Welcome to another edition of Friday Thoughts, where we catch up on life’s latest happenings, big and small! This week is packed with exciting updates, a few heartfelt reflections, and some personal discoveries I’m eager to share. So grab a cup of coffee (or a mini blizzard!), settle in, and let’s dive into the stories that have shaped our recent days. It’s truly a fun one, brimming with gratitude and new adventures. 😊
For those new to our community, or if you’re curious about the journey, you can explore past Friday Thoughts posts to get a feel for what this series is all about – a blend of everyday life, culinary insights, and personal reflections.
Our Vibrant Summer So Far: Family Adventures and Milestones
Summer has officially arrived, bringing with it a whirlwind of activities, personal growth, and cherished family moments. It’s been a season of significant milestones for us, marking transitions and new beginnings that fill our hearts with both anticipation and pride.
- Just as school wrapped up – a quieter end than usual for us, as my high school graduate opted for a more low-key celebration rather than the official ceremony 👏🏼 – we immediately embarked on our first family camping adventure of the season. We ventured to Silver Creek Plunge campground for the very first time, and it was an absolutely magical experience! The serene beauty of the surroundings, coupled with uninterrupted family time, made it an instant favorite. I can’t wait to share our go-to Dutch oven lasagna recipe next week; it’s a true camping staple that always brings rave reviews!
- My oldest son, Jackson, now 20, is currently living at home and working full-time, while also diligently pursuing his goal of enlisting in the Air Force. Witnessing his dedication and determination as he navigates this significant life path fills us with immense pride. It’s a journey of learning and growth for all of us as we support him every step of the way.
- The other three boys, aged 18, 16, and 15, are embracing the entrepreneurial spirit this summer! They’re all working together at a local bounce house company, bringing joy to countless kids’ parties and events. Additionally, my 16-year-old, Cade, has taken on extra responsibilities, dedicating three days a week to mowing lawns and landscaping. Meanwhile, Walker, our 18-year-old, is gearing up for a truly monumental adventure: his missionary service to the Philippines, which begins in just two weeks! Our home is a hub of activity as we prepare for this incredible milestone. Amidst all the work and preparations, the boys still manage to find time for their favorite pastimes, often found fishing or bowling in their free moments.
- This past week, I had the privilege of giving a small presentation at our church girls’ camp, which was particularly special as it was Cam’s first year attending! My message centered on the powerful truth that “On days when you don’t feel like you are enough, remember that God thinks otherwise.” It’s a message I believe deeply in and one I hope resonated with the girls. While I was there, I couldn’t help but notice the most charming “hug hut” situated in the heart of the camp. It was such a brilliant and welcoming idea, and the girls were absolutely lining up for a warm embrace!
- Our small town recently celebrated the grand opening of a Dairy Queen, which has, predictably, stirred up quite a bit of local debate – you either love it or… well, you know! 🥴 We’ve quickly discovered the secret to maximizing our DQ experience (perhaps more often than I’d care to admit!): ordering an assortment of mini-size blizzards. This ingenious strategy allows us to sample all the incredible flavors without committing to just one. Currently, I’m absolutely smitten with the seasonal peach blizzard, but the classic brownie batter with cookie dough will always hold a special place as my all-time favorite.
- Summer cooking can be… interesting, especially when it comes to dinner! With everyone’s varying schedules and the desire to spend more time outdoors, we’ve been leaning heavily into quick, simple, yet delicious meals. I often share our strategies and meal ideas in my “What’s 4 Dinner at Mel’s” series on Instagram (you can find it saved in my Instagram highlights if the direct link isn’t working!). It’s a great resource for inspiration on those busy weeknights. Meanwhile, Cam is once again channeling her inner baker this summer, making and selling fresh bread to friends and neighbors – a delightful way to hone her skills! She also frequently takes charge of Sunday dinner dessert duty, and she absolutely outdid herself recently with these incredible cinnamon scones. Seriously, they were a huge hit!
The Unforgettable Cookbook Launch: A Celebration of Community and Culinary Passion
Last week marked a truly monumental occasion: my cookbook launch and signing party. Describing the atmosphere, the energy, and the sheer magic of the event feels almost impossible with mere words. It was an experience that surpassed every expectation and filled my heart to overflowing.
From the moment guests arrived, the scene was set. Not only was the chosen venue breathtakingly beautiful, bathed in the glow of a perfectly temperate evening, but the overwhelming turnout truly left me humbled. The sheer number of people who came to celebrate with me was absolutely astounding.
I had the immense pleasure of meeting over 400 of you, a connection that deeply touched my soul. Many incredible individuals patiently waited in line for hours, eager to get their book signed and share a brief, heartfelt moment. Each conversation, each shared laugh, and even the tears of joy and emotion, were profoundly meaningful. I honestly felt like I could have continued talking, laughing, and yes, even crying, with each of you for countless hours beyond the time we had that night.
Despite being a self-proclaimed homebody, these one-on-one interactions were incredibly soul-filling. To know that some of you traveled from states across the country to be there was truly humbling. Others arrived bearing thoughtful gifts, from cherished cards to jars of homemade sourdough starter – expressions of kindness that I will forever treasure. And so many of you moved me to tears with your genuine sincerity, sharing personal stories and the sacrifices you made to attend. It was a powerful reminder of the deep connections forged through food and shared experiences.
Bringing this cookbook to life was a journey of many years, a dream carefully nurtured and finally realized. The response, whether you were able to attend the launch event or have simply supported it from afar, has been far more abundant and heartwarming than I could have ever imagined. It reinforces a conviction I’ve held for a long time: that this platform, this connection we share, is so much more profound than “just recipes.” It’s about community, shared meals, family traditions, and the stories woven into every dish.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your support means the world.
For a glimpse into the vibrant energy of the evening, I’ve shared a quick Instagram reel of the event here (a huge thank you to Sara from Our Best Bites for her incredible talent in putting this together for me!). The delectable food, curated by Whitney Fredin Events, was another highlight; people are still raving about those exquisite flavored butters! I’m diligently working on getting those recipes to share with you all very soon!
An event of this scale simply wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and tireless efforts of countless friends and family members. A special shoutout goes to Emma, who stepped in as an event planner and, quite literally, saved my sanity! Her organizational skills and calm demeanor were invaluable. If you’re looking for truly amazing event planning services, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to her on Instagram.
Exciting news for those who couldn’t make it to the party or wish to relive the magic: all the exclusive merchandise featured at the event – including our popular “homebody” and other cozy hoodies, stylish aprons, and practical menu planning pads – will be available on the shop site very soon! Keep an eye out for updates!
Current Reads: Engaging Stories and Profound Insights
My reading list lately has been a delightful mix of pure enjoyment and deep dives into transformative topics. Here’s what’s currently captivating my attention:
- Emma M. Lion books: I’m nearing the completion of book 7 in this series, and it continues to be a joy. These books are wonderfully witty, genuinely heartwarming, incredibly fun, and utterly charming. They’re the kind of stories you can get lost in, offering both laughter and comfort. In a delightful turn of events, one of you even brought me an Emma M. Lion shirt at the signing, and I’ve been wearing it nonstop – #iykyk!
- Sacred Struggle: This book has been an absolutely incredible and thought-provoking read, delving into themes that truly resonate and encourage deep reflection.
- The Choice: A powerful and essential memoir from a Holocaust survivor, this book is an absolute must-read. Its message of resilience, forgiveness, and finding freedom even in the darkest circumstances is profoundly moving and deeply impactful.
Current Favorites: Enhancing Everyday Life
Here’s a peek into some of the everyday items and experiences that are currently bringing joy and making life a little easier around here:
- These flip-flops: Comfort meets style, making them my go-to footwear for casual summer days.
- The permanent jewelry Cam and I recently got: I am absolutely in love with my new anklet! It’s such a delicate and meaningful piece that I adore.
- This air fryer: After a long, complicated history of truly disliking bulky, inefficient air fryers (I even had an Instagram series dedicated to my grievances!), this larger, toaster-oven-style model has been an absolute game-changer. I believe it’s often available at Costco, though I sourced mine from Amazon. It has completely transformed my cooking approach, making quick and crispy meals effortless.
- This chapstick: This isn’t just any chapstick; it’s a lifesaver! I’m loving it on behalf of my two children who are currently on Accutane. It’s the only product that has successfully rescued their extremely dry lips, providing much-needed relief and hydration.
- This Relyte electrolyte mix: Staying hydrated is key, especially during summer. Most days, I blend a scoop of this with a scoop of clean simple eats collagen into 12-16 ounces of water, drinking it midday for a refreshing and beneficial boost. My kids also find it invaluable, mixing it into water after their intense workouts to aid recovery.
- These habanero BBQ almonds: Don’t let the “habanero” in the name fool you – they’re surprisingly not very spicy at all! However, the flavor profile is absolutely phenomenal. They’ve become a constant pantry staple in our household, perfect for a satisfying and uniquely delicious snack.
A Deep Dive into Women’s Health: Hormones, Menopause, and Proactive Steps
Content warning: I’m about to discuss menopause and perimenopause, topics that are incredibly important for women’s health. Please be advised that these terms will be used openly and frequently.
Recently, I immersed myself in this podcast episode with Dr. Mary Claire Haver and this one with Dr. Sara Gottfried, both from Huberman Labs, and also began reading “The Hormone Cure.” And honestly, all I can say is: 🤯 🤯 🤯. These resources have been profoundly eye-opening, igniting a fervent desire within me to dive headfirst into the vast and often misunderstood pool of women’s health, particularly concerning hormones, perimenopause, and menopause.
I find myself genuinely embarrassed by how little I previously understood about these crucial aspects of female physiology and well-being. It’s clear I have several personal issues to address, but rather than feeling daunted, I’m strangely invigorated and excited. This journey of continuous learning, seeking expert guidance, and implementing necessary lifestyle changes feels incredibly empowering. 💪🏼
After sifting through pages of notes and insights, four key areas have emerged as immediate, actionable improvements I can begin implementing right away. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, but every significant transformation begins with a single, deliberate step!
- Increase daily protein intake
- Incorporate a wider variety of colorful fruits and vegetables
- Boost dietary fiber consumption
- Prioritize weightlifting and muscle building
⬆️ Prioritizing Protein for Optimal Health
As I mentioned in my last Friday Thoughts post, I began actively tracking my protein intake, and I’m pleased to report it’s progressing quite well! My personal goal is to consume approximately 115 grams of protein daily. While I don’t always hit that exact number, I strive to get as close as possible, understanding the profound benefits protein offers, especially for women as we age. Adequate protein intake is vital for maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone health, promoting satiety, and assisting with hormonal balance – all crucial elements for navigating the changes associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Many of you asked about my go-to protein sources in the comments of that last post. Here’s a rotating list of my favorites that help me meet my goal:
- Greek Yogurt: The Two Good brand is my absolute favorite for its taste and protein content.
- Tuna: A quick, versatile, and excellent source of lean protein.
- G2G Protein Bars: These are a true revelation! The coconut chocolate flavor is exceptional, and they’re available at Costco now. They’re the only protein bars I genuinely enjoy because they taste authentic, not artificial.
- Hard-boiled Eggs: A convenient and portable protein powerhouse.
- Pumpkin Seeds & Almonds: Great for snacking and adding a protein boost to salads or yogurt.
- Parmesan Cheese Crisps: Another fantastic find from Costco, offering a savory, crunchy protein snack.
- Cheese: A delicious and easy way to add protein to meals and snacks.
- Salmon: Rich in healthy fats and high-quality protein, a staple in our dinner rotation.
- Cottage Cheese: Incredibly versatile, perfect on its own or mixed with fruit.
- Apple & Peanut Butter: A classic combination that provides both fiber and protein.
- Chicken & Beans: Frequent stars in our family dinners, ensuring a lean protein-focused approach.
While I aim for lean protein-focused family dinners, I also embrace the 80/20 philosophy. If a meal, like a hearty lasagna, isn’t overtly protein-centric, I don’t stress. The overall consistency is what truly counts!
Embracing the Rainbow: Eating a Spectrum of Colors
This particular goal is not only beneficial for my personal health journey but also serves as an excellent model for my entire family. The concept is wonderfully straightforward: I don’t overthink it. My strategy involves prioritizing the purchase of a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables when they are in season or on sale, and increasingly, harvesting fresh produce directly from our flourishing garden. The objective is simply to incorporate these vibrant, nutrient-dense foods into every snack and meal, naturally boosting our intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating the rainbow ensures we’re getting a diverse array of nutrients that support overall vitality and well-being.
The Crucial Role of Fiber: A Key to Digestive and Hormonal Health
This is undeniably an area where I need significant improvement. When I initially started tracking my fiber intake, the results were, frankly, abysmal. It was a stark wake-up call, especially after diving into the fascinating research highlighting the critical importance of fiber for overall health, particularly as we navigate the aging process. Fiber plays a multifaceted role in our bodies, supporting not only digestive regularity but also blood sugar regulation, cholesterol management, gut microbiome health, and even hormonal balance – all vital for women’s health.
Naturally, incorporating all those extra colorful fruits and vegetables I mentioned above will undoubtedly contribute to increasing my fiber intake. Beyond dietary adjustments, I’ve also invested in this fiber supplement. As it’s a recent addition to my routine, I can’t yet definitively speak to its efficacy, but I promise to keep you all updated on my experience!
(A quick disclaimer: I always approach discussions about supplements with caution, as opinions on them vary widely – some people swear by them, while others view them with skepticism. Please, always conduct your own thorough research and consult with a healthcare professional to determine what is best and safest for your individual health needs. My experiences are purely personal and should not be taken as medical advice.)
Empowering Ourselves: The Transformative Power of Weightlifting and Muscle Building
It’s virtually impossible to spend any time online these days without encountering article after article extolling the virtues and absolute importance of weightlifting and building muscle. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental pillar of health, especially crucial for women as we age. Strength training is paramount for preventing bone loss, maintaining a healthy metabolism, improving hormone regulation, and significantly enhancing overall vitality and independence. It truly empowers us to age gracefully and strongly.
On my personal journey, I simply must give a monumental shoutout to the Sadie Active app. I’ve been consistently using it for over a year and a half now, and it has, without exaggeration, changed my life. Before this program, I didn’t truly “lift weights” in a structured way. However, over the past 18-20 months, my physical strength has not just increased, but my confidence has soared a hundredfold. What’s even more remarkable is that I now genuinely look forward to my workouts – a feeling I never thought I’d experience! I am astounded by how strong and capable I feel.
I perform all my workouts at home, utilizing the app’s “gym setting” and simply modifying the equipment as needed, though the app also conveniently offers a dedicated “home setting” for those with minimal equipment. Many, many of you in our community have started using this app after hearing me rave about it, and I receive countless comments sharing similar success stories about how much it has helped you, too! (Please note: I want to be completely transparent that I am not affiliated with the Sadie Active app in any way; I pay for my own membership. My enthusiastic recommendation stems purely from my transformative personal experience with the program.) It’s an investment in myself that has paid dividends in every aspect of my well-being, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I would genuinely love to hear your thoughts and experiences on any of these health topics. Let’s foster a space where we can all share insights, remain open-minded, and extend kindness to one another. 😘
A Few Last Things: Life’s Little Details and Larger Reflections
This post has certainly been a delightful ramble, covering everything from family milestones to personal health revelations. But before we wrap up, let’s touch upon a few more delightful details and profound reflections from our world!
- Our Beloved Animals are Thriving! For those who follow our farm life, you’ll be happy to know our animal companions are still very much a vibrant part of our daily routine. Summer means lots of extra care – plenty of scratches, regular brushes, and ensuring they have fresh, cool water to beat the heat. We’ve even expanded our feathered family this spring with 20 adorable baby chicks, who will be laying fresh eggs for us in just a few short months! And the latest exciting news: we just welcomed a precious baby calf, born to one of our back pasture heifers. Farm life is always full of new beginnings!
- The Temperature Blanket Project Continues. My ambitious temperature blanket project is indeed still coming along, slowly but surely! For those unfamiliar, it’s a blanket where each row is crocheted in a color corresponding to the day’s temperature. It’s a wonderful, meditative project, albeit one that sometimes requires a burst of effort. My usual method involves letting myself fall about 25 rows behind, then dedicating a few days to a satisfying “catch-up” session. 😬 It’s a labor of love that beautifully chronicles the year’s weather patterns.
Our Garden Finds a New Home and Flourishes! After the unfortunate demolition of our previous garden space during a recent home remodel, we successfully relocated our entire garden to our front pasture. It’s now thriving beautifully with nine robust 4×8-foot garden boxes, packed to the gills! And yes, a significant portion of that “fill” is dedicated to… tomatoes! While we also have thriving jalapenos, various peppers, and a few other delightful additions, the abundance of tomatoes is no accident. My primary motivation for planting such a bountiful garden each year is, quite frankly, to ensure an ample supply for making my absolute favorite homemade salsa. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homegrown ingredients!
A Final, Heartfelt Reflection on Friendship and Life’s Preciousness. On a more somber and deeply personal note, I want to dedicate a space here to honor the memory of my sweet friend, Liz, who peacefully passed away from cancer last week. Liz was an extraordinary individual – a true powerhouse of unwavering faith, boundless love, genuine friendship, and inherent goodness. She fostered an extensive network of incredibly close friends who rallied around her and her family throughout her courageous battle with cancer. While I wasn’t among Liz’s very closest confidantes, I had the immense privilege of contributing in small ways, like occasionally bringing dinner, and engaging in heartfelt conversations with her. We talked about everything from our shared experiences with Kunekune piglets (she and her husband, Adam, had bought some from us years ago) to her most cherished scripture verses, and even lighthearted debates about whether it’s truly acceptable to eat dessert before dinner. As I’ve grappled with the profound sense of loss this past week, I’ve also found myself wrestling with a strange guilt, feeling that perhaps such deep sadness should be reserved only for her immediate family and closest friends. However, I’ve come to understand this feeling as a powerful, poignant reminder to re-evaluate and readjust the priorities in my own life. It has reinforced the vital importance of focusing more intently on what truly matters: connection, love, purpose, and gratitude. Life is undeniably short, and none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow, but we can all make the absolute most of today. And truly, I am so profoundly grateful for the light and influence Liz was in my life. She consistently treated me with a warmth and respect that made me feel important and valued, and her exemplary life, lived as a devoted disciple of Christ with absolute faith, will forever remain etched in my heart. 💗
As this summer unfolds, I sincerely hope it is filled with joy, growth, and cherished moments for all of you! I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts, reflections, or any updates from your own corner of the world. Please feel free to share in the comments below – our community thrives on these connections.