Kids, Apples & Parties!!

Since the last time I wrote my baby Faelyn turned 1!! She still isn't walking and only about a week ago did she finally say Mama. The Dr. isn't too concerned & neither am I. She points to what she wants, and today she even brought her cup to me when it was empty! She is becoming very independent, but still loves her Mommy. I don't get to cuddle with her anymore because she is always on the go, but she does give hugs now and there is nothing sweeter than that!!

Kiara is doing well, but she is still having difficulty paying attention. We may have to see about changing her ADHD medicine. She has been doing a lot of reading lately and does very well in school. Serenity has had all green since the first day of school. I still have to come up with a reward for her. They just did their first cheer camp & got to cheer at the Salem High school football game last Friday. they had fun, but it was cold & it rained. They both have been helping me more willingly around the house and are both joining 4-H in the morning!



Faelyn all ready for bed with her new blanket, her silky, Binky, seahorse & giraffes.

 I have been keeping busy between taking care of my family & house, writing for Examiner.com, and I made a blanket for Faelyn. She loves it! I also have fabric to make one for Ben & I to cuddle with on the couch.

Last Saturday I went apple picking at Stahl's Farm Market, with my best friend Aimee (Mama Homesteader), Kiara & Serenity came with us while Faelyn stayed home with Daddy. I picked 1/2 a bushel while the girls helped their Aunt Aimee pick 3 bushels! She is just mildly obsessed with canning (go look at her blog if you don't believe me!). We were a bit rushed & it was cold & rainy but it was worth it! So far I have made baked apples & pork with apples. This Sunday we are going to go pick another 1/2 bushel & pick out pumpkins as well.



Mama Homesteader vs. the Giant Gala!!




Kiara & Serenity's favorite part of apple picking!



I am so in a party mode right now! Tomorrow night I am hosting a Tealightful Treasure tea party. I have 11 people coming!! I am so excited. I am making lemon cupcakes that are filled with blueberry lemon curd, frosted with a vanilla butter cream & topped with a candied lemon peel (yes that I made from scratch), pumpkin cupcakes filled with a ginger cream, frosted with a maple cream cheese frosting & topped with a candied pecan (again homemade & now that I know how easy it is I will never buy them from the fair again!). I also made bite size baklava. I am hoping to make a caramel apple pastry, but I am not sure if I will have time. On November 4th I am having a Pampered Chef party for my good friend Jessi Bales (Becoming Molly Mormon). Then on November 13th Ben turns 30. So I am throwing him a big party on the 19th to celebrate. I just hope all his friends show up this time. He deserves to have a celebration in his honor. He started working at Alliance Castings on August 22nd. He works nights which is working out great for the family. I am getting up earlier to spend some time with him in the mornings, and it's working out well. It is so nice to actually have money to pay the bills & some left over for spending! Well that's about it for now.