Nesting and Projects

So I have been totally inspired by others who actually finish projects and have tried to be better at my own. My newest favorite blog is by two sisters in my ward. http://beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com/ They are not only wonderful Friends and Mothers, but are simply amazing and talented. They threw me a shower, which I need to post about once I get some more photos, and are in a craft contest, and accomplish awesome things in the mist of all they have going on... I think they secretly have a way of stopping time in the middle of the night when we don't know about it.

I have LOVED being a stay at home Mom, being able to enjoy Anna, but also do the many things I wasn't able to when I was working. So to remember the time I had just me and Anna these last few months, here is what I have been up:

Repainting outside furniture -though this one is only half done... I need Dave's help!

Trying to find bedding. WHAT A HASTLE! This is actually one of the sets I bought and took back, because it was horribly made, but I miss the blue pillows! We are now on our 4th round of trying something out. (One was too old fashioned looking, another was horribly sewn as well with black threads under a while comforter, and now a simple one we have for now.) I just cannot make up my mind. I will post the final product, hopefully by the end of this week, and we will hopefully be happy with it!

Making Sugar cookies (another inspiration from the previously mentioned blog). My friend Kristy and I have had a lot in common, including cravings. We have both wanted to be better at baking (though she took a cake decorating class over the past 6 weeks and is now Amazingly much more advanced...jealous!) We made these cookies on a craving a month or so back. They aren't gorgeous by any means and the ones that are are because of Kristy, not myself, but they were fun and VERY yummy!) Thanks to our guest, Ashleigh who got us started as well! And our other guests who helped us eat them, especially the football ones... (; Right Kristy? )

I have been so proud of my little sister, she has finished her teaching degree and is teaching elementary! I wish I could see her in her cute classroom. I know that she will have a huge impact on all the lives she meets! I made this for her to put up somewhere.... Love ya Nats!

Decorating Anna's room... I don't think I'll ever be happy with it. Dora toddler bed is throwing off any style points. (I have never been a fan of character furniture - besides Anna's Princess table). I tried to repaint this magnet board, it works a little better, but other things are just struggling! One day...

T.O.M.A.T.O.E.S - If you know my family you know we are not tomato people. However over the years I have come to the light, however, I still don't like them plain, but they are yummy in all sorts of things. If I had more energy our cupboard would be FILLED with all sorts of stuff. We have had a bowl of tomatoes on our counter since July . They have been overflowing thanks to our lovely landlords who I should have brought a bag of tomatoes to every week ( and spaced it most weeks!)

One of two batches of yummy salsa... Tried to dehydrate tomato paste, but it stinks so bad I don't know if I want to use it. Perhaps it will work for food storage one day, but for now being pregnant I cannot go near that junk.

Fresh Pico de Gallo ala Chevy's online recipes. SOOOO yummy. We made this so much for a while that we had to take a break, but I bought a jalapeno today and will hope to make it again tomorrow! (:
A goal of mine is to become a better thrift shopper, there are some amazing finds out there. I got Anna a kitchen (and a cute one) fully stocked with tooo much food and a shopping cart for $10. I found some decor for her room for $5 -though they are the hassle of not getting her room decorated. Also, I found this basket for $3 and repainted it for the baby's room.

That isn't all, but it is enough for me for right now. Now for this last week before my mom gets in town and we hopefully deliver a baby I hope to finish a lot off my way toooooo long of a list! Or just cuddle with my little one who will soon be a big sister.... either way I should be happy!

What do you do in November in California?

Run in the Sprinklers of course! For those of you who are natives this may seem like a silly post, but if you grew up in Utah, Michigan, or anywhere else that have colder seasons you'll understand my shock in what we are able to do at this time of year.

Last week we had BEAUTIFUL weather. We got out many times, but one evening Anna asked if she could run in the sprinklers. We were already out in our shorts so why not? Though it is a little colder this week so this is probably the last. We will miss having snow, but I have to admit it is nice not to pull out the winter coats just yet. (Though some in Modesto seem to think that 60 degree weather required beanies, winter coats and boots.) (:

This was her way of drying off afterwards, she did it all on her own, getting the towels, laying them out and everything. When she asked for one more towel for her feet I told her she didn't need the yellow one where is was... her reply, "but it is my favorite color!" Oh, didn't realize it had to be on top! (: Particular, particular!!

Weeks of Halloween

We had a couple of weeks of celebrating the holiday. The weekend prior to Halloween Dave and I went to the Oakland Temple for the evening. Anna went with our friends from the neighboring ward and went to their Halloween Trunk or Treat. Here's the little cutie before hand.

Saturday night we had an adult Halloween Party. I wanted to do something with the belly. (No I did not paint it,) but had a good time using it as a prop.

We had a fun Halloween weekend. Friday night was our church's Trunk or treat. Anna liked playing the games, but her favorite thing was exploring the "pumpkin patch." Cinderella was the belle of the ball... Our great friends brought their "child" to the Trunk or Treat. Here is Winston aka the Fireman.

Saturday, Anna and I went down to the farmer's market (Dave had a retreat all morning) and went trick or treating. There were many fun costumes including a Lego family and many princesses, however Anna's favorite was Mary Poppins dressed to a tee with her parents as Chimney sweeps! Later that evening we carved pumpkins and had pizza, and Anna went to bed early. We were all exhausted, but Dave and I had to finish our carving. Dave was such a cute Daddy and did his to honor Anna. On Halloween night we ate dinner in a pumpkin. It was my first attempt and I think it turned out pretty good!Anna had a great time giving out treats to the Trick or Treaters. She would scream every time the doorbell rang and run to the door! Such a cutie.

All in all it was a great Halloween.

Fall / Halloween Fun...so far

We are trying to live up the fall festivities. Here are some highlights so far.

Anna decorating with her favorite toys and new pumpkins from the Del Osso Farms

PUMPKIN COSTUME...

Our nearby shopping center had a kick off to Halloween day. Anna found her Halloween costume from last year and wanted to wear it. She looks so cute! (especially the California hot weather version). They were suppose to set up a hot air balloon which I was most excited about, but it was too windy. Instead we met a few characters and went in a haunted house- which we went through the wrong door and left prematurely, but it was probably better for Anna. Then we trick or treated to all the stores.

Ghostbusters... Anna had heard this song the week before so we were able to tell her this was from that song. She was a little reluctant at first, then liked the green silly monster.

Waiting for the Hot Air Balloon. We couldn't find her trick or treat pumpkin, but she loved wearing the backpack.

Gearing up to go ...Kinnersley smile style!

MICHIGAN CHEERLEADER ...
We have a monthly music makers class with toddlers in our ward. This month was a Halloween theme. We have had Anna's actual Halloween costume since the beginning of the month, but Anna didn't want to wear it. She had been singing the Michigan fight song all weekend so we dressed up as that!

Eating treats Ala Ashleigh. She will probably kill me for posting since she "rushed" through these treats, but I thought they were REALLY cute! Check out her blog, "Bee in our Bonnet" on my blog reel. She is AMAZING!

Hello song, check out all the great costumes!

Marching, Anna's at the end of the sidewalk with her skirt falling off.

This was after she had a turn helping with a book. She was pretty proud.