{Weekend Wrap-Up // Thrift Stores, Praise Reports, and Peaceful Moments}

Some weekends feel like a deep breath...the kind that fills your lungs, slows your pace, and brings a smile to your soul. This was one of those weekends. It was a beautiful blend of errands, productivity, rest, family time, and unexpected God moments...the kind you just know you'll carry with you for a while. We had a full few days, and I truly wasn't ready to give it up come Monday morning.

Friday

I worked a half day before Nate and I hit the road for my neurology appointment. It’s about 40 minutes away and with construction still ongoing, we gave ourselves plenty of time. We arrived a bit early, which of course meant one thing...a little thrifting! First up was Mission Thrift, my second favorite thrift store of all time... and once again, it did not disappoint. I found two pretty wall prints (hello, gallery wall!), a couple shirts, one for Nate, and even a few new watch bands. I’ll share more about those in my Thrifted Thursday post! One of the watch bands matched me perfectly, so I swapped it out real quick.

Next, we stopped at Uptown Cheapskate, where we snagged two pairs of camo shorts for the boys, a crisp white tee for Mason (a true staple around here), and some comfy walking shoes for me. Then it was off to my appointment.

And y’all...it went so well! My neurologist was really pleased with how I’ve responded to the new medication, and I left there feeling so encouraged. (I’ll screenshot the praise report I posted on Facebook and include it below.) Easiest and quickest way to update all of my family (I have a huge one) all at once.

To celebrate, we stopped at Mo Bettah’s for a late lunch/early supper. A new one recently opened in our town and we’ve been wanting to try it, but it’s always slammed. We decided to go to a more established location on our way back, and we were able to walk right in. I wasn’t sure I’d like it since I’ve never had that kind of food before, but oh my goodness...I loved it. Nate did too! Definitely adding it to the "places we’ll visit again" list.

Before heading home, we stopped by the YMCA to check on a family membership, swung by Atwoods for Lexi’s food, and grabbed Mason some supper. Once we were home, I threw on some comfy clothes and got in a 3-mile walk. The sky was beautiful and I couldn't stop snapping photos! Nate texted me at one point and said that the sky looked cool and I replied with "that's why it's taking me so long to walk - I keep stopping for pictures! lol". I ended my night with my Bible study. It was such a fulfilling day.

Saturday

Saturday was all about productivity! We checked so many things off our to-do list. The big task? Installing our new dishwasher...the one I mentioned in my REPORT post on Friday. We also cleaned, swept, mopped, and I knocked out over 8 loads of laundry. (I know. It was A LOT.) Between all of our travels, towels, bedding, and just freshening things up, it added up quickly.

I also finally cleaned out my closet and y’all...16 pairs of jeans and pants are now ready to be donated because they’re too big! What?! I didn’t expect such dramatics, but I’ll take it. I tidied up the space and rearranged some things. I still need to go through my dressy and business attire section, but that can wait for another day. Later, I treated myself to a fresh set of press-on nails and clipped some blooms from my cut-flower garden. That evening, I went for a 2-mile walk and let the day settle sweetly into my soul. Usually, I listen to worship music on my walks but decided to switch it up and listen to 80s country!

Sunday

Oh, Sunday...you were so good to me. It was one of those wholesome, heart-filling days from the moment I opened my eyes until my head hit the pillow.

We went to the early service at church (9:15am) and tried out our new balcony seats for the first time. The views were beautiful, and we had the sweetest conversation with a volunteer who welcomed us warmly. The worship team brought the Spirit with some of my favorite songs, and Pastor David's message on peace and patience (part of the Fruits of the Spirit series) hit home in the best way.

A few God-winks worth sharing:

Pastor David opened by saying people will know you’re a follower of God by your actions — something I had kind of just written about and the post went live that morning. It aligned pretty well.
I opened my Bible app during the sermon and the highlighted scripture not only matched a previous study but matched my dress! Little things, big meaning.
He spoke about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and wouldn’t you know it...that exact story showed up later that day in my Bible study!

During church, my brother sent me a text about their sermon title "A Coldplay Story (2 Samuel 11) David and Bathsheba (I giggled) and shared my niece’s church notes. Melted me!

We grabbed breakfast from McDonald's (with just minutes to spare before the switch to lunch), came home, and spent the afternoon alternating between chores and relaxing. We even got a little yard work done...our crape myrtle had this black residue on it, so Nate looked up how to treat it, and we gave it a good cleaning. Two hummingbirds visited while we were out there...always such a gift.

Later, I did my Bible study while Nate got my oil changed. Then I stumbled upon a video about Prayer Mountain, and decided to take a spontaneous trip. It’s only about 30 minutes from us and completely worth it...so beautiful, so peaceful. (More on that soon for Texas Tuesday!) I wrapped up the day with a short evening walk. I was aiming for more, but the humidity and my sinuses had other plans. Still, it was the perfect end to a weekend I didn’t want to end.

This weekend was a reminder of how full life can feel when you mix in faith, family, intention, and a little spontaneity. Whether it was thrifting treasures, praise reports, home projects, or peaceful walks, my heart feels full and deeply grateful. Now, onto a new week…hopefully with more of the same sweet rhythm.