Welcome back, dear friends! It feels like a little too long since we last connected through one of these Friday Thoughts posts. Life, as it often does, has been bustling, and while I’ve been sharing more candid moments and little peeks into our world in my weekly emails and offering updates on Instagram, there’s something uniquely comforting about sitting down to write a more comprehensive check-in here on the blog. Today, I wanted to take a moment to share a few recent happenings and reflections on life’s journey. More importantly, I’m eager to hear from you! So, as you read through a collection of updates – from joyous family celebrations and personal health insights to everyday life chronicles and a handful of my current favorite things – please know that I’m also extending an invitation for you to share a piece of your world with me. At the very end, you’ll find a specific question I’m pondering, but truly, if you have a moment, I would absolutely love for you to leave a comment and let me know how life is unfolding for you right now! Your thoughts and experiences truly make this space feel like a warm, engaging community, and I cherish every interaction.
A Golden Milestone: Celebrating a 50th Anniversary (Not Mine 😜)
Last week was incredibly special as my siblings (and their wonderful spouses) and I had the immense pleasure of gathering with my beloved parents to celebrate their incredible 50th wedding anniversary. It was a milestone truly worth celebrating, a testament to enduring love, commitment, and half a century of shared life. We chose to rent a cozy Airbnb, providing the perfect home base for our family reunion, and for an entire week, we immersed ourselves in a whirlwind of fun, laughter, engaging activities, spirited games, and endless heartfelt conversations. Being conveniently located near my home, the responsibility and joy of prepping and making most of the food naturally fell to me, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The week couldn’t have unfolded more perfectly; every moment felt cherished and deeply appreciated. We all left feeling incredibly grateful for the precious time spent together, especially seeing the joy it brought to my parents, who deserved every ounce of celebration for their remarkable journey.
To make this golden anniversary truly unforgettable, we packed our schedule with a variety of engaging activities designed to bring out everyone’s competitive spirit and create lasting memories. Here’s a glimpse into some of the highlights that made the week so memorable:
- A Heartwarming & Hilarious “Newlywed” Game: My incredibly thoughtful sister orchestrated a fantastic 50th-anniversary “newlywed” style game, tailor-made for our parents. The premise was simple yet brilliant: my parents had to independently answer a series of questions about their shared past, then reveal their answers to see if they matched. Questions ranged from “What did Dad wear on your first date?” to “What was the price of your first home?” The revelations were absolutely hilarious, prompting waves of laughter and a few surprised gasps. Beyond the entertainment, it was genuinely fascinating to learn so many delightful facts about their early years that none of us had ever heard before. It was a beautiful trip down memory lane for them and an enlightening experience for us all.
- E-Bike Adventure on the Boise Greenbelt: We decided to embrace the local charm by renting e-bikes from a wonderful local company and embarking on an adventure along the picturesque Boise Greenbelt. While the air had a slight chill, it only added to the invigorating experience as we pedaled along the scenic riverside paths. The ease with which the e-bikes assisted our journey made it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Personally, this was my absolute favorite activity of the entire week – the combination of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and effortless cruising was simply exhilarating.
- An Engaging Escape Room Challenge: We ventured into an escape room, pooling our collective wits and problem-solving skills. The challenge was intricate and required true teamwork, communication, and a keen eye for detail. Miraculously, and perhaps with a judicious hint or two, we managed to solve the puzzles and make our escape within the time limit! I’ll admit, my primary role was often to follow my incredibly smart family members, offering moral support and occasionally pointing at things as if I understood the complex clues being deciphered. It was a fantastic bonding experience, full of suspense and triumphant cheers.
- High-Stakes Bowling with a Twist: My brother, ever the mastermind of fun, devised a super entertaining bowling activity that turned a regular game into a thrilling, high-stakes competition. He handed each of us a cup containing a roll of quarters and four one-dollar coins. The rules were ingenious: a spare earned you a quarter from everyone else; a strike doubled the reward, netting you two quarters from each player. If you managed two or more strikes in a row, you’d receive a dollar coin for *each* strike (if dollar coins were depleted, two quarters per strike). The ultimate twist? A dreaded gutter ball meant you had to contribute a quarter to a central “pot.” The next player to score a strike would then claim all the quarters accumulated in the pot. It was an absolute blast, creating constant excitement and playful heckling. I loved it so much that I’m already planning to introduce this exact game to my kids during their upcoming spring break.
- A Plethora of Games and Sports: In addition to these planned excursions, we also enjoyed a lively session at TopGolf, where even beginners could enjoy the thrill of hitting golf balls in a relaxed, social setting. We also tried our hand at pickleball at The Flying Pickle – a fantastic facility, though it became clear I am desperately in need of lessons! Back at the Airbnb, we dedicated many hours to playing LOTS of games. The undisputed hit of the entire week was this particular game {aff. link}. It’s incredibly engaging and sparked so much laughter and friendly competition, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings.
When it came to the food, my goal was to maximize ease and minimize stress, allowing more time for family enjoyment. I meticulously prepared almost everything ahead of time, freezing or refrigerating dishes so that meals throughout the week were effortlessly simple to reheat and serve. This approach was a huge success, and I was so pleased with how smoothly meal times ran. Here are some of the make-ahead marvels that nourished us all:
- Healthy Egg Bites: I made and froze several large batches of these savory muffins. They were perfect for quick, nutritious breakfasts, easily reheated in the microwave for anyone wanting a warm start to their day. They offered a convenient and customizable option.
- Overnight Chia Oats: This dish was, without a doubt, the breakout star and the absolute hit of the entire gathering. Its creamy texture and refreshing taste were so popular that I found myself happily making a second, massive batch mid-week to keep up with demand!
- Make-Ahead Egg Tater Tot Casserole: I served this hearty casserole for breakfast, but it was so delicious and satisfying that we had plenty of leftovers that people happily enjoyed for lunch or even a casual dinner throughout the week. Its versatility was a definite plus.
- Salsa Verde Chicken: For a customizable dinner, we offered Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken. We set it up as a build-your-own style meal with soft tortillas, convenient cilantro lime rice from Costco (which heats up beautifully in the microwave), my popular creamy cilantro lime dressing, and a generous array of fresh toppings like diced avocado, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheese. It was a vibrant and interactive meal.
- My Mom’s Famous Freezer Burritos: These beloved burritos were a lifesaver for easy lunches. Alongside these, we always had plenty of ingredients on hand for making fresh sandwiches, ensuring everyone had quick and satisfying midday options.
- An Abundance of Freezer Treats: No family gathering is complete without an assortment of delicious desserts! My freezer was well-stocked with a variety of homemade treats. This included batches of the best peanut butter cookies (half of which were decadently dipped in melted chocolate), soft and chewy drop sugar cookies (a special gluten-free version for my sister), comforting hot cocoa cookies, festive M&M cookies (transformed into convenient bars), and irresistible S’mores cookies (also baked into easy-to-serve bars). Having these ready to grab made every evening feel a little sweeter.
Navigating Wellness: Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Updates
For those who’ve been following along, you might recall my previous, in-depth post detailing my anti-inflammatory diet journey here. The initial motivation for embarking on this dietary change was to address persistent and uncomfortable hand and hip pain that had been significantly impacting my daily life. Since then, I’ve received numerous thoughtful questions about whether I’m still adhering to this way of eating and, more importantly, how I’m actually feeling now. It’s wonderful to know you’re curious about my progress!
To give you the short answer first: unfortunately, this specific anti-inflammatory diet didn’t prove to be the silver bullet for my hand and hip pain. While I had high hopes, those particular discomforts haven’t significantly eased with diet alone. However, I’m far from giving up! I’ve since started working with a dedicated physical therapist, and their targeted approach has already brought a renewed sense of hope and progress. This journey is definitely a marathon, not a sprint, but I’m feeling optimistic about the path forward with professional guidance.
Now for the truly exciting news: while the pain might still be a work in progress, my LDS cholesterol levels have seen a monumental improvement – a staggering 60-point drop! This result was completely unexpected and an incredibly welcome surprise. It’s a huge win for my overall health, and a clear indication that this dietary shift, even if not directly impacting my pain, is having profoundly positive systemic effects. Given this incredible turnaround, I’ve decided to wholeheartedly continue eating a high-fiber diet that consciously focuses on a wide array of anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering foods. My plan is to maintain this approach for the next six months until my next blood draw. If my LDL cholesterol manages to drop another 20 points, it would honestly feel like a medical miracle for me, and I’m eagerly anticipating those future results.
It’s important to note, though, that my current approach is much more moderate and flexible than the strict regimen I followed during the initial two months. While I still faithfully rely on the same anti-inflammatory recipes for my breakfasts and lunches – the ones I’ve grown to genuinely enjoy and depend on for their simplicity and nutritional value – I’ve embraced more flexibility at dinner. This adaptability is key to maintaining sanity and harmony in a busy family kitchen; it prevents me from having to prepare entirely separate meals for myself and the rest of my family. Instead, I simply make a conscious effort to load my plate with significantly more vegetables than anyone else at the table. Of course, the nature of my work also means I often taste and enjoy whatever delicious food I’m developing and making for the blog, which adds another layer of variety to my diet. This balanced approach feels sustainable and keeps me from feeling deprived.
We’ll eagerly see how things look when I get my blood drawn again in September! Beyond the numbers, I genuinely appreciate how my body and gut feel when I eat this way. There’s a noticeable sense of lightness and vitality, which is a powerful motivator. So, I fully intend to stick with this dietary philosophy for as long as I possibly can, embracing the positive changes it’s brought to my health and well-being.
The Rhythms of Life: A Personal Update
Life at home has certainly picked up its pace! My two youngest children, currently navigating 8th and 11th grades, both recently embarked on their school tennis seasons. After a wonderfully laid-back winter, our evenings and weekends are now joyfully filled with practices, matches, and the general buzz that comes with school sports. It’s hard to believe that we’re already down to just a few short months until the school year wraps up – time truly flies when you’re immersed in the daily adventures of raising teenagers!
Brian, my incredible husband, continues to be remarkably busy. He’s passionately dedicated to continuing the growth and success of his business, which demands significant time and energy. On top of that, he shoulders various church responsibilities, demonstrating his commitment to our community. And then there’s the ongoing saga of collegiate athletics – a journey filled with the highest of hopes and, at times, crushing disappointments, but he navigates it all with such resilience and unwavering spirit. As for me, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have what I truly believe is the best “job” at church: teaching children ages 3 to 11 songs about Jesus. The pure joy and innocence in their faces as they sing, the way they absorb these simple truths, is profoundly rewarding. I sincerely hope they let me continue this cherished role forever – it truly fills my cup.
Our oldest kiddo, Jackson, has officially started his classes in Utah, with his sights firmly set on flight school. It’s exciting to watch him pursue such an ambitious and thrilling path. We absolutely cherish every moment he comes home to visit. He’ll be turning 22 in just a few weeks, and he’s already put in a special request for shrimp tacos as his birthday dinner when he makes his next trip home – a tradition we all look forward to.
Walker, our adventurous son, is currently serving in the Philippines and is slated to come home in June – a date we’re all eagerly counting down to! I recently had a truly delightful and somewhat amusing experience when I received a text from an unfamiliar number. The message explained that the sender was part of a family from the US traveling in the Philippines. They had stumbled upon some missionaries riding bikes, discovered one was from Idaho, quickly snapped a picture, and generously texted it to me. My initial thought was one of impressed amusement – my son still remembered my phone number after all this time! It was such a sweet and unexpected connection, reminding me of the kindness of strangers and the small world we live in. 🤣
Meanwhile, our son Cade is serving in the very southern part of New Zealand. He’s diligently learning Tongan, doing his absolute best to master the language despite being largely surrounded by English speakers. It’s a unique linguistic challenge, but he’s embracing it with commendable spirit. The highlight of our week, without fail, is our Sunday calls with both Walker and Cade. For me, as a mom, these conversations are a precious lifeline and a true highlight. However, I often find their siblings at home eyeing the clock, wondering why we have to talk for so long when dinner is ready, haha! It’s a small, relatable family dynamic that adds a touch of humor to our cherished weekly connection.
Overall, life feels wonderfully busy and incredibly full. I make a conscious effort to practice gratitude for each and every day, recognizing the blessings amidst the chaos. What no one truly prepared me for, however, is the unique intensity and complexity of parenting adult children and older teenagers. 😬 It is an experience that is simultaneously deeply challenging and profoundly rewarding. Some days, I metaphorically want my money back, wondering if I’m doing anything right. Other days, I look at them with such immense pride and love, convinced it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. More often than not, if I’m being completely honest, I’m just wonderfully tired. 😜 It’s a constant learning curve, a continuous adjustment to their evolving independence and individual journeys, and a testament to the enduring, ever-changing nature of family love.
Current Delights: Some Things I’m Loving Right Now
Amidst the busy rhythms of life, I’ve found a few simple joys and practical items that have truly brightened my days recently. Here’s a rundown of some things I’m currently loving and enthusiastically recommend:
- Revolutionary Wireless Charger: My brother, always thoughtful, sent me this wireless charger {aff. link}, and it has been an absolute game-changer! Its magnetic attachment to my phone is incredibly secure yet discreet, allowing me to continue using my phone for photos, videos, or anything else without the charger getting in the way. It’s come in so handy for travel, in the car, and just generally keeping my phone powered up effortlessly without the hassle of cables.
- Engaging Family Game Nights: We’ve owned this particular game {aff. link} for ages, but we’ve recently rediscovered our love for it, making it a staple for our Sunday family game nights. It consistently reminds me how much fun we have playing it together! If you’re a fan of strategic, word-association games like Code Names {aff. link}, I have a strong feeling you’ll absolutely adore this one too. It sparks great conversation and creative thinking.
- Cozy & Stylish Wardrobe Staples: I know sweater season is unfortunately drawing to a close, but I have absolutely loved wearing this cable-knit sweater. I own it in a beautiful big sur green, and I consistently receive so many compliments on it! It has a slightly boxy, relaxed cut, so I’d suggest ordering your true-to-size or even sizing down if you prefer a less oversized fit. Complementing this, I am still madly in love with these high-rise wide-leg jeans. They are incredibly comfortable and stylish, making them a go-to piece in my everyday wardrobe.
- Gourmet Lakrids by Bülow Licorice: Have you ever had this licorice from Lakrids by Bülow? Oh my goodness, it is SO incredibly good! I brought some to our 50th-anniversary gathering, and it was an absolute hit with everyone who tried it. It’s certainly a bit pricier than your average licorice (especially if you’re accustomed to Twizzlers), but if you’re searching for a truly special, gourmet gift for the licorice lover in your life (or, ahem, for yourself – you deserve it!), this is absolutely perfect. The quality and unique flavor combinations are unparalleled. My personal favorites are the peach, the delightful salt and caramel, and the rich dark chocolate varieties.
- Ingenious Longer Mini Loaf Pan: I recently acquired this longer mini loaf-style pan {aff. link} with a specific purpose in mind. I’ve always found that quick breads, like a comforting banana bread, bake up with a superior texture and crust when made in mini loaf pans. However, filling all those tiny individual pans can be a bit tedious, you know? This longer version offers the perfect compromise! It combines the benefits of smaller portions with reduced fuss. I recently used it for my sour cream banana bread recipe, and the results were absolutely perfect! I doubled the recipe, which filled this longer pan beautifully, along with two standard mini loaf pans. I anticipate that any recipe designed to yield one standard 8½ x 4½-inch loaf will fit perfectly in this pan, as its sides are notably higher than a classic mini loaf pan, preventing overflow and ensuring a lovely bake. Plus, the resulting longer, narrower slices are just so charming and cute!
- The Ultimate Stovetop Popcorn Maker: My devotion to this stovetop popcorn maker {aff. link} remains unwavering – I use it nonstop! I even brought it to the 50th-anniversary party, where I made over six batches, and we simply couldn’t get enough. It consistently produces the absolute best popcorn you’ll ever taste. This is my tried-and-true “recipe” for perfection: Combine 2 tablespoons of butter-flavored coconut oil (we exclusively use this for its fantastic flavor, though any oil works) with ½ to ¾ teaspoon of salt (I swear by this specific salt for its fine texture and perfect savory balance). Add ½ cup of high-quality popcorn kernels – our family favorites are this Amish white variety or this purple popcorn for its crispness. Cook according to the stovetop maker’s instructions until popping subsides. After it pops, you can add more salt and/or melted butter to taste, but honestly, it’s so incredibly delicious as is that we usually don’t add anything else!
- Superior Citrus Juicer: My old, chipped metal citrus juicer had seen better days, so I finally replaced it with this sleek, efficient one {aff. link}. And wow – what a difference it makes! It’s incredibly sturdy, extracts every last drop of juice with minimal effort, and is a breeze to clean. It’s a small kitchen tool, but its impact on efficiency and ease of cooking has been truly amazing.
Community Corner: A Question for You
If you’ve journeyed through this entire post and made it all the way to this point, you are truly a special, special friend! Your dedication to reading these updates means the world to me. Clearly, I need to make these Friday Thoughts posts a more regular occurrence, because once I start sharing, I realize I have so much to say!
Now, I’m turning the tables and seeking your invaluable wisdom on a topic that’s been on my mind: Here’s my question for you: How are you currently backing up and storing your personal pictures and videos?
My current system is, to put it mildly, a bit of a haphazard combination. I’ve been backing up our cherished family photos and videos across various external hard drives and intermittently using Google Photos/Drive. While it serves a basic purpose, it lacks seamless organization and efficiency. I’m constantly wondering if there’s a more streamlined, reliable, and user-friendly option out there that I’m missing. Perhaps a cloud service, a specific software, or a clever organizational strategy? I’m open to all suggestions and personal experiences. Any and all ideas, insights, or recommendations are incredibly welcome! Please share your methods in the comments below – your input could be a game-changer for my digital archiving efforts!
Maximizing Your Inbox: Those Email Updates I Mentioned
I completely understand how quickly email inboxes can become overwhelming, overflowing with newsletters and non-essential messages. There’s an intense, almost therapeutic sense of peace I experience when my email inbox is down to ground zero – every email opened, read, deleted, unsubscribed from, or neatly tucked away into its appropriate digital folder. 🤓 Because I deeply value your time and attention, I try really hard to ensure that any email you receive from me is meaningful, helpful, and never just fluffy or unessential content. If you’ve already subscribed to my email newsletter, you might already be familiar with the flexible options available. My aim is always to provide content that truly enhances your cooking and daily life. You don’t have to commit to everything; you have the power to tailor your subscription to exactly what you need and prefer. You can opt to subscribe to all of the email categories listed below, or you can choose to subscribe to just the specific sections of emails that resonate most with you.
- New Recipe Emails: These emails are sent out whenever I post a brand-new recipe on the blog, which is typically once a week, usually on Monday mornings. These are also the primary emails where I love to include a personal note, a life update, or a blog reflection. If you scroll to the bottom of these emails, you’ll find those little snippets of personal connection, keeping you in the loop with what’s happening behind the scenes and in my family life.
- Newsletter Emails: These newsletters are dispatched once a week, generally on a Wednesday or Thursday. Their purpose is to highlight and bring back into focus fantastic recipes from the archives that you might have forgotten about or missed. I meticulously curate these to be incredibly helpful and seasonal, ensuring the featured recipes are relevant to the time of year, upcoming holidays, or current cooking trends, offering fresh inspiration for your kitchen.
- Weekly Menu Plans: For those seeking effortless organization, these emails are a godsend! They go out bright and early on Saturday mornings and include a completely free, thoughtfully curated weekly menu plan. This plan is designed to provide invaluable inspiration for your next week’s meal planning. Each plan comes packed with helpful tips and insightful notes aimed at streamlining your dinner nights, making meal preparation less daunting and more enjoyable.
- Friday Thoughts/Life Updates: These are the less frequent, more personal emails. They are sent out only a couple of times a year, specifically when I publish a more in-depth personal update on my blog, much like this very Friday Thoughts post. These emails serve as a direct notification to let you know there’s new, personal content to delve into when you have the time.
And please, always remember, there are NEVER any hard feelings if you decide you want or need to unsubscribe at any time, for any reason whatsoever. My priority is providing value, and your inbox peace is paramount. My goal is to be a helpful resource, not an added stressor!
Okaaaay! That truly does it for today’s comprehensive update. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here, for taking the time to read, and for being such a wonderful part of this community. 💗 Truly, everything I pour my energy into on this blog – from meticulously developing new recipes to tackling all the inevitable dishes 🤪 – I do with YOU, my incredible readers, in mind! Your support and engagement fuel my passion, and I’m so grateful to have you along for this delicious journey.
