{Coastal Trip Recap // Days 3 & 4}

More Saltwater, Sunsets & Sweet Moments

There’s just something about waking up at the beach. It’s like your soul starts the day already at peace. This trip to the coast was nothing short of wonderful...the kind that fills your heart and makes you so thankful for slow days, salty air, and family time. We didn’t do a whole lot outside of the house, and honestly? That was the best part. Just being together, relaxing by the water, and soaking up the sunshine felt like exactly what we all needed. Here’s a little peek into Days 3 & 4 of our trip…

{Coastal Trip Recap // Days 1 & 2}

Freeport, TX – Saltwater, Sunsets, and Sweet Family Time

After what felt like the slowest countdown in history, we finally made it to the coast! On Wednesday, July 16th, we pulled into our beach house driveway around 6:45pm. Nate’s parents had already arrived and were settled in, so we got straight to unloading all the things...bags, coolers, fishing gear... you know the drill.

{Wednesday Hodgepodge // Beach Days, Roller Coasters, and Sweet Family Moments}

It’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge...a fun series hosted by Joyce, of random questions that offer a peek into everyday life. I always enjoy reflecting on these thoughtful prompts and reading what others have to say, too. This week’s questions cover everything from beach bags to roller coasters to the slowest (and fastest!) passing of time. Let’s dive in...

{Texas Tuesday // The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden – Kerrville, TX}

There are some places in Texas that you visit, and then there are those you experience. The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville is most definitely the latter. Nestled in the heart of the Hill Country, this stunning and sacred space offers far more than just beautiful views, it touches your heart and soul.

We visited the garden on a trip to the Texas Hill Country, and to say it was moving would be an understatement. From the moment we stepped onto the grounds, we felt the peace and presence of The Lord.

{Beach Bucketlist Update & By the Numbers // 2025}

Just last week, I shared our plans for a beach getaway to Freeport, Texas, and all the things we were hoping to do while we were there. Now that we’re back home (and still sweeping sand out of the car), I thought it was the perfect time to circle back and give a little update on what we actually checked off that beach bucket list... and share a few fun stats from our time away.

{From the Front Porch // His Timing is Perfect}

It was 2:30 a.m. when I woke up wide awake...no tossing, no turning, just fully alert. The house was still and quiet, and I knew immediately: the Lord had stirred my heart. It wasn’t a restless kind of waking, but a holy invitation. God was calling me to sit with Him. So I prayed.

And as I poured out my heart in the stillness of that early morning, it hit me like a flood: God’s timing is absolutely perfect.

{Summer Photo Checklist // Capture the Magic of the Season // Free Printable}

There’s just something about summer...the golden light, the slow mornings, the road trips and lake days, the way time seems to stretch a little longer. It’s the season of memories, and for me, that means photos, lots of them! Whether you’re spending your summer chasing sunsets, exploring Texas backroads, or hanging out on your porch with sweet tea and hummingbirds, I’ve created a fun Summer Photo Checklist to help you capture the beauty and joy of this season.

{A ChatGPT DIY Home Sketch Art// Thrifted Frame}

Yesterday in my Thrifted Thursday post, I shared about a beautiful navy and white photo frame I scored for just $2.50...brand new, never used, and totally my style. The second I spotted it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. And today, I’m so excited to share that little DIY project with y’all!

{Thrifted Thursday // $11 Haul}

I mentioned earlier this week in my Weekend Wrap-up post that I did a little thrifting last Friday...and let me just say, it did not disappoint! Y’all know I love a good deal, and this trip was definitely one for the books. I ended up snagging six items for only $11...I mean, come on!  And two of the items were brand new with tags (one valued at $29.99 and the other with an original tag of $24.99). That’s the kind of thrift haul that makes my heart do a little happy dance.

Let’s dive into what I found...

{Wednesday Hodgepodge //

It’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge...one of my favorite ways to share a little peek into what’s on my heart and what’s happening around here. Let’s jump right in!

Linking up with Joyce. 

{Beach Bound Bucket List // Freeport, Galveston & Surfside, TX Edition}

The countdown is ON! We’re packing up for a few salty, sunny, soul-refreshing days along the Texas coast...and I couldn’t be more excited. We’ll be spending our time in Freeport, but we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Galveston and Surfside Beach, too. That means triple the adventure, triple the exploring, and (hopefully) triple the peace.

{Weekend Wrap-Up // A Sweet Reunion, Family time, Thrifting, and Some Hockey Fun}

Whew! What a full, fun, and heart-filled weekend we just had. It was one of those that makes your heart feel extra grateful for family, friendships, small wins, and sweet reunions. Let’s jump in...

{From the Front Porch // But God…}

There’s a moment from our Colorado road trip that will stay with me forever.

We were heading home, and I knew it was the last stretch where the mountains would still be in view. I was staring at them…trying to memorize every ridge, every shadow, every color painted across the peaks…when “Goodness of God” came on the radio.

I instantly got weepy. Like, deep-down, soul-stirring kind of weepy.

Because in that moment, all I could think about was how good our God truly is.

{Colorado 2025 Bucket List Update // What We Did & What We Missed}

We’re back from Colorado, and while I’m still dreaming about those mountains and cooler temps, I figured it was time for a little update on our 2025 Colorado Bucket List. If you saw my original post, you know I had a list of 23 things I hoped we’d squeeze in on our trip.

Well, we didn’t hit them all...but we did manage to check off 15 (including one surprise stop that wasn’t even on the list!), and I’m so thankful for the sweet memories we made. The rest? Well, I’m just calling that our “next time” list.

{God Moments on the Road // Crosses, Chapels & Constant Reminders}

Have you ever had a moment where you’re just going through the motions, caught up in your own little world, lost in your phone, and then…bam…something pulls your eyes up and your heart right back to Jesus?

That was this entire road trip for me.

{Beach Packing List // 2025}

Next week we’re packing our bags and heading south to soak up some sunshine and salty air in Freeport, Texas! We’ll be staying Wednesday through Sunday in the sweetest beach house...right on the marina with a private pool, plenty of space to relax, and the kind of outdoor setup that screams vacation mode.

Fun fact: this will be our 2nd time to rent this house. We loved it so much the first time that we decided to rent it again for a few nights of beach bliss. It looks like it has switched owners and has a few updates since we've been there. We're excited to see what has changed. I’m already dreaming about morning Jesus time with a marina view and evening walks on the sand.

{Divine Appointments & Gentle Whispers // My Story of Provision and Faith}

Yesterday, I shared about my complete health journey since February 26th, 2025. Today, I want to share a bit of my testimony and how God has shown up for me time and time again...

This health journey of mine hasn’t been easy...emotionally, physically, spiritually. But woven throughout the appointments, diagnoses, and unknowns, God has shown up. Not just in the big, miraculous ways, but in quiet moments that felt like a hug straight from Heaven. Here are just a few of the ways He’s made His presence undeniably known.

{A Charm Bracelet Full of Memories // And a Texas Cause}

Here lately I’ve found myself falling back in love with so many of the things that once brought me immense joy...blogging, picking up my camera again, and most recently, something I used to wear almost daily… my charm bracelet.

This charm bracelet is so much more than a piece of jewelry...it’s like a wearable scrapbook of my life, one that has been 28+ years in the making.

{My healthy journey // Through Uncertainty and Hope}

I’ve gone back and forth on whether to share this post… not because I didn’t want to, but because it’s hard to put this journey into words. The past few months have been filled with uncertainty, doctor visits, misdiagnoses, medications, answered prayers, and more divine nudges than I can count. I’ve kept detailed notes along the way...partly to advocate for myself, partly to process it all...and today I felt led to put it all into one place. 

If you’re walking through something similar, I hope this encourages you to trust your gut, lean into your faith, and look for the little reminders that you’re not alone. This is a long one, but it’s a big piece of my heart... and a testimony to how God shows up in the details. 

{Waxahachie Wednesday // The Burger Spot}

If you’re local to Waxahachie or just passing through and craving a good, solid burger...this one’s for you! For this week’s Waxahachie Wednesday, I’m spotlighting a recent visit to The Burger Spot, and y’all… it did not disappoint.

{Stars, Stripes & Lakehouse Vibes // 4th of July Weekend Recap}

Another 4th of July weekend is in the books... and this one just might be one of my favorites yet. We spent the holiday at the lakehouse, surrounded by family, sunshine, fireworks, and all the red, white, and blue. It was the slow, memory-making kind of weekend my heart loves most. I already shared a bit about our festive photo plans in this post, but now it’s time to give you the full rundown of how the week actually played out. 

Spoiler alert: it was GOOD.

{Texas Tuesday // Palo Duro Canyon}

 The Grand Canyon of Texas...

On our way back from our Colorado road trip, we made a stop that had been on my Texas bucket list for a long time...Palo Duro Canyon. And let me just say… wow. Texas never ceases to amaze me. A little wink from God, reminding us of the beauty He painted into every corner of this state.

{Stars, Stripes & Snapshots // A 4th of July Photo Checklist // An Update}

If you caught this post, then you know I made a festive little photo checklist to go along with our 4th of July celebration at the lake. I love having a themed list to guide the moments I want to capture... but as with most things, sometimes the reality looks a little different than the plan...and that’s okay!

I have a whole (long) weekend wrap-up post coming soon, but in the meantime, I thought it would be fun to revisit that photo list and go over what I was and wasn’t able to check off.

{Stars, Stripes, and Lakehouse Nights // 4th of July Fun}

Happy 4th of July, friends!

We’re ringing in this Independence Day a little differently this year...and I couldn’t be more excited about it. Instead of our usual camping trip and city fireworks, we packed our bags and headed to the lake for a long weekend of red, white, and blue fun!

{Thrifted Thursday // Hymnals, Bibles & Patriotic Regrets}

 I mentioned in our Weekend Wrap-Up post here that we stopped by one of my favorite little local thrift stores...Pennies from Heaven...while out running errands on Saturday. It’s one of those sweet, tucked-away places that always has a little treasure waiting to be discovered.

{Currently // July 2025}

Linking up with Jenn at Joyful Jenn for this month’s Currently post...and I truly can’t believe we’re already flipping the calendar to July. How is the year halfway over already?! It feels like we were just ringing in 2025, and now we’re pulling out the red, white, and blue for summer’s most patriotic celebration.

This month, we’re sharing what we’re currently loving, savoring, celebrating, remembering, and trying. Let’s jump in!

{Wednesday Hodgepodge // July 2nd Edition}

 Linking up with Joyce for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge! These questions are all centered around July 4th - one of my favorite holidays. Let’s dive in...

{4th of July themed scavenger hunt}

We are officially gearing up for some 4th of July fun at the lakehouse this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited! Give me the water, sunshine, good food, and fireworks with my people and I’m one happy girl. 

Anytime we take a family trip, there’s one thing I always try to include...a scavenger hunt for the boys. Our nephews (ages 5 and 7) have come to expect it, and it’s honestly one of the highlights of every trip. They love the thrill of the hunt, and I love watching their excitement with each new clue. So of course, I had to put one together for our lakehouse getaway.

{Weekend Wrap-up // last weekend of June 2025}

Whew, what a weekend! I can’t believe how quickly it flew by, but I’m so thankful for every full moment. Speaking of things flying by...where in the world did June go? Anyhow, here’s a little peek into what we were up to over the last few days…

{Stars, Stripes & Snapshots // A 4th of July Photo Checklist}

Is there anything more nostalgic than the 4th of July? The smell of burgers on the grill, kids running barefoot in the yard, sparklers lighting up sleepy small towns, and flags waving proudly in the breeze. It’s a holiday that brings together everything I love...family, freedom, faith, and a whole lot of fun.

Each year, I try to slow down long enough to soak it all in and snap a few photos that capture the spirit of the day. Not perfectly posed, but real, joy-filled, and memory-rich. You know…the things we’ll want to remember years from now.

So this year, I put together a fun and festive 4th of July Photo Checklist you can use with your family...whether you're watching a parade, spending the day at the lake, or lighting sparklers in the driveway. This printable makes it easy to get those “little moments” that often slip by too fast.

{From the Front Porch // A Sunset Start}

 We hadn’t even made it out of Texas yet...

Somewhere between Wichita Falls and Amarillo, as the sun began to set, we were gifted the most breathtaking view. The sky lit up in soft pastels and vibrant oranges, a ribbon of clouds glowing like they were hand-painted by God Himself. I reached for my phone (as I always do), and my heart whispered, “Thank You, Lord.”

Isn’t it just like God to show up in the simple moments?

{Our last day in Colorado // Mason's final hockey game}

Since Mason didn’t have to be at the rink until 9:00 am, we got to sleep in a bit...a small but welcomed gift after a week of early mornings and go-go-go. But in true Hall fashion, we were still a little early. 

We arrived in time to catch the last 30 minutes of the game before Mason’s, and something about watching that game just broke me wide open. I wept like a baby. Twice.

{Colorado Adventure // Day 6 // Red Rocks, Denver Sightseeing & a Dream Drive to Pikes Peak}

Our sixth day in Colorado felt like the grand finale of our trip...the kind of day that made us pause and say, “wow… we really got to do this.” With Mason getting out of camp a little early, we packed the afternoon and evening with bucket list adventures, beautiful views, and a whole lot of gratitude. It was a day we had looked forward to for years, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

{Colorado Adventure // Days 4 & 5 // Exploring Castles, Climbing Rocks & Dodging Storms}

Our middle days in Colorado were full of the kind of moments that make you slow down and say, “this is so cool.” From climbing rocks and castle views to creamy shakes and downtown strolls, Days 4 and 5 gave us a perfect blend of adventure, rest, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Tuesday started bright and early...we dropped Mason off at camp, then stayed to watch his first ice session before heading out for breakfast together. After a delicious start to the day, Nate and I made our way back to the Academy to be nearby for Mason’s updated schedule (camp life = flexibility!).

{Monthly Musings // Summer Vacation Edition // June 2025}

I’m so excited to be linking up with Holly from Pink Lady and Patty for their Monthly Musings series. This month’s theme is all about summer vacations...and you know I’m all about that life! Whether we’re loading up the car for a road trip, soaking in the salt air at the beach, or planning a porch-sitting kind of weekend at the lake, summer is truly my favorite.

Let’s dive into this month’s questions!

{Colorado Adventure // days 1–3 // Friends, Father's Day & First Ice Time}

Our much-anticipated Colorado trip is in the books, and I’m so excited to finally sit down and share all the details...starting with the first three days, which were already so full of fun, laughter, and the kind of moments that fill your heart right up.

{Why We Traveled to Colorado // Air Force Academy Hockey Camp}

While our Colorado adventure was full of scenic drives, roadside stops, and bucket list moments… the main reason for our trip was something a little extra special: Mason was accepted to attend the Air Force Academy Hockey Camp in Colorado Springs!

As a hockey family, this was a big deal. Not only was it a great opportunity for Mason to grow in skill and experience, but… hello — hockey camp at the Air Force Academy?! So cool. We knew it was going to be an unforgettable week.

{Wednesday Hodgepodge}

I have so much Colorado content to share but until I can sort through it all...

Linking up with Joyce at From This Side of the Pond for a fun round of Wednesday Hodgepodge! I always love reading everyone's answers and reflecting on these thoughtful (and sometimes light-hearted!) prompts. Here's what we are sharing this week...

{Texas Tuesday // Cadillac Ranch // Amarillo, TX}

On our way home from the mountains of Colorado, we made another adventure stop…

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. It was right at sunset, and y’all… what a perfect way to wrap up a road trip. The sky was glowing with those dreamy Texas colors that only God can paint, and the row of half-buried Cadillacs lit up like a dusty art gallery on the plains.

{Colorado by the Numbers // A Road Trip Recap}

Our road trip from Waxahachie, TX to Colorado Springs, CO was nothing short of incredible. From stunning mountain views to thrift store treasures and some “oh wow” bucket list moments, we packed so much into our adventure...and had a blast counting it all along the way. Here's our Colorado trip... broken down by the numbers.

{From the Front Porch // Sky Heart}

 A Heart in the Sky – A Gentle Reminder of God’s Goodness...

Tonight, as the sun began its slow descent and the sky painted itself in soft blues and golden light, I looked up...and there it was. A single cloud, perfectly shaped like a heart. Just floating there. Quietly. Simply. Beautifully.

I immediately snapped a photo, not wanting to forget this tiny, perfect moment.

{2025 Summer Bucketlist}

The sunshine has officially clocked in, and the sweet days of summer are here! In honor of the first day of summer (yesterday), I thought it would be the perfect time to share our family's 2025 Summer Bucket List. Every year, we love to dream up all the things we hope to do together...from big adventures to those simple, memory-making moments that make summer so sweet.

This list is our gentle reminder to slow down, say “yes” to spontaneous fun, and soak up all the goodness this season has to offer...

Whether you live here in Texas or anywhere else, I hope this inspires you to make your own list and embrace the sunshine, laughter, and spontaneity that summer brings.

{Friday Favorites // 5 Things I love about Summer}

Summer has officially rolled into Texas, and y’all… my heart is so here for it. There’s something about this season that just slows everything down in the best way. It invites us to live a little lighter, laugh a little longer, and hold tight to the people and places we love most.

{Thrifted Thursday // Facebook Marketplace Win}

Welcome back to another edition of Thrifted Thursday, where I share my latest thrifty finds...from hidden gems to budget-friendly scores that make my heart skip a beat. And this week’s find? Total Facebook Marketplace magic.

{Waxahachie Summer Bucketlist}

Summer in Texas might bring the heat... but Waxahachie brings the charm! 🌞💛

Our sweet little town absolutely comes alive this time of year...with sun-soaked festivals, hometown parades, local eats, and plenty of places to cool off and make memories with your favorite people. Whether you're a local or planning a weekend road trip, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spots, events, and family-friendly adventures happening right here in Waxahachie this summer.

Here’s what’s on our Waxahachie Summer Bucket List this year:

{Texas Tuesday // Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve // A Hidden Gem in the Texas Hill Country}

If you're seeking a unique and awe-inspiring natural experience in the Texas Hill Country, look no further than the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve near Mason, Texas. This remarkable site is home to one of the largest maternity colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in the United States, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness millions of bats in flight during their nightly emergence.

{The Best iPhone Road Trip Apps}

Y’all know we love a good road trip around here... especially when it involves chasing sunsets, new adventures, or heading west to the mountains. Over the years...and after many miles on the road,  I’ve discovered a few trusty iPhone apps that make all the difference. From finding clean restrooms (you’re welcome, mamas) to discovering hidden gems and documenting the journey... these apps are tried and true road trip gold.

So whether you're road-tripping across Texas or heading into the Rockies like we are this week, here are my favorite iPhone apps to make your next adventure even smoother.

{To the One We Love So Fiercely // Happy Father’s Day, Nathan}

There are so many things I could say about Nathan, but the truth is, that words often fall short. How do you even begin to sum up the kind of man who is not only an incredible husband, but the most loving, selfless, intentional dad? This Father’s Day, I just want to say what our hearts feel every single day: we are so thankful for you, and we love you beyond words.

{From the Front Porch // Clinging in the Wind}

Welcome to the second edition of "From the Front Porch" a new series I started here on the blog. You can read all about it and my first post, here. Writing has always been therapeutic for me. For years, this blog has served as mostly our family scrapbook, with a little bit of other stuff mixed in. It will remain our digital scrapbook, but I also want to use this platform to share about Jesus. Thus the idea of  "From the Front Porch" was born...where I share the love of Jesus through a devotion, reflection, or quiet moments of encouragement. Just like a good chat with a friend on the front porch...iced coffee in hand (because it's hot in Texas) and the sun setting in the distance...this series is meant to be a place of peace, rest, and truth.

Whether it's something God has laid on my heart during my quiet time, a lesson learned in the everyday, or a verse that won’t let me go...my hope is that these words point you to Him and remind you that you're deeply known and wildly loved.

Pull up a chair, friend. You're welcome here.

{Colorado 2025 Bucketlist}

We are so excited to be heading to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a whole week of fun, family time, and adventure! It’s a trip we’ve been looking forward to for a while now...and we’re extra grateful to get to experience it all together.

This trip is especially meaningful because our son Mason will be attending hockey camp at the Air Force Academy while we’re there (so cool, right?!), and we’ll be staying with sweet friends who opened their home to us for the week. With seven full days to explore, relax, and take it all in, we put together a bucket list of all the things we’d love to see and do while we're in town.