Fall Favs...

I'm linking up with Lindsey again for some of my fall favorites. 

I am absolutely obsessed with these Tory Burch riding boots.

I also love these leggings from Gap.  So comfy and would look great with boots and a long sweater or cardigan.

I also love this fall wreath.  The colors are perfect!

What are your fall favorites?

My experience with Compassion International

In June 2011 our family decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International.  I can't put into words what an amazing experience it has been to get to know the sweet little boy that we sponsor in Ethiopia.  His letters, drawings, and pictures inspire us.  When I get a letter from him, I run in the house to share it with our family.  His letters are so sweet and we are so proud of how well he is doing in school.  He loves learning.  His favorite subject is English and he loves macaroni and cheese.  How cute is that?

There are so many children who are waiting for sponsors.  I know money is tight.  Believe me, it is for us as well, but the $38 a month goes a long way for these kids.  You won't even miss it.  I spend that much every week (or more) just for lunch at work!  The money you gives these children the opportunity to receive an education, the opportunity to be healthy, to develop self-confidence and social skills, and to hear the gospel and learn about Jesus.   This is priceless for these children.  If you are able to sponsor a child, please check out compassion's website.  Even if you are not able to sponsor a child at this time, you can still help!  You can go to Compassion's website and pray for a child. 

So check it out today!  I promise you will not regret it. 

Dallas Part 3. Our Date

Jan and Tony were kind enough to watch our kids so that Chris and I could go out on a date.  They also got us tickets for a sunset cruise on this catamaran.  It was so relaxing.

It was BYOB so we packed wine, beer, and snacks.  Perfect!  We relaxed, hung out and had a few good laughs at some really strange guys posing/modeling for pictures for each other.  It was awesome.  It is always nice to get to hang out with my husband sans kids once in a while.

To top it off, the sunset in Dallas is absolutely gorgeous!

This was so much better than our last date!!! 

Book Club: Fallen, week 3

 

 

 

 

 

As in many great love stories, there are two men competing for Luce's attention, who do you think she should go for? Which character is more intriguing for you?

 

It seems obvious to me that she belongs with Daniel.  I'm on Chapter 12 as I am answering this and although Cam seems really sweet and interested right now, something about him just doesn't add up.  I have not figured out all of the characters yet and how they fit into the story, but I do believe that she belongs with Daniel. 

Daniel is definitely more intriguing at this point.  He's mysterious.  He seems to love her, but I think he's trying to stay away from her.  I think for whatever reason, he is bad for her and has to stay away, but they find that they are meant to be together. 

 

This is how you know you are getting old...

I had an appointment not too long ago with a Doctor I had never been to before.  When the Dr walked in, my first thought was, "seriously, your my Dr?  Shouldn't you be in school today?"  No joke, this guy looked like he was 17....maybe 20 on a good day.  Then I thought..."are the Dr's getting younger or am I getting that old?".  I then realized...it's me.  I'm getting old.  I had never realized it before.  I still feel like a 20 something....certainly not someone in her mid 30's. 

After more thinking, I realized, I am getting old.  This is how I know....

- Sleeping in for me is no longer noon, but now 7:30am (on a good day).

- My cute clutches have been replaced by big girl bags (i.e. bags large enough to old snacks, diapers, and several match box cars).

- Weekends are no longer going out, but now for catching up on my DVR.  This is me--see below. 

-  I only get to go out dancing when we go to weddings (which are rarely now that most of my friends are married).  Unlike those college days at the bar/clubs every weekend. 

-My idea of a fun Friday night now includes hanging out at the farmers market and drinking wine and eating caramel popcorn. 

How did you know when you were getting old?

Show and Tell: Fall is in the Air

I'm linking up with Becky again for Show and Tell.  This week's theme is Fall is in the Air. 

1. Tell us what you are looking forward to this fall?

This fall, I'm looking foward to trips to the pumpkin patch, fall festivals, and soccer practice with Mia.

2. Show us your fall style.

My fall style is all about comfort! 

I love leggings, pants, or skinny jeans with long sweaters and boots.  I like to be warm and comfy. 

3. Tell us your favorite things to do in the fall. If you have children, activities to do with the kids?

Like I mentioned, I love taking my kids to the pumpkin patch and fall festivals!  We always have so much fun!  I also love fall crafts.  This year, I bought a Thankful Tree on ETSY.  I'm going to have the kids fill it with things they are thankful for.

4. Show us your favorite fall beverage.

5. Tell us, how you will be participating in halloween this year. Plans? Costume ideas? 

Every year we take the kids trick or treating.  Mia has decided that her and Paxton will be a cowgirl and cowboy.  Of course, she wants to be a purple cowgirl so we'll see how I can make that happen.  This is my inspiration:

I also LOVE this costume for Paxton and will maybe dress him up in this for fun and pictures :)

Link up and tell us your fall plans.

Book Review: Gone Girl

I'm linking up with Sharee from MomFittingitallin and Lindsay from Nanny to family for another Blog Friends Book Club post. 

This month we read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.  This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it is so disturbing!  Below are my responses to the questions this month:

1. How did you experience the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to “get into it”?

I was immediately engaged, but it really became a page turner mid way through when you realized her diary was fake.

2. How did you feel reading it – amused, sad, disturbed, confused, bored, etc…?

 

I was amused at times....confused for sure...and definitely disturbed.  My feelings changed throughout the book as the plot thickened and you got to know the "real" characters more. 

3. Do the main characters change by the end of the book? Did they grow, or come to learn something about themselves?
 

They definitely start changing mid way through.  You realize they are not what they seem. 

4. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? IF not, why not – how would you change
it?

The ending was really disturbing.  I was not really happy that they decided to stay together because she was pregnant.  They are both a little crazy and should definitely not be parents. 


5. Did you like Amy? Did your feelings about her change once she revealed her "true" self?

That's hard to answer.  At times, I liked her.  I liked that she was so clever.  I did not; however, like her disregard for the life of others who cared for her. 

6. Did you like Nick? Did your think Nick had murdered Amy in the first part of the book? feelings about him change once she revealed her "true" self?

Again, that is hard to answer.  I never thought Nick murdered Amy; however, I knew he was hiding something even in the beginning.  My feelings for him changed a little after he revealed his "true" self; however, I can't say that I ever really liked him. 

7. How do you think Amy's relationship with her parents played into her personality/behavior? Do you think, in essence, that they created Amy?
I do think they created Amy in some ways.  They created a series of books on how perfect she was and she had that to live up to.  I can't imagine how hard that must have been; however, that does not excuse her behavior.

Overall, I really liked this book.  It was a page turner and I finished it very quickly.  Although I did not like the ending, I'd definitely recommend it.