Christmas Decorations!

The weekend before Thanksgiving Brandon had a seminar, so I had him help me get the tree out on Saturday, and on Sunday I decorated the mantel and the tree! We had to wait until Monday night to have a fire, so I had to wait to take pictures.

I don't really have a theme for my tree, but it is kind of a victorian woods theme? The peonies on the tree and the tulle are from our wedding. I bought the champagne and brown glass balls and the birds the first Christmas we were married. The owls, chipmunks, and the star were purchased at Pottery Barn last Febraury during the 80% off sale!

Thanksgiving/Autumn and Ava visit

 

Brandon and I haven't taken a picture together since Valentines, so I desperately needed an updated picture! My wonderful mom took this at my parents house. Thanks mom!

Some pictures of our Thanksgiving table at my parents house!

In October Autumn and Ava came to visit, so Josh could have a study weekend. We were talking in the living room and noticed Ava was missing. We found her in B's study adjusting her baby! She told Brandon she needed some help, and of course he was ready to assist!

Fall is here!

Things I love about fall

Brandon's birthday (October 31st)

Opening the windows and turning off the AC

The fresh smell of the cooler air
Beautiful pumpkins!

Pumpkin Pie

HONEYCRISP apples!!!!!

Roasted pumpkin seeds (Yes mom, I remember you making them!)

It is a pretty natural thing for my favorite season to be fall! It was always the most decorated season  at my house (more than Christmas). My mom has more fall decor than Christmas! Like Autumn wrote in her blog, it is the beginning of the holiday season!  On Saturday, Brandon and I went to eat at Chuy's for lunch! If you have never been to Chuy's, it is a must the next time you go to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or DFW! It has been a regular eatery of ours, since we lived in Austin 5 years ago!! Our favorite location in Dallas in in Highland Park. After eating, we shopped around HP and then we went to the Dallas farmers market!! We haven't been since the spring and I was in need of some pumpkins to decorate. We had so much fun and the weather was perfect!

Living room decorated for fall!

The best organice pumpkin puree and Honeycrisp apples!

Pumpkins, gourds, and squash!

Some crazy looking gourds

Pumpkin

Our favorite pumpkin!

All of our farmers market purchases!

If you live in Dallas, come see Brandon at Parker Chiropractic!

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream...It has not worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8



Last weekend Brandon took part 2 boards for chiropractic school! He says they went well, so that's great! He took 6 tests in 1 1/2 days...crazy! Although he still has part 3, 4, acupuncture, and PT boards, we are very happy part 2 is over! He is now trying to find patients, since he is now in the outpatient clinic! He needs 200 adjustments before we can leave, and although we have until August (when he graduates), we are trying to be out by June. So, if you or anyone you know lives in Dallas, please come in! They accept insurance and it is very reasonably priced! We know God will see us through this stressful time, but sometimes it can be a bit nerve-racking. Parker is a 9 trimester program, but some people are tri 11 and 12 because they cannot get enough people to come in. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Bar Keepers Friend & Skinny Bitch

...my mom will not like this title, but both have quickly become two of my favorite things! (after my husband of course!)

Last weekend Brandon and I spent a relaxing weekend in Austin with Dr. Douglas Stakes and his wife Janet. Friday night I decided to make cookies. After making the cookies, I was trying to clean the the cookie sheet and was having a very difficult time. Janet reached under the cabinet and handed me bar keepers friend and it cleaned the cookie sheet quickly with no scrubbing! On Monday I found BKF in the cleaning isle next to the Comet. It cleaned my stainless steel Emerilware so easily and took off stains from wear and shined the copper bottom! I ended up cleaning all my emerilware and it looks brand new!

For the past 6 months I have been monitoring my animal protein intake and have only had 1-2 servings a week. This has been an easier task than I thought it was going to be. I had never thought about it but, the typical American probably eats beef, chicken, or fish 21 times a week-crazy!! Although this has taken more creativity and $$ when selecting recipes, I am very happy with the way it has made me (and Brandon) feel! Last night I found this book, Skinny Bitch at Barnes and Noble. The authors of SB are vegan, which I will never be, but they have some very interesting advice. The book does not only talk about animal protein intake, but also dairy, artificial sweeteners, and simple carbohydrates-just to name a few! They also discuss the importance of getting off your butt and being active! I have also become more active in the last year and have finally worked up to running 3 miles. This is especially a big deal for me because before then I had not run a mile since middle school! Let me say that I do not eat right and work out to be a skinny, this is not, nor never will be a goal of mine. I want to live a long, healthy life and believe nutrition and being active are crucial to do this. Anyways...off my soap box... if you are interested in getting healthy and can appreciate the crudeness of the authors- pick up a copy! They also have a book called, Skinny Bitch Bun in The Oven, for pregnant women!

Sewing!

Baby Quilt
My Kimono Style Robe



Mom's Robe

In May my mom bought Autumn and I each a sewing machine. My summer has been very busy ( I am a nanny for 2 girls 8&10 and a boy 11) so I have not had too much time to sew, but I have completed 3 projects! It is deffinetly nice to have something to do while Brandon studies! I bought a sewing project book called In Stitches, by Amy Butler. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone new to sewing!

Most of the blogs I read are done by people that have childern. I have decided I don't have to have a kid to have a blog... or a dog, cat, bird, fish or anything that requires constant attention from me! In an attempt to keep me busy during Brandon's long school hours, I did try the dog thing...that lasted a total of 46 hrs. So, I'm thinking this blog might be exactly what the chiropractor ordered!