The Smell and Feel of Autumn is Upon on Us...

The weather is beginning to really change here...cooler, windier, a little more rainy recently (which I don't mind considering I don't have to water my plants). That means it is almost FALL!!! I love fall time. Everything about it...pumpkin flavors, caramel apples, apple cider, hot chocolate, the color changing leaves, the crisp air. Although, I love summer, I really like fall time too (Even though it means closer to dreary winter). Autumn officially begins on September 22nd so get your pumpkin and apple flavored candles out and let the season begin!

Labor Day Weekend Adventure

Well, it is about time that we post something new!!! We had a wonderful time with Todd's parents this past week for labor day weekend. We showed them the ins and outs of Bentonville and the Walmart Home Office/stores, we cooked some wonderful delicious food, watched some fun shows and movies (If anyone hasn't seen "Julie and Julia" yet, you must! Such a fun and cute movie), and the list could go on and on. All in all, we had a great time. It was fun to spend time with each other and have house guests in our home! Here are a few pictures from our Labor Day Grilling. Since we just recently have purchased a grill, Todd is learning the art of grilling. I think he is pretty darn good at it. But, I have to say, it was quite funny to watch him grill some rib eye steaks for us (Or should I say, it was more funny to watch the actual process/prep). So, with the assistance of a few helping hands (Alan and Sharon), he created a delicious piece of meat. He definitely was the top chef that day! Here are a few pictures from the trip...

Flowers, flowers, everywhere

So, since we now have a home, that means a yard and landscaping to take care of. I have to say that I am beginning to have quite the green thumb. I planted a few planters and they actually are flourishing. In fact, one of them is growing like crazy!! It is so fun to be here in Arkansas and learning all the "home" things. Todd is taking very good care of our lawn: edging, trimming, mowing, fertilizing, etc. My job is weeding our front garden and the planters. Surprisingly, I find weeding to be quite therapeutic... a little at a time. We are so grateful for our wonderful home, jobs, the area in which we live, our family and friends, etc. We are so blessed and continue to be every day! Here are few pictures of some flowers I have planted...they are my practice ones for future years

These are the "troll" flowers

This one is newly planted so I hope it can match it's brother next to it (see below picture)

Our little friend

We have one new friend here in Arkansas and his name is Mr. Toad. He is this little red toad that first showed up by our garage door and then stopped by our front door. He only comes out at night. Weird. We don't know the kind of frog (we believe toad from looking up pictures) but he just sits there very still, making no sound at all. So, he is our first friend here in our new town.

We are in Arkansas!!

So we did make it to Arkansas after 24 hours of driving (not straight). I drove Todd's truck while he drove the big Budget truck towing my car. Wasn't too fun trying to stay awake with the long and mostly flat drive, but, loud music, singing in the car, and talking to each other on the walkie talkies helped a little. We are now officially done with the unpacking part and have both started on our new jobs. I am really feeling sad today though because I miss my old job so very much!!! My old co-workers, the patients, the atmosphere, etc. I mean, really, I don't think there will be another "Mother"Joan or people to share my "issues" with. We were a little family and I feel lost without my family :(

But, I love love love our new house. I officially feel like a little housewife/handy woman. I have granite and tile grout to seal, mopping to do, a lot more cleaning to do, and weeding of the plants. Todd has turned into the handy man himself; changing water pressures in the house, installing the washer and dryer, mowing the lawn, and other odds and ends things. Our neighborhood is so cute and everyone is so nice...waving and saying hello. It is really pretty here and we are just embracing the area, humidity and all.
However, I have a couple enemies...

1. SPIDERS and for that matter any bug. I have sprayed inside and outside the perimeter of our house to keep them at bay. With it being so hot and humid around here they love to set up shop inside with the cooler air. Since our house was vacant for about 2 months before we moved in, there were a number of spiders everywhere...I think I counted at least 10-20. Gross.
2. WEEDS (in the lawn and plants in the front of our house). They are all in our lawn because it's new sod. The neighbors say it will eventually go away. But, they are everywhere and the more time I spend pulling, the more they come back. I have to get some weed killer/fertilizer. Anyone recommend a brand?

Anyways, we are doing great and loving our new adventure here in NW Arkansas. We wanted to post some pictures of our last little vacation before the big move. We spent a few days in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago and loved it, as always...

Dinner at Spago's in Ceaser's Palace

Our favorite milkshakes (Cookie dough on the right and reese's/caramel on the left)

Milkshake #2...good ole chocolate

Oh Costco

So, I usually only do blog posts about events, vacations, etc. but sometimes that just doesn't cut it. So, I have decided to broaden my blogging world, and actually blog about anything and everything. And, on that note, I have to make a small tribute to Costco. We love love love this place. I think now, it's just not even about the deals or new items they have for sale there. It's the actual event of going to Costco. It is extremely therapeutic for me to walk up and down the big, over-sized grocery lanes, just "window" shopping. Now, I have tried to fall in love with Sam's Club also but it is definitely NOT the same. Costco has brick walls, nicer bulbs that are easier on the eyes, and to be honest, friendlier people. Sam's Club, on the other hand, has starch-white walls, bright lighting, and not always the friendliest staff. Although Sam's Club technically speaking has more warehouses, it just doesn't really compete in my book. On top of good prices, the quality is there at Costco. We have bought furniture, clothing, electronics, tools, make-up, and of course food, etc and have never been dissatisfied. And, the cash back from the American Express card you can get from having a membership with them is oh so nice. So for now, we will miss the weekly, bi-weekly, and sometimes tri-weekly trips to Costco (pizza and all) and will devote our time and energy to enjoying the big soft pretzels at Sam's Club.

Family Vacation in Arizona

So, I don't know about any of ya'll but Todd and myself were in desperate need of vacation. And, that is exactly what we did this past weekend. We spend hours in the sun, soaking up the sun in ARIZONA!! Every year, Todd's family goes on a yearly trip and this year we went to hot Arizona. We had a great time and Todd planned the whole trip for us all. What a man he is!! We are sad to be back to reality but we loved seeing our family!! Here are some pictures from our memorable vacation...

The Folkman Clan

Sunbathing with our shades on

Dinner at the Russtler's Roost...Western all the way

The restaurant had it all...even a bull

So, see the big 8 story slides in front of you? Yeah, Todd and I both went down these. Talk about free enema! Yikes (picture courtesy of the Internet)