What we're eating this week:
We're leaving for Florida tomorrow, so we've been cleaning out the fridge!
What I'm reminiscing about:
Having some Christmasy cousin time this past weekend! These kiddos had so much fun together- exchanging gifts, making gingerbread houses, painting cookies, painting ornaments, and playing nonstop.
What I'm loving:
Christmas lights and a fire every night. It never gets old.
What we've been up to:
Prepping for vacation!
What I'm dreading:
Taking down Christmas decorations after our vacation. I just love this big, beautiful nightlight- and I'm not even close to being ready to put it away yet.
What I'm working on:
#truth
I am a terrible over-packer. If I think there's a slight possibility that I might need something, it's going in the suitcase. And every time, I don't use half of what I brought. 🤷🏽♀️
What I'm excited about:
Christmas Eve, Christmas jammies, Christmas morning, Christmas breakfast, you get the point. I'm excited about it ALL.
What I'm watching/reading:
ALL THE CHEESY CHRISTMAS MOVIES. This one is my favorite so far.
This book is so good. Need a last minute gift for someone? Buy them this book.
What I'm listening to:
All day, every day.
What I'm wearing:
These Toms are perfect for the weather right now- warm and comfortable.
What I'm doing this weekend:
Hanging out right in this spot. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
What I'm looking forward to next month:
My birthday! And actually, it's not too exciting anymore...but my kids love it and I enjoy eating cake guilt-free.
What else is new:
Did I mention we're heading to Florida?? 😉 See ya later cold temperatures, and hello to twinkly lights on palm trees.
What we're eating this week:
M- Pumpkin waffles
T- Sausage & veggie sheet pan
W- Pork tenderloin
Th- Lasagna
F- Baked chicken
S-Pizza
What I'm reminiscing about:
We had family pictures done with my favorite photographer, Jenny, this past weekend. The last time we had them done Tessa hadn't joined our family yet, so we were due for an update.
What I'm Loving:
A fire in the fireplace. Fall weather arrived this week, and there is just nothing better than a cozy fire when it's cold and windy outside.
What we've been up to:
Well, technically this is what Ben's been up to...
What I'm dreading:
Cleaning up these bugs as they slowly take over my house.
What I'm working on:
Putting up Christmas lights. I don't turn them on until November, but I like to get it done before it's 30 degrees outside.
What I'm excited about:
Halloween is almost here! Our costumes this year are my favorite to date. Everyone picked their own (except Tessa😉), and they are PERFECT.
What I'm watching/reading:
I'm studying the book of James, and I love it. It's so convicting.
And along with This is Us and Designated Survivor, I love these two shows...
What I'm listening to:
Two months is not long enough to listen to Christmas music. So I start now.
What I'm wearing:
All the vests! I don't like wearing a coat, so if I can get by with wearing a vest and staying (somewhat) warm, I'll do it. These two are my favorites: 
What I'm doing this weekend:
Sledding perhaps?! I mean, I do love a good snowfall in December...but October is pushing it.
What I'm looking forward to next month:
Thanksgiving in NJ!
Bonus question: What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
Our thanksgiving meal, cooked by my very talented sister-in-law and mom, is amazing. My favorite side dish is probably her stuffing and the sweet potato casserole. And the corn bread. And now I'm salivating.
I've decided to link up to some other blogs on occasion. It's nice to have a topic to ramble on about, and see what other blogging mommas are rambling about too. 😉
This link up discusses these questions:
WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK:
Sheet pan dinners are my favorite thing. Everything all mixed together on one tray? Count me IN.
WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT:
At this time last year, we were still cleaning up from this mess. Thankfully in September of this year, we were swimming in that pool and boating on that river. What a difference.
WHAT I'M LOVING:
WHAT I'M LOVING:
This girl's smiles and energy. Since her transfusion, she has decided that she wants to move-something that she had completely given up on for awhile. She's pushing herself backwards and spinning in a circle during tummy time, trying to go from sitting down to her stomach, and moving around in her walker (still backwards though). We love watching her try to get moving!
WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO:
All things outdoors! The weather has just been amazing.
WHAT I'M DREADING:
Being a single mom for two months. While harvest time is fun to watch and the kids love riding in the combine, it's hard not having Ben around.
WHAT I'M WORKING ON:
Canning tomato sauce. Our tomato plants produced TONS of tomatoes this year!
WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT:
Fall decor. I love changing up my decor for the holidays, and fall and Christmas are my favorite holidays to decorate for.
WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING:
Entering into the world of constant medical appointments, uncertainties, and difficult choices is not easy. It's always a comfort to read books like this, and find that I'm not alone in feeling the hopelessness, anxiety, and torrent of emotions that accompany having a child with special needs.
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:
Grace absolutely loves the music from this movie. Either I'm listening to her sing it while she plays, or we put it on and have a dance party.
WHAT I'M WEARING:
Lots of cardigans. It's that time of the year when it's chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon, so cardigans to the rescue. This one is my favorite right now.
WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
Heading to the apple orchard for some fall fun!
WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
Halloween! Grace asks me every day if it's Halloween yet. I'm thinking we may need to make a countdown chart for her.
Bonus question: What TV show are you most excited about this fall?
These two shows. I LOVE THEM.
Bonus question: What TV show are you most excited about this fall?
These two shows. I LOVE THEM.
