Holiday season

How It Came Out, Holiday Coffee, and Our Zoo

Here’s how the challah from my last post came out! I think I would be happy baking bread every day for the rest of my life. 

Challah bread

What do you think about holiday-flavored drinks?

I’m not really into flavored coffee, but I tried Starbucks Holiday Blend k cups and found them to be just right in terms of having a different flavor than “normal” coffee, while not being overly sweet or flavored. Definitely recommend 🙂

Starbucks Holiday Blend K Cups

Speaking of holidays, I mentioned having trouble finding books that were fall-themed but didn’t mention Halloween and Rach sent me a whole list of fall books. I went down a rabbit hole of looking at books and ordered this one. It’s so precious!

Oh, have I ever mentioned our house is a zoo? I was feeding Niva and put her dog food down on the ground and she jumped on the table while Sadie sat on the ground and ate Niva’s food. Totally logical, right?!

Siberian Husky on table

What hobby would be happy to do every day for the rest of your life?

Life Lately

Hello! I haven’t posted a life lately post since June, so I thought it would be fun to share everything going on in my neck of the woods.

First and foremost, happy December! I love this month. It’s bustling and joyful and special. With that said, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Something I especially try to focus on in the month of December is keeping my priorities straight.

mal

Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Period. There are celebrations, gatherings, people to see, cards to send, and things to do. The one thing I want to keep at the forefront of my mind and life is Christ.

Making time each day to read my Bible and have quiet time with God is an absolute priority. After that, I can truly have perspective on this season. I can then serve and give and truly value the relationships I have with loved ones. Basically, giving myself room to breathe and find joy in this season is all about knowing what I value and keeping my priorities straight.

lola

Okay, onto life lately! I’m going to share a few bullet points and pictures to keep things simple 🙂

  • There was a bird inside one of my pet sitting client’s houses and I had to call Jimmy to come over and trap it. He got it into a cardboard box and set it free. He’s the best.
  • This week is a busy one for me at my regular job because the family is having a Christmas party on Saturday. Lots of extra cleaning, food prep, and more. I am beyond thankful to have a job I love. It’s unconventional, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
  • Seven of Hannah’s 10 (!!) bridesmaids went dress shopping a few days after Thanksgiving. She let everyone choose their own dress and we are all going to wear the same shade of purple. Hannah is so relaxed about her upcoming wedding!
  • My parents took Jimmy and I furniture shopping last weekend. They’re awesome and some of the most generous people I know.
  • My father-in-law and his girlfriend came over last Friday night to watch Gold Rush and have dinner. My FIL was so excited and even ordered ribs from a local BBQ place to bring over. It was such a sweet evening.

How about some pictures?

furniture-shopping

We had a blast going to three (!!) different furniture stores. We ordered a sectional and then canceled the order because the sectional was too big for our living room, LOL.

My father-in-law relaxing after dinner at our house. He and Malcolm have a special relationship... haha.

My father-in-law relaxing after dinner at our house. He and Malcolm have a special relationship… haha.

The bridesmaid dress I chose! Hannah said as long as it had lace, she was happy. Also, she's having all the bridesmaids wear cowboy boots!

The bridesmaid dress I chose! Just imagine it in light purple. Hannah said as long as it had lace, she was happy. Also, she’s having all the bridesmaids wear cowboy boots!

One of the treats I'm making for the Christmas party the family I work for is hosting this weekend. Can't wait to make these!

One of the treats I’m making for the Christmas party the family I work for is hosting this weekend. Can’t wait to make these!

What’s going on in your life lately?