Yankee Candle Smells

I found a list of Yankee Candle Smells that I had written down one day after smelling endless amounts of candles at a store. Needless to say the boys were not with me. I don't think they would have enjoyed the amount of time I spent in that store. It was some wonderful 'me' time.

Here are my favorites:

Spiced Pumpkin
Autumn Leaves
Farmers Market
Lakeside Birch
Autumn Wreath
Harvest
Mulling Spices
Silverbells
Dune Grass
Autumn Woods
Greenhouse
Vineyard
Orchard Pear
Lemon Lavender
Spa Fresh
Beach Vacation
Cottage Breeze
Garden Sweet Pea
Fresh Cut Roses
Lilac Blossoms

Take my breath away

I dropped some craft items off at a friend's house last and the scene I walked into took my breath away. My friend is probably around what mom's age would have been. Her daughter is probably near my age, and her son is probably around 8 months.

The two of them were sitting around talking, watching HGTV. The baby was crawling around the house doing baby things. The sewing machine was set up on a craft table and they were sharing a bowl of popcorn.

This was MY LIFE 4 years ago. I was visiting with my mom and Jack was crawling all over. We were watching HGTV eating popcorn, doing crafty things.

It took my breath away how much I missed this kind of every day activity with my mom. Everyone...Enjoy your moms!

grown up

I was flipping through an old issue of Real Simple magazine and saw an article wanting to know when you 'felt like a grown up'.

I'm pretty sure I do not feel like a grown up. I have two children and am approaching my 31st birthday, but do not feel grown up. When does that happen? I feel like a little kid looking from afar when I'm around 'grown ups'. Maybe that's just my child-like spirit.

I hope my hubby had a good birthday this past weekend. It was fun going to the ice game.

a day at the fair

I love going to fairs. County Fairs or State Fairs, I am not biased. The boys and I went to the Indiana State Fair last week. It was good to expose them to things that they as 'city boys', are not around.

It made me a little bit sad to point out (in the Pioneer Village), look boys, that is a clothes line. It made me long for a house with a yard, preferably in the country, to immerse my misters in country living. I'll have to do my best to make them 'think country'. In the mean time, we will continue to visit fairs and let the misters play with straw, the animals, and the corn cobs.

Florida Hotel

Here are a few pictures form our hotel room. There are lots of buildings throughout the grounds, similar to the one in the picture. We are close to the main building and the convention center, so a great location.

We've had a busy, fun-filled trip so far. MONDAY we left Richmond at 4:20 a.m. and drove 15 hours in the car. We made 4 brief stops, and arrived in Orlando around 7:00. We toured around for a bit and ate a late supper at the Cheesecake Factory. TUESDAY we got up early and went to hear a timeshare presentation. Our hotel bribed us to go when checked in yesterday, telling us we would get a free Disney ticket if we listened to the presentation. About a $65 savings! So we went and listened to the shpeal. Well, it ended up being a pretty easy sell, because we like to travel and the resort was BEAUTIFUL. The main timeshare condo is at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, ON the Disney World property. I'm still figuring out all the details, but there are thousands of other places we can stay through this program. Lots to learn.

Blake just headed out to his first convention meeting. I'm meeting him and the other governors and wives for a supper tonight. I'm headed out to explore the hotel grounds and enjoy 1 of the 3 pools, which are open 24-hours!

A mister's update: I think Aunt Jenn is a bit worn out, but having a good time with them. Jack had a rough day Monday missing us and dealing with his first splinter in his foot. Norman played and didn't notice us being gone yesterday. Today, Jack seemed to be doing better and Norman was having a rough day. No rest for the weary Aunt Jenn. I just got off the phone with her and Jack was struggling with a nap. Hopefully they are enjoying themselves. I know I am LOVING the R & R!

fall at cracker barrel

We had lunch at Cracker Barrel today after church. There's something about that country store/restaurant that makes me think of fall. Maybe it's the smells, maybe it's the fallish colors. I am, as always, really looking forward to fall. I love cool weather. There's just something magical about cool, crisp mornings.

Meanwhile, back to reality. It has been so hot lately. Saturday we spent the day in Richmond for a late father's day. After napping, the boys hopped into their trunks and played in the hose, sprinkler, and wash bucket Aunt Jen had on the deck. It was so much fun watching them have fun.

the home

Jennifer and I attended the Wayne County Extension Homemakers Achievement Program a couple weeks ago. I'm looking into joining a club, but there are not too many clubs in Marion county.

In past years the Extension homemaker's Creed has stuck in my mind as it has this year:

We believe in the present and its opportunities, in the future and its promises, in everything that makes life large and lovely, in the divine joy of living and helping others.

And so we endeavor to pass on to others that which has benefited us, striving to go onward and upward, reaching the pinnacle of economic perfection in improving, enlarging and endearing the greatest institution in the world: THE HOME. (By Mrs. C.W. Horne, Hendricks County, Indiana)

These words ring true in what my mom was and what this group is that she was part of. I strive to be like her in the ways of being a mom and a homemaker.