Recap

Currently – June 2025

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

June!! Hello and goodbye to this month. How are we through 6 months of the year already?! In so many ways it feels like my year is just beginning. It’s summertime and a fresh start all at once {Insert refreshing deep breath here}. I’m here for it, even if it feels like half the year has managed to slip by.

January was nice. I spent a lot of time doing my yearly reflection of what I hoped for the year, and, per usual, by February a lot of that went out the door as I was getting into the busy season with work. March and April was spent mostly in survival mode between work and family life. May was a recovery month and getting my home and life back on a normal track. And now June…lovely, refreshing, revitalizing, June.

We have officially entered our summer schedule, which means a slightly later start in the morning. I keep having to remind myself that our summer only started 2 weeks ago and there is plenty of time left to enjoy the season.

We are planning a few fun outings this summer, but overall it will likely be a more quiet summer this year and that’s ok. We will make the best of it!

Here’s what else we’ve been up to…

Currently Watching

Pride and Prejudice on Amazon Prime

I watched the entire “series” once already and I’m watching it again. Such a classic! I watched it years ago but I didn’t have the appreciation for it back then as I do now.

Currently Reading

Finished! “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini

I liked it and would give it about 3.5 stars. It sometimes felt a bit repetitive with the fighting scenes, but otherwise it was good.

Which then brings to the next book in the series that I just finished, “Eldest”.

I have not picked up the 3rd book yet, but it’s coming.

I’m finally getting back to “Atomic Habits“, by James Clear.

I have become extremely lax in keeping with my routines and habits over the last couple months and it is really starting to show and bleed into other areas of my life. It is far past time that I get myself and my home back into shape!

Currently Making/Baking

Chicken Strip Salad Wraps!

This is the easiest recipe! You can get whatever salad mix you like at the store, and your favorite salad dressing. Buy some breaded chicken strips and bake as directed. I let the chicken cool a bit and cut it into pieces. Place however much salad mix you would like on a tortilla, spread the chicken on top, drizzle your salad dressing on and wrap it all up! Sometimes we get potato wedges for a side as well. It’s a great summer meal!

Current Favorite

Spending so much quality time with my family!

It’s easy to get caught up with daily life, but I am so thankful to be in a season that I can finally slow down and soak in more family time.

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Thank you for being here in my very sporadic blogging journey. I hope you all are doing well and are having a wonderful start to your Summer!

Much love,

Cami

2024 Summer Bucket List – Recap!

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

Wow, this summer went by SO fast!! I’m still a bit in shock that we have finished the first couple weeks of “back-to-school” already. I wanted to do a bit of a recap and see how we did on our Summer Bucket List! I did not manage to get pictures of everything but I enjoyed soaking in all these moments…

Here’s how we did!

Food & Drink

~ Make Lemonade Popsicles – Yes!

I love that the molds we have look like watermelons; they’re so cute! I used raspberry lemonade juice. these were so delicious and refreshing on a hot day! It was a big hit with the kids too. :)

~ Make Sun Tea – Yes!

Or according to our son, summer tea! I believe I used 6 teabags and set in the sun for about 2.5 – 3 hours. It was perfect with a slice of lemon!

~ Bake A Pie – Yes!

I will never win an award for food photography, BUT, it was so good! I cheated and used store bought cherry pie filling, however I did make the pie crust from scratch! I will definitely be adding this to the list every year.

~ Eat Fresh Fruit Outside – Yes!

There is something just so refreshing when eating fresh fruit outdoors. We bought a blueberry plant last year that grew a total of 3 blueberries last summer. I left it outside all winter long and I thought for sure I killed it, but look at it!! I was so relieved I didn’t kill it. Not only that but it grew lots of blueberries this year! It was fun to eat from our own little plant. :)

~ Go Out For Ice Cream – Half point on this one

No picture, but we did share an ice cream cone while at the fair. It was good but I feel like this should have been a mini event all on it’s own.

~ Have A BBQ – Yes!

We marinated chicken with Italian dressing and barbecued it up. We also had corn on the cob and pasta salad to go with it. I didn’t get a picture but my stomach is growling thinking about it!

~ Make Peach Cobbler – Nope

We’ll have to add this to our Fall Bucket List!

Out & About

~ Go To The Zoo – Yes!

We always have such a good time at the zoo! Our little girl’s favorite was the “kitty” (last year it was ducks, haha). My husband’s parents came to visit and going to the zoo was the highlight of our trip!

~ Go To The Aquarium – Yes!

I was hoping to go to the Newport, Oregon aquarium, but we made it to the Seaside aquarium! We got splashed by the seals, saw a cool octopus, saw stingrays, and got to touch some cool starfish! It was a big hit with the littles!

~ Go To A Farmers Market – Yes!

We came home with some yummy pastries and homemade tamales! We only went once but it was fun to check it out. Also, our daughter kept going to every sign and pretending to read what it said, it was pretty cute. ; )

~ Visit A New Park – Nope

Oh man, I’m a bit sad on this one. They put in a brand new park in our town and we still have yet to go. It remains on our list though!

~ Go To The Fair – Yes!

We went to our local county fair and it was great! We got to pet a lot of animals and someone even let me feed their little cow! The family section was really fun and they even had little water tables for all the littles to play and cool off with. It was great!

~ Go To The Library – Yes!

We finished our very first summer reading program! No picture to show but we were proud of it!

~ Go Garage Sale-ing – Yes!

Honestly I should do a whole post dedicated to this next year! We found some pretty flower pots, cute little rain boots for Londyn, miscellaneous toys, and some craft stuff for Gryffin. My best find were these lamps for our guest room! You can’t beat 2 for $10 and they work great! It was a lot of fun as you just never know what you’re going to find!

Fun in the Sun

~ Have A Water Balloon Fight – Half point!

Half point only because I didn’t join in on this one. I pulled the water balloons out when the neighbor kids came over and they all had a blast!

~ Have A Picnic – Nope

Was not feeling up for it this year. We’ll try again another time!

~ Play Frisby – Yes!

This was one of our main activities early this summer in our backyard! No picture to show but we had a lot of fun!

~ Clean Up Our Backyard – Half point.

Our backyard is huge and weeds have really gone crazy. We did manage to have bark chips put in on the side of the house though! We’ve been trying to maintain the rest, but it’s a lot of work!

~ Run Through The Sprinklers – Yes!

We really didn’t do too much with our water toys this year, but we did enjoy it occasionally.

~ Plant Flowers – Half point?

I bought flowers, but I didn’t end up planting them. The area I would like to plant flowers isn’t quite ready. We’ll try again next year!

~ Go On A Nature Scavenger Hunt – Nope.

I’m actually sad I didn’t do this with Gryffin because he likes doing it so much. This will go on our fall list though!

Rain or Shine

Okay this is almost a complete fail in this area! I managed to at least get a half point on one item!

~ Go Puddle Jumping – Nope

A little sad on this one. There was hardly any rain this summer, and when it did rain it just wasn’t great timing to do this. I’m adding it to our Fall Bucket List though!

~ Week Night Movie Night – Nope

Honestly, I didn’t do a good job thinking about this one! I will be adding it to the Fall Bucket List! I think it will be more special to them now that school has started anyway. :)

Mail A Postcard – Nope

I did manage to buy one! It’s so pretty I’ve been thinking of keeping it for a scrapbook. You know….when I get to scrapbooking some day….

Play A New Board Game – Half point!

We didn’t play a new one but we did play one we already have! The kids love this one! It’s especially great for toddlers who are learning their colors and are beginning to count.

Make A Summer Scrapbook – Nope

This is getting a bit sad because it’s been on my summer list for literally years. I keep adding it though because one of these days I’m determined to make it happen.

Do A Photo Challenge – Nope

Oh man, I talked about doing this with Gryffin, but we didn’t get to it! It’s going on our fall list!

Make A Summer Craft – Yes!

I helped Gryffin put this together (so easy and it just snaps together!) and he painted it. So cute!

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I hope you all had a wonderful summer! Here’s to a happy fall season!

Much Love,

Cami

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

Currently – September/October 2023

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

The last month and half has been interesting to say the least (do I keep saying that??). For those of you who don’t know, I have been searching for a new job. And let me just say, job hunting is not for the faint of heart! I left my last job on good terms, but finding another place has not been as easy as I was thinking/hoping it would be – at least for the administrative rolls I have been searching for. The job market in this area is pretty competitive and apparently quality workers are not very hard to find here (I’m sure this probably depends on the industry).

I will say, my application to interview ratio is pretty strong. The reasons I have not received a job has ranged from not having the direct experience they are looking for, being overqualified for a position (assuming they thought I would be bored and not stay long?), or it’s been completely circumstantial on their end. However, I still know God has His hand on this. Had I received one of the positions I was pretty confident I would be offered, I would have ended up calling out sick for an entire week and a half because our family got completely nailed with one of the worst, long-lasting colds ever.

With that said, I had another interview this week for another position, and while I’m not sure which way it will go right now, I do know God’s got a plan that I can fully trust in him for.

So anyway, with that update…here’s what else we’ve been up to!

Currently Watching

“Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” on Netflix

I really enjoyed this documentary! Not because I’m necessarily interested in living to 100, but I love learning about other people’s lifestyles, especially with older generations and I found this to be fascinating and well done. It was insightful and made me realize some of the generational traditions are not being passed down with the changing of our own modern day lifestyles, even in my own family. It has me thinking about the meals my grandma cooked that I haven’t made because it’s time consuming. However, in order to keep those traditions alive, it takes action and it’s up to us to keep it going. Definitely food for thought.

Currently Reading

“Help, I’m Drowning“ by Sally Clarkson

I’m only 3 chapters from the end but I’ve been savoring this book. For me this isn’t a binge-read. As the storms in my life continue to keep coming I’m very appreciative of this book right now and so I will continue to slowly work my way to the end.

“Atomic Habits“ by James Clear

I haven’t made any progress from last month but working on picking it back up. As I’m rethinking some of my routines I know this book will be helpful!

Currently Making/Baking

These Easy Blueberry Muffins by Carrie from Eating on a Dime!

A couple months ago we somehow accidentally ordered 6 huge cartons of blueberries on our grocery order. I gave some to our neighbors but I also froze quite a few and I am so happy I did! These have been quick and easy to make and enjoyed by everyone in our family.

Current Favorite

Rest. The biggest blessing in the past month and a half is that for the first time in years I finally feel like I’m getting deep rest. I have thoroughly been enjoying being able to sit with my coffee and soak in my Bible and time in prayer. I’ve been able to catch up on house work and evaluate the systems/routines that are working and not working for us. I’ve been able to take care of my sick babies and myself without the worry of losing a job over it or wondering who I’m letting down because of it. I knew I had been burnt out…I just didn’t realize the extent of it.

I think the best way I can describe it, is that I feel like I’m a plant that is getting some much needed water and sunshine after surviving in less than ideal conditions. I’m very thankful for this time.

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I know life is crazy for many of you and everyone is going through different things right now. Just know someone (me) is out there praying for you.

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