Y’all, it’s been a crazy few weeks for the Underwood family. We’ve had parties and ball games and family visits and all three of us managed to get sick too. {Because, really, what’s a busy holiday season without everyone needing antibiotic and steriod shots. ha!}
But here’s the thing, I know I won’t have much time to write again before the end of the year. I do have a few posts scheduled but I’m making the choice to be offline or at least mostly offline. By offline I mean, I’ll be Instagraming some but that’s about it. So, if we haven’t already, let’s do connect there, please.
I’ve had this post started for a couple of weeks and now that I finally have time to write it, the list of things I’m loving has totally grown … so here you go, a huge list of links and books and products and places and people … just all sorts of the things we’d be chatting about if you dropped by my house. {Full disclosure, several of the links below are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them.}
You might have already seen this on Instagram but my four must haves on my nightstand right now are:
Made from Earth beeswax butter balm, Victoria’s Secret hydrating body lotion, Eden’s Garden eucalyptus oil, and Made from Earth blueberry lip balm. Y’all, these are my favorite products right now for the very dry skin and very stuffy nose I’ve been dealing with lately. Made from Earth sent me a few products to try this winter and I’m totally enamored by all of them. If you need some great skin care products made from natural ingredients, Made from Earth is a great company to check out.
We’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to make as many cookies and treats as I would have liked but I have managed to get a few batches of Snickerdoodles made and even some of my Mema’s Fudge. I know, everyone is always talking about the fudge you make in the microwave … but there is just something super special to me about making homemade fudge the same way my Mema did with my mom and her siblings.
I’ve already spent a fair amount of time in gyms watching my girl cheer at basketball games. This boyfriend sweater from Target in yellow is my go-to item. Since her school colors are black and gold, this sweater keeps me spirited and comfy!
What would a list of things I love be without at least a book or two … so, I just finished Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung. Basically, every word is exactly what I need to read and at the same time so full of grace. I’m reading right now Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch and, y’all, I’m pretty sure it will be one of those books I say everyone needs to read (and then read again).
This song …
I listen to this song at least three times every day … “Until that day comes, I will go and warn the darkness that the light of Jesus Christ has overcome. And until that day comes, I will speak to all injustice that the moment of its ending is sure to come. Oh the day will surely come.” With all the tragedy and sorrow in our world there is such hope in the truth that the day will come when Jesus will return and all will be made right and whole in Him. But until then, I am reminded of my calling to be light and hope!
And these posts are ones I’ve read and shared and saved and read again …
To Ace, after his baptism by Micha Boyett
The One Thing Our Kids Want more than the Hottest Toy this Christmas by Kristen Welch
A Letter to the Baby Girl whose Terrorist Parents Killed 14 People in San Bernandino by Jenny Rapson
Prayers for Girls. If you were sitting here this is where I’d start crying. Because who knew when I shared about this desire of mine on October 3o that over 1100 people would sign up for their prayer calendars in the first six weeks! The January calendar based on Proverbs will be sent out next week and every time I sit down to work on it, I end up crying because I’m just overwhelmed by the goodness of God. {If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so here.}
Speaking of girls, did you all watch Karen Kingsbury’s The Bridge on Hallmark? I had some of my favorite girls from church over to watch with me … and we loved it but part 2 in 2016? Killing us!
Family pictures. We had family pictures made a couple of weeks ago and I love them. This one is my favorite though …
Do you have family pictures made regularly? We’re sort of slackers in that area. We hadn’t done any since 2012.
Christmas cards and letters are flooding my mailbox and I love it! I know lots of people think the cheesy family update letters are silly but I love hearing how my friends and family who are spread out all over the United States are doing. And the pictures make me smile all year long.
Preschool Christmas programs. Oh my word. This probably should have been number one … we were able to see my two-year-old nephew perform in his very first preschool program and, of course, he was the best one on stage. We have always lived far away from our families so we missed all these fun moments with our nieces and nephews … so being able to see Samuel and go his programs is such a special gift to us.
Speaking of family, I was able to go to an event where my 82-year-0ld grandmother spoke on December 1. I can’t even explain what a precious time it was. And my Bigdaddy turns 85 this week so we had a huge birthday bash for him over the weekend. For the first time ever, all ten of his and my Bigmama’s grandchildren were in the same room along with five of their great-grandchildren and a few other family members and dear family friends. Here are some of my favorite images from those events:
So, those are some of the things I’m loving right now … what about you? Share something you are loving in the comments!!
xo,
Teri Lynne
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