why it's a good thing Philadelphia only wins a championship every couple of decades

$30 each

all things halloween

Say boo to breakfast!

Another favorite book Treats for trick-or-treaters


A great shot of the rug in Harrison's classroom - ha!

And my knight and his dragon ready to take on TWO neighborhoods. First our own small street, and then over to Nanny's where more houses = more candy!

Happy Halloween!

30

30 years ago, they had not quite perfected the sepia effect...


30 Reasons Why I Love You - by Jonathan Russell (who gets props this year for buying GREAT gifts - flowers, jewelery, and a sappy card - I was spoiled!)

1. You are a good mom to our boys
2. You have a quick wit
3. You like to take pictures
4. You have good taste in clothes (Kara - that top is from the Gap, it was also from Jonathan!)
5. You like Symphony Bars
6. Books are your friends
7. Sometimes it only takes an oatmeal cookie
8. You fold my und*es and put them away (it's nice to be recognized, lol)
9. You like a clean house
10. You volunteer
11. You enjoy reading children's books
12. Sunflower seeds are not expensive
13. You only hit the garage twice (ha. ha.)
14. You have good taste in home furnishings
15. You are computer savvy (this is relative)
16. You care about the way you look
17. You are willing to try new recipes
18. You like to decorate for the holidays
19. You ask me what shoe looks best
20. You still say "hey"
21. You like traditions
22. You have a broad cross-section of friends
23. You like pizza and ice cream
24. CENSORED (blush)
25. You are a good hostess and party planner
26. You are a good game player
27. You are sensitive to how people feel
28. You are a good public prayer
29. You remember peoples names really well
30. You challenge me to be a better person

a soccer mom

is exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. Congrats to Harrison on another successful season.

And a fond farewell to my 20's.

pumpkin patch '08

After a half hour hay ride, two treks through the corn maze, and picking 20 pounds worth of pumpkins, we piled back into the car. "How did the pictures turn out?" Jonathan asked as I scrolled through them on the camera.

Well, we got a really great shot of that horse! I told him.

And the rest? Make me glad for mosaics. Where it doesn't matter that your children are squinting, covered in shadows, and flashing their best cheesy fake grins.

a peek inside

Today was Open House Day at Harrison's school, and I was so excited to observe the action in his classroom (And with 25 students in the class, there was plenty of action! Including one little boy who threw his apple slices during snack time) I was also thrilled to volunteer at the book fair taking place in the library - I HEART the book fair! Of course, I got to meet the librarian, who immediately asked "Whose mom are you?" and when I told her "Oh yes!" She chirped " I know Harrison! He's very serious. And his hair is always perfect."

Yep. That would be him.

wii wii wii all the way home

On Thursday I just so happened to be at Target (fate!), and casually asked a sales woman if they were still expecting a shipment of Wii's on Sunday. She pointed to a locked cabinet and exclaimed "We have them, NOW!" I wonder if the rush I experienced was similar to that of my own mother securing a Cabbage Patch Doll for me, 25 years ago? I'm just glad I didn't have to sleep in a parking lot to make my little ones dreams come true.

(Yes, I did order this. Personalized. Who among us can resist pom-pom trim?)

comfort food

is my favorite food. I found this recipe on a random blog and it is SO YUMMY. I am a left-overs snob, but Jonathan said it was even better re-heated the next day.

Chicken Noodle Casserole (move over tuna!)

12 oz. wide egg noodles, cooked according to pkg directions.
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
2 breasts of chicken, chopped and cooked
1/2 of a small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
fresh parsley, chopped (I didn't actually add this)

For the topping:
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/3 cup italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Cook pasta according to package directions, set aside. In a large skillet, melt butter and add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft, just a few minutes. Add flour and whisk together and let it brown a bit. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth. Cook on medium low until bubbling and the mixture starts to thicken. Add salt and pepper, chicken and noodles. Combine well.Pour into a greased casserole dish. Mix the melted butter and breadcrumbs until well combined. Sprinkle on top of the noodles. Cook in a 375 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes or until breadcrumbs are nice and toasted. Top with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

baby it's cold INSIDE

Jonathan says we aren't turning the heat on yet, because I spent all of our money at the mall. Ha, ha. Hardy ha. Anywho, this is backfiring on him in a major way, because with temperatures dipping, my thoughts have turned to Christmas (what, you don't see the connection?) My boys have already made their requests known

For Sawyer

For Harrison

And you know with a Wii on the list, I HAVE to shop early. Should I hold out for one of those "bundle" deals, or just grab a console at Blockbuster when I have the chance? Also, what games would you suggest I start with?

ridiculously simple. and smudged.

My friend Kara (private blogger) is hosting a drawing, and you have to post a card in order to have your name entered for the give-away. So here is my submission. Monique, when you receive this in approximately 4 days, pretend you've never seen it before in your life - k? Thanks ;)
And someone else who deserves a thank you? I wore my MCPALIN 08 t-shirt today, and the manager at Chipolte grill gave me my tacos for free! Seriously - how ridiculously nice and random was that? And oooh, were they good!

picture day

Mrs. Barnett said to wear something "snazzy" for picture day, and given the amount of hoodie sweatshirts and athletic gear I saw on the other boys, I think Harrison gets an A+ for this assignment!

His homework for the weekend is to look for signs of Fall and bring what he finds back to school with him on Monday. Here are some signs of the season around our house.

Another new goodie? This framed canvas from Home Goods for $39.99. I've been a fan ever since I saw it in the Ballard catalog where it sells for $249. I guess I AM lucky, sometimes.

i love you stinky face

But Mama, but mama what if you took me to your friends house for a prayer meeting, and I had a stinky diaper, only you had switched cars with daddy, so you didn't have a diaper bag, or an emergency pack of wipes in your glove compartment, or a hatchback to change me in for that matter...would you still love me then?

I REALLY need to get this kid potty-trained! For those of you who remember, Harrison pretty much trained himself in a day - and I know I'm not going to get that lucky twice.

Shoot, I'm not even lucky enough to be in a group with moms who still have kids in diapers so I could borrow one. I just don't think I'm cut out for M&M incentives and sticker charts. Maybe I'll give it another month? And for some added insurance, I could stock Jonathan's car with diapering supplies - you know if I'm prepared, this will never happen again, right?

Or else that will be the day I lock the keys in the car and can't get to anything... Ey. My luck stinks!

nick & norah. not to be confused with the pj's

Now that I know my feelings for Clay will never be mutual...

How adorable is Michael Cera? And how sad am I to realize I'm too old to have a crush on him!

I'm probably too old to want to see this movie too, but I laughed so hard at the preview (this isn't a cab! I promise you, it isn't!) I woke up Sawyer.