{virtual} coffee date

If we were having coffee this morning... there would be Christmas music playing in the background.  Even as I type this, this delightful music is what I'm listening to.  Now, I'm not quite sure how I feel about the fact that Christmas decorations have already been in full force around stores, malls, and such. I for one feel a bit bad for Thanksgiving.  It hasn't even come yet, and all we can think about is Christmas! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I would share that things are most likely going to get pretty quiet around here.  After visiting my doctor on Thursday, we thought it'd be best for me to stop working a week earlier than I had originally planned.  So that basically means that after this week off from work, I'll have one week left at work and then maternity leave will start.  As much as I can't wait for a break, to catch my breath, and to finally get some things done around the house-there is also SO much to do for work to make sure my precious students are taken care of amazingly.  The past two weeks have been rough and very stressful, and so I'm desperately trying to balance life out.  

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that God has been showing himself to me in amazing ways!  Over the last couple of weeks I've experienced some stress over who my long-term sub would be.  And as a teacher, we are all type-A, our classrooms are our babies.  The thought of not teaching them and giving it over to someone else is still something I'm getting used to.  Anyways, a lot of "possibilities" have been falling through which left me desperately praying to God that He would provide.  As soon as my prayers were done, I'd open up my devotional for the day, and God-in His miraculous wonders- answered them right there.  "Do not be anxious about tomorrow"...."Do not stress"....  over and over again He has been giving me verses and stories that directly answer my prayers.  It gets even better.  On Wednesday of this past week I found out that who I thought was going to take over my classroom can't, leaving me on the verge of a full blown panic attack.  So I prayed, and quickly emailed one more possibility.  Within 2 hours, I got an email back from her saying that she CAN do it, and all of a sudden a huge sense of peace overcame me.  We have an amazing and faithful God, my friends! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I'm leaving for Arizona today with my mom to visit family and have an early Thanksgiving celebration.  I'm so excited to just be with family, relax a bit, and have grandma show me how to crochet a beanie for the baby.  

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that we have been receiving so many packages in the mail lately, most of which are for the baby.  The other day my tank I ordered from Refresh Attire came and I couldn't have been more thrilled.  Can I just say that I'm truly loving the fact that we can bless these small businesses and know exactly where our money is going and who it is supporting?  Christmas shopping has already been so much fun this year as we have tried to keep it to small boutiques and businesses that serve a greater cause. 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I've always wanted to attend a conference with other bloggers but can never find a way to spend that much money on one where I won't know anyone.    Well, I recently learned about the Refresh Summit and it is all I can think about!  This conference is help by one of my favorite bloggers, and it brings together FAITH and FITNESS.  Plus, it's at Forest Home, which holds a dear spot in my heart.  Forest Home is where my youth group would attend winter camp.  I can still remember the camp where I fell head over heels for Daniel, and the entire ride home I kept telling my leader how much I liked him and that he would never like me back.  Little did I know back then what life would hold for us 10 years later :)  

{virtual} coffee date

I know it's not Saturday, and that I missed our coffee date on Saturday.  But I needed a coffee date, so we're going with it today! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would order a cafe soy misto with one pump of pumpkin.  This is the good stuff!  Starbucks currently has their Thanksgiving blend, and this with a little dash of pumpkin is pretty amazing.  The steamed soy milk definitely helps with the taste of the coffee, which still isn't completely amazing to me.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that this weekend was such a blessing.  Oh my goodness. My mom, and two very amazing friends threw my baby shower.  In one room there was so much love, and when I went to open my mouth to thank everyone, I got completely choked up.  To know that we have people in our lives, that love us so much, and are beyond excited for our precious baby boy...there's just no words.  I promise to share more about the shower this week! 

If we were having coffee this morning I'd share that the minute we got home Saturday night after the shower and having dinner with family, we unpacked our car (that held much more than we ever thought it could) and immediately got a rush to start organizing everything.  All of a sudden, the nursery is coming together, and everything feels very real.  I spent Sunday afternoon doing more organizing, and I think we finally have a spot for everything.  But let me just say, there should definitely be a manual for how to tackle your gifts after a shower! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that I was thrilled to spend my weekend with two friends that flew in town for my shower.  Kylee and I treated ourselves to blow outs at Dry Bar.  This was my first time there, and I definitely want to go back!  It felt so amazing to sit and watch Sex and the City while someone did my crazy, thick hair for me.  I was pretty happy with the final product, but it definitely started to fall just hours later, but that is to be expected with my heavy hair.  Andrea and I hiked Mt. Woodson, which is a tradition of ours, and then grabbed coffee afterwards.  There is just something about being around friends that you don't get to see very often to make you feel like yourself again.  So blessed for these true friends! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that I'm pretty excited for my birthday this year because my grandma will still be in town.  What I love the most is how simple and effortless we are keeping things.  It only feels right after a busy, family-filled weekend.  Making dinner together, loving on one another, that is exactly how I want to spend my birthday! 

If we were having coffee this morning I'd share that I'm pretty shocked at how motivated I was to organize the nursery and get everything in its proper place, but when it comes to other areas of the house I just can't seem to find the time.  Our closet right now needs a mad cleaning and overhaul!  I've been waking up way before my alarm clock thinking about what I need to clean, organize, and puts in its place.  

If we were having coffee this morning I'd share that my tummy is not too happy with my about my eating habits this past week.  Between Halloween, the baby shower, having family in town, friends visiting...it definitely is unhappy with some choices I've made.  I'm definitely craving some clean eats this week.  It amazes me when my body just craves whole, fresh foods! It just makes me feel nice and happy on the inside! 

{virtual} coffee date

Happy Saturday lovelies!  I must admit that if we were having coffee this morning I would truly hope that it was coming from Peet's Coffee or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.  Better yet, why don't we find a cute, quaint coffee shop and just bask in its adorableness?  Starbucks is just not my fav, and all I want lately is coffee from the cutest coffee shop that was right by my house in college I frequented quite often. 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I'm pretty proud of the fact that I started Christmas shopping already!  This is a very rare act for me, but when you have a baby due ON Christmas day, it makes you start planning just a bit ahead.  And so far I am in love with the gifts I have found.  

I truly love being able to support small businesses, and blogging and helped me to find amazing shops to support.  This year the Mr. and I both agreed we want to give gifts with meaning.  Whether that mean the gift is meaningful to that person, or we are supporting a small shop or cause with our purchase.  Lisa Leonard is always one of my favorites! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I'm obsessed with these leggings and am pretty sure our little peanut needs a pair!  I've been trying really hard not to buy anything for him, and so far am pretty proud of my efforts.  

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that my husband is truly the greatest.  I would like to say "for some reason", but I'm pretty sure we know what that reason is, I've been more emotional lately.  And in the first two weeks we have been official "homeowners" we started a couple of projects.  Projects that seemed seamlessly easy.  Well, we have bad luck!  I'd like to say that we're the "third time's a charm" couple because it takes us either three trips to the store for a different part, three attempts to hand something, three days to install this or that, etc. 

 So far we have upgraded the kitchen faucet and one of the bathroom faucets.  At one point last week, every faucet in my house was out of commission because the Mr. would get stuck with a part he needed or didn't know what to do.  Then, the dresser we wanted for the nursery arrived.  As we began assembling it we came to find that one of the main parts was cracked in half!  So we ended up with a dresser that is half-way put together, a nursery that is still disheveled, and two long hours on the phone with customer service this week.  

Needless to say, God is definitely teaching me patience and he has provided me with one truly amazing husband who seems to always have some extra patience for me.  Honestly, I can't fully describe how grateful I am for him! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I just got the cookbook It's All Good and am dying to drive on into every recipe!  The recipes look very simple, yet clean and fresh at the same time. My body is craving some clean eats, and this cookbook is sure to do the trick.  Bobbi is doing a challenge to try every recipe in the book in 365 days and I'm contemplating joining in on the action! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that there have been some moments this week where it has been hard to give my body grace.  I've felt a little extra bigger than normal (although this picture is deceiving), and I'm also very tired so working out is tough.  I'm still getting in 4 workouts a week, but seeing the changes have been a bit hard to swallow lately.  I'm praying that God's love and grace will wash over me and allow me to focus on the this beautiful miracle He has given us.  And can I also admit that there are times when it still feels surreal?  I'm having a baby.  In 10 weeks.  And it is still sinking in! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd tell you that I'm super excited because I was accepted as an ambassador for For Two Fitness!  Staying fit and healthy are so important to me, and I decided to go out on a limb and apply.  When I read the email, I had to reread it over and over again.  It is such a blessing to see what happens when you finally just get the guts to do something!  A blog post will definitely be coming soon about that my dears! 

If we were having coffee this morning...I'd share that today the Mr. and I are driving up to Huntington Beach to visit his college friend, Andrew, and his super sweet girlfriend.  We're meeting up for lunch and I'm pretty excited to take a drive with my better half and just have some fun together! 

{virtual} coffee date

Happy Saturday!  For a moment, can I just share with you that this week I've consumed coffee fresh from the pot three days!  Maybe it's the new coffee pot we got, maybe it's the foamed milk I added, or maybe this baby realizes that I really, really need it this week.

If we were having coffee this morning....  I would share with you that my dear friend, Lindsay, and I went and got pedicures together last Saturday morning and it was so glorious.  There is just something about sipping some chai lattes together, getting your feet massaged, and chatting away.

 I was enjoying it so much I added on a manicure, and the entire day afterward I was trying to figure out how to budget this into a regular thing.   Getting pampered felt amazing, and just made me feel good about myself too!

If we were having coffee this morning... I would tell you that I'm running a 5k next weekend!  When I signed up I was seriously struggling to get my workouts in, and highly doubted I could even run 3 miles at best.  But last weekend I ran first thing in the morning, and each time they were glorious.

They were just what I needed for that boost of confidence, and now I'm more excited than ever to have something planned to stay active and fit!  I'm also loving the fact that I'm 29 weeks and can still run!  Each time it feels like a victory, and I'm just so amazed at what this body can do.

If we were having coffee this morning... I would tell you that the Mr. has been Mr. Wonderful this week.  The cold creeped up again this week, and he made dinner for me, brought me tea, and let me lay on the couch from 6pm on.  That same night I went to bed at 8 and it was glorious.  On top of it all, I woke up to a clean kitchen!

If we were having coffee this morning... I would share that I was able to wear boots this week and fall weather arrived for a few short days!  It rained, and my heart just swelled with joy.  I know, I'm pretty mushy, but I truly love foggy mornings, cold and rainy days, and blankets to snuggle up into.  It was pretty amazing, and I'm hoping that weather comes back soon!

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd tell you that I'm dying to go on a trip!  I just went to get away for a weekend, relax, and breathe in some fresh air.  To be honest, I'm dying to go up to San Luis Obispo, but it doesn't look like the Mr's work will allow him time off.  In the meantime, we are soaking up Saturdays off together to be intentional with one another.

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd tell you that the dresser for our nursery arrived and I couldn't be more excited!  Decorating is a huge insecurity of mine and I'm feeling a bit of anxiety and sense of failure at the fact that the nursery is painted and the crib and rocking chair are the only things occupying the space.  I'm waiting for some sort of creative bug to finally bite and for me to feel confidant in that space.

{virtual} coffee dateI

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If we were having coffee this morning...the first thing I would shout is that we are homeowners!!!!

It still feels a bit surreal, and it is probably due to the fact that we've already lived in our home for four years now.  But we bought a home!  The Mr. and I feel like "official" adults.  At the same time, I've been struggling with feeling like we are "less than" because it's a condo, not a house.  But God has been reminding me over and over again what is means to live within our means, to live in a way where we are not house poor, and to be happy with what you have not what you want.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would tell that you that I'm incredibly grateful for my husband!  He has been working so hard with escrow, taking care of our paperwork, and keeping our stress levels down.  He amazes me all the time, I just love him so! 

If we were having coffee this morning...I would tell you that I am sick of being sick.  This cold of mine is just lingering around still, and I'm exhausted.  I'm pretty sure that I text the Mr. today that I felt like a walking zombie, and then I looked in the mirror at work and realized what my poor students saw today-a zombie.  

I've been giving myself grace, letting myself rest, but I'm ready for my energy to come back-for my body to feel back to normal-and to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would share that I am forever blessed by our church.  This past Monday they hosted a women's event, and let me tell you, they never disappoint.  Our speaker was just so inspirational and shared insight on 5 things she wished she knew when she was younger.  Let's just say that each of them definitely hit home with me.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would gush over the first baby gift we got on the mail this week!  

My sweet grandma bought us the baby food maker I registered for along with the sounds/light machine.  Leave it to me to be ecstatic over a baby food maker. But it steams and purees the veggies all in one!!!  I'm also pretty grateful that the Mr. appreciated my enthusiasm.  I just about teared up when we were talking about how our CSA box is going to become so useful when our little man is eating solids.  

If we were having coffee this morning...I would tell you that I feel a bit behind in terms of preparing for labor.  Having a natural birth is something I value, but I know that I am going to definitely have to train for it.  Hypnobirthing?  Doulas?  My head is just spinning with choices, and I feel like I need to just make a decision and start getting to work on this! 

Have a lovely weekend beauties!!! 

{virtual} coffee date

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If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that I truly and deeply miss coffee.  There's just a way that warm mug fills my soul with warm fuzzies, and the tea lattes lately haven't been cutting it.  On the bright side, I have been in love with some half-caf lattes, but I just miss waking up to a steaming mug of rich coffee.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would be brutally honest and tell you that I've only worked out once this week.  Once!  Yikes, I'm pretty embarrassed to put that out there.  Hopefully that number will increase to three as long as I actually get my weekend workouts in.  Lately, the afternoons have been brutal on me and my motivation wears thin once I come home.  I'm really trying to give myself grace and not buy into the lies that fill my head, and celebrate each workout as a success not a number. 

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that I hate printers!  Being in escrow means having to print so many documents, and our printer all of a sudden has no explanation for not wanting to work.  It seems like every time we get one step closer to closing, there's one more thing to print and I just want to throw my hands up! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that this weekend we have no big plans, and I'm pretty ecstatic because all I want to do is clean my house.  And not because I enjoy it-because it is a mess and I just want some cleanliness up in this joint.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that God has been teaching us a big lesson.  This past Sunday our pastor reminded us how to treat those that hurt us, want harm against us, or just rub us the wrong way- we have to pray for blessings upon them.  That same day, one of Daniel's co-workers decided to use Facebook to vent their frustration about a work situation and used some pretty inexplicable words towards him.  Thankfully, they didn't say his name, but we knew exactly who it was pointed at.  And instead of getting angry we were reminded of God's calling to pray for blessings upon her, and that's what we did.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that I just scheduled my first chiropractor appointment ever...ever..and I'm pregnant.  I've been having some sciatica pain and my doctor is just so amazing.  She recommended her chiropractor that specializes in prenatal care, making me feel a bit better about going to one.  I'm really hoping that it helps this girl out! 

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful coffee date with you and hope you have the most splendid weekend! 

{virtual} coffee date

If we were having coffee this morning (and it would either be a tea latte or some pumpkin goodness) I would tell you that I am exhausted.  And I'm usually pretty good at pushing through this exhaustion, but lately I have felt my body screaming to me to slow down.  This has been hard for a girl-on-the-go, who thrives on a busy schedule.  And saying no to workouts has also been pretty tough on my soul as well.  I'm trying with all my might to not feel guilty and focus on this beautiful gift growing inside of me. 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that now that we have the furniture in the nursery, I feel completely overwhelmed with decorating it.  I'm just so thankful that the painting is over and done with!  Now we just need new closet doors and for this lady to get some motivation to get started.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that my dear husband is having a pretty stressful time at work.  My heart breaks when I see the anxiety inhibit his sleep, and I have been reminded how important it is to pray for your husband.  I've been praying like crazy for this love of mine, and trying to serve him better in his love language.  And can I admit that it is harder than one might imagine, and it made me realize how much time I spend on myself, or my work, or cleaning and cooking, and less on his heart and goodness.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that the yoga studio by my house called me up and offered me 6 more free classes!  This made my week!  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that my best friend, Andrea, moved up to the bay area a month ago and it finally sank in this week.  All I want is to go on a run with her, make a latte, and paint our nails.  And while my heart is breaking, I'm so happy for her and her husband and am dying to take a road trip to visit her!  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that I am pretty excited that we have a very laid back weekend planned.  This means lots of cleaning to put me at ease, followed by down time and soaking in some relaxation!  

{virtual} coffee date

Happy Saturday lovelies!!!

If we were having coffee together I would just gush on the fact that I finally broke down and bought a milk frother, and may I just say it was the best money ever spent!  The picture above wasn't used with it, clearly that is no foam at all.  This baby makes foam.  Real foam.  And it instantly makes my kitchen feel like a buzzing coffee shop.  When you are ready for a homemade tea latte, come on over!!! 

If we were having coffee together I would share with you that back to school night was probably the smoothest it has ever been.  There is something special about this group of parents.  Over the summer I was having a very difficult time with getting motivated to go back to work this school year.  I really relied on God and He is ever faithful.  All of the parents were so amazing, supportive, warm and left me feeling all sorts of loved afterwards.  I'm pretty excited for this school year!!! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would confess that I have a problem.  A bread problem.  It all started with the gluten free mango banana bread.  And then there were these beautiful zucchinis just sitting in my fridge so I decided they couldn't go to waste.  Hospitality has been on my heart, so I decided to bake some chocolate chip zucchini bread for my neighbor and my director to brighten their weeks.  I really want to try to share the love and push myself out of my comfort zone to show God's love.  Well there was one mini loaf left, and throughout the course of the week I've eaten almost the whole thing to myself.  And I've given myself an utterly horrible belly ache because of it.  Note to self: lay off of the baking for a while :) 

It we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that our cat is a funny character.  We have actually been having a difficult time with regards to keeping her with the baby coming.  She is cute as can be, but she is also crazy bipolar.  She likes to bite, nip, and scratch you.  She also has a couple other unfriendly characteristics, and we just knew it wouldn't be right to have that around a baby.  Originally we thought about giving her to a shelter, but my heart just couldn't deal with it.  So in the meantime we are trying to love on her, breathe in the adorable moments (like when she lays in the funniest ways when we get home), and pray about what to do.  We are hoping to find a family to adopt her, but have no idea where to go from here.  

If we were having coffee together this morning I would share that I've been trying to be more productive this week, and it feels good.  All summer long we have been in a huge flux situation with where to live, and I promise I will be back on Monday with an update to that!  So I haven't done anything that I wanted to get done before going back to work.  Now that things are finally settling down, I can finally start crossing items off one-by-one.  I've had a vision for a while to hang antique plates above the mirror in our dining room to add some character.  After I went to the flea market a couple months back and found the plates, I was just waiting to finally hang them.  Originally I wanted to hang them above the frame, but as I was cutting out circles from newspaper (because I finally took my time hanging things on walls) I decided to go a little bit more creative.  We taped the newspaper circles up to see how it would look and the husband give it a thumbs up.  In no time at all were the plates hanging up and my heart was delighted with joy to have this lovely little spot now. 

If we were having coffee together this morning I would tell you that today we are going to Home Depot to paint the nursery!!!!  I'm so excited and can't wait to have it finally painted and start moving things in.  More to come!!! 

{virtual} coffee date

Happy Saturday lovelies!!!  

If we were having coffee this morning I would first ask the barista when they are officially bringing back pumpkin spice lattes!  I'm craving some fall in this life of mine.  And, this week I've been trying to cut back on a few items to feel a little bit better.  These include sugar, cheese, and coffee.  And as much as I love coffee, this pregnancy has not loved coffee.  I'm calling it a blessing in disguise because I'm a true lover of all things coffee.  Fortunately, lattes still taste amazing and I'm dying for a treat. 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that my pregnancy pillow came in the mail Thursday, and the Mr. immediately started snuggling with it.  Sadly, I had to pull it away and claim it as mine.  Best. Money. Ever. Spent.  Trust me, I will be doing a review shortly! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that the end of summer is quickly approaching and I am not very fond of this fact.  In fact, I'm trying to brainstorm some fun yet cheap date ideas for the Mr. and I.  At the beginning of the summer we decided that we needed to go on lots of dates and be active since it would be the last summer of just "us".  Well, with my nannying and all of the other crazies, that hasn't really happened.  But I'm changing my perspective from the last things we can do as 2 to the amazing things we will be able to do as 3!  We want to be active with our new baby, take him places, and be a family that does life together.  So even if the Mr. and I don't end up checking off all of our summer to-do's, that just means a little guy will join in on the fun next summer! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share with you that I went into my classroom last weekend and yesterday to do some work, and boy do I feel like my head is going to explode.  And yet, for some reason I'm not forcing myself to get everything done early like I usually do.  God has done a number on this girl's heart.  It will get done.  Like it always does.  And it doesn't have to be perfect, I am not perfect.  Whatever I do is going to be fabulously great.  Just. Like. Me. 

{virtual} coffee date

If we were having coffee together this morning I would tell you that this week has been one where I have had to learn more and more about grace.  It seems that the moment I think I have a handle on grace, God shows me even more of what grace looks like.  I woke up Tuesday morning with only one thing on my mind: reading my bible.  It was all I wanted to do.  And it was as if the Lord was calling me to invest some time in Him, and remind me that I've been spending it in other places.  And that time with Him was precious. 

If we were having coffee together this morning I would share that we had a little scare with our little peanut.  Our "big" ultrasound was last week, and the following morning the doctor's office called (which naturally puts anyone in a state of uneasiness).  What we learned was that one marker popped up on our ultrasound, which is a choroid plexus cyst.  It's where the spinal cord fluid enters the brain and a tiny bubble forms.  Naturally, it scared us to pieces but once they reassured us that it was perfectly okay they then had to cover all their bases and scare us once more, telling us that it could be linked to trisomy 18.  All I can say is that my midwife is an angel.  A true angel.  She assured me that everything was perfectly fine with our baby, that all of his organs are developing wonderfully, that his cardiovascular system is perfect, and she just kept saying the word "perfect".  That amidst this little cyst, he was still perfect.  Not flawed, but made more perfect.  And this cyst will dissipate on its own, just. like. that. 

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that I walked into Bath & Body Works on a whim and picked up the most amazing pumpkin smelling candle ever.  I immediately wanted cozy weather, pumpkins galore, fresh baked bread, falling leaves, and apple cider.  Yes, my dears, I'm ready for fall.  And it was all I could do to not buy that candle.  However, as soon as I see a coupon it is top priority! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that my patience has been a bit off lately.  I'm usually a pretty patient person, but let me just say...it's been a struggle.  And I was definitely that girl at Redbox last night.  Standing in line while someone couldn't make up their mind, fidgeting like mad because it was driving me crazy, and fighting the impatience swelling up inside of me.  When it was finally my turn I got a piece of my own medicine when the movie I had planned to rent was gone.  Gone!  And then I turned into that person... frantically scrolling through the movies trying to pick something meanwhile ignoring the glooming stares from behind.  So I picked one I had never heard of, but looked like a girly movie, and bolted.  And the movie was terrible.  Lesson learned: work on my patience! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that this week Daniel has been so amazing.  When we got the news about the cyst he came home from work (which never happens) because he could hear the panic rising in my voice.  He came home and hugged me.  And it was all I needed.  After my little overnight adventure with my mom, I came home to the prettiest gerber daisies ever.  I'm reminded daily of how amazing he is! 

virtual {coffee date}

Good morning friends!  I'm so excited to be launching Saturday morning coffee dates and I hope you enjoy while sipping on a cozy cup of Jo'! 

Photo c/o Pinterest

If we were having coffee together I would share with you that this morning started out very frustrating and was turned around by one smile.  Isn't is miraculous how one smile can really change your whole attitude?  I was supposed to go to bootcamp, and after driving down to the beach I noticed that no one was there.  The location was moved and I wasn't told.  I decided to make the most of my morning so I went on a run when I got home, and on my run I saw a woman running in front of me who turned around when she saw me with a big, bright smile on her face and she said "morning!".  It was at that moment that I smiled, and all of the frustrations from the morning vanished.  I was out of my selfish thoughts and moving forward to making the most of my day.  I was so encouraged to tell everyone I saw on my run "good morning" with the biggest smile, spreading that joy. 

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that today I have to say goodbye to my nearest and dearest friends before she moves to northern California.  Our friendship started our freshman year.  We were roommates in college, she was my maid of honor, we have shared life in a very special way.  And I'm filled with so much happiness as this move is such a blessing for her and her husband, but at the same time I'm saddened that our coffee dates, hikes, long talks, nail painting, and wine and cheese time will now happen when we visit one another.  It is rare to find a friendship like ours. 

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that we are jumping for joy over here because we leave on a cruise on Monday!!!  Daniel was able to get a good chunk of vacation time off, the first time in a couple of years.  He is beyond thrilled to not have phone service where work can call and wake him up at 6am every morning.  I'm excited to sit, relax, and just connect with my husband.  We scheduled a kayak tour in Catalina and I'm most excited for that.  Plus, my passport finally came yesterday (I still hadn't changed my name after 4 years of marriage) so we can cross off that stress factor and start packing!!!  

If we were having coffee together I would share that we are looking for some place to live and it has left me with a huge mix of emotions.  This summer I was planning on turning our guest bedroom into a nursery, gutting out the closet to make room for baby, and begin decorating.  We've known we would need to move soon, it just seemed to sneak up on us very quickly.  These past few weeks I have witnessed so many woman of faith talk about courage, about taking a leap of faith and really living life. Moving is scary for both of us, since it is something we haven't really had to do.  Thinking about where to live, where to raise our family, where to build a community all crowds my mind.  And we've had so many very serious and hard conversations about everything, but we are constantly encouraged by God's grace to take a leap of faith and know that He will provide for us no matter where we end up.  I am encouraged to ask for God's grace to give me courage, courage to do what others might think is crazy, courage to stand up for myself, courage to believe God will provide!