Living Life As Usual

 April 2020

Reading back on this day on my agenda, I couldn't help but laugh and get disgusted at the same time. I laughed because the way I expressed myself in detail using several expletives to describe our despicable reality at the time, all planned out by the left is still unbelievable ... and I am disgusted because what was done is nothing short of, well, disgusting. 

Jacob (like most office workers) had to go to his place of employment to pick up his special work chair and a keyboard. 

In Washington state about all citizens did what the government ordered them to do. The stay home order was utterly ridiculous and completely done out of pure manipulation to control people.

The government was successful in creating panic. Stores ran out of essential items. For example, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, water, frozen food, canned goods, flour and rice were gone off the shelves. Those people that liked to be told what to do were verbally attacking those that just wanted to be left alone.  I was in disbelief about what was happening to our beloved America. The ones behind all this clearly want(ed) to destroy her. All this manipulation, control and corruption makes me sad. 

God gave us Christians freedom. We weren't about to live in fear and stay indoors day after day. We continued to live our God-given freedoms and enjoy the life and creation He blessed us with.

Sydna's cat, Lila can be a sweet girl. She was inspecting our new sectional. April still brought forth chilly rainy days, which I love and enjoy.

Weather like this makes coloring a perfect pastime. I like adult coloring books with flowers. They just have to be simple drawings and not a bunch of multiple tight designs which makes the picture too busy and overwhelming.

Now that Jacob has been working from home and Riley's school year was cancelled (until further notice) we've been taking afternoon walks together, sometimes twice a day. We came across this cat that belonged to one of Riley's friends. He was a very sweet cat. I believe his name was Milo. 

Then we spotted this gray cat across the street who walked over to us when we called it. He was cute too. Rolled over and smiled at us ... at least that's what it seemed like, lol.  

I can't remember what this flowering shrub is called but I love it because it blooms all year long. And it's pretty too and it spreads which is a plus. 

There were several magnolia trees in the neighborhood next to ours.

After a few weeks since the lockdown began Riley's school finally sent an email stating that students were to pick up a laptop from school and that they would be having online classes. The excitement for this new venture didn't last. Riley became bored quickly therefore it was a challenge for him to stay engaged and up to speed. 

Meanwhile, all of us being home didn't face this girl. Just look how cozy and cute she looks. 

I love her toebeans.

And here, Lila's doing weird things. She decided to get cozy inside Riley's shorts.

Silly girl.

Jacob surprised me with a pretty tulip bouquet just because. How chivalrous. I love it!

Even during these tyrannical times, I am glad I have plenty of things to do at home (while Jacob works) to keep me busy, like choosing something to read from my home library. 

Here we are on another afternoon walk. I like this tree. Wish I knew the name of it. 

Look how pretty!

Hanging out with her owner. She definitely looks comfortable.

Natasha Crain is a great Christian Apologist. She's written four books. I've read her first two so far. Her books are mind opening. As a new Christian, things she writes about, I had never thought of before. I was hooked and honestly a bit overwhelmed but as I continued reading, I became fascinated about all these biblical truths she talks about in her books. And now I am able to pass this important information down to my kids.

I am thankful for a cozy home. I am glad that we enjoy being at home either playing games, reading or watching movies together. I am thankful that both Jacob and I get to make delicious home cooked meals that we all enjoy. 

I'm thankful and grateful for having a place to call home ... on the same token, being home day after day after day eventually becomes tiresome. There's only so much isolation from nature that one can take until we become restless. So, we continued to enjoy one of God's greatest gifts He made for humanity to enjoy, nature. Breathing the fresh clean air and stimulating our minds while hiking or going on a leisurely walk is a God-given right and we made sure that wasn't taken away from us. Besides, it's also healthy for our minds and bodies. 

Learn to see life with healthy optimism.

Simple Days at Home with the Cats

 During cloudy rainy days the house gets very dark. I find it very cozy.

Having cats is so neat especially when they're super sweet and like to cuddle. 

Here she is cleaning her toesies.

This girl, Lila who we also call peanut doesn't really like to be held for long. We pick her up anyway because we like to hold our cats even if they prefer to be "petted" from a distance, lol. Lila is funny because she doesn't really meow, she whines instead. We call her grumpy girl when she does that. I love her fuzzy paw paws though. So cute!

This is a cute picture. I love the way they're looking at each other. Now, I can't remember if Lila did a spider monkey on Riley. One has to be a bit cautious with her because she's temperamental.

Strike a pose, lol. 

What's that?!!!!

These girls look a bit funny. Lila's eyes look wonky and Sophie's face looks like a rattlesnakes. They had a love hate relationship. They would hiss and growl at each other but I don't believe they ever fought however, once in a blue moon I would walk into a room and find them laying close. 

Sophie likes to lay right behind my head when I sit on the couch. When I leaned my head back, I liked to rest it on her and she wouldn't mind, she didn't move. 

What greater gift than the love of a cat.

-Charles Dickens

November: Simple Cozy Comforts

November 2019

As soon as Halloween is over I decorate for Autumn/Thanksgiving. I enjoy decorating for every holiday, it makes one's home fun and festive. I like simple decor, not cluttered and I do try to rearrange them differently each year. Buying several new decorations every year helps to change things up a bit.

Sydna surprised me with the prettiest coffee mug. It has a curled up cat with some Autumn foliage and the colors are very pretty. It really is one of my favorite mugs out of the many that I have. I'm very particular about things I buy for myself and for my home and when Sydna gave me this mug I smiled because she knows me so well ... I instantly loved it. 

These two girls have had a love hate relationship from the start. They do so well most of the time but then one of them gets too close to the other and so this happens....

Jacob giving Lila (peanut) some love and Sophie, sitting on the chair looking annoyed, lol.

Our church has two services, 9:00 & 11:00. We try to stick to the first service because it's less crowded. Sometimes after church we'll go eat breakfast. We like to go to the Original Pancake House, they have a yummy menu and delicious coffee so it's always a treat when we go there to eat. 

These two having fun while we wait for our food.

Pretty Lila

Although Sophie looks a bit mean here she is the sweetest cat ever! ( she was probably annoyed with Lila) She doesn't squirm out of your arms if you're holding her the right way, or tries to bite or swipe at you, nor does she meow or growl when you're holding her but you do have to baby her - sweet talk to her - so she'll stay relaxed in your arms. 

Whenever we get a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest we take advantage of it and make it a point to enjoy it. It's the best way to get vitamin D. However, weather it's sunny or cold and cloudy and it's a weekend we're most likely out and about anyway. The weekends are the only time we get to do fun family outings. We adjust to the weather, dress in layers and head out because it will be a shame to just stay home weekend after weekend during the cold months. That would be boring.

Nosy girl. Look at her cute little paws.

Riley had early release at his school due to parent/teacher conferences so we stopped at Panera for lunch and a treat. (this was 2 years ago, he was so small. I know it's a cliché but time flies!)

We get our fair share of foggy days but when the fog is like this it hurts my eyes and makes me drowsy. 

The days are cold now and short. The nights

are long and very dark. Cozy at home huddled around the fireplace.

Simple Pleasures

Over a year ago, when life was without all this marxist rioting and hatred for our country (What is happening now, July 2020, is wrong and all this violence will not help anyone or anything.). When one can go outside without having to wear a muzzle around our face. When people for the most part minded their business. I pray to God daily that He brings our country back to peaceful times.

May 2019
I love trees and the life saving shade they provide. On this day last year Riley had no school due to a waiver day so I brought him to this park. It's a very pretty park but it does get crowded. Glad that this section of it was peaceful.

We get some very warm days in the PNW believe it or not. During these days we were having mid to high 80 degree days. The "beaches" and parks are crowded and it takes one forever to find parking.

While Riley's at school and I'm by myself I like to shop for books at bargain stores. I realize I have several books by J.A. Jance and to tell you the truth I have yet to read one. I have many books at home that I haven't had the chance to. I'll read one at some point.
Sophie and Lila usually photo bomb pictures that I take of my books. That's all right because cats and books just happen to go so well together.

Lila looking so cute. My daughter would have a cow if I would let Lila go out on our porch like this. I obviously let her out while my daughter was at work.

I'm pretty sure Sophie was eyeing a bird. Just look how pretty she looks. Such a model cat.

My daughter with her bratty cat. Even with her Lila wants down. Funny how cats have such different temperaments. Lila hardly likes to be held and when she is held it's only for a few minutes. She's definitely not the cuddly type. I wonder if that's a breed trait because if it is I'm going to make sure not to get a cat like that!

My peonies ... I love this gorgeous flower! Look how many there are just from two plants.

As soon as a cloudy day comes back I rejoice. I love making my home feel cozy by lighting candles and this atmosphere makes me want to watch scary movies while I blog. This for me brings joy.

Lila has a slight form of exotropia, a type of strabismus. Some days are more obvious than others. My daughter calls her IT when it's really obvious, lol!!!

Look at this girl. I'm sure that can't possibly be comfortable but cats are weird like that. That's what makes them so unique and funny.

My favorite seafood of all time is dungeness crab. At first I thought that we had gone out to eat but as I looked closer I realized that the plate looked familiar and I also recognized the placemat. I was like, hey, it's our home. LOL. Obviously, I didn't cook it, my husband did. Amazing right?!

I sure miss the farmer's market because that's where I get these delicious chicken nachos and this refreshing Mexican lemonade.

Just look at her! Isn't she the prettiest calico ever?!!!

I'm extremely thankful for all the things God has blessed me with. Especially a healthy body which allows me to enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you Father.

Simple pleasures brings joy to one's life.