September 26, 2025

Friday

Hello, my friends! Here we are at the last weekend of September. No matter how much I long for time to slow down, I cannot seem to succeed. If time cannot be slowed down, and we know it can't, then the answer is simple. I need to slow down. You might think that a funny statement from me, a self-proclaimed homebody and socially hesitant person. However, looking ahead to the upcoming months, I see more calendar squares filled in than not. This is not to say that some things aren't fun and exciting. Not at all. It just shows me that to protect my peace and thrive in this season I love so much, I need to be more discerning of he commitments I make. Some may see this as strange, rude, or annoying. I see it is living the life I love and is right for me and my family. So, I strive to find a balance, but the scale may be a bit lopsided. 

Before we jump into the weekend, here are a minimal number of photos from the past week around here.


Marty is showing his true feelings about Algebra during school...

Cosmo is encouraging me to take that afternoon nap. One guess on how I responded!


Early morning view during my early morning walk. I appreciate the love and support concerning my morning walks, too! And I must be honest. I do enjoy it, and it makes me feel good.


And lastly, Mocha is in her spot during school. On my lap with a blanket. The blanket was a gift to me for my birthday from Flynn. She knows and shares my love of Sesame Street. Big Bird, Elmo, Bert, Ernie, and all their friends have been a part of my life since Madison was a baby. I remember her in her playpen watching this one VHS, and every time the Count appeared to sing his counting song, she would cry, and I would fast-forward! 

One year, Santa brought her a pack of big plastic letters with pictures of the characters on them. Every one of my children learned their alphabet by playing with those letters. We have a tub of Sesame Street Beanie Babies that all of the kids played with too, and we added to it throughout he years. I look back on those days of Sesame Street videos playing, dolls scattered around the room, letters lined up from A to Z, and smile. And I do it with this cozy Sesame Street blanket on my lap.

Well, time to start the day, my friends. We are heading to the condo for the weekend, so I am changing the sheets here, finishing the laundry, and tidying the house. I love coming back to a clean house after being away, even if it is just for the weekend. Have a lovely one yourself, my friends, however you choose to spend it!

Oh, to answer a couple of questions from my last post, Robin, I will absolutely make this again. I will double the recipe so we have some leftovers! And Ginny, these are the noodles I used. They worked perfectly. Enjoy!



Billie Jo

18 comments:

  1. Have a wonderful weekend. Your early morning walks sound so peaceful!

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  2. Yes, the months just fly by! I agree that we need to be careful on how we fill that precious time.
    Good memories of Sesame Street - my kids liked it too!

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  3. I agree that we have to be mindful of our time. I've been preparing for Fall and Winter for weeks so that I will have plenty of time to hibernate. Have a great weekend.

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  4. It’s completely relatable to feel that time is speeding up, especially as September ends, so it's smart of you to realize that slowing down yourself is the only real solution. It sounds like a wise and loving choice to be more discerning about commitments to protect your peace and thrive in this season. www.melodyjacob.com

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  5. Love the pics dear Friend. That morning walk one just makes me want to reflect and go to prayer time. Just beautiful! And that blanket is EVERYTHING! Brings back so many amazing memories of both of my kiddos going through the loving Elmo phase. Lol I pray for grandkids partly to get to watch all the fun shows again (Sesame, Little Bear, Franklin, Max & Ruby...) Love your furry babies - so cute! Blessings over your weekend ahead. 🙏🏻💗

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  6. I am a born extrovert but do not like my calendar full. If I get back-to-back places to go or appointments it is stressful to me. So, I totally understand your angst.

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  7. Marty, Cosmo and Mocha are so adorable!!!! I love your morning view walk photo. Thanks so much for the noodle pic. That is all I have been waiting for! I printed the recipe.

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  8. Hi Billie Jo! I totally understand your quest to not become too busy and overwhelmed. So glad you are enjoying your morning walks. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend and can relax and savor the time with those you love! See you again soon!

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  9. Happy Friday! Albeit, I am a little late in the evening!!! I hope you have great weekend! I understand the busy season! Time is just flying!
    I love the pictures of your fur babies.

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  10. I absolutely agree - It is not rude. It is slowing down for you and your family and putting focus where it needs to be. It’s not as if you’re jetting off somewhere by yourself to get away from the family, quite the opposite, you’re drawing them in drawing them close making every minute count. October has always been my favorite month-the coolness, the smell of woodsmoke, cozy sweaters - let’s enjoy it all before the hubbub of the holiday season begins - And just because other people are having a flurry of activity, doesn’t mean we can’t slow it down and make it homespun holiday season :)

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  11. Sesame Street! I still have a 33 vinyl record that my parents bought me when I was little. They are timeless. I know what you mean about prioritizing during this time of year. Things at work get super busy and family schedules events and trips. It's hard to find time for yourself but it's crucial for our mental health and wellbeing. Good for you for taking those walks!

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  12. Billie Jo...you always say we are so much alike and now we have Sesame Street in common! One year, when my oldest son was about 1 or 2, we had a Sesame Street themed Christmas tree that year. I used to do a different theme every year and I chose to do Sesame Street for some reason. I guess because I loved Grover so much :) hahaha

    And I am also "socially hesitant." Especially after working now and having to interact all day with coworkers and patrons. I don't want to go anywhere if I don't have to. It's exhausting.

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  13. Beautiful view for your morning walk!

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  14. Aweeee a blog post full of some cuties that are absolutely adorable. Hope your weekend at the condo is full of fun things. looking forward to the photos you will bring back...

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  15. I guess a “socially hesitant” person is the same thing as an introvert? What a clever (and refreshing) way to phrase it.

    Regarding the planning on your calendar, the Lord created you as you are, so if attending fewer functions is your desire, you should honor how He made you.

    Your pup pictures are soooo cute!

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  16. I share Marty's sentiments when it comes to Algebra. And I love that blanket. Cookie Monster is my favorite. I also know what you mean about having to be busy when all I crave is to just be home in peace.

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  17. I loved hearing about your Sesame Street days with the little ones. That was also a regular part of my day when the kids were growing up. And being a stay at home mom, I watched those shows right along with them. Love the blanket that Flynn gave you. That was such a thoughtful gift, especially knowing how much it means to you. My September calendar got filled up as well, and it sure is nice to have some of those blank days, huh? ; ) That's great that you are taking morning walks. You have such a nice view to appreciate on your walks. Keep treading on, Billie Jo. You are so smart to be doing this.

    ~Sheri

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  18. I agree about being mindful with our time and sometimes, really, no is a complete sentence. And that's okay too. Sounds like you have a lot ahead of you and I'm wishing you lots of fun in October. Love your new banner. Cheers, Ivy. 🎃

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo