The Adventures of Julie and Bella 2025

What a game the Bills had today! I was on the edge of my seat — and let’s just say my cheering voice might need a rest tomorrow!

Of course, it’s also Crockpot Sunday, and today’s recipe was something new and oh-so comforting — Pumpkin Chili! 🎃🍁 The smell coming from my kitchen was pure fall happiness… cinnamon, pumpkin, and chili spices all blending together. It felt like a warm hug in a bowl! I even baked a loaf of pumpkin bread to enjoy with it, which made the perfect finishing touch. Safe to say, dinner tonight was a total win!

On another note, for those following along with my Read-tober Challenge with my 5th graders, we’re in the home stretch — just 5 days left! 📚 I’m keeping my total minutes a secret (no spoilers for the kids 😉), but at the halfway point I was at 2,875 minutes. I can happily share that I’ve already hit my reading goal of 54 books for the year… and I’m actually on book #56 now! I read for 390 minutes today alone, so I think I might just reach that bonus goal I set for myself — 60 books by the end of the year!

The kids have been amazing — cheering each other on, swapping book recommendations, and keeping that love of reading alive. I can’t wait to see their totals when their calendars are due on Monday, November 3rd. Will they beat me? We’ll find out soon!

For now, I’m calling it a night. I’m a little achy today, but I’m grateful for a cozy Sunday filled with good food, good books, and a big Bills win. ❤️

How was your Sunday? Did you cook or bake anything delicious today? 🍲📖