Today it was 71 degrees when I took the kids to school and it never got above 100. So, yes, in my mind it is Fall. The morning glories were in full bloom which are right outside our kitchen window.

I’ve noticed people have started putting out Halloween decorations. Ours are kept in the shed in the backyard. Because of our homicidal rooster, that sent me to the ER a few months ago, I’m going to have to wait until Donny’s next day off. Jackson and I did find this cute little guy at an estate sale. He was 10 cents so we couldn’t pass him up.

Now it’s time to relax and watch a movie. I don’t know about you, but we never ever turn on the big light.

A week from today we will be on a train heading to Chicago. It’s an almost 20 hour trip. I’ve never been to Chicago and although I’ve checked the weather and it’s going to be really cold, I think we’ll still have fun. We’ve booked an Airbnb in Logan square because I just prefer that over traditional hotel rooms. With 4 of us we won’t feel all cramped together.

So this week will be spent making lists, getting the house ready for our cat sitter and making sure we don’t over pack. Not gonna lie, I’m a little nervous.

in other news our garden is coming together nicely. We have radishes popping up. The onions are growing along with the tomatoes, potatoes, beets, spinach, kale and romaine. We’re waiting for a few other veggies to sprout and I’m trying to be patient.

Donny made the raised bed because it was just easier than digging. We got all the lumber free from his work because it was leftover from the remodel. We had to fence it up due to the chickens and cats digging around. So far so good. Since we try to do everything inexpensively I have a beet box that was actually the top of a dog house. Luckily we don’t have an HOA 🤣 We also have two kiddie pools that we used last year.

I’ve also been looking for the perfect shoes to take on our trip. We were in tractor supply getting a rain barrel when I found these boots. They’re the perfect color, waterproof and so comfortable.

i think they’ll do the trick

By Saturday evening, we are all pretty much worn out. Donny works until 3. Hannah has theatre practice until 1. Plus just the whole wind down from the whole week especially if there was a football game on Friday.

I normally don’t feel like cooking on Saturdays so we try to make it some kind of make your own. Yesterday it was nachos. I LOVE nachos. They are easy, versatile and everyone can make them exactly how they like.

Everyone gets a foil lined baking sheet, loads on their toppings and pop it into oven. Mine had refried beans, sharp cheddar, cotija cheese, bell pepper, onions, tomatoes, lettuce and avocado. Everyone else had chicken on theirs, but I’m not a big fan of chicken. I mixed some taco seasoning in sour cream and it was the perfect easy meal.

It’s also the perfect time of the year for scary movies, couch laying and blankets. So that’s exactly how I ended my night. We’re rewatching Stranger Things again. Not super scary, but oh so good. Two more movies that get a thumbs up are The Lie and I Can See You. Both are on Amazon Prime. If you’re into something a little weird and sci-fi-ish check out the series Utopia on Netflix.

This is my very favorite blanket. We jokingly call it my baby blanket because it literally puts me to sleep. This is going to sound weird, but I love the way it smells. I can’t describe it, but if comfort had a smell, this would be it. I now get it when babies get upset when their blankets get washed because it doesn’t smell the same for a while. I recently spilled salsa on mine and it completely changed the scent and took a good week to get it back.

Also, I’m not a fan of pumpkin spice, so I’m not sure why I picked this up, but it’s so good! Not too pumpkiny, but just right.

Hope you too had a relaxing Saturday