Today is lame--but I'm cooking up a really great post for tomorrow. You won't want to miss it. I promise.

Flashback Friday.

Schaeffer Jo' at her first birthday breakfast

Schaeffer's second birthday party (and Eli's first birthday party)

Schaeffer's third birthday breakfast--the last one at 708 Wayne house

and this year's party: birthday 

number four (!) at Cracker Barrel

After spending the day with my parents and watching my dad in pain while recovering from surgery, I'm feeling wistful for the past and hopeful for the future. I can't help but remember some of our sweetest days together, Schaeffer's birthday breakfasts. 

Even more than a quick recovery--which would be wonderful, I'm praying for patience through the process, for extra doses of grace and love, and for God to reveal Himself in very real ways to my family though the healing process. 

I love you mom & dad--thanks for sharing today with me!

Ten of my favorite frivolous things!

#1. My dishwasher. No, this is not actually my dishwasher (that would require me getting off the couch, getting out the camera, taking a 'decent' picture, etc, etc.) I found this beauty in google images. But, add a few dents & dings, it's a dead-ringer for my little piece of heaven. She may not be much to look at, but she gets the dishes clean--and that's really all I'm asking for. 

#2. Ruby, my reliable and trustworthy steed. (Otherwise known as my red Toyota Camry). Again, this is not actually Ruby--but this is her twin sister. Except, I'm guessing this car probably doesn't smell like french fries, does not have a backseat full of a child's rock garden, and hasn't seen 87,000 memorable miles of fun.

#3. DVR. Yes, I said it. DVR. I've lived without it, I try not to talk about it. 

#4. Just for the taste of it! And because if I don't have it, things in my life quickly go from good to thermonuclear. Not pretty. At all.

#5. My lifeline, the reason I have carpal tunnel, the one thing I haven't lost in two years: my iPhone. Yes, much to my husband's total shock (and delight?) this is the one technological device that I have been able to use on a daily basis and not totally destroy. It's almost part of our family.

#6. My vice. Starbucks venti non-fat iced chai. So good--so worth the $4.19. 

#7.  Yes, usa. I know, you're thinking, wait--are there even shows are usa? Yes! We can't get enough of Psych, Royal Pains, Burn Notice and White Collar. Our favorite line-ups are all found on usa. 

#8. Autumn Wreath: Yankee Candle. Nothing makes me want to snuggle into fall-time and drink cider like the smell of this candle burning. 

#9. Pintrest. Oh sweet Pintrest. There's no way I'd rather spend five minutes or five hours than Pintrest. 

#10. Siracha. A day without Siracha--a sad day indeed. I can hardly imagine anything that wouldn't taste better with a little Siracha--oh to that spicy garlicky sauce... yum. 

What to wear Wednesday: Holiday Edition

It seems Halloween is a rite of passage for the Holiday season, no? When the costumes are tucked away, all thoughts seem to turn immediately to turkey, presents and parties and I couldn't be happier. 

This is the inspiration for today's What to wear Wednesday--the season of parties that has come upon us. I like to splurge on one outfit that becomes the staple of the many seasonal parties we attend. If I choose correctly, the pieces easily incorporate into my winter wardrobe for the rest of the year. 

                              
                            

For the Babe with no budget:

Twinkle Lights Pencil Skirt: Anthropologie $218 (link here)

Shimmer Bow Sweater: JCrew $88 (link here)

Oskana: Piperlime $179.99 (link here)

Total: $485.99

For the Babe on a budget:

Women's Satin Dress: Old Navy $39.94 (link here)

Skinny Bow Belt: Gap $19.95 (link here)

Women's Solid Tights: Old Navy $6.50 (link here)

Beeout Shoe: Ninewest $89 (link here)

Total: $155.39

More treats than tricks!

 Schaeffer was the 'counter' at school during circle time

 some of Schaeffer's friends from school

 patiently waiting for games to begin

 the beautiful girls of CLS 4 year old class

 all the kids of Mrs. Kern & Mrs. Kableman's class

 did someone say candy?!?

 the jack o'lantern the kids carved

 Schaeffer tearing it up in the bean bag toss

Rapunzel turned into sleeping beauty

 Great Grandma Jean & Schaeffer Jo

 GG reading SJ her Halloween card

Griffin & Schaeffer leaving for trick-or-treating in the neighborhood

It took Schaeffer many hours of deliberation to decide what she would dress as for Halloween. After much back-and-forth, she finally landed on her beloved Rapunzel (which was convenient for me, as we already had a Rapunzel costume in our dress up bin!). 

As you can tell, Schaeffer's teachers--against their better judgment--allowed me back into their classroom, and into close proximity to small children. Small children with limited sight lines due to large masks, and with significant issues walking due to the floor length hem line required to be a princess. 

Alas, if you hop me up on enough skittles, laffy taffy and nerds, even 4-year old Halloween games can be enjoyable. Or almost. 

Happy Halloween!