florida state, florida state, florida state, woooo!

So, about that last post...the one where I was 'home' in Coral Springs and things felt great. Well, I had another great weekend like that to follow. With it being the weekend in between J's terms, he did not have to study. That sounds just crazy saying that, but it was true, and wonderful.

So, he wanted to get away, because we could. We went back and forth - to go away, stay home, go to Memphis, Tallahassee..? If you know us, you know we couldn't make up our minds. Around 2 pm on Friday, we were almost set on staying home. "Come on, we don't have kids, we don't have any obligations, we have no reason not to just get up and go somewhere right now," J burst out. "Well, okay!" Being that we left so late, we got in the car and headed to our beloved alma mater (the closer choice.)

It felt like home. And the two of us continued to say that all weekend.

Even though we were already dating for over 3 years before moving there, Tallahassee is where we really merged our lives together and became a little unit. It's where we got our pup; it's where we moved in together; it's where we lived when we got engaged and really knew we were spending our lives together. I don't know what it is about Tallahassee or Florida State in general, but we love it.

We woke up Saturday to begin tailgating. It was our first home game in 2 years! With beautiful weather, garnet and gold everywhere, old friends all around, and tailgators galore, J kept putting his arm around me, beer in hand, saying "this just feel's right!" And it did.





It's the one place you can sit with '80,000 of your closest friends' and wave your arm feeling right.at.home.





Oh, Florida State, we <3 you! We miss you! We can't wait to see you again! It's hard to beat a weekend with wonderful friends, each other, and an awesome place. (+ a Seminole WIN over Miami!)




Be on the look out for a post from me of all the little photo shoots I've done lately :)

lessons learned

Taking a stroll down memory lane is where you could have found me last week. Where is that old familiar street we call memory lane? For everyone, it's some place different. For me, it's in Coral Springs. I was born in Coral Springs, and while I moved around other areas of Florida for parts of my childhood, my strong, bold memories that make me feel right at home are in Coral Springs.



Yes, I go there somewhat often, but this time it was different. Playing mom to Tyler and Talan while Heather and John were on vacation brought back nostalgic feelings and childhood familiarity. It forced me to venture outside the 'normal' things we usually do when we go back home now as adults. And it was awesome.

Hello Mullins Park, Cypress Park, elementary school halls, car loops, sports games, concession stands, multiple trips to the icee shop, Lion King on repeat. Oh, and hello childhood.


This is the very spot I spent hours upon hours playing Soccer at. I literally haven't been here in YEARS.

Being a 'mom' was fun, tiring, cute, and hectic - all wrapped up into one, giving me a very small glimpse of life to come (but not yet, people!) Lessons learned on this follow shortly...


Gotta love being in Florida...where people represent my school :)

I got to spend time with those who matter most in South Florida. My mom was even down at the same time I was :) and I got in a breakfast with my mother-in-law (somewhere different from Bageland...*gasp*)

We hit up all my favorite spots and then some. We spent all day Saturday at the fields..one sporting event after another. First was Talan's flag football game, followed by his trophy ceremony.


Go #42!!!

He was proud running out on the field..and we were all on the sidelines cheering for him, including the cutest little cheerleader there - Arianna!


And Talan was especially proud of his trophy.


See how proud...it even got buckled in with him. "Well, I don't want him to get arrested!"

It was a B.E.A.utiful day! Sunny and 70's - my favorite. The boys (obviously) begged for slushies after - and well, being that they were my FAVORITE thing to get at Mullins Park as a kid, they didn't have to beg very hard! Uncle Tom bought us slushies - for old times sake!


Moving right along..we traveled on to the next park - Cypress Park - to watch Johny's game. Many days conditioning for lacrosse here! And that's when I realized - how did I take advantage of palm tree-lined fields that anybody would beg to play on? Everyday we'd be out on these fields, not even taking note of how beautiful they were. And now, being away from Florida, I couldn't help but notice (and take pictures of) the gorgeous palm fronds swaying in the breeze while glowing in sunshine. Ahh...



Anyway, back to the real reason we were there...

(sorry, just had to sneak one more palm tree pic in there!)

Johny (McThomas) had a baseball game (well 3) so the family was there to watch.


I seriously can't believe how grown up Johny is these days. He was the first baby out of all the grandkids..just a baby! And how he's a handsome little man (with some seriously long hair for himself!)


Following that was a family lunch at Bru's...where the kids hit the jack pot.


And the very last night, we all snuck in some 'breakfast for dinner' at the Coral Springs Diner.


It was wonderful!

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While I jam-packed (as always) some seriously fun events in, the real reason I was there which was on my mind throughout all these events, was to play Mom to these kids. With that being said, the kids were great and I got them everywhere they needed to be on time, all cool, calm and collected. But it didn't go without a few minor mishaps, all which will be noted on my 'need to work on before becoming a real mom' list...

Lessons learned:

1. Do not bring kids grocery shopping.
I mean, I've seen it on TV and have heard it before..but I learned this one first hand! We went in for a quick trip to buy ingredients for tacos. Psh..like that can really happen with kids?! "oooh, cookies!" "ahhh, gatorade!" (while the other casually slips a 6 pack of yogurt & sprinkles into the basket) "oh, I need this candy!" -"but you have bowls of Halloween candy at home" - "but not this kind!"...etc, etc. Cute kids, haha, but the stories I hear from people are true :)

2. Don't let the kids out in school clothes.

Now this one was a given. Heather even told me. But there was one day, Friday, where the excitement of the weekend got the best of me. Before I knew it, we were out to eat, still in school clothes. Oops. Now I know why there are such things as 'play clothes.' They were filthy. I'm sure Heather has good enough Mom skills to clean them up :)

3. Wake up early.

They've already got this one down. It's me who doesn't. I learned that waking up with plenty of time left to spare really is worth it! That extra 1/2 hour of sleep probably isn't. It was so pleasant having time to relax without being rushed while eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and even having time to cuddle up on the couch for a little bit of cartoon time.

4. Use sunscreen. DUH! Where was that bright idea the morning before spending time at the fields? That's definitely a mom trait I'll need to pin down. But hey, he seemed happy despite his sweet red V-neck tan.

Oh yeah, and probably shouldn't let a kindergartener and first grader brush their teeth in the bathroom together as this will cause them to play around, and ultimately, someone getting hurt. (Younger brother, of course. That's where the scrape on the nose comes in)

5. When a kid throws a fit to get their way and you know they're wrong, prepare for back-up.
Before going to the fields, I told Tyler to put his shoes on. He wanted sandals. He said he always wears them, he wanted nothing to do with the shoes, etc. Well, okay, then wear the sandals, what do I care?! (This is where a mom would know to bring the shoes anyway, duh.) When he got bored of standing around with me and wanted to run around and play, his sandals were holding him back. He got mopey.

But, Grandpa to the rescue!
"Come on, Tyler, let's go get you some shoes."

And this is where he probably got the "you know, adults are always right" lecture :)

Clearly, I have a few things to learn, but I think it all eventually comes naturally or through trial-and-error throughout motherhood. Aside from these mishaps, the rest was great. I had fun with the boys, and they had fun too. And they were well taken care of..that's all that matters at the end of the day :)

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And I'll leave you with a few of the things I love about Florida (aside from all those palm trees, of course)

Wings Plus, yum!


Italian Ices..only at this shop, which also happened to be my first job at 16!


Florida houses and landscaping..beautiful!


Family time..nothing beats it!



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I loved having this trip to remind me of the little things in life that matter. Remembering where you came from and why you love it in the first place is wonderful. Looking back, I don't know how I ever complained about the area and how there was 'nothing to do'. There's plenty, you just have to find it and appreciate it. So many lessons learned, and so many more to come.

Until next time, Florida....

happy fall, yall!

Nope, I still don't use the word 'yall' ...I have no problem with the word - it's just one of those things. Everyone swore - even made bets - that within 6 months of living in Georgia I'd be throwing out 'yall' left and right. But no sirry! I've stuck to my guns and am proving one 'you all' at a time that living in the 'south' won't do that to me. haha..



Moving right along......

Happpy Halloween!! As we bid October farewell, I can't help but question where the time has gone! Are we really all the way through October already, moving into November and less than 2 months from Christmas? Wow.

Speaking of being in the 'south,' I went on a little adventure this weekend with Chiaki and Liam...to Corn Dawgs! Corn Dawgs is the "premiere corn maze and pumpkin patch in the Atlanta area." Just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz must have felt, I had a feelin we were not in Florida anymore! I love exploring these sorts of things, though. It opens my eyes to other lifestyles and makes me realize this kind of stuff doesn't just happen in the movies.


This place must be like heaven to children. With a baby zip line, hay rides, mountain slides, petting zoo, corn maze, jumping pillow, swings, spider web climber, horse swing, cow tractor train, ring toss games, mining, and so much more, I can't imagine how a child can't have an amazing time there on a beautiful fall day. Oh, and look how the corn maze is shaped..you know we must be near Atlanta with this.

{via}

Liam seriously LOVED the baby zip line. Who wouldn't?!

Walking through a corn maze is a little bit creepy...but it's all good! (I couldn't stop thinking about the movie 'Signs')





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What would Halloween be without carving pumpkins? We almost didn't get around to it..so we invited some friends over last night for some last minute pumpkin carving. Chicken 'N Dumplins in the crock pot and peanut butter balls for dessert. Mmm...




We had lots of pumpkins. Leave it to Carly and I to find a pumpkin sale. $2.50 each! But Grizz didn't know what to do with all of them..



So he helped in any way he could..




Gotta bake the pumpkin seeds..

I made this Minnie Mouse pumpkin for our class last year..

and decided to go with Mickey this year..

Tada!


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I'm excited...it's Halloween! It's one day you can dress up however you want, act like a child, eat lots of candy, give out candy, eat delicious meals, scare people, be superstitious...

Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck!


And just before the trick-or-treaters come trickling up the driveway, it's time for us to eat a yummy Halloween meal! A new tradition started last year..sloppppy joes! Along with baked mac 'n cheese and ants on a log (sans the ants! yuck) Hope you have a wonderful Halloween everyone!

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Oh yes, and all in a week's time....

fall follower's fest - an intro and tutorials!

This blog was started for family and friends to keep up to date on our lives after moving to Atlanta from Florida for my husband's medical school journey. Chronicling our wedding plans and life leading up to the wedding, I've loved keeping family and friends informed of everything in between. Now that we are married, I know that actually 'becoming the Barr's' will be a lifelong journey as we merge our lives and values together to create traditions of our own along the way.

I've learned so much about the blogging world since I began, and I've learned how many people out there bleed creativity in all they do. I've been inspired in my own life to CREATE more than I ever have. Crafts, baked goods, photography, meals, etc. - I've found such joy in the blogging world that really inspires my everyday life. Look forward to an Etsy shop coming soon :)

As a little introduction to new 'friends,' I'm Charlene, the craftier, family loving, couch cuddling, always finding joy in the little things, a-little-bit-unorganized-yet-always-know-what's-going-on half of our marriage.

This is J, the handsome, driven, future-doctor, super-busy-yet-always-thoughtful and keeps that smile on my face half of our marriage.

We are from South Florida, met in middle school and both played lacrosse for the Tomahawks. Our love started in 9th grade and we were fortunate enough to go to Florida State University together. We both graduated in 2009 and currently live in Georgia where my husband attends medical school. We pretend to have southern accents sometimes..haha...but, we don't! I'm glad we had so much time together growing up because our time together now is somewhat scarce due to his schedule. But, we make it work and take advantage of every moment possible! And that leaves me more time to craft and blog..gotta look at the positives! Oh, and we just got married this past summer after 9 years of dating..
June 18, 2011 :)


And this is Grizz, our 4 year old helper, trouble-maker, chocolate loving (he's a chocolate lab, what can he say? - and no, we do not give him chocolate, but he always manages to get into it!), lazy little (big) pup.

We currently live right outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and I sure have never seen so many fall colors in one place at one time! (I guess I didn't make it out of Florida very often...) So taking in the picturesque views every turn I make is sometimes breathtaking. (Hence, all the fall photographs!)

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And now, here is the monogrammed pumpkin tutorial as previously promised:

First, I bought one of those 'craftable/carvable' pumpkins. Every store calls them something different, but if you've been to any craft store lately you know what I mean. My original plan was to do this on a real pumpkin, but then I figured I could do it this way and have it every year :) Easy choice.

1. In any word, publishing, editing program, type your letter, choose your font, and make it BIG. (I believe I used Edwardian Script or ALS Script) Put a sheet of paper up to the screen and trace. (If you have a husband like mine, he may inspect the computer screen after to make sure you didn't scratch it up....don't worry, I didn't!)

2. On the back of the paper, scribble all over with a pencil. This will work as a transfer method onto the pumpkin.

3. Put the paper over the pumpkin and outline over your previous outline. (The back side touching the pumpkin will be the scribble side)

This is what the pumpkin will look like...(do you see a faint outline?...look closely!)

4. Fill in the outline with paint. To make this easier, I used an acrylic paint pen.

5. Voila! Add some ribbon and jazz it up a little.

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If you are interested in this pumpkin wreath, which can be kept up through Thanksgiving, follow these simple steps:
Get a plain simple wreath, moss, and mini pumpkins. Use spray adhesive to apply the moss to the wreath. Then hot glue the pumpkins on. That's it! I used burlap for the ribbon but you can use anything you want there.

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For this easy chalkboard which can be changed up for every holiday, just buy a plain canvas, spray paint with chalkboard paint, and attach a ribbon.

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For this little pumpkin decoration, I bought an unfinished candlestick and circle base at the craft store, spray painted them black, and attached them together with e6000 glue. The I distressed it a little with sandpaper and attached a pumpkin with glue.

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For the flower pinwheels, follow this tutorial.


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For DIY apothecary jars, follow my tutorial in this post.

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For the 'FALL' banner, I cut triangles out of burlap and attached them to twine with hot glue. I cut out letters with my Cricut and glued them on, along with a couple fall leaves.

And I made this subway art in Adobe Illustrator by arranging words in different sizes and fonts.

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Clearly, I loveee decorating for fall! We've got about a month left for these decorations and then we're on to Christmas. Sweeeet :)

But for now, let's enjoy fall. And I'll enjoy my 'Trick or Treat' scented Yankee Candle for a little while longer. Mmm!

Hope your fall decorations have come along exactly how you want them..and if not, there's always next year! Thanks for stopping by and nice to meet you 'new' friends :)

Join the Fall Follower's Fest :