dip in its place.

Small pumpkins can also be used for decorative pieces or as hollowed out candle holders.
Larger pumpkins can be hollowed out and filled with a large glass bowl and then they become an ice bucket that chills bottled beverages!
Have fun this fall with some pumpkins! Happy Fall, y'all!

All I'm Gettin' for Christmas...

All I'm Gettin' for Christmas is 2 newly-improved sets of teeth! Yes, folks, that's right. Two of our precious triplets are sporting new braces. Thankfully it's just a partial set on each of them, but STILL. Let's just say that I'm hoping one of these five munchkins really wants to study dentistry!

Where we were last Saturday....

We spent a lovely day on the boat with dear friends! Dolphins surrounded our boat and we enjoyed our own private show! Amazing!

Wednesday Words from the Backseat....

As you have already surmised, our Hurricane is a little MESS with a capital M! As we were driving in the car, her brother was apparently bothering her. I hear her little voice say, "No one talk to me; I am PRAYING!" It was hilarious and we all had to giggle. She knew no one could argue with a girl who is busy praying!

Tuesday's Tip!

Better late than never... it's STILL Tuesday for 36 more minutes! My friend, Nancy, throws fabulous parties. She is always so creative in her table decorations. Everything is always absolutely perfect with no detail left unturned, much like the pirate party our friend, R, just threw. They both have a gift. Nancy is full of great party ideas and is also a great decorator. It's really not fair that she has so much talent.
Well, Nancy shared an idea with me that inspired this Tuesday's Tip. Sometimes we are planning big events like a party, luncheon, or Progressive Dinner, and there is just no way that we can leave every detail to be completed on the day of the event. Something must be accomplished in advance. We often sit and think, "If only I could set the table early, then I wouldn't have to worry on the day of the party!" Well, ladies, we CAN! Nancy sets her table early in the week and then drapes a clean sheet across the dishes so that no dust lands on the plates or in the glasses. Incredible idea! Of course you will need to not have plans to use your dining room in the days prior to your event, but I just love this idea! Happy Fall, Y'ALL!!!

ARRGH!!!!!!

Ahoy there, maties!
WATCH OUT! The pirates are on the loose and they just had the best 4th birthday bash ever!!!!! Our friends here had quite a bash for their little pirate who just turned 4! What a party! They literally thought of everything. This amazing ship's mast greeted us on their beautiful dock that sits right on the bay.

I love how our sweet friend greeted us!!! What a WENCH!

Those who misbehaved had to walk the plank. I'm so glad I was on my best behavior! Everything was better than the best magazine or party planner's delight.


Look at this food! Cannonballs were a big hit.

Has your peanut butter and honey ever been this cute? "Walk the Plank" peanut butter and honey!

How precious are these clam sandwiches?!



R & K are ready for Gasparilla!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Our Hurricane is full of life and love. She can be quite fiesty, but she can also be the sweetest little girl in the world. We've been working with her diligently lately to help her learn to listen and obey. It is not easy and I often want to give up.
Our family is also working on learning the Children's Catechism. It is a little book of questions and answers that help a child learn what he or she believes and why. An example is:
1. Q: Who made you?
A: God.
2. Q: What else did God make?
A: God made all things.

On Sunday, we were driving to church along the prettiest street in Tampa. It is right on the Bay so bikers and walkers love it. The walkway was filled with bikers, strollers, skaters, and walkers. It is still quite hot here and several of the men were not wearing their shirts. First, there were squeals of, "Ooooo..... that man is not wearing his shirt!" Then, our Hurricane responded matter-of-factly, "God made all the boobs". We couldn't help but laugh! Yes, Hurricane, I guess He did.