Thirteen thoughts in May…

Feeling so so happy for Maxwell and his new running shoes. Our sweet boy loves to climb and run and ride his bike all over the neighborhood, and the night we picked out a new pair of running shoes he could NOT stop telling me how much he loves them. This is real joy ~ having someone else’s happiness pour over to my heart.

Bookmarking this salad recipe which features cranberries, blueberries, sunflower seeds, cucumbers, and mandarin oranges. I made it twice in one week and the second time I also added chicken, strawberries and feta cheese. Definitely try it this week ;)

Thinking about the heartburn I’ve got going on right now… ha! Makes me wonder if the baby has a lot of hair or if my body is just super duper cramped (or both)?

Noticing how much more patient I am when I stop to remember they are truly children and they need to be taught, guided, loved, and forgiven when they mess up. (Just like me, actually.)

Smelling the freshly picked lily of the valley flowers given to me by our sweet neighbor Phyllis. She handed me the bouquet over our shared fence. We are so lucky to have her living next door.

Loving the sound of a quiet house. I mean, it’s really nice not to hear anyone talking ;)

Wondering when our fourth baby is going to arrive. I am filled with suspense! We’re counting down to three weeks now until my due date, eeek! :) Do you think I’ll have the baby early, on time, or a few days late? For reference, Maxwell was about 10 days late and the girls were essentially right on time.

Enjoying our newly built backyard swing set!!! Zack built it along with his dad and a family friend, and wow does it look nice. We hung two regular swings and one toddler bucket seat, all purchased from Amazon. It’s like we have a tiny park in our backyard, which I absolutely looooooove!

Wishing a new book would appear on my nightstand… Do you have any recommendations? 

Reading this book for a second time, The Mission of Motherhood. Also wanting to add this book to my next-up list. Have you read it (or seen the movie)?

Cooking very little these days, to be honest. We’ve been having more picnic themed dinners ~ healthy, but still very easy to put together. My body is so sore come late afternoon and I don’t enjoy standing in the kitchen as I make dinner. I am really looking forward to getting back in the kitchen once our baby is here, it’s another way I’m able to express my creativity, try something new, and take care of my family all at the same time.

Making lots of vegetable based side dishes! As a family we don’t eat many carbs, however I feel like we have been lately so I’m craving healthy options even more so. By the way I found a mango salsa recipe which is delicious on grilled chicken, and it’s soooo easy to make! Simply dice up 2 mangos, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 red bell pepper, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix together, then chill before serving. Keeps for 3 days in the fridge.

Praying for patience as I finish up these final weeks of pregnancy. Three to go! ;) This one has been the most difficult as I’m extremely uncomfortable (way more than I ever remember with the other three pregnancies). However, I am so grateful for the spring weather, having a wonderful backyard for us to play/rest in, but mostly for my husband. Zack has been exceptional… oh my goodness. He is so generous with our family.

What has your family been up to this month? What are you reading, making, or doing to gift yourself some rest? What are you looking forward to this summer? How can I pray for you? See you in the comments! xx