Touches of Spring

Yesterday, after my life group, I had to stop by Target because it was the introduction of the Liberty of London line! As of lately, I grab a basket instead of a cart when shopping...keeps me from going crazy, usually. Well, yesterday I was on a roll; picking up cute little frames, easter candy, spring decor, etc. I am a total sucker for anything cute and festive. Don't feel like you need to decorate for Spring or Easter? I do. I'm Hallmark, and every other stores' dream customer, because I fall for all of the hooplah and propaganda they throw at me. And I'm convinced that Target is out to get me this spring. It came to the point where my red basket was SO jam-packed full, that I was developing a limp just trying to make my way around the entire store with basket in one hand, and oversized purse in the other.

So, I did the responsible thing, and took inventory of my basket...put several things back. Some made the "Do not need" list, and others the "I'll be back for you later" list. All in all, I followed my wannabe minimal/wannabe frugal side.
I am loving touches of Spring.

And I'm sharing this beautiful spring day with these crazies:

So Long, Insecurity

Today, two of my girlfriends and I started our own life group (small group/bible study). We are reading this:

Our first meeting went great. We discussed the first few chapters, referenced the bible, prayed and shared A LOT. Because that's what we women like to do...TALK:)

I'm really excited about developing our friendships, growing in the Lord, and diving deeper into the Word of God, and the wild world of women and their insecurities.

Layla

I really want to win a personalized portrait of....LAYLA!

Go to THE LOVE LIST for your chance to win a portrait of your pup!

I've fallen and I can't get up!

This little french bulldog is the cutest thing ever. Poor baby can't get up!

Speaking of cute dogs, Layla ran inside this morning with muddy paws. That was her first misstep. There were little paw prints all over the wood floor I had JUST mopped. So, I laid my half eaten peach on the counter while I wiped up the prints. I go back for the peach and it's MIA. That was her second misstep. Want to know where I found it? Under the couch, with all of her balls.

A day in the life

Two different times today I circled the same block almost 3 times because I kept missing the drive of whatever store I was after. It occured to me, maybe that's how people suffering from early onset Alzheimer's feel.

But I have been on 800 mg of IB Profen and Sinus meds for two days. So, driving around the block is justified.

I decided, after some spring cleaning, to drop a couple bags of clothes off at the local consignment boutique. This particular place only accepts women's clothing, so I popped the trunk, got out of my car, locked the doors, went around back and fished through the bags, throwing out all of the mens clothing for a different stop. What I didnt realize was that as I was rearranging clothes, I set my car keys down on the floor of the trunk. And shut it.

Much to my disappointment, when I came back outside I had no car keys and a locked car.

I went back inside to make sure I didn't set them down in the store, although I was pretty certain where they were. One of the nice girls working said she was a pro at breaking into cars (seriously) and went in the back to grab a wire hanger.

We stood in the parking lot for a good 20 minutes, trying to break into my car. We received many odd looks.

When that wasn't successful (darn modern day cars), I went inside and used their business phone to call Jake at work, because of course my cell phone was in my locked car, and his work number is one of the only ones I have memorized.

He was not very happy, and of course said, "Why did you do that?" Like I did it on purpose..

He couldn't leave the store, so he sent one of his employees to come get me, with strict instructions to bring me back to the store and not waste any time. They're on a deadline and he couldn't be without him for long. But this was kind of serious. And the shop was now closing.

I stood outside, waiting for the nice guy, when the temp started dropping, or at least that's what it felt like. I estimated he should be arriving in no less than 10 minutes, so I walked across the parkinglot, and entered a restaurant. I sat at the bar for a couple of minutes to warm up, when I got "hit on", if you will, by an old man. In his defense, I wasn't wearing my wedding ring, because a diamond fell out and I had just dropped it off at the jeweler.

So, I decided to head back outside and look around. Still not there. It had definitely been 10 minutes and patience has never been my strong suit, so I stopped a pedestrian and asked to borrow her cell phone. Her phone's wallpaper had a questionable picture staring me in the face as I fumbled to figure out new technology.

Just then, he pulled up.

I was thinking what a hassle it would be to go to Jake's work and drive his truck home. That means I would have to pick him up from work later, and that totally interferes with my plans tonight, and we would still have to go back and get my car in the morning.

So, I conned the nice guy into driving me home to get my spare key, and back to my car. Ok, I threatened. I said I would take the blame for everything. And I did, but Jake still wasn't happy.

Now I'm home, enjoying a warm bowl of soup and preparing to go out with a couple girls later.

It's good to know my husband still loves me. And my drama.

"make yourself happy"?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phil 4:6-7

A couple of nights ago, I had a conversation with one of my dearest friends that inspired a few thoughts. We discussed whether or not his restlessness for a new start and a new city was warranted. Moving from city to city, and state to state in search of a great job opportunity and lasting relationships isn't ideal, however, I found myself telling him, "Make yourself happy." Now, don't be alarmed, my advice didn't end there.

I am certainly not one of those people who believe you should make yourself happy no matter what. Example, a married woman with 3 children comes to me and says she's unhappy in her marriage. My advice would never be to just do what she has to do to "make herself happy." That, my friends, is called being selfish.

But in this particular friend's case, I don't think there is anything wrong with leaving another job, another, city, and another state for a place that truly lets you enjoy the small things. There's no wife or child to think about..take this time and make yourself happy. If that means living somewhere else, where you're financially secure to do the things you enjoy, and visit the people you love...then do it. If you're not hurting anyone, and honoring God in the process, then just do it.

Don't worry friend, I truly believe you're too responsible to end up a gypsy:)

So, his predicament got me thinking...am I able to enjoy the small things where I'm at? I often feel anxious for no apparent reason (Beth Moore says that's a sign of insecurity...but I never thought I was insecure?? And you're thinking 'you're a woman...Duh, you're insecure.') But God says, be anxious for nothing. And I believe He's also saying to me, "enjoy the small things I've given you, and the big things will come." Big things like job promotions, moving south, and children.

So, what are the small things that I genuinely enjoy? I'll list a few:

Warm, sunny days
Rainy Sundays, cuddled up with Jake on the couch
The way Layla shakes her butt at me when she's excited
A really great conversation
A newborn baby
A warm, comfortable bed
An ocean view
The feeling after a good run
A brand new puppy
A hot shower
Wearing heels
A homecooked meal
Getting the family all together
A great new song
Driving with the windows down
Singing in front of the mirror (don't judge.)
etc.

I'm sure I could go on and on with this list. Those are just some simple things I enjoy. Most of them on a daily basis. What do I have to be anxious about? I'm luckier than most. Let me encourage anyone reading this, to enjoy the simple things, and wait patiently for the big, lifechanging blessings bound to come your way.

purpose

I'm sure some of you have wondered, 'What is the purpose of a blog?' There are a lot of reasons people begin writing blogs; Some for business marketing or advertising, some to post pictures and stories of their children for family members far away, and more.

I started this blog as a creative outlet. Sometimes I feel like I have a lot to say, and writing a book was taking too long:) I blog on topics I'm passionate about, a lot of times with a focus on women. One day I may write about the things I love, where I've been shopping, where I would like to go shopping, or my obsession with all things interior design. The next, I may share dreams and aspirations, or a word of encouragement. But one thing I can promise is there will be newlywed tales, updates on the family, and someday pictures and stories about our babies...

if I don't return to writing that book.