Um, September is here and I'm all kinds of not ready at all. In fact, leading up to this week, I kept forgetting that Josh wasn't working on Labor Day and that Grace had school starting this week! Now, it's actually here and I still feel like I'm trying to convince myself that September is here and kids are starting school this week.

Also, can we just talk about how it's starting to feel like fall in my little corner of the world? I don't know what the weather is like where you live, but here, it's dropped to the 60's and 70's generally, and there is a definite crispness to the air with that distinct autumn aroma.

I actually wore long sleeves and jeans over the weekend and it just felt wrong. I know the first day of fall is technically still a few weeks away, but am I the only one who feels like fall always hits the same time as back to school? Seems coordinated... [Read more...]

It feels very strange for me to be writing out this menu right now. This is the last week of August. School starts next week and I don't feel ready at all. And by ready I mean, I haven't done any school supply shopping! Where has the month gone? Actually, I'm wondering where summer has gone...literally and figuratively. The high temperature has officially dropped to the low 80's (or 70's) and it's raining right now if that tells you anything. I knew I smelled fall in the air last week when I stepped outside. For the first time in I think my whole life, I'm not ready for fall. I'm not ready to let go of the warm summer days and the evening walks that Josh and I take. It's getting darker out faster and my heart is all kinds of grieving right now.

It's a mixture of grieving the passing of summer and the coming of Ruby's first birthday. They both symbolize the time's forward march of progress, when no matter how much I wish I could make it true, time just doesn't stand still. I'm not sure if you caught it, but last week on Instagram, I shared that Ruby started crawling. Well, she's gotten faster on her knees and gained boldness in walking around the furniture. Suddenly, we're aware that it's time to baby proof, because the last few evenings while we worked on dinner, it's been a constant, "Where's the baby?"

I guess we just can't leave her and walk away anymore expecting her to stay in the same spot. There's a whole world out there and she's ready to see it! [Read more...]

It was big week in our house last week. Eden turned ten - and she's been anxiously awaiting those double digits. We celebrated by taking her to the county fair and eating hand-dipped corn dogs, taking her on a "date" with Josh and I to go shopping and dinner at Panera Bread, and then cake, ice cream and presents at home. Basically, it was a birthday week for Eden and I don't think she's been complaining!

Two weeks ago, I asked on the Catz Facebook page for content ideas - what you want in meals for back to school. One person said meals for picky eaters, so I'll be working on that! But I would love more suggestions. Comment below and tell me what you're looking for. It can be anything! I also heard a lot of interest last week on Instagram for "Pantry to the Rescue" meals, so that's in the work. I'm really excited about this idea and I think I'll be working on a series for this. I'm brainstorming, so if you've got any more ideas or thoughts, would LOVE to hear about them. [Read more...]

Ohhh, it is good to be home. I spent Wednesday - Saturday down in Central Oregon for the Club31Women's writer's retreat with nine amazing, godly women. It was beautiful, encouraging, and very restful. It's was incredible to hear how God has worked in their lives over the past year.

I'll do a recap for you in a week or two, but for now I'm home and today (Monday) starts the beginning of back-to routine for my little family. Josh's sabbatical is officially over and he's back at work - which means I can work extra hard on getting Ruby to say "Mama" more...because right now it's "Dada" all day, every day!

Real quick, let me just ask this question. Is it just me or has summer really been moving fast? I feel like it was just June!? I know for a lot of you, school starts soon. If you've still got kids at home, I would love it if you would comment below and tell me when school starts back up for your kids AND what you're looking for in back-to-school meals! [Read more...]

Well guys, August is basically here. Like, on Wednesday, it's here. Back to school. Sports. Fall Activities. Speaking of fall, I'm usually the first to get excited about fall, but not this girl, not this year, not yet. I'm still settling into our warm, sunny days and I'm not ready to give that up. No matter how much pumpkin spice there is!

On Wednesday, I'm actually driving down to Central Oregon for the Club31Women writer's retreat. I went last year as well, and it was so relaxing, fun, and encouraging! Since I'll be gone, Josh will be in charge of the kids and he told me not to worry about writing out a menu for us. But, I do have so dinner ideas for you! How does that sound? [Read more...]