Well hello fall! This past month we dove right into our fall activities (pun intended). Here is our life lately September 2024 and what we have been up to.
Books I’ve Read
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Winterkill by C.J. Box-
- Joe Pickett investigates a mysterious murder involving local politics and environmental activists, during a brutal winter storm in the mountains. This is the 3rd book in the series. I just love the loyal, good hearted Joe and following his career. 4/5
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Trophy Hunt by C.J. Box-
- Joe Pickett investigates a series of gruesome animal mutilations that escalate into a deadly human mystery, uncovering dark secrets in the Wyoming wilderness. Loved the spooky, other-worldly element to this book. 4/5
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Out of Range by C.J. Box–
- Joe Pickett temporarily takes over a colleague’s duties in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, only to find himself entangled in a dangerous mystery involving his predecessor’s death and escalating tensions in the wilderness. This was dark and twisty. I really liked corporate element. 4/5
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In Plain Sight by C.J. Box
- Joe Pickett investigates the disappearance of a powerful ranch matriarch, uncovering a deadly family feud and a sinister conspiracy in the Wyoming wilderness. I loved the unexpected parts to this storyline. 4/5
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Free Fire by C.J. Box–
- Joe Pickett investigates a shocking legal loophole that allows a killer to walk free after a massacre in Yellowstone National Park, leading to a high-stakes battle for justice. This had some characters you were happy to hate. It also makes me want to research the laws and thermophiles now! 4/5
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Blood Trail by C.J. Box
- Joe Pickett investigates the murder of a hunter in the Bighorn Mountains, uncovering a deadly plot that forces him to confront dangerous secrets and wildlife activists. I didn’t like this quite a much as the others because I think Joe underestimates a person due to gender. I don’t want to go into anything besides that or I’ll give it away. 3.5/5
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Below Zero by C.J. Box–
- Joe Pickett receives mysterious messages from his daughter, who was presumed dead, leading him on a tense journey to uncover the truth while tracking a group with dangerous intentions across the Wyoming wilderness. This was heartbreaking at first, but I liked the ending. 4/5
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Nowhere to Run by C.J. Box-
- Joe Pickett embarks on a solo investigation into a series of strange disappearances and unsettling events in the remote Wyoming wilderness, uncovering a deadly conspiracy that puts his life in danger. I liked that this may have Joe questioning his strong ethics and seeing things in shades of gray instead of straight black and white. 4/5
Recipes I’ve Made
- Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars– I loved these! I had to make my sugar cookie dough from scratch since it wasn’t in stock at 2 stores I stopped in. You could easily sub in any cookie dough for a different flavor though. The entire house smelled good!
- Thai Tofu Tacos– These were better in concept. I don’t know if it was the brand tofu or the recipe, but there wasn’t enough flavor on the tofu. I added hoisin sauce and that helped a lot. I ended up eating the leftovers as a salad over the cabbage (I used a bag of coleslaw) instead of a taco.
- Cowboy Sliders– These were SO good and flavorful. They did take some extra prep though.
- Firecracker Meatballs– The girls absolutely loved these. I wish the sauce was thicker though. I might add a bit of cornstarch and cook the sauce next time.
- French Onion Pot Roast– This was so easy to make and tasted really good over mashed potatoes.
- Creamy Lime Coconut Salmon– The entire family liked this. I wish I would have made an extra piece or two. There was plenty of sauce to serve with some rice.
- S’mores Whoopie Pies– I actually made these into bars. I just baked the cookie dough in a 9×13 pan and layered the ganache and frosting on top to save time and make them easier to store. The frosting was amazing! I think the cookie was a bit dry.
Currently
- Loving- Matt scheduled some time at Aire Ancient Baths in Chicago for my birthday. I got to go with a friend and we loved our time there. It was so fun!
- Looking forward to- I’m running in another 5K with Claire in October. We are looking forward to that and hopefully a best time!
- Wearing- I’ve been wearing my denim jumpsuit a lot. It’s so comfortable!
- Reading- We started HP 4 as a family on audible. I’ve also been reading a lot of the Joe Pickett novels.
- Cooking- I love making soups in chilly weather. I’m really looking forward to cooking up some soup soon.
- Family Update-
- Avie- Avie is all about swimming and soccer! She has been loving being a part of a club swimming team. Time trials are in a few weeks and I’m excited to see how she does. The neighbors gave us their trampoline and Avie has been loving it!
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- Claire– Claire did her first 5K this past month and rocked it! She placed second in her age group. It has motivated her to do more running and maintain her endurance. She will be running another 5K in 2 weeks. She also did the color run at her school.
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- Me- I ran the 5K with Claire. I placed 1st female overall which has never happened to me before (and probably never will again, haha!). I’m hoping to drop some time next 5K though since the last one actually wasn’t a fast time for me. Other than running, I’ve been very busy with work and Girl Scouts.
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- Matt– Matt has had a busy month with 3 straight weeks of travel. He has been trying hard to kick the crazy virus going around that causes tons of coughing. With 3 trips to the doctor and lots of meds, things are looking better though.
September Goals Recap
- Organize– Half done. There are a few more things I need to consolidate, but weekends have been so busy!
- Instagram- There were some updates and skills I wanted to learn, but I haven’t had the time yet.
- Schedule a haircut and highlight– Scheduled for this weekend!
October Goals
- Schedule a family photo- That time of the year
- Learn instagram skill– Goal take 2
- Set up budgeting for Girl Scout troops– I want to make an excel sheet for both troops to track expenses and income.
Favorite Posts this Month
- Cutest Amazon Halloween Finds
- Denim Jumpsuit from Universal Standard
- How to Style a Yellow Skirt for Fall
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
