Friday's Thoughts and Links

It's snowing outside.  We just got in from a morning of checking cows.  And, I cannot feel my feet. Darn Hunter boots!  I mean, they're great at being waterproof and TERRIBLE at being warm.  I'm playing catch up with the blog today, so get ready for a whole lot of random!

I don't think I ever posted some of these pictures and wanted to, so here's a flash back to a few weeks ago...

This girl and I are having so much fun together.  I think I may kiss her a bit too much, but oh well.

I love stationary.  Especially letterpress.  This (although a different letter) is my new favorite.

Have you seen the new Jcrew stuff?  I love so much of it, but especially this blazer.  Cute for Spring, huh?!  Especially with these shoes my sister sent (yes, she's the best)!

Ever heard of Love Tatum?  I hadn't (which doesn't mean anything), but my mother-in-law sent these for my bday, and I love them!  I love studs, and these are such a pretty color!  

Since it's been so cold, we've been inside a lot (much like the rest of you), and these Picasso tiles have been incredible!  They even keep me entertained!

Okay, I know I put it on Instagram about a week ago, but this skillet cookie is to.die.for.  My cousin made it for me as a special post-bday treat, and my hubs and I have made it sense then!  The Pioneer Woman does it again!

How's your Lent been going?  Mine always starts out roughly (I just feel like the Devil is on all sides trying to tear me down) - not so much in the what I gave up, but in trying to be a better person.  But, it's better now, and I've so been loving my Blessed is She Journal, Father Barron Lent Reflections and finally reading Introduction to the Devout Life (so, so good)!  

This coffee...makes for a great afternoon pick-me-up.  I miss Texas and HEB!

And, we've been watching State of Affairs.  Anyone else?  Love the speed and intensity of it.  I'm kind of partial to things like it, Madam Secretary and Blacklist.  

That's all for now - have the best weekend!

I'm linking up with Kelly and her 7 quick takes (but I have about 7 x 2), too - so check her out.

Friday Thoughts and Links: The Manger Ox, Christmas and New Shows

Today is a scrambled day.  A million things going on at once, and a few more in my head, haha!  So, I'm going to spit them out here...

We've been enjoying the winter thusfar.  Carter will randomly ask if I want to "pretend to sleep"  Yes, baby boy, yes.

It's actually been pretty nice the last few days.  So, I sent the boys outside.  We have three little ride-on vehicles, but this is what I found...

So, I did something I never thought I would...bought Sophie and me a matching shirt, haha.  She's too young to care!  Maybe when you're 32, you shouldn't dress like you're 5 months old?!

Have you been watching Madam Secretary (she is gorgeous) or State of Affairs?  Jeremy and I are a bit addicted to both!  So good!

Carter and I made this crazy salami, cheese and cracker turkey for Thanksgiving.  He thought it was what we had been talking about forever when we said we were going to have turkey for Thanksgiving.  It didn't last long.

 Papa and two of his grandkids...it's a boy in a dress!

 Even in the cold, the sandbox is a perfect place to play...for hours.

We have all of our Christmas decorations up finally, and I love it.  Although, I mentioned this to someone the other day...it doesn't really feel like Christmas.  Is it because there is so much to do? Or, because I'm making up so much to do?  Ie, we probably don't need an Advent calendar, a Jesse tree, Advent activities, cooking making, present wrapping, etc ALL at once since the kids are so tiny!  I do this every year!  I want to enjoy and see the magic in it all, but it hasn't hit yet.  That kind of makes me sad.  I think I forget to slow down and see it through their eyes.  I don't want to miss it!  The boys each hung their stocking and had so much fun doing it...

This...this is what I should not be doing this year.  I mean, it's a GREAT idea!  However, I think it just stresses me out more which means I'm not very joy-filled while doing it.  Completely misses the point, right?!  We're stopping.

A beautiful piece on being a saint.  Thank you, Father Steve.

I ordered these.  The people ones are an order of my sister-in-law.  But, I cannot wait to get them! And, to find a place for them!  They make one giant square on the wall.  Look at Gabriela's other work here.  Amazing!

I have had this tab open for days.  I love Olivia's blog and feel she has so much good advice to offer. Just need to make the time to read it!

What is your favorite holiday treat to give to neighbors?  I tried to make homemade cookie butter.  I don't think it's working, so throw me your ideas!

John Paul has been trying to feed the manger ox his breakfast (in Jesus' manger no less).  Just pray he makes it through the holiday season.  I've found him outside with Amos twice now!

That's it.  Have a blessed weekend!

Linking up with Kelly.

Friday Thoughts and Links...

Gosh, this week flew by!  In fact, so is the whole month of November for me.  I don't know why, but it doesn't seem like there are enough hours in the day.  The kids have all had colds (that haven't really had a huge effect other than lots of Kleenex being used).

I've been editing pictures from a wedding and an engagement session.  I really don't know where I'll go from here with all of this, but for now, I've decided to set up a little Facebook page so I can post my photos from sessions like these there.  If you'd like to see them, please like the page.  Maybe I'll have a website some day.  Maybe I'll stop it all next week.  I'm decisive like that.  Here is it: Britt Fisk Photography.  I set up an Instagram account too, here.

Speaking of photographs, Carter made the Word on Fire blog on Wednesday!  Even better than the picture of him is the blog post!  My goodness, it is good, and so applicable.  Can I just put it on repeat?!

Sweet Nell is making the cutest leggings these days.  I cannot wait for her holiday ones.  I think Sophie will need a festive pair!

Oh, as you can tell from the picture, the first snow came.  It wasn't a ton of moisture, but it definitely feels like winter out there.  I kind of like it, for now.

Do you have a way to celebrate Advent and prepare for Christ's birth this year?  If you don't already have something to focus on, I'd highly suggest getting this Blessed is She journal.  If email is more up your alley, have you signed up for Father Barron's daily Advent reflection?  I'm hoping to do both with the idea that it will serve as a constant reminder to be quiet and prepare my heart for Him a midst the chaos of the holiday season.  I know I'll need the reminder!

Carolyn wrote a beautiful post on humility in the Virtues of Mary series here.  From that post..."If we don’t take stock in our own actions, words and thoughts, we can never grow in humility.  Striving toward this virtue enables us to love God and to love our neighbors more deeply. We remember that we are each beautiful masterpieces of God’s creation.  We think before we do and before we speak, and when we fail –because we will–  we look to our Holy Mother who has always pointed us to Jesus and said “do whatever He tells you.”  Check it out.  And, follow along with the blog hop every Tuesday!

Have a blessed weekend!

Linking up with Jen.

Friday's Thoughts and Links: Twitter, Fencing & Photos

Jeremy had a little fence fixing to do this past week.  The boys wanted to help.  So, he gathered them all up, and let them help look for rocks as he tied up the wire.

We're going to the pumpkin patch today, and we're sure to come home with more pumpkins than any family really needs, but I love it!  And, I love watching the boys plow through the rows and rows of pumpkins on the vine to find their "perfect" picks.  This patch is a couple of fields worth of pumpkins of every shape, size and color.  Here we come!

Yesterday, I read this on Lauren's blog.  Mother Teresa sure knew how to love, didn't she?!  These seven tips are some I want, and need, to incorporate into my daily life.

On a completely unrelated note, I joined Twitter.  And, I cannot tell you why.  I'm sensing my learning curve might be pretty steep.  I want to follow you, so leave your Twitter name in the comments! Please :)

If you follow me on Instagram or are my friend on Facebook, you've already seen a lot of these. But, I'm in the process of editing a little family photo shoot I did, and it's been so fun!  I've got a TON left to learn, but I really enjoy it.  Who wouldn't with these subjects, though?  If I do another post after I'm completely finished editing, don't say I didn't warn you!

And look who came to enjoy the shoot as well...

Did you read Susan's installment on Kate's blog?  Ummm, such good advice!  And, such a wonderful series!  Truth be told, my first reaction was sadness...that shows where I am (ha!).  I don't want the simplicity of life with these little ones to pass too quickly.  I love, love, love their littleness. Time to just take a deep breath and not let my worrying about the future cause me to miss the joy of the present.

Did you enter Katrina's Lily Jade bag giveaway?  I kind of hate telling you to enter (as it lowers my chances to win, haha), but who wouldn't want one of their bags?!  And, Katrina is about as beautiful of a model as there is!

How cool are theses little lenses?

I hope you're enjoying a good book, a bit of college football, the beautiful Fall colors or a little R&R this weekend!  We're off to find a pumpkin!


Linking up with Jen.

Friday Thoughts and Links

We have the cutest little coffee shop/cafe just about seven miles away.  The boys kids (I still have a hard time not saying "boys") and I went there this week for a little breakfast pretzel.  It was really hard to eat just one.  Back to the point though...the sweet owner of the shop is so good to the kids. Seriously, so good.  They adore her.  I do, too.  One of the young men she has working for her (who we love too!) came over to our house for some tutoring and look what he had with him...

 Four of these and a nutella cinnamon roll.  

It completely made our day.  It's those little things...the kind, unexpected acts that let you know others are thinking of you...that make you thankful for people.  Angela and Miles, we won't forget. Thank you!

John Paul has been sleeping late these days - until 9:30 some mornings (crazy but wonderful!).  I went to get him out of bed yesterday and walked him into the kitchen for his breakfast.  He squinted his eyes, and grumbled, "I neeeeed coffeeee!"  I don't think I've ever acted that desperate for mine, but maybe so.  He's a character!

Carter, I think, is getting out of the stage where he takes a long nap every day.  I'm praying that's not the case, but at least once a week, we have troubles with nap time.  Usually he has a "weeeealy stwange dweam" or a "big supwise" for me!  Earlier this week I really needed nap time to work on a few things, and he kept getting up.  I got more and more frustrated with the creaking open of his door for the sixth or seventh time.  I finally got really stern, and he stayed in his room another thirty minutes.  When he came out he said with a huge smile on his face, "Momma!  I finally did just lay down, smile and offer my day to Jesus for YOU!  So, it's okay, Momma!"  I needed that offering.

Peter's my quietest one.  Hence the lack of quotes from him.  

Carter has been really into swinging these days...but not himself.  Instead, he's the pusher, and here's the victim...

Good ol' Teddy.

I just finished this book.  I never read anymore, but for some reason I stuck with this one.  And the verdict: as always, when I have to tell myself to stick with it, instead I should give it up.  It was well-written, and it kept me interested.  It was just...heavy.  Not something I needed right now.  Have you read any good books lately?

One of my shows (who am I kidding, we never watch TV in real time, but I like a couple of shows) premiered this week for the new season.  Blacklist.  Umm, a bit creepy for anyone else?  This is getting intense!

Anyone have a buffalo check shirt or tunic they just love?  I'm looking for one.

If you're looking for the sweetest post ever, look at this.  

Do not forget to enter the giveaway for the amazing Peacock Alley sheets here!  It's really easy.  All you have to do is leave a comment there, OR follow me on Facebook or Instagram OR follow Peacock Alley.  Easy peasy for an amazing prize!

Read this.

How about I leave you with a Sophie picture?!  Just incase you've never seen her before (yeah, right).

 And another...

Okay, I'm done.

Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Jen.

7 Quick Takes: Bridal Portraits, Chainsaws and Hiding

Linking up with Jen for Friday's 7 Quick Takes: 

{1}

I took some bridal portraits of my sister on the ranch when she was at home last week.  Obviously, I cannot put any of them up until after the wedding, but I did manage to crop this one...

{2}

These last few weeks of this fourth pregnancy have been a bit different than the other three.  It's the first time I feel like I'm not going to make it to the induction date.  Which probably means I'll head into the induction without any progress whatsoever.  Without complaining too much about the inevitable and realizing it's all SO worth it, I've just lost momentum (and the ability to take a non-fuzzy picture).  

{3}

Carter went missing yesterday morning.  Well, I knew he was in the yard, but exactly where I did not know.  Thank goodness for a curious John Paul who saved the day.

{4}

We had appointments in Amarillo early in the week, after such a  long weekend for the boys, so a promise to the toy store was made.  If you have boys and need something to keep them busy for a LONG time, these chainsaws from Toys R Us are a dream come true.  They were thrilled, and they've been "cutting down trees" ever since!

{5}

I know everyone has probably seen the blog post on secondary drowning already, but incase you haven't, here it is.  Drowning is on the top of my fears list, for me and my children, so here's just another thing to worry about.  But, really, it's such great information!

{6}

Remember that summer activities link-up I helped host a few weeks ago?  Well, I'm teaming up with those moms to host a link-up every second Monday of the month.  So, get your summer recipes ready to share...that's the next topic on June 9th!

{7}

This little guy turns four the week Sophie arrives.  In fact, we'll be home from the hospital on his birthday.  I hate it for him, but he's not too aware of the actual date yet, so we're having a fun little family day for him this weekend.  Pizza at the park, a trip to a kid's museum type thing and strawberry cake are on the agenda.  Plus, we're going swimming.  I can't think too much of him being a teeny, tiny one seconds ago, but I'm so happy to celebrate another year of life made better with him in it!

Have the best weekend!

7 Quick Takes: Party, Hearing and Rain

Joining Jen for 7 Quick Takes this Friday...

{1} 

Tomorrow marks one event closer to my sister getting married!  My parents are hosting a huge ranch party...somewhat of a reception in order that those closer to home can celebrate with the future bride and groom while not having to travel to Chicago.  My sister is incredibly talented and has been sending out the neatest invitations, designing the coolest graphics and painting signs all week to make this party look like something out of Style Me Pretty.  No detail is left unnoticed.

Complete with a barn dance, a washer pitching tournament, local food and lots of guests, my favorite part might just be the theme to everything - celebrating in the two "windy" cities.

{2}

  I have a weakness for caramels (among plenty of other sweets).  My sweet sister always brings me a few from Chi-town when she comes home.  Sometimes that even means stopping in Caribou Coffee at the Denver airport for their cinnamon caramels.  My favorites might be from here. 

However, my sister's coworker found out how much we both love them and made a whole box of cinnamon caramels that were brought home this weekend.  Addicted...that's me.

{3} 

Some days I feel myself counting the seconds until nap time.  Today was one of those days.  Seriously I think my kids could use a hearing test (or a comprehension check).  As Carter said to Aunt RoRo on the phone, "Wait a second, I can't hear you - you're cranking up!" - I feel like they're living in that state with me lately.  Honestly though, I think kids sense when you've got a lot on your mind/plate and just need to mark a few things off the ol' to-do list.  Seems like those are the days when someone gets scratched, dead/wet grass is tracked all through the clean house, a completely potty-trained boy has an accident all over the newly cleaned bed (and again the couch), the toilet plunger suddenly becomes a giant stir stick in the toilet and you notice outside that they're trying to prove that regeneration is in fact true with earthworms.  Maybe that all happened before naps.

{4}  

However, the earthworms in the sidewalk were great news - we got half an inch of rain last night!  Praise be to God!

{5} 

Mango.  I used to hate it.  Seriously, I thought that a mango tasted like perfume.  Fast-forward to the last few weeks of my fourth pregnancy.  I am a girl who has never really seriously had cravings (how many times have I said "seriously" this post).  I LOVE them.  I mean, can't get enough.  I've even ordered these because we don't always have them fresh at our grocery store.  Crazy, I tell ya!

{6} 

Monday I'll be guest posting at Bonnie's place talking about my time working at the White House.  Be sure and "tune in"!

{7} 

Finally, remember the fallen as we celebrate our freedom this weekend.  This is my Ranger, and I know he'll be remembering so many.