Life Right Now #26

As I look outside my window: Another sunny day in California. I know I'm going to miss the sunshine when it's the dead of winter, but I am looking forward to experiencing fall in the Midwest again.

Right now I am: Taking a break from packing a bit. We are getting it done and am coming close to things that can't be packed until a week before we leave. 

On my bedside table: The Stolen Bride by Jo  Beverley; Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham

On my tv this week: J and I have been watching a decent amount of Supernatural S5. We also went back and continued with Legion S2. While he was away one night, I started UnReal S4. Decent TV week.

Listening to: Lots of podcasts. I dove into this last season of Annotated, current eps of What Should I Read Next, Reading Glasses, and all the politics podcasts. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Tuesday - Italian Beef Sandwiches 
• Wednesday - Garlic Chicken Pasta
• Thursday - Tater Tot Casserole
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Bacon, Cheese, Peach Paninis
• Sunday - Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice

On my to do list: I've got a huge pre-moving list to work through. A few things I've checked off, but I keep remembering other things to add to the list. So... a ton of little and not so little things.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day
• Tuesday - Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Wednesday - Library / Mel's Play Place
• Thursday - Home day
• Friday - Gilroy Gardens
• Saturday - Kid Birthday Party
• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Attempting to catch up the family PL album. I want to basically caught up. before I have to put it into a box for the move. I also have been making a few cards here and there for the design team.

My simple pleasures: Pitchers of iced tea, brownies, 5 minutes of silence, a good book

Looking around the house: Things are becoming very bare around here. Lots and lots of cabinets and closets are completely empty. Of course that means that there is a ton of random stuff laying around as we try to destash and pack.

From the camera: Cars at Happy Hollow

Life Right Now #25

As I look outside my window: It's very overcast at our house this morning. I'm sure it will burn off in a few hours. 

Right now I am: Catching up on my NPR Politics podcast while eating breakfast and finishing this post. 

On my bedside table: Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay; Out of Africa by Isak Denison 

On my tv this week: J and I caught up with Full Frontal and we finished Bounty Hunters. Other than those two shows, we've not been watching much. 

Listening to: Lots of Alt Nation and Nothing More's newest album.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Smothered Pork Chops
• Tuesday - BBQ Chicken
• Wednesday - Texas Cheese Fries
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Garlic Chicken Pasta
• Saturday - Honey Garlic Salmon
• Sunday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese

On my to do list: So many things... I need to update my individual lists. But first, the twins are leaving on Thursday and we have some last minute errands to do. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errands, possible activity
• Tuesday - Home day
• Wednesday - Park Playdate and Arcade
• Thursday - Twins are leaving
• Friday - Errands
• Saturday - Home day
• Sunday - Book Club

What I am creating: I finished my stamp club projects in time for Saturday's club. This week I want to get to some Project Life spreads. 

My simple pleasures: Wacky Cake, pool days, not being interrupted when reading, great crafting deals

Looking around the house: Things are a bit chaotic in the house right now. But I have a plan this week to clean things up.

From the camera: A little self-care this week

Life Right Now #24

Right now I am:  Relaxing a bit before we head out to brunch and then for a walk amongst the redwoods. 

On my bedside table: Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire; Beneath a Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire; Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

On my tv this week: J and I finished Jack Whitehall Travels with my Father and started Bounty Hunter. Guess we are on a Jack Whitehall this lately.

Listening to: Nothing in particular. I'm behind on my podcasts from this past week. 

On the menu for this week: I think I need to do a bit of meal planning today...

• Monday - Hot dogs and brats on the grill
• Tuesday - Ravioli
• Wednesday - Kielbasa skillet
• Thursday - ???
• Friday - ???
• Saturday - ???
• Sunday - ???

On my to do list: Oh my! My to do list has gotten a bit lost this week. I think I need to do a brain purge and get my list in order for the coming weeks. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day; chore catch-up
• Tuesday - Possible $1 movie 
• Wednesday - Seven Seas Park and Golfland Arcade
• Thursday - Pool party 
• Friday - Home day
• Saturday - Stamp Club
• Sunday - ???

What I am creating: Nothing. We've been so busy this week. I do have some projects lined up for next week. 

My simple pleasures: Cold fruit flavored seltzer, a beautifully written book, sitting outside enjoying the breeze reading a book, baby hugs

Looking around the house: Housework was neglected this week while family was in town. I need to do some serious purging this coming month. The clutter is starting to take over. 

From the camera: Someone loves gummy bears!

Life Right Now #23

Right now I am: Eating breakfast (lemon poppy seed muffin and coffee) and getting ready to leave for a trip to Arthur's favorite brunch place (Black Bear Diner) and a visit to the Pacific Pinball Museum.

On my bedside table: Chimera by Mira Grant

On my tv this week: J and I didn't watch too much tv this week. I did catch the latest episode of The Bachelorette. We finished Ken Burn's The Roosevelts. For movie night, we picked Rampage. Way more entertaining than it should have been.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts. I caught up on What Should I Read Next and listened to more back episodes of Lore.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Out at The Fish Market
• Tuesday - Tacos and Black Bean Soup
• Wednesday - Out probably
• Thursday - Avocado Bruschetta Chicken
• Friday - Sausage, Potato, and Spinach Soup
• Saturday - Hot Dogs and Brats on the Grill
• Sunday - Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls

On my to do list: Not much due to family being in town. We're just focused on having a good week.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Stinson Beach Visit
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo
• Wednesday - San Francisco Day (probably the Wharf and North Beach)
• Thursday - San Francisco Day (Asian Art Museum and the Mission)
• Friday - Jelly Belly Factory
• Saturday - Gundlach Bunschu Winery Tour (not me, but the other adults); Sonoma Traintown
• Sunday - Purisima Creek Redwoods

What I am creating: Not much, but I might slip in some crafting time here and there this week.

My simple pleasures: Q snuggles, lemon poppy seed muffins (my fave!), good weather

From the camera: Feeding the goats at Tilden

Life Right Now #22

As I look outside my window: It's sunny and warm but thankfully not as hot as yesterday's high of 98 degrees. We can turn the air conditioning off tonight and for the rest of the week. Having the windows closed makes me a bit cranky...

Right now I am: Lounging on the couch after getting back from book club this morning. I'm nursing a sun hang-over from yesterday's festivities. 

On my bedside table: Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell; Wayward Vol. 1-5

On my tv this week: Not a ton. J and watched some Elementary and Supernatural and finally started Electric Dreams. The first episode "The Hood Maker" was really good. 

Listening to: On a hard rock kick from my time at the Warped Tour yesterday. I've been repeating Motionless in White (such a great show!), Black Veil Brides (my favorite!), Asking Alexandria, and Nothing More. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken
• Tuesday - Spaghetti
• Wednesday - Sesame Chicken
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Saturday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
• Sunday - Tilapia?

On my to do list: Need to finalize some of our July plans. The bathrooms need cleaned this week. I would like to finish the stack of comics I have on the stairs. And hopefully I can take care of a few appointments...

Happening this week: It's a super weird week where the only things we have planned are a park playdate and arcade visit on Wednesday and a friend's birthday party on Sunday. The rest of the week is wide open right now. Maybe a movie? Definitely a pool visit sometime in there.What I am creating:

My simple pleasures: I worked on Arthur's Project Life 2017 album a little bit. I have all the pictures in, but need to finish out the journaling and the embellishments. Hoping I can finish that this coming week and get moving on the 2018 album. Plus I have the pictures from May for the family album. Wanting to get that knocked out this coming week. 

Looking around the house: J and Arthur cleaned the playroom yesterday when I was gone (yeah!) so the downstairs is in good shape. I know I need to put away laundry and clean the bathrooms. I'm also thinking about a pantry cleanout. 

From the camera: Black Veil Brides at the Warped Tour!!!! Such an amazing show!

Life Right Now #21

On my bedside table: March Vol. 2 and 3 by John Lewis; Parasite by Mira Grant

On my tv this week: We introduced the twins to Forbidden Planet. J and I caught up on Archer and Elementary.

Listening to: Not much really. A few podcasts here and there. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers
• Tuesday - Sloppy Joes
• Wednesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Thursday - Peach and Prosciutto Pizzas; Pepperoni Pizzas for the kids
• Friday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken
• Saturday - Leftovers
• Sunday - Appetizer Night

On my to do list: I need to finish planning out the rest of the summer and especially the second week in July. I also need to plan this summer's craft classes, clean out the pantry, make a doctor's appointment, pick up my pictures, and meal plan. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Half Moon Bay Beach Day
• Tuesday - $1 Ninjago Movie 
• Wednesday - Seven Seas Park and Golfland Arcade
• Thursday - Dublin Heritage Park, Library, and Errands
• Friday - Home Day
• Saturday - Vans Warped Tour
• Sunday - Pirate Festival in Vallejo

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment. I do want to finish another couple of months of Arthur's Project Life album and get the 2018 one up to date. 

My simple pleasures: A calmer week... 

Looking around the house: I need to do some basic chores this week and catch up on laundry.

From the camera: Hello fancy hair!

Life Right Now #20

On my bedside table: The Elite and The One by Kiera Cass -- must finish this fluffy YA series.

On my tv this week: I finally got to watch the first episode of this season's The Bachelorette. I'm so here for Becca!

Listening to: Lots of podcasts - Lore, NPR Politics, Pod Save America, What Should I Read Next

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Smothered Pork Chops
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Monterey Chicken
• Thursday - Tilapia
• Friday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
• Saturday - Appetizer Night
• Sunday - Fiesta Chicken

On my to do list: I need to renew our Costco membership, check in with the in-laws about their visit, take care of my appointments, and do a list of household chores.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day?
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo
• Wednesday - Errands, Grocery
• Thursday - Doctor Appointment (for me); Pool Party
• Friday - Point Pinole Beach
• Saturday - I'm finally getting my hair dyed!!!!
• Sunday - Pirate Festival in Vallejo

What I am creating: Last week I finished cards for Stamp Club, May's Memory Planner pages, and three months of Project Life for Arthur's album. I'm hoping to knock out another three months of PL spreads this coming week, start planning June's MP pages, and make a few more cards for the blog.

My simple pleasures: Brownies, snuggles, curling up on the couch with a good book

Looking around the house: Things were in good shape, but after staying in all weekend the boys have destroyed the playroom.

From the camera: Someone grabbed my computer, opened it, and started typing...

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny. The temperature is supposed to top off around 90 degrees today, so we're hanging out at home in the air conditioning. I would go to the pool, but I didn't sleep last night and it's so much work to get both boys and I down there and back.

Right now I am: Sitting on my couch while the boys watch Chicken Little. I have big plans for some laundry in a few minutes and maybe a bit of reading if they cooperate.

On my bedside table: A Ma Zombie Party by Gena Showalter; The Selection by Kiera Cass

On my tv this week: I've been working through my playlist. I watched the Emma mini series, Howard's End, and American Satan. 

Listening to: Black Veil Brides (as usual), Lore podcast, NPR Politics podcast, and Pod Save America podcast.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - No idea...
• Tuesday - Leftovers/Snack dinner
• Wednesday - Tacos
• Thursday - Pizza night
• Friday - Teriyaki Chicken
• Saturday - Tilapia
• Sunday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

On my to do list: I want to finish out my craft project. I need to renew our Costco membership. I have to finish cleaning the twins room before Tuesday. I need schedule my June classes. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Playdate either at Washington Park or Hop n Play
• Tuesday - Playdate at Heather Farms; Twins arrive!!!!
• Wednesday - Home day
• Thursday - Mini Golf, Library, Grocery
• Friday - J comes home
• Saturday - Stamp Club
• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I finished out a giant stack of retired cards. Plus, I made some good headway on my Project Life catch-up. I've gotten the layouts planned and figured out which photos I need to print. Now I just need to finish printing the photos so I can finish this album.

My simple pleasures: Dark chocolate, red wine, iced tea, lots of good books, my planner

Looking around the house: I've been cleaning every day and yet the house looks like a bomb went off in the house. 

From the camera: Cool baby in shades

Life Right Now #18

As I look outside my window:

Right now I am:

On my bedside table: A giant stack of comics. I've got so many to choose from and I may just have to spin a wheel.

On my tv this week: I finally started UnReal S3 and am loving it! I have a few episodes left. 

Listening to: Mostly podcasts. Not much music this week other than some random radio while running errands. 

On the menu for this week: With J gone this week, I don't really have a set plan right now for dinner. I'm thinking we will have spaghetti one night, snack dinner one night, grilled cheese and soup one night, takeout dim sum one night, leftovers, and ??? 

On my to do list: I'm mostly in survival mode, but I imagine there are a few things on my list for this week. Guess I should check my planner, huh?

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day
• Tuesday - Playdate at Seven Seas
• Wednesday - Lawrence Hall of Sciences at Berkeley
• Thursday - Pool party at our house
• Friday - Errand day
• Saturday - No plans yet
• Sunday - Ditto

What I am creating: Yesterday I finished my Project Life spreads for April and half of May. I also got most of my May Memory Planner finished. I just need to finish this past week obviously. This coming week I'm hoping to get to Arthur's Project Life album from last year.

My simple pleasures: Apple pie, a good white wine, fun movies, singing show tunes

Looking around the house: I'm keeping this house amazingly clean this week. Weird...

From the camera: Playtime at Chabot

Life Right Now #17

As I look outside my window: A pretty sunny day. I need to get outside before the sun goes down. 

Right now I am: It's 3:30pm on Saturday. I'm trying to remember to finish this before tonight. Enjoying a minute of peace while Q is napping and Arthur is playing. 

On my bedside table: Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery, Parasite by Mira Grant, stack of comics

On my tv this week: J and I finished S1 of Big Mouth and finally caught up with Full Frontal. 

Listening to: Lots of random songs I've been finding on YouTube. And of course, BVB in the car for Arthur. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Orecchiette with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Sausage, and Broccoli
• Thursday - Waffles, Bacon, and Eggs
• Friday - Tilapia
• Saturday - Pizza Night
• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: Ugh. My never-ending to-do list. I need to do another brain dump today and get everything up to date. I know I want to take care of a few Spring Bucket List items this week. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Possible playdate at our house
• Tuesday - San Jose Adventure
• Wednesday - Taking J to the airport; Card class
• Thursday - Chabot Space and Science Center
• Friday - Home Day
• Saturday - Crop Day
• Sunday - Tilden Little Farm and Steam Trains

What I am creating: I'm finishing up my swap cards for the new catalog. And I'm on the last week in April's MP planner pages. From there, I might turn to Project Life for awhile. 

My simple pleasures: Lots of hot tea, looking at hair dye colors, a stack of comics just waiting to be read, good sleep.

Looking around the house: Arthur finally finished picking up his toys (seriously that was taking forever). Now I get to vacuum. 

From the camera:

Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: The sun is starting to set on a very pretty day...

Right now I am: Typing this while the boys watch an episode of Pink Panther before it's bed time.

On my bedside table: The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter; Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien; stack of various comics

On my tv this week: J and I watched a few episodes of Full Frontal (only a couple weeks behind), Big Mouth, Supernatural, and Plebs.

Listening to: Not too much this week. Mostly I listened to podcasts (NPR Politics, Pod Save America, Reading Glasses, UpFirst, and Lore).

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Mexican Quinoa
• Tuesday - Mongolian Beef
• Wednesday - Cheesy Artichoke Pasta
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos
• Saturday - Beef Stew
• Sunday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

On my to do list: Lots of crafting projects to finish. I need to check in with the twins about summer. After, I need to start planning our activities for summer. Plus I have the last batch of Care Exchange cards to send out. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Doctor appointment. Oh joy...
• Tuesday - Lindsay Wildlife Experience and picnic
• Wednesday - Jelly Belly Factory and Children's Wonderland
• Thursday - Home Day
• Friday - Children's Discovery Museum
• Saturday - Coffee and Cards
• Sunday - Stamp Club

What I am creating: So many cards. I'm finishing my retiring products stack and trying to complete by half done kits. Trying to make room for all the new goodies!

My simple pleasures: A good book, pretty new ink colors, pretty new patterned paper, Amazon Prime.

Looking around the house: We spent most of Friday cleaning and it looks like nothing has been done. Ugh! At least the kitchen island is cleared off. 

From the camera: Beach babies. It was chilly but the sun was out and the wind wasn't too bad.

Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: A little overcast out there, but I'm sure the sun will come out later.

Right now I am: Eating breakfast (BLT and a grapefruit, weird breakfast, but tasty) before the kiddos demand attention. 

On my bedside table: Rest of The White Rabbit Chronicles by Gena Showalter -- my current YA guilty pleasure.

On my tv this week: We've been watching a lot of Supernatural (almost finished with S4!), but last night we finally watched Mad Max: Fury Road.

Listening to: Catching up with a few podcasts (Hey Crafty Babes, OBM, Reading Glasses) and, of course, Black Veil Brides.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers
• Tuesday - Chili and Cornbread
• Wednesday - Cheesy Artichoke Pasta
• Thursday - Popcorn Shrimp
• Friday - Chicken Parmesan
• Saturday - Leftovers
• Sunday - Mongolian Beef and Rice

On my to do list: Purge downstairs closet, buy plane tickets, renew Costco, send cards, decide May's Club order, make a few craft projects. I'm sure there's more...

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo
• Wednesday - Errands
• Thursday - Beach Day!
• Friday - Home day?
• Saturday - Stamp Club
• Sunday - ???

What I am creating: I'm attempting to finish off my retiring stamp sets cards so I can get to the new goodies coming Tuesday. Plus, I'm working on April's Memory Planner and hoping to do some catch up with Arthur's 2017 PL album.

My simple pleasures: Bacon, Raspberry Vodka and Sparkling Lemonade, a good fantasy series, new SU catalog

Looking around the house: Decent shape although I really need to tackle that downstairs closet. Plus, I should vacuum and sweep tomorrow. 

From the camera: Laughing at the goats. 

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: Sunny day with a few big white fluffy clouds...

Right now I am: Waiting for J to get back from the grocery store. I would have gone myself, but I'm recovering from the effects of something last night. We suspect food poisoning. 

On my bedside table: Circe by Madeleine Miller (BOTM selection for April), Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

On my tv this week: We finished The Shannara Chronicles and were overall happy with the show. I just could have done without the last 30 seconds... 

Listening to: Au/Ra's "Panic Room" on repeat. So atmospheric! Also Larkin Poe and The Pretty Reckless.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Broccoli Beef
• Thursday - Spaghetti
• Friday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken
• Saturday - Appetizer Night
• Sunday - Chili

On my to do list: I need to lock down summer travel dates (and possibly buy plane tickets). I also have some other random tasks including buying a birthday presents (for Saturday's party), buying Warped Tour tickets (for June 23rd), deciding on my preorder for Stampin' Up!, send out a couple of reminder emails, update the calendars, get some info from the twins, meal plan/grocery shop, and a few others I am sure. I do have a big brain dump list. I should double check that and pull a few tasks for this week.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errands probably
• Tuesday - Happy Hollow visit
• Wednesday - Bay Area Discovery Museum (free First Wednesday!)
• Thursday - Playdate at a friend's house; grocery
• Friday - Home day probably
• Saturday - Arthur's friend's birthday party
• Sunday - Big Bounce Adventure with Arthur!

What I am creating: I'm taking a small break from card making to knock out a few Project Life weekly spreads. I finished the first 5 weeks of 2018 this past week. Hoping to get the next 5 weeks done this coming week before my Stampin' Up! preorder arrives.

My simple pleasures: A good short story collection, bit of crafting time, listening to the waves off the Bay, a good cup of coffee

Looking around the house: Ugh. The toys... 

From the camera: We had to scrap our beach day (way too cold out there), but we did get in a little time by the water at Coyote Pointe.

Life Right Now #13

As I look outside my window: The sun is setting on a gorgeous day even though I never actually went outside.

Right now I am: Fighting the cold that I think J gave me. 

On my bedside table: Parasite by Mira Grant, Jennifer Government by Max Barry

On my tv this week: We've been watching a ton of Supernatural S4. 

Listening to: Not much this week. I did listen to a couple of podcasts, but not much.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Salsa Chicken
• Tuesday - Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
• Wednesday - Leftovers
• Thursday - Lemon Chicken Thighs
• Friday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo Pasta
• Saturday - Bacon, Cheese, and Peach Paninis
• Sunday - Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls

On my to do list: I need to make a service appointment for the van (routine oil change and safety recall [nothing too serious]). I also need to figure out dates for summer and J needs to figure out dates for his work trip. And the downstairs closet still needs to be cleaned out.  

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errand Day
• Tuesday - Safari Run visit
• Wednesday - Grocery, Library, etc
• Thursday - Half Moon Bay Beach Day
• Friday - Oakland Zoo visit
• Saturday - Home day
• Sunday - book Club

What I am creating: I have been on a huge card making kick this past week. I started cleaning out my retiring DSP and stamp sets. I figure I will keep chugging away until I run out of creative juices and then switch over to Project Life and Memory Planner pages. 

My simple pleasures: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cakes, white wine, good books, my Mary Poppins-like tote bag

Looking around the house: Toys are everywhere, but that's normal. 

From the camera: The boys building at the Chabot Space and Science Center.

Life Right Now #12

As I look outside my window: A bit overcast and rainy looking...

Right now I am: Prepping for our cookout today. I'm making Greek Pasta Salad, Peach Arnold Palmers, Queso, and Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars. J is taking care of the brats and hot dogs and Mac n cheese (for the kiddos). Others are bringing various things.

On my bedside table: The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (April's book club selection); Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

On my tv this week: We finished Veep S6 and realized that they are planning on making a seventh season. Yeah! We also caught up with Superstore and watched a few episodes of Full Frontal and Shannara. 

Listening to: So much Black Veil Brides. Seriously Arthur is obsessed and constantly asked for them. I can definitely get behind this. He even sings along in the car. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sloppy Joes
• Tuesday - Salsa Chicken
• Wednesday - Sausage, Potato, Kale Soup
• Thursday - Spinach and Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Lemon Chicken Thighs
• Sunday - Spaghetti

On my to do list: I imagine a lot of little things. I completely forget to look at my big list... 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Hop n Play visit (indoor play place)
• Tuesday - Seven Seas Park playdate and picnic; Quick and Easy Cards Class
• Wednesday - Home day?; DSP Cards Class
• Thursday - Errands probably; library visit
• Friday - Chabot Space and Science Center
• Saturday - Crop Day
• Sunday - Nothing so far

What I am creating: Tons of cards before some of these sets retire at the end of May. 

My simple pleasures: A bit of crafting time is glorious right now

From the camera: Boys on a carousel!

Life Right Now #11

As I look outside my window: It's so dark... but we had a beautiful sunny day once the rain moved out.

Right now I am: Finally starting the last season of Veep. Somehow it got lost in the television shuffle. 

On my bedside table: The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King; Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

On my tv this week: We finished S3 of The Magicians. Such a great season! We also started Veep S6 and Shannara Chronicles S2. 

Listening to: Lots of Black Veil Brides

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers
• Tuesday - Smothered Pork Chops
• Wednesday - Salsa Chicken
• Thursday - Fresh Tomato Sauce Spaghetti
• Friday - Spinach and Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken
• Saturday - Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes
• Sunday - Sloppy Joes

On my to do list: I'm certain that I have things on my to-do list, but I cannot remember what they are right now. I must do a check-in today.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errand Day; DSP Class
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo (hoping the rain holds off); Coloring Class
• Wednesday - Kid Trade with a friend
• Thursday - Home day
• Friday - Hellyer Park Playdate
• Saturday - Stamp Club
• Sunday - Cookout

What I am creating: I've been working on Project Life spreads and Memory Planner pages. I finished the 2017 family album. Woot!!! Now I can start tackling my 2018 album. I still need to finish Q and A's 2017 albums. 

My simple pleasures: Wacky cake, fluffy books, time for crafting

Looking around the house: Because of bingo, my kitchen and dining room are clean. I need to do a. pick-up of the living room and playroom.

From the camera: My little builders at Bay Area Discovery Museum

Life Right Now #10

As I look outside my window: The sun is starting to set and the breeze has picked up a bit. Thank goodness as it was getting a bit warm in the house. 

Right now I am: Being forced to watch a very weird very 80s movie by J. Not sure why I agree to things like this. 

On my bedside table: Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell; Jennifer Government by Max Barry

On my tv this week: We catch up with The Magicians (oh my, so good!), finished Happy, and started The Shanaara Chronicles S2.

Listening to: Lots of Black Veil Brides this past week. Q really enjoys them. I finally got a video of Q dancing to them. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Tuesday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
• Wednesday - Veggie Beef Soup
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Pot Roast
• Saturday - Sesame Chicken
• Sunday - Texas Cheese Fries

On my to do list: Hmmm... I have no idea. Guess I need to do a brain dump today and figure out my list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errand day
• Tuesday - Happy Hollow
• Wednesday - BADM
• Thursday - Home Day; Coloring Class
• Friday - Park time; Quick and Easy Class
• Saturday - Spring Bingo
• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I'm working through the rest of our family Project Life album for 2017. I only have a few months left to do. I'm also planning on starting my March Memory Planner pages. 

My simple pleasures: Lots of hot tea, good music, podcasts, good TV shows.

Looking around the house: Looks like it's about time to vacuum again. 

From the camera: Flowers at the park

Life Right Now #9

As I look outside my window: It's overcast again. The rain seems be coming in a wave every couple of days this month. After a very warm and dry February, it's nice to see the hills so green for a time.

Right now I am: Curled up on the couch watching a very weird movie...

On my bedside table: Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal; Revival Vol. 8

On my tv this week: We finished Happy S1 -- man that show as very violent and weird, but interesting. We also caught up with The Magicians S3, Another Period, and Superstore. Plus, we continued watching The Roosevelts. We're up to FDR getting elected President. 

Listening to: Basically just podcasts this week plus a little bit of the Singer-Songwriter radio channel on Apple Music. 

On the menu for this week: Last week's menu keep changing, so this week is all the leftover recipes from last week.

• Monday - Spicy Thai Noodles
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
• Thursday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken
• Friday - Peanut Sauce Chicken and Broccoli
• Saturday - Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce
• Sunday - Veggie Beef Soup

On my to do list: I still need to take care of Arthur's TK appointment. And I have a ton of little tiny errands and tasks to take care of. The usual.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Easter Egg Hunt at Mel's Play Place
• Tuesday - Errands, grocery
• Wednesday - Jelly Belly Factory visit; Quick and Easy Class
• Thursday - Home day?; DSP Class
• Friday - Quentin's 18 month doctor appointment
• Saturday - Playdate at our house
• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I finally finished my Week in the Life album, which means I can turn to my next unfinished project, my family 2017 Project Life album. I'm currently up to June. I'm hoping to knock out June and July this week. If I get those done, I can start working on the Spring Bingo make n takes and thank you cards, plus the rest of the April SSINK cards. 

My simple pleasures: Chocolate cake, comfy sweaters, sunshine, a nice walk

Looking around the house: Toys are everywhere!

From the camera: Hello otter! At the Oakland Zoo.

Life Right Now #8

As I look outside my window: The rain is moving out for at least a few days. Enjoying the sunshine today.

On my bedside table: Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell; The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (BOTM February)

On my tv this week: J and I watched a few movies including The Mummy and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. So one very boring movie and one very good entertaining movie. 

Listening to: Just lots of podcasts. We haven't been in the car a lot this past week, so no really music listening. Instead, I've been listening to podcasts while the kids play/I cook/Q sometimes naps. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Tuesday - Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
• Wednesday - Honey Glazed Salmon
• Thursday - Sweet Potato Nachos
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Spicy Thai Noodles
• Sunday - Irish Whisky Stew

On my to do list: I have some school paper work to take care of, books to read (library due dates coming up soon), friends to check in with, a Costco membership to renew or cancel, books to sell at Half Price Books, and a ton of blog tasks. Next week is Bloggiesta and I have some behind the scenes things to fix on my blog. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day/possible park day if the rain holds out
• Tuesday - Habitot Visit with BART ride (Arthur's super excited as he hasn't ridden the BART in months)
• Wednesday - Errand Day
• Thursday - Playdate at our house
• Friday - ???
• Saturday - Nothing
• Sunday - Book Club

What I am creating: I've been working on my 30 Days of Lists cards, Memory Planner pages for February, and my Week in the Life album. Hoping to finish at least the MP pages and WITL album this week. Also want to get to the April Project Life pages (from 2017).

My simple pleasures: Break n Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies; Peach Ginger Black Tea; the sound of the rain at night; sunny days; library holds list; my pretty planner

Looking around the house: I've been doing weird house projects all last week (cleaning above the fireplace [it's a weird cubby area that became a junk area], tagging the wine). I'm sure I'll find more weird projects for this coming week. I have my eye on doing a closet cleanup (for me), redoing the boys' closet, and cleaning out the hall closet. Guess it's going to be closet week around here.

From the camera: Someone finally figured out how to get in and out of the cars at the play place. 

Life Right Now #7

As I look outside my window: Slightly overcast when the sun setting.

Right now I am: Waiting for bedtime for the kiddos... They're watching Star Wars Rebels before we do books and tuck-in.

On my bedside table: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning; The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

On my tv this week: J and I have watched a few movies and restarted Ken Burns's The Roosevelts. Only like 5 more hours to go for that specific documentary. 

Listening to: Attempting to catch up with a few more of my podcasts. Currently focusing on back episodes of Lore.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Crock pot black bean chicken with tortilla chips
• Tuesday - Honey Lime Tilapia
• Wednesday - Italian Noodle Soup
• Thursday - Ham and Potato Soup
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Hawaiian Pork Nachos
• Sunday - Blackened Salmon

On my to do list: I want to complete a few more craft projects this coming week including getting started on the WITL album. I've also got some random small tasks to accomplish. 

Happening this week: We have a very light week planned apparently... 

• Monday - Grocery
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo visit
• Wednesday - ???
• Thursday - ???
• Friday - Hellyer Park Visit
• Saturday - Coffee and Cards
• Sunday - ???

What I am creating: 30 Days of Lists cards, cards for the next round of classes, and Project Life spreads (I'm still months behind).

My simple pleasures: Lots of new flavors of tea lately plus peanut butter pie and Q snuggles.

Looking around the house: I feel the need to purge some stuff...

From the camera: Arthur and the GGB