Happy Friday! How are you?? I’m writing this sitting in my backyard, enjoying a picture perfect Texas spring day. It’s good to be back here in this space! Although all the “experts” say not to mention if you’ve taken a break from blogging, it feels awkward and disingenuous to not at least acknowledge the fact that I’ve been absent from the blog and most social platforms since December. There’s a lot of reasons for that — mostly life things — like graduate school, moving, and did I mention graduate school and moving??! But also, I think it was time for a break — time to reflect and to find that part of me that enjoyed writing for writing, not for any other reasons.
All that to say — I’m not sure what the future will hold for this space — but I’m here now, and I’m so glad to be back! We’re looking forward to a weekend with a birthday party for one of our friend’s sweet kids, a tiny house show, maybe grabbing dinner with family, and organizing our lives before traveling some in the month ahead. I would love to hear about what’s going on with you in the comments! Here’s the usual Friday favorites — life, links, and yummy food 🙂
Life Lately
My new spring yard sign. I looked forever for a colorful new sign for our yard…until I found this one on sale at Hobby Lobby! It makes me smile every time I drive in and out of our home!
Spring Blooms. One of the fun parts about being in a new home is seeing what surprises pop up outside during the spring. These beautiful pink flowers (which may be peonies?? Gardeners out there – thoughts?) looked like weeds so much so that I almost pulled them up! So glad I didn’t — they are beautiful.
Coffee Cake Cravings. This is one of my favorite desserts (or breakfasts if we’re being honest 🙂 ), and it’s my Grandma’s recipe! One evening this week, I decided to make it for a sweet treat for us and our small group.
Becoming an Aunt and Uncle! We found out a month ago that we will be celebrating the birth of a niece this summer! We couldn’t be more excited 🙂 (My sis made that amazing cake, by the way!)
Backyard Beauty. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the sunshine and the huge shade trees in our backyard during the afternoon. The dose of vitamin D is good for my body and soul.
Date Night. We had such a fun date night last weekend celebrating the completion of another clinical rotation. We went to Seasons 52 in Plano (great GF options!) and then walked around Legacy West, stopping in the Starbucks Reserve store for something warm since it was freezing out! (<– ok freezing for us Texans! 🙂 )
Dallas the Dog Picture of the Week
Dallas is two now! He’s as silly and cute as ever. He helps me study, and he loves his new goldendoodle friend, Bella, who comes over a lot to play. Aren’t they adorable??!
Links Lately
Annie’s podcast has always been a favorite, but it’s been especially amazing lately! Bob Goff, Jo Saxton, and John Crist have been among my favorite recent episodes
The sweetest perspective from a dad with a daughter with special needs
On International Women’s Day, World Relief posted this video with the incredible Amena Brown — inspiring and empowering
One of the most beautiful posts about marriage I’ve ever read by Alia Joy for (in)courage
A different, encouraging perspective on resurrection, Easter, and hope by Addie Zierman
Yummy Link of the Week
This salad looks amazing...and that’s saying something since I hardly ever make salad at home…too much chopping 🙂 but I’m adding this one to the list!
An easy and delicious pie that I’ve now made twice!
What’s been making your everyday extraordinary lately?
So glad to hear that you are back at it!!! I hadn’t read up on what the experts say, so I definitely came right out with the fact that I had taken a break! So excited for you to be an aunt!!! Congrats!!!!!
Thanks Dana! Glad to be back 🙂