Friday Favorites || Thankful Hearts & Thoughts

I love November.

I love how the leaves seem to hit their darkest hues, the air in the South is finally dependably cooling off (most of the time), people seem uplifted knowing that a slower season is ahead as long as we can make it to that break or that day off, and, what seems to be the hottest topic of the month on social media... the fact that it's acceptable (by some) to start slipping in bits & pieces of decorations that make the holidays feel like the "holidays."  Not to adopt the secular traditions as what makes this time of year special, but to set the mood of times past (in my humble opinion!).

The reason I adore all the decorations from Halloween, fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas so much...is simply because they remind me of all the past celebrations & traditions I will always hold close to my heart.  They aren't what make Christmas, Thanksgiving, or "fall," but they are a sweet memory I always like to have around as we celebrate the true spiritual meaning behind each.

Oh, the things I have to be thankful for.  It drains my heart to think that there will never be a way to tell God just how wonderful He has been to me.  How much I appreciate Him.  Of course He knows what He has done for me, but I feel so overwhelmed of even where to begin most days that it hinders my prayer life.  I think Satan has used this on me since becoming a mama.  I hit a season in 2017 where I ignored all of that & just decided I would talk to God no matter how insignificant it seemed or silly I sounded.  Believing that He cared what I told Him no matter whether I spoke with perfectly put together prayers or not.  I decided I would talk to Him like a friend, like a daddy.  

Tell Him everything!

I have no trouble doing that with others.  

Why in the w o r l d would I not do it with the person who loves me most?

I've got to get back to that! 

I've been so busy with learning how to be a mom to three, balancing work, house things, a second to myself to breathe & rest (recovery is not the easiest when you are already a mom & then there is mastitis that showed it's ugly face this week😫)-that this area of my life & my marriage feels like it has suffered.  I have GOT to pay special attention to these areas I'm feeling weaker in.

Me in my natural state😬

 That has been my prayer this month.  No matter how small of an effort I make toward that goal, I want to grow back to that each day.  There are tons of more important prayer request I know, but I would SO appreciate it if you would pray for me & my prayer life if you happen to think about it.  ❤️

Favorites this week...

thankful moments

Again, not to sound like a broken record...but I don't think I've had enough time to myself to process my life lately.  I continuously marvel at God's goodness in my life day to day-moment to moment, but I never have time to be thankful.  About two weekends ago, I did.  As I stared outside at all the leaves falling down & had been holding Baker all morning I processed everything.  Her little head laying on my shoulder... she was so sweet, so peaceful, and content.  Tears started flowing.  Pouring.  I just kept thanking God over and over for not only my daughter, but my family and all he had done for me.  I crave moments like that when I can truly feel and find what my heart so badly wants to say when I see God's goodness. 

My thankful & answered prayer picture.  It's like a piece of art to me not to sound corny.  But, it is captured in this picture.  I will treasure it always.

calendar planning

There are some fun things around Knoxville coming for Christmas.  We missed all the Fall things afraid Baker would make her appearance.  I made a calendar for the refrigerator to remind of us a few special things to plan for.   

the sister studio gift guide

I say this every year, but given this Baker's first Christmas...I really mean it.  I want my Christmas shopping done EARLY!  My fave fashion blogger is putting out a gift guide every Sunday full of amazing gift ideas for those of us (ah-hem 🙋🏻‍♀️ who are t e r r I b l e gift givers).  I find these SO helpful and figured it would keep me on pace in getting done in enough time to just enjoy the season.

check it out here or sign up for her mailing list (like I did!)

helllllllo chestnut praline.
I see you & your sweet frothy goodness in that fresh off the press Christmas cup.  Word is, my pumpkin sweet cream cold brew is not going to be stocked after this week.  There is nothing like a little pick me up like a good (but expensive coffee).  I know-it's a luxury I just don't want to give up.  

tree is going UP!

Twas the season for a new tree this year.  Our other one had had a slashed wire & lights that were out for about three years-it was time.  not sure about the flock, but it sure is a beautiful sight.  The boys loved decorating it-even though it took us an entire week.
🤱🏻🤱🏻🤱🏻
SIDE NOTE*One thing I learned this year: TINSEL transforms a tree!


All the Inspo from this pic!  It reminds me of the Rockefeller tree in NYC😍

P.S.  It SNOWED this week in East Tennessee!
A true miracle...We l o v e d every flurry & are hoping for many more this winter-but next time...Knox Co schools need to have a heart & give the kids & staff a much deserved snow day!
Cam was all kinds of sad he couldn't enjoy the fresh morning snow!


Have a great weekend❤️