I Still Think I Need More Pumpkins

A girl can never have too many pumpkins, right? It's sorta like my philosophy with shoes. Pumpkins during fall make me smile just like my shoes do all year round.

This weekend was relaxing and we got to pick out some pumpkins from a local farmer. I am really picky about mine and went to two different places before I found ones I would call my own. I like them to be smooth, have a symmetrical shape, and be as color consistent as possible.

Picky?

Yeah, just a tad.

I also picked up those ginormous mums for just $5 a pop. Not too shabby.

I've got some more simple fall decorations coming, so stay tuned. I don't go crazy with my decor, but I do involve a little glitter. My father in law would be so proud. ; )

And, I can't wait to carve my pumpkins really soon. I loved what I did last year and am thinking about doing something similar.

Have you picked out your pumpkins yet?

xoxo

Carve It Up!

Every year Dave and I buy pumpkins to sit outside. Every year they go un-carved. This year we, well I, decided this pattern needed a change! Thus, we carved our very first pumpkins since the eight years we've been together this past weekend.

It was super fun and funny to watch Dave freak out at the pumpkin guts; he didn't do much of the carving, or rather any at all, because he didn't want to touch the insides! He, however, was the perfect assistant! : )

We started with our big pumpkin and our $4 carving kit from Wal-Mart. We both read the instructions because the last time either of us had carved a pumpkin was years ago, lots of years!

I knew I wanted to use our last name monogram as the first design. Dave and I decided on a whimsy letter "S" and I traced it on the pumpkin and removed all the insides.
Dave then posed for a picture to prove he was in attendance!

The actual carving was easier than I had anticipated--which was a good thing! Here's the finished product!

Since we always buy three pumpkins every year {one for Dave, one for me, and for for Niko}, I wanted to carve another one. The booklet that came with our carving tools also had sample designs. Most were of your typical halloween-type scene, which really isn't our scene.

However, one stuck out that I thought was just too cute and perfect for me! Some may think it's super dorky, but I love it and use the symbol way too frequently on the 'net!

Here are our beauties sitting pretty on the front steps!

And here's a shot of them in the dark! By the way, since I'm your biggest worry wart, we purchased the LED lights that appear as real candlelight since real fire was not a contender for this girl!

I have one more design in the works, but it requires a different pumpkin because the one that's left isn't the right shape. Details to come if I finish it in time! : )

Have you carved your pumpkins this year? If so, share the details and tell what you designed!

Home Sweet Home: Fall Style!

I don't do much seasonal decorating, in fact most decorations are too "themey" if you know what I mean. Christmas decorations are about the most I'll do--and those must be functional and pretty and not a red and green overload. However, I will do a little bit to spruce up our humble abode for my favorite season of the year.

Mums and pumpkins on the front porch!DIY glitter pumpkins as the dining room table centerpieceAnd, my newest addition...mini pumpkins on the console table

What we have is just enough to appreciate Fall, but not go overboard-wacky about it. Oh, and you cannot see it, but my favorite wall flower, sweet cinnamon pumpkin, is burning! Mmm, mmm--love it!

Fall's In Full Effect

Our weekends have been filled with your typical Fall festivities. Last weekend we made a trip out to Relleke's pumpkin patch with Dave's mom, Aunt Rita, and Cousins:Janice, Mark, Claire and Caroline.

Caroline and Claire had loads of fun riding a wagon through the cornstalks, swinging on the swings, and jumping up and down on a trampoline type thing.

We had some fabulous food and a lot of laughs searching for our perfect pumpkins. The day was truly a success!

This past weekend Dave and I made yet another trip out to Relleke's to supervise my students working the Haunted Barn. Foreign Language Club and Student Council partnered together to work the barn that NHS had set up. It's a pretty easy money maker, even though it was a suuuuper hot day. The kids love scaring other kids and all in all everyone comes out a happy camper. However, one kid got so worked up that he bolted out of the barn and proceeded to throw-up---yikes! Guess he was scared at least!

Here's the barn!

Dave and I trying to stay cool. It was sunny as you can tell by Dave's squinty eyes!Two of the tour guides and super star screamers!

Dave found a little buddy while we were there.

Yesterday we had our bi-weekly Spanish lessons at our house and then headed to Aunt Jane's to crash her reunion and play some washers. Claire was a little champ at the game and I didn't do too shabby for my first time.

Claire and Caroline getting ready to head out to Aunt Jane and Uncle Joe's!