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Easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Bacon

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There’s something so comforting about coming home from church to a warm, hearty soup waiting for you. This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Bacon has quickly become a favorite in our house — it’s simple to throw together, full of flavor, and perfect for busy Sundays when you want a home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss. Ingredients: 1 bag of split peas About 1 cup of real crumbled bacon 5 whole carrots, peeled and chopped 6 whole garlic cloves 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base 8 cups of water Instructions: Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot. Set to Pressure Cook for 1 hour . Allow pressure to naturally release when cooking is done. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. That’s it! Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day — without the extra effort. I love starting this recipe before church and coming home to the smell o...
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Chasing Dinosaurs in Cedar Park: A Church Adventure to Remember

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  Last night, our church group set out on a little adventure to see the dinosaur tracks in Cedar Park, Texas—and it did not disappoint! It was a warm evening, but the excitement of spotting real dinosaur footprints kept our spirits high. The trail is rugged but manageable, with some fascinating spots along the creek. Be warned: some areas of the water are stagnant and, well… a little gross (nature isn’t always glamorous!). But there are also deeper, fast-moving parts of the creek that were so fun to explore and made the whole place feel a bit more wild and untamed. What impressed me most? Two of the sweet mamas in our group are pregnant , and they navigated the rocky terrain like champs! It’s not stroller-friendly, but definitely doable for most ages and stages with a little help and some good shoes. (Our whole family had Keens...they were PERFECT for this outing. Check it out and get yourself a pair. They are expensive but totally worth it. They have kids versions and you can ...
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A Sweet Stop at Coffee Call in Baton Rouge

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There’s something magical about discovering a local gem—especially when it involves fresh beignets and hot coffee. During our recent trip to Baton Rouge, we were on the hunt for a cozy spot near our hotel, and   Coffee Call   more than delivered. Honestly? It was a treasure and a goldmine. We walked in hoping for a quick snack and left with full hearts and powdered sugar smiles. The staff at Coffee Call were so kind and welcoming—genuine Southern hospitality at its best. The shop has that nostalgic, no-frills charm that makes you feel right at home, like you’ve stepped into a local favorite where everyone knows each other. And the  beignets ? Oh. My. Goodness. They hit the spot perfectly—warm, fluffy, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. We ordered a big batch to share, and every bite was better than the last. My mom and sister also enjoyed a cup of coffee, and both said it was some of the best they’ve had in a long time. (Which is saying a lot—they kn...
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A Full Day of Fun at Knock Knock Children’s Museum in Baton Rouge

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If you’re ever in the Baton Rouge area with kids in tow, the   Knock Knock Children’s Museum   is a must-visit spot for hands-on fun, creativity, and imagination. We spent the entire day there—from opening at 10:00 a.m. to closing at 4:00 p.m.—and my kids were fully engaged every single minute. Yes, it’s a little bit on the pricey side, especially for larger families like ours, but there were several perks that helped balance it out. One of my favorite features? You can  bring your own food ! There’s a lovely  outdoor patio area  where you can take a break, eat lunch or snacks, and recharge before heading back in for more exploring. We packed our own snacks, which made the day more affordable and allowed us to enjoy the full experience without rushing. A Little Museum with a Big Mission The  Knock Knock Children’s Museum  opened its doors in 2017 after years of planning and fundraising. It was born from a dream to create a place where children could le...
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A Wild Day at the Baton Rouge Zoo 🐅🐘☀️

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  If you're ever in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and looking for a fun (and affordable!) family-friendly stop, the   Baton Rouge Zoo   is a great option—just be sure to bring your water bottles and a towel for the humidity. 😂 We visited in   June , and y’all… the humidity was next level. But despite the heat, we had such a sweet time exploring the zoo with my   mom, sister, and kids . It was the kind of memory-making day I’m so grateful for. 📍  Parking is FREE , which already felt like a win. Admission was very reasonable—about  $50 total for 4 adults and 2 kids . That’s hard to beat for a full afternoon of animal fun! 🛠️ The entrance is currently being  remodeled , but don’t let that deter you. Once you're inside, it's a great setup for families with littles—plenty of shade, clearly marked paths, and a good mix of animals to enjoy. 🚂 The train was a bit of a letdown, if I’m being honest. At  $3 a person , it didn’t go through any animal enclo...
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Family-Friendly Baton Rouge: A Real Mom’s Guide to Visiting with Kids

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We recently took a little getaway to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and it was such a sweet multigenerational trip! I traveled with my   mom, my sister, my grandma, and two of my little girls —and while not every moment was Pinterest-perfect, we made some beautiful memories and discovered several spots worth sharing with other moms planning a family adventure. So here’s a real mom’s review of Baton Rouge—complete with the highs, the so-so’s, and everything in between: (links for everything are included at the end of the post) Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn & Suites College Drive We usually love staying at Hilton properties, but this particular hotel was... meh. It’s in  dire need of a remodel  and didn’t have the usual Hilton polish we’re used to. That said, the location was super convenient for getting around Baton Rouge, which made exploring the city with little ones and older family members much easier. Where We Ate Curbside Burgers This spot had rave reviews from other blo...
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Discovering the Stories Behind Beloved Hymns: "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan

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Discovering the Stories Behind Beloved Hymns: Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan I recently came across a treasure on Amazon that I just had to share— Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan. With over one million copies sold, this book offers something truly special: the incredible stories behind some of the most beloved traditional hymns of the Christian faith. Growing up, the music pastor at my church would often share the rich history behind the hymns we sang. Those stories brought the songs to life in a way that helped me connect more deeply with the words and the worship. But nowadays, I’ve noticed that many of these classic hymns aren’t sung as often in church services. I didn’t want my children to miss out on this beautiful heritage of faith, so I decided to take it upon myself to teach these hymns to my kids at home. If I don’t already know a hymn, I either play it on the piano for them or find a performance on YouTube to share...
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