🏈Charlie's First Championship Game & Some Delicious Food Ideas

Hey Friend,

Charlie and I went to the Dakota Dome to see my nephew play football! Charlie had the time of his life watching his big cousin play his senior year championship game in the Dome. We are so proud of the young man Jacob is and are blessed to be a part of his life.

Charlie cheered his little heart out—"Go Pirates!" "GO GO!" "GO Football!" "Jacob!" He was absolutely mesmerized by the action on the field. I even found myself getting pretty invested. It was fun to cheer for the Pirates again, even though we didn't win this time. Watching Jacob play with such heart and seeing Charlie experience the excitement of a championship game made it a day we'll treasure.

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🍂 Featured Recipe – Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Serves 6-8 | Rich, hearty, and full of cozy comfort—perfect for using leftover ham or starting from scratch!

This creamy soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables in a velvety broth thickened with cream. It's the ultimate comfort food that comes together in about 45 minutes and tastes even better the next day.

👉 Get the full recipe here (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

Why it looks delicious: Uses simple ingredients, perfect for leftover holiday ham, incredibly comforting, and easy to make on a busy weeknight!

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📅 Weekly Meal Ideas

A balanced mix of easy and delicious meals:

• Monday: Creamy Ham and Potato Soup (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

• Tuesday: One-Pan Crispy Gnocchi (Dishing Out Health)

• Wednesday: Stuffed Bell Peppers (Budget Bytes)

• Thursday: Asian Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner (The Modern Proper)

• Friday: Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta (Roots and Radishes)

• Saturday: Stuffed Pepper Soup (Skinnytaste)

• Sunday: One-Pot Chicken and Vegetables (Eatwell101)

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🥧 Quick Snack/Treat – Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

Perfect for Thanksgiving meal prep—naturally sweet, soft, and packed with fall flavor!

These healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars are made with oats, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup. They're soft-baked, naturally sweetened, and perfect for enjoying all week long. Great for breakfast, snacks, or a semi-healthy treat!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup oat flour (blend oats in a blender)

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

• 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tsp baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and eggs.

3. Add oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.

4. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.

6. Bake for 24-26 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let cool completely before cutting into 9 bars.

👉 See the full recipe here (Healthful Blondie)

Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 4 months. Perfect for Thanksgiving week meal prep!

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💭 Encouragement

Watching Jacob play his heart out and seeing Charlie cheer with pure joy reminded me that showing up for the people we love matters—win or lose.

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🍂 What's in Season (Early November Spotlight)

• Fruits: Apples, pears, cranberries, persimmons, pomegranates, late grapes, citrus (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit)

• Vegetables: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkins, kale, parsnips, turnips, beets, carrots, celery root

Best,
Cara