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  • 🤠The Case of the Missing Cowboy and some fall yummies!

🤠The Case of the Missing Cowboy and some fall yummies!

Author

Cara Jorgensen
October 07, 2025

Hey Friend,

Charlie has been obsessed with Toy Story lately. We've been reading the books together, and every once in a while we'll show him a little clip from the movie. His eyes light up with every adventure, and he's completely captivated by Woody, Buzz, and the whole gang.

About a month ago when we were visiting my mom, she gave Charlie a small Woody figurine she had at her house. I didn't expect how valuable that little guy would become to Charlie. He carried Woody everywhere—to meals, on walks, to bed. The problem with little toys? When you have little kids, they're incredibly easy to lose.

And lose it we did. For about two weeks, Woody was missing in action.

One morning this week, Charlie woke up with Woody on his mind and just would not stop talking about it. "Woody! Woody! Where Woody?" he kept asking with the saddest little face. I sat down with him and sympathized—"Oh man, it is sad, isn't it, that we don't know where he is?"

"Yeah," he said with his arms raised like "where is Woody?"

We spent time looking—under couch cushions, in toy bins, behind furniture. Nothing.

Later that morning while I was doing my hair and brushing my teeth in the bathroom, Charlie was still talking about Woody. He came to hang out with me like he usually does and started digging around in the organization baskets under the sink, just being his curious little self.

And then I heard it—the most triumphant shout: "WOODY!"

There he was, buried in the toilet paper basket of all places. We still have no idea how he ended up there, but Charlie had found his friend all by himself. His whole face was pure sunshine.

We were both so happy—Charlie was beaming, and I couldn't help but laugh and celebrate with him. It was just one of those pure, joyful moments.

This whole experience reminded me of the parable of the treasure in Matthew 13:44, where a person finds a treasure hidden in a field and, in their joy, sells everything to buy that field. Charlie's reaction when he found Woody—that uncontainable joy—gave me a glimpse of what it means to treasure something so deeply. And it made me think about how the Kingdom of Heaven is described as that kind of treasure, worth everything to obtain.

Serves 4-6 | Creamy, savory, and full of fall flavor—this one-pan pasta is comfort food at its best.

This pasta combines roasted butternut squash, Italian sausage, and a light cream sauce with fresh sage. It's the perfect balance of hearty and cozy, and it all comes together in about 30 minutes.

👉 Get the full recipe here (Well Plated)

Why it's perfect for fall: Uses seasonal squash, feels fancy but is super easy, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.

📅Weekly Meal Ideas

Here's a cozy lineup for the week ahead:

🥧Quick Snack/Treat – Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

Perfect for fall snacking—naturally sweetened and packed with good stuff.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats

  • ½ cup dried apples, chopped small

  • ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

  • ⅓ cup honey

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

  2. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to make rolling easier.

  3. Roll into 12-15 balls (about 1 tablespoon each).

  4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

These taste like little apple pie bites and give you that afternoon energy boost without the crash.

🍂What's in Season (October Spotlight)

  • Fruits: Apples, pears, cranberries, late grapes, figs

  • Vegetables: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkins, kale

  • Bonus: Peak season for apple cider and all things pumpkin!

Best,
Cara