Cookie dough, cupcakes, and sticky little hands—just a few of my favorite things lately! I’ve been spending lots of time baking and soaking up the chaos of letting the kids join in on the fun. From sugar-dusted counters to everything in between, here are 10 things I’m loving lately.

1. Dakota and Mordecai’s Relationship 🤗

These two are growing closer every day and I love watching their bond deepen. Mordecai loves climbing into Dakota’s crib after her naps to cuddle and play, and they just hang out together. Every morning, I bring her with me to get him up, and they both light up the moment they see each other. Watching their relationship develop has been one of the sweetest parts of my days 🥹

2. First Snow Flurries of the Season ⛄️

Okay, so I’ll admit I’m not exactly thrilled about the prospect of snow. But seeing the kids’ delight over a few flakes falling from the sky for the first time this season? I can’t help but love it. We had the tiniest bit of flurries on Monday and the kids were hype! Mordecai said “Let’s make snow angels!” and ran straight outside. It was the cutest thing!

3. Cupcakes Galore 🧁

I had so much fun going wild with cupcakes for an event for our church! I was given free rein to make any flavors I wanted—how fun is that? Here’s what I baked up:

• Strawberry with strawberry buttercream 🍓
• Chocolate with chocolate peppermint buttercream 🍫
• Snickerdoodle with cinnamon vanilla buttercream + a snickerdoodle topper 🍪
• Chocolate with peanut butter buttercream, a chocolate drizzle, and chocolate sprinkles 🥜

4. Kota Bear 🐻

One of Dakota’s nicknames is Kota Bear and she looked exactly like one in her little bunting suit! We went for a chilly family walk one evening, and I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of our baby bear all bundled up.

5. Reflecting Before Thanksgiving 🦃

With Thanksgiving coming up later this month, I’ve been thinking about all the answered prayers and everyday blessings I’m currently living in.

• 2008 Allie was praying for a Godly man—one just like Jimmy—and we met that October.
• 2013 Allie was praying for an engagement to that Godly man. It happened that August!
• 2014 Allie was praying about her wedding, finding a place to live, and finishing college. It was a big year of answered prayers.
• 2018 Allie was praying for her sweet baby girl, Sadie Mae. She arrived safely and rocked our world in the best way.
• 2022 Allie prayed about welcoming her son, Mordecai. He’s been a source of joy since day one!
• 2025 Allie prayed through her pregnancy with Dakota Rae. She is the perfect addition to our family.

Reflecting on all of those answered prayers, I can see the golden thread of God’s faithfulness woven through every season, every hope, and every “yes” that came in His perfect timing and way.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

6. One-On-One Time with Sadie ⏰

Sadie and I escaped for a bit of girl time, and oh how my heart needed it! She is such a big helper—so patient with her little siblings—and she’s been working hard with her schoolwork lately. We went to Five Below (a kid-centric store where everything is $5 or less), and I let her pick out a toy. It was so fun to see her excitement over all the things there and to just get out together without little ones in tow. Those simple moments with her make my heart so full. 🫶

7. Books on My Nightstand 📚

Sometimes I go through dry spells with reading and other times, my nightstand is packed with books and I panic because I don’t even know where to start! Here’s what’s on my nightstand at the moment:

• A Million Tiny Moments by Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen
• For Richer For Poorer by Danielle Steele
• Holy Disruptor by Amy Duggar King
• Sister Wife by Christine Brown Woolley

8. Apple Pie Baking 🥧

As per usual, I’ve been baking lots of apple pies lately! The kids enjoy helping and Sadie even tried the finished product which was a huge win for our picky eater. She said she liked it, too! Woo hoo 🙌🏼

9. Everything I’ve Cooking and Baking Lately 🍽️

I’ve been keeping the house warm with lots of cooking and baking lately. I love the cozy feeling of having something on the stove or in the oven.

• Simple Twice Baked Potatoes
• Stuffed Peppers
• Corn Muffins
• Cinnamon Vanilla Biscotti
• Mini Meatloaves
• Secret Ingredient Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Banana Granola

What about you—what have you been cooking or baking lately?

10. Magnetic Tile Master 👷🏼‍♂️

Mordecai must have hit some type of developmental milestone because one day he woke up and really “got” how to build with magnetic tiles. He would always play with them, but now he purposefully builds with them and it’s so cool to see what he comes up with! He may or may not be getting a new set to add to his collection for his birthday tomorrow. 😉

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The days may be getting shorter and the air is crisp, but I’m reminded of how full this season feels—full of warmth and love and sugar-dusted fun. Whether it’s baking, playing with the kids, or reflecting on God’s goodness, there’s so much much I’m thankful for.

What are you thankful for today?