Today I Read: Big Dreams Daily Joys
I’ve been following Elise Blaha Cripe online for the better part of the last 15 years, so when I heard about her book, I had to add it to my Wishlist. I finally got around to reading it, and I’m so glad I chose it for my first book of the year.
Throughout the book, Elise focuses on goal setting and making things happen – in a real and attainable way. Throughout, the book includes beautiful graphics, personal anecdotes, and tips to follow on exactly how to get started. I’m constantly inspired by Elise’s projects and how she takes her readers and followers into the process and the progress of each project. One of the biggest takeaways that I’m hoping to implement is to begin creating visual cues to show progress that will allow me to stay on track to meet bigger goals and deadlines.
I don’t think I’d ever be able to give Elise less than 5 stars. I love everything she does and this book is no different. The writing style and artwork is so “her”. If you’ve read her blog posts, listened to podcasts or followed her on Instagram the contents of the book might not be entirely new, however, having it all in one place will be handy. I definitely plan to reference it in the future!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You’d like this if: you’re already a fan of Elise, you enjoy goal setting, or you’re a part of the creative community (planners, The 100 Day Project, etc).
We’re Having a Baby!
Kevin and I are excited to share some BIG NEWS…
Baby BOY Reape is due August 2021!
Kevin and I are over the moon excited to have this sweet babe joining our family – it still feels surreal typing these words. We’re currently 17 weeks and feeling pretty great, which has been a huge blessing. The last couple months have been filled with sleep, telling close family and friends, more sleep, pup snuggles, and lots of sour gummy worms. Did I mention sleep? There’s been a lot of that.
But in all seriousness, this space has been pretty empty. It’s difficult to write about goals and life without talking about this news, which we wanted to keep private until we were ready and had told family first. In preparation, to preserve memories for myself in this space, I’ve been writing posts and plan to “back date” them in the coming weeks. There’s plenty to say, and lots I want to remember because I know that time is fleeting – heck we’re already almost halfway.
One Year of COVID
It’s hard to believe that a year ago, the world completely shut down. One night we were out to dinner for our anniversary and the next we were making plans to start working from home. What we all thought was going to be two weeks to “slow the spread” has turned into a year of unknowns with a small light that we’re all hoping and praying is the end of the tunnel and not another mirage.
It’s been a crazy year, to say the least. I don’t want to downplay the destruction and sadness and loss. In a world where that hurt is everywhere you turn, it can be hard to even look back on. For me, there has been so much growth that’s happened here. We’ve had to pivot a thousand times, try new things, think outside the box, ask for help, and have gratitude for the little things (like having toilet paper, pups who are happy to have you working from home, and curb side pick up dates with Kev).
When talking with a friend recently I mentioned that quarantine reminded me of an intense Sabbath. And as I dig into that, I know it doesn’t all line up, but the quiet, the sitting with yourself, family time, fresh air, and reliance and faith in God truly refreshed my soul in such a weird and lonely time. As we hope to emerge into the other side of this pandemic life, I’m sure it will be easy to fall back into the habits that look more like the other six days of the week, which for me always prioritize productivity and busyness. Another friend recently encouraged me to write down ways that I want to continue living out this Sabbath lifestyle post-COVID. While we’re definitely not out of the woods yet, here’s what I hope to remember:
- I never want to take for granted feeding people around our table. It doesn’t matter how messy our house, how crazy the dogs, or how simple the meal. This is a place for people.
- I want to continue treating my body like it’s loved for what it is, not what I want it to be. I spent a ton of time outside exercising and walking the dogs and I want to continue the rhythm of including that in my day.
- I want to wear clothes that are comfy. If working from home and not seeing people without a mask on has taught us anything, it should be that we can go out in public in a groutfit.
- I never want to take for granted fountain soda or eating inside of restaurants. Sorry not sorry.
- I never want to take hugs for granted. Social distancing has done a number on our personal bubble. Let’s reduce it for our family and friends after COVID.
- During COVID, Kevin launched FinalVibe to focus on legacy and the way we spend our lives which lead to a lot of amazing conversations about our lives and the future. I hope to continue living intentionally and numbering my days.
- I want to continue pursuing my relationship with God in a way that recognizes my need for Him, and the reality of my lack of control (despite how I sometimes feel).
- I never want to go a year without some kind of travel. You know the feeling when you want to do something just because you can’t? Wanderlust just hits different in 2021. I can’t wait to look up Cayman Islands flights and finally go on a vacation.
- Don’t take for granted plans that aren’t cancelled. I had entire weeks and months crossed out in my planner, I hope that never happens again.
If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll take time to think a little deeper about the ways that COVID has changed you, and all the things you never want to take for granted when this is all over. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’re up to sharing them down below. ❤️
Finding Out Baby’s Gender and Old Wives Tales
This post was originally written at the beginning of March when we first learned of baby’ Reape’s gender, however, it wasn’t posted until after we made the announcement.
Kevin and I went back and forth trying to decide if we’d look at the gender results up until the moment we found out. We knew we’d have the opportunity to find out earlier than our anatomy scan, due to the genetic screening that our doctor recommended. We have friends and family who have both found out and who have waited until the birth day and both seemed to have pros and cons. We loved the idea of a surprise (there are so few in life!) but we also loved the idea of calling baby by their name and bonding in that way before they are born. So, we decided to find out! Before I share, let’s see if the old wives tales can accurately determine the results.
Heart Rate
- Boy = below 140, Girl = above 140
- Our baby’s heart rate has been between 160-165.
- Conclusion: girl
Chinese Calendar
- Based on conception month (December) and my age (29)
- Conclusion: girl
Complexion
- They say that girls steal their mother’s beauty.
- I have had terrible acne since finding out I am pregnant.
- Conclusion: girl
How You’re Carrying
- It’s still too early to tell
Cravings
- Salty = boy, Sweet = girl
- I have been craving all the sweets (cake, fruit, gummies, etc) and normally I love salty snacks.
- Conclusion: girl
Severity of Morning Sickness
- Mild = boy, severe = girl
- I’ve had very little morning sickness.
- Conclusion: boy
Mood
- Moody, irritable = girl, Stable, mellow = boy
- So far, Kevin says he hasn’t noticed any difference to my fairly stable mood.
- Conclusion: boy
Mom’s prediction: boy
Dad’s prediction: girl
Totals: BOY = 3, GIRL = 5
No surprise that it’s a close one, and with a few tests left out or inconclusive because it’s still so early maybe we didn’t get the most accurate results. But without further ado….
Baby Reape is a BOY!
January Vision Board
About
Hi, I'm Jacqueline - believer, learner, and all around hobby enthusiast. I'm married to my highschool sweetheart, Kevin, and we live in the midwest with our sweet pup.
On this blog I share all kinds of things about my life - from my faith journey to the garden in my neighbors backyard. I've been blogging for almost eight years and use this space as a way to document my daily life.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet.