reading

Recent Reads and All Sorts of Cuteness

I feel like I haven’t talked much about reading lately, so this post is going to change that!

I’ve been camped out in the book of James (in the Bible) for a while now, just rereading it over and over. Also loving Psalms and Proverbs. Soon, I’ll begin studying Jesus’ birth as the holiday season is approaching! I finished my Women of The Bible devotional and really enjoyed it.

Coffee and Bible

I’ve read a few birth/midwifery/pregnancy-related books recently: Midwife: A Calling by Peggy Vincent, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin, Midwife: A Journey by Peggy Vincent, and Baby Love by Rebecca Walker. Of those four, I most enjoyed the books by Peggy Vincent. I could read midwife memoirs all. day. long. 🙂

Fiction-wise, I read Dog Crazy by Meg Donohue and The Balance Project by Susie Orman Schnall, both of which were good reads. Non-fiction I’ve read lately includes, This is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick and Cherish by Gary Thomas. Both also wonderful reads.

I’m currently reading The Runaway Midwife by Patricia Harman, and it’s pretty good. I’m interested to see how it will end! Also reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren during my devotional and Bible time.

I think that’s everything in terms of books, so how about some cute dog pictures?! I have been taking Mavis pet sitting with me in an effort to socialize her more, and it’s so much fun.

Cocker spaniel puppy and havanese puppy sitting together

She has now spent time with small dogs, big dogs, playful dogs, and calm dogs. She’s been in other people’s houses, in the car, and even had a “tea party” with the puppy above! And by tea party I mean they shared food, haha. Also, Lola continues to impress me with how patient she is with Mavis.

Black lab and cocker spaniel puppy cuddlingCocker spaniel puppy and corgi puppycocker spaniel puppy and Boston terrier mixChocolate lab and cocker spaniel puppy

Mavis also spent an evening with her cousin, Indy (my sister’s puppy!), and had a blast. They get along really, really well. Hannah and I just love seeing them play together. I can’t imagine what it would be like to see our actual children play together. I think my heart would explode from happiness?!

Cocker spaniel puppy and golden retriever puppy playing together

In other news, Jimmy thinks I’m becoming a dog. So much so that when I took a nap after a full day of dog walking, he took this picture of me with a snapchat filter.

Girl sleeping dog snapchat filter

It’s okay, though, because I deserved it for creeping on him while vlogging. I just love hearing whatever random things he says when he walks in the door after work, so whenever I’m vlogging I try to catch him in the act. I creeped on him in the vlog below around the 7:40 mark.

Alright, this post is getting quite long and I need to get my day started!

Have you read any good books lately?

Currently: September 2017

Current book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I try to read this book once or twice a year. It’s just a wonderful reminder that each of us were created by God for a purpose.

Current blessing Receiving a letter from the boy Jimmy and I sponsor at Niños de Mexico. It makes me heart so incredibly happy to know that he is safe, healthy, has a home, and is learning about God.

Ninos de Mexico sponsorship letter

Current beauty product Yes To Carrots Super Rich Body Butter. It fits my beauty product criteria: natural, smells good, and works great!

Current goal This is a lofty one, but I want to finish the first draft of my book by the end of the year. Can’t believe I’m putting it out there, but I’m hoping it will help me stay accountable.

Current indulgence Watercoloring. I love pulling out my paint and brushes every now and then. This time I was making some simple art to put in a 5×7 frame for our bedroom. I chose the bottom right one.

Abstract watercolor painting

Current drink As always, coffee. Really enjoying the single origin organic Peru beans from Aldi. Also had an iced vanilla latte the other day and it hit. the. spot.

Current craving I want to paint my nails. I just need to find a chunk of time when Mavis is sleeping so I don’t worry about picking her up with wet nails, ha.

Current food Vegetables from our garden! I know we’re nearing the end of the gardening season, so I’m trying to soak up all the garden time I can.

San Marzano, cherry, and purple tomatoes Japanese eggplant, purple tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes, and green beans

Current confession I don’t want summer to end, but at the same time I’m looking forward to fall and the holiday season. I’m planning a fall dinner for Jimmy and I and looking forward a new season of Gold Rush.

Current obsession Anything that has to do with our fur babies. Jimmy and I brought Mavis to her first training class this week and it was so much fun!

Girl cuddling cocker spaniel puppy

Current need Absolutely nothing! Feeling extremely blessed.

Current procrastination Mopping the floors. I’ve Swiffered the living daylights out of them, but I know they need a good old fashioned mopping.

Current excitement My mom bought a truck! She was torn between a few different Chevy models and the Ford F-150. She went with the Ford and told me she is loving it. I can’t wait to take a ride with her!

New 2017 Ruby Red Ford F-150

Current prayer For all the victims of Hurricane Harvey to find comfort, safety, hope, and solace. Watching the news has been heartbreaking. I highly recommend checking out the nonprofit I.D.E.S. if you’re looking to donate.

Current mood Happy. Looking forward to the weekend!

Current question Have you ever had someone tell you that you look like your name should be something other than your real name? I cannot tell you how many people have told me I look like my name should be Daisy. I’ve also gotten Alice, Genevieve, and Luna (apparently I look like Luna Lovegood?), but I get Daisy a lot. So much so that my parents call me Daisy instead of Allie.