We LOVE Fridays

We love weekends around here. And Fridays are the gateway to the weekend. This morning we built a fort and played cars (of course) in it. 

And then, because it was Friday Funday, we ordered pizza and had a picnic in the living room. And watched Brave (again) while we ate. 

Every other Friday is extra special because cousin Gabe comes for the weekend. So tonight we made Pot Pie soup and yummy sandwiches and the boys enjoyed the gorgeous (and unusual) 70 degree weather. 

And then we painted pumpkins outside. What a perfect fall evening! 

And then, after the rest of the family headed back to Grandma and Papa's house, daddy popped some popcorn and we watched the World Series. 

Thank you God for Fridays and weekends. Thank you for time with family. Thank you for special memories. 

This time in our lives is just such a treasure. We are so thankful for these everyday moments! 

Fall Sunsets

Tonight we walked home from Papa & Grandma's as the sun was setting. I wish I could have captured all the gorgeous colors in these photos. 

Liam and I talked about how beautiful the sky looked. And we thanked God for his beautiful sunsets. I can't help but feel in awe of God's majesty when I see a sunset. Especially a fall sunset through the leaves changing on gorgeous trees. God's creation never fails to amaze me! 

And my little dude insisted on pushing his stroller the whole way home. It was definitely dusk when we got back. But I enjoyed every second of our slow walk home. And I cherish moments of "seeing God" with my little dude. 

A walk in the rain

Earlier this week we went for our usual walk around the neighborhood. It was sprinkling a little when we left, but that was it. But not long after, it really started to come down. Liam and I just started to laugh! We giggled, jumped/sat in puddles, and had a blast in the rain. 

Sometimes having a toddler means remembering to see the opportunity for joy in all things! 

Leaf Hunt

This week we read one of Liam's favorite books, "We're Going on a Leaf Hunt" by Steve Metzger. And then we decided to go on our own leaf hunt around our yard and neighborhood. Liam had a blast. And when we got home, we used our leaves to make a wreath that we hung in the kitchen. 

I wish...

I have a stirring in my heart. A burning desire for family, friends, strangers, EVERYONE to know this beautiful peace and joy in my heart. To know that those unsettled, empty, desperate for more feelings are there for a reason. That it is your soul longing to be held by the one who brought it into being.
I get caught up in the day to day; being a wife, a mama, a business owner, a daughter, a friend...the list goes on and on. And by the end of the hour, day, week, month, year, I am exhausted. Worn out. Feeling a lack of motivation. Wondering why I feel a little lost, off balance, or just not content. And eventually it hits me, I need my Jesus. I need time with my Savior. I need to soak in the truth of his word. And when I do I am filled with a peace like no other. A peace that says, no matter what happens in this life, everything is going to be ok. That I am held and adored by the one who made the moon and stars.
And when I realize just how loved I am, it makes me want to love others with all I have. No matter how hard it is or how little they may deserve it. I want to show others this love that changes absolutely everything. And I remember my purpose. And why I am here. And I love my family better, set my priorities straight, find time each day for God. And it makes all the difference.
You, the one reading this right now. God adores you. He sent His Son to die on the cross for you. And his love is like nothing you have ever known. I pray that you would seek him. Make an effort to get to know him. Genuinely seek to know how amazing this love and peace is. It will change your life in beautiful, messy ways that you couldn't possibly imagine.

image from craftbakeswecreate.blogspot.com

A Day At the Orchard

On Saturday we took Liam and Gabe to an apple orchard. 

They played in the straw, jumped on the bouncy castle, rode a train, played with some animals, and sampled A LOT of apples. 

I couldn't pass up some fresh cider and had to share a caramel apple with my hubby.

Liam picked out a "cupcake", aka an apple muffin. It was DELISH!! 

And we all went home with a bag of some tasty apples. 

It was a fabulous day. I sure do love autumn! 

An Evening at the Falls

At the end of July we spent a beautiful summer evening at the falls. One of the most beautiful places in South Dakota. We had a picnic and explored around the Falls. I think it will definitely become a family tradition!