Hello beautiful people! Long time no talk. I’ve been taking some time off from blogging, and it’s been much needed. And guess what? I’ve been doing so much more by doing so much less. Magical. Anyhow, I thought I’d pop in today to give you a little update, “currently” style.
ONE.
Loving…
Fall. The weather teased us last week, and it was nice and cool with low humidity. The temps were in the 70s in the morning, and then the afternoon would heat up to the low 80s. Now it’s hot again, but oh well. It’s Texas. Give it a day, and it’ll change again. While it was nice and cool, we enjoyed the outdoors and visited Blessington Farms, the cutest little pumpkin patch about an hour from our house. My mom met us there, and it was the best time. Charlotte loved picking out ALL the pumpkins. She actually loved the little ones, because they were more her size. She’s so smart: she only likes what she can handle. There were slides, games, mazes, ponds, train rides, hay rides, and lots of animals. We had a blast. Here are some of my favorite pictures of the day.
And then here she is at home with her pumpkins from the patch. She is so in love with them.
TWO.
Thankful for…
the little things. Lately, I’ve really been intentional about focusing on the positives around me. Charlotte is definitely my joy, and seeing her light up about the littlest of things, like a bounce house at a birthday party or a bug that lands on her shoe, helps remind me to enjoy the simple moments that God gives us every day. I’ve been loving the hashtag created by the Laura Casey Shop on Instagram called #clearoctober to focus on everyday blessings.
Just the other day, I was driving home after dropping off Charlotte and finishing a run, and when I turned the corner onto our culdesac, I caught a glimpse of a cross. I got out of my car, walked down the street, and I was right. It was a cross. It reminded me that Jesus is everywhere. He is always there even if we tend to forget.
But here’s another cool concept. Have you ever heard about seeing what you’re looking for? Let’s say you want a new white SUV. Then when you’re driving around, you see about 100 white SUVs. You notice because your mind is being intentional. I guess lately, I’ve really been intentional about looking for Jesus. I need him daily, and lately more than ever. I’m so glad He gave me this reminder in the street. It’s the little things.
THREE.
Reading…
I’ve shared this book before, but you know how slow of a reader I am. I’m finally delving into For the Love by Jen Hatmaker, and it is rocking my socks off. If I can get around to it, I’ll highlight some of my favorite quotes from the book, but I just love her voice and love for Jesus. She is hilarious, and every word that I’ve read feels like a breathe of fresh air. If you’re wanting to laugh and talk about Jesus too, I highly recommend this book.
I’ve also been reading a book titled Called to Authentic Feminism. It’s for a Catholic bible study I joined while Charlotte’s in school thanks to my friend Kim who told me about it. The group is national, and our church has one now; it’s called Familia. The first class was amazing, and I have a feeling that this study will be a huge blessing.
FOUR.
Exited about…
all things Halloween. These Halloween pajamas from Two Magnolia Lane are one of our favorites, and the festive prints from Gap Kids have been too cute as well.
Before we went to the pumpkin patch, I prepared Charlotte by reading her all of these books, and we haven’t stopped. She especially loves “A Halloween Scare in Texas” and “Room on the Broom.” Oh, and “Where’s Baby’s Pumpkin?” What can I say. She loves books like her mama.
Now we just need to figure out what Little Miss Monkey Princess Pants will be for Halloween. The other night in Target, we came across this monkey outfit, and she was the cutest little monkey ever. But she wasn’t a fan of the hood. Although, now that I think back, she loved the monkey suit. Hmm…we might have to go back for this one.
FIVE.
Making…
No Bake Energy Bites. I found this recipe by Ashley Brooke Designs, but I tweaked the instructions. She also says this is Paleo, but I don’t know which Paleo camp allows for oats, so I’m just calling them “no bake energy bites.” MJM loves these because they’re not too sweet and not too bland. Charlotte will nibble on them, but won’t eat the whole thing. I like to snack on them with my afternoon coffee. Hope you like them!
NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1. Dump all ingredients into a blender except for the chocolate chips, honey, and almond butter.
2. Pulse the mixture until it’s finely chopped.
3. Dump mixture in a big mixing bowl, and add the remaining ingredients of the chocolate chips, honey, and almond butter.
4. Mix until the mixture is sticky.
5. Roll into one-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet.
6. Place in freezer for about 30 minutes or until hardened.
7. Store in refrigerator or freezer in a Ziploc bag.
And that’s my five for the day. But one last thing…what I’m watching…is anyone else so excited about fall TV? I can’t even with Scandal. Seriously, Olivia? And we loved Fear the Walking Dead. Now we’re doing a happy dance for The Walking Dead’s premiere on Sunday. Of course in the meantime, I’ve been watching Downton Abbey, and I’m also catching up with Nashville. See what I mean that I’ve been doing so much more by doing so much less? My house is also pretty spotless, too.
Since I’m blogging less, you can be sure to see me on Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat (kristy7graces).
Hope all is well with you, and I’ll talk to you soon!
Those no bake energy bites sound amazing! Have a good weekend!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Thanks, Darcy! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Man this post is chock full of good stuff! Where to start?!
Love that Charlotte girl and I’m glad you’re enjoying your blog break :) I’m a major Jen fan too- I definitely need to get her newest book!
Well thanks so much, Courtney! Sorry for the super late reply.
I bet you would love Jen Hatmaker’s new book! It has been so uplifting and inspiring. Somehow God just knows what you need to hear right when you need to hear it. I’ve been loving it. Another book to check out if you haven’t is Melanie Shankle’s Sparkly Green Earrings. Love it! I’m really loving Christian motherhood books lately. If you have any recs, pass them my way. Xoxo
So much cuteness!
Thanks so much, Daisy! Have a great week!
What a fun day pumpkin picking! Looks like you captured some amazing memories :)
It was so fun! Making memories with them is my favorite. Happy week, Caitlin!
So glad we are doing Familia together! I love Blessington Farms and can’t wait to take the kids to the pumpkin patch xoxoxo
I am so glad, too! Thanks so much for being such an amazing friend. Love you!
Ok, sister. #2 was so well put. Love your heart and your intentionality. Good reminders there. xo!
Well, thank you so much for that, Meg. Love you!
I love your reminder about being intentional. I was literally just praying about that this morning. I vote for the monkey costume, too cute!
Thanks, Courtney! I’ve found that it’s hard work being intentional, but it’s so worth it. It’s definitely something that I have to pray about daily. We did go back for the monkey costume after all. I hope she’ll wear it! Lol.
I am currently obsessed with white pumpkins–they are so pretty! It looks like y’all are having such a fun fall so far!!
Aren’t they gorgeous?! I never knew they were real. I always thought people painted them. Hehe. Have a great week, Jenna!
That Monkey costume is too cute! New follower! Xo
Nessa
I’m very pleased to hear that Charlotte likes “A Halloween Scare in Texas”! Have a very spooky Halloween! Best wishes, Eric :)