I've found a better, cheaper replacement. You may remember my sandal conundrum a few months back when I ultimately gave in and went to Stride Rite. And I still really like Stride Rite, I just really don't like their prices. My Crocs discovery was actually by accident.



I have been wearing Crocs for a couple years now and really love them. Although my only complaint is that they are (obviously) not the most stylish shoes. I mostly wear them because they really are so comfortable. I've looked at Crocs for Devan several times, real and generic, and never felt crazy about them. Until now.

A couple days ago I was heading a doctors appointment. I stopped at Joann's on the way. While I was putting Devan back into the car one of her sandals fell off her feet and into the parking lot. I didn't notice. We drove to my appointment where the only free parking I could find was in a mall parking lot. (Who puts a hospital and a mall right across the street from each other anyway?) I noticed Devan had lost a sandal. I also noticed we had to cross a busy street, find the doctors office in one of many glass buildings that looked exactly alike, make it through my appointment and then make it back to the car. I didn't want to carry her the whole way and I didn't want her walking around barefoot, either. The closest store was a Nordstrom Rack. Like I EVER shop at Nordstrom anything! The sandal that she lost was from a pair I bought at Old Navy for 2 bucks. I quickly ran in and found the cheapest shoe I could find- the Mickey Mouse Crocs. They were $16, which I guess is good for Crocs, but I was still a little bummed about spending so much. Anyway- turns out we both LOVE them! Devan can put them on herself and they stay on, unlike her flip flops. And I really think they are so cute on little kids. I think I'll be sticking with Crocs from now on. Sorry, Stride Rite. I hope you understand.

I learned how to knit. I'm not quite sure how, but I love it. I've still got a lot to learn, but my first knitting project is coming along quite nicely.

I've also been sewing some festive holiday clothes for Devan. Last summer I bought this big flannel pink snowman sheet at a thrift store for 2 bucks. It looked brand new and I figured I'd find something to make with it. Well I found the worlds easiest tutorial for pants and whipped up a pair in no time.
I have SO much fabric left that I think I'll just keep it around to make some pajama pants every year until I run out. Unless anybody else has any great ideas for pink snowmen flannel.


I also made a Christmas skirt for her that she wouldn't touch. Maybe she'll change her mind and I'll be able to at least get a photo of it on her. I suppose I better go clean up my big crafting mess now...wish me luck!

You may remember that a while back I posted about inheriting my grandmothers bedroom set. Well, I have been in the process of sanding/painting it and have finally completely finished one piece. This is what it looked like before (but not a dresser, a nightstand).

And this is what it looks like now:
It will be going in Devan's room. You can see I've started sanding the drawers for the dresser. It's been so ridiculously hot here that I haven't wanted to be outside much lately, otherwise I'd probably have more progress. My Mom also has a desk, hutch and headboard but I don't think I'll be getting around to painting those any time soon.
Even though I'm happy that Devan gets to have a bedroom set that her great grandmother bought, and that almost everyone in my family has used at one time or another, I'm still excited for the day that I can buy whatever furniture I want!
And on the topic of buying stuff, we have made several offers on homes these past couple weeks. We are supposed to hear today or tomorrow on our favorite one so cross your fingers for us!

I have had a problem for a long while now that I need a solution to. We have a king size bed that I love. I love everything about it and cannot believe that we ever slept on a queen. I especially love it since we bought a foam mattress topper. But there is one problem: I cannot, for the life of me, find sheets that fit.
I have bought about 4 different sets of sheets over the past few years and NONE fit. I've bought "extra deep pocket" sheets and "fits up to 17 inch mattress" sheets all to no avail. I've measured my mattress, and it's not 17 inches tall. With our queen bed I could buy any sheets and have room to spare. And my problem has only been exacerbated since buying the mattress topper. Now, every single day when I make the bed I end up pulling and stretching, and pulling and stretching just to get the fitted sheet to fit! It is becoming the bane of my existence!

If anyone has any input, or knows of a particular brand that will actually fit a king sized mattress, please let me know! I would appreciate it more than you know!

I have been waiting for the weather to cool down enough to start making soup. Soup is probably one of my favorite things to cook. A couple years ago I found a great minestrone recipe and haven't abandoned it yet. It's very versatile and oh so delectable. Especially on a cold day/night.


I leave out a few things from this recipe, mainly the wine and spinach. I also used potatoes this time instead of noodles. I cook it in my slow cooker and always have leftovers. And since it's actually stayed cool for more than one day, I have been able to eat those leftovers which is always great. If you love soup, and minestrone, try this one!

Our Halloween was full of fun times for the whole family. Devan, my Mom and I went to the pumpkin patch together. Oddly enough I didn't get any pictures of pumpkins. We did, however, check out the petting zoo and continued our tradition of going down the big slide. Here is Devan clinging to my Mom because she's afraid of the goat.

Dev carving her pumpkin

We went to our friends house to trick or treat. We ate chili, trick or treated and handed out lots of candy. Devan had a blast! I think she might have had more fun handing out candy than actually getting it.

Me and my little chick.

Devan and her friend Blaine getting ready to trick or treat.

When we were walking past a group of kids, one of the mothers said to Devan, "Oh what a cute chicken!" and Devan said "Bock bock!" I was cracking up. She was the cutest chicken ever.

Halloween was great and I already got Devan's costume for next year! Now it's time to get ready for turkey!! I can't wait!