Hello, hello, wonderful readers! I am absolutely thrilled to be making a heartfelt return to these cherished “Friday Thoughts” posts. My goal, and my firm resolve, is to make these a consistent monthly feature for the remainder of the year. These reflective updates have always been among my favorite posts to create, and honestly, I’ve genuinely missed sharing them with you all (and connecting with you!).
Given the lapse since our last conversation, I’ll dive straight into a candid recap of life’s recent adventures and share a handful of current obsessions – all while striving for a succinct yet meaningful overview, because otherwise, we could chat forever! As always, the most rewarding aspect of these posts for me is hearing from YOU. Please don’t hesitate to share your own recent experiences and any delightful discoveries in the comments below. Your stories truly make this space vibrant and personal.
Embracing the Summer Season: Family, Fun, and Farm Life
This year, after a fantastic family vacation during spring break, we set realistic expectations for the summer ahead. The kids knew it would largely revolve around work schedules rather than endless holiday adventures, and honestly, we’re all embracing the rhythm of productivity and purpose. It’s been a season of growth and new experiences for everyone.
My two teenage sons, aged 16 and 17, are fully immersed in their summer jobs, working full-time at different landscaping companies. It’s incredible to watch them develop new skills and a strong work ethic. One son is gaining invaluable experience in the shop, learning the intricacies of small engine repair – a truly practical skill that will serve him well. The other is out in the field, tackling everything from extensive mowing and precise weed whipping to the challenging, yet rewarding, task of building retaining walls. They come home tired but with a sense of accomplishment, and it’s a joy to witness their dedication.
Meanwhile, our youngest daughter, who recently turned 13, is truly living her best life this summer. Her adventures began with a delightful week at grandma’s house, filled with fun and relaxation. Upon her return, she wasted no time in channeling her entrepreneurial spirit, making and selling delicious cookie dough to save up for a tennis racquet she has her heart set on. She’s also embarking on a creative journey, working diligently on her very first quilt – a beautifully simple design we discovered together on Etsy. And of course, there’s plenty of tennis, her newfound passion. Thirteen really is a fantastic age, full of energy and exploration, as her older brothers playfully remind her daily.
While Brian and the boys are planning an exciting deep-sea fishing trip to Alaska with my dad and several cousins and uncles in July, the rest of us will be enjoying our home base. And truthfully, I couldn’t be happier about it. Our vibrant garden demands diligent tending, and we have a new addition to our property – a calf born to one of our cows, which requires daily bottle-feeding. This daily investment of time is not just a chore but a heartwarming experience, fostering a deeper connection to nature and the rhythms of farm life right here at home.
Milestones and Missions: Celebrating Graduation and International Service
Last month was a whirlwind of emotions and proud moments as our third son, Cade, not only graduated high school but also received his mission call for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His assignment to New Zealand Wellington, speaking Tongan, came as a wonderful surprise to us all! My dad served a church mission in Tonga back in the 70s, and he never imagined that one of his posterity would have the unique opportunity to speak the same beautiful language. It’s an incredibly exciting prospect, filled with rich cultural immersion and spiritual growth. Of course, this momentous occasion also means a lot of detailed work for us, assisting with visa paperwork and diligently gathering all the necessary clothes and supplies to prepare him for this incredible journey.
Our son currently serving in the Philippines (Manila mission) has now been out for almost a year, and he is absolutely thriving. He’s adapting wonderfully to what can sometimes be very remote living conditions, displaying incredible resilience and a positive spirit. We cherish our Sunday afternoon conversations with him (his preparation day is Monday, but due to the significant time difference, it aligns perfectly with our Sunday evenings). These calls are a highlight of our week, offering us glimpses into his experiences and allowing us to stay connected across continents.
Sidenote for fellow mission families: Without a doubt, all my boys agree that these specific ties are their absolute favorites. They were originally a thoughtful gift from my sister-in-law, Mary, and have since become our go-to choice for mission packages and preparing for their calls. They hold up beautifully, are comfortable for daily wear, and look sharp – a truly practical and stylish find!
Current Favorite Finds: Style, Comfort, and Home Essentials
Beyond our family updates, I always love to share some of the “favorite things” that are currently bringing joy, comfort, or convenience to my life. Here’s a peek at what I’m loving right now:
- Effortless Summer Style: My Go-To Jumpsuits. Seriously, these jumpsuits are an absolute summer staple for me. They’re incredibly loose, wonderfully flowy, and just unbelievably comfortable. Perfect for everything from a casual day at home to running errands or even a relaxed evening out, they combine ease and style beautifully.
- The Prettiest Midi Dress: A Versatile Wardrobe Gem. I can’t recommend this dress enough. The blue color is truly stunning – vibrant and eye-catching without being overpowering. It’s also incredibly roomy and forgiving; I typically wear a medium-ish size, but I found the small to be a perfect, comfortable fit. It’s an ideal choice for a variety of occasions this season.
- Comfort Redefined: My Favorite Crop Denim Jacket. While perhaps a more obvious pick for cooler weather, I find myself reaching for this crop denim jacket constantly. It boasts amazing stretch, making it incredibly soft and comfortable to wear all day long. I have it in the light blue, which pairs beautifully with almost anything. The “crop” isn’t overly dramatic, providing a perfect length, especially when worn over dresses, adding a touch of casual chic.
- Sparkling Simplicity: My New Favorite Bracelet. I’m not typically a big jewelry wearer, but I was completely influenced by Instagram to try this bracelet, and I can wholeheartedly attest that its thousands of glowing reviews are not exaggerating. It’s absolutely fantastic, and I consistently receive compliments on it. On days when I want to elevate my look further, I sometimes pair it with this complementary piece for an added touch of glam.
- Walk-on-Clouds Comfort: My Beloved Sandals. Yes, these sandals represent a bit of a splurge, but they genuinely live up to every bit of the hype. I own them in the versatile natural color, and they are also available directly on the Born website. I’ve worn them everywhere imaginable – from navigating cobblestone streets while sightseeing in charming mountain towns to attending church services, and even cheering at my kids’ tennis matches. They are insanely comfortable and effortlessly elevate any outfit, whether dressed up or down.
- A Game Changer for Chores: The Hands-Free Mop and Bucket. Shifting gears from fashion to function, this mop and bucket system has been an absolute lifesaver over the past few months. I’ve been struggling with persistent hand and wrist pain, and the simple act of wringing out my old mop by hand was causing significant discomfort. This innovative hands-free design has been a genuine godsend, allowing me to clean effectively without exacerbating my pain. Even now that my hand pain is improving, I continue to use it because of its sheer efficiency and ease of use.
Behind the Scenes: A Look at My Blogging Journey and Future Plans
While the surface of my website might appear consistent, there has been a tremendous amount of activity happening behind the scenes. Much of it involves technical updates and improvements that, frankly, are a bit too niche and potentially tedious to elaborate on here. However, I want to express my profound gratitude for your understanding and patience if you happen to notice any posts, recipes, or formatting that looks a little “wonky” in the coming weeks. Please know that I am working feverishly, pouring countless hours into getting everything into absolute tip-top shape, ensuring the best possible user experience for you all.
In the perpetual quest to harmoniously balance family life, work life, and all the beautiful chaos in between, I find myself at an incredibly exciting, yet undeniably overwhelming, juncture with food blogging. I have an extensive list of innovative ways to enhance my website, all geared towards ensuring it remains a long-lasting, reliable resource for tried-and-true, delicious recipes. My core mission, the very essence that propelled me into this blogging journey almost 18 years ago, remains steadfast: to consistently provide you with the best recipes of my life, all while staying authentically true to who I am in the process. It’s a passion project that has grown into something far beyond my initial dreams.
Because my website and business have flourished in ways I could never have possibly imagined, expanding far beyond what I ever envisioned, it is looking increasingly likely that in the very near future, I will be hiring someone to assist me with various work-related tasks. This significant step will allow me to dedicate more of my time and creative energy to what I genuinely love the most: developing innovative content, capturing beautiful food photography, and meticulously crafting and writing about those delicious recipes that you all enjoy. I am incredibly excited for the future, brimming with anticipation for all the new recipes and engaging content I have yet to share with each of you. Your continued support makes all of this possible. 💗
Celebrating a Sweet Milestone: My Cookbook’s First Anniversary
It feels like just yesterday, but the incredible launch event for my cookbook was almost exactly one year ago! The memory still brings a wave of overwhelming gratitude over me when I reflect on that special night.
I am still incredibly touched and humbled when I think of the hundreds of you who showed up in person at the launch event (you can relive a snapshot video of the event here), and the thousands more who have purchased cookbooks over the past year. Each message sharing how you use and love the cookbook is an absolute treasure to me, and I genuinely read every single one. Your stories of making memories in the kitchen with my recipes mean the world to me and serve as a constant source of inspiration.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your unwavering support; it truly means more to me than words can express.
Speaking of cookbooks, my enthusiasm for new culinary inspiration is always high! I recently pre-ordered these two highly anticipated cookbooks, and I am genuinely so excited to get my hands on them and dive into their pages:
- Sally’s new upcoming cookbook: Sally’s recipes are consistently delightful, and I can’t wait to see what new baking magic she’s cooked up!
- Amy’s showstopper sourdough cookbook: As many of you know, I adore sourdough, and Amy’s expertise is legendary. I’m eager to learn her secrets for those truly spectacular loaves.
And with that, we’ve reached the end of this month’s “Friday Thoughts” post! It turned out a little longer than I initially anticipated, but what can I say? I’ve always been a talker, and I love sharing these aspects of my life with my amazing community. Thank you so much for being here, friends, for taking the time to read, and for being such a supportive part of this journey.
Before you go, remember to chime in below with anything and everything that’s on your mind and heart right now! I am genuinely here for your updates, your insights, and your favorite things. Let’s keep this wonderful conversation going. 🤍