Cara Box Exchange

This month I joined up with Kaitlyn over at Wifessionals for her Cara Box Exchange.  Basically, she pairs you up with another blogger, has a monthly theme, and you exchange care packages based on that theme.  It's a really fun way to get to know another blogger and receive a fun package in the process.  This month I was linked up with Kaylee over at All Things Bright and Beautiful.  The theme was childhood and it was so much fun reminiscing about the fun memories from being a kid.  Kaylee was so sweet and sent me a fun package with all things kids love.  It was so nice to share memories, meet someone new, and be able to give a fun gift.  So go check out both Kaitlyn's and Kaylee blogs!

Thankful

 We are blessed beyond belief.  The Lord has given us so many things to be thankful for that I cannot begin to name them all.  I pray that each of you has a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you take a moment to reflect on all that brings you joy and the amazing life the Lord has given each of us.  Happy Thanksgiving friends! 

Color Me Happy

On Saturday, I participated in my first 5k, the Color Run!!  It was so amazingly fun!  If you haven't heard of the Color Run, it is a 5k run that has color stations along the route.  At every station volunteers douse you in colored powder.  By the end of the race you look like a rainbow!  Brandon and I got to run it with another couple from our small group from church and one of their family members.  We are so blessed to have amazing friends who made this so much fun.  

I got my colorful socks ready, my sweatband, and my clean white shirt just waiting to be colorified.  The start line is a huge dance party and the run was also a lot of fun.  There were a lot of hills along the route, but hey it was a great workout.  At the finish line we headed to the color party, which is essentially a huge dance party.  Every 10 minutes or so they do a color throw.  Each runner got a packet of colored powder.  On the signal everyone throws their color in the air to create a huge colorful cloud that rains down on you.  In one word- Fantastic!!!  This was the most fun I have had in a long time.  Next on our list of runs, the Electric Run in April.  So pumped!! 

Before

During

After

 It really is the happiest 5k on the planet!!!

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

I found this recipe on Pinterest and it was so yummy!  They are like little mini pumpkin pies.  Perfect for chilly fall evenings.  One batter, no extra crust or filling and they taste amazing.  

Ingredients:
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 15-oz can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup half and half (or evaporated milk)

How to Make Them:

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice

In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and half and half until well combined
Add in dry ingredients
Mix well until there are no dry streaks in the batter
 

Fill the cups 1/3 of the way
Bake for 20 minutes

Cool in pan.  When they come out they will look like cupcakes, but they will sink as they cool.
Chill before serving.  Top with a dollop of cool whip. Enjoy!

On Feeling Complacent

Complacent- Contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned

Satisfied to a fault.  That describes my state of mind right now.  I'm feeling complacent.  In my job, in my spiritual life, in my every day life, complacent, unmoved, unmotivated...satisfied.  I'm not satisfied in a good way though.  It's like the color grey.  Not, bright and moving nor dark and dull, just there, just grey.  Not to say I'm grumpy or sad or depressed.  No, I'm just not motivated.  Do you ever feel that way?  Maybe it's just me.  I'm going along with the motions of life.  I like to feel passionate, driven, excited, enthused.  Complacency does not yield those feelings.  It leads to stagnation and contentment.  I don't want to be stagnant.  I want to ebb and flow, meet the challenge head on, continually seek out new adventure, always seek Christ in new ways, but I'm not doing that right now.  I'm just floating.  Security and comfort are important to sanity, yes, but detrimental to growth.  I want to expand my horizons and pour back into my passions.  I want to light the fire of excitement and dig deep into what life has to offer.  The answer is simple, but the action is hard.  I think that's what makes it fun.  You've got to take control of your life and get out of the rut of complacency.  Maybe I'll try a new hobby or just get motivated to get out from in front of the television. Maybe I'll read a new counseling journal and get excited about my job again.  Maybe I'll listen to a new worship album or pour myself into volunteering at church again instead of just showing up.  I don't know what the cure is, but the blessing is that there is a cure and it's a fun one.  Just get off my booty and take control.  It's my one and only life to do it.  

Sweet November

hello November!  First of all, where did October go?  I guess all the craziness with the hubby's job made our October kind of non-existent, but here we are and it is November.  Is it just me or is this year flying right by?  Anyways, fall has officially hit NC.  I know we were slow to get there, but boy did it hit us quickly, like overnight.  There I was enjoying the 70 degree weather to freezing my tooshie off.  If you know me, you know I hate being cold.  Hate it!  Even though I hate the cold, there are some things that I love about fall.  

1. Boots, boots, and more boots!!!  Did I say boots!  Yes, I am kind of obsessed.  I have already bought two new pair this season (on sale of course)!  Now, I just need some cute clothes to go with them.  

2. Chilly evenings with a cup of hot tea in my hand.  I love that warm feeling of drinking a simple cup of tea.  

3. Wolfpack football.  Enough said.

4. Fall wreaths.  This was my first year making a fall wreath and I love it. 

5. The leaves!  I love the colors of fall.  I love driving down the street under a canopy of orange, yellow, and red.  

What are your favorite things about fall?