"Happier" Halloween

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Actually, I love all things fall! We've crammed a lot of fun fall activities into the last few days and some did not exactly go as well as planned. I was really hoping that three happy girls got of the bus this afternoon, because trick or treat night had arrived. Thankfully, there were no grouches...just Batman, a cat, and a mouse (duh)!

While the big girls planned to go with friends, Stella and I were heading out alone for some treats.

Pumpkin carving may not have been as good a time as I had hoped. But, trick or treat night...nailed it

Pumpkin Carving with a Side of Grouchiness

We are rolling right along through Fall and checking things off our Fall to-do list faster than you can say "pumpkin pie"! Last night, it was pumpkin carving night. While the girls scooped the guts out of the pumpkins, I made some doughnuts. Of course by the time I was done, the kitchen was covered with pumpkin goo and the girls were getting grouchy. Sometimes, even though in my head I clearly have a perfect picture of how things will be fun and everyone will get along and be happy, it doesn't always work out that way. But, we power through and make the best of it! In the end, we have three jack o' lanterns.

I would have loved to get a picture of all three together, but Madelyn refused. :(

Oh well, maybe next year! ;)

Another Year Cancer Free

Getting a mammogram...not my favorite thing to do.

However, as a breast cancer survivor, they become pretty routine.

Today was my yearly mammogram and I am thrilled to say, I made it another year cancer free!

Fall Fun

Autumn has always been my favorite season. I love the colors, the cooler temps, and warm cozy sweaters. Today, we celebrated fall with our traditional trip to World's End State Park. We had a cookout, walked in the woods, looked for the prettiest leaves, and enjoyed some much needed relaxation. It was nice...very windy and somewhat cold...but nice. Back to the real world tomorrow. Boo!

Happy Sunday!

A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

Stella had been wiggling another loose tooth for a few days. Yesterday, she got off the school bus with that tooth just hanging there, sticking out, and looking crazy. I really wanted to just yank it out, but she is a bit stubborn and had to do it herself. That tooth survived an afternoon snack and dinner! Finally, just before bed she went into another room and pulled it out. 

This is the smile of a little girl that is so proud of herself! Also, this is how big she was still smiling this morning. With school pictures coming up soon, we could have a very interesting first grade picture! 

A Weekend in Gettysburg, PA

Although school was back in session at the end of August, I wasn't quite ready (and I'm still not) for our summer fun to end. So, Labor Day weekend we took another trip to Gettysburg, Pa. We've been there a few times and still have so many more things to see and do. Surprisingly, the kids enjoy the history as much as Mike and I do! 

Sachs Covered bridge was one of the places we hadn't been to on our previous visits. With many ghost stories floating around, we thought it would be fun to visit. It turned out to be one of the most peaceful places on our trip. The bridge itself is beautiful and the water was so calm. The trees and clouds reflecting off the water was just gorgeous! I'm not sure how I would feel about visiting at night, though. Maybe we'll save that for another time when the kids aren't with us.

One of favorite places in Gettysburg is Devils Den. The girls could spend all day climbing the rocks and imagine what it was like for the soldiers who fought there.

The Pennsylvania Memorial is another favorite stop. Mike and my Dad spent a good amount of time searching through the list of soldiers names looking for our ancestors.

Touring the battlefields was the perfect way to spend the weekend and we especially enjoyed having my parents along with us. They took us to a few of their favorite places as well. I'm sure we'll be heading back again sometime soon!

{Catching Up} Back to School

Madelyn(5th), Stella(1st), Felicia(7th)

Summer break came to an end a few weeks ago and apparently, I'm still in denial over it because until now, I haven't posted first day of school pics!

So, here they are, The Adams girls starting out another year of school! It's hard to believe how much these girls have grown. I mean really...my BABY is in first grade already! Crazy!

Being home alone when the girls are all in school and their big brothers are all at work is very quiet. Most days, I am very busy with the everyday chores of being a mom, but there are some moments that I actually have "free time". These are the moments that I have no idea what to do with myself! I suppose I should just enjoy the quiet, but it's not always that easy. I think I need to find a hobby! HA!

Of course, when the day is done and I pick them up at the bus stop, the silence is broken and the witching hour begins. I must say, I dislike homework just as much as an adult as I did when I was a kid. Booo! But, so far our school year has gotten off to a great start. Hopefully it continues!

Summer Adventures

I can't believe it's August 8th already! Summer is dwindling away fast and I am not quite ready for it to be over just yet. Back in July we spent a week in Myrtle Beach, SC. I really wish we were still there. Sand between my toes and sunshine on my face is just about my idea of perfection. Also this summer: we've had VBS twice, trips to the pool, sleepovers, cookouts and general summer fun. We'll end the summer with a trip to Gettysburg, PA for the Labor Day weekend. We can't wait!

Yesterday, we had a unique experience with our church. Instead of our usual Sunday service, we went for a river cruise on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat. We had a short service after our cruise and followed it with lunch and fellowship. It really was a perfect day!

I'm still looking forward to a few more adventures this summer and I hope you are enjoying yours as much as we are!

Happy Monday!

Life Lately

It's been a while since I blogged, but some things never change! It's snowing again. Although I usually like snow, it's April. We've had enough! Bring on the sunshine!

All three girls in school has given more free time...to do laundry! Ha!

Stella missed the entire past week of school with a fever and nasty cough. Sadly, I think she shared it with a few of the other kids because I am hearing quite a bit of coughing this morning. :(

We are all so ready for summer and planning our vacation has been fun! A week at the beach is just what we all need. Too bad we have to wait until July! 

It looks like I'll be spending the rest of this weekend at home while everyone recovers from the latest virus. Hopefully by next week everyone will be feeling good and the weather will get warmer!

Happy Saturday! 

The First Snow

It finally happened! We've been waiting forever for the flakes to fly and boy, did they fly! One minute, I was looking out the window and a few minutes later I looked out again and the entire neighborhood was blanketed in white. Of course it was already dark, but we still bundled up and went out to play in it. After all, somebody had to shovel the sidewalk. My inner child was jumping for joy!

Sick, Sick, Sick!

Twenty sixteen has not exactly started off great for us. With the first week in the books, the theme so far, seems to be a nasty cold! We've been sharing the germs around here and although Stella powered through the beginning of the first week back to school, she just couldn't make it today. I was pretty certain I would have my mini home with me after Madelyn told me, not only did Stella fall asleep on the bus ride home, but she was crying at lunch and had to find Maddie for some big sister lovin. I'm also feeling pretty crappy, so cuddling on the couch watching Nick Jr. is on the agenda for today.

I hope your first week is going better than ours!

{Easy} Pull-Apart Sticky Buns

Several years ago, I started making these sticky buns for our Christmas breakfast. They quickly became a favorite! So much so, that this year I also made them for our New Year's breakfast! They are simple to make and so delicious.

{You will need}

2 loaves of frozen bread dough (thawed)

2 tbsp. milk

1/2 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 small box of vanilla pudding (the cook and serve kind, NOT instant)

{To Make}

Spray a 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray. Tear the thawed bread dough into pieces and put them in the bottom of the pan. Melt the butter in the milk. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pudding mix.

Pour over the bread dough and then let rise for about 2 hours.

Bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Remove them from the oven and invert onto a serving tray.

*My family likes their sticky buns plain, but if you prefer nuts (or raisins), you can add them to the bottom of the pan before adding the bread dough.

Enjoy!

Well, I made it through twenty fifteen with my health and sanity intact. I call that a successful year! As we head into a new year I plan to continue on, enjoying all the moments, big and small. I encourage you all to do the same!

Happy New Year!