Backyard Dinner Party

Shane and I have been wanting to get to know some of our neighbors a little better, so we decided to host a backyard dinner party. I'm a big fan of adult only parties. Remember back in the day when you went to events and only had to worry about yourself and making conversation? (Not making sure your 3 year old didn't tip his full spaghetti plate on to your lap? )

I feel like the most tactful way to say "No children" is to mention "Nursing Babies Welcome" on the invite. We had a couple babysitters hired to stay upstairs with our kids and for any kids who ended up coming.

Speaking of invites, I got mine from Minted and they were perfect. 

It was really hard to narrow it down.

I went the Midnight Vineyard invites. 

They go with my pergola lighting!

I was so close to getting Old Blues Rock invite. 

Since it was the week of my birthday, I thought for a bit of making it a birthday affair. 

But I didn't want people to think they should bring gifts, so I opted against it.

Had it been a girl's night out, I would have done the Riviera invites I think. They went great with the indoor theme.

Now let me say up front, my photos are not good. I was running really behind schedule and only was able to snap a few photos on my phone. But you still get the idea.

To make sure I was in line with all things "2012" I went with the neon tread.

This looked a lot better when everything was filled with food, but again, you get the point.

We served Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs. Great on a buffet.

Homemade strawberry lemonade with lime wedges. So good.

And to make sure I was very very "2012", paper straws in a masion jar.

Oh wait. Even more "2012", lets have an ombre cake too.

Ombre inside and out of course. 

It would be pinterest blasphemy to have it any other way!

(Cake by Meridian Sweets and Treats)

Yellow centerpieces (of course.) 

They were prettier on the tables, but you get the idea.

I did have one pop of purple. Just to change things up.

A good time was had by all.

Table Manner Cards Giveaway

Shane and I have been trying to teach the kids manners for the last year. It's been a slow process.

That was until we started using golly gee-pers Table Manner Cards!

Table Manners Cards by golly gee-pers were created by a mom to gently guide children in the right direction in a fun way, by engaging children in a bit of friendly competition.  There are 2 ways to play the game.  The basic concept is to divide the cards up in the beginning of a meal and when you see a family member displaying a good dining habit [ i.e. taking off their hat at the table or laying their napkin in their lap etc.] you give them a matching thumbs up card for their behavior. When you see a family member displaying an undesirable dining habit [ i.e. chewing with their mouth open or using their clothes as a napkin etc.] you say "oops" and give them a matching thumbs down card for their behavior. When the meal is over the diner that has earned the most thumbs up cards and no thumbs down cards receives a "Ready to Dine Out" card. 

Each card has a boy on one side and a girl on the other. There are also blank cards to write in good habits you want to emphasis and poor habits you want to avoid.

You can see a little video about using the cards here. 

We had a special dinner to introduce the kids to our new table manner cards. We told them that when everyone had ten nights where everyone got "Ready to Dine out" cards, we would go to Olive Garden. 

They love dinnertime and work very hard to make sure they are following the manners. 

Look who has his napkin on his lap!

Thumbs up! 

Elbows on table? No way! Thumbs down!

The golly gee-pers Table Manner Cards have totally changed our dinner dynamic. My kids think manners are fun!

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving their own set of golly gee-pers Table Manner Cards! 

To enter:

 Let me know what bad habit you would like to break at your dinner table.

Extra entry if you are a natalie's sentiments follower

Extra entry if you are a natalie's sentiments facebook fan.

Winner announced October 17th. US addresses only.

Ghost to freak out the trick or treaters....

Collin's sick today. He was sick all weekend with a fever. Today it seems he's on the mend, so we've lit the fireplace (it's cold!) and cozied up to watch a couple hours of Max and Ruby Halloween.

Well he'll watch it. If I do, I'll end up yelling at Ruby to stop letting Max push her around and "where the crap are your parents?!?".

I'm going to do some daytime blogging! That hardly ever happens.

I found some pics from our favorite decoration last Halloween. Mr. Tree Ghost.

Get a fake Christmas tree out of your attic. Bend the top branches to allow a big bowl to sit on top. Throw a sheet over the top. Cut out basic face from black paper. Put your "ghost" in the window.

Creepy in the daytime.

 Light some candles and it's downright freaky at night.

Two Years

It's been two years since I moved from Tennessee. Boise feels like home now. 

But I will always miss the South. Especially the Autumn. And the lovely views from our little home.

Tonight I miss thunderstorms and torrential downpours. 

Lightning bugs and honeysuckle.

Girl's night out on warm restaurant patios.

Savory cornbread and fresh peaches.

Diversity on the faces of our neighbors.

Accents so strong I'd have to translate for my out-of-state guests.

Forests so thick, you'd get lost within a few steps.

Katydids and huge white clouds.

My pretty white home where my babies were babies.

I am so grateful for the 7 years I was a Southern girl. 

I think, no matter where I call home, a part of me will always be one.

InstaFriday #18

It's FALL!!!!! Yay! It's even chilly here today. Hoodie and jeans weather. My favorite.

If only it would bloody rain! We've only had one rain since April people! This Washington girl needs some precip ASAP.

Oh, by the way, loved all of your thoughts about School Fundraisers over on my facebook page. 

Glad I'm not the only annoyed parent.

Ok, back to it...

As I mentioned, we've been busy decorating.

I'm experimenting with veggie stock for a couple soups for my vegan Christmas guests.

And making MEAT based meals for my family. 

Collard greens with ham! Pork tenderloin! Meals to put hair on a man's chest!

Spent yesterday baking and going for mom of the year with after school snacks. That's what you get when you have eleven hours of sleep the night before. Bliss. Today I'm avoiding all responsibility and 

spending the day reading in bed.

"I no work today!"

(If you don't understand this phrase, click the above link. It may just change your life.)

Been hitting the parks in the nice weather. Yes, Collin is in jammies.

This photo pretty much sums up my kids. It's was 75 degrees at 7:00pm. Perfect.

Lydia's trying to freak me out from outside the car. It worked.

That superfrown comes from my side of the family.

When Collin got a little chilly, lunch out with Shane got a little strange.

Later that day...

I was about to take the kids on a few errands and Shane was crashed on the couch playing Halo. Collin wandered in and started watching. I was heading in to remove him (I hate video games) when I hear this conversation.

"Daddy what are you shooting at?"

"Um, dinosaurs."

"What are they shooting at you?'

"Tickle darts."

The next day....

"Daddy, draw me a vampire", asked Collin. "Ok". "Daddy, what is that red on his teeth and in the cup?" "Um. Fruit punch." 

He's a good daddy.

And a good husband. Look at the pretty yellow tote from Anthropologie he got me for my b-day. LOVE IT!

I told him a few years ago that if he ever needed a gift for me, pretty much anything from Anthropologie would be a hit. That advice has served us both well.

And one more thing....

IS ANYONE ELSE FREAKING OUT THAT ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT IS REALLY HAPPENING???? 

Shane and I are counting down like it's Christmas. 

CANNOT WAIT.

I want Shane to dress up as Buster for Halloween. Walk around saying "Hey Brother" and giving back massages. Now I just need to find a good hook.

So there's our exciting week. If you guys do a instafriday post, let me know, I'd love to check it out!

Follow me on instagram @natssentiments

Follow me on pinterest here.

Winner!

The winner of the hardback copy of January First is Ashley. Congrats! 

Email me and I will get you your prize.

P.S. JAMI MAYER - Email me your address so I can send you your handmade package. I still don't have your email :)

Halloween Mantle and needy husbands.

This weekend was our special "decorate for Halloween" evening. We usually spend some time cleaning, then get out the decorations. Then we have a fall themed meal and lastly watch "Charlie Brown Halloween".

It's a nice family tradition we have. 

A few days before, Shane and I were talking, and out of no where he says, 

"You know, it sure would be nice if you would make me a pot pie."

"Um what?"

"You know, I really like pot pies, but I don't think you have ever made me one."

And then he got this sad face and sighed dramatically. 

It was totally pathetic. I reminded him that he likes pot pies with peas. And I think peas are putrescent. But he only asks for wifey things every once in a blue moon,

so I bought him a Costco Pot Pie for our special evening.

I could have made it. But I didn't feel like it.

 And those Costco pot pies are dang good. 

Once you pick out the peas. (Gag.)

Anyway, Shane was happy. And as you can see from my last post, he kind of deserves to be spoiled. As he directly reminded me in one of the comments....

Shane said...

Man, it really looks like your husband put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this project. He must really love you and your kids to dedicate so much time and mental prowess to such a project. I mean, you must be really special for him to harness his obviously incredible skill-set for the purposes of making you happy. He sounds like a really great guy. You should reward him accordingly- not that you haven't, but you should continue to reward, if you understand my meaning. You know, just to be nice...

OCTOBER 1, 2012 1:53 PM 

Anonymous said...

I tried to make that comment "anonymous". Oops.

OCTOBER 1, 2012 1:54 PM 

He's a funny guy. I'll make him a homemade pot pie one of these days.

Any who.

The house turned out nice and Halloweeny. I really like the mantle.

We thought Lydia's witch broom was a nice addition.

I added a few silk leaves to my branches. I love my metal "Boo!"

And all the other scary friends who find their way out of storage.

I replaced my yellow and turquoise decor on the dining nook hutch with a few fall pieces.

Replaced my summery print for fall themed fabric.

(Easiest and cheapest way to keep artwork seasonal.)

After looking at that hutch photo above, I decided I would frame that fabric for my little white frame as well and add a vase of fall berries. Cute!

And everything looks so much better in the dark. 

I love this time of year. 

And my pot pie loving husband who is the biggest Halloween fan of them all.

Backyard reveal!

I've mentioned that I walked through 80 homes before I found the one we bought. 

I loved everything about our home. Except the backyard. The previous owners had extended the patio to cover a third of the yard with concrete to accommodate their hot-tub.

 It was a bit of an eye sore as you can see.

Shane assured me it could be great. He started drawing up plans.

And built something gorgeous. 

Nothing like a pergola to make a backyard a lovely place to visit.

The yard still has a lot of work left, but we have plenty of time to do it.

We are looking for gauzy curtains to add a bit of privacy.

There are so many pretty little details. I love the curved beams.

Shane has become quite the wood worker. 

I pretty much show him what I want and he goes to work.

And he's a great kisser too.

I know. I got the whole package when it comes to husbands. 

Coffee table made from Ana White plans. 

Yellow chair and cushions from Pier One.

The rug is from RC Willey. I need a much bigger one, but this will work for now.

Nothing like having a romantic place to have dinner and not even needing a babysitter.

Shane's building a outdoor dining table and a loveseat next. I'll post photos when they're done.

Bistro lights are from Target. (Only in-store)

Thank you Shane. I'll make you a nice pot pie to say thanks.

Best birthday gift ever.

Don't forget to enter to win a great fall read!

linking up here.

General Conference with kids!

It's almost time for General Conference! Saturday and Sunday, October 6th and 7th. Twice a year the leaders of the Mormon church speak. It's a wonderful event and all people of all religions are invited to participate. If you've ever wondered about what Mormons believe, this is a perfect opportunity.

You can see details here. 

We Mormons like to watch it together as families. 

It can be a little difficult for our littlest members to pay attention. 

This April we tried a "conference store". We played bingo (found in our General Conference packets). The words we listened for included, "Jesus, love, prayer, church, eternal, prophet, priesthood, and families. Anyone ever listened for how often families are mentioned in General Conference? A lot.

Most of our April store came from the Dollar Tree. Some treats. A couple bird houses to paint. Glow in the dark sticks for bathtime. They were very excited. Whenever Lydia got a bingo, Collin got a treat too. He mostly listened for the word Jesus. Also said a lot.

My October "conference store" isn't put together yet, but it came almost exclusively from the dollar section of Target when everything was 75% off.

Conference packets are awesome. I would have LOVED these as a kid.

Food Storage and Beyond is my personal pick and they just posted the October "issue".

We also set up a "Conference Reverence tent" in the living room to represent the story of King Benjamin. It was helpful since we've turned off our cable and had to watch it on my laptop.

The kids did great this last conference! Lydia learned so much. I loved to hear all of her thoughts on the words of our leaders. 

And, judge me if you want, but who doesn't like going to "church" in their pjs?

The most adorable Halloween craft in the history of mankind.

Ever actually screamed when opening a gift? Well, I have. Last month when I opened my birthday gift from my sister Emily.

Seriously. You have to be kidding. This the the most ADORABLE thing I have ever seen. Emily said she saw clothespin families on Pinterest. Being the genius that she is, she thought to herself... "I bet I could make that with halloween characters". 

So with her permission I am sharing it with you so if you want to attempt to imitate her extreme talent, you can. 

She used a wooden plaque from a craft store and painted the edges black and center a minty green.

I love the glitter around the edge of the plaque. It's all about the details people.

And then of course the little clothespin people.

I think the cat women is my favorite. Or maybe the vampire. Or the bride of Frankenstein??? I don't know, they are all so cute!

I told her she should sell these on etsy, but she said it took her three nights to paint all the characters.

So that's probably not going to happen. Guess you will have to try it out for yourself!

If you have any questions for my sister regarding how she did this, leave them here on this post with your email and I will send them her way.

Thank you Emily!!!! This is the kind of thing my kids will fight over when I'm gone :)