April is HERE! Which means that it should be full force spring by now, ya know? No? C’mon, weather, keep up!

But…well… we can pretend. 😉

I mean, it WILL be like 80 degrees here in Oklahoma today, but I can’t say that it really counts since it was 25 degrees and snowing on Saturday and the fact that it’ll be back down to 40 degrees this coming Saturday.

So instead, let’s just pretend that today’s 80 degree weather is here to stay for good and that you and I are sitting on a patio having lunch together, shall we?

Here’s what’s going on this month!

1.) Pregnancy Update

I’m 20 weeks today! And we now know that our little jelly bean (actually, more like a large mango) is a baby BOY! You can check out photos and a video from our gender reveal here. We could not be more excited!

I was pretty sick in the first trimester and basically ate all the junk. This was mostly because I had this weird thing with the refrigerator smell, the gas stove smell, and basically anything related to cooking. Did any of you mamas feel this way? Let me know in the comments below!

Thankfully, I’m feeling sooooo much better now as of about 14 weeks. Still approaching the fridge with caution, of course, but enjoying making JOL recipes once again! 🙂

2.) Kitchen Update

Remember that one time I was updating my kitchen?? Ha!

It’s been a slow process, but I’m getting ready to reveal the final product to you guys soon 😉 It’s actually been done for awhile, but I haven’t gotten around to posting photos because, well, pregnancy and all. Ya know! ‍

In the meantime, you can look at some photos on my Instagram account or check out the process photos here:

• Jar Of Lemons Kitchen Renovation: Part 1
• Surviving A Kitchen Renovation + Jar Of Lemons Kitchen: Part 2

3.) Watercolors

Random, I know. But I’ve recently started painting with watercolors and it has been the MOST therapeutic thing!

I’ve been on the search for art to fill Edna The House with and finally worked up the courage to attempt making my own. So far I’ve made 3 eucalyptus leaves and feeling pretty great about it. 💪🏻

I mean, I’ve only made 3 paintings and I’m basically a pro at this point, ya know? Kidding, kidding. But seriously, you can’t beat filling your home with personal art and only paying 10$ for all of it! This watercolor kit from Hobby Lobby has truly been life changing, y’all.

4.) For The Heart

Along the lines of therapeutic things like watercolor painting, I’ve found it so helpful to take the time to do things that are good for my heart lately. This is something I used to do naturally all of the time, but it seems to have been lost a little bit lately. As life is getting busier and Cody and I are preparing for the arrival of our little one, I’ve found myself constantly working, trying to get things done, and using every second of time to “accomplish” tasks.

The problem? I end up comparing myself to others and often feeling like a failure because I physically cannot get everything done in a day that I wish I could. Anyone else constantly feel this way?

Comparison is something that I’ve always sort of struggled with, but lately I’ve been very intentional about reminding myself of my purpose, only focusing on the things that I feel called to, and learning to tune out the voice of comparison when it arises. This sermon on comparison has also been SO helpful!

Taking the time to do things that I love (like playing the piano, painting, making recipes just for fun, or spending time with God) has helped me stay grounded, focused on what I’m meant to do, and has helped me enjoy life in the NOW. What’s the point of comparing ourselves to other’s callings and purpose anyway? If we stay in our lane and focus on what we are meant to do with our little time on earth, we will be the most fulfilled (and the most effective).

Anyway, that’s what’s on my heart for this month and everything that’s going on! Love you guys, be sure to let me know what’s going on in YOUR life in the comments below!