Scoop

Lots of random activity at the Starnes house lately.

Lainey has led "Meow" into school with the tiniest bit of persuasion each day.  He seems to oblige.

I made muffalletta pasta recently.  

It was delicious.

Chuck E Cheese party for Austin's birthday!

Of course Jack wore his tux.

No germs on that floor, I'm sure.

Line dancing!

Now is the time to start picking up school supplies.  They're not at their lowest prices, but they're pretty good right now.

Ask teachers what they're in need of.  Pick up a few things for them, too.

You remember my glue stick obsession from last year.  Still on it.

We recently learned via face time that Britney is having a baby girl!  We can't wait.  Well, Jack can.  But, Lainey is thrilled!

I'm trying out a new resale system.  It's called Thred Up.

Familiar?

I got this darling dress for $6.

And, these shorts for Carter for $4.

They send you a bag to send in your goods to sell.  Soon, I'll get an estimate on what they think they can make on what I sent in.  

I love this idea.  No more standing in lines.

If only I could bring myself to buy re-sale knee socks.  

With hearts that peak out at the toes.

In need of bows?

I found this display at Walmart.  They are good quality and not unlike ones that I've paid $6-$10 for.  Check them out.  They're $1 each!

And, speaking of Walmart, they're Halloween crop is super cute this year.

How cute is this wreath with the polka-dot witch hats?  I would tone it down a bit in other areas, but for $12.97, I couldn't make it for less money.

I'm pumpkin painting and mod podging this afternoon once it cools down a bit.  Yay for fall!

Next post:  Lainey's birthday trip to Disneyland.  I only threatened to leave the family there once.  Success!

Football

 

Flag football is in full swing.

 

Carter is loving it.

 

Not a bad setting for Friday Night Lights.

 

 

 

Here is Carter with is long time "twin", just a bit smaller in size.  They made fast friends in the 4th grade.



 

He's talking about trying out for school ball next year. 

 

I wonder if I could petition the school district to change from tackle to flag?

 

Better get busy on that.

 



Rite of Passage

 

It was a big, big day.  One that she's anticipated for a couple of years.

 

Everyone has different opinions.  Blake and I have always thought her ears being pierced should be her choice.  She started taking notice of friends a while ago, but we waited until she was sure about moving forward with it.

 

5 years old seemed to be a good fit.

 

Our "surrogate grandmother" and very special neighbor had a friend in the mall she trusted.  We made an appointment and prepared for the big day.

 

Pep talk........

 

She's excited at this point.

 



And, my sweet girl is nervous here.  I wanted to whisk her away and tell her to wait.

 

But, it was her choice.

 



Almost time!

 



 

 

The girls did both ears at once.  It was a bit scary and she ended up crying. 

 

My sweet, sweet girl. 

 

Her first lesson in beauty.......it's not all fun and games to be "pretty".

 

But, look how proud she is now:

 

 



 

Pink diamonds.  She's in love.

 

And, regardless of her earrings, I'm even more in love than ever, because every day brings us even closer together. 

 

My only daughter. 

 

She is a blessing that words cannot even begin to describe.



Writing Without Thinking (2)

I think I've only done this once before.  Maybe more.  After 6+ years of blogging, I've started to forget a few things.

 

Here we go!

 

1.  Housewives of Miami is a train wreck. 

 

2.  I'm already over the election people posting that they're over the election.  We get it.  It's annoying.  If you're going to post about politics, do it right.  Make your claim and then wait for the opposition to tear it down.  Return with some obscure website claiming to be fact checking.  Add it to the feed.  Wait for another rebuttal.  Get upset.  If you expect anything other than this chain of events, find another subject to throw out on Facebook.

 

3.  Lainey turns 5 in 8 days.  Five!  We're officially out of the toddler years.  Every now and then, I think I'm pregnant.  I'm sure it's just underlying jealousy that my SIL is expecting.  Damn you, Britney! 

 

4.  Stores don't have pumpkins or costumes out yet.  People, please.  Put this stuff out now.  We're ready.

 

5.  I'm going to publicly bash the first person that complains that Christmas is out in some stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc.  Crafters have to work now.  Thus, the inventory on shelves.

 

6.  Jack and I are going to a Boy Scout meeting next week.  We explained what it was all about and he replied with, "Yike on Up?"  Yes.  "Good afternoon......"  I hope he's as dorky as that kid. 

 

7.  I was a Brownie when I was a kid.  At least, I think I was.  Lainey wants to be one.  And, do ballet/tap.  While Carter plays football.  And, Jack attends Tiger Cub meetings and camp outs.  In addition to all 3 kids being in CCD this year.  I need an assistant.

 Later!

Fall Decor

It's officially Fall in my head!

 

I used to try to convince Blake that August was the beginning of Fall.  He didn't buy it.

 

Now, we start in September. 

 

Blake forbids me from putting out Halloween decor until October 1, so until then it's "Fall".  No jack-o-lanterns, no witches, no candy corn, no spiders.

 

I can frame this, below.....it qualifies:

 

And, of course this one:

 

You are welcome to do the same. 

 

Each should fit an 8x10 frame nicely.  If you have any trouble printing, let me know.

 

Want your own? 

 

 I am discounting custom made jpegs to $15 this week; regular $20.

 

And, I'll be posting all sorts of Fall fun on my Facebook business page, Mom's Little Secrets.

 

Find it HERE.

 

Anyone is welcome to view it.  You don't need a Facebook account.

 

Got an idea you want me to share?  Email me!

 

starnesco@yahoo.com