Fall is definitely my favorite time of year.  I always look forward to putting out my fall decorations every year.  This year proved to be a bit more of a challenge since my very “helpful” toddler insisted on “helping” me get all of the decorations out.

Hailey helping me take the decorations out of the box.

I let Hailey help me put decorations on the piano, hoping that if she was able to help me set the decorations up that she would be less likely to try to take them all down.  So far it’s working.

Here are a few more decorations that I have set up in our entry way.  Hailey doesn’t have access to this area very often, but when she does she has to touch and name everything.

This is a fall basket that my mom made for me that I use a center piece on my table.

The fall wreath I have hanging on my door, also made by my mom.

Here are a few decorations that Hailey has in her playroom, which she is just thrilled about.

Stop by 5 Minutes for Mom to see what everyone else tackled this week.

It’s my second week participating in the Give Me Five Mondays and I’m late.  Oops!  It’s been a busy day filled with apple picking.  So, this is the first chance I’ve had to get my post done.  Anyhoo, this week Becca asked us to post about five memorable birthdays- not necessarily our own, just five birthdays that are memorable.

1.  My 10th birthday party was very memorable.  I remember my mom having told me that now that I was turning 10- I wouldn’t be having a big birthday party filled with kids every year anymore.  I also had piano lessons that day and I felt a little upset that I couldn’t skip my piano lessons on my birthday, but my mom made me go.  After my piano lessons we headed home- to a surprise birthday party.  All of my friends were there waiting for me with a big birthday party.

2.  My 16th birthday was memorable because as soon as I got out of school I went an took my drivers permit test and passed.  I got to drive home from the test- a memorable experience for my mom too, I’m sure.

3.  Hailey’s birth-day.  You know- her actual day of birth.  That was quite memorable.

Just look at that little face.

4.  Hailey’s 1st birthday was very memorable too.

Just look at that little face.

5.  And last, but certainly not least- Brooke’s 16th birthday was very memorable.  I mean- me- the step-mom to a 16 year old.  Just not possible.

Stop by Becca’s blog to see the other Give Me Five participants.

Last week I posted that I’m going to be Hot for the Holidays.  But now I’m not so sure.

Actually- I did okay for most of the week.  For some reason food doesn’t seem all that good to me lately.  I have no idea why- and many days I am actually really hungry, but nothing looks good and I end up not eating much.  So, I should have lost a lot of weight this week, right?  Apparently not.

On Thursday morning I was down 1/2 pound from last week.  So, even without eating much and taking a walk most days I didn’t lose a whole lot.  But, since yesterday was Rich’s birthday we went out to eat and had some birthday cake last night.  And while I didn’t that much when we went out to dinner and I didn’t eat that much birthday cake I still did damage.  I’m up 1 pound since last week.  (1 1/2 pounds since yesterday)  So, while I know it’s probably just from a heavy meal it still leaves me feeling discouraged.

Not only am I up 1 pound, but now I have to go weigh in at Baby Tea Leaves and tell everyone else that they are up 1 pound too (since we weigh in as a group).  Ugh- anyways- hopefully it will come right back off and I’ll be down a lot next week.

Weight loss this week- +1 pounds
Weight loss since August 1st- 6 pounds
Pounds left to reach mini-goal on October 31st- 14 pounds

I found an adorable line of clothing today that I have to tell you about.  The idea for this GremlinWear stems from the fact that children get into a lot of mischief and are sometimes referred to as little gremlins.  So, GremlinWear started making clothes with these adorable gremlins on them for children and adults.

Best of all, in my opinion, is that GremlinWear raised $2,565 through fundraising and sales and donated it to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.  What a great cause to donate to.

Be sure to check out these adorable little creatures, you’ll be sure to enjoy your look around the GremlinWear site.