Fall is here...at least in my house

If you wait for it to LOOK like fall or FEEL like fall in Houston, you might get lucky around the end of November. So if your sweet hubby tries to act all I know what season it is and why are you putting out pumpkins. Just Smile. A Really sweet smile. And say," Babe, it is fall on the calendar, so I am trying to teach the children seasons, even though we don't have them here in Houston."
Try it.


Here are some of my fall favs. Cute garland from the Hob Lob.

Little pumpkin from last year. Love him.

The entry table in all her glory. I just love all the colors in this season. Did you know I luv orange? Yes, it is true.

I am not finished with the mantle. I need to white pumpkins on the candle holders and a better ribbon for the wreath.

And my last little tip is to get a great smelling fall candle or plug in and whatever. That always helps fill in the gap when there is no fall to be found except in your home!

Cheap Curtains

I went to Home Depot to look at paint samples for this and I saw this package of drop cloth. There was a big sign that said SPECIAL which means to me I must stop and see what it is all about. So the special was 2 drop cloths for the price of one. 6x9. SPECIAL really meant something to me now. So for $9.98 I walked out with my dining room curtains. And paint samples. I got home and pulled out this curtain rod that my neighbor found on clearance at Wal-Mart. Can you believe she called me and told me? What a great friend! I have had it for 3 months.

See, even the package said SPECIAL!

I know. Things this cheap really do exist. I finally have found something cheap enough to brag about. And yeah, it is a double rod. Ouch!

I sewed a line across the top after I folded the top over itself. I didn't even sew another line to make a true pocket for the rod.

Then I was able to pull the fabric this way and that way to create this lovely puff. That is a real term, right? The canvas is so thick it was super easy to work with. And I love the color and texture. Now I know what color to paint this room. White. I don't think I have ever painted anything white. Seriously. So for a grand total of 16.98, I have new curtains and the room look so much more complete. even though it is not. Is a room ever complete?

Is there such a thing as TOO MUCH TIME?

I can't believe I have not posted about the biggest event that has happened to me since I last gave birth. Really. It is that BIG! Yeah, you are on the edge of your seat. I have all 4 kids in school.....2 days a week. And 3 kids in school 2 days a week. Are you disappointed? Well, I am not. No tears, no sadness, no regrets! Tuesday and Thursdays are like my heaven. For 6 hours I am free as a bird. And Wednesdays are a blast b/c I just have little red. And we are both enjoying our tome together. Here are a few pics from the first day of school. I know I have four kids but I have no excuse. Two had the picture taken, two did not.


Cole's first day of second grade.

Mia's first day of MMO. She has not dropped a tear and loves it. Her teacher asked if she likes to play alone. I said probably, she never has the chance at home!

Backfiring Behaviors

I have known for some time that I tend to want the house, car, clothes to be as close to perfect and clean as possible. This behavior was easily obtained when just having one child. I know I was made fun of by others b/c when I had Cole, people were snickering and laughing about my fall from grace. Well, 4 children later I have still tried to maintain an orderly life, although less than before the others.(others=Cole, Mallory, Mia) Well, I have noticed some behaviors that have me thinking my intentions may have hurt my children. The first sign was figuring out that my children all prefer to play somewhere other than their house. At first I was offended but then decided to investigate. Turns out they just don't want kids to come over and mess up their rooms. Case in point Mallory and Mia were told to invite Aubrey over so they can remember what it is like to have a friend over. They "let" her play in their room for about 10 min
and decided the best plan of action was to relocate to Cole's room. Pretty clever, huh? Notice his room is much more played in. Then I see a post from my friend Debbie and I think I am so glad my kids have not done that! Although a sweet little boy I watched did it was and I actually cried.

Well, I am in the girls closet today and I never shut the door b/c it is so small but I am getting a toy and see this. Blue crayon on the BACK side of the door. Oh, little sneaky girls. And pencil on the back side of the laundry door. Upon investigation, Mallory stated that she did it but didn't want me to see it b/c she new I would be mad. The mean face kind of mad. Ouch! Maybe I have created some monsters.

Designers Challenge

I am hanging all of my designing dilemmas on anyone willing to put their opinions out there and give me some help! I do really need advice.

1. In the kitchen I can't figure out what to put up there in no mans land above the cabinets. I know that fake greenery is not for me and other than that I have no idea! The large piece of wood was a lame attempt last week to fill the space but clearly not doing the job.

Red wall in kitchen

2. On the Bigger problems in the living room. The room is completely open to the kitchen. All the walls are painted brown bag except for one wall in the kitchen which is painted red. The problem is all my furniture is also brown. I have red accents here and there but really need some help. I can't buy new furniture so I am thinking of painting the armouire like the Nester did and maybe the coffee table. Or possibly replacing the table. But what colors? Is it a mistake to paint?

Office area behind the couch. Need some old suitcases to put the printer on.

Brown Brown Brown

More brown with a splash of red.

So there is my sad brown room for all to see. Now let's see some great advice to help me out!