five finds friday (finn turns twelve, made for this podcast and mac & cheese)

This week’s weather was so pleasant. Whether it’s right or wrong, weather affects me deeply.

(Can I use the words “whether” and “weather” more often in two sentences?)

It was a great week to be outside – and we sure tried to take advantage of that.

Lake Jocassee and Pisgah trips this week. How perfectly lovely.

funny

Piper Finn turned TWELVE this week.

My last little daughter – inching closer and closer to teenagerness.

STOP IT ALREADY.

One of our family traditions is to leave a trail of notes for the birthday kid to wake up to. Generally, the number of notes equals the age you are turning.

Often, the non-birthday kids get a kick out of helping to create the notes.  They’re basically all supposed to be silly and nonsense.

This year, Otto’s notes to Piper were making me laugh.

If you’ve ever seen the movie – The Hunt for the Wilderpeople – this note was inspired by that movie. Not that Otto has even seen the film.  But he has heard some clips from it.

Also, I can never help myself from wanting to correct grammar in notes like this.  The incorrect uses of “your” and “its” will always pain me.

But I still love that Otto is developing a seriously funny streak.

fashionable

A few weeks ago one of my advertising clients for Travelers Rest Here sent me a message. “Stop by soon. I have a little surprise for you.”

I did as suggested. (I heart surprises.)

Because of previous conversations, she knew I loved vintage items – especially ones that serve dual purposes.  My favorite is something that looks unique and beautiful, but also has a utilitarian task.

When I went into her office – she gave me this little treasure.

I love it.

Right now it’s empty.

What would you stash inside?

flavorful

Our favorite fast food restaurant – do I even need to name it? – just added a new very-Bergen-friendly side dish.

You know what I’m talking about.

Mac & Cheese.

We’ve tried it. A couple of times.

And it’s a hit over here.

It’s a nice addition for us because Bergen doesn’t actually care for meat very much so this gives him a little more to eat there besides the fruit cup and a milkshake.

faithful

I’ve really appreciated what I’ve read by author and speaker Jennie Allen.  Her book Nothing to Prove was one where I underlined half the text.

I’ve been starting to listen to her podcast – Made for This.

What I’ve heard so far, I like a lot.  Short. Straight forward. Instantly applicable. Not full of hype or extra.

I’m thankful to be able to hear so much truth in simple ways for the stretched thin life I’m currently living.

feels

Yes, Piper turned 12 this week.

She’s funny and fiery. Spunky and strong. She feels deeply and loves widely. She likes an audience and it is incredibly important to her that the people she loves know how much she loves them. 

Her freckles are adorable and her fashion sense is spot on.

She’s chosen peanut butter pie as her birthday dessert for so many years we’ve lost count.

I know this photo is blurry but I like everything about it.

I especially like the privilege of celebrating, knowing and raising this kid.

_________________________________