Friday Favorites - Rescue Edition

I am LOVING my new cuffs from Farmgirl Paints.  I can't decide which one is my FAVORITE because I love them both so much.  The first one has a line from one of my all time FAVORITE books to read to my boys, "Love You Forever".  I can't make it through without choking up and I love the little reminder that even as my babies grow they'll still be just that, my babies.

One of Griffin's FAVORITE phrases is "one more".  One more candy corn, one more hug, one more piggy back ride, one more walk, etc.  When I hear "one more" I will forever think of her at this sweet age.  The cuff also has kind of a double meaning, because it also references my very FAVORITE Sally Clarkson quotes...

“I always wanted to be a hero--to sacrifice my life in a big way one time--and yet, God has required my sacrifice to be thousands of days, over many years, with one more kiss, one more story, one more meal.” 

Don't forget, if you need a cuff of your own you can use the code MOMFESSIONALS and get 15% off!!!

This is GG doing her "one more" finger :) 

Monday morning was my FAVORITE morning this week.  Despite being rushed and having to break up a wrestling match in the back of the van while we were loading up, we all paused to take in the AMAZING sunrise!  I mean!!!

I've seen lots of pretty pink sunrises, but this one was special because it really looked like the air was almost pink...

There's no filter on this picture, but you can see the pinkness of the sunlight.  So cool!!!

Festive outfits are my FAVORITE and we like to go big or go home :)  This week we've been keeping it subtle (except not.  at all.)

It's no secret that Mason's love language is quality time. Even a solo trip to the grocery store with just me and him is enough to fill up his little love tank :) 

Monday night he and I ran to Kroger to pick up a few things and being able to say yes to his requests to look at the toy cars and try on Halloween masks made his day. 

This was not my idea of a good time, but he got the biggest kick out of trying on the masks, having me take a picture and then looking at himself :)  He's a mess!

Fall is kind of here in Texas... well, it's here from like 10 p.m. - 8 a.m.... then it goes back to Summer.  I am OVER my summer clothes, and have been attempting to dress "fallish" while still being comfortable in the 85 degree weather.  My new FAVORITE shirt is from Hippie Chick and it's AWESOME!  It's cool and comfy, while still looking very "Fall".

I wore this lightweight plaid tank this week with a cargo jacket, cords and booties.  A Fall look while still being weather appropriate (the scarf lasted through first period. hahaha)

Yesterday I wore a cream lace dress with a denim jacket and clogs.  I can't wait until I can wear this with a scarf and tights!

Tuesday night I had some of my FAVORITE girls over and made them the best pumpkin sheet cake ever!  And it's so easy!!!

For the Cake

- 15 oz can of pumpkin

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup apple sauce

- two cups sugar

- 4 eggs

- 2 cups flour

- 2 teaspoons baking soda

- 2 teaspoons cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

1) Combine the pumpkin, oil, apple sauce and sugar

2) Beat 4 eggs together and mix with the pumpkin, oil, apple sauce and sugar

3) Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a separate bowl, then combine with the pumpkin mixture

4) Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 45 minutes

For the Icing

- 5 tablespoons softened butter

- 3 oz softened cream cheese

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

- a few splashes of milk

1) Beat together the butter, cream cheese and vanilla

2) Gradually beat in the powdered sugar

3) Add in splashes of milk while beating until it's "spreadable"

Griffin's favorite part??? The icing :)

Speaking of FAVORITE parts, her FAVORITE part of the morning routine?  Pretending to drive while we load up the boys, bags, etc. :)

One more!!!

Mini Mason :)

Seeing what the kids bring home from school is always a FAVORITE time of the day and this week did not disappoint!  A sea scene by Luke:

And his foldable body systems project (that he laid on the wet counter - ooops!!!)

IT unfolded to this... how awesome is that?!?!?!

 There were envelopes that held cards where he had written facts about each body system.

This was on the school's Facebook page this week - some of the cutest first graders I know!

And apparently he crafted a hideout during recess this week :)

 This note was my FAVORITE... can you figure out what is says??? :)

I love Minecraft and Legos and Mommy :)

 This photo came across my Facebook feed this week and I immediately teared up.  I've been blessed to have never had to experience a miscarriage and can't imagine the emotions that go along with that.  Despite me never having experienced that, this photo that was edited to include the babies that this couple had miscarried made me tear up and hit my knees for my friends who have had to endure this.  What a powerful image!

Last night I was going to put the boys to bed and when I walked by Griffin's room I saw this...

Door open, sound asleep on her carpet since she knows she's not supposed to leave her room.  

#sweetbaby

I may have immediately though of this picture.  And then immediately burst into tears. 

Last, I've been reading a FANTASTIC new book by Candy Gibbs called "Rescue.  Raising Teens in a Drowning Culture." and have been really enjoying it.  It offers personal stories and insights from teens, practical applications and lots of encouragement.  

Even though we don't have teens at home yet (#hallelujah!), it's provided me with some great insight into my kids at school and has given me lots of things to think about as we raise our kids.  One of my favorite parts of the book was when it talked about the importance of family...

"Our children and our teens need parental stability, the anchor, to hold.  They need your marriage and family to stay committed to one another and strong in faith.  When your children grasp for something to hold on to in the middle of a storm, they will reach for the anchor of your family."

I have an extra copy to give away, so if you have teens (or pre-teens!) at home and you'd like to read it - leave me a comment (with your email address, please) and I'll pick someone this afternoon and drop it in the mail tomorrow!

I hope your weekend is full of your FAVORITES!  Happy weekend, friends!

   

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