Parents Need Spoiled Too

My one wish would be to call my Mom and simply ask "would you like to join us for dinner tonight?".  This was a frequent phone call I made in the past and miss being able to do this now.  So when we hear of our parents wanting to make the trip to visit our home, we start thinking of all the ways we can spoil them.  They worked very hard to give us everything we needed and it is fun to show them our gratitude and give them a special treat or two, tee hee hee.

My In-Laws arrived Friday and I wanted to put a smile on their face right away.  Decorating the guest bath and bedroom for this beautiful autumn season was a very appropriate decor choice.

The banner was made first by using cardstock from an autumn collection by Making Memories.  I had purchased the collection on 80% off clearance a couple of years ago at Michaels.  Hint, I only purchase my hobby items when they are at least 50% off.

I then started cutting 4 x 6 rectangles, and making them into perfect triangle, flag shapes.

For my last birthday, I purchased the Tim Holtz paper rosette die.  The rosettes would create a beautiful backing for the title of the banner.  Using my Cuttlebug for this die creates a little extra work, but the important thing is it does the trick without having to purchase a Sizzix.

And on to the assembly and inking...

Fall Festive!!!

The title I chose for the banner was "Happy Fall", the font is from the Storybook Cricut cartridge, fun vintage cartridge!!!

Next was the assembly of the "pretty" paper onto the already made cardstock flags and the adhering everything together.

The other item I always like to include in the guest bedroom is a basket of favorite snacks, water (plain and bubbly), and glasses.  This ensures the guests have what they need within their private space.  The bathroom is also always stocked with any and everything one might need.  When making any trip, items are often forgotten and there are no worries, extras are available, deodorants, soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfume, toothpaste, blowdryer, etc.

Well, so far we have been pretty busy!  Grilling out Saturday was a hit with the parents, thick center pork chops, cheesy hashbrown casserole,  and simmered green beans.  No one walked away disappointed.  This day also included our very own Sunflower Princess being involved in the Miss Walnut Valley pageant.  Rehearsal Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and pageant and reception Saturday night.  Our Princess was crowned by Miss Kansas herself (which is also our next door neighbor, needless to say we are big fans!), who will be competing for Miss America in January, watch it live on ABC!!!

Saturday was also my prep day for the Thanksgiving feast I was preparing for our family.  Pie crusts were prepared for the Pumpkin Pie, the Pumpkin Roll was made, as well as the Deviled Eggs and Crab Dip.  Oh, and not to mention, keeping up with the best football team in history, the University of Oklahoma's Sooners!!!  BOOMER!!!

Well, after our busy Saturday, we were finally able to sit and relax for a bit before bedtime.  While catching up with one another, the earth started to shake, yes, shake, it was a 5.7 earthquake... in Kansas!!!  WOW, what an experience!

Church and Sunday School started our Sunday morning.  We were delighted to have our parents join our Sunday School class, and they fit right in on our discussions and lessons.

After church, we came home to snack and start the Thanksgiving feast.  Our dinner included, of course, the turkey, oven baked macaroni and cheese, corn pudding, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, pumpkin roll and pumpkin pie.  I have not been able to put anything else in my belly since, lol!

Here comes my disappointment, I didn't take any pictures of the table once it was set with our china, stemware, place cards (made by our oldest and myself, cute pilgrim hats), etc.  sigh.... It looked beautiful, perfectly centered under the chandelier in the formal dining room, ugh!  The good news was a I was ecstatic I prepared everything, wearing a white button down shirt and it was still in perfect white after the feast, that's a first!

All in all, it has been very busy since Friday, but all the hard work was worth the laughter and giggles I heard.  We are very grateful for our family and miss the loved one we can no longer have with us.  With her loss, we truly appreciate and take every opportunity to show our love for all who are near to our hearts.  Once they are gone, you can not ask for that visit again...