My Birthday

I made a list of things that I wanted to do for my birthday, and I did most of the things on my list.

1. Go to Oktoberfest
2. Go to Bauman Farms
3. Go to EZ Orchards
4. Go to Trader Joe's, Fussy Duck (an antique shop), and MOD Pizza
5. Go shopping...Marshall's, Ulta, World Market, Old Navy, Target, and Pier One Imports
6. Go to Panera Bread
7. Go to Broadway Coffee and downtown mall
8. Go to Baja Fresh for my free burrito
9. Go to Red Robin for my free burger
10. Watch Captain America, Age of Adaline, You've Got Mail, and Mom's Night Out

Here are some photos of the things that I did.

• the boys and I went to Bauman Farms

• I went to Pier One Imports

• the boys and I went to EZ Orchards

• The boys and I also went shopping

• I got a gift in the mail for my birthday

• I got a few things with the money I got for my birthday

• I got these gifts from Mom Smith

• I got a card and money from my mom

• the boys and I went to Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel

• the boys and I met mom and did some antique shopping and have some pizza

new pizza shop-MOD

The night of my birthday we had pizza and watched Captain America: Civil War. All three boys made me a card as well. It was a fun evening.

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One of my favorite days of the year

September 1st is one of my favorite days of the year...it signals the end of the very hot month of August; my birthday and Michael's birthday are in September; it means that college football starts soon; it means that pumpkin latte's and pumpkin bread are a big hit; it is also the time for Oktoberfest...one of my favorite events of the year; September also means lots of free birthday goodies (at Sephora, Ulta, Naturalizer, Birchbox, Red Robin, Panera Bread, Baja Fresh, and much more); it is also the time that I visit all of the Farmer's Markets around here; it means it is time to get some apple cider donuts; it means it is pumpkin and mum decorating time; it is also the beginning of the fall season and the changing of the leaves; and it is when I put up my fall decorations. The one thing I always looked forward to in September as well was going camping at Detroit Lake. I really do miss that.

It was a fun day today. I put up my fall decorations, I ordered my free birthday items from some of the stores, I got some of the fall magazines in the mail...like Ulta and Pier One Imports. And...I thought about what I want to do this month to celebrate fall and my birthday.

Life Lately

We have not had a ton going on lately, besides the ordinary things (like working lots, doing tons of things around the house, cleaning, laundry, fixing food, fixing more food, running errands, and some relaxing time). The boys did go again with the cousins to the river (which was very cold), and then they played games at the house. They had a blast!

those are some gorgeous looking young men

Jar and Kaleb jumping in the water

Cam and Katjana trying to decide if they want to jump or go in slowly

Cam decides to jump right in the water

• This is my view as I am watching their stuff on the riverbank

• Taking selfies by the river

• I was writing in my journal 

   "I love it here. We are at the swimming hole here at the park. The cousins are swimming in the river. It is really cold water, but it is 98 degrees today, so it is very refreshing and will keep them cool for a long time. They are having a blast! I am sitting here on the edge of the bank...it is beautiful...so quiet and peaceful. I feel God's presence here. It sure is hot though. I'd like to jump in...for sure! (too bad I'm on cell phone and shoes and wallet watch. :) "

• The cousins played games at the house (Trivia Crack on their phones and Quelf board game)

this was part of the game - they had to be conjoined twins for a whole round of the game

• I am constantly making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

• A lady at work sent Michael home with a box of things from her garden...Yummo!

• This is what I made from that box (tomato, cucumber, and basil salad)

September Goals

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These are my September Goals:

1. Go to a local Farmer's Market/Farm
2. Take evening walks
3. Start new devotional
4. Put out fall decorations
5. Get into the groove of school
6. Get some home projects done (clean garage cabinets, finish front walkway steps, finish blocks by arborvitae, cut down flowers, pressure wash around house)
7. Go for drives and take photos
8. Go bowling with friends
9. Spend more time outside
10. Celebrate Amy's birthday
11. Celebrate Michael's birthday
12. Go to Red Robin for our birthdays
13. Go out with Mom
14. Cut Lily's hair
15. Go to Oktoberfest
16. Take fall photos
17. Go on a hike (Silver Falls and Opal Creek)
18. Watch college football
19. Rake leaves
20. Make pumpkin bread
21. Get pumpkin latte from Starbucks
22. Go to the outlets
23. Go to trampoline park with friends/cousins
24. Play outdoor yard games
25. Play four-square
26. Play board games

It's HOT HOT HOT

It has been really hot here lately...like in the 100's. The past 5 years or so have just had really hot summers.

We have been talking about putting in an above ground permanent pool in the next few years. We had a Costco take-down pool for a few years, but the boys are older now...we need something sturdier and more permanent. Michael and I have talked about some different designs. We will probably draw up some designs in the next few weeks, even though it will still be a while before we put one in the back yard.

Here are some pool ideas I came across on Pinterest...

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