autumn splendor

October foliage in Gorham, New Hampshire -- on the northeast edge of White Mountain National Forest.

bright maple perspective check

While rushing around in a crazy mad dash this morning, several four-letter-words worked their way off my tongue as I was trying to get Aidan to school on time and facing an unexpected dead car battery.

And then I saw a fallen maple leaf on the evergreen right outside my backdoor. It had me stopping, taking a deep breath, and smiling. No worries over the small stuff, right?

Such a little thing, but so pretty.

if you build it

This was a big, multi-day project that finally ended with a very happy four-year-old.

Even though Aidan dumped a can of Sprite in the grass and attracted a gajillion bees to the "work site" as a result, he was able to "help" his dad along the way -- good stuff.

playdate on the merrimac

Cashman Park, Newburyport, MA.

Aidan with some of his new friends.

red, orange and yellow

One of the first thoughts that flashed through my mind when we received our orders to New England was that I'd finally have an opportunity to experience four seasons ... specifically, a true, honest to God autumn.

Moving so far from home and living up here has been an adjustment for sure, but I've kept my eyes on the prize -- the changing colors of the leaves.

For months, I've been watching the green leaves on all the big maples outside my windows, anxiously awaiting any sign of color. And finally, sure enough, it's beginning to happen.

The pumpkins have appeared on the porches around the neighborhood, the temperatures have dropped to the 40s in the evenings, and yes, the leaves are changing color.

Here's a view from my front porch, complete with the first hints of orange, red and yellow. I can't imagine what the full explosion of color will look like, but I'm soaking up every second of the transformation.

perfect football food

We received a care package containing some Texas chili mix a few weeks ago from one of my besties back in Houston.

This past weekend was the perfect time and place to mix up a bowl of meaty goodness -- football on TV all weekend (ahhhh, it's the most wonderful time of the year), the Aggie flag flying proudly outside, and temps dropping more and more each week (highs in the 60s, lows at night in the 40s and 50s).

It's chili-time, y'all.

she's here!

Paige Brooke Farrell was born on August 31 at 2:31 a.m.

Out little peanut was 5 pounds, and 18 inches long.

Life is so full, and we're blessed beyond words.

cutest way to burp

Almost five years ago, my sister introduced me to MoonbeamBaby.com when she sent several burp cloths for our soon-to-be-born little guy, Baby Aidan. They were one of our favorite gifts, and held up like a champ for over a year to all the abuse heaped on them by a very colicky and spit-up-prone little guy. And despite the months of abuse, his precious burp cloths remained just that -- precious.

"Baby" Aidan will be five in December, and now Baby Paige is about a month away from making her debut into our family. And once again, our Moonbeam Baby burp cloths are ready and waiting for all the "action" that's sure to accompany our newest addition once she arrives.

Over the years, Moonbeam has expanded their inventory to include an assortment of baby goodies (towels, bibs, blankets, clothes, backpacks) beyond burp cloths. But my favorites are still the most adorable burp cloths in the world -- they're soft (and get softer each time you wash them), pretty, bright, and so well-made. Over the years, I've ordered and sent them to so many expectant mamas near and dear to my heart. And they arrive in a pretty package with a pretty tulle bow, neatly folded and perfect.

However, this time around, I'm oh-so-happy to once again have my own, brand new, Moonbeam Baby burp cloths waiting for my little one.

She'll be spittin' up in style, for sure. :)

backyard campout

The temps have begun to drop as summer seems to have released it's merciless grip from us.

Tonight we threw some steaks on the grill. Ty and Aidan also decided it would be a great night to go "camping."

So they set up shop (pitched a tent, added some sleeping bags and flashlights), built a campfire, and graciously invited me to eat some s'mores with them before kicking me back inside the house for bedtime.

So, as I sit here indoors (thank goodness), the smoke from the fire smells great, the cool night air coming through the windows feels wonderful, and I still get to watch TV and sleep in my cozy bed.

But my boys are having fun ... outside.

christmas in august

Anyone who knows me or has ever read my blog is likely aware of the fact that I ADORE Mexican tin ornaments. If I could find a way to display them all year, I would. But at Christmas time -- look out. My gaudy tin trees are a force to be reckoned with! And they make me inordinately happy.

Which is why I was positively giddy to receive a care package from Texas today ... hot off the press from San Antonio. By the way, if you're looking for tin ornaments, San Antonio is the place to be. It's a feast for the senses, actually.

My lovely aunt and cousin found some especially special ornaments and sent them up my way.

I cherish unexpected surprises sent from the heart. So, so great.

Muchas gracias, Aunt V and R! I love you both very much.

sweet tooth?

I don't know if it's the recent Halloween bug that's bit me, or just the need for a good ol' fashioned sugar rush. But this Bulk Candy Super Store totally intrigues me!

CandyWarehouse.com is an online candy store divided up into several themes, occasions, brands, colors, sizes and flavors. And according to their website, they've got it all.

Did you have a favorite candy when you were a kid? Do you have kids of your own who like unusual or hard-to-find confections? Chances are, you can find everything you need right here. From nostalgic to new, minty to sour, tiny to giant-sized, liquid to chunky, lavender to silver, hard to chewy, gourmet to gummy boogers, we've got it all!

I got a total kick out of the fact that they have candy cigarettes ... and pop rocks ... and ring pops, and so many other sweets from the past.

Whether or not you make a purchase, it's fun to just wander around their website. :)

early halloween finds

... a spooky peek at all the fall fun that's right around the corner (woohoo!).

Some of my favorites so far from Grandin Road, Pottery Barn Kids, and Yankee Candle.

good job, taco bell -- cantina comida

Did I really just type that?

But yeah, great move by the powers that be at Taco Bell (yes, Taco Bell!).

Maybe it's the fact that I'm a Texas expat living [way too] far from the land of taco trucks and anything even remotely resembling decent Mexican food. But Taco Bell's recent menu addition -- Cantina tacos -- has this girl from Lone Star Land nodding in approval.

Their new line of tacos are billed as fresh, simple and relatively healthy -- both the chicken and steak Cantina tacos only have 2.5 grams of fat (170 and 160 calories). The carnitas (pork) are a bit more, but definitely still a respectable meal. Here's TB's description of the steak taco:

Two freshly grilled, warm corn tortillas filled with marinated steak then topped off with freshly chopped onions and cilantro, and served with a freshly sliced lime wedge for a fresh, citrus burst of flavor.

You had me at cilantro (and lime, and corn tortilla!).

We were suckers for advertising yesterday and made a run to the border after seeing 'em advertise on TV. Although one could never be mistaken for un taco autentico purchased at a border town cantina, they're a decent (note "decent" not delicious) substitute when you're jonesing for something fast, and don't much feel like a "gordita" or any other orange-cheese concoction with the term "BellGrande" in it's name.

Anyway, they'll do when you're living in New England and there's no better alternative ... at least until Christmas time when I'm visiting back home and sinking my teeth into the real thing.

So again, two thumbs up to Taco Bell for at least making the effort.

cheese heaven

When I die, I'm quite certain that Someone will greet me at the Pearly Gates with a platter of delicious cheeses and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

I adore cheese -- cheese of any kind. I'm not too picky, although the British girl in me often opts for "the stinkier, the better."

When I was in elementary school and learning about the treacherous voyage on the Mayflower, I have a distinct memory of reading about how the only thing the Pilgrims had to eat was cheese and bread. My thought/reaction, even as a young girl: "That's not so bad. I'd love that!"

Anyway, given the choice, I'd choose a good cheese tray and cocktail over just about any other food and beverage combination. So imagine my delight when I discovered that our new town, small as it may be, actually has a cheese shop! Yippee! C'est Cheese is a little wine and cheese establishment located in North Hampton, New Hampshire, and quietly doing what my own dream would be -- selling wines, cheeses and related goodies.

When my mom and sister were here staying with us last week, Mom (the good Brit that she is), stopped by C'est Cheese and picked up some munchies for us. We nibbled on Cranberry Stilton, Tintern, horseradish cheddar, Cahill's Irish Porter Cheddar (veined with Guinness and Irish porter!), and Fourme d'Ambert. Divine.

choo choo

I don't know how much longer the fascination will last (or if it will ever end), but Aidan adores two things above and beyond all others -- trains and fire trucks.

This week, in honor of Coast Guard Day (happy 220th birthday to the USCG), Aidan rode into work (downtown Boston) with his father to take part in the festivities. They made the commute together on the train. It just doesn't get much better in the life of a four-year-old -- a day with Daddy, starting with a train ride.

I wasn't along for the excursion, so I had to settle for a glimpse of it all via the camera on Ty's phone. But Aidan is still talking about it, so I can imagine that it was a pretty special day. And I'm so glad that the two of them were able to share it together.

slippers for a princess

My sister sent us a beautiful pair of ballet slipper booties for our baby girl, and I fell in love with them. So much so that I had to visit the Etsy store (TillyWhistle) and do some poking around of my own.

Of course I couldn't resist buying another pair -- this time, Mary Janes. They're precious and perfectly adorable, and I can't wait to see them on her tiny little feet.

dinner from the sea

After a bit of a health complication required me to stay in the hospital for a few nights, my mom and sister flew up to New Hampshire for several days to provide some love and support (and lots of hugs and kisses to Aidan!).

It's been so nice having them here, and letting them go back to Texas is something I'm not at all looking forward to. But in the mean time, we've been trying to squeeze in a little bit of fun while they're here.

Part of the low-key festivities was a fresh lobster feast. Mom, Ty and Aidan picked out the critters at a local lobster pound, so I guess you can say it was a custom-made dinner. Unfortunately my tummy wasn't exactly up for copious amounts of crustacean like I'd hoped it would be, but it was still fun enjoying everyone else ... enjoying!