The Perfect Pumpkin

Michaela Byrd and I headed off to our favorite local farm with her kindergarten class last week. The mission was, if you asked her, to find the "perfect" pumpkin in their pumpkin patch. I think the kindergarten teachers were more hopeful that the students would learn about pumpkins and farming. It was a chilly day, but we managed to have some fun and get some good photos. I thought I'd share some today since it is Halloween.

The "perfect pumpkin" ended up being slightly lopsided and missing a stump, but when you know, you know. Thankfully, I remembered to bring two plastic bags, which I used to lug our two pumpkins back up the hill to the swagger wagon, a feat which just about put me into early labor.

It was a perfect morning though. Happy Halloween to you!

What's your favorite pumpkin patch activity?

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Milestone

Parents look forward to important milestones. We dream of the night our little one will sleep more than four hours in a stretch. We hope for the day that they'll take their first steps or say their first word. But I recently realized that there is a very important event that the baby book people neglected to add a slot for when they printed the "milestone" pages in Natalie's baby book. Case in point...

The day she learned to vacuum.

Growing up, I sometimes griped that my parents *must* have had us three kids so that we'd be around to dust and vacuum. As a grown adult with children of my own, I realize now that this definitely probably wasn't the case, but boy is it a joyful thing to watch your child rev up the engine to the Hoover and take a spin around the kitchen, laying waste to clumps of dog hair and crumbs. 

Totally not the reason why I had kids....but certainly a nice perk, no?

Which household chore do you have your kids help out with?

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"Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails" Themed Baby Boy Shower

I've been wanting to share these baby shower photos with you all for a week, and finally downloaded everything last night. Here's a peek at the "Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails" themed baby shower that my sweet friend, Michelle, planned and hosted for me.

When Michelle offered to host a baby shower for me, I was surprised, but delighted. I wasn't expecting a baby shower at all, as this is baby number three for us. After seven years of frills and pink and ruffles, I didn't have a thing "boy." Michelle came up with the adorable "Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails" theme after I told her about the puppy themed nursery I'm planning for baby boy.

I can't claim a thing except a few of the photos--she is an amazing and gracious hostess with a stunning home. It was such a special afternoon! Natalie and Michaela Byrd were also invited, and they were so excited.

Everything was delicious, and I loved how Michelle matched the cards for the food to the invites/theme! From the puppy and snail shaped sandwiches to the chocolate fountain...it was all fabulous.

The activity Michelle planned was a hilarious, custom, baby themed "Mad Libs" that had us all laughing out loud.

I received some really sweet gifts: cute little outfits, embroidered burp cloths, beautiful baby blankets, and the hostess sent me home with the adorable little onesies she used for the banner!

More than anything, I enjoyed the afternoon of good food and fellowship. What a blessing!

I feel so lucky to have friends and family who care enough to share the special day with me. And how beautiful is Michelle's home? I'll have to do a tour for you guys someday!

What's your favorite baby shower theme?

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

Inspiring Project Ideas {link party features}

Hello, and Happy Monday! It's also a Features Day from the weekend link party. Isn't it fun to start off your week with some inspiration? There was a fantastic line-up of creative posts: Home Decor, DIY, Crafts, Recipes, Party Ideas, Tips and Tricks, and more. It's an awesome spot to find stuff to add to your Pinterest boards! Here are some that I spotted this weekend:

~DIY West Elm Inspired Herringbone Mirror via teal and lime

~Vanilla Cream Cheese Brownies via Year-Round Giving

~DIY Pinecone Wreath via Simply Sophisticated

Showcase Your Best Post of the Week-- Link Up!

Good morning! Just wanted to remind you that there is one more day to link up to this week's Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. I'd love to see you there! I'll have a post with some Featured Project Ideas up tomorrow.

If you haven't joined the fun yet, please hop over to the party and add your best post of the week. We have Home Decor, Crafts, DIY, Recipes, Tips and Tricks, Party Ideas, and so much more! Lots of fun ideas to Pin and tuck away for future use.

If you've already linked up, be sure to browse some of the other projects. If you haven't added a link back to me within your post, please take a minute to do that if you'd like your project considered for a feature. It's good for both of our SEO, guys!

Hope you've had a fantastic weekend.

Share Your Best Post of the Week --Link Up!

Happy Saturday, friends! What are you up to today? Don't forget to link up to this week's link party...it went live yesterday, and I'd love to see your project there! Features will be up on Monday morning, so head over now.

All kinds of posts are welcome here: We have recipes, party ideas, room makeovers, crafts, printables, tips and tricks, home decor, DIY, fashion advice, and more! The code for the button is located over at the party, or you can add a text link back to me within your post. Remember, I only feature projects that have a link back to me within the post.

If you haven't linked up yet, just head on over now to the party! Be sure to browse some of the amazing projects that have been shared.

Features coming soon!

Weekend Bloggy Reading :: Link Up!

Happy Friday! Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. This is the day of the week where other bloggers stop by to link up their best post of the week, and readers get to browse tons of fun project ideas. If you're new here, don't forget to "Follow" or subscribe so you don't miss future parties and projects!

*Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--I've had to bypass so many great projects lately because they didn't include a link back to my blog in the post!

This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.

Here are a few of my faves I spotted around the web this week:

sources listed below

~DIY Homework Counter via That's My Letter

~Cornhusk Fall Table Setting via Kleinworth and Co.

~Pizza Pinwheels via Inside BruCrew Life

~Railroad Spike Wall Hook Rack via The Wood Grain Cottage

~And Me? I'd love it if you have a moment to click over. This week featured:

• Best Pregnancy Websites and Blogs
• Organizing Shelves and Bins for Craft Supplies
• My Favorite Baby Shower Gift
• Inspiring Project Ideas

*It's also a BOTB Day over at Centsational Girl! Head over today to see what Kate and I rounded up for this week's edition of the Best of the Blogosphere.

Time to link up your best post of the week!