Summer Loving...

We've hit the lazy, hazy days of summer. This has been the mildest summer that I remember, and I'm soaking it up. A few things I've been loving...

• Having access to three different libraries to keep our library stash well stocked. I've had so much fun reading aloud to the girls nearly every day. I've also stumbled across new favorites from authors that I was not familiar with. Have you read "How to Hug a Porcupine?" If not, check it out! It's sure to make your little one smile.
• I've also been devouring books over the last few weeks! If you have a chance to read Katherine Reay, I HIGHLY recommend her books. I just read three novels by her over the last few weeks, and each story has had such wonderful character development. A touch of mystery and romance. Better yet, her novels are so clean! Dear Mr. Knightly & A Portrait of Emily Price would be my current favorites.
• Iced coffee with a splash of cream, stevia, and vanilla. It's such a creamy treat, and much better for you than most sugar laden options. Then again, I splurge on good 'ol lattes from a local coffee shop at least once a week. Balance, right?
• Pretty pink roses right outside my door. They are knockout roses planted from previous owners, and I just love the cheerful color pop right outside my living room window. 
• Rainy days. We've had several rainy days in a row...I've savored every moment, but I'm also ready to see the sunshine!
• Baking treats! I've been in the mood to make yummy treats. So far, I've made Magic Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Strawberry Pecan Bread. Also, I'll be eating salads over the next few days to counteract the goodies. Haha! ;)

So, what have you enjoyed this summer? Would love book recommendations. <3

Bible Time With My Kids

The last few months have felt a bit heavy for more reasons than one. I've had a lot more on my plate than normal, and while it's just a season, I realized it was starting to affect me. I took a day to stay home, read, pray, and re-evaluate a few things. One area that I felt needed attention was having Bible time with the girls. While I love my morning quiet time, I wanted to have a set time of they day to read scripture, Bible stories, and simply fill their cups to the brim with scripture.

I ended up finding a sweet little Bible study booklet for the girls while shopping at Mardel's one day. We've been reading the story assigned to each page, then the girls color the picture. After that, we watch a short video that coordinates with the Bible story and finish off the with sweet gospel songs. This very small change to our day has given us a bit of structure and turned our hearts back to where they needed to be.

The rest of our summer should be filled with more quiet days at home, relaxing, and just enjoying summer as a family. I'm thankful and looking forward to it!

Things I'm Loving Right Now

• We've had a lot of sickness lately (head colds, mainly) which has kept us at home. I've spent my time reading, getting new organizing ideas, Bible journaling and trying new recipes. Egg Roll in a bowl has been my favorite so far!
• A few days ago, I decided to add a few new sight words and phonics to Evie's reading program. She read three new words right off the bat! Watching her eyes light up as she figured out each new word was priceless. 
• Ella has been learning her letters. She loves it and gets so excited when she figures out something new. Oh, how I just want to keep her bottled up as my baby forever. ;)
• I made a cold brew coffee late last night to enjoy this morning, and let me just say every single drop was savored. I bought Bulletproof Beans from our local Whole Foods and I'm officially a new fan!! This will be my new go to for my morning brew! 
• The daffodils have started blooming which reminds me that spring is just around the corner. I picked a few to put in my kitchen. They brighten the room and make me so happy. I think fresh flowers might be one of my favorite things, next to coffee, of course.
• And on a rather random note: I started exercising at the beginning of January. I have consistently worked out 4 to  days a week for over 6 weeks, now! This is huge because that is one area I have always struggled with. I went back to an old workout video that I used for years because I loved it so much...and what do you know, I still enjoy it. Sometimes, the girls will even join me. :)

Happy Thursday, friends! 

Hello February!

"Parenthood is an inner change. We ourselves grow, because parenting is so deep and intense." ~Fred Rogers

And just like that, January is over. February is here! It's one of my favorite months. I.E. It's my birthday month and Valentines. It's also an excuse to eat chocolate.

The last month was a bit of an odd duck. I was under the weather last week and promptly parked on the couch. I did however enjoy reading and planning a few house updates. We sold our bedroom set online (within minutes! crazy!) and purchased a new upholstered headboard. I'm excited to simplify and cozy up our spaces.

Also, after months of considering a new paint color for our living area, I promptly drove to Lowe's at 5pm, bought the paint, and between Josh and I we had the entire living room painted by 10pm. And I L O V E it. I went with a soft, lighter color. I'm craving soft and clean and crisp spaces. Simple living at it's finest. At least for me.

We finished our re-do of the girls bedrooms. New beds, complete with quilts that they picked out, curtains and pillows. They have been giddy with excitement and will often be found just sitting on their new beds and giggling away. Their excitement is infectious and adorable.

Slowly, but surely, we are picking back up with little pre-school lessons. The girls love being read to even when they are playing, so I've been working through Little House in the Big Woods. It has brought back so many of my own childhood memories. I hope our time reading together ignites a love for reading and sweet memories for my girls.

Have a wonderful weekend, blog friends.

My Favorite Chocolate Cake

We had such a nice four day weekend. Lots of sleeping in, visiting with family, and catching up on a few things around the house...like slowly, but surely decorating for fall!! I couldn't wait any longer. Have you decorated, yet?

My uncle was visiting from Illinois so I had my family over for Sunday dinner, and made our favorite chocolate cake. My family makes this cake for almost every birthday, holiday and get together. It's so easy and tastes heavenly.

I'll share the recipe!

Double Chocolate Cake

1 pkg. Devils Food Cake mix
1 pkg. Chocolate Pudding (Godiva tastes amazing in this cake!)
1 Cup Chocolate Chips (or white chocolate)
1 teaspoon Vanilla

Mix cake mix according to directions. Add dry pudding mix and stir until well incorporated. Add chocolate chips and vanilla. Bake according to the cake mix directions.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!

And if you want to see a sneak peak of my kitchen fall décor (full fall tour video coming later!)




Happy Wednesday, bloggy friends!! <3

The Weight of Grief

A few months ago an acquaintance posted an image titled "the weight of grief". As I viewed it, then, I didn't connect with the power of the image. It was that of a man weighted down by a heavy cloak.

Fast forward a few months, and that image keeps coming to mind.

Over the last two years, I've become acquainted with grief. It has come like slow billows, tiny waves, etching away at pieces of my heart. 

It wasn't until the other day, as I cried, really cried, for the first time in a long time, that I realized, grief has weighed me down for a time now. It has come in many forms, but mainly through the losses that life has thrown my way.

The loss of friendships. Even at 32, those losses never come easy. I have found myself wondering about the "could have been's" and the "why's". But, life, just happens. People move. People change. And one day you wake up and realize that once was is no longer. It's bittersweet.

The loss of my Mimmie. This year, I found myself at odds with Easter. It's normally one of my favorite holiday's, but it hurt. I would rather have had her here, watching my girls grow up. Needling me about my girls sleeveless dresses (she much preferred they wore sleeves and sweaters!). I know this is purely selfish--she is no longer in pain. But, still. The loss is so deep. Much deeper than I had ever imagined. And if I am being honest--I wish I had spent more time with her that last day. If only I had known--but, I didn't know.

And that's the frailty of life. Here one minute, gone the next.

I've questioned myself a bit about the fleeting-ness of life. Am I really living the life He has called me too? Am I dawdling too much? Do I tell my loved ones how much I care? I have so much work to do on this little 'ol heart of mine--rather--he has so much work left to do on me.