Hello friends!

Is it just me or are people actually afraid to fully relax and enjoy this season due to all the breaking news released lately? It’s good to know that people are staying alert and cautious. I hope that everyone is staying safe, healthy, and positive through hard times like these. With that being said, we have to continue living. No matter how hard the challenge is, life is a beautiful gift and opportunity.

Let’s catch up! I’ve been absent for some time on my blog now and I have a good explanation (or should i say excuse) for that. Let me update you on the 10 random things in our life RIGHT NOW that manage to keep us busy.

We are still in the process of remodeling/decorating our new home. During the cooler days, we were fixing the interior of the house. As the temperatures began to rise, we shifted our focus on projects outside. We gave our house a facelift which makes it almost unrecognizable. We’ve completely changed the look of our landscape. Randomly-planted shrubs and annoying weeds were pulled out with their deepest roots. New flowers and shrubs were planted meaningfully. Slowly but surely, we worked our way to the side of the house and on to our backyard. The reason why it is taking us longer than usual is because we are doing this part-time. We still try to find time to travel and enjoy living in our new home.
It's difficult to admit that summer fun is halfway over. It is even harder to admit that our daughter will be turning TWO next month! (ugly crying emoji) Her birthday happens to be at the end of summer and that makes us excited! It will be a close family party once again. Once she becomes older and gains friends of her own, she can then decide who to invite.
Speaking of our daughter: Josie knows the majority of the English alphabet. This is a proud parent moment and we can't contain it! Our goal is to teach her the full alphabet by the time she turns two and then have her fully read before she turns three. I’ll let you know how that goes! LOL
We are expecting two new family members this year or possibly the next! The Prosanovs are having another baby boy! That’s another nephew for us. The other boy isn't a baby whatsoever. He is a big boy and becoming a husband to our sister, Susana! That’s another brother for us!
Susana’s and Vitaly’s wedding is coming up and we are not quite ready! We are still working on our speeches and coordinating our outfits as we prepare mentally. Weddings are so much fun but can be emotional when it’s a wedding inside the family. Getting ready to use up a lot of tissues here.
I have joined my husband on the dark side…We are officially a couple that eats clean. We try our best to avoid processed foods, sugar, and are gluten/dairy free. I'm done messing around. We are what we eat. I am taking on full responsibility for what I put into my body. I have to admit - French macarons are my weakness. Macarons are typically spotted at weddings or other events. I bet you know where I’m headed with this. Yes, even then, I am doing everything in my willpower to avoid those pretty little things. It is tough in the moment but it pays off well. I live with clearer skin and flatter belly.
Speaking of weddings, this is the year we’ve attended a record number of weddings. My husband has been MCing weddings for a few years now. It’s always fun working on ideas together as we prepare. We love making the couple’s special day extra special.
I am officially part of a women's Bible study group! I’ve been wishing and praying about this moment ever since I moved to MN. I am super grateful to the ladies who’ve accepted me to be part of this community. We discuss motherhood, share our thoughts and concerns, and pray about one another. Everything I've ever looked for in a women’s group..
After we completely finish working on our backyard, we will need outdoor furniture to complete the look. I am having a hard time finding good deals. The stores that usually sell furniture for affordable prices seem to be sold out by the time I get there. I want to pay a fair price for pieces that still look chic without having to compromise the quality. If you have any suggestions on where to look, I will be grateful to you.
Before the year ends, it would be an awesome experience to travel with our toddler. Lately, my husband and I usually end up traveling with just the two of us. It saves us time and can be convenient especially since we are always on the go. For our next trip (wherever it’s going to be), we will slow down and enjoy the challenge as we travel with a two year old (who now needs a full price ticket).

Thanks for staying until the end. You’re quite a trooper! I‘ve done enough typing for today, so let's hear your plans. Share with us how you’re staying busy and what keeps you going:)