Life Lately Fall Edition

Let’s pretend we’re both rocking on the front porch of a mountain cabin sipping a hot cup of coffee & taking in the view, shall we?

If we were going to sit and chat for a spell here’s what I’d share about my life lately:

Accepting - The current climate of our world (I don’t like it! Not one little bit!)

Cheers to 15 years together!

Appreciating - how hard Ryan works! Given today’s medical climate he’s averaging 250 hrs in the ER each month to care for patients.  We miss him dearly but proud of his dedication to others and us.

Becoming - a better listener (at least I’m trying to). I’m a talker and get so excited when I’m with my gal pals that I want to make sure I don’t hog up our conversations.

Believing - that God has the whole world in His hands. 

Celebrating - my sister just moved last week. It’s been hard as she’s now 90 mins away instead of 30 but I’m so happy for her family and their new home.

Drinking - more water! Ugh it’s a need! I am horrible and will never ever miss my two piping hot cups of black coffee, but water, can go all day with out it. 

Eating - before Vivian I would never ever eat processed food much less sugar! But I’ve chilled just a tiny bit and am allowing myself to enjoy a treat with her (on occasion).

Enjoying - all the outside time I can get! I spend more time out on our patio than inside our home.

Exercising - all the outside runs! The morning weather is crisp and perfect for clocking in lots of miles and speed. I always push hard physically during 4th quarter so that I can finish the year strong.

Feeling - joyful for my family! Life isn’t perfect but gracious I’m so happy to share it with them!

Finishing - organizing the closets & cabinets throughout our home

This was a week ago at the top of a hike with my church's ladies retreat

Going - to the mountains for a weekend at the lake with some of my gal pals! 4 more days!

Laughing - at my darling Vivian and the sweet silly things she says and does

Missing - my Mamma. I don’t see her nearly enough.  I do still call almost daily because no matter how old I get, I still need her every day!

Marveling - at how much Vivian is learning & growing each day.

Noticing - just how fast time goes.

Ordering - all of Vivian’s Christmas & birthday presents this month.

Planning - LOTS of vacations for 2022!

Praying - all the time.

Proud - of how awesome Vivian did at her first dentist appointment.

Searching - for the perfect dress for family pictures ... Instead I keep finding other fabulously extra pieces like this faux fur coat (my gals pals and sisters said no #eyeroll)

Trying - to love Ethel.  I’m at tolerating.

Wearing - lots and lots of jeans. It's finally cooling off, just a bit.

Studying - Romans. Every Tuesday & throughout the week in a Ladies Bible Study.

Wishing - she could always stay this little

Hoping - that the gals that read this blog are encouraged, inspired and loved by the things I share! 

Dress Beautifully Each & Every Day

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Virtual Coffee Date

Good Morning Gals! 

While we may not know each other in real life and even if we do, Lord knows face to face time hasn't been an option for a year now #tear I thought I'd do my best and pretend we were having a coffee date. It's a little one sided with me just chit chatting at you but I'm hoping you'll write me back and share what you're up to lately ... dressbeautifully@gmail.com 

So come, sit down for a spell and let's virtually clink, cheers and catch up with a cup ...

Currently I'm ...

Sipping - A large cup of dark roasted black coffee.  I grind 1/4 cup of beans in Ryan's Grandpa's old grinder and sip it piping hot, that's essential! Adore our simple, classic large mugs. 

FYI: French press is the best.

Coffee is one of the only things I enjoy consuming.  (I don't give a rip about food) 

Rising - at 5am for a couple hours of solitude & productivity before my darling wakes.

Reading - His Word each day, often throughout the day.  Its promises haven't failed and I've been filled with His grace & mercy each hour.  When I get into the Word it gets into me and changes everything about my heart and the life I'm living. 

I'm also putting my to-do list aside and reading books I've been meaning to crack open for months in our backyard hammock several days a week now that the weather is warmer. #noregrets

Relating - to Cameron Wimberly's book 'One day you'll thank me' and laughing along.  I too was hesitant to have a child and struggled with the decision  to leave my career to choose to be home with my daughter.

I also am content with only having one child. 

Working - hard at my workouts to get stronger and faster!

Listening - to 90's & 2000's jams while I sweat ... it's the good stuff from my glory days and while it may not be edifying it pumps me up.

Striving - to make this space a place of encouragement. 

Ministering - to middle & high school young ladies as a Sunday school teacher. I've been teaching every Sunday for 5 years now and boy do they bless my life! Of all the 'jobs' I've ever had this one is the most rewarding! 

Loving - the Spring time weather and longer days!!!!! ALL the things outside.

Looking - for patio furniture that doesn't cost a fortune.  We want a sectional sofa that is high quality and will last us years.  And it must be comfortable. 

Waiting - for vacation! Beyond excited to be toes in the sand with my gal pals in 6 weeks.

Deciding - on my next decor project! We recently finished a renovation that included 6 rooms (sharing detailed posts soon) so I'm resting now but I know I'm going to get a wild hair to change something up.

Organizing - my closet. It's time to store my winter clothing and bring out Summer!

Wishing - for this clutch for my birthday present.  I'm 38 next month (I totally feel 28!) 

Avoiding - my huge picture project! I have an embarrassing amount of pictures over the past 3+ years that I need to sort through, digitally organize, upload into books and print. Sigh it's so overwhelming I don't even know where to start ... so I haven't UGH 

Craving - Watermelon out on our back patio under the warm sun!

Enjoying - running outside in the sun and seeing all the trees and flowers blooming

January 2020 - far too long ago

Wanting - a date night where I'm can wear something sassy (not church appropriate) and cheers my husband in a dim room with good food and zero distractions, sooooo bad! 

Trying - to drink more water #thestruggleisreal

Giving - as many kisses to my darling girl as I possibly can! 

Struggling - with Ryan's work schedule. He practices medicine in the Emergency Room.  He's working long shifts and a great deal of overnights at the hospital with only 3-4 days off each month.  This does not allow for a lot of time together and is taxing on him (and us).  

Practicing - gratitude, everyday. Despite the circumstances! I am blessed beyond measure and thank God for all that He's given and allows to happen. I know He will provide, protect and is always present.

Watching - eh this is a tough one. I rarely watch tv and frustrated with Netflix b/c everything is so overly inappropriate. I really enjoyed the shows 'The Crown', 'Steel Magnolias' and 'Firefly Lane'.

Indulging - on Halo ice-cream.  I buy one pint a week and have a few spoonfuls a few times a week. Chocolate, strawberry and sherbet are my favorites.

Missing - fellowship with my gal pals. It's heartbreaking not spending time in each other's presence. I love to hug on them and connect on the happenings of our lives.  I'm beyond grateful for texting, calling, zoom gatherings and FaceTime calls (my preference) but none of them are the same as gathering in person.

I use time driving to chit chat

Sharing - laughs and stories with my gal pals via text or calls throughout the day/week when I can. I have so many long distance and I appreciate that we don't let that get in the way of staying in touch.

Eager - to dye Easter eggs with Vivian for the first time in a couple of weeks with her cousins. Outside of course!

Grateful - for my many many undeserved blessings! God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He's so good to me! such a sweet sweet and true song

Crashing - no later than 9 (see rising above) most of the time by 8:30

I order up a second cup after lunch & enjoy it with the company of the birds and sunshine as often as I can

I encourage you to try and have a coffee date with those you hold dear, whether it has to be virtual or over the phone or better yet try and meet outside somewhere.  Even if you're distanced the relationship will grow closer!

Dress Beautifully on a Coffee Date

XOXO Sarah-Louise