The Bright Eyed Brunette

 Thanksgiving might be all about the turkey in theory... but let's be honest, the real magic happens in the side dishes. That's where the cozy flavors, secret family recipes, and must-have holiday comforts live. Every year, I look forward to the moment the table fills with those colorful bowls and casseroles--each one carrying a little nostalgia, a little comfort, and a whole lot of flavor. Today I'm sharing my absolute favorite Thanksgiving side dishes--the ones I pile on my plate first and would happily eat as a meal all on their own. Let's dig in! First and foremost is baked macaroni and cheese! Just look at that cheesy goodness! Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional) Instructions Cook the macaroni.   Bring a pot of salted w...

Today, I thought I'd share a little peek into what I've been reading--what I loved, what surprised me, and what I'd absolutely recommend curling up with next. Whether you're here for your next favorite book or just love a good book chat, let's jump into my recent reads! First up is The Mad Wife by Meagan Church.  This book has a blend of historical fiction and psychological suspense. It is set in the perfectly polished world of 1950s suburbia, and follows Lulu Mayfield--the ideal housewife on the outside, but a woman quietly unraveling on the inside. The book shines in its emotional depth and slow-building tension. What makes the story so gripping is how Church keeps you wondering what's real and what's being hidden-- not through shock twists, but through quiet, creeping dread. The pacing is deliberate, the atmosphere rich, and the sense of unease grows with every chapter. This is a must read! Next on my list is The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill...

 Hey friends! It's been a minute, so I thought it was time for a little catch-up. Life has been doing that thing where it sprints ahead while I'm still tying my shoes, so let's rewind and chat about what's been going on. I'm going to go back to the beginning of November. Makena and I made our annual trip to a fly-in at the Air Base and Cold War Museum in Blytheville. It is roughly two and a half hours from our house.  Makena is a natural at presenting her information about our museum's exhibit on the Stuttgart Army Airbase. We were thankful that the Civil Air Patrol let us take shade under the wings of their planes! It was a beautiful sunny day, and without the shade we would have been toast! We had a fun day :) There is nothing like the smell of jet fuel first thing in the morning! That day also happened to be the opening day of the modern gun deer hunting season, so both Carl and Trey were busy hunting (neither of them saw a buck and Trey was told not to shoot...

And just like that, October is over! As we say goodbye to October, I love looking back on the little moments that made the month memorable. This month was full of cozy weekends, family fun, and pumpkin-flavored everything!  Our little princess had the most magical time trick-or-treating on Halloween! Carlie brought her out early and we hung out here until the sun went down. She loved showing everyone how her dress lit up with the push of a button. It was precious.  Our blonde Snow White  Painting her pumpkin at school in her jammies  Baby #2 is growing perfectly💗 I love keeping the vibe festive around here! You may ask, "Beth, why a picture of a stack of pizzas?", and the answer is, because our Gospel Project kids raised close to $300 for the month of October for our missionary in the Philippines! They always seem to rise to the challenge put before them. Our missionary, Bro. Joshua buys rice and treats for his parishioners in need.  Our kiddos earned a pizza p...

 There's something about October that makes me crave a good spooky movie night. The air gets a little cooler, the days get shorter, and suddenly I'm digging through the blankets, lighting fall-scented candles, and asking the all-important question... What's your favorite scary movie? Now, I'll be honest--I'm not the bravest when it comes to horror. I'm more of a mildly spooky, slightly suspenseful, but still sleep-at-night kind of girl. Think Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, The Addams Family, or Goosebumps--the kind of scary that's fun, not nightmare-inducing. But my family? Oh, they love the thrill! Every year, we make a list of our favorite Halloween movies and take turns picking one for movie night. Here are a few of our favorites: Family night pick: Hocus Pocus or Coraline-- fun for everyone! Classic night: Ghostbusters or Beetlejuice-- a little weird, a little funny, and totally nostalgic. Thrill night: For the braver ones-- maybe Scream, I Know What You Di...

 Happy Monday, friends! I am running behind on getting this post up. That has been my mantra lately.  We had a fantastic weekend here on the homestead. Harvest 2025 is complete, which means Carl is finished working on weekends (PTL!). My mom and dad hosted a Halloween party for our family. My sister and two of her three kids were with us. It was a lot of fun. I dressed up like a taco simply because I had it from last year's trunk or treat. Wrenley thought it was hilarious. She dressed up as a princess (imagine that!). She also loved that my brother-in-law, Tim, dressed up like a banana :) Trey came as a cowboy and brought Maggie, wearing her pretty red bandana. Elijah wore the unicorn costume; Ellie Kate was Alice from Alice in Wonderland, and Jamie (I didn't get her picture) was a pirate. We had punch, lots of sweets, and Pizza Hut Pizza. We also played games and decorated cookies. It rained, so we weren't able to carve our pumpkins (my dad didn't want a mess in his sh...

Mercy sounds beautiful when we're the ones receiving it. But when it's our turn to show mercy? That's when it gets real. Maybe it's someone who hurt you deeply and never apologized. Maybe it's that family member who tests your patience every holiday. Or maybe it's just the person who cut you off in traffic and maybe made you late. Mercy doesn't always come naturally--but it's exactly what Jesus asks of us. In Luke 6:36, He says, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." That verse hit hard because it reminds us that mercy isn't about who deserves it--it's about reflecting God's heart. Showing mercy means choosing compassion over judgment. It's giving someone grace instead of payback. It's remembering that we've all needed second chances (and third and fourth ones too). Sometimes showing mercy looks like letting go of the need to have the last word. Sometimes it's forgiving someone who never even said "sorr...

There is a kind of ache that comes when God disciplines us; when He closes a door we were sure was meant for us, exposes something in us that needs fixing, or allows a hard season that humbles us. It's not easy. In fact, sometimes it feels unfair or confusing. If we take a closer look, we realize that His discipline is never just about punishment. It's about love. Hebrews 12:6 says, " For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child."   That verse hits hard, doesn't it? It reminds us that being corrected by God isn't rejection, it's confirmation that we belong to Him. A parent doesn't discipline a stranger's child; they correct their own because they care about their growth and well-being. I can think of times when God's discipline looked like delay. I was frustrated, praying for things that didn't happen, only to later realize He was protecting me from something I couldn't see. Other times, it l...

"Lord, fix me because sometimes I'm the problem".  There are moments in life when it's easier to point fingers than to look in the mirror. We notice what others did wrong, how they hurt us, or how they made life harder. But if I'm being honest, sometimes the biggest problem in my life...is me. I don't like admitting that. It's uncomfortable to say, "Lord, I've got attitudes, habits, and patterns that are standing in the way of peace and growth." But the truth is, I don't just need God to fix situations; I need Him to fix me. It's humbling to realize that I can be short-tempered, unforgiving, stubborn, or even blind to the ways I hurt others. Sometimes my words cut deeper than I intended. Sometimes I hold grudges a little too long. And sometimes, instead of praying for God to change me , I pray for Him to change everyone else . But the Holy Spirit reminds me that real transformation begins with me. Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me...

 There's something about sitting down to a meal that brings the whole household together. It doesn't have to be fancy--sometimes the simplest dishes become the most memorable. One of my favorite go-to family meals is Cheesy Baked Ziti. It's quick enough for a weeknight, comforting enough for Sunday dinner, and almost guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. This can be a very customizable meal. Add meat, go vegetarian or sneak in extra veggies. It's kid-approved and makes for great leftovers. Ingredients 1 pound ziti or penne pasta 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional) 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, brown the meat (if using) with garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain excess...

I haven't done a post about the books I've read in a while. And while I haven't read as many as I should have at this point in the year, here are of few of my latest page turners. First up is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I know I am a little behind on the Kristin Hannah train, but finally, I have arrived! If you love historical fiction, this a great read.  With powerful insight, Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of War World II and highlights an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women's war. This is the story of two sisters, separated by years of experience, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path towards survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France. It celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. An absolute must-read! Next up, Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney They don't call Alice Feeney the "Queen of Twists" for nothing. This is a thriller about marriage...an...

 Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. We were busy here on the homestead. Carlie and Caleb are finally in their new house! We are proud of them and for them. It's a beautiful house, and Wrenley and Macy (the dog) have a fenced-in backyard to play in now. I was busy watching Wrenley while they were moving with the help of Caleb's parents, my parents, and Trey.  My little passenger princess wanted to stop at the gas station and get a bug juice :) I love her little imagination. She loves to dress up her baby doll and take it for a ride in the Cozy Coup. On to other good news: Rice Harvest 2025 is DONE! Praise the Lord, they wrapped up on Saturday afternoon! Rice Harvest complete✅ On to bean harvest now! Carl and I managed to make a quick trip to the river to check on the houseboat.  We made it down to the boat and realized that we left the key in the truck. I guess that is better than last time when we left the key at the house! One day we will have it ...

 Scripture tells us that shepherds are entrusted with God's flock, no for selfish gain but "being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3). A pastor's calling is a holy one, rooted in humility, sacrifice, and love. But Jesus also warned that not every shepherd has pure intentions--some are "wolves in sheep's clothing" (Matthew 7:15).  As believers, we must stay discerning. Here are some red flags to watch out for in pastors: 1.  Special Treatment for Certain Families  James warns against showing partiality (James 2:1-4), yet some pastors cater to certain families, wealthy donors, or influential members while neglecting the rest of the body. Christ doesn't play favorites--every soul in the church matters equally to Him. A true shepherd cares for the unnoticed as much as the well-known. 2. Neglecting the Brokenhearted  Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18), but a pastor who avoids the messy, hurting, or less "influential" people in th...

 I like to think of myself as a person who generally isn't easy to offend. Lately, though, I've found myself getting more and more offended than ever before! In the times we're living in, everyone is on edge. And if you're like me, maybe you've been getting more offended than ever before too. When I think about what's happening in the world, there's more division than ever! You can feel anger and animosity in the atmosphere. If there's anything the enemy would love right now is for believers to turn on one another because of hurt or offense. The enemy may be working hard to create division in our relationships, but if we can learn to overcome the spirit of offense, we can forge stronger, healthier relationships in all areas of our lives. So what exactly is offense? Offense is anger, resentment, irritation, exasperation, annoyance, animosity...Need I say more? A spirit of offense is feeling resentment because of an actual or perceived insult. Sometimes of...

 It's hard to believe that my baby is twenty! It seems like yesterday that I went to the hospital to have him. I was confident in my abilities; after all, I had already given birth to two perfect babies. They started me on Pitocin, I got my epidural, and I was comfortable. I knew my girls were being taken care of by my mother and grandmother, and I had Carl by my side, ready to see his son.  The nurses assured our families that they had time to go eat lunch. They had been gone about 15 minutes when I knew it was time to push. The nurses got everything ready and called the doctor. Three big pushes and our little boy was earthside. Then everything was quiet. No cries. I saw the nurses working on him, trying to get him to breathe. That was one of the scariest times of my life. He was completely blue, and it seemed like an eternity before he was finally able to take a breath. Finally, he started crying, and by that time, I was too! They handed him to me and remember Carl saying th...

 Happy Monday, friends! Hope you all had a great weekend. Things were pretty good here on the homestead!  Harvest on the Arkansas Grand Prairie Trey was being a good uncle, taking Wrenley for a Ranger ride. Silly girl at church :) Makena and I went to watch The Conjuring 4.  It was so good! Carl and I went to the new houseboat We have such big plans for this little space! He is my BFF! We were able to recharge and are ready for the week ahead! Much Love, Beth

 Life has a way of surprising us--sometimes with joy, other times with challenges we never saw coming. The truth is, none of us knows what tomorrow holds, and at times, that uncertainty can feel heavy. But in the middle of the unknown, there is one thing we can choose: hope. Hope isn't just wishful thinking. When the future feels shaky, hope can sound like a fragile word. But biblical hope is not about crossing our fingers and wishing for the best--it's about anchoring ourselves in the promises of God. Hebrews 6:19 calls hope "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure".  Even when life feels stormy, that anchor keeps us steady. Right now, many farmers are feeling the weight of uncertainty. Lack of profit, export difficulties, and rising costs, have left some wondering how they'll make it. For families who depend on the land, each day brings new worries--will there be enough money to keep going? While there is such concern, in the midst of the struggle, there are sto...