reading

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?

Blogging in between

It seems like Thursday is my blog day lately! Probably because I typically have Thursdays off from my regular job. I’m pet sitting two dogs today, so I’m blogging in between visits to the pups.

I just wanted to share some random pictures and thoughts from my life lately, as usual!

Let’s start with books, one of my favorite things to talk about.

adopted-for-life

I picked up a book from the Christian book store last week and I’m enjoying it. It was the first time I’ve bought a book in months and months, so it was quite a treat. Adopted for Life is about the priority of adoption for Christian families and churches. The author is great at relating adoption with how Christians are adopted into God’s family. It’s a pretty dense book, so I’ve been reading a few pages each day and really pondering the scripture references and the author’s points.

As I’ve mentioned before, adoption is something Jimmy and I talk and pray about a lot. I’ve had it on my heart since I was a young girl (and even mentioned it years ago here on the blog). As much as I want to just know what the future holds in terms of children, I am continually learning to trust that God has it all figured out. Whatever His plan is will be amazing.

lola-garbage-picking

Even at 10-years-old, Lola still keeps me on my toes. She hasn’t got into the garbage in months, so I’m sure you can imagine mine and Jimmy’s surprise when we came home from church and a quick pet sitting run at like 9:30 pm to find garbage all over the kitchen floor. Oh Lola, you are a goober!

sister

My sister-in-law and I painted ceramics together this week. It was so nice to talk, laugh at our painting skills, and do something creative. I really needed that relaxation time, and I always enjoy hanging out with my sister-in-law!

sunday-paper

I’m trying to start back up a little Sunday tradition that my dad and I had going before I got married. One of us would buy the Pittsburgh Post Gazette each Sunday and then share it with the other after they finished reading through it.

Jimmy and I stopped at a gas station to fill up his truck and I went inside to buy coffee this past Sunday afternoon. When I saw the newspaper near the cash register, I bought it and sent my dad a picture asking if he wanted me to bring it to him when I would see him at Sunday night church. Of course, he said yes. Tradition reinstated! I love my dad.

Alright, I’m off to pet sit and then I’m going to figure out what to bake to bring to an Origami Owl party tomorrow night. I’m so excited! I hope everyone has a great day 🙂