“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:14
Most Recent Blogs
The Art of Morning Bacon
Bacon, a versatile and delicious protein, has long been a staple in many households and many families. It’s definitely something I cook for us at least 4 days out of the week.
It's not hard to see why bacon is such a popular snack: with its crispy texture and savory flavor, bacon can elevate any meal, from breakfast to dinner. In this blog post, I’ll share with you a nifty little device I found that makes cooking bacon SO MUCH EASIER y’all!
Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings: A Reflection on Life's Transitions
As the leaves paint the world in hues of amber and crimson, signaling the arrival of autumn, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life's cycles and the joys that come with the changing seasons. This time of year, with its crisp air and cozy evenings, is a perfect opportunity to pause and appreciate the blessings in our lives, especially the ones that come in the form of family and cherished memories.
Come with me as I recount our latest adventures, share the laughter and tears of our family updates, and bask in the warmth of the memories that forever mark our hearts.
"Home Is Right Where You Are" by Ruth Chou Simons
I’m so excited to tell y'all about a beautiful gem that released this week. I was so honored to get an advanced copy of this stunning children's book that makes a perfect addition to our family library. It's truly beautiful y'all!
"Home Is Right Where You Are" is a beautiful treasure of God's promises, beautifully crafted by bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons in her first children's book. This enchanting collection is perfect for parents and families who want to:
👧🏼 Reassure their children with the comforting truth that God is always with them, guiding and providing for all their needs.
👦🏼 Teach their children that God is the source of joy, overflowing blessings, and wonderful adventure.
👧🏼 Delight in captivating illustrations and beautiful art.
👦🏼 Soothe anxious minds with the comfort of God's provision and presence.
With "Home Is Right Where You Are," Ruth Chou Simons has created a timeless masterpiece that will help families nurture their faith and build a strong foundation of trust in God's loving care.
Get your copy today and embark on a heartwarming journey of faith together! 📚🌟
The Beauty and Fun of Having a Jujube Orchard
Jujube trees, with their delicate, silver-green foliage and ornamental blossoms, are not only productive but also add a unique charm to life in general. Nurturing these trees has been a blessing beyond belief for us.
A Jujube Orchard is a journey I never thought we would be on. It’s been a beautiful and pleasant surprise. What we thought would be barren land, ended up bearing an abundance of beautiful fruit! I’ll share more of that story another time…..
Did you know the jujube tree is one of the oldest trees in Israel? It’s believed to be 1,500 to 2,00 years old. I love that fun fact and makes having a jujube orchard in our very own backyard that much more special.
God’s goodness truly is breathtaking on so many levels. Darin and I have thoroughly enjoyed the fun of harvesting and definitely EATING these delicious fruits.
Aesthetically pleasing, jujube trees have a graceful, vase-shaped growth habit that can add an elegant touch to any landscape. Their silver-green leaves create a stunning contrast against the deep brown bark, which develops attractive, lattice-like patterns with age. Not to mention the fragrant blossoms in the spring are adorned with clusters of sweetly fragrant, white flowers. These delicate blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the overall beauty and biodiversity of our orchard. There were so many days in the spring that I would walk through the trees just to get a whiff of that beautiful fragrance.
Jujube fruit is not only delicious but also highly versatile. The fresh, crisp texture and sweet, slightly tart flavor make them perfect for snacking. They can also be dried for a chewy, date-like treat or used in a variety of culinary applications, such as jams, chutneys, and baked goods. I can’t wait to share my jujube pie recipe with y’all!
There's something truly rewarding about growing your own fruit. Watching our jujube trees grow and produce delicious, nutritious fruit has been a source of satisfaction. This orchard is my pride and joy y’all!
We have an abundance of fruit that we have harvested this season and we have already shared bags and bags with family. We’re currently looking into selling at the farmer’s market, so if you are local to Lubbock, make sure you keep an eye out for Johnston’s Jujube Fruit stand!
Growing a jujube orchard is not only a fun and rewarding experience but has also been a beautiful addition to the fruit and veggies we have been growing. With their stunning foliage, fragrant blossoms, and delicious fruit, jujube trees are a unique and delightful labor of love.
Make sure you check out the rest of the blog post here to get a sneak peek on a couple of the other fruit and veggies we are growing. We are nowhere near harvest time for these but it’s fun to see them in their infancy.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice **: A Lovely Fall Date at the Pumpkin Patch and a Movie
Autumn is undeniably one of the most enchanting times of the year, with its crisp air, vibrant colors, and an abundance of cozy activities. What better way to celebrate the (kinda) start to the season than with a delightful fall date at the pumpkin patch with my wonderful hubby, followed by a thrilling screening of the new Beetlejuice movie? Now, I know it’s technically still summer, but come on y’all…..you have to admit, fall is definitely in the air! So, last weekend, we decided to kick it off in style!
Our day began with a leisurely drive through the countryside. I can’t wait to take this same drive when fall really does approach, as the leaves changing colors is a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry. We then made our way to one of our favorite restaurants in Lubbock, Fun Noodle Bar!
Next, we hit the pumpkin patch! Upon arrival, we immersed ourselves in the patch's offerings, selecting the most vibrant and unique pumpkins to decorate the house and front porch with.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to the movie theater, eager to indulge in the long-awaited Beetlejuice sequel. The film did not disappoint, with its perfect blend of dark humor, supernatural thrills, and nostalgic references that left us both thoroughly entertained. After the movie, we found ourselves reminiscing about the original classic and discussing the enduring impact it has had on popular culture. The new addition to the franchise brought back the beloved characters we knew and loved, while also introducing fresh elements that had us giggling.
Our evening concluded with a cozy drive home, the stars above us casting a spell of tranquility as we reflected on the delightful evening.
The pumpkin patch and the Beetlejuice movie provided the perfect setting for a romantic and whimsical date, reminding us of the beauty and excitement that autumn brings.
As we look forward to more enchanting fall dates, we cherish the memories created on this particular adventure, knowing that our marriage and love continues to grow stronger with each passing season.
Couples, I want to encourage you to grab your significant other, find a pumpkin patch, and catch the new Beetlejuice movie – it's sure to be a hauntingly good time! Make sure to come back and tell me what you thought of the movie!
Embracing the Sunshine: Spring and Summer Fun with Family and Friends
As the cooler temps begin to grace our days, I am reminiscing on how spring and summer beckoned us to embrace the outdoors and create lasting memories with our loved ones. From picnics in the mountains to thrilling adventures with the hubs, there's no shortage of fun that was had with our family and friends. Here are just a few highlights of our wonderful spring and summer.
Check out the full blog to see a snippet of our spring and summer fun.
Summer Splash-tacular: Our Family's Adventure with a Coleman Above Ground Pool
Summer is the perfect time to create unforgettable memories with loved ones, and this year, our family made some of those unforgettable memories.
We were given an above ground pool from Coleman! We were ECSTATIC when this pool landed on our front porch unexpectedly with a note asking if we would share all the fun we will have this summer using this product. Blogging has gifted me and my family so many amazing things to talk about but this by far has been the biggest and most fun product I’ve received (completely FREE) to blog about.
We decided to take fun to the next level by setting up this Coleman above ground pool in our backyard. Little did we know that this simple addition would transform our summer into a season filled with laughter, connection, and endless splashing.
As soon as the pool was up and ready, the excitement was palpable. The kids couldn't wait to dive in, while the adults reminisced about their own childhood summers spent by the pool. The Coleman above ground pool provided the perfect space for our family to unwind, have fun, and bond. Not to mention, this made for a PERFECT spot for me to read and relax.
One of the best things about having a pool right in our backyard was the convenience. No more packing the car with towels, snacks, and sunscreen, only to spend hours driving to a crowded public pool. With our Coleman pool, we could enjoy a refreshing dip whenever we wanted, whether it was an impromptu morning swim or a relaxing evening soak under the stars.
The pool became the epicenter of our summer activities. We had epic water balloon fights, hosted pool parties with family and friends, and even enjoyed a few serene moments floating on inflatable loungers. The Coleman pool provided the ideal setting for our family to connect, laugh, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition to the non-stop fun, the Coleman above ground pool also encouraged our family to spend more time outdoors. Instead of being cooped up inside, we found ourselves gravitating towards the backyard, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the fresh air. The pool became a central gathering spot where we could relax, chat, and simply enjoy each other's company.
If you have ever wondered if your family should get one of these, let me tell you….DO IT! This is something we have honestly NEVER thought of or desired but now it’s a must have. This year, we just threw it up, but now that we know we love this, I started looking around on Pinterest for ways to “Addisfy” this pool.
Let me know how you have solidified your above ground pool if you have one. I’ll continue to be on the look out and I’m sure my handy hubby will fix it up just the way I want it (he’s GOOD at that).
As the summer draws to a close, we can't help but feel grateful for the incredible memories we've made thanks to our Coleman above ground pool. Thank you Coleman!!! We are so thankful for this awesome gift! It has been a summer filled with joy, laughter, and connection, reminding us of the importance of spending quality time with the ones we love. We can't wait to see what next summer has in store for us and our trusty Coleman pool!
Book Review: Sutherland's Crossing by Gwen Kelly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gwen Kelly is an award winning author and Sutherland’s Crossing is the first murder mystery book in the Beau Crenshaw series. This is a murder mystery book that might have some triggers for sensitive readers.
The Barrington family is one of the wealthiest families in town. Trouble arises as one of the Barrington twins turns up missing. Detective Beau Crenshaw is put on the case and is thrown into a web of lies and manipulation. As he falls deeper into the case, a body is found in a nearby swamp. Beau must keep digging to find out the truth and what happened to the Barrington sister!
The characters in this book were well thought out and described perfectly. You couldn’t help but to feel like you knew exactly who they were, even if they were not likeable characters. This book had me on the seat of my pants and I found it hard to put down. I got angry, I cried, I was shocked…..truly a book that kept me drawn in from start to finish. If you enjoy crime shows or a good mystery, then this book is for you. I highly recommend this book and really hoping another book in this series is released!
Secrets can destroy a community but most of all, secrets can destroy the reality of every single person involved. Sutherland’s Crossing is a MUST READ!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Perfecting the Art of Homemade Ketchup: A Healthier Option
If you’re anything like me, homemade condiments are a MUST in our home. In my quest to find us mayo, ketchup, dressing etc without the unneeded ingredients has been difficult! I started making our own and feel so much better feeding my family a cleaner option.
*I’m constantly adding or taking away as I prefect my recipes, so I’ll definitely make it a point to post updated recipes as I continue to grow in this area. For now, enjoy the ketchup recipe that I’m currently using.
The Recipe:
▢6 oz can tomato paste
▢1/4 cup honey
▢1/2 cup white vinegar
▢1/4 cup water
▢1/2 tsp sugar
▢1 tbsp kosher salt
▢1 tsp onion powder
▢1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat; whisk until smooth.
Let it come to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.
Remove from the heat and cover until cool.
Chill and store refrigerated in a covered container of your choice. (I prefer a glass container and will mostly use mason jars).
Reconnecting with Family: A Heartwarming Reunion
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it takes years to reconnect with loved ones. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with family members, especially when they live SO far away. Recently, I had the pleasure of reuniting with my cousin, Tonya, whom I hadn't seen in YEARS.
Not only did I get to catch up with her, but I also had the opportunity to meet her children for the first time. The experience was heartwarming and filled with joy, reminding me of the importance of maintaining strong family ties.
This heartwarming reunion reminded me of the importance of staying connected with family, no matter the distance or time that separates us. It also inspired me to make a conscious effort to maintain these connections and create new memories with loved ones, both old and new.
Reconnecting with my cousin and meeting her children for the first time was an unforgettable experience. It reminded me of the power of beautiful bonds and the importance of nurturing these relationships. As life moves forward, I am committed to staying connected with my loved ones and cherishing the moments we share together and this includes the friends that become our FAMILY. I’ve learned over the years that some of the STRONGEST and most sincere bonds are with our brothers and sisters in Christ who meet along the way.
I encourage you to pick up the phone today and reconnect with a loved one or do what my cousin Regina and I do, a monthly Buffalo Wild Wings lunch (we’re obsessed with wings).
Featured Blog Posts
Embracing the Sunshine: Spring and Summer Fun with Family and Friends
The Beauty and Fun of Having a Jujube Orchard
Perfecting the Art of Homemade Ketchup: A Healthier Option
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