Painting Pumpkins

Painting pumpkins is one of Charley's very favorite things to do.  She talks about it for weeks and is always so proud of her (our) creations.  Carter even joined in on the fun this year.  Of course I didn't get a picture of the final product, but you can see them in our Halloween pictures!  haha

Gentry Farms

We picked the hottest day in October to get our pumpkins at Gentry Farms, but it was literally our only option and a tradition that cannot be skipped for a crazy schedule.  

Amma's and Momma's Birthday

Our birthdays are five days apart, so we pretty much celebrate the last week of September and first week of October each year.  And by celebrate, I mean eat like pigs!  😀 On the night before Amma's birthday, I took her to the Melting Pot and it was so yummy!!!  On her actual birthday, we did some shopping, ate lunch at Chuy's, had Nothing Bundt Cake for the first time, and dinner with the Springers at Burger Republic.  It was a pretty perfect day celebrating the best Amma ever!

For my birthday, I had asked for Granny Martha to cook vegetables.  Mom told me the night before that Granny made enchiladas for Sunday lunch instead.  I was so bummed.  I didn't want enchiladas, I had my heart set on vegetables.  Dad even commented that he didn't know why they fixed such a huge garden if they never wanted to cook anything from it.  Well those little tricksters got me, because I walked into Granny's house after church to my favorite meal on the table...AND my favorite chocolate cake...and everything was incredible!  My actual birthday was Monday, the first day of fall break and Matilda Jane launch day...in other words, chaos...but lunch at Dumplins with Diana, Kari, Mabel, Carole, Amma and the girls was an extra special treat.  I received some of the best cards and gifts this year, but Charley's card was my favorite.  My favorite gift award goes to the husband that gives me a hard time on some things and thinks I am completely over the top, but didn't hesitate to spoil me on my 33rd birthday with a fabulous new purse.😍

Kosairs Fundraiser for Sadie

Back in the Spring, Matilda Jane ran a sale on the most adorable pillow cases.  It just so happened to be the same time that our sweet friend Sadie was having brain surgery at Kosairs Children's Hospital in Louisville.  In honor of Sadie, I posted a fundraiser opportunity on Facebook, and within two days, over 100 pillow cases were purchased to be donated to children at Kosairs and all of my commission went to Sadie's family.  The result blew me away, and I couldn't be more thankful for supportive and giving customers in my Matilda Jane business.

As a Mom, I'm so thankful that this opportunity allowed the girls to show love in their own special ways too. Charley (along with Mikayla, friends from school and MJ customers) worked hours on making handmade cards for each of the pillow cases.  I purchased an additional 25 pillow cases for boys, so 125 cards had to be made.  All of the cards were adorable and were the perfect added touch to make the deliveries extra special.  Carter got to go with us to deliver them, which we planned for the same day Sadie had a follow up appointment in Louisville.  We weren't allowed to pass them out to the children ourselves, but I did meet a sweet Momma in the restroom and she told me about her son that was 2 years old undergoing his third heart surgery.  I asked if she could follow me to our stuff in the lobby, and I gave her a pillow case and told her I would pray for her child...when she walked off, I cried.

Girls...always have a kind heart, think about how you can impact other people, and give without expecting anything in return...trust me, your cup with overflow with the sweetest blessings.

One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.

-Lewis Carroll

#lifegoals

Uncle Mike left his cigarettes with us when we took him to the airport, so Charley and I worked out the best PSA, ever!!!  Uncle Mike and Uncle Justin smoke.  I haven't actually seen Justin smoke, but I have the nose of a hound dog...he smokes.  So we decided to show them what kind of example they were setting for their sweet niece, Charley.

Results from our PSA:
Amma laughed more than I have ever seen her laugh at something.
Uncle Justin didn't laugh and demanded to not see these on social media.
Did it make them quit smoking???  The jury is still out on that, but hopefully they have new #lifegoals!

Matilda Jane Photo Shoot with Momma and Amma

Each month I have big plans to take amazing pictures of the girls in the latest Matilda Jane for my release day email.  I always get pictures...still working on amazing...but my September release photo shoot turned out pretty cute and was extra special with three generations of my favorite girls!