Mid-week Likes & Links

I don't know about you, but these were my favorite books as a kid - well, these and anything from James Herriot!  My mom still has part of a set at home, and I've never wanted to ask her for them, because I love that she can read them to my kids when they are there.  It just all brings back so many childhood memories of sitting on my mom's lap and learning of heroes and virtues!  So, when I found these for $1 each on a facebook group the other day, I about died!  And...I bought them all!

Then, this also came in the mail the same day.  You know how much of a planner person I am.  And, this one takes the cake!  Blessed is She is sold out of its very first planner, and I hate it for you, BUT, we're making calendars I hear, so stay tuned!

Look at all of the details!  Prayers, feast days, verses...everything!

 I'm assuming these will become a yearly staple, so be on the lookout for the next one!

These mini-me shoes I bought for Sophie.   And, these for Carter that look like his dad's.

I hate chalk.  The feel of it, really.  So, I have a dry erase board instead.  But, the markers aren't my favorite, so look what I found!  Win/win.

This might be a good fall purchase.

His podcasts are always my favorite, and I especially liked this last one I listened to!

I ordered a few of these for Jeremy's birthday, and the kids are devouring them!

My sister sent him some beef sticks from this place, and they are a-mazing!

I've never been a runner...nor have I really wanted to, but I love the idea of it.  Ha!  So, I bought this little app to get in a bit better shape for this pregnancy...and can I tell you how humbling it is to think you're running a certain pace and then to see that it is quite different than you thought?!  Ha!

What are you loving these days?

That Friend

I took these photos in June when my sister was here, and while I assume there isn't anything that special about them to anyone else, they're some of my very favorites.  Just sitting in the garage, eating peanuts and potato chips...I feel like they capture the essence of my very best friend.  And, even more than me loving her, I love to see how my kids love her and really, how she loves my kids. Honestly, is there anyone who adores your kids that you don't immediately adore, too?  I might be that mom who also gets a bit quickly frustrated if you don't say hello to my babies when they say hi to you, Mr. Stranger.  I know, I know.

Anyway, back to the point.  Carter is telling my sister a story.  She is focusing on him like he is the only person in the world.  And, little Miss Sophie is looking at her in awe.  She's doing what I basically do every time I see her.  

She's the friend I unload on.  The one I want to be more like.  So much more like.  The one whose talents I am inspired by.  The one who parents like I feel I should.  The one who loves and lives the love of Jesus like I want to.  The friend who talks me down, lifts me up, sends a text at just the right time and who I can be as goofy or as serious as I want to be with while loving me just the same.

And even though she's really an aunt to my little ones, in their eyes, I see them see her the way I do...as one who will love them unconditionally and more than anyone but their mom really can. Really, I feel like she loves them like they are her own, and speaking from experience, that's hard to do!

I've been blessed with so many beautiful souls in my life...some I know personally, and others through this blog.  And, this one right here...is as good as gold.  

Come back...soon!

Mid-Week Likes & Links

Genevieve is having her photos done at 11 months, and I found this precious dress for her.  Well, since I know Sophie will be in some of them, I had to get her one, too!

I finally finished this book, and I've been getting rid of lots of things.  I really loved it, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Made this chicken recipe last week, and it was a big hit!  And, another awesome one we tried is the recipe for these cheesesteaks!

I just love this song.

Have you read this yet?  Jenny is always so, so good, and challenging!

Don't forget to sign up for a chance to get a JORD watch!

I don't need these at all, but I love them (and these too!) - can you tell I have fall on my mind?

Need a TV show to binge watch?  We are loving this one!

If you think of it today, will you say a quick prayer for a special intention - thanks so much.

Have a great week!