{A Night of Worship I’ll Never Forget // Brandon Lake Live}

On March 9th, 2024, I had one of those soul-filling, life-changing kind of nights... the kind you tuck into your heart forever.

{Jeep Top Off Season}

 It’s officially “take the top off the Jeep Wrangler” season... and we are 100% here for it!!

{End of Season Hockey Party // 2024}

 This past weekend we wrapped up Mason’s very first season of league hockey with an end-of-the-season party...and y’all, it was such a fun and memorable time. We celebrated at the Cidercade in Arlington, TX, and I think it’s safe to say the kids had an absolute blast. With all the retro arcade games, pinball machines, and good energy, it was the perfect spot to let them run wild and just enjoy being kids after a season of hard work and dedication on the ice.

{Driveway hockey at sunrise}

We had to wake up really early for a hockey game… like, before the sun even thought about rising. Oh sweet spring league...you sure know how to keep us on our toes!

While we were finishing up getting ready, Mason grabbed his stick and headed out to the goal in the driveway. He wanted to take a few shots before we hit the road. I stood there watching him, coffee in one hand, heart bursting with pride in the other... and I’m so glad I thought to grab my phone and snap a few pictures.

{Crazy Chicken Lady}

Maybe I am that crazy chicken lady!!

And honestly? I'm totally okay with it.

{Another trip around the sun}

I’ve never been someone who loves celebrating my own birthday. In fact, even writing that sentence makes me cringe a little. There’s just something about being the center of attention that doesn’t sit naturally with me—whether it’s a big party, people singing loudly in a restaurant, or the moment when all eyes are on you. Nope. Not for me.

But over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate the way others love to celebrate—even when it’s me they’re celebrating. I may not throw a big bash or post a birthday countdown, but I’m genuinely thankful for the people in my life who show up, who make me feel loved, and who find joy in making the day special in their own way.

{Stars game // 2024}

 Kicking Off 2024 with Our First Dallas Stars Game of the Year!

Yesterday we officially kicked off our 2024 sports calendar with our first Dallas Stars game of the year—and what a night it was! There’s just something about walking into the American Airlines Center, hearing the buzz of the crowd, seeing the sea of green jerseys, and knowing you’re about to experience something electric. Stars games never disappoint, and last night was no exception.

{Texas Tuesday // Eiffel Tower in Paris, TX}

A Little Piece of Paris in Texas: Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, TX

If you ever find yourself road-tripping through northeast Texas, there’s a quirky and charming stop you absolutely shouldn’t miss: Texas’s very own Eiffel Tower. That’s right—located in the heart of Paris, Texas, this fun landmark is a playful nod to the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, and it adds a unique touch of European flair to small-town Texas. 

{Broken Bow // Day 5}

 Broken Bow, Day 5: Celebrating Nate’s Birthday in the Best Way

Day five of our Broken Bow trip was extra special—it was Nate’s birthday! Celebrating him in a place that means so much to our family made the day feel even more meaningful. Over the years, Nate has spent quite a few birthdays here in Broken Bow, and each one has carried its own kind of magic. This year was no different—just another memory to add to the growing list of unforgettable birthdays in the mountains.

{I Read the Entire Bible in a Year—and It Changed Everything}

 At the beginning of the year, I set out with one big, personal goal: to read the entire Bible in chronological order. It felt ambitious, maybe even a little overwhelming, but something in me knew it was time to dig deeper—not just into Scripture, but into my relationship with God. And now, here I am at the end of the year… and I did it. I read the whole Bible from start to finish. And it has been life-changing.

{Broken Bow // Day 4}

 River Wandering, Goodbyes, and Night Fishing

By day four of our Broken Bow trip, we had fully settled into that sweet mountain rhythm—the kind where time slows down, your soul exhales, and the only thing on the agenda is to enjoy the moment. It was another day spent at Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that’s more than just a park to us—it’s a piece of our family’s story, full of comfort, history, and the kind of beauty you never get tired of.

{Broken Bow // Day 3}

Broken Bow, Day 3: Fishing, Hiking, and Train Rides Through the Pines 

Day three of our Broken Bow getaway was one for the books—full of fresh air, familiar trails, and the kind of simple fun that fills your heart more than any screen ever could. We spent the day exploring Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that holds decades of memories for our family. From fishing in the clear waters to hiking along the riverbanks and capping the evening with a scenic train ride, it was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation

{Broken Bow // Day 2}

Broken Bow, Day 2: Celebrating Carson’s Birthday—Mountain Style! 

Day two of our Broken Bow getaway was extra special because it was Carson’s birthday! There’s something uniquely fun about celebrating a birthday while tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by family, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. From the moment we woke up, the day was all about making Carson feel loved and celebrated—and I think we did a pretty great job!

{Broken Bow // Day 1}

Back to Broken Bow: A Place That Feels Like Home 

There are places in life that leave their mark—not because of anything extravagant, but because of the memories made there. For me, Broken Bow and Beaver’s Bend State Park is one of those places. Nestled in the Kiamichi Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, it’s more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place woven into the fabric of my life and our family's story.

{Christmas at the Halls: Beautiful Chaos and Cherished Traditions}

 Christmas at the Halls is always a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and joyful chaos—in the best way possible. As our family has grown, so has the celebration. With every new face around the tree, there’s more magic in the air… and let’s be honest, more wrapping paper covering the floor. But that’s what makes it so special. It’s not just about the gifts or the decorations—it’s about the people, the moments, and the memories that get made right in the middle of the mess.

{Christmas morning at home // Just the three of us}

 Christmas morning in our home is something I look forward to all year. While the season brings with it a flurry of festive events, bustling shopping trips, and the joy of reconnecting with friends and extended family, there’s something incredibly special about the quiet simplicity of Christmas morning with just the three of us—Nate, Mason, and me.

{Christmas Eve Lights & Cozy Family Moments}

After our beautiful candlelight service at church—a night already full of peace, worship, and warmth—we weren’t quite ready to let the Christmas Eve magic fade. So once we got home, we traded our church clothes for cozy PJs,grabbed some hot chocolate and a few snacks for the road, and piled into the car for one of my favorite Christmas traditions: looking at lights. There’s just something about driving around in the quiet of the night, car filled with soft music, sipping cocoa, and being surrounded by twinkling lights that feels like pure joy. It’s simple, but it’s everything...

{Candlelight Christmas Eve Service // 2023}

There are certain traditions that anchor the holiday season for me, and our church’s Candlelight Christmas Eve service is without a doubt one of my very favorites. There’s just something so peaceful, so powerful, and so full of wonder about gathering together in worship on Christmas Eve. It’s a moment that cuts through the noise of the season and centers your heart on what truly matters.

Every year, our church puts so much thought, care, and love into creating a moving experience for Christmas Eve—and this year was no exception. From the moment we walked in the doors, you could feel the warmth and anticipation. The sanctuary glowed with soft lights and the atmosphere was filled with joy.

{Christmas Eve // 2023}

 A Quiet, Cozy Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve usually comes with a whirlwind of activity—getting dressed up, packing the car, rushing to gatherings, and trying to fit it all in. But this year? This year was beautifully different. For the first time in what feels like forever, we had nowhere to be on Christmas Eve day. No schedule. No obligations. Just a quiet day at home, and honestly—it was exactly what our hearts needed.

{Christmas at the Stowells}

Christmas with family—honestly, is there anything better? It’s hands-down my favorite time of year. There’s just something so special about coming together, slowing down, and soaking in those moments with the people you love most. The lights, the food, the laughter—it all just feels like home.

This year felt a little different, though. A little more tender. A little more precious....