Hi friends!
Happy Monday! I hope y'all had a great weekend.
Little Miss Makena Rose started puppy preschool this weekend.
It was as ridiculous as it sounds, but really fun. She's a good girl, but it's been a long time since I've had a puppy so I'm loving any guidance I can get. I'm also really happy to get her around other dogs that aren't as grumpy as her big Brother Rhett.
Hopefully she will not be voted class clown like he was many years ago. 🙂 Although in class one she was the only one whining while all the other dogs were sitting nicely. Sigh... 🙂 We've got our work cut out for us!
Good thing she's cute...
Otherwise the weekend was pretty slow and involved a lot of catching up around the house. So without any crazy highlights I thought I'd share this month's Currently...
Currently I’m…
Reading…
I just picked up this new to me book, Eat, Pray, Love. I know it's an oldie, but I've wanted to read it for awhile. I'll let you know what I think!
Anyone have any good book suggestions? I'm hoping to find more time to read now that fall is here.
Listening…
After going to Dollywood the other week, I've been listening to her music. I just adore this song and the message behind it. I have it on a lot of my running playlists because it's the way I want to live my life and I like the little reminder. This video is kind of lame, but stick through it until you get to the song... it's worth it. Great reminder to keep positive on this Monday.
My favorite line is... "Get your dreams in line and shine, design, refine 'till they come true!"
Watching...
SOOOOO..... we finished Narcos pretty quickly and I was just OVER the violent TV shows. Luckily I talked the Hubs into giving Friday Night Lights a try, thanks to several of your recommendations. We both love it and it's so nice to have a new show. Seriously what did we do before Netflix? haha! I think we spent half the evening scanning through channels not agreeing on what to watch.
I am counting down until the Gilmore Girls revival comes out. Anyone else?
Wearing...
I've been spending a lot of time at home lately with this cutie. Workout clothes and my favorite Life is Good hat seems to be the uniform as of late. I did finally trade my flip flops for flats and ankle boots too.
Eating...
Apple Pie Pancakes!!! So this recipe is one of those that didn't go exactly as I wanted the first time so I had to make it several more times to get it right. So needless to say I've been eating a lot pancakes because I refuse to waste food.
The good news is the trial and error paid off and I'm pretty proud of the recipe! This is just a sneak peak of tomorrow's post. That stack is KIND OF epic... if I do say so myself. 🙂
Drinking...
YYYYYAAASSSSSS!!!! PSL season! I'm all about the Frappuccino version this year. In general I prefer cold coffee to hot coffee, so this is right up my alley. I had the full on whipped cream topped version as a treat the other day and really enjoyed it.
Indulging...
TACOS. I seriously think I have a taco problem guys.
Every time I get to pick a place for lunch I end up with tacos. My current love is the new Taco Temple.
Don't these look amazing?
Praying...
So I have some bad news to throw out there, but I couldn't figure out any other way to break it. Please forgive me for taking such a drastic swing in tone for this post.
My Grandmother Bea died last week. If you remember I told you she had taken a terrible turn and my Brother and I went to see her a few weeks ago. I didn't talk much about the trip because it was just so gut-wrenching. She looked awful, was truly suffering and was placed in hospice care. I wanted so badly to help her, but there was nothing I could do but pray she could find some peace.
You never wish to lose a loved one, but when their health is as bad as hers was you are glad they are no longer in pain. She was given a few months to live four years ago, so she had already defied all odds. We all cried tears of joy knowing she finally got to be reunited with my Mom (her daughter) and her true love, my Grandfather Pa who died when I was in college. She just hadn't been the same since my Mom died and she never got over losing Pa either.
I was told her wishes were to be buried privately as close to my Pa as possible, with no service at all. She apparently even said she didn't want a graveside service with family. Because of that it felt a bit strange to write a entire big post about losing her, even though I wanted to. I can only image she wouldn't want anything that public either, so I'm respecting that. However I just wanted to let you guys know.
Bea was strong, beautiful and so classically Southern. She will be remembered for being spirited, loyal and loving her family more than anything. She made the world's best corn bread, pizzelle cookies and dark chocolate cake with caramel sauce. I am utterly heartbroken and we will miss her dearly. Thanks for keeping my family in your prayers.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Come back tomorrow for those Greek Yogurt Apple Pie Pancakes! You don't want to miss this one.
I'm linking up with Marvelous Monday!
Your turn!
Answer one of the Currently... prompts above
kimmythevegan says
Oh your puppy is so cute. I could just scroll through pictures of her all day long. She should have her own instagram account ;p
Those pancakes look amazing. You are a patient blogger. If something doesn't work out for me the first time, I don't want to try again, I just move on to the next idea.
"I am counting down until the Gilmore Girls revival comes out. Anyone else?"
YES!!!
I'm so sorry about your Grandmother. It is always so hard to lose someone we love, but it seems the family is at peace as she was suffering. *hugs* Beautiful tribute to her.
JulieWunder says
Ohhhh I've totally thought about her having an Instagram account! haha!! If only I had the time. 🙂 Thanks so much for the kind thought about my Grandmother.
Edye says
So sorry to hear about your grandma! Sending my prayers your way <3
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much, Edye. I hope you have a good day.
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Thoughts are with you right now for your grandma...my grandfather is currently winding downward and I can only pray that when the time comes it's quick.
On a different note, I love Eat, Pray, Love. The move doesn't really do it justice! The book is inspiring and fun to read.
JulieWunder says
Hi Dani! It's so hard to watch them get older. So glad you like the book! Looking forward to reading it!
Farrah says
Those tacos...
I need to eat lunch. ;_; (Too scared to at the moment because I feel like the second I leave, I'm going to miss the delivery, hahaha.) Makena Rose is so adorable! I hope she's adapting well! Those apple pie pancakes look amazing too!
I'm also really really sorry to hear about your grandmother. :[ That is a hard place to be in, but I'm really glad she's no longer in pain and that you were able to see her. Sending lots of love and warm thoughts to you and your family. <3
JulieWunder says
The tacos are that good! Thanks so much for the condolences over my Grandmother. Hope you are having a good weekend.
Lauren says
Julie, I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother-- sending light and love! I am currently reading the Universe has your Back by Gabby Bernstein-- it is a great one!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Lauren! Glad you are enjoying your book.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Sorry to hear about your grandma. But knowing that she is in a better place I'm sure brings a sense of peace. That puppy is bringing you plenty of smiles I bet! I took mine to obedience school when she was a puppy and it really helped. I never read Eat, Pray, Love but saw the movie which was pretty good.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much for the kind words Lacey. Hopefully Makena will do better in class 2. 🙂
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother, Julie. Prayers for your family at this time.
Love those pics of your sweet puppy.
JulieWunder says
Hi Debbie. Thanks so much for you kind words.
Emily says
Praying for you. My heart goes out to you Julie; thank you for honoring your sweet grandmother. <3
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Emily. I really appreciate it.
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
Aw Julie I'm so sorry to hear about your grandma, it's nice that you made the special trip to see her when she wasn't doing well though. I always feel like that means a lot to them. So many other thoughts, first I am OBSESSED with tacos, I could probably eat them every night all your pics look amazing and now I'm hungry. And I like warm coffee in the morning but iced in the afternoon, unless it's freezing outside. I need to try the PSL Frap!
JulieWunder says
Tacos make me happy :-). You'll love the frap! And thanks for the kind words about my Grandmother. I really appreciate it.
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Oh Julie, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother - but what a relief to know she is no longer in pain. I'll be praying for you and your family <3
As for Makena... don't worry; Chanel is a talker too. Whenever we go to the vet (or really anywhere outside of home) she whines and cries and whimpers at everyone and everything - especially if people don't give her attention or there are other dogs around and she's scared of them. Trixie on the other hand thinks she's a rottweiler or something when really she's a teeny tiny little dog and she'll growl and bark at big dogs like she's the boss.
JulieWunder says
Hi Kristy! Good to know! She's getting better already. My Rhett has always thought he's a big dog too. Thanks for the kind words about my Grandmother.
Jen says
That puppy. Those paws. My heart.
Also, my heart is breaking for you. Even though your grandmother had been ill for quite some time, loss is still loss and grandmothers are really special people. I am sending your family love and prayers and I think that the way you addressed it was just perfect and that she's smiling at you for it. All my love girl. xx
JulieWunder says
Hi Jen. It's been a rough few weeks all around. Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
Chelle says
Julie, Know that you and your family are in my prayers. You have such a lovely spirit and a kind soul that makes us all feel like a part of that family. Please remember 2 Timothy 1:5. Bless you.
JulieWunder says
Hi Chelle. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words.
Mary Jean Henson says
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though you know she is where she wanted to be, the void she left in your life will never be completely filled. Prayers for peace and comfort for you.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Mary Jean. I really appreciate it.
Blane Sherer says
Sorry for the loss of your grandmother.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Blane! I really appreciate that.
Nancy says
Sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you.
JulieWunder says
I really appreciate that Nancy. Thank you.
Adam Lemerise says
Sorry for the loss of your grandmother. I don't have any grandparents left so I know how you feel about that.
JulieWunder says
It is hard. Thanks so much, Adam.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Oh i might have to re read eat, pray, love it was a good one! So sorry for your loss. My grandma passed recently as well it's a tough one. hugs xoxo
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah. I really appreciate it.
Gail Bell says
So sorry for the loss of your beloved grandmother.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much, Gail. I really appreciate it.
Dan Steadman says
sorry about the loss of your Grandmother...those seem to be the toughest to weather...
as far as wearing....it's MLB playoff time and again this year I have been wearing my lucky Cubs T-shirt hoping it gets us a World Series title...it was going strong last year until it got washed before the NLCS (Cubs got swept 4-0).
Eating...the Hub City Co-op lunch hot bar....go at least once week for neat, organic, clean food that's good and $7.99 a pound (usually under that)...and they have a buy 5 get the 6th free...
JulieWunder says
Haha! Hope the lucky t-shirt works! At least it's not lucky running socks or something!
Paula Fox says
I just love your blog, you keep it so real.
Makena Rose is so precious! And I can't wait for that apple pancake recipe, they look so good!
Dolly, Dolly, Dolly.... Who doesn't love Dolly? The song was great!! One we should all adhear too!
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Grandmother! Prayers!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Paula. That means so much to me.
Diane Royer says
Julie: My deepest sympathies on the loss of your grandmother. My prayers are with you and your family.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much for the kind thoughts Diane.
Shelley Marcy says
Pain. It's part of everyone's life at some point...but I try to remember, that you can't hurt that badly if you don't love that strongly. And THAT my friends is the blessing to hold onto.
With deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear grandmother....
JulieWunder says
Such a good reminder. Thanks for the kind words, Shelley.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I am also sorry for your loss, Julie. Grandparents are something special. But now you have Ms Makena Rose--we can find a similar love and guardian angel in our pets!
JulieWunder says
Makena Ross is pretty special! Thanks for the kind words.
Martha says
So sorry for your loss, nice you and your brother have such fond memories of your grandmother.
Your puppy is so cute, just adorable, love the pictures of her.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Martha. I really appreciate your kind thoughts.
Domenica Zingone says
Julie, sending you my deepest sympathy and prayers.
JulieWunder says
Hi Domenica! I really appreciate it. I hope you are well.