dogs

Our New Family Member

Hey guys! We have a new family member in the Zottola household.

Black and white Siberian Husky with blue eyes

This is our pup, Niva! She’s an eight-month-old Siberian Husky and a total sweetheart. She’s also quite the escape artist and pro jumper. We definitely have our hands full! 

I had been wanting a dog since Lola passed away in October. Then Mavis bit Sadie’s face in February and we made the tough decision to re-home her. I was so sad not having a dog in the house. It took some begging, pleading, and convincing, but Jimmy got on board and said he was ready for a dog. 

So, we brought Niva home. She has never lived inside a home until now, and she’s honestly adjusted well thus far. House training is going well, she’s gentle with Sadie, and actually afraid of Malcolm! I think we’re all a bit afraid of Malcolm, though 😉

It feels great to have a dog again. It has definitely brought up memories and emotions surrounding Lola and Mavis and has been a big adjustment for our whole family, but overall, we’re having a positive experience. Niva is a wonderful running partner and so snuggly!

Girl napping with husky

She knows “sit” and “down,” and I’m excited to work on more commands and general training. We sure need to! I’ve never had to tell a dog to get off of the kitchen table. Eek!

Husky sitting on kitchen table

I’m sure I’ll be sharing much more about Niva girl, but I just wanted to introduce her and share a bit about her for now! 

Currently: April 2020

It’s crazy to think we’re in the fourth month of 2020 already! Here’s what’s currently going on in my life this month. 

Current cuteness My in-laws adopted a new puppy! His name is Buddy. He’s a goldendoodle and the sweetest little guy! I miss Mavis and Lola both so much, and meeting Buddy filled a dog-shaped little hole in my heart ❤

Goldendoodle puppy

Current laugh Jimmy painted one of our kitchen doors white last week and Malcolm brushed up against it. He suddenly looks very old with his new salt and pepper fur 😉

Current book(s) Still enjoying my guided prayer journal and since we can’t go to the library, I’ve been re-reading books I already own. I’ve been reading this book, which I last picked up in 2012. It feels so different reading it as a parent!

Current baked good Sourdough sandwich bread.

Sourdough sandwich bread

Current blessing God’s provision. Jimmy has been laid off of work, but God has opened a door for me to be able to bring in income through continuing to work for my family’s real estate brokerage and picking up extra work with Instacart whenever I can. These uncertain times can feel stressful, but the more I remember how God always provides, the more I learn to trust Him with my whole heart.

Current obsession Begging Jimmy to let us get a dog. It’s so lonely in the Zottola home without a pup!

Current food Opened-faced egg sandwiches with aforementioned sourdough sandwich bread. The eggs from my aunt and uncle’s chickens. Delicious! I like to top my bread with hummus, lettuce, and parmesan cheese (and of course eggs!).

Egg sandwich

Current prayer Healing for our world with the COVID-19 situation. This is tough, but God is bigger than this. 

Current beauty product Still loving this toothpaste!

Currently looking forward to The next time we can gather with our church family! We’ve been able to watch our services online, but man do I miss everyone! 

Church on TV

Current joy The kindness of others. Our neighbor who has some health issues mentioned that she didn’t have a mask for going out in stores, so I gave her one that we had. It was the last one in a pack that Jimmy used when he worked in our garage. I didn’t think anything of it because I figured she needed a mask more than I do.

Fast forward just a few hours later and I’m at our local grocery store checking out with an Instacart order and the woman bagging my groceries (who I talk to each time I’m at the store) said she was worried about me doing Instacart and not having a mask, so she sewed me one. Wow!! 

Current fun Taking family walks with Jimmy and Sadie. The weather in Pittsburgh has been beautiful lately!

Family walk

Current project Learning to make Paska, which is a Ukranian bread traditionally made for Easter. 

Current excitement The fact that it’s spring! I planted some seeds in a seed tray and some of them have sprouted! If all goes well, I’m on may way to having arugula, swiss chard, baby greens, and corn in our garden 🙂

What’s current in your life this month?