Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Night

"This is Halloween, this is Halloween

Pumpkins scream in the dead of night

This is Halloween, everybody make a scene

Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright

It's our town, everybody scream

In this town of Halloween!"

Happy Halloween everyone! We're having a big ole' time here in Kentucky. Bennett's off to his very first "field trip" permisssion slip required and all -- to Trick or Treat at the nursing home down the street. Then the kiddos have their Halloween parties at school, followed by Trick or Treating with friends in the neighborhood tonight. 

In Halloween spiritn - I thought I'd share our pumpkin carving adventures on the blog today. We carved pumpkins last week and without a doubt, we always have "This is Halloween" from The Night Before Christmas playing in the background. Carving pumpkins transports me right back to childhood every year, and I totally love it. The gooey pumpkin guys, the arguing of what looks better and how to make it look "right", and always being just a tad bit disappointed your pumpkin didn't turn out as grea as you imagined it in your head. All things I love :) I've got pumpkin carving posts that date way back and you can catch up on those events here:

• 2010 + 2011
• apparently I forgot to recap 2012 + 2013 (womp)
• 2014 ~ gals night
• 2014 ~ Bennett's first time carving pumpkins
• 2015
• 2016

I mentioned last week I made a yummy caramel apple dip for my gals night pumpkin carving and hilariously we never actually carved pumpkins. We all were so engrossed in chatting, eating apps and drinking wine that not a single pumpkin was carved. We did however, manage to find some pumpkin stickers (thanks mom) that saved the day - so it wasn't a total loss. 

Real carving did take place on family pumpkin night however, and the kiddos were super pleased with their creations. First up - say cheese!

Followed by ooey gooey pumpkin guts!

And then - interpreting their wants and ideas. 

And finally a self-timer photoshoot with the completed punkins!

Resurrecting the Swing Set

If we were meeting for lunch, or chatting over a cup of coffee today and we were to discuss the topic of marital disputes ... I would be OVERJOYED to tell you a six month battle in our home has finally be put to rest. That's right ... a SIX MONTH BATTLE ... all about a stinking' swing set!

Now, before I start pointing fingers and tell you how it's all (ahem, obviously) Shane's fault ... I should mention a few things. We purchased this swing set for Bennett about two year's ago for his birthday. All of the family members chipped in, and it was the perfect addition to our new yard in Nashville, TN.

However, when purchasing said swingset - I had no idea we'd be moving to Louisville so quickly - nor did I know the company I purchased it from was super southern based and the northern most city they service was Nashville, TN. So, fast forward to our big move back to to Louisville, KY and couple that with unpacking and realizing we cannot find any of the screws to put the swingset together and we've got ourselves a real mess.

Long story short - Shane moved hell and high water to hunt down all of the random screws (who knew there were special stores for that kind of thing?) and the process of gathering all of the pieces - along with finding someone who would put the swings back together (because other companies wouldn't service someone else's product) and do it with safety in mind so our kids won't hurt themselves proved to be a real challenge.

So, we were faced with two options - and annoying amount of time in between - and one perfectly divided martial dispute. Side A) this is taking way too much time, money and everything else and I simply can't talk about it anymore - let's just get rid of it and buy a new one (Katie)... and Side B) ABSOLUTELY not, that thing is basically brand new, and we can make this work (Shane).
The conversation went round and round and lasted entirely too long -- so last week I put my foot down. Either the swing set is up and ready to play by this weekend ... or I'm purchasing a new one. And would you look at that ... Hubs found a way to make it happen!!

We picked up Bennett from school and told the kiddos to head to the backyard ...
You may notice Lainey's sandals (ahem, Bennett's sandals) because she is refusing to wear anything else but his shoes. And I'm picking my battles.  And believe it or not ... that face right there tell me the sixth month battle was worth every minute.

 They were so surprised and so excited!

 "The bumpy slide! I've missed you old friend!"

 And this little bit can't get enough of the swings.

 We're so glad to have a swing set grace our back yard again. Thanks daddy for all of your hard work!

Recipe Monday: Delectable Caramel Apple Dip

It's been such a long time since I have posted a recipe on this ole' space. But after a dinner party last weekend - and a follow up text two days later reminding me I promised many people the recipe, I decided it's probably time to share one around here.

Many many moons ago, at one of our first ever Annual Gal's Night Pumpkin Carving one of my girlfriends brought an appetizer and the moment she left I knew I HAD to have the recipe. It was so delicious and everything fall appetizers are supposed to be. So, last Wednesday when we celebrated our 8th or 9th annual pumpkin gals night ... I hosted and my appetizer contribution was of course the "Delectable Caramel Apple Dip".

It is SO EASY and yet, looks so fancy - which is always a win in my book. Three layers of delectable dip scooped in heaping deliciousness upon yummy, juicy apples. Sweetened cream cheese, always amazing caramel and toffee bits for an added bonus and bit of crunch.

Here's what you're going to need:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (8-oz) packages Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar 
• 1 (16-oz) container Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip (any brand will work, but make sure you get the thick dip and not sauce or drizzle)
• 1 cup Heath Bar Toffee Bits 
• 4 large Apples (any variety - I prefer Granny Smith) sliced medium or bagged sliced apple (they tend to brown less if dip will be set out or prepared beforehand)

And here's what you're gonna do:

DIRECTIONS: 

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy - feel free to measure, or don't :), you just want to sweeten the cream cheese up enough so you remove the bit of sour flavor.

Once the mixture is all combined, pick a large platter and spread the mixture evenly in the center of the plate.

Now it's time to add another layer (and in my opinion the best one), the caramel dip. Right on top of the cream cheese evenly spread the caramel layer and smooth. If you accidently purchase the caramel sauce instead of the dip - don't worry - it will still taste delicious, but the caramel will spread all over and be "less pretty".

Once your layers are in place - sprinkle the toffee bits generously all over the top of the caramel, and go ahead - admire the beauty and refrain from taking your finger and dipping it directly in the center (I know, it's really hard not to). 

Once you've covered every square inch it's time for the apple dippers.

I like to nestle the edges of the apples down into the dip and have them sprawl along the endges of the plate. I think it looks beautiful, and it helps to let your guests know they are simply supposed to use the apple to scoop, rather than make them think you've forgotten the spoon.

The dip is best prepared and served quickly - however you can make ahead of time and cover with foil in the refrigerator - but be prepared to set it out about an hour before so allow the cream cheese time to soften (so it is easier to scoop with the apples). Also, if you're making ahead or plan to have it sit out for a while - you may want to substitute bagged apples for sliced apples (or make sure to coat the apples in a little bit of lemon juice - to avoid browning).

And there you have it folks - the most delectable caramel apple dip - fall on a plate - and everyone is happy (wanting seconds AND the recipe). Enjoy!

What's Up Wednesday: September 2017 Edition

Hey ya'll! Cooler temps are supposedly on the way, and dare I say it's finally fall?! Like FINALLY?!  Over, the heat. OVER. IT. 

I'm back today to share another round of What's Up Wednesday -- where we catch up and answer these questions ....

What We're Eating This Week: Uhm BBQ. We had the fan bam over Monday night to celebrate this month's birthdays and I overestimated the consumption just a wee tiny bit. So, I've been packing everyone in the family lunch, adding smoked chicken to avocado toast and serving mac n' cheese to Lainey (it's her favorite) for nearly every meal. I'm not gonna lie though, I'm pretty excited about eating out tonight with my gal pals (for yet another bday celebration) and munching on something other than smokey meat. Ha!

What I'm reminiscing about: My birthday ... because even though I'm one year older ... birthdays are always fun! I mean when is waking up to presents and having your kiddos spit all over your birthday treat NOT the best day ever ?! :) Plus, I had a total "me" day had my nails did with my bestie, and even got my hurr did at drybar!

For some reason I can only find the "before" selfie I sent MaKenzie .... but the after was cute too. I had a little braid and curls -- let's be honest though ... it looked exactly the same as my hair does nearly ever day - HA!

And when Bruno Mars comes to town on your birthday ... it's NEVER a bad day!

What I'm loving: Watching my big guy play sports. We're officially in the thick of soccer season and flag football started last weekend, and little man is LOVING it. Shane and I were both athletes growing up, and we love watching him play all the games. "Soccer mom-ing" is my jam. 

Flag football and daddy is the coach

 He thinks he's so cool with his little mouth guard :)

What we've been up to: We have been SO. STINKING. BUSY. If it's not school, it's a meeting, if it's not a meeting it's a dinner, if it's not a dinner it's a party, if it's not a party, it's a game. Whew! Some days I struggle to keep up!

We celebrated my birthday with Shane's family at the LouCity game ... and Sissy even called ahead and brought homemade cake to the suite! Score!

We agreed to a Build A Bear stop on a random Saturday .. complete with stuffing fill,

 warming up our animals hearts.

 giving them lots of happy thoughts,

 making a big wish for their future,

 and giving them a big kiss with lots of love,

 and of course baths.

We've attended birthday parties + had our faces painted ...

What I'm dreading: Still November. November is going to be a HUGE visit (PET scan, CT scan, MRI of the abdomen, MRI of the brain, blood work, derm visit) THE WORKS. And there are a couple of really subtle spots they've been watching for a long time and we think this visit will kind of determine a decision one way or another (if they've changed). Sooo ... while it's still a while away - I'm dreading it. It's been heavy on my heart. 

What I'm working on: Would you believe me if I told you I'm getting ready to tackle ANOTHER construction project :) ?!! I know, I've officially lost my mind. But I met with the contractors last week to go over plans and we've filed for permits - so I'm crossing my fingers and diving in head first. More on that at a later date ... but let's just say I'm nervous and excited to the Nth degree. However, the use of these old doors as makeshift walls is totally an idea I'm stealing for this new little space and I think it's so great.

What I'm excited about: The mail :) ha! I've got some goodies on order and I've been checking the window to watch for the mail lady like a hawk. My blinds are also being installed today, so I'm also really excited to finally take my temporary accordion paper blinds down! Also, I'm excited our little guy is starting to eat some new foods! About a month ago we put our foot down and had a big family chat - BENNETT IT IS TIME TO START EATING! - And we all agreed he would try one new food every night at dinner. We decide what it is, and it's lots of things. Sometimes we choose things we know he'll love (like a donut) so that it's not miserable ALL the time ... but other times we choose black beans, it's a give and take but either way it's PROGRESS and I'll take it! He also has started to use band-aids (he used to hate them for some reason) .. and the other day he took "I'll wear band-aids now" to a whole new level. And that made me smile. He told me he was a zombie, so this was the only face he would make.

What I'm watching/reading: THIS IS US! It returned last night and I'm so excited about fall shows being back in the lineup! I also just wrapped Shauna Niequist's book, Present Over Perfect, and it was such a breath of fresh air in this busy little life of mine.

What I'm listening to: Game of Thrones - if I'm at my computer (which seems to be a lot lately) I"m streaming Game of Thrones. 

What I'm wearing: Hopefully the last of my summer wardrobe. Did I mention I'm OVER the heat? Because I am. We all adorned summer attire at the Company picnic this weekend and I am hoping that was the last social function of the year that we have to wear those threads! Bring it fall.

What I'm doing this weekend: I can't believe it, but we have a relatively low key weekend! We've got soccer and flag football of course - and we're toying with some Friday night plans - but the forecast is calling for fall temps and we're planning to finally spend some time around the house (garage, basement, etc) and tackling some tabled projects we've been putting off since we moved in. 

What I'm looking forward to next month: Ahh FALL! Pumpkins, apples, family photos, more football, Halloween, I really really like October. 

What else is new: We're starting to plan a little bit for Spring Break and some items that are on the horizon -- but other than that we're just working to tack our to do lists!

And that's about it folks, what's up with you this Wednesday?!