Blessings

Just a quick shout out to say...





Congratulations to one of my fellow bloggers! Bev (http://www.ababymaybe.blogspot.com) and her husband are finally pregnant after two years of trying. Praying for you guys!

Love and Lattés,

Katie

You're Gonna Miss This...

The hubby and I just signed our third 12-month lease with our apartment complex. It's a bittersweet thing, really. On one hand, it's a comfort to know that we won't have to go through the complicated and exhausting moving process again anytime soon, but on the other hand it's a little frustrating to think that it will be at least another year (possibly longer) until we start talking about buying a house.

I heard a song this week on the radio this week that really made me stop and think. It reminds me a lot of myself.

Trace Adkins -- You're Gonna Miss This

She was staring out the window of that SUV

Complaning, saying "I can't wait to turn 18"

She said "I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules"

Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school

Then she kissed her head and said "I was just like you"

You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

Before she knows it she's a brand new bride

In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by

He tells her "It's a nice place"

She says "It'll do for now"

Starts talking about babies and buying a house

Daddy shakes his head and says "Baby, just slow down"

Cause you're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater

Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'

One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'

She keeps apologizin'

He says "They don't bother me.

I've got 2 babies of my own.

One's 36, one's 23. It's hard to believe, but ...

You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

Wise words, Mr. Adkins. These lyrics ring true for me, because I may complain sometimes about having to wait for "life to begin," and get so involved in thinking ahead that I forget to enjoy what's happening here and now. I know I've blogged about this subject already, but I suppose I'm getting redundant because this is what's on my mind lately. Ready for a cliche? Hindsight is 20/20. Cheesy, I know. But it's true. I did a lot of heavy sighing as a new bride, and complained about being so far from my family, living in a teeny apartment with cinderblock walls, and having to eat grilled cheese about six times a week because it's all we could afford. But you know what? I do actually miss those days sometimes. Sure, the circumstances weren't perfect, but I was so excited for a fresh start and we made so many memories that first year. I am going to make it a point to stop and enjoy the view once in a while, no matter what the circumstances. Won't you join me?

More to come...

Love and Lattés,

Katie

I may have a new favorite...

Oh. My gosh. If you haven't tried Gevalia Swiss Hazelnut, you can't consider yourself a true coffee-a-holic. This stuff is so good! I am a 2-sugars-and-a-generous-amount-of-creamer type of person usually, but this particular coffee is so smooth, I'm pretty sure I'd still drink it black. The Tassimo website describes Gevalia Swiss Hazelnut as "A delicate, mellow blend with smooth hazelnut flavor and a hint of vanilla nuances." I know what you're thinking... not too long ago, I was raving about Starbucks' Caffé Verona Blend, which is very bold and not so "mellow" at all. Well, here's what I think. If you want a coffee to wake you up on a Monday morning and get you going, Caffé Verona is your best bet. But on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you want something yummy and sweet, Swiss Hazelnut's your man. It is just so good!

Life Lessons I Have Learned from my Dogs

1. Work hard, play even harder.

2. Treat yourself daily.

3. Don't be afraid to show your excitement.

4. Get plenty of exercise.

5. Snuggle often.

6. Drink lots of water.

7. Frolic in the sunshine.

8. Give lots and lots of kisses.

9. Always stay by the master's side.

10. Enjoy every minute.

Thoughts...

So much of life is spent waiting.

Waiting to be old enough to play with the big kids.


Waiting for summer.


Waiting to drive.


Waiting to date.


Waiting to graduate high school.


Waiting to leave home.


Waiting to find "the one."


Waiting for that elusive bachelor's degree.


Waiting to go on a decent honeymoon.


Waiting for the puppy to be potty trained.


Waiting to pay off those loans.


Waiting for the right time to buy a house.


Waiting to start a family...

Why can't we ever be completely satisfied with what we have? I have reached a point in my life where I am happy with my marriage, I am so lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who love me, and yet somehow all I can think about sometimes is the future. I wish I could look into a mirror and see myself 5 years from now... and the funny thing is, I remember thinking the very same thing when I was in high school, single, bored, and waiting to break free. I just knew that adulthood would be filled with constant excitement, and most importantly... freedom. But in life, cruise control isn't an option. Everything takes work, and that is what makes the milestones so special. If everything was handed to us on a silver platter, we wouldn't appreciate much of anything. Life is short, so we might as well enjoy what is happening now, in the present, and leave the rest to God.


"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3