Life Right Now #14

On my bedside table: The Merry Spinster by Mallory Ortberg; Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

On my TV: Still working our way through Game of Thrones S1. We just finished the current season of Superstore. And I started the newest season of The Bachelorette this week.

Listening to: I finished catching up on a few podcasts, so I started a few new ones. I started listening to the back episodes of Binge Mode to go along with our Games of Thrones watching. And I finally started Unobscured about the Salem Witch Trials.

On the menu:

• Monday - Pot Roast

• Tuesday - Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Thursday - Shrimp Scampi

• Friday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Saturday - Travel Day (dinner out)

• Sunday - Dinner in Fort Wayne

On my to do list: I need to wrap up some travel details for this week, work on travel for June, get my calendars situated, check the safe for some specific papers, pack and travel, check on summer school, drop off library books before traveling, and probably other things.

Happening this week: It’s going to be a super busy week around here!

• Monday - Arthur school; Quentin Tinkergarten; Library visit

• Tuesday - Zoo day; Tobe dentist; Tobe book club

• Wednesday - Arthur school; Quentin Romp n Roll; Trader Joe’s stop

• Thursday - Tobe dentist; Tobe get-together

• Friday - Arthur’s last day of Preschool!

• Saturday - Travel Day; Stop at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines

• Sunday - Travel Day to Fort Wayne

What I am creating: Mostly just travel plans

My simple pleasures: Rhubarb in everything! Cold brew coffee

What I’m planning: More summer activities plus our summer bucket list

Looking around the house: I need to do a big clean sweep before leaving. But more importantly, I need to finish fixing the twins’s bedroom.

Looking forward to: Getting to Fort Wayne and seeing the twins!

From the camera: Getting in daddy’s way

Life Right Now #13

On my bedside table: Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton; 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

On my TV: Continuing this season of Superstore and Veep and moving slowly through Game of Thrones S1. We finished Norsemen S1 (hilarious but very dark).

Listening to: I went back and started listening to Binge Mode’s recaps of Game of Thrones episodes. Only four episodes in as that’s what we watched this week, but I really enjoy their commentary about the series.

On the menu:

• Monday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

• Tuesday - Pot Roast

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Friday - Spicy Thai Noodles

• Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Sunday - Sausage, Potato, Spinach Soup

On my to do list: I’m certain lots of things, but my list has gotten ridiculous looking. Need to spend some time making a new one today to get my week in order.

Happening this week: We have three Romp n Roll classes scheduled this week. Plus MPS open enrollment and Tinkergarten. I’m not looking forward to it, but I do have a dentist appointment this week.

What I am creating: Nothing much at all. My creative drive has stalled out this past week. Hoping to get back into it soon…

My simple pleasures: Break and bake cookies; the sound of the rain as I fall asleep.

What I’m planning: Putting the last touches of our summer road trip. I’ve got all the activities listed and times and distances. Now I’m working on booking hotels and finding food places along the way. Getting excited!

Looking around the house: The dining room needs to be swept and Swiffered badly. Guess what I’m doing today…

Looking forward to: Our trip to Fort Wayne. We’re going to hit up the zoo and on the return, we’re going to stop in Chicago at Shedd Aquarium.

From the camera: Q enjoying some Play-doh time. Enjoy it while you can as I don’t allow it in the house!

Life Right Now #12

On my bedside table: Light Over London by Julia Kelly; Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

On my TV: We finished S1 of The Umbrella Academy and I can’t wait for S2. So good! We’re currently keeping up with Superstore and Veep. And we started S2 of Bounty Hunters and Happy. Interesting week of TV in our house.

Listening to: While weeding the yard yesterday, I started listening to Over My Dead Body S1 podcast. It’s an interesting murder mystery, but so far, not quite as good as Dr. Death (both from Wondery).

On the menu:

• Monday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachoes

• Tuesday - Harvati and Gouda Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Friday - Kielbasa Skillet

• Saturday - Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp

• Sunday - ???

On my to do list: I need to do some research for summer activities and traveling activities. And I would like to start planning out our summer weeks (got the calendars ready to go, just need to fill in).

Happening this week: After the crazy that was last week, this upcoming week is looking nice and light. Arthur has school (the usual) and a birthday party, Quentin has Tinkergarten, I have book club, and both boys have Romp n Roll and a park date.

What I am creating: Still plugging away at my the Project Life album, Memory Planner album, and retiring product cards. I hope to start our traveler’s notebook summer bucket list this week. I have some ideas of how to lay it out.

My simple pleasures: Summer Strawberry Cake! (recipe from Smitten Kitchen)

What I’m planning: All the summer stuff!

Looking around the house: We spent time yesterday working on the yard. I weeded and tidied the borders while J mowed. Quentin and I planted his wildflower garden packet from Tinkergarten. There are some spots around the yard that I might plant some small flowers… Still thinking about placement.

Looking forward to: Can’t wait for book club on Monday night. Last month my night was cut short so I’m looking forward to having a relaxing evening this month.

From the camera: Arthur went to Kindergarten Round Up at his new school on Friday! So much fun!

Life Right Now #11

On my bedside table: A giant stack of library books! Including Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco and The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli.

On my TV: We finished Letterkenny this week along with moving through Veep S7 and Umbrella Academy S1. The big watch was almost finishing the Marvel movies ahead of Endgame. I still need to see Captain Marvel and I don’t imagine we will get to the theater for Endgame anytime soon, but we’re basically caught up.

Listening to: Podcasts mostly… the usual.

On the menu: My meal plan is in tatters right now. Need to get it sorted out, but I do know that I’m planning on Greek Grilled Cheese and Tater Tot Casserole this week.

On my to do list: I’ve schedule a ton of errands for this upcoming week, so my to do list is a bit smaller. Mostly I need to take care of some house items. I also need to get confirmation from the twins about a summer camp they were interested in and double check with people about summer dates.

Happening this week: So many many activities and errands already on the schedule for this week —

• Oil change for the van

• Doctor appointments for both boys

• Tinkergarten for Quentin

• 1 regular day of Preschool for Arthur

• Girly Book club discussing Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

• Preschool field trip to Wenninghoff Farm

• Park playdate

• Kindergarten Round-up on Friday

• Kindergarten Parent Meet and Greet on Friday (during round-up)

• More things will pop up I imagine!

What I am creating: Still working on my 100 Day Project (1/4 of the way through!). I’m trying to focus on retiring product cards and my Memory Planner this week.

My simple pleasures: A good night’s sleep. Seriously, I’ve been so tired lately…

What I’m planning: Working on some summer ideas, scavenger hunt for the zoo for summer, and travel plans for summer.

Looking around the house: Things have exploded a bit around here. I need to get the boys to clean up the playroom and I need to tackle the kitchen. Lots of things just out of place right now.

Looking forward to: Next week’s preschool field trip to the farm and Kindergarten round-up.

From the camera: Two little honeybees at the zoo.

Life Right Now #10

On my bedside table: The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan; Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

On my TV: We’re still working our way through the Marvel movies. We finished Thor Ragnarok last night. Plus we finished S4 of The Magicians this week. That was intense!

Listening to: All the podcasts. The Apocalist put out a new two part episode on H.G Wells’s War of the Worlds.

On the menu:

• Monday - Beef Tips and Garlic Cheddar Beer Bread

• Tuesday - Golden Coconut Lentil Soup

• Wednesday - Grilled Cheese of some kind

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachoes

• Saturday - Spaghetti

• Sunday - Honey and Lime Jalapeno Chicken

On my to do list: So many things I imagine, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what they are right now.

Happening this week: Q has his Tinkergarten class and Arthur has school and a dentist appointment. We also have a birthday party on Saturday and a theatre performance on Sunday.

What I am creating: I finally got back into card making and started my retiring product series. I think I got my groove back.

My simple pleasures: Cherry Limeade from Sonic; Easter chocolate; feel-good books; great movies

What I’m planning: Working on summer plans. Not suer what’s going on yet, but I do have Arthur’s summer camp weeks set up.

Looking around the house: Toys have exploded…

Looking forward to: Dragons Love Tacos at The Rose on Sunday!

From the camera: Egg dyeing adventures from yesterday

Life Right Now #9

On my bedside table: The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin (finally finishing The Broken Earth trilogy); Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

On my TV: We’re continuing with our Marvel movie marathon (just finished Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 last night). We also started S2 of The Tick (with Pete!) and close to finishing Letterkenny.

Listening to: The back episodes of Currently Reading podcast. I’m up to episode 14 (there are currently 32 main episodes out).

On the menu: Other than Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese, I have no idea what we’re eating this week… I’ll be gone Friday and Saturday night, but guess I need to figure out the rest of the menu plan.

On my to do list: I need to pack for OnStage, vacuum the house, and possibly get the oil changed on the van.

Happening this week: We have a few Romp n Roll classes, Kindergarten parent meeting, and playdate at Sorenson. On Friday, I’m driving to Minneapolis for Stampin’ Up!’s OnStage. So so incredibly excited!

What I am creating: Still plugging away at my 100 Days of Completing… I completed multiple weeks in Quentin’s 2018 Project Life album and March’s Memory Planner pages. Very satisfied with my momentum so far. Keeping at it.

My simple pleasures: Warm sunshine and a cool breeze.

What I’m planning: Prepping for my mini road trip. I also need to get tour summer travel plans sorted out.

Looking around the house: The usual cleaning schedule. I also need to do a big random crap sweep.

Looking forward to: OnStage and my next read.

From the camera: Checking in with the gorillas at the zoo.

Life Right Now #8

On my bedside table: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness; Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

On my TV: Nothing actually… I didn’t really watch anything while in Indiana. Although J and I have decided to rewatch all of the Marvel movies in anticipation of Endgame.

Listening to: I enjoyed a few episodes of Presidential, This Podcast Will Kill You, The Apocalist Book Club, and Pod Save America while driving back from Indiana.

On the menu:

• Monday - Balsamic Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Peas

• Tuesday - Blueberry Blackberry Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Chicken Parmesan

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Broccoli Beef

• Saturday - Baked Potato Soup

• Sunday - Chili

On my to do list: Back to the weekly grind. I have my usual cleaning schedule to resume. Plus, I need to make a few appointments and start checking off things on my Spring Bucket List.

Happening this week: We’ve got the usual Romp n Roll classes, library visit, and errands. Plus I have book club on Tuesday night (yeah!), a playdate at the Children’s Museum, and a theater performance of Winnie the Pooh. Exciting week!

What I am creating: I want to work on our Project Life albums. The boys are way beyond and the family album is up to January 2019. I need to organize and get my game plan in order.

My simple pleasures: A comfy bed, a bit of quiet time to collect my thoughts and read, fruit infused water.

What I’m planning: Working on my game plan for April’s Stampin’ Up! convention. I am thinking about taking a little craft kit to play with. I need to coordinate with my friend.

Looking around the house: We haven’t been here for a week so things are not dirty, but not particularly spotless. I want to tackle my usual chores and also do a craft supply cleanout.

Looking forward to: Book club! I didn’t like the book (not really at all), but I’m excited for the discussion and a good pint of beer.

From the camera: Friday night snack dinner! I wasn’t in the mood to cook at all. Thank goodness I could put together a fun snack dinner.

Life Right Now #7

On my bedside table: P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han; Chronicles of St. Mary’s short stories

On my TV: Keeping up with The Magicians, Last Week Tonight, and Patriot Act. I finished out this season of The Bachelor.

Listening to: Working through This Podcast Will Kill You and Presidential podcasts.

On the menu: We’re in Indiana so dinner is a bit up in the air this week. I need to meal plan for when we get back to Nebraska.

On my to do list: We’re mainly focused on celebrating the twins’s birthday and spring break this week, so my to-do list is on pause right now. I do want to spend some time doing a brain dump to get things organized.

Happening this week: The twins’s 16th birthday!!! We also have plans to meet up with some friends and I’m going to dinner (sans kiddos) with other friends.

What I am creating: Working on my Memory Planner and planner spreads while here. Somehow I completely forgot all of the pens that I use in those. Argh! I went to Target yesterday and they didn’t have any black ones, just colors. I bought other pens that I hope work, but I need to try them on some scrap paper.

My simple pleasures: Loving iced tea and podcasts on the drive from Nebraska.

What I’m planning: Now that we’re here in Indiana, my next big trip/project is Stampin’ Up!’s OnStage event in April.

Looking around the house: I’m not there…

Looking forward to: Dinner with friends this week and meeting my new niece!

From the camera: We stopped at Legoland Discovery Center outside Chicago on the way to Indiana.

Life Right Now #6

On my bedside table: The Beauty Vol. 1-4; Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix

On my TV: We’ve been watching a few movies this week including Aquaman. And catching up with The Magicians (oh this week’s cliffhanger!!!).

Listening to: Slowly making my way through This Podcast Will Kill You and Presidential podcasts.

On the menu:

• Monday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Tuesday - Apricot and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Sunday - The boys and I will be Indiana. Not sure of our dinner plans right now.

On my to do list: My biggest tasks all involve prepping for our road trip. I also want to finish a few small house tasks before we leave.

Happening this week: Before we leave, Q has a gym class and we’re hosting a playdate. We leave for Indiana on Wednesday. Not quite sure of our plans once we get there…

What I am creating: Still working on my 30 Days of Brithday Cards (I have about 6 more to go). And I need to finish my February Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: German Chocolate Cake for my birthday, a variety box of tea, library hold system

What I’m planning: Trying to nail down our Indiana plans. The twins want to have a small birthday party, but otherwise we don’t have a lot of plans set.

Looking around the house: We have a few small tasks to finish but mostly I want to put away the random things before we leave.

Looking forward to: Spending time with the twins. Can’t wait to see them!

From the camera: We had a visitor this week…

Life Right Now #5

On my bedside table: HP and the Chamber of Secrets (reread!); The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay; A Place for Us by Fatima Faheen Mirza

On my TV: Lots of currently airing shows including The Magicians and Teachers (last season!).

Listening to: Eh. Some podcasts I guess.

On the menu: If you notice, I don’t have a grilled cheese on deck for dinner this week. Don’t worry, I didn’t forget! We’re going to make a blueberry breakfast GC this week!

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

• Wednesday - Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

• Thursday - Santa Fe Chicken

• Friday - Fettuccine Alfredo

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

On my to do list: Thinking I need to do a brain dump today. I know I have a ton of to-dos, but my old list is looking a little sparse. I should spend about 20 minutes today just writing everything down.

Happening this week: We planning on hitting the zoo and a community center playtime this week along with school and our usual errands. I have book club on Tuesday night (yeah!!!).

What I am creating: I finally finished Q’s 2017 Project Life Album and spent time prepping his 2018 album. This weekend, I am either going to start on that album or make some more cards for March.

My simple pleasures: Hot tea, a walk through a garden (in winter!), lots of good books.

What I’m planning: Still working out our spring break plans, but I think we’ve most of things worked out. The little boys and I are going to make a detour on the way to stop and play at Legoland outside of Chicago. I scored a B1G1 coupon and Q is free, so I just had to pay for me! Score!

Looking around the house: Probably need to sweep the kitchen/dining room, but I did get the carpet all vacuumed yesterday, so farther than I thought I would be this weekend.

Looking forward to: Book club! Seriously, so excited to get out and have some adult conversation away from the kiddos. Even if I didn’t really enjoy the book…

From the camera: We found Spike at the garden this week!

Life Right Now #4

On my bedside table: Eruption by Steve Olson; Dark Angel by Mary Balogh

On my TV: Lots of random television shows. We’ve been watching the back catalog of Letterkenny while also diving back into Star Trek: Voyager. As for currently airing shows, we’re keeping up with The Magicians and I’m watching The Bachelor.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts such as Here to Make Friends and all the NPR shows.

On the menu:

• Monday - Pot Roast

• Tuesday - Spinach and Artichoke Melts

• Wednesday - Teriyaki Chicken

• Thursday - Pesto Stuffed Shells

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Sunday - Fettuccine Alfredo

On my to do list: Lots of random things i haven’t gotten to yet. I did check off registering Arthur for summer camps (we got discounts for registering early). And I booked an AirBnB for a friend and I when we go to Minneapolis in April. This week I’m focused on some planning goals and all those small house tasks.

Happening this week: We have our usual Romp n Roll classes, And I hope to get to Lauritzen Gardens to see the dinosaurs. Otherwise, I have no other plans.

What I am creating: I’ve started working on my 30 Days of Birthday Cards for March. I’m about 1/3 of the way done. I need to switch back to Project Life to finish Quentin’s 2017 album and get started on 2018.

My simple pleasures: Been digging Reese’s hearts on clearance. Really all the clearance Valentine’s Day candy. Other than that, I’ve been fitting in more time to read in my daily schedule.

What I’m planning: Doing a bit of catchup of blog posts. And working on planning what other card designs or challenges to do for March.

Looking around the house: Having a weekly cleaning schedule has really helped me keep a baseline. This week I do need to wash all the sheets and swiffer all the tile surfaces.

Looking forward to: Visiting a new-to-us museum.

From the camera: Arthur set up a theater so he could perform a concert in front of his animals.

Life Right Now #3

On my bedside table: The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas; Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

On my TV: Catching up with The Magicians, Letterkenny, and The Good Place.

Listening to: I dove into the podcast Last Seen about the art heist at the Gardner Museum in Boston.

On the menu:

• Monday - Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Monterrey Chicken Skillet

• Wednesday - Caribbean Salmon Bowl

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo

• Saturday - Smothered Pork Chops

• Sunday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

On my to do list: Still need to get to the DMV. And I want to make a few appointments this coming month.

Happening this week: I have book club on Monday. We will be discussing Code Girls by Liza Mundy. We have our usual classes and activities. And I am hoping to host crop day on Saturday.

What I am creating: I finished a few cards last week and have turned to catching up Quentin’s Project Life album. I was stuck way back in February 2017. I dove back in this weekend and have caught up to August 2017.

My simple pleasures: Loving the minutes here and there that I find to read.

What I’m planning: Hopefully adding a few more craft classes to this month’s schedule.

Looking around the house: There are two random boxes in the kitchen that I want to empty and get rid of.

Looking forward to: Book club on Monday! Wine and time away from the kiddos sounds great to me.

From the camera: Painting at the Omaha Children’s Museum

Life Right Now #2

On my bedside table: In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire; Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

On my TV: Wrapping up our movie month this week. Plus I watched a few episodes of Riverdale S2 Friday night while J was out.

Listening to: Podcasts, podcasts, and more podcasts. Slowing catching up with This Podcast Will Kill You.

On the menu:

• Monday - Pulled Pork Hawaiian Nachos

• Tuesday - Broccoli Beef

• Wednesday - Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Thursday - Spinach and Feta Grilled Cheese

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Monterrey Chicken Skillet

• Sunday - Pesto Stuffed Shells

On my to do list: Still have a few tasks to do from last week…

Happening this week: We’ve got a few Romp n Roll classes scheduled for this week. Plus a visit to the Children’s Museum. And I have book club on Tuesday night. Really looking forward to that.

What I am creating: I finished my big craft project on Thursday. Now I’m transitioning over to starting to catch up Quentin’s 2017 Project Life album. And I want to make at least three cards for February.

My simple pleasures: Being warm (seriously, I’ve been so cold lately), Apple Cinnamon Tea, comfy socks, fresh fruit

What I’m planning: Working on hotel accommodations for April’s convention.

Looking around the house: I want to sort the rest of the random stuff in the TV room. And I need to sweep and swiffer the kitchen today.

Looking forward to: Book club! We read The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. Not the best, but I think it should translate to a good discussion. We’re meeting at a library themed bar, so I’m excited!

From the camera: Aftermath of dinner prep the other night.

Life Right Now #1

On my bedside table: Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon; Code Girls by Liza Mundy

On my TV: The Good Place S3; Letterkenny S2; Riverdale S2; Lots of movies for January Movie Month

Listening to: Catching up on some podcasts, specifically Reading Glasses, Apocalist Book Club, NPR Politics, Pod Save America, What Should I Read Next

On the menu:

• Monday - Honey Garlic Salmon

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - BLT Grilled Cheese

• Thursday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos

• Friday - Broccoli Beef

• Saturday - Pesto Stuffed Shells

• Sunday - Kielbasa Skillet

On my to do list: Insurance and driver’s license. Those are my two big tasks for this coming week. Not looking forward to it at all.

Happening this week: Beside the usual preschool, errands, and Romp n Roll Classes, I have a couple of card classes scheduled. Let’s see if anyone actually comes.

What I am creating: Working on some card kits for a friend’s retreat in March. I’ve got my design down, just need to get cutting and putting kits together.

My simple pleasures: When the kids are not crying. Seriously, it’s been a rough couple of days around here. I would really love some peace and quiet for a few minutes.

What I’m planning: Looking at March’s activities and travels. I should get started on that. Also, a friend and I need to look into hotels for April’s Stampin’ Up! conference.

Looking around the house: Argh! We’ve had multiple light bulbs go in the past week. Still need to replace the ones in the TV room. The installed lighting in this house isn’t great.

Looking forward to: Finishing my current read (The Fifth Season); so very good!

From the camera: Apparently we needed ice cream on this ridiculously cold day.

Life Right Now #40

As I look outside my window: Another gray day in Indiana. It’s December, so of course it’s gray.

Right now I am: Lounging at my mom’s house. We’re all going to see a movie later (Ralph Breaks the Internet), but until then, we’re relaxing.

On my bedside table: Coffee Talk; The Devil in the White City; The Clockmaker’s Daughter

On my tv this week: Not much of anything. I did finish S1 of Riverdale.

Listening to: Podcasts mostly. On the drive from Nebraska, I listened to some Presidential. I also ran through a few holiday albums.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Christmas Eve dinner (ham, potatoes, etc)

• Tuesday - Christmas Day dinner (lasagna)

• Wednesday - Dinner with my dad, stepmom, sister, nephew (pizza)

• Thursday - Tacos

• Friday - Out somewhere

• Saturday - Traveling

• Sunday - No idea (we’ll be home, but I have no plans yet)

On my to do list: Just enjoy the season. Really I don’t have many tasks other than have Christmas fun.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Christmas Eve with the family

• Tuesday - Christmas Day with the family

• Wednesday - Christmas with my dad

• Thursday - Shopping with the twins

• Friday - Morning playdate with friends; afternoon get together with other friends

• Saturday - Travel day home

• Sunday - Penguins and Pancakes at the zoo

What I am creating: Working on my December Daily album and holiday albums. Not going to get these down this week (December’s not over!), but I do want to make some headway while in Indiana.

My simple pleasures: Peppermint anything; twinkly lights; popcorn and hot chocolate at the drive-thru lights; quiet moments

From the camera: We always have to go to the Fantasy of Lights. I love the gingerbread house!

Life Right Now #39

As I look outside my window: The sun is shining and the snow is melting. Now our streets and yards look gross instead of a pretty winter wonderland.

Right now I am: Trying not to cough over breakfast. This sickness is just sticking around… Hoping it’s gone before we travel on Wednesday.

On my bedside table: A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander; That Mistletoe Moment; The Night Before Christmas; The Firemaster’s Mistress by Christie Dickason

On my tv this week: We finished this season of Doctor Who; sad it was a short season. I’ve almost finished S1 of Riverdale. Seriously I love it so much! Hoping to knock out that last few episodes before we leave on Wednesday. J and I started watching The Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. One big topic each show. Really digging it, but I have to say the Amazon episode depressed me.

Listening to: Catching up on my current podcasts (NPR Politics, Pod Save America, What Should I Read Next, Reading Glasses), starting a new one (This Podcast Will Kill You), and downloading a favorite to relisten on our drive to Indiana (Presidential).

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• T uesday - Chicken Parmesan

• Wednesday -Sunday - We will be in Indiana for Christmas. Not sure of dinner plans yet.

On my to do list: Packing!!! We leave on Wednesday after school. I need to get everything sorted and packed. Plus I have a few travel tasks to complete before we leave: wrap presents, make cookies, clean out the van, stop at Trader Joe’s for specials, and drop off the library books.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Arthur school; Quentin Romp n Roll Class

• Tuesday - Arthur and Quentin Romp n Roll Classes

• Wednesday - Arthur school; we leave for Indiana

• Thursday - Still traveling; Putnam Museum in Davenport IA

• Friday - Possible Science Central Visit

• Saturday - Get twins; Fantasy of Lights drive thru

• Sunday - Chill day

What I am creating: I finished all of the Christmas cards last week, so now I’m on to prepping the Holiday Albums and my December Daily. I was going to put my DD in the big family Project Life album, but at the minute I switched it up to a separate 6” x 8” album. So now I’m back to rearranging my supply box.

My simple pleasures: Being able to breath for five minutes without coughing.

Looking around the house: Our basement has drywall again, but no flooring yet. Beyond the basement, I need to do a cleaning sweep of the house before we leave.

From the camera: Cookie decorating at Romp n Roll on Friday night. It was fun until Q had enough and lost it.

Life Right Now #38

On my bedside table: Looking for Alaska by John Green; various Christmas themed romances

On my tv this week: A bit of Stan Against Evil, Riverdale S1, and lots of dinosaurs!

Listening to: I started a new-to-me podcast about infectious diseases called This Podcast Will Kill You and a new podcast about apocalypse books called The Apocalist. Loving both of them!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken Corden Blue Dip

• Tuesday - Cheesy Potatoes and Bacon Hash

• Wednesday - Avocado Bruschetta Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

• Saturday - Beef Tips

• Sunday - Chicken Parmesan

On my to do list: Finish Christmas shopping (just a bit left), get the rest of the Christmas cards sent out, book a hotel for our travels, finish a few craft projects, take more December Daily pictures, and other things I’m forgetting…

Happening this week:

• Monday - Arthur school

• Tuesday - Romp n Roll classes; Girly Book Club Omaha

• Wednesday - Arthur school; Grocery shopping

• Thursday - Visit to Morrill Hall in Lincoln (dinosaurs!!)

• Friday - Arthur school; Jolly Jam at Romp n Roll

• Saturday - Arthur Romp n Roll Pirates Class

• Sunday - Nothing so far

What I am creating: I finished my Christmas cards this past weekend and have started on my December Daily pages. I want to finish out the Family Project Life album before I leave for Indiana on the 21st. I’m currently at Week 41, so I’m shooting for another 8 weeks completed before Christmas. I think I can get this done! I also want to make a few cards using my preorder goodies.

My simple pleasures: Not being super sick (middle of the week sucked), chocolate chip cookies, a bit of crafting time on Saturday, working internet again.

Looking around the house: After the basement flooded again last weekend, we had to haul up everything. Most of it is sitting in piles around the living room. I hope to get that more organized this week.

From the camera: We took a snowy trip to the zoo this past week. At least the jungle building is warm.

Life Right Now #37

As I look outside my window: It’s a wintery wonderland out there. Not too much snow, but enough to cover the ground and make mostly everything white. The wind might get to me though…

Right now I am: Waiting on J to get up so I can go to the gym. I’m feeling blobby today.

On my bedside table: Death by Diamonds and Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair; Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel by A.W. Jantha

On my tv this week: Slowly catching up with Full Frontal (we’re still in September). I finally got to watch the finale of Bake-Off which was slightly disappointing. Plus, J and I watched a few movies this week.

Listening to: Nothing much at all. It was a slow week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chili and Cornbread

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Sweet Potato Nachos

• Thursday - Irish Whiskey Stew

• Friday - Green Chili Enchilada Soup

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Sesame Chicken

On my to do list: Oh so many random little things. But the biggest thing is attempting to reroute some packages from being delivered to our old California address. Ugh! There’s always something that comes up. And I’m definitely not willing to give up that entire order (packaged in four boxes with two different delivery companies to make matters even more complicated).

Happening this week: Another full week of preschool for Arthur. Thank goodness! He loves it and his attitude at home is so much better with some time away.

• Monday - Yoga (if Q cooperates); Open Gym at Romp n Roll

• Tuesday - RnR Classes; Book Club

• Wednesday - Gym (hopefully)

• Thursday - Zoo or Children’s Museum

• Friday - Errand Day

• Saturday - RnR for Quentin

• Sunday - Birthday party for Arthur

What I am creating: I’m almost done with my Christmas cards. Need to get back to finishing the Project Life album.

My simple pleasures: Cranberry sauce and twice baked sweet potatoes. Yum!

Looking around the house: Yeah, not much was finished this past week. We really need to get this stuff hung on the walls to clear up the space.

From the camera: Three boys and a dog

Life Right Now #36

As I look outside my window: There’s a thin layer of snow on the ground. It snowed most of the day yesterday, but light flurries.

Right now I am: Prepping breakfast for two hungry boys.

On my bedside table: On a Cold Dark Sea by Elizabeth Blackwell; My Name is Markham by Jodi Taylor

On my tv this week: Lots of Stan Against Evil S3 and The Good Place S3

Listening to: Podcasts, podcasts, and more podcasts

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Fiesta Chicken

• Wednesday - Tuscan Kale and White Bean Soup

• Thursday - It’s Thanksgiving!!!

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sandwiches

• Sunday - Chili and Cornbread

On my to do list: Lots and lots of things I’m sure, but I really need to double check my big list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Arthur preschool; Quentin gym class; Grocery shopping

• Tuesday - Zumba; Grocery shopping; Christmas card class

• Wednesday - Arthur preschool; Thanksgiving prep

• Thursday - Thanksgiving!!!

• Friday - Nothing probably

• Saturday - Coffee and conversation; Arthur pirates class

• Sunday - Nothing

What I am creating: Plugging along on the Christmas cards. I’m probably 40% done. The move really put me behind, but I like to get them all done and sent by the second week of December. I’m also trying to catch up on the family PL album. I need to work on my November Memory Planner pages. And I want to prep December Daily. Lots of crafty goals for this week.

My simple pleasures: Gingerbread lattes from Starbucks (just the right amount of sweet), reading in bed, not having to fill my gas tank every week, planner sticker orders

Looking around the house: We still have a house project list a mile long. Hoping to knock a few things out this week, especially the garage so I can park the cars.

From the camera: Surprise gift from an internet friend.

Life Right Now #35

As I look outside my window: The sun is shining into my dining room, but don’t be fooled, it’s only 29 degrees out there right now…

Right now I am: Finishing breakfast, then planning on a shower before the delivery people come with our new stove. The control board on our current one is shorting out and I can’t use the oven at all. I didn’t realize how much I use our oven until I couldn’t. No baking at all this week!

On my bedside table: The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan; Monstress Vol. 3

On my tv this week: Lots of The Good Place, Stan Against Evil, It’s Always Sunny, and GBBO.

Listening to: Catching up on some podcasts and lots of Nothing More

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Black Bean Soup

• Tuesday - BBQ Chicken

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Italian Noodle Soup

• Friday - Balsamic Pork Roast

• Saturday - Fiesta Chicken and Rice Bowls

• Sunday - ???

On my to do list: I still need to get to the DMV soon to get a NE license. I’m planning on getting the boys’ haircuts tomorrow. And the big task is navigating Aetna’s website to find new doctors, dentists, and eye doctors for the family. Not looking forward to that task.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Yoga; Open Gym

• Tuesday - Classes at Romp n Roll

• Wednesday - Gym; Christmas Card Class

• Thursday - Classes at Romp n Roll

• Friday - Stroytime at the Library

• Saturday - Christmas card Class

• Sunday - Nothing

What I am creating: Christmas cards!!! I have about half of them done, but now I want to switch up the designs a bit. I’ve got a few ideas pinned that I can take elements from.

My simple pleasures: Watching the snow come down (not so much going out in it), theater date with Arthur, magazines in my mailbox, having a great library system again.

Looking around the house: Things are coming together. The theater is mostly put together, but I do need to figure out what to do about the weird area by the fireplace. The master is mostly put away. I need to finish my craft area and move boxes around in the garage so I can park in there.

From the camera: The scene outside on Friday…