Happy Fall... soup and knitting and randomness

Monday night I did went to a craft night at the library with a friend. It was super fun, we painted the little decorative wagon. The other night I dug out my scarecrow Grammy made and decorated, slightly, for fall.

One run this week- my foot started hurting a lot- trying to decide if its a stop running for a while kinda hurt or a power through kinda hurt... anyway 4 miler on Tuesday. I had hoped to run last night around the lakes but the rain and foot pain...and sad mood deterred me.

I recently went to a yarn shop with my Mom and sister. My sister is a super amazing knitter. I have always wanted to make socks so I went back to basics and am working on a dishcloth and planning to (hopefully) work my way up with more challenging projects until I can handle socks.

The fall-ish weather has me craving soup- I made a big batch of Italian Wedding Soup the other night. It is super good! I made a smaller batch for Mikayla and tossed in some vegetarian "meat"balls- you could also sub chickpeas or beans I suppose for the meatballs.  The recipe had stovetop, crockpot or instant pot. I just made it on the stove top. I have been enjoying the leftovers for lunch. I need to bake some sourdough this weekend ;-)

Did you ever notice when you start working on something...suddenly it confronts you on every front. This week from house church/sermon...

Do not worry. Instead Pray with Thanksgiving. 

(Phil 4:6 paraphrase by me😉)

It feels like every fear and anxiety I have has been rearing its head this week.  Yesterday I had to have a time out at work and have a cup of tea and open my Bible and just breathe.

Today is better...

I finished this book last night for my other book club... so different from my usual reads. Looking forward to the discussion on this one! I hardly ever read science fiction. 

My day was made today when my husband stopped by and brought me a pumpkin spice coffee, my first of the season.  Isn't it funny how something as simple as a pumpkin spice coffee can feel like a miraculous answer to prayer! 

Happy Friday! I hope you have a lovely fallish weekend. 

summer's waning

Last night we went to the library.  It's been awhile since we stopped in to browse and it made me happy to wander the stacks again.  The girls both picked out some books too.  It makes me happy to see them reading again!

When we got home I took Chance for a walk and then set off for my run.  I quickly realized I had misjudged the amount of sunlight left.  I found myself trying to run faster to beat the dark.  

I guess that means summer is winding down... fall and school and cooler temps will be here before we know it.  I find myself in the familiar feeling melancholy that summer is ending and it feels like it passed me right on by. 

But I love fall too... I love the crispness and the need to wear a hoodie. Apples and pumpkins and fall baking.  Cooking dinner in the dusk hours.

 I received my fall paperwork and am sooooooooo excited about the fall products and recipes!

 We are having a Fall product Reveal/recipe tasting at our house next week on Thursday night at 6:30.  We will be making the above pictured recipe PLUS a dessert in the Quick Cooker. If you can't make it in person be sure to tune in and watch us LIVE at Amy's Pampered Kitchen.

 The new fall mini's- I'll be mailing them out tomorrow to past hosts and anyone else who would like one ;-)

 I tried one of the new fall recipes on Monday night- Quick Cooker One-Pot Ockoberfest.  It was so yummy. The three of us (Rhett, Hannah and I) pretty much devoured it.  This recipe is a keeper- it is in the new Season's Best- available Sept. 1

I hope to test out my dessert recipe tonight for both my party next week and one the following day. I love trying out new recipes! ;-) 

Happy Wednesday all- hope you are enjoying the summer <3

It's FRIDAY!

Today is one of those days where my job feels endless and pointless. My kids are home. Those are the days that are the hardest.  Tick tock all day long watching the clock until finally-- its time to go home! I think of all the things I could be doing and get discouraged. Especially knowing that by the time I get there I will be too tired and too discouraged to do any of them.

Although last night I actually got a bit done last night. I was able to get my dresser mostly cleaned off, my shorts put away for the winter and sweaters put in their place.  I fixed the bottom that was falling out of my bottom drawer so I could put my PJs and running leggings away. I also took out a trash bag of clothes to donate that were just taking up valuable space. I am feeling proud and hoping that will carry me into tonight. I have so many things I want to get done.

Here's a peak at my gratitude journal. It felt pretty timely for the last couple days.

Mikayla took this picture of our pup out front yesterday.

Me not sure how I'm feeling yet about future President Trump-- its led to some interesting dinner discussions with the kids though.

But reminding myself of this- Prayer is powerful and God is still on control.

I will be praying daily for President Obama, the transition. Our new president.

And for our Nation.  That people will stop losing their minds. That every American will do their best to make our country a better place. To live lives of LOVE and sprinkled with kindness and grace.

10.17

For Today {October 17}

Looking out my window its rainy...but the weekend was glorious! Can't complain here!

I am thinking

I am thankful  for time this weekend, with my husband and my children. With two of my best friends. For Moms Connect.

I am reading going back to some old favorites and the 3 most powerful books I own.

I am hoping for renewal. Hope. Healing. There are some heavy things on my heart right now. Things I'm not quite sure what to do with and don't particularly want to share. But if you could pray...

I am learning God is able. He loves me. He made me the way I am. He can use me right where I am, broken as I am.

 Shared Quote

 A moment from my day We went apple picking  on Saturday. A rare day spent together as a family.

This guy. I can't even. He means the world to me. <3

I just love how much they love each other... sisters <3

My goofy family~

 

Fall Love

A little Friday randomness =)

The fall this morning was so delicious.  My heart full and overflowing as I drove to work.  Drinking in God's beauty.

The golden trees against the bright blue sky! There were other places that were much more breath taking but since I was driving I refrained from taking any pictures,  this was outside of work this morning...

My girls have been reveling in the fall beauty as well. As we drove on Wednesday Mikayla exclaimed- "Just look at all the fall!" Hannah audibly gasped at a brilliant red tree in front of her school the other night.  Its how I feel too. 

I can hardly wait to get out of work and go run.  I have been such a ridiculous slacker lately. Its not even funny.  I feel so sad I have been squandering this beautiful fall weather.

Two spring Half Marathons are calling my name.  I'm giving myself until the end of November to prove to myself I can start exercising/training/running regularly again before I will even consider letting myself sign up.  Unless of course I get chosen to be a Pittsburgh Blogger (fat chance)- in which case I will be signing up immediately!

I'm really looking forward to going on a nice run this weekend.  Then apple picking! One of my favorite fall activities.

This I am working on- There are some troubling things on my heart.  But I know God sees it. He is here. Prayers are powerful.  I got War Room out of the library again. I'm going to watch it again. I feel like I need that reminder or how powerful Prayer is.

This from Moms Connect and Becoming A Vessel God Can Use... working on accepting myself just the God made me and seeing myself as...

I'm buying my first pair of Lula Roe leggings from my cousin Erin, for her sister's fundraiser... I feel like its a win win.  Supporting two of my cousins with a single purchase.  I'm a little nervous as I hear these leggings have a cult like following... this could be the beginning of the end :P

Planned to get a pair of solid leggings to go with my Julia dress that I recently discovered I love! But I couldn't resist the pair above...

Friday

I'm so glad its FRIDAY! This week has been a million years long. Part of it was last weekend was just so busy, it didn't feel like there was a moment to even breathe. Hoping this weekend will be a hair less frantic and a little more restful.

This morning I {finally} finished off The Resolution for Women.  This quote near the end really grabbed me.  Really spoke to my struggles the past few weeks.

Then on my way to work I heard the song Priceless by For King and Country.  Another reminder to see myself as God sees me.  To be confident in who He created me to be.



I took time to do my hair and make up again. I've been seriously slacking on this (& the rest of my September goals.) But it really does make me feel better. Wearing jewelry makes me feel better too =)

Last night we celebrated this girl. She turned 17 yesterday. Seems like the last 17 years flew by in a flash. I'm so thankful for each day. Mikayla is growing into such a beautiful young lady, inside and out. She continues to amaze me each day. I'm so proud of her.

Meatball Subs for her Birthday Dinner

She got to open two presents last night (saving the rest for Saturday and our birthday celebration with family).  One was the coveted All Time Low sweatshirt- she was so happy.

I made cupcakes and two of her friends gave her cupcakes so we had a little cupcake platter last night.

It's also her cat's birthday. I brought him home a can of food and a bag of treats as well. ;) Storm is 13 now! Getting up there in kitty years. Still as feisty as ever.

Chance was not happy to see the school bus this morning. This was right after Ryan got on the bus.

I came across a couple of my favorite pictures last night, as I was looking for something else.  Added them to my wall at work. =)

Happy Friday! I'm looking forward to putting on jeans and a hoodie and sitting around a campfire with my best friend tonight. I think I am ready for Fall ;-)

fall running

day 23:

 

 Linking up with The Simple Woman

{From Hand's Free Mama.}

It was chilly this morning! I think it maybe time to break out some of the winter gear.  Especially a hat or my headband...my ears were FREEEZING! But it was yet another glorious day.  I was a little giddy post run. ;-)









I could have stayed here for hours.

Fall Craft Nite

Day 22:

Fall craft night at school.

Painting pumpkins. Free books. Games. Hand painting. Donuts. Apples. Cider. Seeing friends. <3

Writing cards for our Troops.

Mikayla also volunteered at the hand-painting booth =) She did the spider on Hannah's hand in the above picture.

I love our schools.