Summer

Currently – July 2024

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

Hello!!! I’m still here!  Due to the chaos of life I unfortunately had slipped away from blogging again. Behind the scenes I have made several attempts at a comeback, but life has a way of throwing a lot punches. BUT I am finally here! My try, try again, approach is finally paying off.

To catch up since my last post (refresher – I was in the middle of job hunting this past October), after 9 job applications, 4 no responses, and 7 interviews later, I finally landed the job I was praying for!  It’s amazing to see the answers to my prayers on so many different levels!  God took care of each and every one of my worries, concerns, hopes, and dreams. Anywhere from finding a job locally (most jobs I was looking at were about 30 minutes away in a difference city), to finding a place that would understand and work with my family’s needs, to finding somewhere that would provide growth opportunities, and more.  I just couldn’t be more grateful.

After starting the job we were soon in the thick of the holiday season, a big learning curve with work, and what seems like never ending cold and flu bugs within our household. Changes and life events have continued to roll in and I continue to learn how to “go with the flow” and take the time I need to adjust.  Thank you to anyone who is actually still here!

Jumping right in, here is what we are currently up to! 

Currently Watching

The Olympics!

I am pretty much hooked on the ladies gymnastics and have been ever since I was a little girl. They have all done amazing!! It’s been a lot of fun to watch.

Currently Reading

Oooh I have a lot to update on this section! My reading life has finally picked up! I’m not going into detail on these but hopefully I will get better at book reporting on future posts. I’m starting with the book I am currently reading but also listing all the books I’ve read since my last blog post too.

Currently Reading “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini

So this is a curve ball from the types of books I typically read, but I was looking for something different and this checked that box. I am a little over half way right now and it’s been nice to escape into a fantasy world for a little bit.

Finished “Help, I’m Drowning“ by Sally Clarkson

This was a good read. It was difficult for me to read cover to cover which is why it took me forever, but I’m glad I have this book for when I need encouragement and uplifting.

“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah

This is a historical fiction book based in France during WWII. This book was intense and so, so good! With that said, I’m also really sensitive and I had to put this one down at times because it was just so much. 

“The In-Between” By Hadley Vlahos

Wow, what an eye opening read! Hadley is a hospice nurse and shares stories and life lessons she’s learned along the way. Her stories have changed my perspective when thinking about those nearing the end of life and how I feel it about it regarding my own life as well. I hope she continues to write more!

“Atomic Habits“ by James Clear

Ok…this one is still here. I took a loooong hiatus on this one. I can only read so many personal development books at one time, but as back-to-school season is nearing I am feeling more ready to pick it up again.

Currently Making/Baking

Healthy Choice, Grilled Chicken Marinara for the win!

It’s been easier these days for grab-and-go meals for my work lunch and this one is I feel good about. It couldn’t be easier, I just pop it into the microwave at work for 4.5 minutes and stir it all up. I’m looking forward to trying some of their other meals.

Current Favorite

My window plants!

I don’t usually have the best luck keeping house plants alive, but look at these guys! They’ve made it a whole year! I got the spider plant from a grand opening at a plant nursery when it was just a small little sprig…I still can’t believe how big it’s gotten! I caught myself eyeing another plant at the store the other day and I might just have to cave and get another one.

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It feels good to be back. I hope you all are doing well and are having a wonderful Summer!

Much love,

Cami

2023 Summer Bucket List – Recap!

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

This summer didn’t go like I hoped or planned at all, BUT, we still managed to accomplish some things on our list and we even added a couple items (so stay tuned for next year’s list because those things are definitely getting added!).

So here are the activities we DID do!

~ 1.) Went Swimming!

We went swimming a couple times in our little backyard pool but we also went to the big pools too!

~ 2.) Went Garage Sale-ing

We scored some books, dress up clothes for the kids, Pokemon cards, a decorative clock, a super cozy reading chair that I posted about here in the favorites section, garden kits, and more! We definitely found our new summertime hobby. ;)

~ 3.) Planted Flowers

Our sweet Kahlua smelling the pretty little petunias

I was hoping to plant a real garden this year, however, the backyard went a bit crazy with weeds. Once we have that under control we can get started. It is very hard to keep up with when you have a little one! Hopefully next year! At least the petunias made our front porch look pretty!

~ 4.) Went To The Library

We did not go nearly as much as I was planning, but thankfully this is a year-round activity!

~ 5.) Visited A New Park

No picture to show for this one, but I took Gryffin to meet up with a friend and chose a park we hadn’t been to.

~ 6.) Went On A Picnic

I made a couple mom friends when Gryffin went to Kindergarten last year, so we all met up and had a fun time having a picnic together on a Sunday afternoon. Londyn makes new friends everywhere she goes as the big kids LOVE having her around ;)

~ 7.) Went On A Nature Walk

I took Gryffin out for a walk one sunny afternoon and did a scavenger hunt along the way. He always has fun doing them!

~ 8.) Fed The Ducks

We didn’t go to the pond I was originally thinking of with all the ducks, however, we came across a momma with her big babies on one of our evening walks at a different pond and did feed those ones. They were super sweet!

~ 9.) Went To The Beach

Ok, so this only gets a half point as we did this at the end of May. It was a little exhausting taking Londyn to the beach as we spent most of the time trying to keep her from drowning and eating sand lol. Still fun but not quite the relaxing experience I look forward to when going to the beach.

Extra things we did that didn’t make it on the list…

~ 10.) Went To The Zoo!

I posted a little about this on my last “Currently” post, but we had a really fun time getting away for the day and seeing all the animals!

~ 11.) Carnival At The Carousel!

This was a fun little event we went to. Both kids love riding on the carousel and Gryffin had a fun time playing the games. And, yes, there was even a llama!

We didn’t get to do all the fun summer things on our list but we made the best of what we could and had a fun time doing it!

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I hope you all had a wonderful summer! I would love to know – what was your favorite thing you did this summer?

Much Love,

Cami

Currently – August 2023 (Recap)

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

Between last minute preparations for back-to-school (wow, did that happen fast!) and the ending of my job that I’ve held for the past 11 and 1/2 years (good terms), the month slipped by far too quickly. This last month was a good mix of fun and stress. Job hunting = stressful. Going to the zoo, a carnival, and garage sale-ing = fun!

While we didn’t get to go on a big vacation I’m thankful we’ve been able to find some fun things to do this summer. The Oregon Zoo was definitely a big hit with the littles! Gryffin’s favorites were the crocodiles, eagles, and black bears. Londyn’s favorites were the duckies…and a statue, haha.

Here’s what else we’ve been up to…

Currently Watching

EARTHSTORM on Netflix

I’ve always been fascinated with extreme weather…as long as I’m watching it on tv and not in real life ;). Obviously this is one for when the little ones are preoccupied elsewhere.

Currently Reading

“Help, I’m Drowning” by Sally Clarkson

Still reading this and enjoying it. I am finally getting back into the habit of reading before bed instead of just scrolling through my phone, so I’m making good progress now.

Speaking of habits…I also ordered this book.

I am one to avoid popular books right away, but I usually end up breaking down and getting it after the hype has worn down a little. So far this book has been really interesting and insightful and I’m enjoying the read.

Currently Making/Baking

Smoothies!

Every once in a while we will get some items in our grocery order by mistake. This is one of those items, and I have to say, I’m not at all disappointed by it! I’ve been making this on the weekends and it’s definitely a yummy treat. I was a little unsure at first since it listed Kale in the ingredients, but you honestly can’t tell with the texture or taste that it’s in there. So this was a hit.

Current Favorite

These summer sunsets! This was a breathtaking view. We had been having heavy smoke due to some wildfires nearby and it had just cleared out the evening I took this. It was literally a breath of fresh air! :)

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I hope you all had a wonderful summer! Happy September and I hope you all have a wonderful fall!

Much love,

Cami

The Art Of Slowing Down

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

One of my favorite memories from childhood is from a summer long ago.  I have no idea how old I was, 7, I think?  My brother, sister, and I were at a friend’s house and had just finished playing in their pool.  We were on our beach towels that we had laid out in the grass, shaded by tall pine trees.  I had a little mermaid towel and I was pretending I was her.  I remember as I laid there the sound of the breeze swishing through the trees and the warmth of the air.  We later had fresh berries and homemade lemonade popsicles to eat.  At one point we all just sat there in silence, soaking it all in…just enjoying life in that moment, in all its glory.  I love looking back on this memory and visit it often.  The carefree lifestyle of childhood.

Now I’m an adult.  Life, kids, work, and responsibilities are endless.   Life was much slower then and there’s no going back now.  Or is there?  Obviously, there is no going back to childhood, but what if I could still create even more of those beautiful, idyllic memories in life as it is right now, even with all its complicated messiness that comes with adulthood?

In thinking back to that memory, no smartphones were to be found.  We were grounded with all our senses, soaking in the moment because there was nothing there to distract us. Somewhere along the way, between endless to-do lists and the constant pull to my phone, I have lost the art of slowing down and living in the moment.

Thinking about all this has me wondering – what would life look like if we unplugged, not just once in a while, but more and more every day?  What if we embraced the here and now instead of constantly wishing it away? What if we found a small piece of joy every day and stopped for 10 minutes to literally just sit and take it all in?  When you’re soaking in those moments, what sounds do you hear, what do you see, what do you taste or feel?

As the summer is wrapping up, I want to focus more on pausing, slowing down the moments and soaking them in. Life is far from perfect right now and I’m in a place of unrest, but I don’t want to waste my days wishing this time away while I wait for the next thing. I want to embrace and enjoy the beauty and blessings that God has provided right in front of me. The giggles of my little ones, the sound of birds in the trees, the taste of fresh juicy cherries, and the warmth of the sun on my face.

So, in the honor of slowing down, here’s a little toast to the end of summer, to the memories we make, and the friends and family we share it with, both near and far.

Much Love,

Cami

Currently – July 2023

/ Cami Grace / 1 Comment

It’s the end of the last day of July, but I made it! Life certainly looks different since the last time I made one of these posts! Gryffin joined flag football this year, so the past couple months were spent watching him play on Saturday mornings, then we would grab a late breakfast/early lunch and hit up garage sales around our area just to be out and about for a bit longer. Flag football is now over but we’ve still been enjoying the garage sales!

In addition, and on a random side note regarding work, I have also been job hunting. My remote position is coming to an end and it couldn’t be a more bitter sweet situation. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead and seeing this as a new adventure, but it’s obviously stressful. I’m finding the job market to be a bit competitive, so it’s proving to be a little bit tricky. However, I KNOW God has a plan for me and He’s got his hand on this.

Anyway, with that bit of information, here’s what else we’ve been up to.

Currently Watching

“Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend” on Netflix.


via GIPHY

Season 1, episode 2 is one my favorites! I don’t think I’ve really cared or rooted for someone so much on the show. I’ve only watched 3 episodes in the last month, but it’s been a nice break from COUNTLESS episodes of Bluey and Baby Shark.

Currently Reading

“Help, I’m Drowning” by Sally Clarkson

I have been slowly making my way through this book since last year…and I mean sloooowly – mostly because I’m so exhausted from having a little one. I have so appreciated this book and her perspective, insight, and brutal honesty.

Currently Making/Baking

Italian Pasta!

This is such a good summer meal as it’s perfect for those hot summer days that you don’t want to be over a stove for a long period of time. It’s cool, refreshing, and tasty!

All you do is boil the pasta, drain and rinse with cold water, and throw all the below ingredients together! You can also add or remove any ingredients you prefer. I don’t measure exactly, just however much feels right to you.

  • Tri-Colored Pasta (I use garden vegetable pasta)
  • Cubed Ham
  • Pepperoni
  • Salami
  • Pepper Jack Cheese (or whatever cheese you prefer)
  • Tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Pepperoncini
  • Italian Dressing of your choice (I love Olive Garden’s dressing the best)

Current Favorite

This amazing, cozy, comfortable $20 garage sale find! I still can’t get over this! I never go into garage sales with any sort of expectation, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve thought about having a cute little reading chair for my office. What a fun surprise this was to see!

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I hope you all are having a wonderful summer! I would love to know what you all are up to!

Much love,

Cami