"Upgrades"

I am constantly amazed at some of the things people do to their belongings.  I'm not saying you shouldn't "customize" your life - but when it comes to things that you will most likely have to sell again at some point, I really think there should be some sort of limit.

Today while surfing the web I came across these, um, let's just call them "interesting choices."

Originally a Honda Accord - now a time machine.

Originally the Ecto Mobile - now a family vehicle.

Originally could be seen by the naked eye.  Now - completely invisible.

Originally a Government Vehicle.  Now a Jurrasic Park Tour Car.

Originally the car my father always rented (and never failed to curse) on our family ski trips.  Now....well, let's just say that Kermit didn't deserve this.

All that's left of old Kermie is attached to the gear shifter.  

Originally, four separate cars.  Now - it's nothing but a car casserole.

I laugh now, but really - isn't there at least one of these cars that made you think of somebody you know and love? Guess we all just have to be ourselves in the end, and these people definitely did just that.  

BDEM:  Taking our kiddies to pick out their pumpkins.  It had to be the highlight of their month - I'll try to get a wagon picture or two up soon!  

Wiped

We celebrated our friend, Brandon's birthday tonight...

Indian food (Did you know it's DELICIOUS?!)
Ping Pong - Rob is a master, I am a loser.
Lots and lots of Hall and Oates (you know you love it)
Lord of the Rings Pinball
Laughter, laughter, and then tears from laughter
More laughter - I'm talking my belly hurt, and my cheeks stung laughter

Thanks for inviting us, Brandon - it was a really great night.

BDEM:  It wasn't a best-day-ever-moment, it was a best-day-ever-time-chunk.  It involved all of the earlier events.  


Side note:  Another friend of mine had a Halloween party tonight that I was REALLY looking forward to, but for some reason I didn't realize it fell on the same night as Brandon's party.  (It is odd for Rob and I to have ANY plans that involve anyone outside our house - let alone be invited to TWO social events on the same evening). I hope that everyone that went to that had an awesome time.  The cute girl that threw the party is unbelievably creative, and I can only imagine how ridiculously cool it was.  

A Sad Story

There is a family down the street who sets up quite the Halloween display every year.  Last year the kids were pretty scared of it - but this year Maddie and Jude get revved up every time we get in the car because, "WE ARE GOING TO PASS THE SPOOKY HOUSE!"

Seeing how awesome their display was, Jude mentioned that he would really like to have some Halloween decorations at our house too.  (This was in the middle of the job hunt).  I reminded him that we didn't have a lot of money and probably shouldn't spend any on Halloween decorations.  He really is the most understanding kid I have - and his response killed me.  He very calmly said, "That's okay, Mom.  I can just ask Santa for Halloween decorations, then we can have some for next year."

Being an emotionally trying time, I immediately had to go in the house so he couldn't see how sweet he was, and how sad I was that I couldn't provide him with the silliest little thing.

Today he came in and begged me to come outside to see what he had done with our (neighbor's - oops) driveway.  

"See, Mom!  Now we have Halloween decorations and I can ask Santa for something real."

Smart kid.  Smart, crafty, inventive, understanding kid.  Love him.

BDEM:  I was going to tell you all about yesterday's bread that I finally made - but that took second to finding these pictures when I uploaded the pictures on the camera.

Something Different...

When my mom was in town, she wanted me to try this shampoo that is {unbeknownst to me} all the rage.  She pointed to her hair and said, "Look at what it can do - my hair is curly, EVEN in this desert!"  I was intrigued, and she sent me home with the bottle she brought on her trip.  The stuff is kind of weird, there's no lather, and it is applied like conditioner - but I have to say that since using it, I have been blessed with the hair of ANGELS!  I'm in the middle of a grow out, and my cut is horrendous right now - but I swear, I have more volume than I have walking out of the salon!  Rob even stopped in the middle of a sentence and said, "You're hair looks really good today!"  Success!

It's pretty pricey for a shampoo - but if you're in the market, and can afford to spend a bit more on a hair product - I HIGHLY recommend using this.  For the first time in my life, my hair does what I want it to do, not vice versa.

Forgive my little sales blurb - I just wanted to share my joy.  This stuff is FABULOUS!

BDEM: Finding THIS recipe on Pioneer Woman Cooks.  I was really, really overjoyed that I was for once going to make garlic cheese bread the right way.  BDEM thwarted when I discovered that my loaf of french bread was covered in mold.  Sad.  It still looks like an awesome recipe for next time!

He Survived!

It's always interesting starting a new job - so much to learn, so many new people to meet....you have to figure out all of the software, the appropriate attire...it's a crazy, fun, confusing time.  But he did it.  I tried to get a picture of him on his first day - but as most (normal) people would, he laughed at me and reminded me that this was NOT his first day of Kindergarten. (I still got one)

We celebrated his first day with one of his favorite dinners - homemade chicken pot pie, or dinner cake as the kids call it.

It was nice to get back into a normal schedule...and to finally tackle that mountain of ironing that has accumulated over the past six weeks, but we definitely missed our family lunch and trips to Ikea.  Congrats on a perfect first day, babe!  We are so proud of you and appreciate all that you do to support our family. 

BDEM:  Now that Rob's office is only five minutes away we can sneak out and leave little notes in his car.  It makes us feel like we are still close to him - and to let him know that we are always thinking about him.  Sure, he might be a bit embarrassed if he brings his buddies in his car - but that's fine by me!  

Celebration

Today Rob and I took the kids to the dollar theatre to see Cars 2.  Jude has been begging to see it since it came out in July, and we figured with all of this family time on our hands - it would be a perfect rainy day activity.  It was a bittersweet afternoon, because today was the last day of our "forced vacation."  Yes, that's right, Rob is once again an employed man.  On Thursday he received a really great offer from a company very close to our home.  We took the weekend to tweak some of the details and today everything was approved - so he starts tomorrow. This job is a blessing for SO MANY REASONS.  One, it is literally less than a five minute drive to his office.  Two, the salary and position are much better than his previous job.  Three, he will report directly to one of the founders of the company - who I should add really seems to love him.  Four, they have already discussed the potential growth of the position - and where they want him to be in the next couple of years.

I have to admit that even though I am unbelievably thrilled that he is moving on to a much better position, I am really going to miss having him around.  If nothing else, we learned from this experience that retirement will be awesome! I just loved being able to spend every minute with him - I also loved finding every excuse to put off my laundry and ironing.  He is my best, best friend - and I am so proud of how well he handled this situation.  He is my rock, and the best person to lead our little family.  {Why do I always call my family little?  Because my kids are little?  Geez - I guess I have FOUR kids!}

I have so many people that I want to thank for their support and love.  It seemed like everyone was so willing to help in any way they could.  I need to send a VERY SPECIAL shout out to my friend, Kim.  She {through a lot of different resources} got the email address for Rob's new boss - and said we should contact her.  On a whim (and even though they technically weren't even hiring) we contacted her - and she basically told Rob that they were looking for someone just like him.  Talk about a flattering way to get hired!  Thank you, Kim.....you are amazing.

That's how the story ends, folks.  We are so lucky, and so blessed.  God has a plan for all of us - and all of this excitement is thanks to Him.  Isn't it funny that in hindsight, everything makes sense?  I know that this is exactly where we are supposed to be!

BDEM:  I am about to go jump on the couch next to my handsome hubby.  One last little cuddle before our new adventure begins!  

Halloween is Coming....

I was discussing ghosts again today with my in-laws, and my sister in law, Marci, mentioned that she hates Halloween.  I was sure that my husband was the only Anti-Halloween in the world, but it is starting to appear that people actually HATE halloween....

I definitely have my favorite holidays:  Christmas, Birthday, 4th of July, Casimir Pulaski Day, Flag Day etc.  I then have a few non favorites like: New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, National Left Hander's Day....you know - all the unimportant ones.  BUT, I didn't know that people actually detested anything and everything that had to with a celebration of sorts.  I personally think Halloween is fun, but apparently there are those out there who find the holiday horrid.  

Sissies. 

It's just because you're afraid of the dark - right?  I'm pretty sure that's my husband's root of all H alloween hatred.  One hundred percent FEAR.

However, if you're a local - and love a little Halloween Fun - you have to check this out:

CLICK HERE

It's our favorite thing to do with the kids on Halloween....AND it's free.  Even Halloween Haters enjoy this special little treat. And your kids will thank you for it - promise!


BDEM:  Church, hands down.  I left today feeling uplifted on so many levels.  I think to be even more specific, I'd have to say my husband's testimony was my absolute favorite.  He is so strong, so kind and so loving to his family - I am such a lucky, lucky lady.  

Obsession

So, I am not too embarrassed to admit I have a small, lets call it a... fascinations with ghosts.  I really love scary movies.  I also really love haunted houses.  Not the kind you pay money to get into, but more the ones that you enter through an "open" window.  (As a side note, my criminal record will not be discussed during this post).  So the other night when Jude told me he couldn't sleep because there was a ghost in his room (yeah....fan shadow) my mind started thinking of all of the scary things I've seen in my life.  I'm sure some of you are thinking of my haunted microwave - but truthfully, that never really scared me.  It was more of a good chuckle.

All of that being said, I've never seen a ghost.  I should also add that I've never seen an alien.  Just throwing that out there.  Right after my grandpa passed away a few years ago I remember talking to him a lot during night time baby feedings.  I would sit in Ella's room, in the dark, and say out loud that even though I missed and loved him very, very much....he had better not come to me in ghost form.  Thank goodness he still hasn't.

I guess ghosts and I have a rocky relationship.  I love being spooked - I don't love seeing the ghost of an old lady looking at books in the library:  

So, what say ye?  Are ghosts super awesome or super creepy?  Have you or anyone you know ever seen a ghost?  I'm not sure if I'd run away screaming bloody murder, or if I'd just go straight into the fetal position.  Who knows, maybe seeing a ghost really isn't even that scary.  Either way - I'm up for a good ghost story.

BDEM:  I perused the mall today.  We left without a thing, and I was super agitated that in the little time we were there I had to take Jude to the bathroom twice (#1, then #2 ten minutes later) AND change a poopy diaper - but it was retail therapy.  Fossil has some really cute bags, no?  Kind of fell in love with this one today:  

                                           

Buddy System

Maddie and Jude have alway been close - but I have actually been surprised at how close Ella and her "Kware Bear" have become.


BDEM:  It hasn't happened yet, but I'm fairly sure it will be the moment I get to lay my head on my pillow.  Jude spent last night seeing ghosts - so he ended up in our bed.  I was already awake at 3am, but when he came in at 4, I knew I was up for the night.  This morning I overheard him saying to Maddie, "OH YEAH - it was just the shadow of the fan..." I would have loved that information last night! 

Suggestions?

Rob and I are Netflix people. We just love seeing that red envelope in the mailbox when we don't have anything planned for the night - but our queue is falling apart!  I honestly can't think of any movies to add.
Then today I read an article about the top five movies you just HAVE to see...

1. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
2. The Royal Tenenbaums
3. Dr Strangelove:  or How I Stopped Worrying and the Love Bomb
4.  Romeo and Juliet (The Leonardo DiCaprio version)
5. The Searchers

Hmmm.....not quite the list I would have composed.  But in the interest of my empty movie queue - what is your favorite movie?  The one you recommend to everyone you see.  I don't care if it's old or new, action or chick-flick, I just need some movie ideas.


Best Day Ever Moment {BDEM}: I was so proud today as I watched the Young Women (the girls from the church youth group I work with) win their volleyball games. I am not a volleyball player, or coach of ANY sort, but I love standing on the sidelines and cheering them on.  They are good to each other, they play fair, and are good, good sports.  What's not to love about that?!  

The things you do (or skip) for love

I'm sorry... but is this what YOUR Christmas morning family photo looks like? I'm pretty sure Rob would disown me if I even mentioned the idea.  I'm all about family jammers as a Christmas Eve present - but I'm not so sure that everyone (especially Dad) should be donning their gay apparel - all matchy-matchy like.

BDEM:  It was pretty cool and rainy around these parts - so I decided to whip up some cream of potato soup for dinner.  Nothing beats the first cool night of fall - when soup is completely appropriate.  We may even finish off the night with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate - mmmmmm.  I think Autumn is finally here - and it's pretty much my favorite season - next to Summer. Who am I kidding?  I think fall takes it.  Soups, leaves, crisp air, jackets, sweaters, new school supplies, apple-spiced everything and beautiful colors.  So much to love!  

Decisions, Decisions....

I can't decide, friends.  Today was a really great day - but what should be the BDEM, and what should be the post?  I'm going to have to say this one is a toss up.  I mean, on one hand, I WAS able to go to an impromptu breakfast with my mom and step-dad - which looked like this:  

But on the other hand, I got to go to parent teacher conferences and read Johnny Appleseed: The Untold Story.  (They just don't seem to be sheltering kids the way they used to)

I can't decide - I guess today was just a win-win.  

For the past five years I have lived only fifteen minutes away from the coolest park, ever...and had no idea.  

 

I'm sure all of you locals are making the "What a loser, she's never been to Discovery Park" face - but seriously...didn't even know it existed. {Put away your scrunched up nose....if it's not in my front room, I don't know it exists!}  If there are more of these hidden (read: not on my block) gems around - feel free to pass them along.

BDEM:  My mommy made us one of those meals that just tastes like home.  Her fabulous lasagna, garlic bread and eclair cake.  I was once again a fifteen year old, sitting at my family table, enjoying Sunday dinner.

Puppy Love

While most first grade girls are dealing with little boys punching, kicking and making fun of them to show their affection - lucky Madelyn is getting love letters from her boyfriend, Oliver.

The back says, "Oliver loves Maddie."  Seriously, SO CUTE!  We came home from Rob's parents' house tonight, and there was another picture of them holding hands taped to our front door.  What a gem of a kid!  I may be a bit premature - but welcome to the family, Oliver.  Thanks for taking such good care of our little Maddie!

BDEM:  Watching General Conference.  I swear every single word was meant for me.  Did anyone else feel that way, too?!  Exactly what I needed to hear at this challenging time in our life.  We learn from our trials, we grow from our trials, and God is there - helping us every step of the way.  

Evening Treat

I decided that while Rob was out tonight with his dad and brothers, I'd make a little welcome home treat.  We had a huge leftover tub of vanilla ice cream (courtesy of Johnny and Sierra) and since most (myself not included) people think brownies and ice cream go hand in hand, I decided to whip up some carmel brownies.

Photo "borrowed" from link below

Recipe adapted from HERE  

1 cup butter

4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped (optional)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

14 ounces caramels (it is usually one bag)

1/4 cup heavy cream

In microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter together. Start at 1 minute, check and stir, and continue until melted. Watch closely to not burn! Then whisk in sugar, eggs and vanilla until incorporated. Add flour and salt. Spread half of the batter into a 9x13 greased pan. Bake for 18 minutes at 350. Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes. While the brownies are cooling, melt in the microwave caramels and cream. Make sure to stir every minute of so. Immediately spread caramel layer over brownie layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips (and pecans). Then top with remaining brownie layer. Bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool before serving. 

Simple enough, right?  Wrong.  Since I didn't have any caramels, I just figured I'd use caramel ice cream topping - because, they're basically the same... or so I thought. 

I ended up with caramel, brownie soup. 

The good news is caramel, brownie soup DOES go pretty well with ice cream...almost like a molten chocolate cake.  And Rob thought it was divine. Double bonus.

***I should add that I WILL be making these again - the correct way, because after cooling and setting a bit more, they were sooooooo good!***

BDEM: My mom (Grammy as some call her) took everyone to Cornbelly's - the local halloween/fall hotspot.  There was tons of stuff to jump on, plenty of carved pumpkins to admire, lots and lots of hay, and enough corn to give Indiana a run for its money.  Don't believe me?  Can you SWIM in corn in Indiana?  Didn't think so.  

Oh, and just so you know....I didn't really Google whether or not you can swim in corn in Indiana.  So if you DO find a place where this is possible - keep that information to yourself.  Just let me have this one. A girls gotta win every once in a while, right?