Chalkboard Paint and DIY Pumpkin Place Cards

I love fall. Even though Santa Barbara doesn't really capture the picturesque scenes of fall, 

I still enjoy this time of year.

There has been some pumpkin fun going on in our house. And although the girls have had their share in colorful pumpkin painting, I have taken over with chalkboard paint! TOTALLY OBSESSED!

After having fun with the pumpkins above, I decided to continue with some small white pumpkins. 

And, so here you have it: DIY place cards. 

Perfect for a fall table setting and/or labeling food items at your next party.

So easy to do and very inexpensive. Pictures are pretty self explanatory for what you need:
Pumpkins
Acrylic chalkboard paint
Sponge or brush
Chalk and/or chalk marker

*I did 3 coats on the large pumpkins and 2 on the smaller ones.
**Chalk markers are great! They come in different colors and are easier to write with on not so flat surfaces (like pumpkins). And best of all, no accidental erasing when touched! A damp cloth or paper towel will erase your message. If you end up using plain chalk, just make sure the tip is rounded off and not sharp. The paint can peel if you write to hard or use a sharp corner. I found it easier to just lightly sketch each letter then lightly go back over each letter until you get the desired thickness.

Happy Birthday to Our Angel

Dear Daddy,

I would give anything for you to be here so I could wish you a happy birthday in person. I miss you. I wish I could hear your voice, touch your hand, and just talk about anything and everything like past times. But instead, here I am without you, another "first" of more to come. 

I can't help but think how we would be celebrating if you were in SB. I know Via Vai would definitely be on our dinner circuit. A bottle of wine and their delicious pizza would start the night out. You and David would probably order the Spaghetti al Coccio con Frutti de Mare. Mom might have their arugula salad and some sort of pasta dish - nothing ever disappoints. We would all over indulge and love every minute.

Not to make you feel bad on your day, but it's been a hard 5 months. I know when we parted ways, for the last time, you were ready. Well, I wasn't. And although I have come to accept your departure, I continue to feel your absence every day.

You were always "my person". And now, there is a huge void in my life; one that just cannot be filled by anyone. But that's actually okay. You see, I don't want anyone to take this spot. It was yours and it will always be that way. Always.

I'm going to stop here, because I know this is where you would have cut me off anyway. Ha ha! I know you too well.

I love you.

~ Jennifer

Oh and just one more thing . . . 

Sophia & Kalista miss you more than I could have ever imagined. You are a constant in their hearts and souls. They love sending you Angel Balloons. I hope their special delivery makes you smile just as much as they make them smile.

Class of 2026

At some point we blinked and Sophia started kindergarten. How did this happen?!

Dearest Sophia,

What an incredible journey you have just started. We know it might be a little scary in the beginning, but we also know you will do great.

The journey will be long and winding. There will be times you will feel defeated. But there will be a multitude of times you will feel success. Just remember, it is all a part of living and learning. 

Daddy and I will always be here for you. We promise to help you grow into a strong, confident, and intelligent young lady. In return, all we ask is for you to always try your best. Mommy had that same deal with Grandpa. As long as she tried her best, nothing else mattered. So remember, your best will ALWAYS be good enough for us. 

We are so proud of you and we can't wait to see you through the next chapters of your life. 

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

August Mid Cap

We did a little family getaway, (the first of the summer), down South (Newport Beach). David is super busy during the summer so it was a nice treat to spend a few days with having him all to ourselves!

A little pit-stop:

 A ferry ride to check out Balboa Island:

Beach fun at Crystal Cove:

I am a lucky gal to have these 3 in my life!

Vacationing with kids is getting easier every year.

Cheers!

Back in SB, we celebrated this little lady at a family birthday favorite:

Beachside Cafe
That sundae feeds at least four! It is huge and decadent.
They pre scoop McConnell's vanilla ice cream into the goblet and let it freeze.
This way the hot fudge doesn't melt your ice cream right away.
It's perfect!

 Can't believe she is 6!

Happy 6th Birthday Sophia Grace!

On August 9, 2007, our lives changed forever. You have brought Daddy and me more joy and love than we could have ever imagined. It was impossible to think we could be happier until you came along. Our priorities changed in so many ways, but we do not regret one single bit of it. Our hearts are complete.

You are a beautiful girl, inside and out. Your kind heart and genuine concern for others are just a couple, amongst the million, wonderful things about you. 

We love you!