Hi! There has been so much going on lately and I have a lot to share. Grab a snack and come hang out with me and my random brain 😊

1. We went to Kennywood! We arrived at Pittsburgh’s amusement park around 3 pm on Friday afternoon and stayed until about 8:30 pm and it was the perfect amount of time to ride rides, grab dinner, play games, and just have a great time as a family. Mordecai was able to ride a few rides with an adult this year and he (mostly) loved it!

2. What makes you feel panicky? For me, it’s not having a book. Jimmy was laughing at me the other day because I have a book beside our bed, another in Mordecai’s room (for when I nurse him to sleep), and one in the living room (where I read my Bible and devotions each morning). Right now, I have this novel on my nightstand, this memoir in Mordecai’s room, and this devotional in the living room. I read a bit of each one every single day as I’m in those rooms.

I’ll often bring one of those books in the car if I know we’ll be driving more than ten minutes. The best part? When I start to get to the end of a book, I frantically search for my next one at the library or online so it’s cued up and ready as soon as I finish. Do I have issues? Maybe, lol. Now Sadie, she gets panicky if she doesn’t have paper. This girl blows throw sketch books, pens, paper, and markers like nobody’s business. So, I have to know… what do you feel panicked without?

3. Cupcakes (as usual)! Our cousin had her eighth birthday party and guess who had the honor of baking the cupcakes? She had a Lego Friends theme for her party, so I went with that and had so much fun.

4. Baking life lately. I’ve had such a steady run of local orders lately and it’s a huge blessing. Lots of birthday parties! It’s funny, I’ll finish a few big orders and heave a sigh of relief, but then feel sad that I don’t have anything coming up and within a day or two, someone will get in touch and place an order. I love it so much and am continually thankful for my little business.

5. Made with love and humidity. I ordered sourdough sandwich bread from my sister last week and she gave me the bag. On it, she wrote “made with love and humidity.” Ain’t that the truth in Pittsburgh! It seems like we’re out of our heat wave and into highs in the 80s instead of 90s! But the humidity is always around 😜

6. Making Sadie wait. Sadie is now at the age where she wants things that other kids have. Right now, a few of her friends have fanny packs and she wants one so badly! She’s been asking for one for a few months, but I won’t buy it for her just because she wants it, you know? I told her to ask for one for her birthday (in September). Could I buy her one right now? Yes. Do I want to? Yes. Should I? No… I think it builds character for her to have to wait and I also think she will treasure it more when she has it. The other idea I had was to let her do chores so she can earn it. We’ll see what happens first: will she reach her birthday first or make her bed and tidy up enough times to afford one on her own?!

7. Best seat in the house. The kids decided that watching Toy Story in a box on the floor together was much better than sitting on the couch. It was the cutest!

8. Sharing breastmilk. It feels so good to share milk! I always saw it as a downfall that my kids didn’t take bottles, but it was a blessing in disguise because it left me with milk to give to a friend with twins in the NICU (the twins turn one next month are are doing great!), some to donate to the Mid-Atlantic Mother’s Milk Bank, and some to give to a friend this week!

9. A quote on obedience. I saw the quote below and loved it. Had to share!

10. Sadie’s swim lessons are done! Sader Tot did two weeks of swim lessons and it’s bittersweet for it to be done. On one hand, I am ready for more freedom and flexibility in our days. On the other hand, we got into a good routine, Sadie worked on her skills, and she made a new friend!

11. Chocolate covered Oreos. They continue to be very popular in my Etsy shop! Especially these ones. I really enjoy making them! I have so many ideas for different products to add to my shop, but it’s a balance with my time. My main priority is caring for my family and homeschooling Sadie. But it also feels so good to have a creative outlet that is all mine 🩵

12. Summer plans. We have so many fun little day trips and activities around Pittsburgh planned in the next month or so. The Pittsburgh Zoo, Phipps Conservatory, an art class for the kids. I also have my mind on visiting the trampoline park, going to a Pirates game, taking a ride on the Gateway Clipper, going to a couple of museums, the Science Center, possibly going to the Aviary, and taking the kids on the Duquesne or Monongahela Incline. There’s so much to do around the ‘Burgh, especially in the summer!

Alright, twelve thoughts in and I should probably stop there 😬

Tell me some of your thoughts!

What do you feel panicked without?