Chapter Five: Eagles, Eleonor, and the Epic Garage Door Showdown – A May to Remember

Ah, May. The month where spring stretches its legs and summer starts peeking through the curtains. This past month has been full of sweetness, silliness, a little bit of ouch, and a whole lot of love. Here's a little peek into our life lately—from road trips and turtles to charcuterie and charmed mornings at the park.

🦅We’ve been utterly captivated watching the Big Bear eagle nest cam. These babies are growing faster than weeds in June, and it’s become a daily ritual—coffee in hand, cheering on flapping wings and awkward landings. Who knew birdwatching could be so thrilling? I think what's made it the most fun is watching it with my two cousins, Regina and Ramona. We have texted and chatted daily as we have followed along and it's been nice to bond with them over these little guys.

🚗 I packed up the pups on numerous occasions for road trips to Lubbock for dog groomings and visits. Darin and I have had our own little getaways (including one big loop to New Mexico just to cross it off the maybe-we’ll-move-here list). Between the dog hair, snack breaks, and windows-down singalongs, it has been equal parts joyful and hilariously chaotic. Ferdinand, our snuggle king, took co-pilot duties very seriously.

🖐️ Fingers vs. Garage Door (Spoiler Alert: Garage Door Won)

May also featured a surprise encounter with the garage door… and my fingers. For a moment, I was sure I broke at least two of them. Thankfully, they're healing—bruised, humbled, but functional. Note to self: garage doors are not to be reasoned with.

🐢 Goodbye, Sweet Eleonor

With a heavy heart but clear eyes, we made the hard decision to rehome Eleonor to a turtle sanctuary better suited to her health needs. She kept catching colds (yes, turtles can get colds!) and needed a more turtle stable environment. We miss her terribly, but we can visit, and she’s thriving. I tell myself often: loving well sometimes means letting go. As hard as it was to let that little one go, I know God has His eye on her and she'll be healthy and whole where she is now.

In brighter news, my dear friend Diana reopened her cozy coffee shop! There’s something magical about sipping lattes surrounded by locals and watching someone chase their dream with both hands. Plus, the lavender lattes? Dangerous.

This month, I caught so many quiet, heart-bursting moments: watching my husband giggle as Ferdinand curled into his lap like a 90-pound lap dog. Those two together are a sight to see.......not to mention the hubby is a snack if I've ever seen one. Hot hubby alert! (heart eyes coming at you).

May’s kitchen happiness came in the form of new Pioneer Woman salad bowls—floral, cheerful, and just begging to hold strawberry spinach salad at a summer potluck. I may or may not be completely obsessed.

💐 Mother’s Day Marvel-Style

Mother’s Day was celebrated with popcorn, superhero capes, and a nostalgic binge watch of Avengers in the theatre. I also made my very first charcuterie board (yes, I Googled how to say it, how to build it, and the best sauces to have on hand for it). Verdict: delicious and surprisingly therapeutic.

Holly and I started morning walks at the local park, which have turned into the sweetest start to our days. Sunshine, quality time with my sweet girl, and lets not forget Holly trying to become friends with the squirrels. Some dogs chase squirrels but Holly tries to be their best friend forever. Her intrigue for them is SO ADORABLE!

These morning walks have been good for my soul. It's a wonderful time for me to just be with the Lord while I walk my precious girl. I've been finding so much peace in these sacred moments with Him. Just me, Holly, birds chirping, squirls running, and our Heavenly Father alongside us. sigh - I just love our God.

🎨 I can't forget about craft nights with Aunt Kenna and her mom, Carolyn. Craft nights are basically group therapy with glitter. This month’s project: faux stained glass paintings. We did good, in my personal opinion.

🏡 It's also been quite the time of house hunting. Oh, the house hunting. It’s been a time. We’ve walked through dreamy porches and fun backyards, but every tour has been part of the story. Fingers crossed this summer brings some answers and a new home—or at least more good wallpaper stories. I'll keep you all posted as we find our family home.

So here we are, hearts a little bruised but wildly full. May gave us memories, a few mishaps, and a lot to be grateful for. Onward to June—with salad bowls in hand and Addis adventures in our hearts. 💛

I pray your June is beautiful!

XOXO,

Cryssie