Life Lately

Life Lately

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!

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.

brandy

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!

cake-2 cake-1 cupcake

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 ❤

girls-day

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!

cutest

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.

What has your life been filled with lately?

Have you read any good books recently?

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?