friday favorites: wish list of a thirty-something

Happy Friday, Friends! In some ways I find it hard to believe it's the last day of November, and in other ways I feel like it should already be the middle of December. Is the timing of Thanksgiving throwing anyone else off kilter? I surely hope I'm not the only one.

Well, I managed to craft an update this past weekend and shared our life lately chaos on Monday. Be sure to stop over and see what we've been up to. Since the week has been a pretty quiet one, instead of the normal favorites, I'm going to share what I've been crushing on lately. I hope to find one of these lovelies underneath my Christmas tree. Bonus, these will serve as great gifts for the ladies in your life if you're still in need of ideas.

The North Face Women's Cable Knit Mitt / iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum / Under Armor Women's Favorite Fleece Pullover / NutriBullet Blender-Mixer System / Lucky Brand Women's Tulayne Ankle Bootie / Bearpaw Women's Trista Slipper / The North Face Women's Denali Jacket / Hunter Women's Original Short Rain Boot / Under Armor Women's Tech Short

long time no post

Hey Friends! I know it’s been forever since my last post and even longer since I’ve posted consistently, but I’m hoping to change that today. If you’ve been reading this blog for long, you know I have a tendency to take small sabbaticals. Life happens and to put it simply, sometimes I just can’t keep up with it all. So, let’s see if I can recap the last few weeks and then continue to post regularly going forward. Should we take bets on how well I’ll do?? Probably not... 

November is my birthday month. We celebrated another year at a local restaurant and I splurged on my favorite dessert. 

how i lost weight: three month update

Well Friends, I disappeared from the blogosphere... again. Life happened and sleep prevailed. I’ve been wanting to share a three month update for several days now. I’m currently having my highlights touched up and figure this is as good a time as any. 

This past Monday marked three months since I embarked on my weight loss journey. I am stoked to share that I have lost almost 22 lbs. I have dropped two sizes in pants and one to two sizes in shirts depending on the make and style. I have successfully completed two 5Ks and am working weekly to reduce my time - I’m slow as molasses.

favorites on this friday

I am so happy that Friday has arrived. I’m taking a much needed vacation day today. My Little Farmers and I have a grand day of fun planned - like haircuts, shoe shopping, Gattiland, the library, and our local pumpkin and mum nursery. We get excited about the little things. 

I do have a few favorites from the last couple of weeks, but not a ton of visuals to support them. Oops...

My Farmer and I celebrated ELEVEN years of marriage last weekend. We managed dinner out with no Little Farmers in tow. It was so relaxing and we talked without being interrupted.  Even still, we missed them. I did let my guard down and enjoyed this scrumptious cookie dessert. It was worth it. 

month two update

It has been eight weeks since I embarked on my weight loss journey, and I am pretty stinkin' excited to share that I have met half of my goal already. Long-term, I am shooting for 30 lbs and as of today, I'm down 15.3. Insert happy dance here.

It definitely hasn't been easy, it's been a struggle most every single day. Making the choice to say no to snacking, sweets, pop, fast food, and junk takes a concerted effort on my part on a daily basis. The little victories keep me motivated, as well as the words of encouragement from friends like you. So, thank you!

Day 1 / Day 28 / Day 56

Highlights from the past two weeks: 

life lately

Well Friends, life happened and I haven’t been able to post as often as I would have liked this past month. So, today will be a life lately post sharing some of my chaos favorites. 

Earlier this month, we celebrated my Middle and Littlest Farmer’s birthdays. I can’t believe they are already four and one. We celebrated super hero style and although it was pure chaos having a dual party, it was totally worth it. 

We’re about a month into football. My Oldest Little Farmer is playing in the QB position and loving it. His first game ever, he ran for a 40 yard touchdown. I was so proud I cried. I thought I had captured it on video but must not have hit record. I was so bummed.

week six update

Friends, another week is in the books and I am thrilled to report that I am 14 pounds lighter than I was six weeks ago. I may or may not have had a small stomach bug one day this week that counteracted all of the sugary treats I had the evening before, but I'm okay with that... I think. Reminds me of one of my favorite lines from The Devil Wears Prada?

Highlights from the week: 

week five update: #operationnomorefattyboop

Some days I can hardly believe it’s been five weeks since I embarked on this weight loss journey. Other days, I feel like it’s been five years - can I please have a handful of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies now? Yes, yes I think I will - one for each week is acceptable, right? Maybe I’ll count it as dinner.  Ha. 

Highlights from the week: 

and then came friday...

Oh Friends, I am so happy that this Friday is the kickoff to a long weekend. We have our first football game tomorrow and my Oldest Little Farmer is playing QB for now. I’m not going to lie, I’m a lot more into football than I was baseball or basketball. What is it about football? We will also probably head to the parade in town on Monday. Other than that, we’re expecting a rather routine weekend. 

Now, for a few favorites from the week.

one month update: #operationnomorefattyboop

Friends, it’s been one month since I put my foot down and said no more fatty boop. You can read my self pep-talk here. As a matter of fact, I need to go back and read it myself because this past week has been a little tough. It’s been one in which I’d like to eat my feelings and then some. Plus, I had to eat out a few times and attempt to make good choices in the face of so many bad options. Anyone else walk away from office cake, birthday cake pops, and shrimp fettuccine?

One month snapshot. #operationnomorefattyboop.

Highlights from the week: 

#operationnomorefattyboop: update three

Oh Friends, it has been three weeks now since I embarked on this weight loss journey. In some ways, the time has flown and in others it’s been a real struggle to get through the day without eating a whole bag of cookies. Anyone with me?

Let’s check out the highlights from the week. 

Things I Learned: I am still loving Kind bars. I have been eating these for breakfast and am amazed at how filling they are. I’m hooked on the ones with chocolate. Go figure. I am also mildly obsessed with Rachel Hollis. I discovered her podcast Rise and have listened to a couple of episodes already including: how I went from a size 14 to a size 2 and the science of hunger and body love. I’m not aiming for a size 2 or anywhere close, but I still learned so much from both of the episodes and can really identify with her struggles.

all about the good stuff

Happy Friday, Friends! I hope you’ve had amazing weeks. Ours has been jam packed and this week's Friday Favorites is all about the good stuff. 

Like... the first day of school! My Oldest Little Farmer headed off to second grade on Wednesday. He was so excited the night before, he couldn’t sleep. He had a great first week and is already asking for homework. What can I say? He’s his mother’s child. 

He also had to have a cavity filled on Tuesday. He was so nervous, but he handled it like a champ. The dentist said he did better than most adults. I was so proud of how brave and tough he was that I literally cried. By the way, I was trying to distract myself with Girl, Wash Your Face. Have you read this? I’m a few chapters in and I am loving it! 

#operationnomorefattyboop: update two

Well Friends, week two of my weight loss journey is complete. I was uber focused this week despite all of the obstacles that came my way. Twice this week did my Couch to 5k get delayed because of storms. Once did I run to the car pushing the stroller while rain and hail pelted me in the face. 

I find it comical and sweet how my Littles are handling this new and improved exercising mommy. One day, my Oldest Little Farmer did the workout with me. A second day, I was flanked on both sides by a Little Farmer. However, the Middle Little Farmer didn’t last long. About the time the app said run for the second time, he threw his hands in the air and said he didn’t have the energy for this and he was going to the house. Hilarious!

Highlights from the week:

school supply bliss, baby steps, and funny things kids say

Happy Friday, Friends! I do have a few favorites I want to share, but sadly I have little to no visuals.

The highlight of the week was our annual school supply shopping trip. This will be the third year I have vacated from work and taken my Oldest Little Farmer to Office Depot - where there are notebooks and pencils galore, fun items we love but will never use. and gadgets we can’t resist. It is seriously one of my favorite days of the year. 

#operationnomorefattyboop: update one

Well Friends, the first week has passed since embarking on my new and improved, healthier and active lifestyle. I definitely had some hangry moments and a few I might keel over episodes, but overall it was what I would deem a success.

Here are just a few highlights from the week.

friday favorites: mom's day out and #operationnomorefattyboop

Hey there, Friends! I do believe this week’s Friday Favorites will be a little on the short side and a lot on the sweet side.

Last Friday, my forever friend and I embarked on another Mom’s Day Out. Only this time, we stayed overnight. We left our husbands and our kids and went wild and crazy at the Cheesecake Factory, the Gap, and the Paper Source. No joke, we were in our beds by 8:30 and asleep by 10:00. What are two moms to do when they have just themselves to worry about? Sleep. We had the best time and I cannot wait to do it again next quarter.

#operationnomorefattyboop: my weight loss journey begins... again

Friends, today is the day I make a change. I am finally tired of being overweight. I mean, I’ve been tired of being overweight for awhile but I’m to the point now in which I’m motivated to do something about it. My weight is affecting my self esteem. I’ve lost confidence in who I am and in my appearance. I know appearances aren’t everything and I sound really vain, but I know I can be more comfortable in my own skin. I used to be, and I’m determined to be again.

Even more than concern for not looking my best, I realize I am not healthy and that terrifies me. I'm not getting any younger. In my high school and college years, I was never skinny but I was in shape staying constantly active with volleyball, basketball or running. I work a desk job, so I rarely move. As much as I’d like to claim that chasing three kids around is exercise, it’s really not. Or by all means, not enough.

I consume tons of pop. Since I do not drink coffee, it’s my go to kick for when I’m dragging. Plus, I just love the way it tastes on ice. I’ll miss it for sure, but it has to go. It’s so terrible for you and it is definitely affecting my waistline and my overall feel good. Plus, I love junk. From candy bars to chips to greasy fried food. All of which are okay in moderation, but should not BE my diet.

friday favorites: books, tv, and a vacay

Oh, hey there Friends. It’s been a good while since I’ve shared a proper update, so today’s Friday Favorites is dedicated to all things life and will quite likely be all over the place. What can I say? Life just happened. Work happened. Parenting happened. Summer happened. Adulting happened. What didn’t happen was blogging, but I’m hoping to change that. I know, I’ve said that before...

We vacated earlier this month to Topsail, NC. It was our first time there and we will definitely return in the future. It was absolutely beautiful and the most low-key, family oriented beach I believe we’ve ever been to. The weather couldn’t have been better, the time with Family was wonderful, and since my brother-in-law did all the cooking, I actually woke up to the smell of bacon and sausage on more than one occasion. We’re already counting down the weeks until next year.

my love for the dockatot grows

Friends,

You may recall that a few months ago I shared my love for the Deluxe DockATot. Now, I need to tell you about the Grand Dock.

My Littlest Farmer outgrew his Deluxe Dock around seven months old. I had intended to go without one after that, but life happened. He ended up with a cold on top of transitioning from being swaddled, so we decided it was just too much change at one time and the Grand Dock would be a constant we could control. 

The wonderful folks at DockATot graciously sent me a complimentary Grand Dock to try out and review, and for that, I am so thankful. Here are just a few reasons why I recommend the Grand Dock.

ja-vie's, the best flats for mom

Friends, I need to introduce you to the flat you've been waiting for. Ja-vie's are everything your feet have ever needed and everything your sense of style has ever wanted. Let me tell you how I know.

The folks at Ja-vie were kind enough to send me a pair of their Comfy Jelly Knit Flats in True Red. When I opened the box, the first word out of my mouth was GORGEOUS. Once I put them on my feet, the next word was BEAUTIFUL, followed shortly by how PERFECT they fit. My Farmer was wondering what in the world I was going on and on about to myself while I was trying them on.

farm photo friday

Hi Friends and Happy Friday!

I’m a little late in getting this post up, but I consider getting it up at all a success in my book these days. 

Here is the short and sweet version of a few things I’m currently loving...

[1] The smell of fresh cut hay

[2] A growing garden

[3] Rainbows after the storm

[4] Millie the cat-dog 

[5] Being a mom of farm boys

Linking up with April| Five on Friday, Erika | Friday Favorites, and Della| High Five for Friday

~Trista~ 

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tbb asks: june - summer lovin' edition

Well Friends, I know I've still been a little scarce, but I am hoping to improve this month! I miss all of you and desperately need to see what's happening in your worlds. As for ours, it only continues to become more hectic. Summertime is here and that means so is hay season, garden season, swim season, and hopefully at some point, a week at the beach - and THAT is something I'm counting down the days until.

Now, in true summer fashion, I'm linking up with the lovely ladies from the TBB and sharing some of my summertime favorites. Let this be the kickoff to a great summer, loads of fun, and the making of even more precious memories.

1. Walk or Bike Ride?  I'm a sucker for a leisurely stroll.

2. Favorite Picnic Food? You can't beat a good grilled hot dog. 

3. Pool or Lake? Pool. I can't help but think of what else might be lurking in lake water - like snakes. 

4. Favorite Flavor of ice cream? Rocky Road.

5. Ice Cream Cone or in a Dish? Waffle cones are my favorite. 

6. Flip Flops or Slides? Flip flops. Anyone else struggle to keep slides on?

7. Jean Shorts or Jean Capris? I feel so much more comfortable in capris. 

8. Favorite summer Fruit? Stawberries. My Farmer says I'm un-American since I do not like watermelon!

9. Corn on the Cob or Cut Off the Cob? I love corn on the cob fresh out of the garden.

10. Favorite summertime song? Island in the Sun by Weezer. 

11. Favorite summertime activity? Sitting around outside in the evenings with family and friends. 

12. Favorite Berry? Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry or Blackberry? Strawberry, not really a fan of any of the others. 

13. Bikini’s, tankini’s or one pieces? Tankini or one piece. I'm pretty self conscious as it is, so the more I can cover the more comfortable I am. 

14. Dresses or Skirts? Dresses. Ten years ago I would have said skirts, but they stopped making the style that was flattering on me. I can't find A-Line skirts for the life of me. Anyone remember B Moss?

15. One Word to describe Summer? Happening. There's always some fun to be had or farm work to be done, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

By the way, I so hope to get a life update out soon. Have a wonderful week!

~Trista~

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friday favorites: books edition

Hi Friends!

In my long overdue update a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I'd been on a reading frenzy. I tend to either blog like a crazy fool or read like one, and reading has won out.

Below are the books I’ve been reading since my last book post. I’m sharing my rating and a few brief thoughts. Click through to Amazon to see the full book description.

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I haven’t read quite all of her books but I am getting close. November 9 is a great story and one that keeps you on edge the entire way tugging your heart this way and that. It’s not my favorite of hers but it was still an “I can’t put it down” read nonetheless. 

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love Sophie Kinsella and I enjoyed My Not So Perfect Life. However, it was a little slow to start and felt a little more predictable than her other novels. Regardless, I love an easy read with all the feels. 

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A few of you recommended this novel a few months ago and it was just as good as you said it would be. It was a quick read with a lot of heart tugging. The book leaves you feeling satisfied, thankful and humbled. 

The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had high hopes for this book when I read the description, but it wasn’t as awesome as I thought it would be. It was a little slow and kinda dry. The overall story, however, was enjoyable. 

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is hands down the best one I’ve read since Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. There are few books that stay with me for months after reading them. It Ends With Us is one of them and definitely makes my Top 5 best ever read list. 

Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer

⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's been a little while since I read Secrets in Summer and I couldn't recall it's main idea without reading the book description. It was an enjoyable read but not a memorable one.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed The Hating Game. It was an engaging romantic comedy. I think it'd make a great Hallmark movie minus the language. 

True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am usually a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks, but this one was not one of my favorites. It was good, but not great and I expect great from him. 

The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was excellent. I was mesmerized the entire way through waiting for what would happen next. The love story was wonderfully woven within the drama. After the book, I decided to make time for the movie. BIG mistake. The movie is nothing like the book. I was utterly disappointed.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction novels with female protagonists and The Alice Network did not disappoint. It didn't quite make the best books ever read list (five star books), because there were just parts of it that I thought were out of place. I'd think let's get back to what really matters here. 

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A lot of you were reading this and raving about it, so I added it to my list. It took me a couple of tries to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. This opened my eyes to something entirely new about our history. I even researched the basis of the story afterwards. Excellent read.

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors, Hopeless was not one of my favorite novels. It was a good read, but not one I'd recommend to older adults. It is a young adult novel and even though sometimes I enjoy those, this was not one of those times.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although a little out of my usual genre selection, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat trying to anticipate the next turn. It was definitely an I can't put this down novel with an unexpected ending with which the reader is satisfied.

The Bookshop at Water’s End by Patti Callahan Henry

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had The Bookshop at Water's End on my want to read list before it was even available and was not disappointed. Patti Callahan Henry's novels are always thought provoking and heart tugging. This would be a perfect beach read.

Hardcore 24 by Janet Evanovich
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I think I continue reading this series because I've read all of them. I keep hoping that something ground breaking will come of the love triangle. I'm not sure I am even interested in the comedy/mystery that goes along with the bounty hunter tales, especially this one. Hardcore 24 was zombie centered and I am just not into zombies, of any kind. However, there was a little drama for the love triangle in this one so I gave it three stars instead of two.

I am currently reading Gabriel's Inferno and although it's a series, I have my doubts I'll continue to read through after the first novel. Any favorites you highly recommend I get on my reading list?

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend! I hope to get a life update out soon...

Linking up with April| Five on Friday, Erika | Friday Favorites, and Katie | High Five for Friday

~Trista~

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finally a friday favorites

Helllloo Friday!!

It has been eons since my last Friday Favorites post. So, I am ecstatic to be joining in today. Let's get to it!

I am fixing bottles every day for two calves, but don’t often stop by the barn to actually see them. On Thursday, it warmed up enough to take a stroll with my Littlest Farmer. So, we headed to the barn to say hi to Star and Still Needs a Name. Look at these two cuties. They are so friendly and sweet.

I have been a Coke person for as long as I can remember, but lately, it’s been all Pepsi. Ever since they went retro. It’s like I’ve been transported back to my childhood. I seriously think that the Pepsi tastes better with the old school look!

I finally took a couple of vacay days since going back to work after my maternity leave. I spent one entire day cleaning my house from top to bottom. The other two were home days with my kids and a whole lot of R&R. We scarfed down these Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls on Monday, and let me tell you, they were scrumptious! 

I have my first black eye courtesy of my Middle Farmer. He was a little restless one night, so we let him in our bed. In the middle of the night, in his sleep, he hit my cheek bone with his head - and hard. It was so painful, I was in shock. I didn’t even cry. I just kept saying, he broke my face, he broke my face. The best part... he never even woke up. He had no idea. 

I saw this meme on Facebook this week and laughed hysterically. Is this not the truth?! I know it is for me. I have always been infatuated with the royal family. I think Kate is beautiful, and I LOVE her style. But looking this awesome hours after giving birth takes class to a whole new level. 

Well Friends, that about wraps up my week. The weekend holds lots of baseball, laundry and church for our family, and I can’t wait. Oh, and ICYMI, I managed to share a life update earlier in the week. 

Happy Weekends to you all!

Linking up with April| Five on Friday, Erika | Friday Favorites, and Katie | High Five for Friday

~Trista~ 

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a saturday share session

Oh friends, I fell off the face of the blogosphere again. It's clearly no secret that I'm struggling to balance it all and make time for everything that I need/want to. But believe it or not, I have found myself with some quiet time this morning and wanted to drop in and say hi - that is if you're even still following this little vacant space!

So, let's see. What sorts of random updates can I share? And I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures. I'll work on that too!

My Oldest Farmer is bottle feeding two calves every day. He rarely complains about the responsibility and handles them like a pro. He even does the feeding (feed and hay) for our bigger calves if my Farmer is late getting home in the evenings. It's baseball season - go team! I'm amazed at how much a difference one year makes. The whole team is playing so much better!

My Middle Farmer is finally big enough to start accompanying my Farmer on farm jobs. He absolutely loves it. He seriously won't let my Farmer out of his sight and refuses to be left behind. He's also starting to dress himself. If he could just get the shirt figured out, he'd be good to go. He is still the funniest thing ever - the things he says and the way he says them. His facial expressions are to die for.

My Littlest Farmer is growing up way too fast. I cannot believe he has passed the seven month mark. He's rolling over like crazy and is not far from crawling. He's the happiest. They say #3 just goes with the flow, and he definitely does. He loves to be swaddled when he sleeps and still loves his DockATot. I really need to work on getting him out of both. Eek! He already has one tooth on the bottom and is currently cutting two on top. Bring on some steak!

I've noticed I go through phases where I alternate between blogging or reading. So far this year, I've spent my spare time reading. Maybe because it's easier. But I've read several books already and will get a post up soon letting you know what fictional worlds I've been living in. Until then, I have to say my favorite so far for the year is Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us. It's made my all time favorites list for sure.

My friend Megan and I had our first quarterly mom's day out post baby! We spent Good Friday shopping and chatting over cheesecake. It was the best day and am so thankful for the opportunity to have some much needed girl time.

I have learned that the laundry never ends for a family of five. Any tips out there on how to keep it under control? I've started trying to do at least one load in the evenings to help make Saturday not as jam packed.

Does anyone else struggle with keeping your bathrooms clean? Specifically the toilet. One Middle Little Farmer thinks it's fun to pee everywhere except IN the toilet!! And then one Oldest Little Farmer constantly forgets to lift the seat. Ahh!!

I think the weather is finally breaking here in Kentucky. We have gone from 30 to 80 and back again at least a dozen times. I'm so excited to see everything turning green and feel the warmth of the sunshine. Maybe as a baseball mom, I'll actually get some sun!  

Well Friends, those are the highlights. I promise to try and post more often and share some of our life happenings. It is truly never a dull moment around here. Like the day my Farmer brought my Middle Farmer in to get a bath because he fell face first in a bunch of manure or the day that my Oldest Farmer was running full force from the barn because he was terrified of the coyote he heard.

I seriously love this chaotic life. God has been so very good to me.

Okay, until next time!

~Trista~

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growing in gratitude - february edition

Oh Friends, I disappeared again and that was NOT the plan. I very much wanted to get back to at least posting on Friday’s. That is still the goal, and I AM going to get there, I am!

Until then, it’s time for another edition of Growing in Gratitude! I’m running a bit behind with this month’s post but nevertheless, here I am. I love that I’ve committed to posting about five things for which I’m grateful for each month. Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in the everyday and forget those things for which we should be thankful. This post helps me to stop and smell the roses... and count my blessings.

Julie and I sure hope you’ll join us on the last Thursday of each month. And now, without further ado, here are my five for February. By the way, I’m merging this with Friday Favorites too. I’m a slacker, I know. 

1 || After my return to work from maternity leave, I was offered a new office... with a window. If you’ve ever worked in an office without one, you understand how this can be a day maker. 

2 || Here in KY this week, we experienced some amazing and unusual temperatures for February. I actually had to dig out my sunglasses. It was so gorgeous. We even broke 80 on Tuesday. I’m definitely ready for Spring. 

3 || My Farmer and I had our first date night with zero kids in tow last weekend. It was blissful. We headed to Olive Garden with a group of couples from our church and had a delightful evening out. The Seafood Alfredo was scrumptious. 

4 || I have the best neighbor. She offered to keep my Oldest and Middle Farmers on the day it was going to be gobs of sunshine and 80. I was so thankful they could enjoy a day with her and her son as opposed to spending it in daycare. It really does take a village and I am so grateful for mine. 

5 || Even though it can be time consuming and trying at times, I love living on a farm. My Little Farmers and I pulled in after a long day this week and noticed quite a few of our calves had gotten out. My Farmer wasn’t due home until later so I knew I was going to have to deal with it. Did I mention that it was getting ready to pour the rain? In my dress clothes and pretty flats (that are no longer pretty), my Oldest Little Farmer and I managed to corral them in to the barn with a lot of gumption and a sack of feed. It was just what I needed to take my mind off the mundane of the day. 

Well, I’ve been terrible about taking photos. Forgive me for the post full of words only and zero visuals. I WILL work on it! 

I do hope you’ll link up with us this round or next, and be sure to tell your friends! 

Happy Weekends!

Linking up with April| Five on Friday, Erika | Friday Favorites, and Katie | High Five for Friday

~Trista~ 

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oh hey, remember me?

Happy Friday, Friends!! I hope this post finds you well. I’m so looking forward to catching up with you. My sabbatical has been wonderful, but I know I’ve missed out on a ton. 

As for us, it’s been an adjustment for sure in finding our routine, but we are getting there. I’m learning to plan ahead so mornings aren’t chaos, shower at night, use dry shampoo and embrace unstyled hair and ponytails. I must also confess that I have succumbed to encouraging my two oldest Little Farmers into smoother mornings by rewarding them with Rice Krispie treats on our way out the door. Don’t be quick to judge - you’d do it too. 

Since this is my first Friday post in a few weeks, my favorites might be a little all over the place. 

1 || I finally kept all five pieces of my last Fix. The Kut from the Kloth dress pants are maybe the best fitting pants I’ve ever worn. I love the color of the cardigan, and the striped sweater with elbow patches received tons of compliments. 

2 || My middle Little Farmer is three and we are working with him on dressing himself. He’s doing so well, although socks are still a bit of a struggle. This morning while dropping my Littlest Farmer off, the teacher pulled me aside and informed me my middle Little Farmer’s pants were on backwards. I looked and sure enough the Nike swoosh was on his behind. Made my day, and I didn’t bother to change it. 

3 || This fleece pullover is my favorite piece of clothing of the season. I am wearing it every jeans day at work and on every Saturday outing. It is plum beautiful, super comfy, and definitely keeps me warm.

4 || My Littlest Farmer is reaching the age when he smiles constantly and giggles a little. I absolutely love my baby smiles and giggles at the end of the day. He is so happy to see me when I pick him up and it just melts my heart. Plus, the older Little Farmers are starting to vie for his attention - they want to see who can get the biggest smile. 

5 || Julie and I launched our first link up this week. We are hosting it monthly and are calling it Growing in Gratitude. We’re sharing five things we’re grateful for on the last Thursday of each month. Check out the January edition here. We’d love for you to join us. 

 6 || I discovered that I can borrow ebooks through our local library. As much as I love holding an actual book in my hand, it wasn’t quite as convenient as reading on my Kindle app. So, I’m on the wait list for several titles and The Hating Game just became available.  Have you read it?

7 || I haven’t been carrying my Bible to church since the arrival of my Littlest Farmer. My hands are full with the diaper bag and the car seat. It drives me crazy not having it. So, I perused the KJV Bibles on Amazon and found this Old Scofield Pocket Bible. I love it. It seriously fits inside my crossbody, and I promise I can still read the print. No more cheating and looking off my Farmer’s Bible! 

I’m looking forward to a relatively low key weekend. My oldest Little Farmer has his last basketball games on Saturday and aside from church on Sunday, the rest of the time should be a stay in my pajamas kinda time. 

Happy Friday! 

Linking up with April| Five on Friday, Erika | Friday Favorites, and Katie | High Five for Friday

~Trista~ 

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growing in gratitude - january edition

Well Friends, I had hoped to return to the blogosphere before now but never could make it happen. I am happy to report that my return to work has actually fared pretty well. However, the days are long and things like blogging and reading and television have taken a back seat to sleep.

Until today... when I am super excited to be hosting my very first monthly link up with Julie. On the last Thursday of every month, we’re going to be sharing five things we are thankful for. We’re calling it Growing in Gratitude and would love it if you’d join us. So grab the image below, share your hearts (get as deep or superficial as you like), link up, and tell your friends. 

By the way, I do hope to get some life updates posted soon, but until then, here are my five for January’s Growing in Gratitude. What are yours?

1 || It’s only been a few months since our kitchen remodel and the installation of my first dish washer. I appreciated it before, but even more now that I’m back to work and have less time in the evenings and bottles and pumpers and pacis oh my to wash and sterilize everyday.

2 || My Littlest Farmer sleeps through the night. I sometimes catch myself taking this for granted when I read or hear how other Mamas aren’t experiencing the same kind of nights.

3 || I love winter; however, I'm not a huge fan of negative temps and driving in seven inches of snow. Over the last couple of weeks, we've had both on separate occasions and for the first time, I've felt very aware of the dangers of breaking down or crashing while traveling in such conditions. I am so thankful for God's hedge of protection while we commuted during those times and then just the normal, everyday travel. 

4 || So much sickness is going around, and we were three for five for the flu right around Christmas time. By the grace of God and He alone did my Littlest Farmer not end up with it. I’m continuing to pray that we all stay healthy. 

5 || Kroger ClickList has saved my sanity now that I’ve returned to work. I can just order my groceries online and pick them up afterwards. No fighting crowds or wrestling children while trying to do our weekly shopping.

~Trista~  

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