What's Up Wednesday: October 2018 Edition

I'm linking up with Sheaffer Told Me To The Larson Lingo and Mix and Match Mama for What's Up Wednesday today.

What We're Eating This Week

I've been back on a smoothie kick. Mostly, it's this one from a recipe that the lovely and talented Mrs. C. created. Often I add this powder to it because I read it's good for a million things and sometimes I actually have a tendency to believe everything I read.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Sadly, it appears we've come to a time in our family when we almost forgot that it was Halloween today. The kids haven't mentioned it and I didn't get a pumpkin and as of this morning I still do not have candy to give out, so I'm reminiscing about a time when we counted the days until Halloween and the kids were bursting with excitement about Trick or Treating. This was one of my favorite years when the boys all dressed up the last time the Sox won the Series in 2013. 

What I'm Loving

A Red Sox World Series win. There are a lot of members of my family who are still recovering from sleep deprivation after watching every minute of the World Series last week which included an 18 inning game that lasted until 3:30 am EST. There were group texts flying around among us until the wee hours of the morning and Drew was late to school more than once during the play-offs which means our parenting is suspect, but it is what it is. My favorite part of the World Series by far is watching the celebration and this year it was watching the players and their sweet kids. Brock Holt's little boy imitating his dad in the photo above is the cutest thing I've ever seen. And, also I have watched this video of Jackie Bradley Jr.'s daughter telling everyone who her daddy is no less than seven times. I promise you that it is worth your two minutes. I mean, is that little girl a dream or what?

What We've Been Up To

Kyle and I are in our last year as members of Young Mens Service League, a mother-son organization that serves various charities in the community. On Sunday, we went out to JK Community Farms in Purcellville, Virginia and I was so impressed with this huge farm that provides organic fruits, vegetables, and protein to families facing food insecurity in our area. In 2018, they yielded 52,580 pounds of fresh produce. We followed Farmer Mike's directions and though I didn't exactly know what I was doing, I did know was I was pulling up plants and plastic sheeting, getting really dirty, breathing in real air and thanking the Lord for farmers. Turns out we were winterizing the pepper plot which makes me feel really important. If you're looking for a fun way your family can volunteer together I highly suggest the farm. You can look at volunteer opportunities here. Also, I would suggest you get someone more adept at selfies than yours truly to take your pictures and maybe bring along a teenager who will help you in that endeavor rather than laugh at you.

What I'm Dreading 

Not much. Maybe cold weather? But November is beautiful in Virginia so I'll skip the dreading.

What I'm Working On

I'm writing a devotional for our pastor's sermon series on 2 Timothy in which there is a very, very quick mention of Lois and Eunice, Timothy's grandmother and mother. These are two names that I had never known were in the Bible until I read Giddy Up, Eunice by Sophie Hudson a couple of years ago, so I pulled out the book which talks about the importance of fostering relationships between generations to reread some of it this week. All of Sophie's books are a delight to read and include her hilarious stories, but this one has some really important messages about our significance to our community no matter our age. I highly recommend it.

What I'm Excited About

From Texas Football Facebook Page

Kyle and I are on our way to Texas tomorrow to visit my family and watch the Texas Longhorns beat the West Virginia Mountaineers. I can't wait to get to Austin, see my brother and his kids, eat some legit Tex-Mex, wander my beautiful campus and sit among my people at Darryl K Royal stadium. It's going to be an embarrassing level of joy for me.

What I'm Watching

Like most of the rest of America, we are fully in the tank for This is Us. Drew and I also like The Good Place, but for the most part it's been all college football and the World Series around here. Luckily, the NBA has started so ESPN will get as much love as usual from the Skinner Fam.

What I'm Reading

This book has been recommended to me a number of times and also seems to be on lots of "must read" lists. I bought it as soon as I finished Where the Crawdads Sing this weekend which was incredible. Go get it.

What I'm Listening To

This entire album (album? Do we still say that?) by Lauren Daigle is maybe one of the best compilations of music that I have heard in awhile. I mean there is not one song that I skip by. It is so good, you will be lifting your hands in the air and praising the Lord while you're jogging through your neighborhood. Or maybe that's just me? Okay. Anyway, I love these songs.

What I'm Wearing

I've been wearing this top I got from my last Stitch Fix box and I love it. See my final Stitch Fix Review here.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Some of this:

And a lot of this:

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

Tryouts for Kyle's final senior season of high school basketball start next week, so I am praying that God willing we'll get to enjoy every minute of watching him and his teammates on the court. I cannot wait.

What Else Is New

Not a lot. Just trying to find gratitude in the extraordinary ordinary days.  Happy November, Friends.

Thanks for stopping by.

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