Come & Eat by Bri McKoy {A Book Review}

Come & Eat by Bri McKoy was a completely delightful read. I am a person who has always loved hosting and inviting others over. However, in the last several years, it hasn't happened much. There have been many excuses, most of which aren't very good one, and this book put all of that into perspective for me. 

In each chapter, McKoy shares about something we should bring to the table while also sharing about different tables we encounter in our lives. Some tables are full of joy while others may be painful. I loved that she was able to give examples from her own life and about how she and husband truly feel called to gather around the table in all situations of life. 

The main thing that caught my attention was just the reminder that our tables don't need to be fancy, they don't need to be extravagant, while that is certainly fine, too! They just need to be welcoming, they need to be available to whoever may be able to come and sit at the table with us. 

McKoy shares recipes all throughout the book and then at the end gives a 21 day challenge with a recipe for each day. These recipes are filling and fun and even a bit unique at times. I loved the entire concept of this book and felt like it was conveyed well and in a excellently written manner. I already know who I'll be passing this book along to in the future! 

**I received this copy for free.**

A Fun Experiment

I've been going through a box of old keepsake items to pare down and I found a card my dear friend, Rebekah, gave me many years ago. Inside was this "grow your own cake" and I pulled out to do with Mason. 

Here it was at the beginning...

Three days in...

10 days in! 

He was so proud and it was one of our first experiments, if not our first. Mason loved watching it each day and we talked about why it happens, etc. 

Thanks, Rebekah, for helping us with an experiment. ;-)

Adventures With Friends

Two weeks ago, Mason was missing his buddy big time! He asked if she could come over soon and we were able to get a whole morning with her! 

We played at home for a few minutes and then headed to Hatcher Garden aka Mason's favorite place on earth. ;-)

  

A little ant smashing on the way there...

  

I was shocked because it was soooo dry! 

Little Explorers. This was right before Mason's stick got tossed into the water by his bud. Oh the tears...Hey, it's part of life and you know, he's done the same to her before so whatcha gonna do.

  

Trying to catch a frog...

Earthworms are fun! 

  

Searching for turtles...no luck. 

After an adventure, they needed sustenance. :) 

We love adventure days with friends! 

Evicted by Matthew Desmond {A Book Review}

Evicted: Poverty And Profit In the American City by Matthew Desmond was a HARD read for me! This book is intense and its realness was very hard for me to swallow. 

Evicted follows the stories of many tenants and landlords involved in low income housing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am not ignorant to the fact that situations like this exist with people who are unable to afford decent housing, end up in an apartment that is shambles and then in turn, cannot even afford that place and are evicted. However, the stories of these REAL people were incredibly difficult to read and fully understand. 

I admire Desmond for addressing this subject as he truly put himself into their shoes to understand their situations as best as he could which I thought was pretty incredible to learn. 

As I said already, this was just a hard read. It was hard to learn more about poverty in Milwaukee and in turn, America. It was also just an overall tough book to read. The stories are dense and each one is much the same. Each person unique, of course, but all going through similar situations. It felt a bit redundant at times but if these truly are the stories of these people/families, that makes sense. 

All of that said, I think this book would be an interesting read for those who live in areas of high poverty, to help them understand. Especially those in education and the like, to get a better understanding of where their students are coming from, what their families are experiencing on a daily basis. 

Again, I admire Desmond for writing this book and truly showing what these families are enduring daily. I can see why it won so many awards. 

**I received this book from the publisher.**

The Morgan's Movements {Week 38}

Man, this week was bonkers. We had several things planned and then the boys ended up with a fever virus and it threw us for a loop for a few days. We recovered and moved into the fun! :) 

Mason and Matt headed to speech on Monday morning and while I was prepping some food for the week, Maddox was just playing so sweetly with the food toys.

 

Then, we attempted school. Mason and I have been doing school work when Maddox took his morning nap. Well, he gave up that nap in recent weeks so it was time to include him. It. Was. Bonkers. Surely it can only improve from here! 

  

Our neighbors were out of town for the week and they asked us to check their mail and get their newspaper. Mason was SO proud! 

Oh, just chillin'. 

I'm very thankful to have a doctor and a dentist to help take care of me around here. 

I was also terrified. 😂

  

Just checking out the lawn man next door. 

Maddox ended up with a fever first and Mason and I busted out to get yogurt. Little did we know he'd have fever the very next morning. 

  

BLAH! Wednesday morning came and fevers were there for both boys. Thankful for snuggles and lots of chill time. 

  

So big...

So sad...

Thursday came and everyone was feeling better! We stayed home until afternoon to give us that 24 hour window after fevers left the building. ;-)

I made muffins to bring a little bit of excitement to the day. YUM! 

  

  

AND! Mason finished one of the workbooks we started this year. He was so proud. Mostly because he finally got to get that big blue ribbon sticker from the back of the book. :) 

  

Well, that's one way to do it. 

And the guys busted out! FREE QUESO!

  

Friday morning, we were all ready to get out. Aldi, Errand, Consignment Sale, Library, Target...so fun! 

Sending emails. 

oh yeah! And one last stop at Home Depot to check out their Halloween goodness. :) 

  

  

  

SO sweet...he fell asleep between Home Depot and home...

Goodness, I love my older son! 

Matt sent me this picture...seems he was collecting a few bowls and utensils at work...

  

Friday night and Saturday morning, I attended a Women's Conference with Grandmom. So much fun! 

  

Meanwhile, the boys enjoyed time together including a Saturday breakfast and stroll with Granddad. 

  

  

Walking can wear you out! They needed a snack and rest to gear up for Greek Fest which was the perfect way to end the week. More on that later!