Favorites

A Few Favorites

Sharing a few favorites today!

1. We finished our fence extension. There are a few odds and ends left to tie up, but Niva *should* be secure now. Thank you  for all of your hard work, Jimmy ❤

2. An awesome quote. Still loving the Bible study I’m doing during my devotion time. This quote reminded me that the things in life that we most want to hide or forget are often the things God uses to help us grow and help others.

Quote by Luci Swindoll

3. Visiting Jimmy at work. Sadie and I have been loving popping into Jimmy’s workplace work to visit him and his family at least once a week.

4. Christmas and winter-themed books. We have a small collection of Christmas and winter-themed books for Sadie and it has been such a joy to read them to her each day as we enter this special season!

If anyone has recommendations of others to add to our little collection, let me know! We don’t do the whole Santa thing, but we love talking about the birth of Jesus, Christmas, and snow!

Christmas and Winter-Themed Children's Books

5. Homemade dog food. We bought some homemade dog food and treats from a local business for Niva and she loves it all. The owner of the business is actually the wonderful woman who took Mavis in after the incident with Sadie. If anyone is wondering, May May is doing fantastic in her new home and we see her every now and then when we go on walks around the neighborhood 🙂

6. Family. My family got together after church on Sunday and took a photo with all the grand babies (including some still in utero, lol) and I just love it. I can’t remember if I’ve ever mentioned this, but my siblings and I all met our spouses at our church. What a gift from God!

Family Christmas photo

7. Christmas shopping. I l-o-v-e picking out gifts for family and friends for Christmas! I try to put a lot of thought into each gift and take notes all year long. Do you like choosing gifts or does it stress you out?

8. Baking. I picked up a Frozen baking kit so we could make Olaf brownies over the weekend. I even wrapped the kit and gave it to Sadie and she was so pumped. We had a great time in the kitchen together 🙂

Frozen Olaf brownie kit

9. Ladies group. Our church just started a women’s group and I’m very excited to be involved! We had a Bible study last week and it was just what I needed. This week we’re making Christmas cookies and treats. Can’t wait!

10. Little breaks. Our families have been so helpful with Sadie! Jimmy and I have been able to sneak in things like work projects, the aforementioned fence extension, and church duties while knowing Sadie is being cared for, loved, and having a blast with our families.

Grandpa with toddler at Christmas with tree

Tell me a few of your favorites lately!

More Rainy Day Fun + A Few Favorites in Threes

We had another rainy day here in the ‘Burgh, so we decided to get outside and have some fun. We pulled on our rain boots and rain jackets and hung out outside for a bit!

Mother and daughter rain boots

Mom and daughter walking in rain

I’ve been working on teaching Sadie the colors of the rainbow, so we collected leaves for a little project.

She was so excited to show Jimmy her craft when he got home from work! The second he walked in the door, she took his hand and dragged him to the fridge and signed leaf. So sweet!

Toddler leaf craft for fall

Onto some of my recent favorites in lists of threes because I love a good list!

Favorite Moments Lately

  1. Playing Elefun with Sadie and Jimmy. Did anyone play this game growing up?!
  2. Working on Christmas crafts. I’ve been making wreaths and upcycled a mini Christmas tree this week.
  3. Hanging out with our church family. I love spending time after services just watching all the kids play and catching up with everyone!

Recipes I’ve Been Cooking and Baking

  1. Chickpea Soup
  2. Apple Cider Pork Chops
  3. Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cookies

Cookbooks I’ve Been Using Nonstop

  1. The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion
  2. Artisan Sourdough Made Simple 
  3. Modern Jewish Baker

Things I’m Excited For

  1. Jimmy and I are doing a staycation this weekend!
  2. Thanksgiving–I have no clue what we’re doing but I’m pumped.
  3. Decorating for and celebrating Christmas.

Pet Products We’ve Been Using On Repeat

  1. Waterless Shampoo. This has been a lifesaver with the rainy weather we’ve been having and Niva smells amazing after I put this on her. 
  2. Car Harness. It’s perfect for keeping Niva secure when we drive her to and from doggy daycare.
  3. Cat Toothbrush Toy. That’s right… a cat toothbrush, haha. 

Cat toothbrush

Tell me some of your favorites!