Written on 9/6
It’s Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., and we are headed to our very first hockey game of the new season. The air feels different...crisp with anticipation, heavy with the sound of gear being packed, and light with the chatter of excitement. And as I sat there reflecting, it struck me just how quickly the trajectory of life can change.
My heart is in full-on fall mode right now, and you know what that means… a little fall baking had to happen! There’s just something about the scent of pumpkin and spices filling the house that makes me feel like autumn has officially arrived. Today I wanted to share the simplest little recipe with you. Wait… can I even call it a recipe if it only has two ingredients? lol! Either way, these muffins are too good not to share.
There’s something about fall that just begs for cozy evenings at home, candles flickering, soup simmering on the stove, and soft blankets close by. One of my favorite ways to make our home feel like fall is to whip up a simple DIY simmer pot. It’s natural, inexpensive, and fills every corner of the house with the most wonderful fragrance. Think of it like a hug for your senses!
While the stores are full of autumn-scented candles (and don’t get me wrong, I love them, too!), a simmer pot has its own special charm. There’s something intentional about slicing fresh fruit, sprinkling in spices, and letting it all gently bubble away. And every time I catch that warm, spicy aroma, I’m reminded of God’s goodness in the simple things... even in the fragrance of His creation.
It’s time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge, and I am loving this week's questions!! All things fall, food, and country! Just three of my very favorite things. Let’s jump into the questions...
Every small town has its traditions, the kind of events that bring the community together in ways only locals can understand. For Waxahachie, one of those traditions is Oddfest, a celebration that perfectly captures the quirky, creative, and small-town-friendly spirit of our community.
Fall in Texas may not always come with chilly air and crunchy leaves, but it definitely comes with plenty of pumpkins, hayrides, and family fun! One of my very favorite parts of the season is visiting pumpkin patches and getting lost (on purpose!) in a corn maze. Luckily, Texas is full of both. From small-town charm to big, sprawling farms, there are endless options for a festive fall day.
For this week’s Texas Tuesday, I’m rounding up some of the best pumpkin patches & corn mazes in Texas. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a fun date idea, or just the perfect place for a fall photo op, these Texas favorites have you covered.
Happy Monday! What a wonderful weekend...that went by way too fast. Even with the extra day off on Friday, it still felt like it flew by. But we packed in so much family time, and that is always the best. Here’s a little look at what we were up to...
Written on 8/20/2025
I recently came across a quote that stopped me in my tracks... “A peaceful home is a sanctuary for the soul.” I couldn’t agree more. Over the past several months, I’ve been intentionally working to make our home exactly that… a sanctuary. A place where peace fills the rooms, where laughter echoes through the walls, and where we genuinely love to just be.
Happy Friday, friends! I’m so delighted to share another round of this new little series here on the blog that I’m calling Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T. — a weekly roundup of different topics that shifts with the times and seasons. This week’s theme is extra special because we’re entering my very favorite time of year... fall! 🍂
This week I’m sharing what/how I’m Resting, Embracing, Praying, Overflowing, Rooting, and Thanking. Think of it as a little peek into my heart and home... almost like sitting together on the front porch with a cozy blanket, sipping a warm drink, and catching up on all the things God is stirring in this season. So let’s jump in...
It’s no secret that autumn is my absolute favorite season! There’s just something about when the leaves start to fall, the air turns crisp, and the evenings get a little cooler that makes my heart so happy. While the calendar marks Sept 22nd as the first day of fall... for me, fall begins the day of the very first college football game. That’s usually when I start itching to pull out my bins of fall décor, light all the pumpkin-spiced candles, pull on a cozy sweater and boots, and start checking things off our family bucket list. When does fall "officially" begin for you?
Over the years we’ve created so many fun fall traditions as a family, and now I can’t imagine autumn without them. These little seasonal rhythms...the pumpkins, the hayrides, the chili simmering on the stove...make me slow down and savor what I love most about this time of year. So here’s a look at our Autumn 2025 Bucket List... a mix of old favorites and a few new adventures we want to try.
Fall has officially arrived in Waxahachie, and let me tell you...our little town knows how to celebrate the season! From downtown festivals to pumpkin patches and community fairs, Waxahachie is full of small-town charm this time of year. The courthouse square comes alive with twinkle lights and pumpkins, the air carries that crisp hint of autumn (on the good days, anyway), and there’s no shortage of family fun.
For this week’s Waxahachie Wednesday, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the best fall festivals and events right here in Waxahachie. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or planning a little day trip to our corner of Texas, here’s your guide to soaking in the season.
It’s time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge, and this one is right up my alley! All things fall? Yes please! Fall is hands-down one of my favorite times of year and I am so ready for it. I don’t know what it is, but the minute September rolls in, I’m craving cooler temps, cozy sweaters, pumpkins on the porch, and all the soups and chilis simmering on the stove. Even though Texas doesn’t give us the dramatic color changes some places get, I still find ways to soak in every bit of fall. Whether it’s pulling out my seasonal decor, sipping on a pumpkin spice latte, or just sitting on the porch watching a sunset with a blanket around my shoulders, this season feels like a big warm hug. So, let’s dive into this week’s Hodgepodge and talk all things fall!
One of my very favorite things about Texas is its charming small-town squares. There’s just something about brick-lined streets, historic courthouses, boutique shops, and local cafés that makes me feel instantly at home. And while Texas town squares are delightful year-round, they really come alive in the fall.
Crisp mornings, golden leaves, pumpkins on every corner, and festive events make fall the perfect season to stroll a square, sip a warm drink, and soak in the charm. For this week’s Texas Tuesday, I’m rounding up some of the best fall town squares in Texas...places where history, hospitality, and seasonal magic meet.
Happy Monday, friends! I’m super late in getting this post up. Usually, I’m on top of my weekend wrapups early on Monday morning, but that just didn’t happen today. Instead, Nate texted me first thing and told me to go outside... and I’m so glad I listened. The sky was absolutely stunning. The colors kept shifting every few seconds, with early morning showers moving through and then the most beautiful sunrise breaking through the clouds. I ended up staying outside for a solid 30 minutes, just soaking it in and sitting in silence. It was the sweetest reminder to pause and appreciate God’s handiwork. Anyhow, better late than never... let’s jump into the weekend recap!
Our weekend was really good! It was full of sports, family, and Jesus... truly the best kind of weekend.
Written on 7/23/2025
Today I was headed into town and, sure enough, got stuck behind a line of tractors moving at the speed of absolutely nothing. My first reaction? Frustration. I glanced at the clock, sighed a little too loudly, and thought about how much I needed to get done. But then God whispered, “Remember when this used to bring you joy?”
One of my favorite things about thrifting is when you finally find that one item you’ve been hunting for. You know the feeling...you walk into a thrift store, not sure what treasures you’ll find, and there it is… the exact thing you’ve had on your wish list for months. That happened to me recently, and I couldn’t wait to share the little project I’ve been dreaming about.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of thrifting...that moment when you walk into your favorite store and wonder, what treasures will I find today? One of my very favorite spots to hunt is Pennies from Heaven, and this week’s haul did not disappoint!
The best part? I had a $10 reward to use, which made several of these items free. My grand total after the rewards was just $11 bucks! Let’s dive into the treasures I found.
It’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond. I look forward to this post every week… both the writing of it and the reading of everyone else’s answers. It’s always so fun to see how differently (or sometimes how similarly!) we all answer the same set of questions. As always with these posts, I tend to just write the first thing that comes to mind, so here we go…
It’s time for another Waxahachie Wednesday! One of my favorite things about living here is the way our little town comes alive in the fall. There’s just something about cooler mornings, small-town charm, and community events that makes this season extra sweet. From vintage trucks and farm life to art festivals and live country music, there’s no shortage of fun coming up in Waxahachie. I pulled together a list of a few can’t-miss events happening soon so you can mark your calendars and join in on the seasonal magic…
As we approach the middle of September and the crispness of fall begins to hint at the horizon, I find myself reflecting on the summer we've had. It's been a season filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished moments...both on the road and at home. From spontaneous outings to cozy nights in, we've checked off many items from our 2025 summer bucket list. With a busy season ahead, I'm grateful for the memories we've created and excited for what's to come. Here's a look at how our summer unfolded and what we've crossed off (and still hope to!) from our list.
Happy Monday, friends! I hope this new week is off to a good start for you. Today I’m sharing our Weekend Wrap-Up… one of my favorite little traditions here on the blog. This weekend was a quiet one, and honestly, my heart needed that. After such a heavy week, it felt good to take things slow, rest at home, and just soak in the simple joys. Plus, with hockey season officially kicking off next weekend, this was one of our last free weekends for a while. Here’s a peek at what we were up to…
Written on 8/19
One of the things I’ve been reminded of lately is just how powerful our daily choices can be. The little things we do...the ones we might not even think twice about...can ripple out further than we’ll ever know.
This week has been well, very heavy and just weird, to put it frankly! Monday started off on the wrong foot with my Internet being completely down until late morning, which threw my whole workday into a mad dash of catch-up. From there, things never really slowed down...just one busy day after another. Tuesday was packed with work and then hockey practice from 6–9:30pm. Wednesday was Jury Duty (my first time ever, and not exactly something I’d call fun), and now somehow here we are already at Friday. Since I didn’t get around to writing my usual “weekend wrap-up” on Monday, I thought I’d use today’s Five on Friday post to share a little peek into our weekend and a few other highlights from the week.
What a heavy week. It feels wrong to post anything lighthearted or trivial today. My heart has been so burdened, and honestly, I have been weeping for this world. Everywhere I look, there are reminders that this world is so broken… and that we need Jesus more than anything.
It’s Wednesday which means it’s time for the weekly Hodgepodge link-up! This week’s Hodgepodge questions really got me thinking about the ups and downs of daily life… where my energy comes from, what drains it, the simple treasures I enjoy, and even the comfort foods that feel like home. There’s a mix of lighthearted fun and some deeper reflection too, especially as we pause to remember 9/11. And of course, no week would be complete without a little hockey talk. When answering these questions, I tend to go with the first thing that pops into my head. So let’s dive in and see where this week’s Hodgepodge takes us…
Thirty-One Days of Thankfulness
This August, I set out to find a little joy in each day. Whether it was something big, like a family adventure, or something small, like a quiet moment on the porch with my Bible and a sweet tea, my goal was simple: to slow down, notice the blessings, and say “thank you.”
Below is a sentence and maybe a snapshot from each day this month… a little journal of gratitude, sunshine, and simple joys. Sometimes the snapshot will correlate with my sentence and other times it will just be a photo I snapped that day.
Written on June 29th, 2025
Tonight, I almost talked myself out of going for a walk. You know how it goes...long day, tired body, every excuse stacked up. But something nudged me, so I laced up my white Adidas (walking on clouds, truly...Adidas are elite for walking and you cannot change my mind) and stepped outside.
Tuesday morning rolled around and, before I even got out of bed, I felt that little nudge to finally do something I’ve been meaning to try for ages... a “day in the life” post. I can’t tell you how many times the thought has crossed my mind in the middle of the day...when it’s far too late to start snapping photos and jotting down details. But this time I actually remembered right from the start and decided to take you along with me through an ordinary Tuesday.
Now, to be honest, our days from 8 to 4 aren’t usually anything fancy. I’m a work-from-home, homeschooling mama, and while there is so much beauty tucked into that rhythm, it’s not always what you’d call eventful. Mason officially kicks off his homeschool year on Monday, so this particular day didn’t include any lessons. But what it did include is hockey...which has started to ramp up again and will keep us going strong from now through March! Ha! Life of a hockey family, right? So, grab your coffee and come along with me as I share a peek into our simple, sweet, and sometimes busy little Tuesday, September 2nd.
Happy Thrifted Thursday, friends! You know by now that Thursdays around here are reserved for one of my favorite little hobbies...thrifting. There’s just something about the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of finding unique pieces, and of course, the joy of snagging them at a fraction of retail price. Last Friday ended up being one of those really good thrifting days, and I couldn’t wait to share all the details with y’all.
It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means around here…time for a little hodgepodge! This is one of my very favorite link-ups each week. I love sitting down with a cup of sweet tea and working through these fun questions. It’s always such a sweet way to reflect, share little pieces of my heart, and of course, connect with all of you. So let’s get into this week’s edition!
What a weekend! It was one of those that felt both restful and productive all at once...my favorite kind. We had a little bit of everything...family time, thrifting, church, football, and even a big milestone for Mason. Here’s a peek into our weekend…
This evening, I found myself drawn to the front porch...the air heavy with the promise of rain, the clouds just starting to roll in. I brought out my devotional and coffee, not expecting a holy moment, but that’s exactly what I got.
I sat in the stillness, the kind that only comes right before a storm, when everything seems to pause. I could hear the low rumble of thunder in the distance...strong, mighty, commanding attention. At the same time, the soft flutter of wings caught my ear. A hummingbird zipped past, delicate and determined, making its way to our flower bush just a few feet from me.
Last week, I mentioned that I was going to dinner with some friends (and our teacher) that I’ve known for… well, about 37 years! We got together last Wednesday at the same spot we met back in 2011. It was such a sweet, nostalgic time together.
Time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge! I always love linking up for these posts because the questions are so fun and random… and you just never know what direction they’ll take you. I feel like I don't have much to offer this week, but let’s dive right in anyway!
Happy Waxahachie Wednesday, y’all! Today, I’m shining a light on a charming breakfast and brunch spot right here in Waxahachie: Morning Table. If you're on the hunt for a place that offers good eats, warm hospitality, and a lovely atmosphere, this one's a must-visit.
Texas Burger Bucket List | 4 Must-Try Burger Joints in the Lone Star State
If there’s one thing Texas knows how to do right, besides BBQ, tacos, and sweet tea, it’s a good, juicy burger. We’ve got no shortage of iconic, mom-and-pop, griddle-sizzled masterpieces scattered across this great state. And over the years, my family and I have made it a little mission of ours to find the best of the best.
So today I’m kicking off our Texas Burger Bucket List...a roundup of places that have won us over one bite at a time. Whether you’re road-tripping through small towns or exploring local gems, these spots are absolutely worth the stop (and the calories).
Almost 29 years ago, I was just a young girl with a big crush and an even bigger dream. I remember running around telling all of my best girlfriends that I was going to marry you one day. I just knew deep in my heart that you were the one God had set apart for me. And guess what? I was right.
This weekend was a little different for us. Nate had to work Friday through Sunday in preparation for Governor Greg Abbott and another important guest coming to sign a big contract. I thought I might use the weekend to really knock some things off my to-do list and be productive…but truthfully, I was only semi-productive. Something shifts when we aren’t together, and I’m not a big fan of it. I’m just so lost without him. I’ll try to dive into projects, but most of the time I find myself just waiting for him to walk through that door again. After 29 years together, I still want to spend every moment with him, and I don’t take that gift lightly! Anyhow, here’s a peek at our “different” kind of weekend.
There are few things in life that stop me in my tracks the way a sunset does. You’ll often find me pulling off to the side of a country road, barefoot on the porch, or stepping away from dinner just to watch the sky unfold.
It’s not just the colors...though those fiery oranges, soft purples, and glowing pinks always feel like a love letter from Heaven...it’s the way a sunset speaks to my soul.
Sunsets are sacred to me.
It’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge questions! I’ll be honest… I almost skipped out on today because of the kind of week I’ve been having. You know those weeks where everything feels a little heavier than it should? That’s been me. But then I thought about how much I actually look forward to these Hodgepodge posts each week...not just writing my answers, but also hopping around and visiting all of my favorite bloggers to see how they answered, too. It always feels a little like catching up with friends over coffee. So instead of sulking through the week, I figured this would be the perfect way to lift my spirits a bit. Sometimes a handful of fun questions is just what the heart needs.
There's something truly special about discovering faith-based roadside attractions...especially the ones that stop you in your tracks and stir your heart. On a trip through West Texas, we stumbled across a place that did exactly that: a large white cross and a walk-in tomb, quietly nestled off the highway just outside of Brownfield, TX.
Welcome to this week’s Texas Tuesday, where I’m spotlighting the powerful and peaceful Roadside Tomb of Christ, located on U.S. Highway 380 just a few miles west of Brownfield.
This weekend was such a sweet one…a good balance of work, rest, and play! I always love weekends where we can fit in time with friends, family, and still have space to just breathe. Here’s a little peek into what our days looked like…
Written on 8/11
This morning, Nate and I arrived a little early for the early service at church. Because of that, we were among the first to step into the sanctuary… or so we thought. We picked our spot and then I noticed something beautiful...the middle section was already filled. Row after row of eager high school students sat together, greeting each other, laughing, chatting with our youth leader. You could feel the energy in the room before the music even started...
Happy Friday! I'm so delighted to share a 2nd edition of a new little series here on the blog that I’m calling weekly R.E.P.O.R.T. — a weekly roundup of different topics. This will change with the times and seasons.
This week I am sharing what I’m Reading, Experiencing, Planning, Overcoming, Recording, and Treasuring. Think of it as a peek into my heart and home, kind of like sitting on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea and catching up. Let’s jump in…
If you’ve been around here long, you know I love a good thrift store. There’s just something about hunting through the shelves, never knowing what little treasure the Lord might have waiting for you. One of my absolute favorite spots to browse is Pennies From Heaven…a local thrift shop run by a church, and y’all... I always I find the best stuff there every single time.
I especially love that because it’s church-run, they always have an incredible selection of faith-based books, devotionals, Bibles, wall art, and more. And let me tell you...I recently hit the jackpot. On my latest visit, I walked out with a stack of books that had me grinning from ear to ear!
Joining Shay at Mix and Match Mama and Erika at A Little Bit of Everything for this month’s “Let’s Look” link-up where we’re talking all about juggling family schedules.
Oh August... how I used to dread and loathe you...
I’m linking up with Joyce again for this fun weekly series. I always enjoy answering these random questions and reading how others respond. So, let’s jump in…
If you’re a fan of strange phenomena and Texas-sized mysteries, the Marfa Lights are a must-see on your travel list. Nestled in the high desert of West Texas near the tiny town of Marfa, these glowing orbs have fascinated visitors and locals alike for over a century.
We had such a chill, heart-filling weekend… the kind with plenty of time at home, sprinkled with family, friends, and a few little adventures. It was lovely from start to finish.
Written on 7/22
We recently returned from the sweetest beach trip to Freeport, TX, where our beach house was tucked right on the marina. All day long, we watched boats of every size quietly come and go...fishermen casting lines at sunrise, families returning after a day on the water, even the occasional yacht coasting by as the sun dipped low on the horizon. There was a gentle rhythm to it all. The comings and goings. The stillness and the motion. The waiting and the moving forward.
Hi, I’m Crystal — daughter of the One True King, wife to my high school sweetheart Nathan, and Mama to our 15-year-old son, Mason. I’m a proud hockey mom, homeschooling adventurer, wannabe homesteader, and Texas girl through and through.Around here, I share our life...the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. From chasing dreams and thrift store deals to traveling this beautiful state (and beyond), to finding Jesus in everyday moments... this is our story. Welcome to Hall Around Texas!! I’m so glad you’re here!
