5 ways we're keeping Healthy this Season

Okay, it has been 3 months since my last Five Favorites. The shame! I really do enjoy these little weekly lists of favorites for what we have going on in our lives, whether it be a little something I'm enjoying, clothes, foods and recipes, chit chat from the boys, and whatever else. It's fun! 

So, here I am, back after my little favorita-break to share how we have armed ourselves this winter season. Fun, I know!

But, you have to understand where I'm coming from. The last couple winter seasons have been rough. I mean, ROUGH! We've caught the flu (both rounds!), a stomach bug from h-e-double-hockey-sticks, random viruses, and the most recent bit of awfulness was Hand--Foot-Mouth. You can imagine after all this yuck how this mama was not going to mess around this season. Viruses, bacteria, ick, I have armed myself and am praying that it is enough! More than enough to get us through a year of no more terribleness.

1.

Elderberry

First up, Elderberry. I've been giving this to the boys the past year or so. I forget when I first heard about it but once I did I went ahead with it and kept myself well-stocked. The first year or so, I was using one that was a little sweetened for kiddos. But, recently I came across a concentrate that I am sold on. The price was great and I feel it packs a better punch.

Elderberries contain the majority of the daily value in vitamin C, and high amounts of vitamin A, potassium, iron, vitamin B6, fiber, and betacarotene. Sold! Read more here about this awesome berry and how wonderful it can be for you. We are fans.

2.

Probiotics

A friend of mine did lots of research on cold verses dry probiotics and it's potency. I thanked her for checking into that and followed suit on the refrigerated goodness. Especially since we've had tough cases of thrush early on in both of the boys' lives.

The one we buy now is great! I love how I can just mix it in with the boys' drinks on the daily and that not only does it include the probiotic awesomeness but it also has RAW fruits and veggies. Winning! Healthy digestive system, healthy immune system. Happy mama.

3.

Briar Rose

This is a new one for us. I read up on it and it's an immune booster great for kids and adults during the winter season to boost immune systems. I'm giving it to the boys 1-2 times a week in their juice (I know, so sneaky.). Yay! 

Read more about it here from another crunchy mama trying to keep her family healthy!

4.

Lithy Tree

This gem is for coughs and bronchitis. I haven't used this as often, but I did stock up on the chance that either of the boys catch a coughy-cold.

This site has a tad more info. 

Hmm...I wonder if this would help a certain someone not snore as thunderously?... May need to start sneaking it in Daddy's juice too.

5.

Bone Broth

Yup. I went here. For the first time and it's been awesome and much easier to implement than I anticipated. 

I crock-potted bones from two roasted chickens. Added raw garlic, onion, carrots, and celery - skin and all. Filled with water, added a few spices for fun, and let it sit for 12+ hours. Drained and froze. Yay!

It's been so easy to add to our meals! Throw in a couple ice cubes to cook frozen veggies for a meal. Throw in cubes in the water I'm cooking pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. Soups. Or even just as a cup of tea. This little tidbit of health doesn't seem like an effort at all. Which is awe-some!

~ ~ ~

Bonus: I know in the photo Apple Cider Vinegar is pictured. So, as a BONUS I found that this helps ward off the stomach bug. This is major for families of littles. Whether it be daily intake prior to keep your gut an unfriendly place for the stomach bug or if you start taking it immediately after being exposed. This stuff apparently is gold and has other health benefits too. Win-Win-Win!

There you have it, friends and family. This is how we are boosting our immune systems this season.

What have y'all been doing to keep healthy this winter season?

Linking-up with the loveliest of lovelies, Jenna, for Five Favorites.

Lots of Light

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.
-St. Francis of Assisi

We had such a beautiful weekend with lots of light! So thankful for friends who share such joy, love, and goodness with our little family.

Weekend getaways are easy to embrace. Especially when the little ones in my life have such an amazing time! Also, being completely disconnected and not looking at my phone once all weekend was kind of wonderful. It made embracing the amazing ranch we stayed at so so so very easy.

Can't wait to share all about the tire swings, drum set, pond equipped with paddle boats and kayaks, and time filled with lots of love, smile, and fun + some tears from Linus...because, Linus.

How was your weekend?

Linking-up with Gina for Embrace the Ordinary.

Zoo Family Fun: Kissing Monkeys and Beautiful Giraffes

We were able to go to the zoo this past weekend while Papa Wooley and Nonna were in town. We've been wanting to go to the zoo since forever. Honestly, if it were up to me, we'd be there once a month because I kind of just love it. It's outdoors. There's walking. Chit-chatting. Admiring of beautiful animals. And, there's always the making of beautiful memories.

I'm also very fond of the zoo because I absolutely loved when my parents would take me when my brother and I were little. You never knew what the animals would be doing this time or what events they would have for us little kiddos. And, I remember taking a picnic to be had in the big park across the street from the zoo. We would go eat our sandwiches out there. Together. And, I loved it. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

Onto my reasons for loving this trip.

The boys were happy and so excited! I can't even explain the light that lit when I told my oldest we had arrived. His face bunched together out of joy and he started rambling off toddler zoo chat non-stop. The boys were often held by the men and were thrilled and Roaarrring to their hearts desire.

There's always a laugh to be had with these animals. These two were so funny.

These kisses just kept on keeping on. One kept after the other puckering up and leaning in. The exchange was hilarious. So hilarious! I kept wondering when one or the other would give in, but there was no stopping the love exchanges these two wanted to share with each other.

It was pretty great!

Life is mind-blowing and it's kind of awesome to see it up close and personal. Flamingos. You really are so beautiful, stinky (I mean, really stinky.), but incredibly mind-blowing with your one-legged-standing-selves!

Come onnn! I just don't know how that could ever be comfy. But you are. Tuckered in. Comfy. And, on one leg.

Haha, while leaving the flamingos, my husband turned to me and just said, Mind blown. Haha, and I agree. Crazy, stinky, beautiful, wonderful, unique flamingos. You amaze us.

There was so much greenery and beautiful sights to be soaked up! We all kept talking about how beautiful this zoo was. The bamboo, the large old trees, the plants, everything was gorgeous!

I love seeing the grandparents light up with the boys. There's a beautiful love between these boys and their grandparents. It's so real and raw and beautiful.

And, I'm glad they were able to share this fun experience with us.

See that joy and love?? I do. It's such a gift!

I loved capturing the boys in front of this elephant! I wish I could have taken a few more because I didn't get the picture I had in my head, but I still love these two photos.

This is what I got when I asked them to smile. Thank you, Linus. Thank you. Meanwhile, Bigfoot was rocking the photo-smiles.

I saw the most beautiful thing! These giraffes were chasing each other all around their exhibit. It. was. beautiful. I had never seen this before. Only on television. And, for whatever reason, I just thought video of them running were always put in slow motion for one reason or another.

But, friends. When they run, it looks like you are watching a video in slow motion. Giraffes and all their beauty, galloping, quickly, but slowly, so delicately, after each other. It was all kinds of glorious and hard to leave.

My heart captures were real and filled with lots of goodness.

Daddy's shoulders 

Papa's hands and guidance.

Togetherness.

And, Mama got a picture with her big boy!

Thank you, Nonna for capturing a few of me and Bigfoot! It's a rarity that I get a photo. So, I'm thankful anytime I do!

There you have it friends. Some pretty, happy, funny, and real. Seven plus one of my favorite takes from our zoo trip with the grandparents and lots of beauty finds for your Friday!

What are your favorites about going to the zoo? Share them in the comments, I'd love to know!

Pray you have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Linking-up with the lovely women of Like Mother, Like Daughter for Pretty, Happy, Funny, and Real (it's been awhile!). Also, linking-up with all the quick-takers over at Jen's Conversion Diary. And, last, I'm linking-up with Aimee and some other wonderful beauty-capture-ers for your Friday.

A Little Glimpse into our Home - Fall Edition

After reading and enjoying Bonnie's Autumn in the Home blog hop that had various bloggers share glimpses of their home and how they brought Fall in, I got my little bum in gear and sifted through all the leftover and random craft supplies I had. I've been able to crank out quite a few bits of Fall goodness. That, accompanied with my quick-trip to the dollar store, and I was able to bring Fall into our home and it feels so very good.

I've always been of the mind that if I don't have all. the. things. that I need to decorate for the seasons, then just wait until we have a budget so I can purchase said-things. Leaving me, year after year, not making my purchases of all-the-things. But, after this fun two-week long stent of letting my creative juices flow, I've changed my mind. I love how our little home came together so I'm excited to share!

Come on in!

To start, you'll be greeted with this burlap wreath I was able to put together earlier this week. It was so much easier than I anticipated and all of the items used, minus the colored leaves, I already had from one season or another. I had burlap from last Christmas leftover and the cross and the wreath frame from a summer wreath we had. The whole thing came together in about 30 minutes after I watched a 2-minute how-to on burlap wreaths. Easy-peasy! I'll be sure to share the little process this week in another post.

Once coming in if you look down the hallway you'll find this little Fall wreath I was able to make with leftover yarn, leftover burlap ribbon, an unused wreath base from last year, and $1 worth of flowers from the Dollar Store. The wrapping took about an hour all together (I double wrapped.) but I was so happy with how it turned out. I love the colors and that I can keep it up for more than one season!

My oldest was a fan too.

He's been a fan of all the new decor. Continuously saying how beauuuutifulll all the little things in our home are. I love how the these new little bits of beauty have been catching moments from him. Makes my heart happy.

I pulled out our dining table runner and placemats. I bought these last year and love them because they are Fall on one side and Spring on the other. Versatility wins! Every time! I've also been sporting Fall-ish colored cloth napkins in our holder because there are a number of them in our stash.

My in-laws were in town this past weekend and my mother-in-law bought me this awesome pumpkin scented candle. It smells just how pumpkin goodness should smell! And, during our last grocery trip I picked up about $3 worth of these sweet little gourds. I put them all over the place in the house and love the little touch they add.

I added a couple to our table too as well as finally brought out these candles with holders we were given at a wedding shower nearly 5 years ago!

The boys did some decorating at the start of Fall and I've left their sweetness hanging on the mantel because they like it and so do I.

To add to their sweetness, I added another $1 steal from the Dollar Store to place along the mantel as well as a few candles that we had from last year for Advent. The purple is Fall too, so it works!

There you have it, friends and family! A taste of Fall in our little home. We kept it simple and inexpensive which is awesome and us.

While decorating our home this Fall season, I noticed that it really did fill me to create beautiful spaces and to share them with my family. In turn reminding me of a favorite quote from St. Francis of Rome.

It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife. And sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping. 

-St. Francis of Rome

God is good and beautiful and I am a firm believer that beauty shares the face of God in little ways. Pray that friends, family, and my little family are able to experience little bits of beauty when at our home and in turn able to experience little bits of God's beauty, warmth, and goodness.

Thanks for for being here and hope you are having a great Wednesday!

How has Fall made it's way into your home?

Linking-up with:

the present moment // liebster and my favorite meme

Currently // Theresa from Ordinarily Lovely nominated me for a Liebster Award - Woohoo! The last time I got a Liebster was when I first started getting more involved in the amazing blogging community that exists on these inter-webs so this is so fun! Thanks, Theresa!

What I'm thinking about // Answering these questions from Theresa:
1. Have you ever had something stolen from you? Hmm...I think I have. Can't remember. So, it must not have been that big or it may not have happened at all. Brain fart!

2. Show us your favorite internet meme or cartoon. Haha, this one's easy!

3. Can you show us a picture that tells us something about you (no words)? Okay, this one was tough. But, here's a photo. And, my words stop here.

4. What's one of your guilty pleasures? Coffee shops, books, and baking.

5. Is there a hobby/sport you'd like to learn? How. to. Sew! I was given a sewing machine last year and have yet to break open the box. I want so much to learn how to sew because there are all these little ideas floating around in my head but, admittedly, finding a starting point with no foreknowledge is intimidating/overwhelming. Hence, the sewing machine in the un-opened box.

6. How do you see yourself spending your retirement (or golden years, as it were!). Spending time with my man! Enjoying grand-children. Enjoying time. But, mostly, enjoying my husband and our love!

7. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you've received? My husband has a way to surprise me with thoughtful gifts when he puts his mind to it. I'd say the most thoughtful was definitely when he surprised me with Edel Gathering tickets for my birthday. I was blown away and blessed by being able to attend Edel this past summer!

8. What's your biggest pet peeve? Since having babies, fitting in my clothes awkwardly. I'm in and out of seasons where this fits but the rest doesn't and then this does but something else doesn't. And, then there's the something fit well one month prior then maybe not so well anymore. It shrinks my closet unnecessarily! And, isn't cool. Nor fun. Someday my whole closet full of clothes will fit me well. Someday.

9. Have you started your Christmas shopping or crafting? I have not. But, need to, so thank you for this question because it sparked me to get started at least thinking about what I'd like to get for loved ones.

10. Blogger's Choice: You pick that awesome question that I'm forgetting to ask - the one you've been dying to answer! (sorry!)

Tagging: Bobbi at Revolution of Love Blog, Kara at Mea Cuppa, Mary at Better than Eden, Mary at Domestic Apologist, Cate over at Dainty Cate, and Micaela at California to Korea!

Questions for all tagged or anyone else who wants to join in on the Liebster fun!
1. Are you a morning or night person? (I'm a night-owl. Always have been, and unless a miracle happens, always will be.)
2. What are your morning routines like? (I'm nose-y and curious!)
3. What's your favorite snack for yourself? (I am loving this homemade coconut kettle corn. Really really!)
4. What's your favorite snack to give to your kiddos? (We do veggie straws a lot.)
5. Favorite thing to bake in the Fall or Winter? (I'm a bake-nut!)
6. Favorite dinner to make during the Fall or Winter? (Looking for some dinner-inspirations!)
7. What do you miss about your college years? (Late nights, sleeping in, and working at a coffee shop.)
8. What's your favorite way to love your spouse? Feed him good foods and keep our home as pretty as I can manage.)
9. What's your favorite way to love your parents? Phone-calls, face-timing, texts, homemade cards, and relishing in the time they are here sharing good foods, conversations, and experiences.)
10. Do you have a note perpetually covering your doorbell (like me.) telling people to not ring your doorbell in case there's a child napping? If not, do you love your doorbell? (We have a yapptastic-dog that looses her cookies anytime the door gets knocked on or the doorbell gets rang. Hence, there is a sign covering our doorbell insisting that neither happens. If it's family/friend, call/text me and let me know you are here, if it's mailman/package/etc leave contents at door without making a peep!).

Look forward to your responses!

Making //

Made this last week.

And, finished this Fall Burlap Wreath yesterday! Will be sharing later this week the end product up on our front door.

I'm thinking of doing one more little Fall craft, but I'm still trying to figure out how to accomplish it with the rest of my leftover craft supplies. Will keep you all in the know once I figure out whether or not it is going to happen or not!

Wearing // I'm wearing comfort. These are the days of leggings and cardigans and leggings and comfort and big sweaters and I could go on. Thank you, Fall.

Anticipating // This weekend! It's our Annual Bible Study weekend trip! We'll be staying at this amazing lodge a few hours away from where we are. I say amazing because it has a playhouse outdoors for little ones that is air-conditioned!?? Annnd, air-hockey, a pool table, foosball, and space; lots of space for running, sitting, and soaking up the Fall sun in great company! We'll be going with four other families who all have kiddos around the same age as our boys. We love this trip! So much fellowship, love, good food, laughs, and memories! It's like a family slumber-party.

Thankful for // Thankful that my back pain has really calmed down. After going to my first physical therapy appointment, they gave me a stretch that was able to get rid of the pain I was having from the flared nerve that was bothering me prior to even getting the shot into my spine. Awesome! I have my next physical therapy appointment scheduled for this week and have yet to schedule the other shot. Hopefully today or sometime this week so all of this can be behind us. At the end of the day, I'm just so thankful I can walk and lift my babies (with care)! I was even able to enjoy a day at the zoo with my family and my in-laws (Will be sharing photos from the Zoo soon, too! There were some amazing animal moments and of course shots of my cuties!).

Also, thankful for our health. We've been hit hard before, so when it's good, I'm thankful! And, not to mention, the Ebola thing is kind of freaking me out (But I'm really trying to not freak out.). Kind of. I mean, we do live in Dallas. So, prayers for all in the front-lines and for all working hard to keep this contained.

Glad I could finally link-up with Currently again. It's been awhile! Thank you, Hannah, for hosting!

What have y'all been up to lately?

WIWS: A Belt, a Cardi, and thankful for Inspiration

The other day, Bonnie shared her outfit for Mass and I was inspired. 

In all, I have one belt. One little belt that came with a jean dress I have. Since acquiring said-belt, I have been able to squeeze a few more outfits out of my closets, which is fun! However, I have yet to wear a cardigan with my one belt much less paired it with a maxi. 

After Bonnie shared this post, my inspiration lead me to this combo and I loved it. Felt pretty. And, was comfy!

Stripes, belt, and a fuchsia cardigan (my camera phone didn't lend to true colors).

My cardi was a gift from my in-laws about two years ago, the belt came from another dress that was a gift from my mama, and the maxi was a gift from my other in-laws while my first born was just born.

Wish I could share exactly where everything was from but I am not very sure of the cardi nor the belt. The maxi was from Motherhood Maternity. I looked for it on their site and it doesn't seem to be there anymore, but there are other options.

Now for my shoes!

I wore my black ballet flat Croc's! I love these shoes! So versatile, so comfy, and so wonderful!! Unfortunately, it seems these were discontinued as well, but Croc's does have a large variety of flats to choose from.

On that Croc note, I wanted to share another trusty old pair that I love and my outfit of the day for Sunday.

Anytime I can find a pair of shoes from Croc's that I can make work, I go for it! It's wonderful. The pair above is just as amazing as the black ballet flats I have. These are the closest I could find since unfortunately they too have been discontinued.

I wore it with this new purchase from Francesca's. Found this gem and got it for $8.99! Wore it with some jeans I bought at a Levi outlet nearby and a cardi that I've had for a couple years. I was a fan.

Felt comfy and cute. I wore the tunic with a navy-blue tank, with the jeans, cardi, and my Croc's! Mom attire win!

But, these shoes! Look at the sole. Com. Fort. True story.

I was excited about both my outfits for Sunday.

But, not as excited as I was about getting to spend Mass with my in-laws and boys. And, even more excited about how beautifully behaved the boys were in our front row seats at Mass. It's always so very refreshing when we have a Mass like that. Especially after a week that was so rough and cry-filled! This go-around, everything was beautiful and good.

God is good. Sunday was wonderful, family-filled, love-filled and embraced by God's goodness. Thanks be to God.

Linking-up with the beautiful women of Fine Linen and Purple. Head on over to see more beautiful Sunday outfits!

Snack time Beauty finds

Snack time happens every day. Twice a day. These boys. They eat. A. Lot. 

On the one hand, this is great. Growing and healthy little men is always a good thing, right? They sit together. They snack together. They share whatever it is I've given them and fill their little boy bellies.

This time is normally when I'm able to get a task done. Whether it be laundry, dishes, wipe down the table, practice my mamatography, or blogging, I'm able to get something done. It's normally a great time for all. Rarely do we have a spat. Snack time just works around here and there's beauty in that.

There's beauty in that because I know I'm going to miss it. Let me explain.

I'm going to miss these little snacking eyes with their sweet little dimples.

I'm going to miss these crumb-crusted lips.

I'm even going to miss these cups with covers. Because, covers. And, well graham crackers, I don't think those will ever leave our grocery list. Because, smores.

I'm going to miss their little hands and their little signs. More pweese, Mamaaa.

I'm going to miss their silly faces. The silliness just gets me and is so telling of their personalities. It fills me.

There's been this fun new little game of show me _____ face. The one that cracks me up and couldn't share their personalities more is Show me your grouchy face. Bigfoot (above) can't make a grouchy face to save his life! While you have Linus (below) who is such a natural. This grouchy face of Linuses' cracks. me. up! Every time! 

I'm going to miss Linus at 20 months. Because there's just so much goodness going on right now. A midst our normal (They are normal, right?) day-to-day toddler challenges, he really is so wonderful, hilarious, and filled with personality for dayyyyss.

And, I'm going to miss the boy who made me mama. This boy. This 3 year old. He fills me. He brings me flowers. He loves his friends and family. Aside from our normal (Right?), bits of defiant behavior, he really doesn't have a mean bone in him. 

I love my boys. They're good to me. And, I pray I'm good to them in a similar way - a way that orients them towards beauty. Beauty that always orients us to the One who loves us so much more than we'll ever know.

These boys. They bring beauty to my days even during our ordinary snack time.

When we see a beautiful object, a beautiful garden, or a beautiful flower, let us think that there we behold a ray of the infinite beauty of God, who has given existence to that object.  

-St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Thanks for staying awhile. What bits of beauty have you encountered today?

Linking-up with a few today. Starting with Jen, for quick-takes. Head here for more quick fun. Gina is next, with Embrace the Ordinary! Head over here to see more lovely ordinary. And, with Aimee for Beauty Find Friday! Click here to go see some more beauty.