Seasonal Decoration: Autumn Centerpiece

Here is an easy idea for a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or autumn table. This would also look great to accent your bedroom or bathroom. Make it your own style with different colors of candles...different fillers. Have fun!

Winter blows in to Reno...

Brrr! We had a little taste of winter blow through here this weekend! Friday blew in with 60 mph wind gusts! Both neighbors had sections of their fence come down. Incredible wind! Our power was out for 4 hours in the morning...how often we take for granted the blessings that we have and use on a daily basis! Coffeemakers, refrigerators, furnaces, washing machines, etc! So we did school at the kitchen table without our videos. Soon after the power came on around noon, the temperature started dropping and it started snowing! It snowed for 3 hours straight! I loved it! I enjoyed watching the big snowflakes fall and coating the ground. This is the picture I took this morning with my cell phone from our living room window. It will soon be gone as the temperatures reach into the 50's again. But I will enjoy it while it lasts. :)

Today is full of normal activities. School...a few loads of laundry...preparing for Sunday...spending the evening with the family...babysitting. I wish you all a blessed weekend!

Our newest addition!

Belle at my husband's work before he brought her home.

Belle and Max taking a nap one afternoon.

So...we have added a new member to our family. :)
My husband brought home a little West Highland Terrier. She is four months old, all white, and her name is Belle. In honor of Addie's favorite princess-from Beauty and the Beast. It was quite the rambunctious beginning in her new life...the girls like to smother her in blankets and carry her around like a baby doll. Max tried to attack her and then show her that he was the alpha male in the house by peeing on her! Whew! However, things have settled down.
Belle is welcomed with open arms and is a sweet part of our family.
I do have to say though...one more dog or one more child...and this might change to a mad house! :)

"Hold you, Mommy."

This morning, my 2 yr. old, Sierra, asked me..."Hold you, Mommy. Hold you." In translation, this means - "Hold me." :)

I put her on my lap and she said in her broken, toddler language that only Mommies understand..."Lay down...Mommy's...arms."

How I loved that statement.

"Yes, baby girl, I will hold you.
And yes, baby girl, you may lie down in Mommy's arms."

When you have a hard day...difficult trials...not sure of your next step...and just need a hug...

Go to God...tell Him..."Hold you, God. Hold you."
Then tell Him..."Lay down...God's...arms."

And He will.

A Thoughtful Gesture...

Will you be visiting someone's home for the Thanksgiving holidays?
A nice home-warming gift is to bring a fall bouquet of flowers for the lady of the home when you arrive for the Thanksgiving meal.
It is a nice thank-you for all the work and preparation that she has done for the holiday!

Harvest Party 2009

Eric, myself, Addie and Autumn at the Roller Kingdom

The princesses are ready to go!

Nana Holt and Sierra

Our pastor's daughter, Rachelle, our pastor's wife, Carla Ralstin, and our pastor's mom, Stella Ralstin.

Papa Tastet and Sierra

My mom is here visiting from Ohio this week. On Tuesday, we went to our church Harvest Party at Roller Kingdom. It was a wonderful time of food and fellowship! Here are a few pictures of the evening.