Five on Friday

Finally! The week has reached its end. The ground is speckled with golden leaves and the trees are showing off their fall color flair. Absolute perfection. We have some wonderful things in store this weekend...More to come on all of that. For now, I'm linking up with The Good Life and RunningMOMentum for this week's Five on Friday.

 

 

[one]

 

Today marks a very special day for my husband and I. On this day, in about an hour from now, we will have been married for 5 years! I can't believe how quickly time has gone. We laugh about the first year or so. We definitely learned about all of the fine print that comes with the "for better or worse" part of the vows. God has blessed our marriage in ways we could not even imagine. He has carried us through awkward moments, the joining of two very different lives, infertility and the birth of our first child this year. I can't help but smile as I think about all of the possibilities that lie ahead of us.

 

 

[two]

 

To celebrate our anniversary, my husband gave me a very, very special gift. He gave me an anniversary band for my wedding set. I LOVE IT! We'll be celebrating tonight with dinner and some just us time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[three]

 

This week has been filled with joy and sorrow. While we celebrate today, just yesterday we were mourning the 1 year anniversary of my grandpa's passing. He was one of the strongest, bravest men I've ever known. There was so much strength in the hands of that farmer man. The power and callouses that were used to plow the earth, mend fences, feed the livestock, and split wood are the same gentle hands that would play keep away with our noses, hold us while he told us stories of days gone by. Those same hands held his Bible during the church sermon and the hymnal when we'd sing. I miss him dearly and hate that Gracelyn will never get to know the man that made us laugh and love the outdoors. However, I smile when I think of how he waits just inside those pearly gates to greet his grandchildren, children, and wife on the day we come Home.

 

 

[four]

 

Pumpkins, spice and everything nice! I took some time this week to enjoy a little baking. I have a simple recipe that was given to me by a friend of mine from collage. It's simply a can of pumpkin and a box of spice cake mix. They make the yummiest pumpkin spice muffins! I of course had to top them off with something sweet and delicious. I made some of my Cinnamon Maple Cream Cheese Icing. I could have ate half the pan...thus I took them to school to share with my much deserving co-workers.

 

[five]

 

My obsession with The Pioneer Woman's recipes continue. This week I made her Roasted Chicken. Oh. My. Word. This recipe was simple and is definitely a keeper. Paired with some brown rice and green beans it makes the perfect meal. It would also be delish in some chicken salad or on a sandwich. I strongly encourage you to try it!