These posts are so fun to write every few months, and since it's been a solid three since my last one, I thought I'd update with a new one! Currently, I am...
Loving...the newest member of the Lu Crew, Theodore Fluffy Luton, aka Theo! I have a lot more to share about this cutie, but for now, I'll just say he is doing GREAT, cats are VERY easy animals to add to an already crazy crew, Raleigh is the sweetest, proudest momma. We love Theo! More on him later this week. :)
Reading...shoooooooooooey, have I got some awesome books to share with y'all! One of my intentions for this year is to read, read, read more, more, more, and I am off to a great start so far. I wanted to share a few books I have read over the last month or so that I love in the order of my favorites:
(1) The Nightingale. I actually read this one towards the end of 2018 but wanted to include it here because it is SO good.
(2) The Great Alone. This one is by the same author as The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah), and it is phenomenal - a VERY close second to that first one.
(3) Bird Box. So, I read this late last year before knowing they were creating a movie based on the book. A couple girlfriends and I (and our moms!) read the book and then watched the movie together just recently. The book is super, duper creepy and way better than the movie. It's definitely worth a read (and read it before you watch the movie).
(4) An Anonymous Girl. I finished this one over the weekend and it was...okay. It started a little slow but picked up and got quite suspenseful about halfway through.
(5) Nine Perfect Strangers. This is written by the same author as Pretty Little Liars. It's okay. I think I was just so blown away by Kristin Hannah's books that it was hard to compete.
And lastly, I just started And Then She Was Gone yesterday after a girlfriend lent it to me while she finishes one I purchased and lent her and am reading next: Where the Crawdad Sings. I have multiple girlfriends who have raved and raved about this book, so much so that we are going to start a book club and start by discussing this book. So, I cannot WAIT to read it!
Waiting for...a highly anticipated (second) appointment with our new holistic doctor next week. There has been (lots of) blood drawn and stool samples sent and as of this week, a urine sample, too, that was collected last night (thanks to my VERY loving and patient, hub), all so that we can get a clearer picture of what is going on with Bella's health from a holistic perspective and then craft a treatment plan accordingly. I am counting down until the next appointment and feeling very hopeful this will be the answer to so many prayers for our littlest lady.
Excited about...this Friday night!! My hub and I are having a special date night that I have been looking forward to for WEEKS! I can't wait to share with y'all what it is. So excited!!
Trying to...continue promoting positivity in my life - reducing negative or comparative or judgmental interactions while focusing on the good right in front of me and being oh-so-grateful for the countless blessings in my life. Life can be hard, but I refuse to let it harden my heart. <3
Working on...waiting well. On Sunday, I was in tears over the incredible sermon the senior pastor of our church delivered. It was on remaining prayerful and faithful and hopeful in the waiting. Most of us are waiting for something - fertility? answers to medical problems? effective treatment of mental and physical health issues? resolution of family/friend discord? job success and fulfillment? etc. We are all waiting. The sermon was SO powerful in discussing what to do in the wait, all the while remembering that we do not get to determine when the waiting is over, when our prayers will be answered. God does. And Him not responding to our greatest prayers and wishes right now, now, now!!!, does not mean He doesn't hear our prayers. His plan and timing are always right. Sometimes we have to wait. And our pastor spoke about how to do that well. Amen and Amen.
(1) The Nightingale. I actually read this one towards the end of 2018 but wanted to include it here because it is SO good.
(2) The Great Alone. This one is by the same author as The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah), and it is phenomenal - a VERY close second to that first one.
(3) Bird Box. So, I read this late last year before knowing they were creating a movie based on the book. A couple girlfriends and I (and our moms!) read the book and then watched the movie together just recently. The book is super, duper creepy and way better than the movie. It's definitely worth a read (and read it before you watch the movie).
(4) An Anonymous Girl. I finished this one over the weekend and it was...okay. It started a little slow but picked up and got quite suspenseful about halfway through.
(5) Nine Perfect Strangers. This is written by the same author as Pretty Little Liars. It's okay. I think I was just so blown away by Kristin Hannah's books that it was hard to compete.
And lastly, I just started And Then She Was Gone yesterday after a girlfriend lent it to me while she finishes one I purchased and lent her and am reading next: Where the Crawdad Sings. I have multiple girlfriends who have raved and raved about this book, so much so that we are going to start a book club and start by discussing this book. So, I cannot WAIT to read it!
Waiting for...a highly anticipated (second) appointment with our new holistic doctor next week. There has been (lots of) blood drawn and stool samples sent and as of this week, a urine sample, too, that was collected last night (thanks to my VERY loving and patient, hub), all so that we can get a clearer picture of what is going on with Bella's health from a holistic perspective and then craft a treatment plan accordingly. I am counting down until the next appointment and feeling very hopeful this will be the answer to so many prayers for our littlest lady.
Trying to...continue promoting positivity in my life - reducing negative or comparative or judgmental interactions while focusing on the good right in front of me and being oh-so-grateful for the countless blessings in my life. Life can be hard, but I refuse to let it harden my heart. <3
Working on...waiting well. On Sunday, I was in tears over the incredible sermon the senior pastor of our church delivered. It was on remaining prayerful and faithful and hopeful in the waiting. Most of us are waiting for something - fertility? answers to medical problems? effective treatment of mental and physical health issues? resolution of family/friend discord? job success and fulfillment? etc. We are all waiting. The sermon was SO powerful in discussing what to do in the wait, all the while remembering that we do not get to determine when the waiting is over, when our prayers will be answered. God does. And Him not responding to our greatest prayers and wishes right now, now, now!!!, does not mean He doesn't hear our prayers. His plan and timing are always right. Sometimes we have to wait. And our pastor spoke about how to do that well. Amen and Amen.
Enjoying...running again! I am training for my second half-marathon and am starting to log some longer runs again. It is such mood lifter and feeling of accomplishment to push myself beyond my limits, even when it's hard or I don't feel like it. I never, ever regret it.
Watching...oooooh, I've got some good shows to recommend! First and foremost, Schitt's Creek (via Netflix). Pleeeeeease tell me you guys have either watched this or are currently watching it (or will watch it now that I'm doing my best to persuade you to)? ;) This.Show.Is.SO.Funny. Seriously. To be totally honest, it starts off a little slow but please don't just watch an episode or two and throw in the towel (they're only, like, 22-minute episodes). It is the best, funniest show my hub and I have seen in a long time! Unfortunately, we just finished the most recently released season. Fortunately, I missed most of Season 1, and an episode here and there in Seasons 2, 3, and 4, so I get to go back and watch more. Hooray! But for real, y'all. Watch. Laugh. Love. And then tell me about it! :) Also, we finished up You on Netflix just last night (creeeeeeepy!). Oh, a few weeks ago, we also tried to watch Homecoming featuring Julia Roberts but just didn't love it so never finished it. Any shows we should be watching (besides re-watching Schitt's Creek)? ;)
Using...my favorite Rodan + Fields products every.single.day. Let me know if you want to try! Although I love the regimens I use every morning and night (Unblemish and Redefine in the fall/winter; Unblemish and Reverse in the spring/summer), I have three all-time favorite RF products:
(1) Radiant Defense. I have been using this for months and it is, hands down, my most favorite. It feels lighter than the lightest moisturizer and evens out skin tone while treating skin and providing SPF. It's a game changer.
(2) Lash Boost. A verrrrrrry close second. This is the reason people will stop to comment on my lashes (this coming from the girl who has always had sad-lookin' lashes). This is the reason I now buy grocery store mascara (instead of spending a fortune on high-end, name brand mascara). It is a no-brainer, I promise.
(3) Active Hydration Body Replenish. Are y'all ready to see the craziest thing ever? My poor, sweet Bella has the driest skin I've ever seen. The dermatologist diagnosed her with ichthyosis (basically, she has super dry, super scaly skin from head-to-toe, that especially flares during cold winter months) and gave her two prescriptions to treat her poor skin. We used them religiously for a year. Honestly? They did NOTHING. I was all set to schedule a new appointment with a new dermatologist when my sister suggested we give this new RF product a try. You guys. IT IS LIKE MAGICAL POTION FOR MY DAUGHTER'S SKIN. Think I'm exaggerating? Please look at the before and afters, below (and also, know that the before picture doesn't remotely do the extremely poor state of her skin justice. It was so scaly and itchy she would scratch herself until she bled. Not anymore).
Wearing...OILS!!!!! Oooh....I have updates to share with y'all about this, but this post is already way longer that I intended (anyone still here and reading? Ha!); so, I'll write more about it soon!
Planning...some changes in and around our home, both short-term (small) and long-term (big) renovations and modifications, and I can't wait! :)
Singing...whatever pop songs my kiddos are jamming to these days. They have "dance breaks" during the school day (love it!); so, they are very aware of current music. This ol' fogey is not. But they do their best to keep their momma in the know.
Needing...to figure out when I'll be taking my next social media fast. Anyone else want in? :)
Listening to...several good podcasts when I run. First and foremost, Andy Stanley's "It's Your Move." Andy was our pastor at Buckhead Church when we lived in Atlanta, and I miss his sermons so much. BUT. He has an awesome app that replays his sermons, and I love listening to them when I run. They are so relatable and applicable, and I just love his style and presentation and message every time I listen! Also, on a less religious note, ;) I enjoy Criminal, which is narrated by Phoebe Judge (her voice is just DREAMY) and each episode centers around different crimes. Some are funny, some are serious, all are interesting! Each episode is around 25 minutes; so, they are quick, fascinating entertainment.
Learning...that my sanity is closely tied to my ability to go to Barre3 - seriously! We've had a few rough months lately, and I swear, every time I walk out of the studio, I feel lighter, healthier, and happier - as though a weight has been lifted. Please, PLEASE come join me for a class. I can get you in for free (with no kickback to me, promise!) and would LOVE for you to join me! <3
Doing...a lot of clean eating! I mentioned recently that I am trying to focus on making healthier (read: non-processed) food choices and am really enjoying producing heathier meals for my Crew. And I just HAVE to share this recipe with y'all for these clean, skinny, gluten-free sugar-free (yet sweet and full of yummy taste!) avocado brownies I made for a Super Bowl gathering we attended on Sunday. You would never know there was an avocado in these things! Honestly? They were delicious and the kids (and grown-ups ;) ) wolfed them down!
Wishing...for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...oh-whoa-oh (Any Forest Hill Kid Ministry friends now singing that song? Ha!) for all those I love so dearly. Pretty sure this world would be a better place if people were able to put this into practice daily, for themselves and ALL whose paths they cross. <3
Dreaming of...summer vacations with people we love! Although I don't want to wish time away (because my kiddos refuse to stop growing up, doggone it), there is just nothing like the salt and the sand and a drink in my hand while surrounded by littles laughing together as I catch up with family and friends I love. Cannot WAIT.
And that is that! Have a great week, friends! Be back soon with some fun news :)
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