5 Things I’d Cover Over Coffee! (+ a giveaway!)
Updates, links, photos, and a giveaway (at the very bottom 😉)
Hey Friends! Happy Fall + beginning of the Holiday Season! 😉🍁🍂🎄
There is no better time of year for a coffee date! (Am I right or am I right?) As much as I wish we could do this in a cozy coffee shop watching the leaves fall or in front of a big fireplace…hoping this virtual coffee date will due for now!
Note: I send a monthly coffee date (just not quite this long! 🥰) to a bunch of happy subscribers, so if you’re not on that list yet, I’d love to have you join us (just click here!)
So: where do we start!? —How are you? What’s new with your family? What is good/hard/on your heart right now? Do you have autumn weather where you live? (If so, I’d beg you to pull out the fall leaves photos!)
To avoid going in a million directions, I’m limiting myself to FIVE topics! Let’s start with…
1. Kids! (Obviously 😉)
Currently all of my boys are in a sweet season. 🙌🏼 Josiah and Jonah are both in the Santa Barbara area, working at jobs they love, doing lots of ministry, being super active, and enjoying their early adulting years.
Jonah was recently home visiting with his girlfriend, Taylor (who, it turns out, is as sweet as he has been telling us!) See photo, below.
Levi is continuing to enjoy his new school situation and keeping busy with lots of golf.
Recent highlight: Luke’s third place finish (out of 96!) in the Sunset Pro Surf Contest. Goodness it was fun/stressful/amazing to watch.
You can read more about that AND where Luke is in his professional surf journey in this Instagram post.
ALSO, fun news!! — > Luke just released his first official podcast episode!
In it he talks about his training leading up to the Sunset contest, with a focus on the mental work he needed to do, and how his faith has impacted all he is doing. I think your kids will be encouraged by it, (especially if they are competitive athletes!)
2. My “work” life (and how it affects YOU.❤️)
So. I am currently NOT writing a book or doing any major projects, but goodness I’ve been busy!
One thing I am really proud of: (quick backstory first:) For years I have felt challenged by the fact that I am passionate about a few different topics, which have some overlap but are also distinct. (faith, parenting/family, women’s health, homeschooling — and some dabbling in recipes, fashion, and other things.)
“Experts” would tell me I need to “choose one thing and ‘niche in'” to grow in my work. But I just don’t feel like that would be…me.
I know that many of you share some (or all of!) my interests, but I have wished I could give people more options in receiving the content I create. (For example: If you followed me for parenting, you may not want to receive emails about homeschooling or women’s health…but then again, you might! 😉) So, this summer/fall I created 3 separate topical email lists for people to join! I am SO happy with how they came together, and I welcome you to join one or all!
When you sign up for each one you get a free printable (and they’re all awesome!) as well as occasional (but not annoyingly frequent!) emails with encouragement and resources on each topic! Yay yay yay!
SO! If you haven’t joined any of the lists yet, please feel free to click on what you’re interested in below, and join!
CHARACTER/Parenting
HOMESCHOOLING
WOMEN’S WELLNESS
I can’t wait to serve you even better in each area!
Also! I’ve been busy on the podcast this fall! In September we covered all women’s wellness topics (woot woot!) then in October we focused on Parenting “FAQ’s”! Here are links to the last 6 episodes:
- Raising Unshakeable Kids with Lauren Gaines
- Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-affirming world with Rachel Gilson
- Teach Character, Watch kids Succeed, with Dennis Trittin
- Parenting Gold Nuggets from 7 Parenting Experts
- Sibling Squabbling, Competition, and other FAQs! with Jessica Smartt
- The WHY and HOW of Disciplining our kids, with (my husband,) Dave
We have two more parenting topics ahead, and then we’re headed into ALL HOLIDAY-RELATED TOPICS. I cannot wait!
3. Links You Might Love
If we actually had coffee of course we would swap our most recent favorite recipes or books or parenting resources. Here’s a few I might share this fall:
- What I got for my birthday that might just be changing my life (and I plan to talk about it more in a Women’s Wellness email coming up!)
- The candle I burn every single year from September until the New Year. I dare you to find a more pleasant, cozy, homey, happy scent anywhere.
- An eye-opening health Book Dave and I are reading.
- And the book I am ordering for every member of my family for Christmas this year (shhh.)
- The pumpkin dessert I will make (again) this Thanksgiving.
- Winter juicing for the win!
- Faith Farms Goat Milk Products sent me a box and I cannot get enough of the incredible scent/feel and look. And now I want to raise goats and make soap.
- Artza Box continues to create beautiful seasonal collections and is a wonderful gift for the Holy-land loving people in your life! (use code: BOYMOM24 for a discount!)
- My Boy Mom Devotional on the Bible app now has over 75,000 completions!
Christmas prep? (Yes please and thank you!)
- Glad and Golden Hours (book) is so packed with ideas, recipes and reflections, it will be open on my coffee table all winter!
- Our family’s favorite advent devotional every year (and Asheritah will be on my podcast in December!)
- If your church provide them, go here to get an Operation Christmas Child box!
For the kids…
- Here’s a November Children’s Book List
- And Holiday Picture books around the world
- ❤️The actual Scripture memory playlist my boys grew up on. (Dave just found this and we nearly cried it brought back such sweet memories.)
- and the Adventures in Odyssey Holiday stories my boys grew up on!
- For the homeschool families: (or those of you thinking of “becoming homeschoolers” *wink*) this article: “I’m so scared I’ll fail my kids” will encourage you. Also a reminder that IEW is the very best curriculum if you want your kids to love writing (and grammar!) and Diveintomath.com is our family’s biggest recommendation for math and science curriculum!
Also, don’t forget! — > BECOMING HOMESCHOOLERS will walk you through every step of your homeschool journey!
(and guess what, it’s on sale on Amazon now!)
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ‘GRAM…
- My first truly viral Reel (I haven’t read the comments since it left the warmth of my community and found its way into the scary wilderness of IG trolls. 👿) But still happy to have lots of new friends from it!
- Everyone needs to laugh so once a month I try to share some funnies.
- 5 Women’s Health tips I learned from Dr. Dave. 😉
4. A quick peek at the last few months…
This is where we pull out our phones and start swapping photos and stories to go with them! (And we probably need to refill our coffees, too!) I might ask how in the heck you organize your photos (if you do) and I might confess that this is among the long list of things that currently overwhelm me. (First world problems, I know.) Here are a few in my latest “Favorites” folder…
^ September: An incredible family gathering in Lake Tahoe for my parents’ 60 wedding anniversary! Woohoo! Go Mom and Dad! (they’ll be back in Hawaii for the winter soon, btw!)
Then I went on to Black Butte, Or. to gather with my OG spiritual mentor and “sisters”. Oh how sweet it was to be together again! (and Happy Birthday Stephanie!)
An October wedding on Kauai and getting all dressed up in the country!
Our actual real-life visit from Leanne and her husband Ron, with so many hours together walking, talking, planning, dreaming, praying, eating, and laughing. What a gift!
^Jonah and Taylor’s visit!
Boys raising bees…Stay tuned for honey coming soon!
A fall sunset at my house 🙂
5. My heart in this season
Ok, well this has already grown to be very long, but before we hug and get back to #realmomlife I always appreciate a minute to get real and exchange prayer requests.
I’m pretty sure that if it were just us, over coffee, politics would come up. We would talk about the election, and you would understand that I have “stayed in my lane” during this season by not talking politics publicly. ❤️ But, knowing my heart for family, the sanctity of life, Biblical conservative values, and a healthy world/future for the next generation…you can assume that I care very much, and that as a family we talk and pray much about all of it. 👍🏼
And ultimately, I believe God has been merciful and gracious to our country. I pray with great hope for all that is ahead! 🇺🇸
And boy I’m glad the election season is behind us! 😅
Now…I set my gaze back to the work in front of me…the work of raising boys to be strong and godly men, and serving my family and my community (here and IRL.) I want to keep my eyes on Jesus and the eternal treasures that far outweigh anything on this earth! — As I’ve been reminded in our Experiencing God Bible study this fall, the question should not be: “What is God’s plan for me?” but: “What is God’s plan…and how can I be a part of it!?” Let’s goooo!
(Finally! 😮💨)A GIVEAWAY!!!
OK friends, I do confess: I LOVE style! I’ve said before that I am not artistic in the traditional sense (I can’t draw or paint and I couldn’t carry a tune if my life depended on it!) but I like to think I express myself through FASHION and COOKING. 🙂
I am thrilled to be teaming up with CARLY JEAN LOS ANGELES as I share some fun new fall clothes they sent me in THIS STYLE POST! And…
CJLA is offering 20% off everything on their website if you use code: MONICA20.
Finally! → Leave a comment below and you will be entered to win $100 gift to shop at Carly Jean LA! (I ❤️ their new winter line so much!)
Answer any of the following questions:
1. Tell me something new or exciting going on with your family this fall!
2. Tell me what you love over on the CJLA website!
3. Share something God is teaching you in this season!
Again, check out my new CJLA pieces on this post then come back and comment!
I will choose a winner next Tuesday and announce it in my weekly email on Wednesday morning!
Big hugs and Aloha to all of you!
1. My family this fall is in a sweet season of playing together (3 boys 8, 6, & 4). I want to freeze time! We will go to the baseball field after dinner, play games or go on walks. All things outside with FALL in Ohio are my favorite!
2. I love the Hunter Jean Jacket!
3. I love your Biblical View on all things and all the truth you share with others!! I’m thankful in the midst of the politics that Jesus will always be king and God determines who, when and the duration of who will rule (Daniel 1&2). Thanks for always being real with your followers!!
I love this!! So glad you’re embracing this season! Thank you so much Brittany!
I love your Biblical View on all things and all the truth you share with others!! I’m thankful in the midst of the politics that Jesus will always be king and God determines who, when and the duration of who will rule (Daniel 1&2). Thanks for always being real with your followers!!
Hi Monica! I actually found out about your blog while watching Lynette Yoders YouTube channel.. love your emails.. especially all the “raising boys” info as we have been blessed with 2 grandsons that spend a lot of time with us! My husband and I are Pastors of our church and God has been teaching me to trust Him in a deeper way than I ever have before as my husband is going through a battle with cancer.. BUT God is faithful as He shows us every day and He is our Healer!
Thank you so much for the comment! I am very curious how Lynette Yoders Youtube led you to me…I wasn’t familiar with her before but just looked at her YouTube and it looks awesome. (Was I in the side bar or did she share a book or…? Just curious! :)) I am so sorry your husband is battling cancer. I love your heart and I pray my resources are helpful with the grandsons! 🙂 xo
I’m especially excited to hear all things women’s wellness when it comes to how the Lord speaks over us. As a mom of three boys, married for 16 years and now having launched Change Up Kids™ after 4 years of design, I have definitely put wellness to the side! So thank you for blessing me. I’d love for you to check out, http://www.changeupkids.com if you ever have a second, I know you’re quite busy. We are a for profit that serves a non-profit (the Tim Tebow Foundation, specifically.) You can find my testimony of “why” here:https://www.instagram.com/p/C_enmM0Pyln/.
We launched in June after 4 years of design, and my heart is truly to protect our most innocent from unwanted technology while parents still are encouraged to go out on adventures with their kids.
Also, I’d love to send any of them to donate to those who are still suffering from the Maui Fires. I’m not sure if they’re still living in communal housing, but there is mesh on the bottom and the top is open for shower use. (Whether at the beach or kids needing it for communal showering due to their housing situation) Thank you for the million ways you have supported our family. Raising Amazing is by far my favorite. My husband and I love it and reference it so often. Blessings and I look forward to hearing from you!
Lauren, thank you so much. Great “meeting” you and love hearing about what you are up to. I’ll def. take a look at those links! (Pretty sure Maui folks are no longer in communal housing but love your heart to support people in need!). I’m so glad Raising Amazing has blessed you guys! Sending big hugs!
Thank you for the encouragement and the podcast yesterday on “Gospel Mom!” It was so good. Especially with middle schoolers. Truly launching Change Up Kidd has been a calling and surrender from the Lord and one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But God is faithful and has and is sustaining all things. Thank you for paving a way on how to balance it all, with priority being family and being a wife before any business, as well as answering the Lords leading in sharing your story on how you walk with Him. I’d be honored to be a sponsor of your show if at any point you’d like to discuss further, I’d love to chat to see if it’s a good fit. Blessings on your thanksgiving with your sweet family. 🫶
Hi Monica!
1. We’ve had lots of visitors this fall from our dear friends we used to do life with when we lived and served overseas.
2. I love the Hunter jean jacket.
3. God is teaching us to hold onto him tight in the midst of grief and unexpected loss.
thank you Analia. (I love your name so much!) Sending hugs your way. ❤️
God has been reminding me that He gives strength for the things that He has called us to.
We just welcomed our fourth baby to the family in August—-all boys!! And we’ve been enjoying this sweet season of seeing our newborn’s personality emerge and watching how much his older brothers love him.
Congratulations! SO wonderful! Enjoy an extra special holiday season! xo
God is teaching me to slow down and be more present with my girls. Not everything has to be done and cleaned up immediately!
wow, that is wisdom we all need! xo 🙂
My senior high school daughter is playing in super sectionals for volleyball and we are hoping to make it to states! My boys are adjusting to high school and my husband and I are taking it all in! I love fashion as well and love seeing how others style pieces!! You look great in the reel and the clothes look pretty on you too!
Sounds like a great season for your family! Thank you for the kind words! 🙂 XOXO
Hey Em!! Your name was drawn for the giveaway! Congratulations!🎉 look for an email to confirm. 👍🏼❤️
Praying for wisdom and direction for my son and his family as they contemplate moving closer to where we live 👏👏👏👏
Ps I’ve always wanted goats!!!!😂
Oh I hear your heart on that one! (Stopping to pray for you/your family in that decision!) And fun about the goats– I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time for us. haha
Something new is that all 4 of us are playing an instrument and we were gifted a piano so I’m enjoying playing again! God is teaching me to be in the moment more with my boys in their teen years. Cherishing the gifts of time spent talking in the car. I’m really in love with CJs favorite ribbed cardigan in olive, looks cozy!
Renae, Such a fun new thing for your family. Music is the best and so bonding for families! Thx for taking the time to comment! xo
Love reading your posts!
Thank you! ☺️
My oldest son got engaged this fall, in September. We are very excited and also feel it’s bittersweet. Babies sure grow up fast!
Wow Mandy!! That’s a big step…I get alllll the feelings! 🙂 Big hugs
oh goodness! I’m dying for a good jean jacket!
but we’ve had quite a fall! we moved from a sub tropical island to just South of the Alps and I MISS my perpetual summer and sunshine so much, but God has been good and gracious and provided us with a lot more space and land and some amazing neighbors. our goal is to get some chicks and have some chickens laying us some eggs with all this extra space. 🖤
PJ, I love this! (And honestly I’ve been looking for a jean jacket for at least 2 years and am SO happy with this one!) Love your update and sending hugs!
God is teaching me patience and trust in His timing.
Such good and growing lessons there! xo
God is good and faithful. Been In seasons like the one I’m currently in that seems to be a very long season. Always being reminded how God is for me and that His thoughts and ways are higher than mine, but also remembering His thoughts and intentions and desires for me are good. His plan is perfect and God knows what He is doing for my family, my friends, those I don’t know, etc.. even when I feel alone, hurt, frustrated…. Anything… God always helps me see His hand through it all whether it’s been good or doesn’t seem so. And teaching me that no matter my out comes.. all things in Him are good and if something isn’t then it will be cuz He won’t let me be overtaken by anything that will destroy me. I could name all the things that have are or are presently going on but it would be a list of things that would seem endless lol.. But what I can honestly say is My God, He is faithful. He is just. He is good. He is peace. He is strength. He is God and He is my sustainer. My heart is at peace cuz I’ve seen Him always come through and I can’t express how much I’ve seen Him move and I know He’s the one I count on cuz I know firsthand that no matter what… He remains constant and true to His Word.. He IS for me.. He DOES love me. He IS moving on my behalf… and He IS doing it for others.
He has never changed. And I always am asking God to help me see Him for who He truly is cuz it’s easy to get blinded when you pass something and then your perception of Him can easily be changed when you get caught up in emotions of the pain, loneliness, anger, confusion.. you name it.. God has never changed. His character is, has and always will remain the same.. Good and faithful and true and in all things.. Pure and unconditional Love. 😁 that’s what I’ve been learning.
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:13-14).
Thank you for the comment, Jennifer. I love your heart and know that the Lord will bless you for your faith and trust! xo
I feel like in general God has taught me so much in motherhood. But recently, he has pushed me to lean into Him, to trust Him, and he has humbled me in new ways that are forcing me to look at myself in order to help others around me more.💙
And I am just excited about Christmas season with my family! 🎄And looking forward to brighter futures. 🇺🇸
Yay, thank you Katie. And I’m with ya in all the above!! xo
At 52, I am entering the workforce for the first time. I am certainly learning to trust God’s leading as I take this new journey.
Wow, good for you Judith! Keep me posted! xo
I have been learning how gracious God is to us all the time. He is so good!
I am learning that even when my hopes and dreams are shattered he is in control and that I need to trust in his plan over my own. When my kids fail or when I fail my kids God is still in control and has us. When illness attacks and we cannot fix it, God is able to use our broken spirit to give glory to him.
Wow those are some hard but important lessons. Proud of you for leaning into them. Thank you for sharing. XO
Monica! I love your emails so much and especially the monthly ones because of all the links to the things you are currently reading/loving. I buy at least 1-2 things every month! Thank you so much for such amazing and Godly content! ♥️ also your fall view 😍😍
We are all about deer hunting season right now over here in Texas lol 😆 So thankful to be able to homeschool and have that flexibility for me and my son to join dad in the stand every week! ☺️
Laura, thank you so much. What a sweet comment. 😉 And yay for deer hunting– my guys all want to learn to hunt! 🙂 So happy homeschooling is a blessing for you guys. Big hugs!
I absolutely love how CJLA clothes work together to create multiple outfits.
ME TOO! 🙂
Not so much something new or a lesson being learned but a huge praise. My older son, 16, had a series of injuries, hip surgery, kneecap dislocation, and all the required physical therapy from October 2022-May 2024. He gave up soccer and has taken up weight lifting. He noticed a lump in his forearm in September, in October and ultrasound confirmed it is a muscle hernia (rare in the arm), and this week we found out it doesn’t require surgery (Yay!) so he gets to live with it and hope it doesn’t ever cause problems (boo.). We also determined that localized pain in his calf is not from a blood clot (Yay!). Now praying that a few weeks of physical therapy will ease the pain, but he’s also having difficulty flexing the muscle so praying it’s not a muscle tear or a nerve issue resulting from the kneecap dislocation.
1. We get to be creative for the holidays! We’re about to be in-between jobs, hopefully for only a short time.
2. I think I like the Hunter jacket in the basics best.
3. God has been healing a lot of my old wounds. Many that I didn’t realize I had! He’s been teaching me to be in the present moments of every day. It’s the only moments that matter.
1. My special needs boy spelled his name at school.
2. I’m going do you check the website out, I never have before.
3. Karen teach me that I cannot carry everything on my own, that I must rely on him every moment of every day and to reach out to him.
4. I love you and pray you have a blessed week!”.
Aww, I love all this!! Thanks for the comment!
Read this from cover to cover, it was so full of encouragement and great tips, too, thank you!! This Fall has been all about basketball, volleyball and ultimate frisbee for my school aged boys, lots of games and tournaments have me on the go. Keeping my eye out for some Holland Jeans from CJLA— very cute and flattering. And this season, God has been teaching me to never stop praying: to fully trust Him when life gets hard and when you don’t have answers.
Beautiful, Andrea! Thank you! xo
As always, so fun to sit down to a “coffee date” with you. I appreciate your intentionality. And that salt and light sweatshirt! Sad it is sold out. Here in the beautiful state of GA, we’re enjoying the colors of fall and warm weather. Here’s to cooler temps soon…
Thank you Renne! I imagine fall is gorgeous there now! Enjoy!
I have been thinking about getting in touch with you! I am 15 weeks pregnant with our 4th boy (unexpectedly but not shocked)!! Other boys are 10, 8, & 6. I am reeling a little, but God has been so good and I am learning to be excited for the family He has planned for us!
We just booked a vacation to Hawaii in February and we are so excited!
Oh my goodness…your family will be pretty much identical to ours (age of boys-wise!). LOVE IT!! Congrats!! Keep in touch as your trip gets closer! xo
Something new/exciting going on with my family this fall: We are currently in the car driving to Pasco, WA for the State Cross Country Meet my son will be running in today!!! He had to be in the top 35 to qualify for State and he placed 25th!! We are super excited to watch him run today and pray the Lord will bless him with speed and endurance!
Hey Somer! I LOVE IT! Watching races is so much fun!! Hope it goes super well and that you have a fun weekend! big hugs.
God is constantly teaching me about patience with everyone but especially my 2 year old, and about self control with my emotions
awesome! Tune in to next week’s podcast episode for sure! 🙂 xo
So good to hear from you. Fall college golf season just finished up and last minute my husband asked if I wanted to come with him to Oahu for an army trip. As an introvert hanging out alone a lot of the day was not bad. Heading home this morning and I’m not sad. Love the sun but ready to be with my people. I love CJLA. I was so bummed to miss out on the Salt and light sweatshirt. I won’t wait next time. I also love the new jean skirt she just launched.
God is teaching me pause. I don’t have to hurry and respond right away. I can take the time and say my response when ready. I like you am thrilled the election is over. I’m very sure we voted the same and I’m thankful. However I want healing for our nation and people to turn to Jesus to save them not a president.
Kristin, amen and amen. I love all of that and wish we could have coffee IRL! 🙂 Big hugs and enjoy this season!
This fall and winter will be spent trying to prepare our house for 4 girls! We don’t know yet when we will be able to bring them home but there’s a lot of painting and cleaning and putting bunk beds together and figuring out storage solutions that needs to happen. 0-4 is a big adjustment so in between the house projects and planning I’m gleaning wisdom from godly women on how to raise amazing kids.
woah….so you are adopting 4 at once? I’d love to hear more! that is amazing, however you are bringing girls home. God bless you!!
Oh man, I loved reading through this post. Grateful that you share all these tidbits. And I love CJLA—the sweatshirt in your reel had me from the start! ❤️
thank you!!!
First off, I just want to say thank you for everything you share and just being you. I have a 14 year old son and everything you share is such an encouragement. 😊 Something exciting for us is my daughter will be coming home from college for Christmas. She is in her second year of college studying civil engineering. Something exciting for her is God blessed her with her 1st co-op (a paid internship). They’re hard to come by, but she was offered a position within a week of interviewing and it’s an amazing company to work for! So proud of her!
Thank you Heather!! Love your update and hope you have a most wonderful holiday season!
I’ve heard so many great things about Carly Jean and would love that Salt + Light sweatshirt!
Hey Monica!
What a post! I loved every bit of it! My family loves this time of the year. My kids are getting older so I’m excited to take them to do things they will remember! I can’t find one sweater I don’t love on that website🤣 God is teaching me to slow down and enjoy the season I am in and to be more present with my children. Girl that brown sweater looks so good on you! I really do enjoy these emails. Thank you so much for them!
Thank you so much Chelsy!! Big hugs to you and yay for slowing down and enjoying. Big hugs!
We are in the throes of newborn stage. Our youngest is 5 weeks now and our new middle is slowly settling into her new role and that’s what we are celebrating! We are spending lots of time outside raking and playing in our leaves – my dad and nephews are all coming this morning too to join in the fall leaf fun!
Awww, I love all of that Jennica! Hope the fall leaf frolicking is dreamy! (I can imagine!!) And that newborn will grow up so quickly as you know…here’s to extra fall snuggles! xo
Thank you for sharing a snapshot of your life☺️. As a fellow boymom I have followed you for a couple of years and live the character course. Our 2 older boys got married last year. Our third boy got engaged this summer and then we have a 12 year old boy who loves Jesus and others well. We have our first grandson to be born in April!! We are thrilled and already praying for this sweet boy to love Jesus. I am overcome with gratitude that all my boys are actively following the Lord💙. Many blessings to you as well!
Leah!! Wow wow wow…This is all so wonderful! Thank you for the encouragement…wish we could have coffee IRL! big hugs to you in this season!
I am homeschooling my son for the first time this fall (it’s been interesting, but I believe it is the right decision for our family). God has been teaching to have more patience, and that He is still God no matter what is happening at home or in the world.
Amen!! Love this Jamie. Keep up the great and faithful work!! xo
Yes, all of the fall leaves & our autumn has been so beautiful this year in Michigan, I wish you could come visit & get some good leaf crunching sounds! ❤️ I’m grateful for November & a season of slowing down intentionally before December with all of its beautiful traditions & merriment hits.
Ahh Sara, sounds so good! Enjoy it all and thanks for stopping in for a coffee today! xo
I am loving reading another one of the Family stories for advent by Arnold Ytreeide. I went ahead and checked out Tabitha’s Travels early because it was the only one I haven’t read. He has 4 advent ones and I think you have mentioned them before. Great for all ages but best for upper elementary and middle.
Our family is loving the fall leaves and mountain biking this time of year in Alabama. (It’s still pretty warm though)!
Thank yoU Ashley! So glad you mentioned that b/c we have not yet read Tabitha’s travels! And oh my goodness moountain biking in Alabama sounds amazing!! Enjoy your fall!
Two of my sisters are having babies in February so there will be new little ones to love on!
Oh so wonderful! (I love Feb. births as holidays are so special and something to look forward to after!). Big hugs to you and thank you for having coffee with me today! xo
Well this was so packed full of goodness. Really enjoy reading these updates.
Thank you so much! It was a lot and I wondered how many people would actually make it to the end. haha. Big hugs!
so our big family news is the birth of my twin Grandminions. My son and daughter in law will be having their twin girls via c-section on 11/18. This has been a long journey filled with many challenges, disappointment, and now JOY as we wait (impatiently I confess) for their arrival. My son and DIL have been awesome, strong and strong in faith through it all !My arms are open and ready for some Grandma time!
Sue!! Wow, this is amazing. I am so happy for all of you! And “Grandminions”!! Oh my goodness that is awesome! ENJOY!!
Thank you Monica for always sharing your experience and faith so genuinely. I am so happy I stumbled upon this community and your content. Because of it I have more confidence and conviction in raising my boys a little different than this crazy world. Some fun things we have to look forward to this fall season are a few family camping trips, and we are so excited to unplug and enjoy being outside with each other creating hopefully sone core memories!
Thank you so much Alexis! You are NOT alone! 🙂 Love doing life alongside this amazing community. Enjoy camping (SO healthy for all of you!) and make some good memories! xo
I LOVE your coffee dates! Ok, something new and exciting for our family is that all 3 of our boys are swimming in a local swim club. I’ve been able to meet lots of new moms, the boys are making new friends and learning a “life-sport”, and watching them compete is so much fun! Happy Saturday!
Erica! This is awesome!! Love it so much. Enjoy and thank you for joining me today!
1. We moved into our new house we spent the last year building
2. I love their cardigans
3. God is helping me be a better wife this season
Kelsey — that is all so great!! Congrats on the house! And what a great season, growing to be a better wife (I’m inspired!) Big hugs
God is teaching me I can only be responsible for my own choices. It’s a very hard season and a very hard lesson. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. I’ve looked at CJ and heard nothing but good, but I’m always timid about ordering online and possibly needing to return. 🙁
Oh Kathy, bless you as you walk through hard things and trust God in it. I’m stopping to pray for you now! I get it about online ordering but I have also discovered how easy companies make returns now! haha. 🙂 Either way, glad you’re here! xo
My triplets are almost 8 months and they’re rolling and scooting everywhere, getting so close to crawling
Wowza!! I cannot imagine! What a holiday this will be for you!! Thanks for taking a minute to join me for coffee. XO
Learning and leaning into feeding my family well after reading Good Energy, soooo eye opening!
Oh fun you have read it! I sense a movement of the same throughout our country ahead…yay! Keep up the great work! xo
Hi Monica, so wonderful to have a cup of coffee with you even if it isn’t in person. God is definitely teaching me to trust him this season and not to put things that I have no control over His glory. He is faithful and full of grace.
An exciting thing this season is our daughter is joining the Air Force. She leaves in December for basic training. Pray for growth and safety for her.
The Elliot cardigan in green is so pretty and cozy looking
Teresa!! (This reminds me I’m past due to shoot you a text message!) I LOVE to hear that update! How exciting and you should be so proud!
Love your heart always. XO