What's Cooking?

 Want to know what's been on the menu at the James Family Cafe?

Sandwiches. Corn dogs. And more sandwiches.

Sounds healthy and appetizing, right?

This busy lady barely has time to stop and eat, let alone come home and cook a scrumptious meal each evening.

My inner Paula Dean is crinkling up her nose and shaking her head disapprovingly..

Enter the fabulous Crock Pot to the rescue. I'm pretty sure it had to be a working mom that invented the crock pot.

My usual Pinterest searches are for home decor, etc... I decided to go on the hunt for some good crock pot recipes. Being honest here, the only thing I've ever made in a crock pot is beef stew. All of that is about to change, folks. I typed in "Crock Pot Recipes" into the search engine, and my dear friend Pinterest pulled up dozens and dozens of yummy recipes.

{For these recipes, and others I plan to try, follow me on Pinterest.}

My to-do list for the weekend includes upgrading to a bigger crock pot, planning some meals for the upcoming weeks, and doing the necessary grocery shopping.

My husband couldn't be happier with the idea ;)

So, what are your favorite go-to crock pot recipes?

Happy Friday, everyone!

Following The Leader

Nanny J's family has suffered a great loss. Her sweet granddaughter lost her unborn son last week. Staci has been blogging about her experience, and it is amazing to see how our sweet Savior is working through her son to touch so many. Right now she is taking yarn donations so she can make blankets for the Project Linus ministry. It gives handmade blankets to children in hospitals. If you would like to join in, you can comment on her blog for more information on how to do so. Mary Grace and I plan to donate one of our handmade crocheted blankets in honor of little Barrett.

 I encourage you to head over and check it out. You will definitely receive a blessing! 

Following the Leader

Weather Day, Weekend Rewind, and a Highchair Hunt

Weather Day
Due to inclement weather as a result of Isaac, this lady has the day off and is spending a lazy day at home with my best girl. So far the weather has been fine- just a few drizzles and light winds. I know this is not the case along the coastal areas. We are praying for everyone that is dealing with the severe effects of this storm!

 {Right now, Mary Grace is dozing in her crib and I'm catching up on lesson plans, sipping hot tea, and watching I Love Lucy reruns}

Weekend Rewind
On Saturday, Mary Grace and I had a little shopping to do. We met up with my sweet friend, Chickadee, for lunch {Sake Sushi- my fave!}. Afterwards, we headed home to get ready for a night out with my Sunday School class. We were doing an outreach to try and grab some new members for our class. We so enjoyed our time with friends. On the way home, we made took a little detour to visit Mary Grace's sweet friend, Miss Addy {and her mom and dad ;)}. We always enjoy spending time with this sweet family.

Sunday was our church's Homecoming and the service and singing was wonderful! We left during the fellowship meal to get ready for some visitors. My sweet Aunt {Betty Boop} and Uncle came over to meet Miss MG and spend some time catching up. We so enjoyed having them over! We are already planning a trip to their little slice of paradise for a visit in the next month or so.

Highchair Hunt

I have been on the hunt for a wooden highchair. You know the kind, similar to those from the 50's. 

 I didn't want something that just screams B A B Y. Plus, I can already tell that cleaning the fabric cushions on the more modern types would be too much of a hassle for me. These days, simplicity is everything. Thanks to Nanny J, I finally found what I wanted.

I hope everyone is staying indoors and safe today!

Picture Overload

Please excuse my lack of posts lately. Understand that the start of a new school year is extremely busy- especially when you're at a new school, and in a new grade. My free time is spent solely with my husband and this adorable little bundle! Blogging has taken a bit of a back seat for now. Hence the reason for this overloaded post in an attempt to keep you updated on life lately.

 {Hanging out in the jumperoo}

 {Still a little short, but nothing a pillow can't fix}

 {Yummy carrots! She couldn't get enough- her fave so far}

 {We had a little photo shoot last Sunday afternoon}

 {She has officially found her feet}

 {Curious about the camera}

 {What an expression!}

 {"Okay, Mommy. Enough is enough.}

This afternoon, Mommy and Mary Grace enjoyed an evening on a pallet by the lake.

 {Hanging out in the backyard}

{I almost succeeded in getting a close-up of those gorgeous dimples! Caught the tail end of a smile}

 {Sweet girl}

 {Tootsies}

 {She was fascinated with Louie}

{We can't forget about my little man, Louie}

Happy Friday!

Hello Weekend!

Inside Room 133

 {Pinterest Project}\

 {Word Wall}

 {Bee Kind....etc another Pinterest Project}

 {Because everyone needs some Words of Wisdom from time to time}

 {My tree. Makes me smile :) Their AR owls will be on it once we get started.}

 {TpT printable}

 {View from my desk}

And there you have it, my friends!

Today's The Day

My first day with my new students. Wish me luck....I'll need it!

Happy 'First Day' to all my fellow teachers!

Look-A-Like

Everyone who meets Mary Grace mentions how she looks just like her Daddy-O.

I thought I'd prove, once and for all, that she does in fact look a little like her Mommy!

{Me around 3-4 months old}

{Mary Grace at 3 months}

You be the judge!

Inspiring Katie

The book,  Kisses from Katie, was brought up in my Sunday school class and it has really peaked my interest. I ventured over to check out the blog {of course} and was quickly hooked. I cannot wait to get started on the book.

I would encourage you to head over and read about this incredible young lady and her awe-inspiring journey to be the hands and feet of Christ. I also would encourage you to check out her website Amazima {the button is located on the sidebar of my blog} and, if the Lord urges you to do so, donate to this wonderful ministry.

I fell in love with this Mosaic necklace. You can find it here in the store section of her website.

What an amazing young lady.

What an amazing journey.

What an amazing God we serve!