Hi everyone!
I hope everyone had a nice Halloween weekend. To be entirely honest with you, this weekend did not go as planned at all.
There are several behind the scenes, very heavy issues going on in my life that I've decided it's not appropriate to go into detail about here, but it monopolized The Hubs and my weekend. On top of that we found out his uncle died Saturday night. I went through the motions of the weekend, but my heart was not in it.
This week is also the 4th anniversary of my Mom's death. I'm not writing a full post about it this year, but I'd love for you to learn more about her in these 50 Life Lessons from my Mom or hear why I will never get over losing her. If you have lost a close family member, also check on my tips on coping with such tremendous loss.
Please forgive me for being so vague, but any extra prayers you could send our way would be much appreciated.
I spent way too much time yesterday thinking about changing this post to a regular 'ole recipe just because it seemed weird to do such a sad holiday weekend recap and I'm not sure I had cheerful in me, BUT I decided these photos alone would make it worth it. Because when life throws you a curve ball, you should dress up your dogs?!? RIGHT!!??
Bahhhhh........ I dressed poor Makena Rose as a bumble beeeeee!!!
Sadly the little outfit didn't go over her head right, but she looked so cute. This is her very mad at me when I tried to put it on her head. Don't worry this didn't last for longer than a minute!
She was not thrilled with it, but don't worry she got oodles of treats when she had it on.
I mean... can you stand the cuteness????
She helped us hand out candy to trick or treaters and got LOTS of love. She is so good with stuff like that.
And Rhett was a hot dog, of course.
The little guy tolerates me putting this on him once a year for a photo.
Other weekend highlights include a much needed run.
I am simply in love with this warm October/November weather, although it does seem like something is off in the world. We haven't hardly had any chilly days at all.
One of my favorite light lunches in town-- the Rainbow Wrap at Green Sage.
The pups falling asleep in the same bed. This made my heart so happy. Once they woke up, they decided to go back to acting like siblings to each other. Sigh.
And we went to a birthday party for one of our dear friends! This was some much needed time out of the house.
Life is often filled with incredible highs and lows. It's doesn't always go the way you think it will. Time and time again I learn you just have to hold on until the storm passes and the clear skies come out again. No matter how hard it feels in the moment, they always do.
Love you all!
Thanks for stopping by today! Come back tomorrow for some natural, drug-free ideas to fight pain.
I'm linking up with Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Your turn!
How was your Halloween weekend?
Trish says
Keeping you in our prayers!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Trish!
kimmythevegan says
Oh Julie, I'm sorry to hear you have a lot going on right now. Things seem to kind of ebb and flow, much like the seasons. I'm sorry about your husband's uncle. And the anniversary of a parent's passing is incredibly rough and can leave you feeling quite raw (my dad passed away 11 years ago and it still is extremely difficult for me). I hope everything works out ok for you, I'm sure it will. I'm sending my positive thoughts and energy your way.
And thank you for sharing pictures of your dressed up pups. They are just so stinkin' cute!!! Ah the bumblebee. That may be my pup next year. We did batgirl this year, so all she had to manage was a little cape which she didn't mind 😉
JulieWunder says
Hi Kimmy. It is always so hard. I am glad that this week is feeling better already. Maybe to tides are changing :-)! I bet your little batgirl was adorable!!!
Edye says
Prayers for you and yours, Julie <3 Makena Rose's costume was BEE-autiful 😉
JulieWunder says
Isn't she darling! Thanks so much Edye. The prayers are much appreciated.
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Praying for you lovely lady! Thank goodness you have those sweet puppers to cheer you up! xo
JulieWunder says
Thank you Kristy! That means soooo much to me. xoxo
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Hey beautiful friend. I'm feeling ya, sister. Halloween was the first holiday without my mom, and it was so heart wrenching. I couldn't even read your first two posts about your mom (I will one day), but I did read your tips to cope, and they are spot on. You've been such an encouragement and inspiration to me throughout my own grieving journey. Love you and am so grateful for you. On a lighter note, the doggies are sooooo cute!! Love it. XOXO
JulieWunder says
Ugh... that first year of holidays is hard... as you can imagine. Thinking of you! xoxo
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time right now and sorry for the loss of your husband's uncle.
Anytime I'm not doing well I focus on my pups. Yours are so cute and that was the sweetest picture of them sharing the bed.
I'll be thinking of you. (((hugs))) <3
JulieWunder says
Hi Mary Ellen! Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words and support!
Charlotte Moody says
Julie- I know life can get very tough. You are made of great stuff. Please don't let sadness and frustration take the shimmer and shine out of your heart. Remember there are many things we cannot control. Keep your zest for life, your appreciation of the simple beauty in everyday life and your love of those close to you. We love you back!!!
JulieWunder says
Thank you for the great reminder! Miss you. xoxo
Lauren says
Sending prayers your way, Julie! I truly admire your strength and the way your positivity shines through in each blog post. Your precious puppy pics don't hurt either. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Hi Lauren! That means so much! Thank you!
Kerry Bates says
Bless your heart. You still post wonderful uplifting articles even when things are hard. I'm praying for you.
JulieWunder says
Oh Kerry! I do the best I can! Thank you so much.
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Sending prayers your way, Julie, for brighter days ahead!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Debbie! xoxo
Sharon Smith says
Dear God, please bless Julie today. Give her hope and encouragement. Meet each of her needs. Be the lifter of her head and give her Your supernatural strength.
Thank you,
Amen
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much!
Missy MacKenzie says
Oh my gosh, where do I begin. First, I'm so sorry for the loss of your uncle and secondly, they anniversary of your mom. I lost my dad a little over a year ago. I don't think I will ever get over it, or be the same. May you have peace with you this week. I know you have waves that wash over you and you feel like you are drowning and other days you're OK. Sending warm thoughts and laughter your way.
Missy
missymackenzie.com
JulieWunder says
Hi Missy. Oh yes... I don't think we will ever get over it... and that's ok. I actually wrote about that last year. Good vibes back your way... thanks for the support.
Blane Sherer says
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I had a wonderful time with my daughters
and grandson at the Greenville Zoo.
JulieWunder says
That sounds like a blast!! Glad you guys got to go.
Emily says
I'm so thankful that God gave us puppies. They remind me of His gentleness and tenderness towards His children. And they make us smile when we still have grief to deal with in this world. <3 Your pups are both so cute and precious. I love the picture of them sleeping together.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Emily! They are such a joy.
Jean says
I'll keep you in my prayers! Hang in there!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Jean!
Dan Steadman says
Will be thinking about y'all...Caleb and me were sick the whole weekend...so we were bumming it all weekend
JulieWunder says
Oh bummer! Hope you are doing better now.
debbie says
sorry for the loss of your uncle. when I go through trials (currently), I focus on 2 Cor 12:9-10. I will be praying for you. The doggies are soo adorable!
JulieWunder says
Sending prayers back your way. Thanks so much for the prayers and support.
Paula Fox says
Love , those precious pups!!! Thank you for sharing your life & being real ! Prayers for you my friend!
JulieWunder says
Thank YOU for your kind words and support!
Martha says
Cutest pictures of your dogs sharing a bed, just love that, so sweet. Many thanks for sharing the great photos, such fun to see.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Martha! They are such crazy pups 😉
Shelley Marcy says
Praying for you....
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much, Shelley! xoxo
Libby Haire says
Good morning,
It is true that Life often throws a curve ball when you are expecting a straight pitch. We know that we will get through, and we are grateful for those who offer an encouraging word, a kind gesture, a wish granted, or a need met.
May those you love in your life continue to be beside you.
Hallowe'en was quiet here, no costumed kiddies at the door. But I received photos of other children having a great dress-up time and it was delightful to see them. Superheroes and Pirates galore!
Take care as you experience the wonder of God's love for you on this All Saint's Day, November 1, 2016.
-Libby
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Libby! It was quite a week, but this week is NEW week and it will be better.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
So adorable! I love that picture of the two pups on the bed together. 😀 I was trying to find a Cubs onesie for Ridley but can you believe it was hard enough just trying to find a kid's size shirt? C"MON CUBS NATION. That said, I only tried a few places. BUUUUUT
JulieWunder says
Ahhh!!! Ridley would have been so cute in that!!!! To bad!
Lauren says
Love those doggie pics!! I am loving the warmer weather as well! I hope you had a great Halloween Julie!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lauren! They are a lot of fun!