Stopping in here quick on a Wednesday for a phone dump. I love so many of these pictures and the stories that go with them as much as my big camera ones. It seems summer has officially passed and we are ready to feel fall around here! We have made it to the final stretch of the year and I'm committed to live these last three months well, with less fuss and more intention, and plenty of time at home with my people.
570. Beautiful cards for my birthday with such heart-warming messages inside. A vase of fresh cut flowers from the yard gifted to Jamie as we gathered at her house for If:Table. My Bible, full of scribbles and questions and prayers as we continue to dig deep over a cup of hazelnut coffee every Thursday morning.
571. My Chip. It's no secret the two of us have been butting heads when it comes to this basement project, but he's shown me grace and done his very best to make progress while not letting it impede on all my expectations for family time. And if it wasn't for his pushing and his many late nights down here all by himself, painting and bricking and building while the rest of us sleep, we wouldn't be even close to enjoying this space just in time for winter. I love him so much and am so proud of him. He has so much talents and this basement is such a reflection of his mad skills and his character. Now pass the baton, baby, because I'm ready to make this place shine!
572. A late night of work and late pickup of the kids that results in peanut butter jellies on the trampoline for dinner.
573. Family selfies on a beautiful Saturday celebrating Bri's wedding.
574. The Gabel girls - the way they run to my car to greet Cruz (and usually help him carry his stuff like little mothers) every morning at the bus. Their excitement for WWE at the McLeod Center and the sweet bond our kids have formed with each other.
575. After finally corralling Mila to stay in her bed long enough to fall asleep, I came out to find my tired boys like this. Between Beau and the basement project and Cruz and three days a week of soccer, they needed this. And with a 7th birthday just a week away, I drink these soft, sweet moments in a lot more lately.
576. Did I mention this one's been hard to put to bed lately?! I love her room at night, her sweet Mila pillow from Taylor and Kate, and my nightly solo of Come Thou Fount, to which I have mastered.
577. A Friday night trip to a favorite pumpkin patch for white mums and all the weird shaped pumpkins. Lollipops gifted to the kids and the sweetest big dog taking a nap under the trailer. Comfort food dinners at the Susongs in their new pretty home.
578. Slow Saturday mornings that start with my Bible, a cup of coffee, and all the pink snuggles.
579. Mid morning soaks in the tub with the windows open and fresh air filling the house.
580. Another year of life group. Beau sweaty with nerves introducing the book of Ephesians with them. The neighbor boys ambushing them with nerf guns. Cinnamon spice candles lit and circled up prayers in the living room. Finding Beau reading the Bible after everyone went home. The feeling of knowing this is exactly where God is assigning me.
581. Pajama day for Homecoming week. Claire carrying Cruz's Cubs bear for him, again, because they just care about him. And because he's always two steps behind it seems. ;)
582. Another year of dance for Mila Ballerina, at a new studio this year. We loved our year at Fusion, but this year Mila is able to do two, back-to-back classes in the same amount of time I spent driving her back and forth last year. She's learning hip hop, tap, and ballet, and loves it. And I love that there are windows this year so I get plenty of opportunities to peak in and see her shaking her thing.
583. The best date night. We sat on the back patio at Brown Bottle and had the best meal, drank red wine, and ended the night at a table at Soho for dirty martinis and my new fall favorite drink, a Jack Honey and coffee liqueor. We talked about our family, our future, our faith, and our basement. But we kept the basement talk at a minimum. ;)
584. A simple Scholastic book gifted to Cruz and his classmates from his teacher, turned into one serious family drawing showdown before bed one night. We love Gerald and Piggie books and love their sweet simple illustrations we can recreate at home.
585. An afternoon of pie baking, and mess making.
586. Our front porch, all spruced up for the season. Mum maintenance that is going surprisingly well. Plans for comfort food suppers and nature walks at Hartman and Sabbath Sundays with soup and books and afternoon naps.
587. A fun 24 hours in Des Moines this past weekend. We had a sleepover at Taylor and Kate's new house, got up and joined them for church, visited the Harpenaus and their new sweet baby, Mara, and ordered a couch for the basement from Homemakers. And this was all after a whirlwind trip to Dallas for the If:Lead conference. Much more on that to come!
Until next time!
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