Jimmy

I feel like I just posted about winter’s arrival, and now spring begins this month. Technically the meteorological spring began on March 1st, but most people consider the astronomical March equinox, which begins on the 20th, to be the official start of spring.

Enough of my nerdy weather research, though. I am ready for this new season! Not that winter has been particularly bad in Pittsburgh this year. I just love a fresh start.

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To me, spring symbolizes growth, and growth is a wonderful thing. I’ve been working hard on my goal of knowing what I value and keeping my priorities straight. Along the way, I’ve been learning a lot and having fun. A win-win in my book.

I’m learning that most of the choices we make in life aren’t between good and bad, but between good and great. I am trying to choose great every day. When I focus on what’s truly important, I feel a sense of purpose and true joy. I feel closer to God when I am being who He created me to be.

Looking forward to this new season, I want to continue to serve, grow, and learn. Here are some things I’ve learned lately…

Mountain Pie Date

Mountain pies are delicious. Have you ever had or heard of a mountain pie? Basically, you make a sandwich (I made peanut butter and jelly), put it in a mountain pie maker, and stick it in a campfire. A few minutes later, you have a melty, warm sandwich!

While mountain pies and campfires are lovely, spending time with Jimmy is what really fills me up. We ate our mountain pie dinner outside and then went to the movie theater to see Zootopia on Saturday. The movie was great, and I was so glad I got to have a date night with Jimmy. We like to stay busy, but the times when we just relax and hang out really strengthen our relationship.

Windowsill learning

Learning something new is gratifying. Jimmy has been making the windowsills and trim for our house and I’ve been helping as much as possible. He taught me to use a sander, and I’ve been painting like crazy. I really enjoy learning how to use tools to create things. The work we do together on our house is something I will remember and cherish forever.

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Time spent with family is time well spent. It’s not always easy to get together with family when everyone has busy schedules and lives in different areas. When we do see each other, though, it’s the best. Being there for my family and knowing they are always there for me is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

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Dogs make everything better. No matter what kind of day I’m having, it always gets better when I spend it with Lola or a dog I’m pet sitting. I would love to do something full-time with dogs for work one day. Ultimately, I think I’d enjoy running a kennel, but you never know! We’ll see what God has in store for me. There are so many things I want to do, but I’m leaving it all up to God and prayerfully following where He leads.

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Taking time to soak in a beautiful sunset reminds me that God is so good. The sun rises and sets every day, and we can count on God every day.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2

As we march forward into spring (get it, March… ;)), I am looking forward to many things. Getting outside as much as possible, hearing rain, starting a garden, more sunlight, and another season to grow, serve, and love.

What do you love about spring?

Hello and happy Tuesday! I just wanted to pop in and share some things that have been making me happy lately. I’m just going to jump right in!

Lola with yarn

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Lola isn’t a typical dog in that she doesn’t like to play–not with toys, people, or dogs. Her favorite things are food, laying on the couch, and taking long walks. I was super surprised when my mother-in-law and sister-in-law came over last week to teach me how to crochet and Lola was transfixed by the yarn. She didn’t do anything, but I could tell she was enthralled. The next day, she came inside after her morning bathroom break and ran over to my ball of yarn and started ripping it apart and playing with it! It was the cutest thing.

Date nights

Before Jimmy and I were married, we went on dates a few times a month because we only saw each other on the weekends. Now that we’re married and living together, we’re with each other all the time (yay!), but we tend to focus on house work or other activities in our free time. We went on a date night over the weekend for the first time in months, and it was spectacular. We used a gift card we were given for Red Lobster and then browsed around some local stores. Catching up over a meal we didn’t have to cook or clean up after was lovely, and we had a blast window shopping! Must do that more often 🙂

Doodling

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I’ve been doodling each morning when I write in my journal and read my Bible. It’s a fun way to relax and express creativity. Also, I want a cat.

Enjoying the great outdoors

It’s so easy to stay cooped up in the winter when it’s cold outside. Thankfully I have Lola to give me the please walk me now look, which gets us outside each day. Even if we’re only out for ten minutes, I always feel great afterwards. Fresh air works wonders!

Work

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I got to work from home (kind of!) for the first time last week. The family I work for is having their house renovated, so their kitchen is currently out of commission. I typically bake and cook for them each week, so I made some food in my kitchen and then dropped it off at their house. I made granola, bread, chili, meatballs, homemade pasta sauce, and spaghetti. The only downfall? I was totally unmotivated to cook dinner for Jimmy and I that night, haha.

Indoor gardening

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Last month, I mentioned that Jimmy and I bought new windows for our house. Jimmy, stud that he is, made a special windowsill in our kitchen for me to start an herb (and palm tree, ha) garden! I planted basil, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, parsley, and chives. Everything is starting to grow, and it makes me incredibly happy. I’m already dreaming of gardening outside in a few months. Can’t wait!

Living My Full Life

Marching into spring