Currently: April 2025
The zoo, some country music, & essential joy
April Recap
The month started out with a tornado. Nothing like some storms to bring in spring!
I went on a field trip to the zoo which was so fun! We had great weather, and it is always so fun to be able to teach kids in a more hands on and experiential way!
Right after that, it was spring break. I got to do a lot of cleaning and decluttering, get a haircut, and do some shopping with a friend. We also went on lots of walks and tried a new coffee shop! Plus, I crocheted my first headband which isn’t exactly even, but I am so proud! Let me know if you want one!
We celebrated Easter and had a beautiful day resting in the sacrifice Jesus made and celebrating the life we GET to live because of Him!
Yesterday, we had my early birthday brunch with my brother and sister in law. It won’t be long before I get to meet my baby niece!
Overall, I am feeling so thankful and so excited to enjoy these warmer months!
Reading
Only Magic in the Building - I have been continuing to read this series, and all the books are officially out! These are the most recent ones I finished.
Misfortune and Mr. Right by Savannah Scott - I am usually not a workplace romance or enemies to lovers fan, but I absolutely loved this. I think it was because it also felt very second chance which is one of my favorite things, and I thought the fortune cookie magic was so whimsical and fun!
Clean Out of Luck by Carina Taylor - This one was also really cute and had a great found family. I love a brother’s best friend because the couple tends to have history which I really enjoy!
Off the Wall by Julie Christianson - The magic in this one was a little more odd to me than the other books, but I really enjoyed Nori and Cash’s romance!
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt - This was such a thought-provoking and eye-opening read. If you pick this up, I highly recommend reading it with a friend or two and taking time to discuss it!
Watching
I honestly don’t have anything for this category this month. Besides a couple episodes of Gilmore Girls and some Youtube videos, I haven’t watched much. I feel like as the weather warms up I have been gravitating more towards podcasts, music, hobbies, and being outside over TV.
I do have some shows and movies on my radar to watch soon that I am excited about!
Listening
Living in Tennessee, I felt like country music was appropriate basically year round. But here in Indiana on those gray and snowy days, country music just didn’t feel right.
I am so happy that country music season is back!
For worship music, I have been trying out a lot of Madi’s playlists on Spotify. She has tons of different ones, and I find so many songs I have never heard before!
Thinking
Joy is essential. - I have been thinking a lot about how important joy is in our lives. I have shared some about this previously, but joy is often something I push off. It doesn’t feel as important as other things, so I feel like it is rare that I get around to things that truly bring me joy. But the truth is joy is essential! The Bible commands it! Our bodies need joy and laughter and doing things just because.
No more not doing the thing we know are good for us. - I feel like there are so many things I know are good for me that I just don’t do. It reminds me of Romans 7:15 that says, “For I do not do what I want—instead, I do what I hate.” That is the battle we fight with our flesh. Lately, I have found myself knowing that I need to take a break, put on my glasses, read my Bible, go for a walk, drink more water, make a healthy meal, take some deep breaths, stop scrolling - the list goes on and on. And yet, I don’t do them. But I know they are good for me! I know they will make me feel better. So, that stops now. Let’s just do the things that we know are good for us!
The Anxious Generation - I feel like I will be continuing to think and talk about this book in the days and weeks to come. I plan to share things I learned and takeaways in an upcoming newsletter, but for now, I will share this one. I left the book feeling really empowered and inspired to be part of the solution. It takes collective action to fight an issue as large as screens, and we have to be willing to be the first one in our circle to take steps toward change. I want to do that!
The Power of Gratitude - I got into a habit for a long time of writing down five things every morning that I am grateful for. Not to be dramatic, but I really feel like this practice rewired my brain. The last few weeks, I lost this habit, and I noticed. I am picking it back up this week, and it is just so amazing to me how powerful it is!
Quote
Speaking of joy…
Let joy lead, not logic!
I read this quote in a newsletter I love earlier this month, and it really resonated with me.
Jackson and I went on a walk a couple days ago, and it started raining when we were still a ways from home. Instead of trying to rush home or being frustrated, we decided to just enjoy it. Logic says getting wet is annoying and a hassle, but joy says it is fun to dance and play in the rain!
I want to embrace more of this childlike mindset in my life. I hope you will too!
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, it would mean so much to me if you would share it with a friend!
Take care,
Caroline
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them - at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for supporting my work and what I share!