Catching the Sun on a Rainy Day

After three days of non-stop, "yippee, it's Summer!" fun, Owen and I hit a wall today. Pool plans for the afternoon were scrapped due to my scratchy throat and an iffy weather forecast, and my patience was MIA. No big offenses from the kid, just a bit of attitude and carelessness and stubbornness that today, combined with my own tired nerves, had me deep breathing and counting more than anyone likes. We "reset" at least three times before lunch. Ugh.

In an effort to get us back on track and spend some peaceful, centered time together, I brought out a craft I'd seen on facebook. Cheap plastic beads + muffin tin/round cake pan + 400 degree oven for 20 minutes = some much needed and welcomed smiles and sparkles!

Pumpkin Patch Pickin'

Oh how I love fall! The season wouldn't be complete without a trip up the road to Baugher's, a bumpy ride behind a John Deere tractor to the fields, and our quest for the perfect pumpkins. There were tons of gourds this year, and they were almost all huge - the ones we brought home were 17 to 24 pounds each!

Sunday we started carving. Owen wanted to try a new technique this year ... looks pretty good. Cearra created an elegant, glowing pumpkin and got pretty handy with that drill.

As usual, Blazer made sure to stay close by to check out the proceedings. Hope you are all enjoying the season!

WILW

A bit of a busy week here, so just a quick WILW today. Some things that caught my eye:

Wow! What a beautiful space!

This clock would fit right in - and I love the face!

This is amazing ... the panda face? It's actually the
ant eater's leg! How cool is that??

Love these! And love that they are made in USA

My next bead? Amber to represent Owen's birthplace.

DIY wire cloche

I'm a sucker for a silhouette

So true.
I am so thankful Owen is still such a snuggler

WILW

Time for WILW! 

I think I'm loving my new haircut (new because I told my hairdresser I really didn't know what to do with my hair, and she and her scissors were off and running!), but since I can't seem to get a decent picture of me to post (in other words, "nope, nah, and no, no, no - I have three chins in that one"!), maybe it's not something I should be loving! It looks something like this picture with shorter bangs:

So, we'll see (and I'll be adding some highlights). Anyhoo, onto things I know I'm loving!

What a cute idea for cakepops!
Summer picnic anyone?

Of course I love it - it's a bee and it's handcrafted

Love this idea for simple art - glue wood letters onto canvas,
spray paint the whole thing whatever color you choose!
Easy, graphic, cool

Makes me smile! And I love the way the water looks!

Most of all I'm loving my little slugger!

Owen is doing so well in t-ball this year. No, not his batting average or pop-flys caught (although he is really improving all his skills), but how confident he has become as a member of the White Sox. Last year I spend a lot of time "shadowing" him because he was nervous about the whole situation - this year he is just one of the guys (and girls). He happily listens to his coach and readily participates in all the drills, and he's always smiling and having fun with his teammates. I'm so proud and happy for him!

#3 for the WLL White Sox

Tell me, what was your favorite haircut ever, and what else are you loving this week?