Fall is Here!!!

Living in Louisiana, we often do not get to experience four distinct seasons. Somehow, Spring and Fall get lost between the Summer and Winter months. Our Summer's are excruciatingly hot and humid, very long and never ending and our Winter temperatures are very unpredictable as they rise and fall within hours. One day you will be walking around in flip-flops and shorts, the next you will be bundled up in hoodies and boots. That was our weekend. Scott, the boys and I left for Arkansas Friday afternoon wearing jeans and t-shirts and came home wearing long sleeved thermal shirts, jeans and boots. Scott did most of the packing while I was at work Friday, as he had the day off. He didn't realize the weather was going to drastically change over night, so he didn't pack enough warm clothes for our trip. Lucky me, I got to go to TJ Maxx in Hot Springs, AR for a Saturday morning shopping trip! I hit up the clearance racks first, as I always do and was able to purchase a thermal, long sleeved Billa Bong shirt for the boys. You can't beat $7 thermals!!! I also scored an Arkansas Razorback jacket for Mason, an Arkansas Razorback shirt for Scott, $6 jeans for Shaun to wear next year, a black jacket and two slinky undershirts for myself, a gorgeous decorative turkey for our foyer, and several Christmas presents for different family members. I was quite proud of all of my fabulous finds and savings. TJ Maxx is one of my favorite stores and the location in Hot Springs is by far my favorite of all of the TJ Maxx's I have visited and I have been to at least 7!

Our trip to Arkansas didn't go as planned. We had made plans with Scott's dad to go panning for gold in Northern Arkansas. We have been doing a lot of research in preparation for this trip, but had to cancel after we awoke to such cold conditions. The boys have been coughing off and on already and we didn't want to get them out in the weather. Instead, Scott and his dad watched the Razorback win, finally!!!! The boys played in the play room while I ventured off for shopping. Later in the afternoon, we took the boys to the local Fall Festival that was being held by Scott's families church. It was a nice way to spend the afternoon and the boys ended up with bags full of candy.

We came home earlier than usual on Sunday. It was nice to have the afternoon to relax and watch football. I swear that is all that we watch around our house, especially now that the Texas Rangers will not be playing in the World Series! I will not go into how disappointed I am!!! While Scott watched the Saints game, I made yet another burlap pumpkin and cooked veggie soup! It was perfect for the weather and a healthier choice since I am attempting to change my diet! Wish me luck!

This was my bowl of soup last night. I know it is silly, but I love taking pictures of food, especially when it is this colorful! This is the easiest soup to make. I have another recipe for veggie soup that would require a little more of my time, but as for a quick meal, this one is perfect.

Recipe:
1 Can of Green Beans (undrained)
2 Cans of Whole Kernal Corn (undrained)
1 Can of Roasted Garlic Tomatoes (undrained)
1 Package of Ranch Dressing Mix or Italian Dressing Mix
2 Cups of Cooked Pasta (I used Rotini)
Garlic to Taste
Pepper to Taste

Throw all of those ingredients together into a pot on the stove, bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a lower temperature to let simmer for 30 Minutes. The longer you let the soup simmer, the stronger the flavor.

Note: This soup does not have a lot of liquid, therefore, if you want  your soup more liquidy then you will need to add some chicken broth.

This soup is even better the next day!