Life Right Now #26

On my bedside table: The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai; The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

On my TV: I watched a few episodes of Riverdale S2 and Big Little Lies S2 while J was at a few events. We have continued with Game of Thrones S6.

Listening to: My usual podcasts. Nothing too exciting this week.

On the menu:

• Monday - Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli

• Tuesday - Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Teriyaki Noodles

• Friday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachoes

• Saturday - Pizza Night

• Sunday - Vegetable Beef Soup and Rosemary Bread

On my to do list: I’ve got to write a few emails and return a few messages. I also need to do another perusal of my big to-do list. We’ll see how it goes…

Happening this week:

• Monday - RnR Construction; Visit to Backyard Playworld

• Tuesday - Tinkergarten

• Wednesday - Parents Morning Out at RnR; Playdate at Echo Hills Park; Book Club

• Thursday - Vala’s?

• Friday - Bob’s Construction Night at OCM

• Saturday - National Museum Day at Morrill Hall

• Sunday - Nothing

What I am creating: Working on some birthday party crafts ahead of the party and finishing my August Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Enjoying a cool sprinkle every few days. Loving the quiet time I find here and there. Watching a great smart movie.

What I’m planning: Adding some fall themed activities and outings for the rest of September and October. Also finalizing the birthday party crafts, decor, and activities.

Looking around the house: I should do a bit of cleaning before the babysitter arrives.

Looking forward to: Hamilton!!!!! We finally get to see it live tonight.

From the camera: Ice cream stop on Saturday

Life Right Now #25

On my bedside table: The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin; The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

On my TV: J and I started S6 of Game of Thrones last night. Getting so close to the end!

Listening to: Mostly podcasts per usual. I did download some old Paramore for car listening. Quentin seems to enjoy it.

On the menu:

• Monday - Chicken n Dumplings

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Pineapple BBQ Chicken

• Thursday - Udon Teriyaki Noodles

• Friday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Saturday - Fettuccine Alfredo

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: Continuing the birthday party planning. We’re getting there! I also need to check with whoever about class party coordinator (I signed up, but not sure if there are more directions, etc). Plus I need to connect with the twin’s accounts, deal with a dentist bill, cleanout my bookmarks/Bloglovin’ subscriptions, inventory the rest of the party supplies (random kitchen box), and start some blog posts.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Playdate at a park

• Tuesday - Tinkgergarten; Possible Harvey Oaks restaurant night

• Wednesday - Playdate at a park

• Thursday - RnR class; Downtown Abbey movie special screening

• Friday - Early Explorers class at the zoo

• Saturday - Nothing so far… Vala’s is open so maybe…

• Sunday - Hamilton!!!! J and I are finally getting to see Hamilton. I’ve secured a babysitter and everything. I can’t wait!

What I am creating: I dove into Arthur’s 2018 PL album and am hoping to knock out a few spreads this week. I also am finalizing what I’m going to make for the birthday party. And I want to finish my August MP pages.

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze at night (seriously I sleep so much better!), a good aged Gouda, kids not talking for a few minutes, quick RSVPs (thank you awesome people!).

What I’m planning: The birthday party of course! We’ve scheduled it for October 12th and sent out the invites. Now to seriously nailing down all the details. Working on a menu. Got a huge pile of things bought (mostly decor and party supplies). J and I have our costumes mostly down. The boys have their themed shirts coming. I need to finish the menu, goody bags, and activities.

Looking around the house: I feel so much better when the kitchen/dining room is clean. The playroom is fine being a disaster, but crap all over my kitchen drives me batty. Hoping to do a bit of clothing cleanout this coming week.

Looking forward to: Hamilton!!!!! Seriously I’ve been wanting to go for forever, but tickets in the Bay were so difficult to acquire (to say nothing of the cost). I say online a few months back and scored some decent tickets for this coming weekend. The cost was a bit high, but it’s been on our list for so long, we decided to go for it.

From the camera: Riding the train by himself.

Life Right Now #24

On my bedside table: Let the Right One In by John Lindqvist; State of the Union by Nick Hornby

On my TV: J and I finished Wu Assassins S1 and Game of Thrones S3. We also finally watched John Wick 3 (so good).

Listening to: The usual podcasts.

On the menu:

• Monday - Spinach Feta Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Mongolian Beef

• Friday - Italian Noodle Soup

• Saturday - Chicken and Dumplings

• Sunday - Kielbasa Skillet

On my to do list: I need to check the twins’s school account, schedule an appointment to get my driver’s license, think about buying Legoland tickets for Christmas time, clean out the boys’s closet (putting away clothes, sorting the too small items), and pull my TBR pile for September.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Library Visit; RnR Construction Class

• Tuesday - Park Play Date

• Wednesday - Two different park play dates

• Thursday - Museum Day

• Friday - RnR Gym and Art Class

• Saturday - Behind the Scenes Zoo Train

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Working on my Memory Planner pages for August and Q’s Project Life album (almost finished with his 2018 album).

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze, hot tea, good food memoirs

What I’m planning: Working on our September plans

Looking around the house: Other than the kid closet, I should rework our entry way and deal with the box in the kitchen.

Looking forward to: A quieter week coming up

From the camera: Storming the castle at the Pirate Festival

Life Right Now #23

On my bedside table: Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald; You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

On my TV: J and I are moving through Games of Thrones S3 and Wu Assasins. I’m almost done with Lucifer S4.

Listening to: Podcasts, podcasts, and more podcasts. Also, I’m digging the Favorites playlist Apple Music has been making for me. Good soundtrack for my gym days.

On the menu:

• Monday - Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowls

• Tuesday - Sweet Potato and Kale GC

• Wednesday - Pulled Pork

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Saturday - Honey Lime Chicken

• Sunday - Kielbasa Skillet

On my to do list: I imagine that I have things I need to do, but like most Sundays, I can never remember them.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Zoo Day?

• Tuesday - RnR Art Class; Errands; Library

• Wednesday - Parent’s Night Out Morning; Gym Pool or Park Time

• Thursday - Chalco Hills Playdate; Reader’s Night at Harvey Oaks

• Friday - RnR Open Play

• Saturday - Midwest Pirate’s Festival!

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I got back into Quentin’s 2018 PL Album. I’m up to the end of November, so getting close!

My simple pleasures: Brownies, good history book, a cool breeze

What I’m planning: Q and .I are still settling our weekly routine. Need to make a few tweaks.

Looking around the house: I did a power clean on Thursday and things are looking good. Yesterday J and moved the lawn and edged the yard. Looking much better. I hope to do a bit of weeding and pruning this week.

Looking forward to: Q is going to Parent’s Morning Out on Wednesday morning which means I get 2 hours free!!!! Trying to decide if I should run errands, shop, or just get a coffee and read.

From the camera: Q and I spent a morning at the Children’s Museum

Life Right Now #22

On my bedside table: Lock Every Door by Rile Sager; Recursion by Blake Crouch

On my TV: J and I caught up with Elementary and finished S2 of Game of Thrones. We also threw in a movie and a documentary this week. I solo watched a few more episodes of Lucifer S4.

Listening to: The usual: NPR podcasts, Pod Save America, Currently Reading, What Should I Read Next, From the Front Porch. I also finished To Live and Die in L.A. S1.

On the menu:

• Monday - Shrimp Burrito Bowls

• Tuesday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Buffalo Chicken Nachoes

• Friday - Jalapeno Popper Bacon and Bean Soup

• Saturday - Pizza Grilled Cheese

• Sunday - Cheesy Artichoke Pasta

On my to do list: Ummm… guess I need to make a to do list today.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Arthur’s First Day of Kindergarten!!!!!! Q and I have a splash pad park playdate while Arthur is in school.

• Tuesday - Park Playdate with Q; Dentist appointments for both kids

• Wednesday - Q’s Romp n Roll Class; After school park time; Book Club for me

• Thursday - Nothing so far

• Friday - Probably Children’s Museum Day

• Saturday - Crop Day

• Sunday - Crop Day

What I am creating: Absolutely nothing. I really need to get back to being creative this week. I should probably block out some time in the afternoon before we pick up Arthur from school.

My simple pleasures: Laying in bed uninterrupted (seriously, I’ve been so tired); a good cup of coffee savored in the morning; shaved ice

What I’m planning: All the activities with Q while Arthur is in school. We need to establish some sort of weekly routine.

Looking around the house: The boys need to pick up the playroom today. I would like to have it clean before school starts.

Looking forward to: Hearing about Arthur’s first day!

From the camera: The twins moved into the dorm at the Indiana Academy! So excited for this year!

Life Right Now #21

On my bedside table: Columbine by Dave Cullen; The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen

On my TV: Continuing with Elementary. Started Stranger Things S3. Almost finished with Lucifer S3.

Listening to: Mostly all the podcasts I usually listen to. I’ve been working my way through To Live and Die in L.A.

On the menu:

• Monday - Salsa Fresca Chicken

• Tuesday - Jalapeno Popper Bacon and Bean Soup

• Wednesday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Thursday - Grilled Cheese (haven’t decided our adult selection)

• Friday - Pork and Green Chile Stew

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Honey Garlic Salmon

On my to do list: I knocked a ton of items off my list this week so I need to look at my big to dos later. I know that I need to finish picking up school supplies for Arthur and send out some cards.

Happening this week: I have my permanent crown dentist appointment on Monday and book club on Tuesday. Beyond that, we’re still figuring out what kid activities to add to our schedule this week. I’m thinking a zoo day, park playdate, library trip, and maybe a children’s museum visit.

What I am creating: Absolutely nothing right now… I’ve been in a creative rut right now. Not sure what to do next.

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze. dipping my toes in the pool, an engrossing cozy mystery

What I’m planning: We’re thinking about a possible weekend trip to Kansas to see a space exhibit.

Looking around the house: Oh the usual things to clean. I think we need to do a big sweep of the house and just tidy everything…

Looking forward to: We have a ton of fun activities planned for next week. I’m looking forward to the temperatures going down a bit.

From the camera: Q kept making the rat eat me. Great fun for a 2 year old.

Life Right Now #20

On my bedside table: Booknotes edited by Brian Lamb

On my TV: Lucifer S3 - Quickly working my way through this show.

Listening to: The usual podcasts.

On the menu: We’re still in Indiana until Tuesday or Wednesday. Then I have no idea what we’re doing for dinner.

On my to do list: Wrapping up what the twins need for school this year. Getting Arthur’s school supplies. Getting all of the rest of our ducks in a row.

Happening this week: We’re in Indiana until Tuesday and then traveling home. We might do a stop and overnight around the Quad Cities, but I really haven’t decided yet. Once home, I have another dentist appointment and Arthur has a visit from his principal.

What I am creating: Nothing really. TBR list for August I guess.

My simple pleasures: A good night’s sleep (not getting it here), a good book, quiet time to watch a show or just relax.

What I’m planning: We have a few weeks before Arthur starts Kindergarten and we’re kicking around a short weekend trip to Kansas. Looking at some possibilities.

Looking around the house: Not home at the moment… But I do know that I have a list of home things to do once I get back this coming week.

Looking forward to: Being in my own bed again.

From the camera: Q and his beloved dinosaur…

Life Right Now #19

On my bedside table: The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis; The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson

On my TV: I completely caught up with this season of The 100. And I finally started Lucifer (it’s delicious!). The little boys and I finished the week watching Mary Poppins Returns.

Listening to: All my usual podcasts. Nothing too exciting right now.

On the menu: We are going to be gone from Tuesday until the next week so no big plans. Monday we are going to have breakfast for dinner so as to not have leftovers in the fridge!

On my to do list: We’re continuing to buy things for back-to-school and specifically the twins moving into the Academy. More immediately, I have to pack for traveling to Indiana on Tuesday. I also need to do a bit of picking up/cleaning before we leave.

Happening this week: We’re traveling to Indiana on Tuesday. While there, Nick has to complete his biology and geometry R finals. I’m planning on talking the littles to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum during that time. Then we are going to catch the tail end of the Three Rivers Festival and fireworks in Fort Wayne.

What I am creating: All the lists!

My simple pleasures: Iced coffee! So much iced coffee! And wacky cake and quiet moments after the littles go to bed.

What I’m planning: Moving forward with the twins’s back to school plans.

Looking around the house: A bit messy, but the usual crap just not in its place.

Looking forward to: The next two nights before we leave. I’m getting in all my solo tv watching.

From the camera: Riding the dragon at Medieval Putt!

Life Right Now #18

On my bedside table: The River by Peter Heller; The Gown by Jennifer Robson

On my TV: J and I knocked out a few more episodes of Game of Thrones S2. And I restarted S5 of The 100.

Listening to: All the podcasts that I usually listen to.

On the menu: No idea right this second. Guess I need to do some meal planning today…

Happening this week: We’re hoping to get to Medieval Putt, the zoo, Wildlife Safari Park, and Lincoln. Plus Alex is going to his last YuGiOh tournament this week and the twins have a Smash Bros tournament.

What I am creating: Working on finishing up my June Memory Planner pages. Then maybe I’ll turn back to Project Life pages.

My simple pleasures: Reese’s PB cup cheesecake bites, watermelon, a good summer read

What I’m planning: Finalizing our details for the trip back to Indiana. I’m thinking about a trip to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and a trip to the Devonian Fossil Gorge on the way back.

Looking around the house: Looks like a whirlwind went through the house this past week. We need to do some serious picking up today.

Looking forward to: Knocking off a few more bucket list items. We’ll see where we get to…

From the camera: A little boy with a large piece of watermelon.

Life Right Now #17

On my bedside table: The Huntress by Kate Quinn; Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

On my TV: We finally moved on to Season 2 of Game of Thrones. I forgot just how many sex scenes are in the early seasons of this show. Goodness!

Listening to: Lots and lots of podcasts. I finally subscribed to The Indicator and Throughline from NPR. Both podcasts appeal to my interest in history. The episode of Throughline about Evangelicals in politics was very informative and yet very depressing.

On the menu:

• Monday - Grilled Cheese Day. The adults are probably going to have Honey Peach White Cheddar.

• Tuesday - Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup; Tacos

• Wednesday - Sesame Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Chicken Pot Pie

• Saturday - Pesto Stuffed Shells

• Sunday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

On my to do list: Lots of house chores. Beyond that, I’m hoping to get to the DMV this week and we need to schedule Nick’s school final.

Happening this week: Arthur has summer camp at the zoo this week. He signed up for the desert week.

• Monday - Q at the zoo, Sonic lunch?, grocery shopping

• Tuesday - Ice cream stop, Alex Yu-Gi-Oh, Me book club

• Wednesday - Q at the zoo, Alex Yu-Gi-Oh

• Thursday - Mini Golfing day

• Friday - Old Market, North O day with visit to General Crook House and Hollywood Candy

• Saturday - Card class day

• Sunday - Nothing so far, thank goodness!

What I am creating: Not much of anything. We’re having issues with our printer so I can’t work on the memory planner or Project Life pages. And I’m having a bit of creative deficiency when it comes to making cards. Part of the problem may be the temperature in the office (where my craft supplies are). It’s so darn hot in there!

My simple pleasures: Cool breezes, reading

What I’m planning: The twins return to Indiana. We’re working on dates and what needs to be done for school next year.

Looking around the house: We need to do a big wipe-down, vacuum, sweep this week.

Looking forward to: Mini golfing at Pirate Putt. Arthur is obsessed. Just hoping to go with Q as he just causes issues right now. 2 year olds are not good at mini golfing.

From the camera: Chase and Rubble went for rides in the school buses.

Life Right Now #16

On my bedside table: Taste of Marrow by Sarah Gailey; City of Light by Rupert Christiansen

On my TV: We finished Good Omens on Thursday and it was so so good! As a follow-up, we made the twins watch the Quartermass remake featuring David Tennant. It was a very true remake of the original full of 1950s scifi-ness!

Listening to: I went back and started listening to the On the Front Porch podcast. I haven’t listened to every episode but have been working through some of them. I’m currently up to late 2017.

On the menu: Weird week as we’re going to be gone for most of it on a family road trip. So other than eating leftovers on Monday, I’ve not got an actual meal plan.

On my to do list: Finish packing! Really that’s the big one.

Happening this week: Road trip fun!

What I am creating: I got a few new cards finished (will be posting this week), and started a few others. But, I need my Stampin’ Up! shipment and it’s not going to arrive until after our road trip.

My simple pleasures: Iced coffee (seriously so in love with it right now), Q’s happiness over the Prehistoric Putt place, silly fun with the twins.

What I’m planning: The rest of the summer.

Looking around the house: We need to do a big clean sweep before leaving for the road trip. I don’t want to come home to a messy house.

Looking forward to: The road trip of course!

From the camera: Prehistoric Putt with the kiddos. Next time, we’re going to try one of the two other putts: Medieval Putt or Pirate Putt.

Life Right Now #15

On my bedside table: The Egyptologist by Arthur Phillips; Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

On my TV: We made it through S1 of Game of Thrones just in time for me to leave for a week.

Listening to: I finally started Unobscured podcast by Aaron Mahnke about the Salem Witch Trials. After traveling yesterday, I’m six episodes in.

On the menu: Absolutely no idea! We’ll be at my mom’s house until Friday and then traveling.

On my to do list: Just enjoy the week! I don’t have many to-dos, but I’m sure I’ll knock out some small items.

Happening this week: We’re in Indiana visiting family!

What I am creating: I’m working on card ideas for upcoming classes. I also brought my Paper Pumpkin kit to play with while in Indiana.

My simple pleasures: All the iced tea! The warm weather always makes me crave iced tea.

What I’m planning: Summer activities.

Looking forward to: Taking all the boys to Shedd Aquarium on Friday. The twins and I were last there about 10 years ago. The littles have never been. It’s going to be great.

From the camera: Yesterday we stopped at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines for a fun afternoon. Of course we had to ride the train while there!

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.