Happy Crazy Friday!

Johanna before the drama!!

Today has been super crazy, and it is only 12:00. My husband took the day off and as much as I love him, our routine seems to get out of whack. Jackson declared he needed to throw up before we took him to school. Initially I was worried because of the H1N1 that is running rampant at his school. Then I realized he drank a Danimals yogurt in under 30 seconds and he did not want to leave his dad. After we dropped Jackson off at school, we headed to Johanna's preschool where they are having a Halloween celebration. Much to our surprise, Johanna would not let me out of her sight or participate in any of the Halloween activities. We ended up taking her home with us because her crying became epic. She deserves an Oscar for all her drama. We then headed to Vienna to visit with Jason's grandfather and aunt. Jason's grandmother has been in the hospital for a week with flu-like symptoms. Since she already has a preexisting respiratory condition, they have kept her in the ICU. We dropped off cards that the kids had made her. Hopefully she will be home tomorrow. Keep your finger's crossed!! Finally, while in Vienna, I made Jason look at two houses that I covet. I absolutely love these houses and hope to have one just like them in the future. I don't care which one I get, as long as I get one!

Sully Plantation

Today I got to chaperone my son Jackson's field trip to Sully Plantation. Once again, I was reminded how beautiful fall in Virginia can be. I captured some pretty pictures of the plantation. It was a great field trip, other than getting car sick, I mean bus sick on the way home.

Skull Pumpkin

Last week Johanna picked out a white pumpkin at the Farmer's Market. We decided to put skull and spider decals on it that we purchased at Michael's. It was a super easy process and Johanna had a great time accessorizing her pumpkin.

My First Thanksgiving

I am so excited because this year I am hosting my first Thanksgiving! As I have mentioned before, we live in a very small house. Big Thanksgiving dinners with the entire family have been out of the question. We have one confirmed guest, my mother-in-law. I am hoping my husband's brother and wife will come also. Of course I have already started to plan the menu and dining room table decor. I need new dishes, so Thanksgiving dinner is a great excuse to purchase new ones. I plan on also using my antique transferware. As I make all the important decisions, I will keep you posted. For now I am just excited to be at home for Thanksgiving!

Best Soup Ever

Martha Stewart's butternut squash soup is so delicious and easy to make! I have made it three times this fall season. The best part is being able to buy peeled butternut squash at Costco and Wegmans.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 piece (2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 3/4 pounds small butternut squash, prepared and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• Sour cream, (optional)
• Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, and squash; cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in 4 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer until squash is tender, 20 minutes.
2. Purée soup in two batches. When blending hot foods, allow the heat to escape to prevent splattering. Remove the cap from the hole of the blender’s lid, and cover with a dish towel. Stir in juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Serve hot, with sour cream, pepper, and pumpkin seeds, if desired.

Autumn In Virginia

Last week my husband surprised me with a new camera. I had mentioned a couple of times that I wanted the Canon Rebel T1i. Jason researched the camera in great detail and realized what a smart investment it would be considering how many pictures I take. The Rebel T1i is rated exceptionally well and is the highest rated camera in its class. I decided to play around with the camera today and capture Fall in all its glory here in Virginia. My only regret is that Jackson was in school so he is in none of the pictures.

Peacock Feathers

A couple of weeks ago I was at the farmer's market and I came across a lady selling beautiful peacock feathers. Johanna begged me to get them, and being the sucker that I am, I got them for her. When we brought them home we decided to to display them by the front door for all to see. I am happy to say that Johanna has become quite the decorator.

Couch Accessories

My sister Carrie and good friend Nicole in their cheetah print snuggies. I don't think my couch ever looked better!

Pumpkin Muffins

Instead of baking pumpkin bread from scratch, I decided to make a box mix. Johanna loves to cook and she seems to get most excited about pouring the powdered mixture into the bowl. This is why the box mix appealed to me. Three easy steps; pour, crack, and stir. I scoop the mixture into the pan. This step can get a little messy for a four year old. We decided to bake the bread in pumpkin shaped muffins. Considering that it is cold and rainy here in Virginia, these muffins really warmed the heart and house!

Pumpkins Galore

I absolutely LOVE this picture!!!

Creative Pumpkins

I may have to create a nail-head pumpkin. They fit the type of Halloween decor I have going on in my house. I love different varieties of pumpkins. I especially love heirloom pumpkins. I'll post pictures of my pumpkin project as soon as I get it done.

Festive Front Porch

This front porch is so welcoming. I love how the white lights are mixed in with the ornamental cabbage. I wish I was sitting on this porch with a hot cup of cider!

More Halloween Fun!

Bat stickers I put on the mirror in our front entry. My daughter picked out the fun wreath on our front door made out of Halloween colored bulbs.

We get tons of these little pumpkins for free from the various farms we visit throughout the Halloween season. I decided to spread glue on the pumpkins and sprinkle with glitter. I placed them on some old mercury glass candlesticks. Martha Stewart glitter works the best.

Of course I am not done yet!! Can't wait to put more pictures up taken with my new camera!

Favorite New Color Combination

I love the color combination of yellow and gray. The two colors together create an elegant yet modern look. Here are a few snapshots I took while out shopping for fabric. Please excuse the pictures, I took them on my iphone.