A peek into our Valentines weekend

As my days get busier I am constantly reminding myself that

it's the little things that make special days extra special. 

Heart hair was one small thing that put a BIG smile on my second graders face.

Happy Valentines to me from my best friend. (Pink and red roses, although BEAUTIFUL, not pictured).
My hast tag for this photo was #hetotallygetsme.

Every time I see this quote, I LOVE it even more.

We were getting ready for company that night so Joel helped me by bringing dinner home.
The kids LOVED it!

I LOVE giving my kids little gifts for the 'small' holidays.
They get so excited to see what prizes they will receive!

Saturday, we boarded a train with some sweet friends and spent the day in The Windy City.
This was little Buddy's first train ride. And, of course, he was an angel the whole day.

{We all had fun at the Aquarium.}

We LOVE time spent walking in the city. This is how you do it in February!

He keeps my heart warm.
So glad he is mine.

Fall Pumpkin

A super cute, super EASY way to give your home that extra special, personal touch.... 

Chalkboard Message Pumpkin. 

Here's How:

1. Wash your pumpkin and let dry.

{I used dish soap and a wet paper towel. I did not submerge the pumpkin in water.}

2. Cut out a template the shape you want your message board to be.
{I found this label template HERE. After printing it and cutting it out, I taped it on my pumpkin.}

3. Trace around your template.

4. Paint with Chalkboard paint.

5. Do steps 1 through 4 as many times as you want!

6. When your chalkboard paint is dry, message away!

{'Boo!' was on our front porch for the Tricker-Treaters!}

{'Welcome' your guests in such a fun way!}

{'Give Thanks' is a perfect saying for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday!}

{Home Sweet Home}        {We made one 'Get Well' Pumpkin to give as a gift.}

Here's a few tips:

- When changing your message, wipe lightly. If you rub hard, you run the risk of the chalkboard paint coming off. 

- Pick out smooth pumpkins. The more the ridges, the harder it is to write on the chalkboard.

- If your pumpkins are staying indoors, be mindful of where you set them. If they are on a wood surface, I suggest placing something to protect your wood under the pumpkin.

- Read your chalkboard paint instructions on the length of time to allow your paint to dry before writing on it. I waited 24 hours.

- You can paint your message board without using a template.

{Although the traced template line made painting with chalkboard paint easy.}