The Macs » Blog

When I started looking for my Thirty-One bags to take a few pictures, I realized that I have quite the collection. 🙂 Hanging right by my back door is the market thermal tote, organizing utility tote, and retro metro bag.

I got two of my bags for gifts and the rest I ordered at my friend’s party. Not all of the prints are still available, but all of the bags are. I really love them all. I keep the large utility tote in my car for groceries or to hold things I need to return. The organizing utility tote holds all my Sunday school supplies. The retro metro bag comes with me to BSF every week. The small thermal tote is great for toting around baby food or taking a lunch to the park. These bags are definitely not all necessary, but they sure are nice to help keep an unorganized girl a little more organized.

Melanie is a Thirty-One consultant and sent me the market thermal tote to try… it is awesome. I keep it in my car to keep milk and groceries cold until I make it home (we don’t live super close to a grocery store). I didn’t personalize any of my bags, but thirty-one has lots of personalization options.

Thirty-One has a great November special going on right now. For every $35 you spend you can get a medium utility tote for only $5. And for every medium utility tote purchased, a thermal tote (pictured) will be donated to Operation Homefront to assist military families in need.

Melanie is so generous and has some things to give away to you too!

Like this cute red polka dot wristlet…
…and this mini zipper pouch in say it sofly.
Here is how you can enter to win…
Giveaway Details:

1  wristlet in red polka dot OR 1 mini zipper pouch in say it softly

TWO winners chosen at random

One entry per person

Giveaway ends Monday, November 5th at 9pm (CST)

To enter visit Thirty-One…come back and leave a comment on this post telling me what bag you would order to help keep you more organized.

If you see something you would like to order, Melanie has set up a blog party for us. Click here on The Macs Blog Party to shop. The party closes November 16th. If you need to discuss personalization or have any other questions you can contact Melanie by email: melshackelford (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

Posted in: giveaways
sharepinTweet
Leave a comment

  • Debbie S - I have fourteen 31 bags..I’m obsessed! My next purchase will be the Super Organzing Tote. It’s the perfect size for all the stuff I pack to keep Cate entertained at her brothers baseball games! (I use my Market Thermal Tote as our swim bag..so easy to wipe dry after toys and towels have been removed!)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jennifer R - I could really use a new purse…and maybe a wallet to match? That’d be fun! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Hannah - ooo. I’d order the market thermal tote and I’d use it for my diabetic supplies in the car!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Adrian B - Marke Tote!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jamie Van Nuys - I love me a big tote with lots of pockets, I love all of these prints and I’d probably go with the casual cargo purse, perhaps in that adorable red polka dot print!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Krista - A large utility in the car would be awesome! That’s definitely my messiest place. I’d pick the polka dot wallet if I win!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Meg - I love the XXXI messenger bag.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • maryanne helms - I would definitely want the market tote. The perfect size for a Mom on-the-go!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Crazee Cat Lady - I’d order the market thermal tote to help me with groceries, my car is always a mess during shopping time!

    Thanks for the giveaway!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melis - Lately I have been on a wristlet kick so I know I would love that but the large utility tote looks like it could fit my needs. I was actually suppose to go to a 31 party this past week but had to cancel because of Sandy coming thru town and taking out all the power. Thank Goodness that storm is over. Hope everyone else was ok!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kathleen V. - I have been wanting a 31 Market Tote for a long time. I don’t own any of their items, but hauling my two kids stuff to my mom’s house, dance lessons, camping, etc.. I think a market tote would be perfect.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mikki - i’d order the market thermal tote too, its a great idea for groceries!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • AnnKC - I NEED a new purse (have had the same one for 5+ years). I would love to get the 5th avenue purse!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jamie B - I am in need of a new wallet and I really like the wristlet. I also need a new crossbody style bag, but I wish they came in more exciting fabrics.
    My friend is hosting a Thirty-One party next week so I am looking forward to seeing all the products in person then!
    Your boys are all so cute! I grew up on a farm in KS and your blog feels like home 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Sandi Davis - I have a large utility tote and love it!!! I really want another one.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Tara Taylor - Thanks for the chance to win. I think the large utility tote would be very useful!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Beth Ann - Would love the red wristlet!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Susy Manduley - Love the large utility tote. Love your blog. God bless you and your family.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Evelyn - Love the wristlet. Thanks for the giveaway!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Julie - Retro Metro Weekender

    Product Code: 3780
    $78.00 like this
    thanksReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Corrie Holt - I love the utility tote and I love your idea to keep it in your vehicle for groceries but I am thinking I would put activities to keep my girls entertained on road trips in it.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kelsey - I love 31 products! I could definitely use a new large utility tote. The two giveaway prizes are great!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • vicki - I would love a insulated tote, I could use one to tote around for the zoo, parks,etc.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Corrie - I was just at Aldi yesterday and thinking how it would be good to get a larger thermal bag {’cause in Texas, no grocery store is close enough when you’re transporting frozen foods! :o}…so the Market Thermal it would be. In “Windsor Bouquet”.

    Also love that little wristlet that’s up for winning. Would be perfect for keeping in the diaper bag.

    Thank you for the opportunity! Have a happy weekend.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amy R - I love my organizing tote– I find myself swapping things out of the bag and putting something new in it! Perhaps I should get another one so I don’t have to swap. I also use my large utilty organizing tote for my groceries and I have recently found that it holds my cricut and all of my cartridges when i go to crops. I need another one of those too so I don’t swap those out as well!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Laura Millard - I love the Thermal Market Tote! I definitely plan on ordering one, soon!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Lachalle - hello Jess ! I would so order the market tote to help keep clutter under control in my SUV or teh cute wristlet casue we all know I love me some polka dots .
    ~L~ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Erin G. - Hi Jess! Great giveaway!
    I’m obsessed with the spirit grey collection… Especially the retro metro… Want to order it with grey personalization so it’d be more of a subtle personalization!!!

    Your boys are precious!!
    Taking HeartReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Leatha - I really like the Windsor Bouquet Thermal Tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mary Ann - I have only been to one party and the focus was primarily totes. The little soft wallets and wristlets are adorable as are the accessories!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Brooke McCorkle - I love the large utility tote!! It is great storage for my son’s toys and books!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Shannon - I’ve been wanting a zippered pouch to keep my purse more organized!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Marisa - I would get the organizing tote!! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Alena - I love the large utility tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melissa Stutz - I think they all look amazing and super cute. I couldn’t pick just one!!! I’m thinking I would use it carry all my stuff once our Second Baby arrived in April!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • lindsaywillman - i love your retro metro bag. very cute! i think that’s what i’d order too.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jody - 31 is made about an hour down the road from me so we have quite a few as well. I really like the cosmetic bag. My sister has one and I love it.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Brooke S - I have a couple of Thirty One bags that I just love! I would also love to have a large utility tote for my car.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Benay - I love the purses! Thanks for the giveaway!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Ansley - I like the retro metro crossbody. Everything in the catalog is really cute!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Bronwyn - I really need a “grown-up” purse and I love several in the catalog. Thanks for the giveaway. Your family is precious!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jennifer D - I would order any of them — they are all so cute and I love organization!!

    PS. I rarely enter giveaways but I feel lucky today!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Gillian G - The thermal tote looks super helpful!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mary Lytle - My favorite bag is the cosmetics bag (#3071). So great for traveling!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Beth - I would love to have the organizing utility tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • katherine - love the Windsor Bouquet Thermal Tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Hannah - I would get the organized utility tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Maureen - I would love a market thermal tote or a Cindy tote

    Maureen
    maureen.tenney@gmail.comReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Sandi - I just found out about the Nov special from a friend so I’ve been scoping out the catalog today. I’ve got my eye on the large utility tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Meggie - I would LOVE a new purse! Thanks for the neat giveaway!! =)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melynda Hoffman - market tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Morgan L. - I would get the market tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Natalie - The market thermal tote would be perfect for food store trips!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jenny - ohhh, I would love a new bag!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • kimberly oyler - love the wristlet!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Abby - I love the retro metro bag!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amber L. - I love the Ruffle Cinch Sack. Adorable, feminine, and most importantly, it would come in handy when out-n-about with my 2 busy boys!:) Thank you bunches!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Lacie Hutchins - I have had my eye on the metro retro wallett! Looks perfect for my thirty-one purse! Also thinking of a bag to keep in the car with toys and books for the kids!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Cheryl - I like the mini zipper bag for holding coins I need for use at the laundry mat.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • melani - Every member of my family has the Large Utility tote! I absolutally love that tote and could not travel without it:) It is my “go to” baby shower gift:)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Alisha W. - I would LOVE to have the 5th avenue purse :))))ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Emilee - I have the mini utility bin to hold all my daughter’s toys and I love it! I would love a double thermal organizer for grocery trips or picnics!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Christy - Wow, I love all of the options, I could defiantly use a utility toteReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Toni :0) - Thermal market tote would be my first choice!! Woot Woot!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Holly Varian - I’d love the thermal tote for the car! We are always needing a snack between activities – and this would be a great way to keep them cold and organized!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Roma - The thermal zipper pouch would be perfect for carrying my son’s snacks!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melissa - I need one of the large totes to use as a diaper bag!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Heather E - I would love to get the Market Thermal Tote. I would use it for all the ball games we have each summer. This would be great for lunches and waters.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jessica - Actually, I would totally go for the wristlet. I’m always looking for an easy way to carry my phone in our diaper bag. Otherwise I could find a use for one or two of the organizing/super organizing totes!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amanda D. - I love thirty-one! I really want an all-in-one organizer.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melanie Routhier - I’ve never heard of this company before. What great products. I definitely need a new makeup bag. Not sure if this giveaway is open to international readers (I’m from Canada…. I sure hope so!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jackie - I just went to a 31 party tonight! I really like the mini organizer- but it is only a hostess bonus item. It would help me keep organized at school.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mira - I love 31!!! I’d order the metro retro bag. I need it for all of my BSF things and to hold my things as well as my daughters things all in one bag together. I love staying organized, so this would work out great for me.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • lucy - I’d love to have the metro retro bag. It’s fits my style to a t.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amber - I have a couple totes that were gifts, but I would love a large utility tote!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Alison R - I love the Large Utility Tote and like your idea of keeping it in the car. Would be so useful!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Heather Wadley - I would use the Upperclassman Backpack! With three children 3 years and under we use a backpack instead of a diaper bag!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amanda K - The market thermal tote is already on my Christmas list!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amy - I LOVE their products! The retro metro bags are my favorite. I would love one in every color! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Leslie J - Love the retro bag……I go to BSF too and that would be the perfect bag for all my notes, bible and my toddlers “items”.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Celeste - The large utility tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amber - …just want to let you know that you actually have to spend $35 this month to get the $5 special, not $31. They changed it up this month ;DReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melissa - I would totally order the striped tote with the pink handles. So cute!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Laura - I would love an organizing utility tote to help keep my school books organized!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Angela N. - I would get another organized utility bag. I got one as a shower gift, and it is the best bag to tote around when we go see other people and need to have infant/toddler friendly options!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Lani Stearns - I love the timeless wristlet! 🙂 Love Thirty-One!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • jamie - would love to win something from 31. Hope to win!
    Jamie PenningtonReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Bonnie - Definitely need a larger thermal tote, so the market sounds like it would work great. Also, love the look of several purses.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • tonya - i LOVE 31!!! i’ve also got the retro metro tote and use it all the time…for school, for a short overnight, for ball games!

    i’d love to have the large utility tote to keep in my laundry room or car!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Carol B. - I love the super organizing tote which is perfect for going to my son’s baseball games. It will hold snacks, blankets, drinks, etc. I really like the wristlet too!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Hollie - I love Thirty One products, but unfortunately have a huge hole in my purse since it’s so well loved. I would take the “Organizing Shoulder Bag”.

    HollieReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Andrea L. - I would most definitely order the 5th Avenue purse… sooo cute! I already have the Retro Metro Tote and I LOVE it! I highly recommend it. I also have the all in one organizer that I use as my daughter’s beach bag or to throw some books and toys in for long car rides!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Adrienne - I don’t know if I could say it would be in the name of getting more organized, but I would love the skirt purse becuase I love the idea of being able to swtich out the design! I’m always changing my mind about what I like!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • KAthy S - I love the skirt purse. How fun!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kortnie - I want the Market Thermal Tote to help with groceries!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Michelle - I would order the retro metro bag. I just went to my first 31 party and loved it, but have a hard time buying things for myself.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melanie Martini - I love so many things, but use my backpack most often. It is great to back snacks, wipes, lotions, etc when we are out and about with the kids.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Vickie - I love my skirt purse, but I need more skirts.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Rose - My favorite is the fitted skirt purse!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • stephanie - Oh, they are all so great…i would choose any of the totes to help me stay organized on the go. LOVE that polka dot wristlet:)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Elizabeth Cannata - I would love to order the PICNIC THERMAL TOTE. I have to go for iron trnasfusions every week/month and they last for many hours. I often take my lunch and drinks but they always get warm. I would love the PICNIC TOTE to keep my item cold so I wouldn’t have to drink warm water by the end of my transfusion!! Thank you for the chance to win something just for me!!! (Since I always put my husband and children first! (Like all moms and wives seem to do.)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Cassie - I love these bags! I don’t have any yet, but two I’m interested in are XXL Everyday Tote and the Retro Metro Tote-both look so handy and so cute! I could use them to keep both my stuff and the kids stuff organized when we are out and about:)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Suzanne - I’d keep the market thermal tote in my trunk. I use a cooler now–that would be way more stylish!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • JenniferLO - I love that Polka Dot Wristlet. I am planning to buy my sisters the All-in-One Organizer and then I’m keeping the Medium tote for myself! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Brittany - I LOVE thirty one gifts!! I would order the medium utility tote to help keep me organized. Great giveaway!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Julia C - that little pouch would be great for my makeup at the gym!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Joni - How can you choose just one. I like the super organizing tote, would be great for my daily commute.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Lindsay K - I love my 31 bags. I only have a few but they are so nice to have and I love the personalization on them. I would probably buy one of the messenger style purses. They are great!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kelsie - The organizing utility tote. To take between the car and the house! Especially for long trips with the holidays coming up! PS Got some super compliments on my picnic basket from Dayspring this past weekend! I LOVE IT!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Maria - I like that market thermal bag! I have only one 31 bag but would love more:)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Leah - I would get the large utility tote to keep the back of my van more organized!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Marah Hawkins - The large tote!!! The larger the better for me!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Vikki L - Everything is so cute..I really love the polka dot wristlet.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • little brown cow » The Macs - […] 31 Giveaway closes tonight. Click here to enter for a chance to […]ReplyCancel

  • Mandy - I LOVE the organizing shoulder bag! (so much so that I own two of them!) it is the perfect bag for a day where you are out and about.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Tracy fisher - I love the market thermal totes (or any of the thermal bags really!)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Renae - Love the large utility tote and I think I could use another one!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • becca h - I love the large utility tote and love hearing that another mom has lots of things that need to go back to stores! My hubby thinks I’m crazy for all the stuff I buy and then take back when it doesn’t work!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Marquis - I love them all!! I have a hard time just choosing one. I love all bags!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Ashley B - I love the large utility tote.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jodie - I would order the Termal Tote. It’s perfect for baby bottles!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Whittney Lemos - A large tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jolie - I would love the market thermal tote to keep my ice cream in! It always melts on the ay home from the store;-(ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • alisa - Love the market thermal tote!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • AmandaPN - I just hosted a party and was able to get the bag I wanted for my camera equipment (it’s a hostess exclusive). I really would like to get the medium leather purse.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Pavani - I love the all-in-one organizerReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Suzy C - the super organizing tote would be great! I love thirty one stuff! i have a few things at home- mainly the thermal lunch boxes!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Marcia - I would love the cargo bag…ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Sharon - Love the Casual Cargo Purse on pg. 21 of the catalog!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • McKenzie - Market thermal tote! So cute and functional. Love all their stuff!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Megan - Ok so I think I am 8 minutes late. I bought my mom a large utility tote last year and I have wanted one ever since. I think they are great for Sam’s Club visits or for hulling things when traveling. I also love the red polka dots!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Angie - I have recently started loving 31 products. I think the Market Thermal Tote might be my next purchase!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jody - I love the Metro Retro bag and the cosmetic bag, I’m in need of one of those.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • sarah - SSSSOOooo many choices. I can’t decide. I want them all!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mallory O - That is harder than shoe shopping — there are sooo many choices!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Stacie White - I’m dying to get a new medium tote bag. My husband just finished our basement so I need a handy place to put things at the top of the stairs that need to go downstairs on the next trip! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • jennifer - I’ve been eyeing the Market Thermal tote. I already use the large utility tote for scapbooking supplies and love it!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melanie - Hey Ladies! The Blog Party is still open for orders! Thirty-one is a one stop place for most of your gift giving! Don’t forget about our kiddos teachers. I was a teacher for 7 years and always enjoyed personalized items from my students…..we have lunch tote bags, lil carry-all perfect for pens, markers, and crayons….the possibilities are endless!
    Here is the link for shopping 🙂
    https://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E2426828&from=MYEVENTSReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jen - retro metro bag or the insulated one!! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Beth Frazier - I’d love to give the market thermal a try!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Karina - DEFINITELY the oversized storage organizer that you can slide under your bed – genius! I use under-bed storage baskets, but the cat sleeps in them and makes a MESS! The Thirty-One version zips shut with a lid she would probably not find all that comfy – perfect! I love my cat but she really needs to find another favourite spot to sleep!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Tina - I love the snow man medium utility tote.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jenny - I would love the large utility tote. It could help out in so may ways.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Birdie - Anything 31 would be awesome!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Lauren B - 5th ave purse is def my fav 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Miranda - I am actually holding a giveaway myself! It will close on February 25th, 2013. Check it out here:

    http://lifes-greatest-blessings.blogspot.com/2013/02/thirty-one-party-with-giveaway.html

    Thanks! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • http://cohat.ch/ - All publications are available at Amazon for Kindle and Barnes & Noble
    for Nook from $12.ninety nine. Perhaps you are curious about whether or not
    there is journey journey on the horizon. Discover 3 issues about them that you
    didn’t know.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

How did it get to be November already? I just can’t believe how fast this year is flying by. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and before I know it my baby is going to be turning three. Sheesh. This growing up stuff is hard on a mama. I had to sneak in a little more October for you even though I am very aware that it has past. 🙂

We have never carved pumpkins at our house so this year was a first.

Levi calls it “scarving” pumpkins. He was really excited to scarve his pumpkin. 🙂

Our pumpkins came from my father-in-laws garden. I wish I had even a tenth of his gardening skills. Maybe someday. We planted pumpkins this year but we planted them a little too late. A lot of our pumpkins didn’t have a chance to turn orange before it frosted. Bummer. We did have tons of gourds though!

Griffin is getting so funny. He definitely knows what he wants now. And if he doesn’t get it he makes sure to let you know…in a very loud, dramatic way.

Levi is always bossing around telling Griffin something. He always has something to say. I’m pretty sure Griffin is only saying two words (moo AND mama!) because he doesn’t have a chance to get a word in. He just yells at his brother instead. 🙂

The boys had so much fun helping their daddy.

While Levi was scooping…

…Griffin was eating pumpkin. Nice.

Bammy and Papa stopped by while we were carving our pumpkins and helped the boys finish them up.

I don’t think Levi had ever really seen a jack o’ lantern all lit up. He was in awe. 🙂

There were little superheroes running around here on Halloween. I made some capes for a friends little boys and Levi liked them so much that I decided to make him one too. A superman shirt and and mask completed the costume.

Griffin couldn’t be left out. Last year a football player and football…this year superheroes.

One little superhero was crawling all around.

The other little superhero was flying all over the yard.

We had to get daddy a superman shirt too.

And just like that we said goodbye to October.

Happy November…and Friday too! Hope you all have a great weekend. Make sure to check back tonight for a weekend giveaway!

Posted in: family
sharepinTweet
Leave a comment

  • kim - LOVE your posts…they always make me smile! well no sometimes they make me cry ;)…but love them all! Your superheros big and small look super cute!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Tonya S. - Hi Jess!! I’m a fairly new reader, just wanted to say that your capes are adorable. 🙂 Capes are on my to-do list for my boys.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Debbie S - The passing of October always makes me sad because it’s the calm before the holiday storm!! Love the capes…maybe I’ll find time to sew a few for gifts. Supermom cape for me…my kids would be mortified!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Michelle from Oz - Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Love the pumpkin carving. I haven’t ever tried that. And the costumes were fabulous!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Cindy - My little guy wore the same t-shirt as Levi with a cape/mask as well…but ours was just generic…yours are way cuter, especially with their initial on them! Love it!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mary Ann - So cute….all 3 boys as super heros. My grandson was Superman for Halloween. He looked so grown up…..and would put his hands on his hips for the “pose.” Your boys are so sweet and adorable. I love the capes and masques.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jessica - Your boys are seriously the cutest ever! I’d love to see a video of Levi talking – toddler talk is the best!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amanda D. - The series of shots of Levi flying around the yard is the CUTEST!!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Deborah Pruden - Thank you 🙂 You made me smile.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Christina - I love it! And it is so great that Joel had a shirt too!! 🙂
    Your pumpkins turned out so well!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Emily S. - I enjoy your blog posts SO SO much! They are one of my favorite parts of the day. Your boys are so cute and the costumes were so neat too! Hope you guys had a great October! – EmilyReplyCancel

    [Reply]

Last week I got a surprise box of goodies from DaySpring. So fun! I LOVE DaySpring!

DaySpring has some great new products but my favorite was this 12 Day Holiday Countdown calendar.

There is a drawer at the bottom of the calendar that holds the tiles for each of three holidays: Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Based on the number written on each tile you place it in the corresponding number drawer in the countdown. The numbered drawers are big enough that you could also add candy or other small surprises if you wanted to.

The tiles are perfect for preschoolers. I am so excited to use the Holiday Countdown with Levi. One side has a picture and the other side has a sentence stating what you are focusing on that day. For Thanksgiving, each day states something you are thankful for.

There is also a story book that goes along with the Holiday Countdown.

The picture on the tile matches the picture on the corresponding story page. Again, the storybook is perfect for preschoolers. There is a verse to read, a truth or something to pray for that day, and a question to ask your child.

When you are done with each day you slide the drawer back in with the scene facing out that coordinates with the current holiday. When you reach the end of the countdown you will have a completed scene. This is what the scene looks like for Thanksgiving.

Isn’t that great?! I love how simple it is…but I especially love how it will help me guide my children to focus on Truth during the upcoming holiday season. And the best thing is I don’t have to make anything! I am all prepared and ready to be more intentional with my kids as Thanksgiving approaches…that is a miracle! 🙂

I am so excited to share a special offer from DaySpring with you. Right now the 12 Day Holiday Countdown is on sale for $15, usually $24.99. That is a pretty great price already, but they are offering a special deal just for my readers! Use the code AdventSpecial to get 50% of the sale price. That means you can snag the 12 Day Holiday Countdown for just $7.50. The coupon code is valid for one week and will expire on November 6th. And don’t forget if you spend $50 you qualify for free shipping. Thanks DaySpring!!

If you end up using this with your children, let me know. I’d love to hear how you like it!

Posted in: dayspring
sharepinTweet
Leave a comment

  • Tiffany - I LOVE this. Going to purchase now!! Thanks! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Samantha - I just purchased it! I can’t wait to use it. We do 12 days of Christmas every year, so this will be perfect to add into the tradition! I can’t wait to get it!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Natalie - This is so precious! I can’t wait to buy it and forward this post on to friends and family so they can buy it too! Thanks so much for sharing this! My girl will LOVE it!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Yvonne I. - I just placed an order for my 2 grandkids – they will love it! Thank you for the 50% off discount – it made the purchase all the more worth it! Last year I bought the customized plates for them with a tip from your blog! Thanks so much!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Anna - Jess-
    I have been following your blog for a long time. I found it on Kayleigh Freeman’s website a LONG time ago and I have prayed, cried and laughed with you. I love how creative you are and the neat things you advertise on your site. More importantly, I love reading about how GOD has brought you thru your storm and is carrying you throughout your journey. Thank you for your blog and for being a real woman, mom and follower of Jesus Christ.
    Love your blog friend from SC,
    AnnaReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jessica - Love this! I am going to purchase one for each of my pre-schooler’s classrooms. They go to a Christian Mother’s Day Out, and it will be the gift that keeps on giving for years to come. Thank you so much for the extra 50% off!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Becca Green - So I was seriously just looking on Pinterest for some Advent calendars. I’ve never had one but have really been wanting to get one for the last few years! And I don’t really have the time or energy to make something huge, so this is AWESOME! Love how God times everything out so perfectly. Thanks so much!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Megan - Very cute!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Amy K - Amazing, I just ordered two. Thanks so much!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • JenniferLO - Oh these are so cute! I am snagging one for my classroom/future kiddos and one for my nieces! So precious!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Rachel Harrelson - Just ordered 2 – one for us and one for my neices. Can’t wait to use it. Thanks for the discount code!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Rachel - Love this! I just bought it!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Corrie - Thank you, Jess! This is our very first Christmas with our sweet baby boy, and I’d wanted to find a good advent calendar for him to grow up with. I love that we can use this for more than just Christmas…and that it’s yet another simple way to bring our Marshall Paul up in “the nurture & admonition of the LORD.”

    A happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and praying for you thro’ yet another holiday season without your dear Cora Paige.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melissa - I just ordered it, what a great idea and nice that it can be used for 3 holidays!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Hannah - this is soo awesome! truly love thisReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kendra - Hi Jess! I was at Julie’s shower. . . we have a child from Uganda and hopefully 2 more soon. I was excited to see a little diversity in skin tones on this so I just might order this! Thanks! I am glad they designed this not with just strictly white people! 🙂
    Blessings,
    KendraReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kelly Ford - LOVE THIS!!! Just ordered THREE!!! SO excited to get them!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Caroline - Thanks so much for sharing this! I just ordered one and can’t wait to use it with my little boy!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Whitney - I love it! I just bought two of them! Thanks for the deal.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • katygirl - i love this idea!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Shannon - I just ordered four Holiday Countdown boxes to be given as gifts. Thank you for sharing the “Mac” coupon code. xxReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • tara - thanks! so excited to get our little countdown in. 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • megan - I ordered one too! What a sweet idea and I loved that it included Thanksgiving and Easter too. Thanks for posting!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Stefanie Arnold - Yay! I’m buying this today!! Thanks for sharing, Jess.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kari - I just ordered mine!! Can’t wait to receive it!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • little brown cow » The Macs - […] DaySpring coupon for the Holiday Countdown expires tomorrow. Click here for more […]ReplyCancel

  • Anna - Bought two…one for my two kiddos and one to give as part of a baby shower gift! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 My sister also bought one for her children.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Anna - Bought two…one for my children and one to give as part of a baby shower gift. My sister also bought one for my nieces. Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Linda - I just ordered one for my grandnephew (4yrs) and grandniece (2yrs). I’m so excited for them to receive it. Thank you for the special coupon code Jess! I really appreciate it.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Meghan - Hooray! Just catching up with your lovely blog and caught this post just in the nick of time. I just ordered 3!!! Thanks so much for the code and for sharing such a great product.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Deborah Raney - I ordered two of these for our two families of grandkids and they arrived in just a few days! Your discount made them a great price for such a quality product. I had such fun filling the drawers with little treats, then mailing the package to my grandkids. Tomorrow is the day they start opening drawers for the countdown to Thanksgiving. Thank you, Jess, for letting us know about this! I love Dayspring products but this was a new one to me!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Rachel H - Thanks so much for letting us know about the Holiday Countdown! I ordered one and received it very quickly. I was super sad when I realized that the day 12 thanksgiving tile was missing, but when I called up dayspring to see if they could just send me the missing tile so I wouldn’t have to send the whole thing back, they were great. I’ve never had such a good customer service experience an they are sending me a whole new countdown box free of charge and told me to just keep the other one as a back up in case I lose any of the little tiles in the future! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    November 30th, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Rachel-So fun to hear about your family using the Holiday Countdown…we loved using ours at Thanksgiving too. And yes, DaySpring is awesome. They are so great to work with!

    [Reply]

    • Jess - Rachel-So fun to hear about your family using the Holiday Countdown…we loved using ours at Thanksgiving too. And yes, DaySpring is awesome. They are so great to work with!ReplyCancel

      [Reply]

  • october dayspring deals » The Macs - […] The 12 Day Holiday Countdown Calendar is only $9.99. This is a GREAT deal and what I love about this calendar is you can use it for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I had fun using this calendar with my kids last year…you can read my review here. […]ReplyCancel

I’m back! I think I am finally getting my full computer under control. Thanks so much for all of your ideas. I decided to back all my pictures up on an external hard drive and back them up again on a flash drive (because it was cheaper than CDs) before deleting them from iPhoto. Why haven’t I been doing this all along…I have no idea?! Now I have a system and hopefully I will stick with it. I am hoping to start making some photo books and print off some favorite prints as I am organizing all my photos too. I’ll keep you updated on my progress. 🙂

So…there is lots to catch you up on. Here are a few of the things we have been up to this lovely fall.

::: Pumpkin Patch :::

One of Levi’s friends celebrated his birthday at the pumpkin patch this year. It was a gorgeous day and such a fun birthday party. Joel even had a slow morning and decided to come along…yay! This is the first time we have all gone to a pumpkin patch together.

If you are local, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch is awesome. It was our first time to go there and we loved it. There is no admission fee and they have all sorts of fun play equipment for the kids to play on. The pumpkins are really reasonable too. While we were there we found out that Levi’s delivery nurse and her family run the pumpkin patch. She is pretty awesome too! Gotta love small towns. 🙂

Levi picked out a big pumpkin for himself.

He was really impressed with it. I have no idea why we were letting him hold the “cutters” as he calls them. At least he was being supervised.

A proud pumpkin picker.

He picked one for Griffin too. He thought Griffin needed a little one.

My two little pumpkins (one of them who is very cheesy) and their pumpkins all loaded up and ready to go.

We got to hang out with some sweet friends too. This is the birthday boy’s mama and two of the other mamas.

Pumpkin picking is serious business.

While we were talking I looked over and Levi was giving his brother a drink of his water. They crack me up.

It was one of those rare moments where they were actually taking care of each other instead of picking on each other. I am praying there are more and more of these taking care of each other moments as they get older.

::: Hedge Apples :::

We have lots of hedge apple trees around us…I looked hedge apples up online and the trees are actually Osage Orange Trees.

There is one tree right along the road that we walk on to get to Cora’s cemetery. We saw that it was full of hedge apples and decided that next time we took a walk we would collect a bunch and bring them home.

This is a hedge apple. You don’t eat them. They are just pretty. And some people use them to keep away spiders and crickets. I don’t know if that really works? We still get spiders and crickets in our house.

Cheese.

When you pull them off the tree a milky juice comes out of the top…it is a little messy and sticky.

Levi had to pull really hard to get the hedge apples off. He kept falling back every time he got one.

But it didn’t stop him from filling up our stroller. He likes to have a job to do.

There is nothing better than pretty, free fall decorations and a little boy who helps you gather them. 🙂

::: The rest of the time :::

Otherwise, I have just been doing my best to keep up with these two. They are a handful…but so fun!

I am working on some costumes this week for the boys and have lots more to tell you about. I have a great deal from DaySpring to tell you about tomorrow and a giveaway planned for Friday too! See you tomorrow. 🙂

Posted in: family
sharepinTweet
Leave a comment

  • creole wisdom - What cuties you have. How fun that patch looks, glad you are having a wonderful fall. You look great Jess!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 30th, 2012 at 9:39 am

    Creole-Thank you!!

    [Reply]

  • Carrie - Looks like fun! Such cute boys.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • amosclutchpedal - Oh my goodness those are some cute boys you have. I have two little girls so it’s fun to see them!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kalyn - We call those Hedege apples, Monkey Balls, I have no idea why?ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 30th, 2012 at 9:39 am

    Kalyn-I’ve heard that before too. Funny!

    [Reply]

  • Ashley - We call them Osage Oranges in Virginia. I’ve never heard that they keep spiders & crickets away, my mom says roaches (yuck!). They smelly super yummy after about a week off the tree. They were used in the south as fences before fences were what they are today. They were planned in a row and the cows/horses/etc wouldn’t go through them. We always have them on in our house in the fall!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jody - We didn’t get any hedge apples this year. My cousin usually hooks us up with some from his dad’s mini farm. I’m afraid those huge spiders are going to find out and come back…I hate those things!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mary Ann - Cute pictures of those darling little boys. Both are growing up way too fast. I love those hedge apples. They remind me of round broccoli!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like them in Utah. Can’t wait to see the costumes the boys wore for Halloween. My little grandson was superman and a darn cute one at that!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Christina - You have such a gift of capturing your life in a way that is almost magical…your pictures are amazing. 🙂 Your boys are so cute!! I’m sure that helps. 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

Sorry it has been a little quiet around here. I am having some computer issues. When I opened up my blog today I had hundreds of spam comments. Yuck. I think I mostly have them taken care of and I have a new filter that will hopefully help. Sorry about that! Also…and this problem is totally self-inflicted…I am out of storage space because I have way too many pictures on my computer and that means I can’t download any new pictures until I get some off. My computer is backed up but I am in the process of organizing/saving pictures on a separate external hard drive. I should have been doing this all along, but I usually like to do things the hard way. 🙂 Anyway, posts without pictures are boring (at least most of the time) so that’s why I haven’t been posting. I managed to download a few pictures from my phone today. Yay! Do you have any fabulous methods of saving and storing your photos? I wish I was a more organized person!

Today was a bring your lunch to the combine kind of day. Farm life is totally unpredictable. That has been really hard for me to get used to and I have to constantly give my bad attitudes over to the Lord. I am praying that He molds me into more of a gracious, flexible farm wife. I have a ways to go!

Today we were glad for unpredictable. Joel called to tell me they were harvesting soy beans and that he would need a lunch in the field. He said the boys could come ride for awhile. We were glad to get out of the house and the boys were pumped.

Levi helped me pack lunches for us all and we jumped into the combine for a ride. I rode along in the seat Griffin is sitting in…he was wanting so badly to sit there by himself. Always Mr. Independent these days. Griffin is starting to love tractors and the farm just as much as his brother. It is so cute how excited he gets!

Levi sat so quietly just soaking everything in. He even ate all of his lunch! I told Joel I was going to make him eat in the combine everyday. It was the most peaceful lunch ever!

Griffin sat in my lap because he was still trying to convince me (by yelling) that I was sitting in his seat. He ate all his lunch too. Seriously, it was the best lunch!

They both were taking everything in. Watching everything their daddy was doing. And Levi was asking a million questions. He wants to know exactly how everything works.

And when it was time to go home for naps, Joel said Levi could stay. Skipping his nap and riding in the combine?! He was in heaven. Just look at his smile. It is way past his bedtime now and he’s still out farming away. I try to tell myself that he misses his mama so much, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. 🙂 His daddy is pretty great and he loves spending time with him.

Levi looked like such a big boy sitting up in the combine ready to help his daddy. I can almost picture him as a young man running the combine himself…really helping his daddy. The unpredictable part of farming can be frustrating but I am so thankful for these unpredictable times when my boys get to spend time with their daddy. Unpredictable can be good. I have to remind myself to keep that perspective. 🙂

Posted in: family , farming
sharepinTweet
Leave a comment

  • Brooke - Love all of these! Makes me miss KS even more. Hang in there farmwife!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Melinda D. - As a farm kid myself, married to a farmer and raising three of my own farm kids- I can’t imagine a predictable life 🙂 My sister and I have talked about how boring it must be to always have the same job, day after day, after day, no matter what season it is. We love the specific farm seasons and I love being “on call” for my husband and father-in-law. And it has taught our kids to be very flexible 🙂 Enjoy it! It’s a one-of-a-kind life that less than 2% of our population gets to experience! Btw, hope your bean harvest is yielding better than ours 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Michelle from Oz - I could only laugh looking at the combine pics. And this is me who sent you a photo of a tiny John Deere in the middle of an Australian paddock. And you have a huge one like that at your place? I think you should run Farm Weekends so we City Slickers can come to a farm and get ourselves dirty and touch (and ride in??) such great machinery. I would even come all the way from Australia just to get a good, clear photo of some John Deere machinery 🙂 Loved the post Jess!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Julie J. - Love your pictures from the day. . . hope somebody gives you advice saving and storing photos, because you won’t be getting that from me. ha!

    I had to smile when I read about both boys eating all of their lunches. I always pack Ori a decent amount of food when he rides with my dad and my dad always tells me Ori needs more. He always eats everything plus about half of my dad’s lunch. So funny! Must be something about the combine that makes our boys big eaters–you better get used to packing HUGE lunches for your boys ;).ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jen - It’s so cute how excited they are to visit their dad. As a daughter of a farmer I know the feeling! My dad always has a toolbox on the floor of his combine and my brother and sister and I would take turns sitting on it. My kids now love to ride with their grand pop and uncle and guess who sits on the toolbox, me! I have great memories and hope my kids will have the same. I’m sure your husband loves when you visit him!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jody R. - I’ve been seeing lots of combines and tractors working in the fields the past month and on the roads moving between farms…lots of corn harvesting getting done before the first snow, which may be as early as next week. eek!

    I upload all my pictures to Shutterfly. It’s like my catastrophe backup plan. Then once I’ve moved them over, I move the photos onto the external hard drive. I have a folder for copies of pictures that I want to use in photobooks so I don’t have to go through all my folders looking for them. And then when I’m done with a set of images I can just delete those copies.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Lora - I archive all of my photos on Shutterfly. Smugmug is also good! I archive weekly to keep up!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Danielle - Hi, Jess! Such a cute post. 🙂 I am having the same issue as you with too many pictures and not enough space. We have a Mac and we really like the iCloud option of storing our pics and family videos. I especially love that it automatically syncs everything to our iPad and iPhones when/if needed. The problem is we have so many pics/files, that we continually have to buy more storage. I am not sure if that is a one-time fee for the extra storage, or if we have to continually pay…I would have to ask my hubby. 🙂 I also use Dropbox, which has an option of paying for bigger amounts of storage, too. But I think that is a continual fee. The benefit of using Dropbox is that you can access all of your pics/videos/files/etc. from any computer (pc or mac) anywhere. (Maybe you can do that through iCloud too???) And it has an option where you can share a folder among friends or family, which has made sharing large amounts of pictures much easier than through email. It really works well for accessing my school files from home and vise versa, too. I’m anxious to see other ideas people share. 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 28th, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    Danielle-Good ideas! 🙂

    [Reply]

  • Lacie Hutchins - Brings back memories of going out to the fields as a kid! Then I got too old and set in my city girl ways! Too dirty in those combines! As for picture storage, I just have one thing I had to do because my blog couldn’t take anymore pictures. I have a photobucket account that I upload all of my blog photos to so that I can post them and not use up all of the space for pictures on the blog. I think Julie does that too! You probably ready do this, but just thought I would mention it.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kalyn - I upload all my pictures to a snapfish account and then I delete them from my hard drive. That way I always have the pictures in a save place and I will never loss them, even when we get a new computer.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 28th, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    Ceri, Lacie, & Kalyn-Thanks for the ideas!

    [Reply]

  • Emily Parker - I’m in the same boat with my pictures. I actually lost 2 years worth of images due to external hard drive failure. What I’m planning to do (like you I just need to DO IT though!) is have 2 external hard drives…only save the current months pics on my computer then at the end of each month move the folder to both of the hard drives AND i plan to burn a dvd of each month as well and store those in a case in a fireproof safe. Currently though? It’s all on my ancient computer! I gotta get the motivation!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 28th, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    Emily-So sad to lose so many pictures! You definitely need to start saving!!

    [Reply]

    • Jess - Emily-So sad to lose so many pictures! You definitely need to start saving!!ReplyCancel

      [Reply]

  • Cathy - I wish we knew one another well enough for me to show up with my 3 yr old (Lars) and sit on the edge of the field and watch for hours (ya know – without it seeming stalkerish or anything! HA!)

    We live out in the country, not on a farm, but on the edge of a bean & corn field… and last week was “Combine week” at our house. It was nearly impossible to pull Lars away from watching 🙂 Makes me wish we DID live on a farm!!!

    Thanks for sharing your family with me!!

    CathyReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Ceri - Snapfish has a picture mover program that when you plug your camera in it will automatically detect and upload them on to your snapfish account. The problem with that is that when its done it still puts them on your computer but they are not “turned” (windows recognizes that the picture is horizontal or vertical and turns appropriately.) Well hubby does not like this so we “battle” about it. My compromise is not to delete them from the camera but to upload them to the computer twice, once to do the snapfish, I then delete the album that was added with the non turned pictures, then re-upload them but cancel the snapfish move. And although it sucks to do it twice, its WAY better than sitting there trying to upload folders upon folders of photos…. my problem is hubby usually plugs the camera in so I have tons to still back up. When I do that, then I end the name of the folder with Uploaded so I know that those ones are backed up. Hope this helps! Good luck, keep us posted with what you figure out. 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • danielle - Your boys are adorable!!! I remember my first combine ride it was amazing! We did not grow up on a farm though, just had a really nice farmer that did the fields around us and put up with pesky little kids 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • W. - Those boys are so so so cute 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Brittin Olson - Wow I have never seen such a clean inside of a tractor! My husband used to mow dairy fields, and when the kids and I rode with him, we weren’t allowed to touch anything. haha. I love little farm boys!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Mary Ann - Oh my stars!! That is just the cutest thing…those 2 boys helping dad. And Levi’s smile….priceless. My little grandson (2 1/2) is in love with tractors. He calls dump trucks, road graders, front end loaders, back hoes all tractors. We mainly see road construction equipment so he was in 7th heaven at the pumpkin patch because he got to sit on real farm tractors. Your life seems lovely and good. I admire your spirit and spunk and being willing to have an unpredictable schedule. I love your pictures and think you have a very sweet family.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • amanda - oh my goodness Levi’s head back eye closed ear to ear smile is ADORABLE! so much personality and sweetness come through in his body language.
    what a great way to grow … watching daddy work hard on the farm. so cute!!!!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • tonya - these are great, priceless, precious pictures!!! you totally need to get that first one w/levi headed to the combine with his lunch box printed for your house…it is perfect!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 28th, 2012 at 3:40 pm

    Tonya-Thanks! I love that one too.

    [Reply]

  • Arlene - I used 2 externals, one crashed. I used Picasa, it was always down. Now I use MyOtherDrive. It’s virtual and not only can I access it from any computer, I can also send links of specific files or folders to share with friends without giving access to all my information. It was a little complicated at first, but the best part is that you can mail them your hard drives and they will move everything over for you. This saved me literally weeks of backing up (I have over 70,000 pics). If you don’t need a lot, they offer free storage, too.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 28th, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Arlene-Thanks…I’ll have to check that out.

    [Reply]

  • Jillian - Photo storage has been an issue for me for the last 2 years, and seems to always be a problem when I’m ready to upload pictures for a post! SmugMug was the best option for me – a yearly fee, but unlimited storage, print ordering, and… original file downloads. I keep my photos back up on there, and when I run out of room, I delete them off my harddrive. But, if I ever need a file for the blog (or whatever), I can download the original right to my desktop (and quality isn’t downsized, etc). I did a whole post on them (not sponsored – just a real, honest-to-goodness review) with a lot more details, if you want to read it, here: (http://earningourstripes.blogspot.com/2012/08/done-list-update-smugmug-review.html?m=1)ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 28th, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Jillian-Thanks for the idea! I’ve never heard of SmugMug.

    [Reply]

  • Stephanie - Your boys are such handsome fellows!

    I don’t take nearly as many photos as you do, and mine are not as high quality for sure. But something I picked up from a friend was to not save too many pictures that are super high quality unless I intend to blow them up to a really large size (which people generally don’t do of all 5000 or so pictures that they have). But in turn, I have really started to go through my pictures and choose the ones I LOVE and will remember and want to keep and only keep those. And otherwise, just delete the rest, or shrink them to a smaller size (blog appropriate, or 4×6 printing appropriate). As for storage, I still keep mine on an external hard drive. No fancy cloud storage or anything!ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

    Jess Reply:
    October 28th, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    Stephanie-I use an external drive too. Thanks for the ideas!

    [Reply]

  • Heather - That is so awesome! My son (who just turned 2) would be in little boy heaven to be around that kind of farm equipment.ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Christina - So precious! And your kids are going to grow up really understanding and valuing a strong work ethic…that is a wonderful thing. This city mama needs to hop to it, and start helping her kids understand what it means to work hard! 🙂ReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Jaime - I bet living on a farm is the coolest thing for little boys. I bet my kids would just die with excitement. Your boys are so adorable! It looks like a fun day for sure. Picture storage is a pain. I really only take pictures with my phone now…lame! I don’t have a fancy camera. 🙂 but I try at the end of each month…(when I pay bills) to save all my pics from that month on shutterfly. Then at the end of the year I can make a family album pretty easily too, grabbing my favorites from each month. That may be a super ridiculous answer to all of you awesome photographers. LolReplyCancel

    [Reply]

  • Kelly - I know you’ve already figured out some of what you want to do photos wise but I just wanted to tell you that we use Backblaze. You pay I think $90 a year or every two years or something but it backs everything up automatically off-site so that if you have a fire or something and your computer & external hard drive are in the same place, you still have all of your photos/documents/whatever you set it up to save from your computer safe. Just wanted to pass that tidbit along in case it’s helpful.

    Also, been meaning to tell you this for a while but the 30 day challenge stuck this time more than ever! I have been reading Jesus Calling and more intentionally communicating with God and giving him my day since the last one! Thank you for encouraging/challenging us! KellyReplyCancel

    [Reply]

« PREVIOUS NEXT »