Hannah

I hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day!

I enjoyed time with my favorite kind of chocolate on V-Day, chocolate lab!

I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day. I think because it was always a special day for me as a child. I can remember decorating my Valentine’s Box for school each year, picking out specific Valentines for everyone in my class (they pretty much always had dogs on them!), and my mom always giving me a small gift like a stuffed animal or chocolates to celebrate.

This Valentine’s Day was lovely, and I feel blessed that I was able to spend time with Jimmy in the evening! He surprised me with the sweetest gift–he called me after work to inform me that he was making dinner for us. This was a big deal because Jimmy had never cooked for us before!

He went to the grocery store to buy the ingredients and told me that he didn’t trust himself to cook everything. I offered to be his sous chef, and we had such a nice time in the kitchen together.

Jimmy’s menu included:

Impressive, right?! The menu was very gourmet and everything tasted absolutely delicious. The best part was that Jimmy had planned everything out and thought of such a special dinner.

On the work side of things, the family I work for had me bake cupcakes and assemble treat bags for their kids’ Valentine’s Day parties at school. It’s really fun for me to feel like a part of a family with little ones. I think kids just make holidays extra special.

I have to share some pictures from my parents, too! They ran a Valentine’s Day 5k together, which I thought was adorable. They finished in 32:00 minutes, which I think is quite impressive. Go mom and dad!

Lastly, my sister and her fiancé received some great news on Valentine’s Day. The offer they put on a house was accepted! Congrats on becoming homeowners Hannah and Josh! They’ll move in after their wedding in June! I can’t wait to see their home in person 🙂

Tell me about your Valentine’s Day!

Past Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Valentine’s Day 2016
Valentine’s Day 2014
Valentine’s Day 2013
Valentine’s Day 2012
Valentine’s Day 2011

Life lately has been lovely. It has been filled with dogs, cake, family, friends, and reading. A winning combination in my book.

Let’s start with dogs, shall we?

Haley and Lola before a walk!

I was this close to buying a puppy to train and show in dog shows. Jimmy said it was up to me because he knows all things dog related are my passion. I prayed about it, and I just didn’t think the time was right. Jimmy thinks our house is already full with animals, and I wanted to respect him.

Plus, writing a book and raising a puppy probably don’t mesh too well. I always want to be content with what I have. Lola and Malcolm are pretty much the best!

Oh, and how cute is my parents’ dog, Brandy? My mom sent me these pictures after she took Brandy to the groomer and I just had to share.

Alright, onto cake!

I am still obsessively experimenting with cake design, flavors, and frosting for Hannah’s bridal shower. I think I may do two small cakes, one with a blackberry filling, and a bunch of cupcakes. Don’t hold me to it, though. I change my mind at least once a week. I know for sure that I am loving the process!

Family and friends have been the best. I had an amazing girls’ day with two ladies (plus the sweetest baby!) from church that are my family and friends. We had our nails done, grabbed lunch, talked, and shopped. It was just what I needed. I love doing life with these inspiring women ❤

I told Jimmy how I was so excited to spend a day with a baby. It has been a long time since I’ve been around a baby for more than a few hours and it was just so sweet to bond with baby Leia!

As for reading lately, I am in a pretty good groove! I just finished Bringing in Finn by Sara Connell. The author struggled with infertility and her mom became her surrogate. It was just beautiful.

I’m also reading Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler and Jean E. Syswerda during my morning Bible reading time, and it’s great! I love the in-depth look at each woman.

Living My Full Life

Valentine’s Day Festivities

Tell me about your Valentine’s Day!

Life Lately

What has your life been filled with lately?

Have you read any good books recently?