Feels Like Fall

Sep 23, 2023 | ,

Fall is finally here, which means it’s time to spend more time outside, gulp down PSLs, and pull out all of the pumpkin decor. Fall is starting to become my favorite season – the jewel-toned colors, beautiful sunsets, time at the park with Callahan, as well as layered clothes have been worth looking forward to. In preparation, I’ve been consuming all the fall related content on my feeds as well as dreaming about what my ideal autumn will look like. We are lucky enough to have already started having cooler weather and it has been so wonderful to be outside.

A few weeks ago, Myquillen Smith of The Nesting Place released a new podcast called House Rules. The second episode was all about Decorating for Fall and let me tell you, it was one of my favorite podcast episodes I’ve listened to lately. It was all about the idea of decorating for the season without going out and buying all the tchotchkes at Hobby Lobby and instead how we can use our senses to create a cozy fall atmosphere in our homes. It really inspired me to make a list of how I like to experience this season. As this season goes on, I’m excited to pay attention to activities, meals, and vibes that feel quintessentially fall for me.

If you don’t know where to start, Myquillen recommends creating a pinterest board. Here was my inspiration:

Living in the mid-west, we get to experience all four seasons, including an often very beautiful fall with trees that show off autumn colors perfectly. We also have so many opportunities to celebrate autumn by visiting local farms, cheering on our football team, and with local restaurants that bring out all the festive flavors. In addition to bringing fall into our home, I also wanted to incorporate fun things we could do as a family. We have big plans to dive into this Autumn Bucket List I created over the next few months. I’ll be sharing some photos of our experiences as we go just for fun. As our son Callahan gets older, I hope some of these can become traditions that we can look forward to each year.

Download Here: http://www.jacquelinereape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Autumn-Fall-Bucket-List-Document.pdf

I’d love to hear about how you plan to enjoy autumn!🍂

Weekend Wrap Up

Sep 10, 2023 | ,

I am so grateful. This age is so much fun and we love showing him the joys of this life (time with family and friends, yummy food, adventures, etc) and getting as much fresh air as possible while it’s so nice out.

Here are some of my favorite things he’s said lately:

  • “You all done mama?” while waiting for me to finish straightening my hair before a two year old birthday party.
  • “Oh no, it’s the Mr Bill Show!”
  • “Willow, no ma’am.”
  • “Happy Birthday!!” Each day he has been deciding who’s birthday he wants to celebrate that day. This weekend was Aunt Ellie and Mama. 😏
  • When he builds with magnatiles: “That’s a big how-er (tower)!”

A sweet weekend that will keep my heart filled up for the whole week. ❤️

I Love

Jul 7, 2023 | ,

I love the sound of uncontrollable giggles when I blow raspberries on Callahan’s feet after bathtime. And the way he sticks his feet in the air for me to do it again.

I love sitting outside on a cool Fourth of July weekend night with friends gathered around talking.

I love getting lost in a good book. Audio, ebook, physical copy. I love them all.

I love when my peonies finally bloom and I get to share them with my people.

I love taking photos of my normal/everyday/boring life to keep me grounded and present.

I love when my dogs greet me after a particularly long day.

I love calling my mom.

I love library books and my consistent over-ambition when I’m in the stacks. I love contemplating which one comes first as we drive home.

I love baby shark, but only for the way that encourages my son to use his hands to chomp for each family member in the backseat of the car.

I love curating series and collections and finding trends amongst things that matter.

I love going for walks. I love naps. I love driving with the windows down.

I love the feeling of crisp and clean sheets on wash day.

I love organizing and planning and feeling in control.

I love the thrill of a plane touching down in a new destination, ready for adventure.

I love inside jokes with my brother about lunchmeat and moscata. And I love how the “inside” has expanded to include our spouses.

I love the way that people react to kids. People my grandparents age lighting up when Callahan waves at them, remembering their own “good ole days”. The way that he dries the tears of a neighbor. The way that we all watch a video of him giggling on repeat.

I love the smell of coffee and how it always reminds me of airports, the only place I consistently smelled it as a kid.

I love dreaming and planning and talking with Kevin about the craziness of life…way past bedtime.

I love the people who make you feel known and understood.

I love the comfort of well worn clothes that are just the perfect fit.

I love a fluffy journal full of life, and goodness, and hard stuff. And of course lots of pictures.

I love gatherings of likeminded people. Open conversations. Growth.

Prompt inspired by Create Anyway by Ashlee Gadd. One of my favorite five star reads from 2023.

Jun 12, 2023 |

Thankful doesn’t even do it justice. So glad to get to work with such amazing women. Cheers to Liz and her new adventures!