Well, hello, beautiful friend. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and have had a great start to the week. I wanted to change things up a bit today since my last post was such a Debbie Downer post. This space has always been my place to share my heart and a place where I consider each and every person reading a friend. I think it’s only right that I regroup and recenter. Kind of like the recalibration feature on the iPhone’s Map app. In order to recalibrate, we’re going to get back to the basics and chit chat. If you and I were meeting for a cup of coffee, these are the things I would be sharing.
THE LOWS
- House hunting has still been making me crazy. We have put in a total of three offers on three different homes over the last few months, with none of them being accepted. I think we’re about ready to call it quits for a little while as far as house hunting goes.
- I was still annoyed by the fact that someone stole a blog post of mine, but after scaling back from social media over the weekend, and then talking to my hubs about it, I’m over it. He told me, “It’s just a blog. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a big deal.” And he’s right.
- I have been heartbroken for a sweet, sweet sorority sister who just lost her two-year-old baby in a pool accident. I am devastated beyond belief for her, but I’m fervently praying for peace and comfort for her and her family. She has two older daughters, all were close in age, and I just can’t imagine what they are going through. Please pray for the Spivey family with me.
- My grandpa has had a few setbacks medically. Over the weekend, we were able to spend some time with him, and I’m always grateful for that.
THE HIGHS
- Charlotte turned two and a half over the weekend, and I just love her more and more every single day. I’ll be dedicating an entire blog post to her half birthday (duh) tomorrow.
- We went to my hometown over the weekend, and we celebrated my cousin’s little boy’s first birthday. It’s always such a fun time celebrating life, especially with family.
- My mom, MJM, and I were able to sneak away to a fancy dinner Saturday night, and our time together was so good for my soul. We hardly ever get to do dinners like that anymore. You can bet your bottom dollar that I don’t ever take those times for granted. I’m so thankful for my family and the generosity they always show in watching Charlotte so we can go and do fun things. Best family ever.
- Sunday was a beautiful day filled with church, an awesome homily, and a great lunch with some of my very favorite people.
- I’ve been getting organized again, partly because it’s August and the teacher in me has not left the building. I’m ready to start organizing my blog posts again, meaning office supplies and calendars have been swirling around my desk making a comeback with a vengeance. Maybe I’ll put a blog post together about getting organized? There’s a sneak peak on Instagram of what I use to help my sanity.
- School shopping has been in overdrive, but I’m pretty sure it’s almost complete. I might have gone overboard. See also: cray cray. I mean, it’s just preparing for my first born’s first time in Mother’s Day Out. It’s necessary, right? (Don’t try walking me off the ledge on this one.) I’ll be sharing our clothing picks on Thursday.
- I’m half way through The Royal We, and I LOVE it. I wish I could read more than I ever let myself, but it’s definitely been taking up all my down time lately (whenever that may be).
And that’s about the size of it. But before I go, I want to share one last thing. During the homily on Sunday, the bishop (priest) shared an amazing story about wisdom. He said wisdom is learning to listen with your heart. We can talk all we want, but it’s when we stop to listen that we are truly encountering God. There are so many ways to listen: by going to church, hearing God’s words, and listening to others’ needs. His homily also made me think of the famous JFK quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” I replaced “country” with “God” in my head, and it made so much sense. I definitely needed to hear his words. It was an “aha” moment for sure. Those are just few things he talked about, but I thought it was worth a mention. ;)
So now, hit me with your chit chat. What would you tell me if we were talking over coffee? Highs, lows? And more importantly, is there anything you need me to add to my prayer list? I’d be honored to pray with you.
P.S. I promise I’m going to get better about commenting back faster than I have been. I’m recalibrating, remember?
So sorry the house hunting isn’t going so well. Those houses you put an offer on just weren’t meant to be THE ONE. I’m sure you will find your dream house soon! XO
We haven’t heard final word on our last offer, so there’s still a tiny bit of hope there, but we’re good with whatever happens. :) A vacation to Napa will make up for it.
Hope you’re doing well, Kelly!
Aw i was hoping to see pictures of Popo and the family and from Liam’s party since I couldn’t make it :/ I heard it was soo cute. Maybe next post. Did Charlotte take a picture with Mickey?
Aww, Sarah, I thought about adding pictures at the end, but I held back, because I was too tired. Lol. Aunt Cin put a ton on Facebook, and they are precious! Charlotte was scared of Mickey. Shocking. Lol. But she did get a cute one of all three of the kids. They aren’t all looking in the same direction, but none of them are crying which is a win. :) We missed you!
Lol aw poor Charlotte. Well that’s the best of all the pictures we’ve taken of them 3 together lol. I know I missed y’all. Next time! Prayers for your friend and her family.
:) Love and miss you!
August is the best month to recalibrate for sure! January is just so cliche. Almost like setting yourself up for failure! I’m all about restarts in August!!! Praying for your gpa & your sweet friend, I can’t even imagine.
I’d have to say so, Amanda! :) January mojo lasts for only so long. A recalibration is much needed mid year. Thanks so much for your prayers! You are too sweet. I hope all is well with that sweet family of yours!
Whoa whoa whoaaaa, someone stole a blog post of yours?! The nerve. Sorry that happened. This is the second time Ive heard of something like this happening and it baffles me. Recalibrating is good for the soul. Cant wait to see Charlotte’s new haul of back to school clothes!
Yes, Whitney. It’s so dumb. People just have no shame these days.
I’m definitely on the road to a more positive attitude though. :) I’ll be sharing her new closet tomorrow. It’s kind of embarrassing how much she got. My sister is the best aunt ever is all I have to say.
Just ordered that book…looks cute! Hang in there on the house front. As frustrating as it is, they just weren’t meant to be! Your husband’s advice of “it’s just a blog” is a great perspective. Even though I know it’s more than a blog to all us bloggers, sometimes it’s just good to step away and hear that. I have to tell myself that after too many nights of staying up too late. Love ya girl!
It’s so good! I’m about to fall asleep reading it. Lol. And yes, we’ll see where we end up. I’m excited for whatever the future holds. Of course it kind of stung a little bit at first when he said that, but then I realized he was so right. It’s not the end of the world. I’m staying up late all week this week to work on blog things, but it’s because I want to, not because I have to. ;) Love you, too! Xoxo
My mom owns a real estate company and I have grown up in real estate (I have a real estate license too… but it’s not active so clearly I am giving you professional advice, lol), but from what I know about the real estate market is that it becomes significantly easier to deal with as a buyer on off peak seasons (i.e. when school is in session or around holidays). Summer is just brutal to house hunt. I think taking a break is a great idea for your sanity! You’ll find the perfect one soon, I know it!!
And Michael is right about the blog. That is great advice. What happened with you was best case scenario… the post is gone! So I consider that a win.
Well that is some great advice! However, we will be sellers too, so it’s a tricky game. Lol. It’s been nice to not be searching every free minute we have though. I’m glad we’re taking a break, too. And thanks for the positivity! (Is that a word? It’s late and my brain is half on.) I’m sure we’ll find one soon too.
As far as blogging is concerned, M was so right. It’s a serious hobby of mine, but it’s still a hobby today. The post is gone and so are all the pins from Pinterest! Now if I can just get my original pin to show up again in searches, I’ll be a happy camper. ;)
Sounds like the real estate market in Houston is similar to Seattle. You can’t get a house unless you pay $100k over list price and come with all cash. Just insane!
Great advice from your hubby on the blog. I try to remember that when I get down about it. So glad you can see all the happy points in your life too my dear!
It’s not that we even have to outbid, it’s just that the good ones go soooo quickly. It’s annoying, but whatevs. We’ll find a new home when the time is right, I suppose. ;)
Yep, he’s good at steering me back to reality. I love this space, but it’s not the end of the world when things like that happen.
I hope the house hunting improves- so hard! Love how you shared the highs and lows. Please do share some organizational thoughts- would love that! Have a great day!
We’ve decided to put our house hunt on hold again. My hubby works in oil and gas, so we’re going to stay put until the times aren’t so iffy for his business. :) I shared some organization ideas in one of my latest posts. Did you happen to see it? Sorry it’s taken so long to respond. It’s been a crazy month! Lots of love to you, Keri!
Those flowers are so pretty! :)
Thanks so much, sweet Jenna!