I haven’t been able to write as much as I’d like lately, with the exception of sharing a few quick recipes. It seems like time is just flying by, and I can’t believe how much Landon is growing and changing every day.

This boy loves food (hmmm… wonder where he gets that from). He’s still nursing like a little champ, but we’ve also added prunes, apples, bananas, squash, sweet potatoes, peas, and green beans to his diet.

I don’t know how, but I’ve been to the beach more this year than I have in the last 10 years combined. It’s funny how Jesus provides when He knows we just need extra rest. However, I think Landon is going to be more of a mountain man than a beach bum….

Also, my friend Meredith took some amazing pictures of him on the beach, and I can’t wait to share them! She’s the best! She’s also taking our Christmas card pictures next week, and I am so excited.

We celebrated my handsome husband’s 27th birthday last week! I am so thankful for Grayson and if you know him, you know he’s just one of those people that are so easy to celebrate. He’s full of life, he’s so much fun, and he loves with his whole heart.

Last week, Grayson’s football team made it all the way to the county championships! They didn’t win, which was disappointing, but they were proud to have made it as far as they did. Grayson used it as such a wonderful learning opportunity with his boys. He says that it’s great to win as a champion, but sometimes you have to learn to lose too, and still hold your head high. Gah… so proud of him and that big ol’ heart.

He had a little fan club there cheering him on, loving him, win or lose. We have the best friends and family!

Gray and Landon are so cute together. It’s so much fun watching Grayson learn to be a Daddy. Today Gray dressed him, and made sure to represent the Cubs (who Gray is praying wins the World Series) and our Carolina Panthers. Who ever thought I’d be swooning over a little boy in a jersey? Ha! And look at those little Chuck Taylors!!!

Lastly, I voted. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would have picked out MY 5 month old’s Halloween costume and voted for Donald Trump (of all people) this week…. I would have never believed you. But, I did. Life has a funny way of surprising you, doesn’t it?

I’ve had a lot to say about this election. My emotions have ranged from shock to fear to frustration to anger to complete and utter exasperation. It’s by far the biggest, most important election in the history of our nation, and there is so much at stake.

I know that no matter who is elected (it’s the lesser of two evils), our only hope is Jesus. No candidate is the answer to America’s problems. And no matter what happens, I know that I know that I know that Jesus Christ is in control. He is sovereign. He’s already won the battle.

However, I am proud to say that I voted for LIFE. I voted with the impending appointments of several supreme court justices in mind. I voted with respect for the soldiers who have and are still fighting for our freedom and our right to vote. With all this being said, GO VOTE!

You guys. My summer bikini body wasn’t ready, but my fall sweater body is on point this year. Ha! But really, who doesn’t love the creamy soups and comfort foods that come with the changing seasons? They make my heart (and belly) so happy.

Today, I made an easy-peasy crock pot soup that was delicious and so filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 small bag of potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 14oz cans of chicken broth
• 1 10oz can of cream of chicken soup
• 3/4 of an 8oz package of cream cheese
• 1 bag of steamable chopped broccoli
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For toppings: bacon, chopped green onions, shredded cheese

Instructions:

• Combine potatoes, onions, both cans of chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup in crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.
• 20 minutes before you are ready to eat your soup, add 3/4 of the 8oz package of cream cheese, stirring occasionally. An entire 8oz package of cream cheese makes the soup too thick.
• Just before serving, microwave your steamable bag of chopped broccoli and then add to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
• Add salt and pepper to taste
• Top with crispy bacon, freshly chopped green onions, and cheese! Yum!

Last weekend, I went to the beach with (almost) all the ladies in my family and we stayed in a beautiful home right across the street from the beach. Anytime the ladies in my family get together, there’s good food (and a lot of it).

I have never been a fan of pimento cheese. Not very southern of me, I know. However, I am happy to share that I’ve been converted into a pimento cheese lover, and that’s all thanks to my cousin Pam, who I adore and don’t get to see nearly often enough. This is her recipe.

This pimento cheese is seriously the best I’ve ever had. It’s delicious on Ritz Everything crackers, but would also be perfect for a pimento cheese sandwich, or if you’re like my husband, a topping on your burger.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of extra sharp cheddar, grated
• 2 ounce jar of pimentos, drained
• a couple dashes of cayenne pepper
• mayonnaise to taste/ consistency (I used a little over 1 cup)

Instructions:

• Grate entire 1 pound block of cheese
• Mix all ingredients together to taste
• Chill and enjoy!