It's been a while...

It's been a while since I've had time to sit down and devote a big chunk of time to a blog post. Life is so crazy--in the best way possible! Between finishing my second book, starting work on a new one, teaching, and all the distractions this life brings, I haven't made blogging a priority. So, when I read this quote, I knew I had to make writing a blog one of my priorities today.

"If it's important to you, you will find a way. If it's not important, you will find an excuse."

I've had my fair share of adventures here in Northeastern Oklahoma over the last couple of months. My sweet husband bought me a car, my brother (who I hadn't seen six months) visited, I experienced snow in late March (that would NEVER happen in SoCal!), I celebrated a birthday with my family (and the most delicious Red Velvet cake I've ever had!), and we've welcomed spring with lots of flowers and new living room furniture. My poor laptop of nearly 6 years is finally on death's door, so I'm getting used to the new computer my husband built for me. I can honestly say I'm digging this new LED monitor. And, on top of all that, my husband decided to enroll our very rambunctious Siberian Husky into dog training. Whew! Just typing all of that exhausts me! We've been SO busy! But I wouldn't have it any other way.

There have been some rough days for me this past winter. I am NOT a fan of 30-degree weather. Like, at all. Especially when I don't see the sun for several days in a row. I layer up and drink coffee all day long. I won't even leave the warmth of my house unless I absolutely have to. What can I say? I'm a California girl at heart and I love my sunshine. So, as you can imagine, I am anxiously counting down the days until the warm spring weather sticks around for good. I'm looking forward to taking Niko on long walks, planning a trip to Branson, and spending all day floating in the water at Blue Hole. 

I'm going to try and update as often as I can. Until next time, I'll leave you some pictures of my latest adventures to enjoy!

--Jessi

Zachary (my younger bro) and I at Ron's Hamburgers. Yes, I know he looks older than me. Everybody tells me that. Fact: he is 2 years and 4 months younger.

Niko enjoying the snow and cardboard. His two favorite things.

Zach (posing weird) on top of the famous (at least here in OK) Blue Whale in Catoosa.

Driving through the snow storm. Not my favorite day. In fact, I vowed to never drive with my husband in the snow ever again after this. So far, I've stuck to my word.

On a rare sunny--but still freezing cold--day, my sister-in-law and I took our dogs for a walk. Her yellow lab decided to call 'shot gun'.

We love visiting my husband's aunt and uncle. They have cows!

Storm clouds rolling in.

David, a cute little six year-old from church, picked me a flower on my birthday and gave it to me. He's such a thoughtful little guy.

My front yard is decorated in spring flowers! My backyard? Well, that's another story for another day.