Fall Ornaments …

Justin had no school on Monday (teacher collaboration day) … so I decided to do a fun project with the kids. We made the cutest Salt Dough Ornaments.




Between the wonderful fall cookie cutters we have and our own creations we made a great batch of fall hanging ornaments and mini bowl ornaments.



The kids loved rolling and cutting out the shapes. Makenna fell asleep while they were baking so she missed out on the painting but she sure was my super duper helper when I clear coated them and added the fabric ties.

Eager to make some of your own!! Here is what you need:

Salt Dough Recipe
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. salt
1 c. water

Mix flour and salt together - add water - knead until dough forms (add a touch of flour if sticky, a touch of water if too dry)

Bake at 325 degrees for 30-45 min. depending on how "thick" you make them.

Back 2 School ...

Today was Makenna’s 1st day back to school. She has been waiting for this day for 3 months. She attends school 4 mornings a month at a fabulous small school here in Fort Collins called The Learning House. ~ http://www.thelearninghouse.org/

~ Makenna was so excited to stand by "the tree" and get her picture taken. This is the same tree Justin stood by on his 1st day of school:) ... and you didn't Makenna was going to let Elmo miss this moment ~

~Makenna outside of school ~

~ Skipping into school ... only wish I would have had the video camera ~

~ Makenna at her cubbie ~

The Learning House was founded and ran by a married couple … Ernie and Mary Batson. Ernie is Makenna’s teacher and is just amazing. I’m not sure I have ever met someone who has a greater passion for children and education. His energy and corkyness mesmerizes Makenna. Anyone who has been around Makenna knows she runs on fast 90% of the time. Not at school she is rather quiet and does a lot of observing. I am hoping that this semester she blossoms and hits a happy medium between fast and quiet.

MOPS ...

Ever since Justin was born I’ve wanted to join MOPS. (Mothers of Preschoolers … MOPS is a morning of fellowship, guidance, support, and affirmation for Christian mothers of infant through kindergarten age children) Sadly when Justin was little my work schedule conflicted with meeting times so it never worked out for me to join. As for the last 2 ½ years I really don’t have a good excuse for not joining. This fall I decided to make it a priority and after attending my 1st meeting today I couldn’t be happier. I truly believe this will be an adventure that will change my life. Not only with the opportunity to meet and connect with other mom’s but a growth in my relationship with the Lord.

My mom being the strong Christian Women/Mother and so passionately guiding us girls toward having a positive relationship with other Christians is smiling in heaven right now. She talked about MOPS and the sisterhood that comes when Christian women unite I’m just sad that she will have to watch my journey from up above but couldn’t be happier that I am blessed with the opportunity to experience the journey that lies ahead of me.

Panties and Proud ...

Finally Makenna is officially potty trained and proud to be wearing panties!! It wasn’t easy but then we have learned that nothing has been easy with Makenna. We have been working on potty training for a few months and magically last week it just clicked. She has been in panties NO DIAPERS (except a few naps and a few nights) for a week now and although it hasn’t been 100% accident free I am proud to say the potty is certainly winning!! Thank goodness she has adapted a love for her girly panties because when we first started this adventure she was determined to wear Justin’s boxer briefs.

Makenna has proven to be my challenging, stubborn uncooperative payback child at times but as a mother she makes me realize that each challenge comes with a reward. My days are full of smiles, laughter and unforgettable memories. I am so lucky to have a little girl that … is a great mommies helper, makes me the best play food meals, lets me share her fort even if I am too big, loves to picnic on the lawn and makes me realize that the greatest gift I have ever received is the chance to be a mother. Oh our babies grow up WAY TOO FAST but this is one milestones mothers looks forward to.

Tour de Fat ...

After years of watching people ride by the house in silly costumes and decorated bikes we decide this year to join the MADNESS!! Yesterday along with 10,000 – 12,000 other bicyclists decked out in wild and crazy costumes we pedaled through Fort Collins on a 2 hour bicycle parade for the Annual TOUR DE FAT. I know there is some eco friendly reason for the parade and day long festivities sponsored by New Belgium Brewery … a local Micro Brewery - www.newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat .. but for us it was a day full of family fun. Together with our great friends JC and Jen Van Cleave and their kids we spent Friday Night decorating our bikes then hit the parade Saturday morning for a ride around town.

~ Makenna and Elmo rode in the trailer ... she waved like she was the Princess of the Parade ~

~ Super Mom and Batman Justin ~

~ 3 Amigos ... Andy, Dwight and JC ~

It was total creative chaos and I’m sure a complete freak show for the kids … but I must say it was a BLAST and Justin is already looking forward to next year’s parade.

~ All the people in front of us ~

~ All the people behind us ~

~ Dwight and Justin enjoying the show as they ride along ~