Labor Day Football

Cooper and some of the neighbors decided to play some tackle football.  They all geared up and headed to the side yard...a Packer, two Steelers, and a Viking. 

My sister jumped in for a few plays.  She would love to play football for Iowa Crush.

Colton and Jack...brothers...laughing...smiling...and I'm pretty sure a face mask foul. Haha!

Clyde's just a big kid.  He just couldn't resist jumping in to tackle Cooper. 

The kids had a great time...and it wasn't long and more neighborhood boys joined in.  I love seeing them outside playing, being active, having a fun time.  I'm not ready for this nice weather to end.  I'd like to just skip winter this year.  Please and thank you.

Chicago

If my weekend wasn't already booked with a football game, a soccer game, a softball double-header, and a window treatment party on Le Claire, I'd be all over the Renegade craft fair in Chicago.  Perhaps my Chicago sister's will go and I can live vicariously through them?

They've also opened a Native Foods Cafe near my sister, Caitlin, which I'd love to try.  She blogged about the chimichurri burger yesterday and it looks delish!  We would never have options like this in Dubuque. 



I guess I'm going to have to plan a trip to Chicago soon!  Plus, the new IKEA magazine came in the mail and there are only about a hundred things I want.

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Rowyn and I played blocks this morning and she lost all patience with Booth, who kept knocking things over with his ball.  Clearly, Booth is showing his displeasure with being shoved out of the way.  Naughty dog.  Don't worry, he's all drama...no one was hurt.

Much better.

Crayon Rainbow

Melted crayon rainbows are all over Pinterest...I repinned one and have been planning on making one.  I finally finished mine this weekend with some enlisted help from the kids and my sister, Meghan.

It took one box of 64 crayons and a few extra crayons to line up along the top of the canvas I had left over from a 2 pack I got at Michael's awhile back.  I just added extra filler crayons of the colors I like the most.

Break out the hot glue gun and glue each crayon on.  It took me three glue sticks, but I wanted to make sure they stayed put.


Now the fun part...melting!
I read that some people just set theirs out in the sun, but honestly, I don't have the patience for that. So, we used the hair dryer. 

I'm happy with how it turned out.  It's colorful and cheerful and with summer coming to an end, I need all the cheering I can get. ;)

Camdyn drew this for me at school, she brought it home and told me she knows how much I love rainbows, so she made me a rainbow kitty.

I love it!

Shopping and Shots

Have you ever been over to Polyvore?  It's a pretty neat fashion website that allows you to create outfits from anywhere on the web.  I wish shopping were this easy.  Just click an outfit you like and Fed Ex shows up at your door the next day with it.  Everything would fit you perfectly.  No need to worry about returns.  No need to fight crowds.  In a word...perfect.

Clam Bake by christygetscrafty featuring a flower clutch

rainy day by christygetscrafty featuring zebra scarves

rainy day by christygetscrafty featuring zebra scarves

Errand Day by christygetscrafty featuring a long sleeve cardigan

romantic casual by christygetscrafty featuring ballet flat shoes

I don't know who christygetcrafty is, but I stumbled upon her boards and like her style.  Now go check out Polyvore and waste hours dreaming, like I just did.

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Need a last minute fun recipe idea for this 3-day-weekend?  Go check out these super cute and fun watermelons my sister, Caitlin, made...key ingredient??  Vodka!  You can find the recipe HERE.




 
By the way, the Iowa City visit yesterday went fine.  I finally got some answers, the problem is a malformed joint in my ankle, most likely congenital.  The only cure would be surgically fusing the joint, not something I'm even entertaining.  The second option would be to scope it, debris it, and he only gave me a 70% chance that would work...and if it did, it would only be a temporary fix.  So, that left me with option three...live with the pain.  Keep using Ibuprofen, maybe try an ankle brace, try and avoid things that exacerbate the pain (like wearing heels).  I can go back and see him if I change my mind, but for now I think I'll just shop Amazon for an ankle brace and skip anything invasive.