November Daybook and catching up

For Today {November 10, 2025}

27ish years ago I flew to Mississippi to go to the Marine Corps Ball with my new husband! Just look at those babies!

1998 Marine Corps Ball

Looking out my window  First snow of the season! Just a dusting but more on the way...

I am thinking about my goals for 2025... let's be honest- its not been going well lately but I am working on resetting today.  After all 2025 is not over yet! So what can I do today to move closer to the Amy I want to be?  How can I be more consistent in the remaining weeks?

• drink water- I started having little headaches a lot and I am attributing it to be dehydrated a lot of the time.
• move my body more and be intention about doing so- I am resolving today to do this 30 day beginner workout plan from Nourish Move Love - I've grown increasing tired of how my body feels and how my clothes fit. I want to feel healthy and strong. 
• check the boxes in my planner
  
  
  

I am thankful for this study every year! This year it hit especially well.... but maybe I think that every year.

One of my favorite things our ladies bible study this season has been a delight. Tonight was the last one and I feel simultaneously sad and relieved. I always went feeling a little anxious but always came home overflowing with joy and a full and happy heart. Our church in general is a great little community. My best friends are there. My people and I am so thankful for it.

I am wearing had to break out the winter coat today!

I am reading The Second Story Bookshop (cousin book club).  I am also on the hunt for our next church book club selection for next week- I'm looking for a holiday rom-com I think...

I am hoping the snow doesn't get too bad tomorrow.

I am learning the difference the bagel button makes on your toaster. I never really used it- I don't know why and had pretty much forgotten it existed. Yesterday as I was getting Sunday dinner on the table- I jokingly commented on the burnt toast crumbs in the butter.  Reason being- Rhett's toast at breakfast was brunt to a crisp because I had cranked the toaster all the way to darkest setting because my bagels weren't getting toasty enough.  Ryan was like, "Mom, why don't you just use the bagel button?" He proceeded to point it out to me on our toaster.  Well let me tell you- I used it this morning and my bagel was perfectly toasted! Who knew? 😆😆😆😆

In my kitchen

Sourdough Lemon Blueberry Focaccia I made for church yesterday. Twas a delight!

The dough was busting out of the bowl when I got up in the morning.

Post Script

Our church service yesterday- the message on not grumbling was a reminder I very much needed.

Shared Quote

A moment from my day-  a few pics from Saturday 

I finished this book, Through Each Tomorrow, with my lunch- so good! It made me want to go back and read the series again from the beginning. I've got to get the next one on preorder (comes out in the spring sometime).

Sweet Chancer

Kids Club Donut Class

Bruno observing.

Closing Notes:

I hope November is treating you well. I hope you are safe and warm and cozy today. My thoughts are already turning to 2026 and New Year things but also trying to stay present in 2025 and accomplish what I can today to the best of my ability. 

For Today Monday Oct 13

Looking out my window

It's a chilly, gloomy, rainy day. First morning since spring that we couldn't squeeze in a morning walk and I'm feeling pretty sad about that.

The sky last week one morning on our walk.

I am thinking

Bible Study tonight- this week we are doing Mary of Bethany.  

I am thankful

For an anniversary dinner last Monday night celebrating 27 years! My gift from Rhett came on Saturday- perfection!  The kids thought it was pretty great when they were over for dinner yesterday.

One of my favorite things

Hanging with my family, I am looking forward to having all the kids together on Sunday as we celebrate October birthdays.

and also snuggles with this guy 💙

I am creating

I did a couple more rows on my canal boat CAL- finally finished part 1! 😅

I am reading

The Correspondent for MMD book club and finding it a delight and its making me want to revive writing letters! I am listening to the audio.

Also starting On Moonberry Lake today for church book club next week!

In my kitchen

Crocktober is saving my life lately- dinner has to be so fast most nights- it's nice to have it ready or nearly ready when I walk in the door. 

Last week I made the following from Passionate Penny Pincher Slow Cooker V. 1 (week 5)

• Pesto Ranch Chicken
• Teriyaki Pork tenderloin
• Chicken Cacciatore
• French Onion Soup (this was so good!)

I am excited about week 6 this week- tonight is Mississippi chicken- which I will be serving on homemade sourdough ciabatta rolls. I can hardly wait! 

Board room

Apple Brown Sugar Syrup

Pinned: Apple Deliciousness

Source: HERE

Post Script

I look forward to this study every year! I have been doing it for several years now.  I have my book and candle ready and waiting! 

The theme this year is Strengthened in the Secret Place

Shared Quote

“Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”

― You've Got Mail

A moment from my day

Apple Crisp Coldbrew, Apple Cinnamon Sourdough, apple snack and apple-y read. 

End of January Daybook

 For Today {Thursday January 30}

Looking out my window It's cold but the sun is shining- so the sunshine is a nice change. We had another snow storm yesterday afternoon.  I am pleased we are through the darkest days of winter!

I am thinking about my book club selections for the rest of the year. 

I am thankful that tonight's dinner is in the slow cooker- Bri Mccoy's Pumpkin Chili and freshly baked bread 

One of my favorite things Runs with my sister! We knocked out 6 miles together on Saturday- it was about 19 degrees and a bit windy.

I am wearing latest manicure...

I am creating I am hoping to finish my Sungold Blanket this weekend! I am working on the border now and feeling pretty happy about it. Except I am spending a lot of time untangling yarn as I get near the end of the skeins. 😖

I am feeling very jealous of the all the people who have already started the Canal Boat CAL. Hopefully I can start mine next week (about a month behind schedule :P)

I am reading I finished The Briar Club last week (on audio) and loved it! I'm still thinking about it. January has been a very good reading month! I had three 5star reads.

I am hoping tonight's run is better than Tuesday's 

I am learning I am enjoying The Bible Recap- I have finished 2 books of the Bible Genesis and Job

In my kitchen I made a new recipe (& did a LIVE video) on Monday.  It was delish! Crispy Cheddar Pork Chops and Veggies and I also served with copycat Red Lobster Biscuits.

Post Script I cam home to happy book mail after Saturday's run. The t-shirt is from The Well Read Collective- she has some fun bookish merch

Shared Quote

“Reka blinked. “Try what?” “Happiness.” Grace rose, smoothing her skirt. “It’s a choice as much as anything. Or you could choose to be angry, and if you stay angry long enough, it will become comfortable, like an old robe. But eventually you’ll realize that old robe is all you’ve got, and there isn’t anything else in the wardrobe that fits. And at that point, you’re just waiting to trade the robe for a shroud—or at least, that’s what I’ve always thought.” -The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

A moment from my day

December Daybook

For Today {Tuesday, December 10} 

Looking out my window Last week we had lots of snow, now its mostly melted.

I am thinking about the end of 2024 which is rapidly approaching, about how to finish the year well and goals for next year.  Also about our baby turning 18 tomorrow! What?!?

I am thankful cozy morning quiet times by the Christmas Tree.

One of my favorite things

I am wearing hard to see because they were so glittery but these were my Thanksgiving Turkey nails.

I am creating I finally finished Part 4 of the crochet-a-long I have been working on all year- I hope to finish it before the end of 2024 but we'll see.  3 parts still to go, although I made decent progress on week 5 over the weekend. Its so soft and cozy. It brings me great delight!

I am reading too many books... I am feeling slightly stressed about finishing all the books I hoped to this year and know it will not happen. 😅

I am hoping and praying for many things this holiday season.  Some days my heart feels heavy and I feel tired.  But I know through it all- God is there.

I am learning again about Prayer and the POWER of our Mighty God.

In my kitchen Saturday at our church's Christmas Ladies Brunch I did a cooking demo and made these Breakfast Rolls. They were delish! 

Shared Quote

A moment from my day

Closing Notes:

This season can feel overwhelming. Take a breath, enjoy a hot beverage, say a prayer. Remember all the things are just things. Put on some music, Christmas or otherwise that makes your heart feel happy.  Know that you are loved. 💗