Life Right Now #35

On my bedside table: Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen; The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

On my TV: Lots of random shows. Most exciting, we started watching The Mandalorian. Really excited about that one.

Listening to: My usual podcasts. I’m really excited about the the new Iowa series on Pod Save America.

On the menu:

• Monday - Chicken and Noodles

• Tuesday - Balsamic Pork Roast

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Thanksgiving!!!

• Friday - Broccoli Beef

• Saturday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Sunday - Turkey Brie Grilled Cheese

On my to do list: I need to finish Thanksgiving prep. I also have some random tasks to complete and a bit of house cleaning.

Happening this week:

• Monday - RnR Construction Class

• Tuesday - RnR Gym Class

• Wednesday -

• Thursday - Thanksgiving!

• Friday -

• Saturday - Holiday activities (still deciding)

• Sunday -

What I am creating: I want to work on my November MP Pages this week and get back to Project Life pages.

My simple pleasures: Shortbread cookies, snuggly blanket

What I’m planning: Working on our holiday activities.

Looking around the house: Things aren’t great. I need to do a big sweep of the house tomorrow. Lots of random things have been misplaced lately.

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving of course! We’re heading over to a friend’s house for dinner.

From the camera: Boys at a friend’s birthday party. So much running and jumping!

Life Right Now #34

On my bedside table: A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Summers; A Very Special Christmas by Mary Balogh

On my TV: We started The Mandalorian this week and color me intrigued. I also started rewatching A Chef’s Life. I have previously watched the first season and parts of the second season.

Listening to: I’ve caught up with a few podcasts so now I am listening in real time. Plus, I’ve added a few new ones to my list.

On the menu:

• Monday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

• Tuesday - Fancy Schmancy Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Broccoli Beef

• Friday - Baked Potato Soup

• Saturday - Balsamic Pork Roast

• Sunday - Chicken and Noodles

On my to do list: Bills, bills, bills. Oof. Also we need to plan out the rest of November and December.

Happening this week:

• Monday - ???

• Tuesday - Girly Book Club

• Wednesday - Parent’s Morning Out; Book Club

• Thursday - Gym Class at RnR

• Friday - Finn’s Bday party

• Saturday - ???

• Sunday - ???

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment. I finished all the Christmas cards for this year. Hoping to get to my Memory Planner and Project Life albums this coming week.

My simple pleasures: Hot tea, good books

What I’m planning: Travel plans

Looking around the house: Decent I guess.

Looking forward to: A few hours away from my kids this week, especially book club.

From the camera: Running from the dinosaur!

Life Right Now #33

On my bedside table: The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Griesbrecht; Crisis in the Red Zone by Richard Preston

On my TV: We finished Letterkenny S7 this past week. What are we going to do without our favorite farmers? Beyond that, we caught up with The Good Place and Superstore.

Listening to: So close to catching up with The To Read List podcast…

On the menu:

• Monday - Salami and Cheese Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Black Bean Soup and Tacos

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken

• Friday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

• Saturday - Blackened Salmon

• Sunday - Brie, Turkey, and Pear Grilled Cheese

On my to do list: I’m certain that I have a ton of little items, but we’ve all been sick most of last week. I’m recovering from a migraine, so not really thinking of a my list right now.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nothing…

• Tuesday - Playdate at Children’s Museum

• Wednesday - Millard Library Playdate

• Thursday - RnR Crayons to Canvas class; PTO meeting

• Friday - Mall playdate; Dinos on the Loose at the Children’s Museum

• Saturday - Nothing…

• Sunday - Nothing…

What I am creating: Getting close to finishing making Christmas cards for this year. I’m shooting for about 20 more (at least three more designs).

My simple pleasures: A good night’s sleep, cold water, pretty recipe books

What I’m planning: Working on some ideas for 2020 projects. For the kitchen, we did 52 weeks of grilled cheese this year. We’re thinking soups and stews around the world for next year. For reading, I’m planning on changing some things up in terms of reading challenges.

Looking around the house: Ooofff. The playroom is out of control. And I really need to vacuum.

Looking forward to: Picking up my holds at the library. I have a ton of recipe books that I want to explore.

From the camera: I stopped into the newly renovated Joanns down the road. I couldn’t resist some new goodies.

Life Right Now #32

On my bedside table: Feed by MT Anderson; The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

On my TV: We finished our spooky movie month with Thankskilling. That was terrible! So now we’re starting to catch up on our currently airing shows.

Listening to: Lots of podcasts like usual! I starting back at Episode 1 with the To Read List. Yet another book related podcast to listen to.

On the menu: AAAAHHHH!!!! I have no idea what we are eating this week… Seriously need to get on that meal planning today.

On my to do list: I have the dentist bill 50% taken care of, but we need to figure out a few insurance issues. I also need to wrap up the BFC exchange, work out my TBR for November, and schedule next month’s RnR classes. I know I have other items on my list…

Happening this week: Such a light week right now. I feel like I need to figure out what else we’re doing.

• Monday - RnR Open Play

• Tuesday -

• Wednesday - Parent’s Morning Out at RnR

• Thursday - Park Playdate

• Friday -

• Saturday -

• Sunday -

What I am creating: Working on those Christmas cards. I’ve got over 60 made so far. I’m thinking I need to make about 50 more cards.

My simple pleasures: Reese’s peanut butter cups. That’s it. They are my life right now.

What I’m planning: Working on our November activities. We have many many holes in our schedule right now.

Looking around the house: The boys got bunk beds this weekend. Yeah! But now I need to rearrange their bedroom and clean up the playroom.

Looking forward to: Ummmm…. Friendsgiving?

From the camera: Q and I had a breakfast date at Starbucks on Friday.

Life Right Now #31

On my bedside table: Feed by MT Anderson; Rabid by Bill Wasik

On my TV: Continuing our spooky movie month. Almost at the end! And I caught up with Great British Bake-Off. Next week is the final!

Listening to: An acquaintance recommended a new podcast to me, You Must Remember This, about old Hollywood stories. I’m really digging it!

On the menu:

• Monday - Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodles

• Tuesday - Irish Nachos

• Wednesday - Garlic Ginger Teriyaki Chicken; Spring Rolls; Rice

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Lentil Nachos

• Saturday - Irish Whisky Stew

• Sunday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachoes

On my to do list: Flu shots, Christmas travel plans, meal plan redo, Christmas lists

Happening this week:

• Monday - Another car appointment

• Tuesday - Tinkergarten; Book Club

• Wednesday - Dentist Appointment; Arthur’s Classroom Halloween Party

• Thursday - RnR Gym Class

• Friday - RnR Construction

• Saturday - Nothing

• Sunday - Nothing

What I am creating: I’m officially starting my Christmas cards today. I’m hoping to make about 100 in November.

My simple pleasures: Peanut butter cups, good suspenseful movies, snuggles

What I’m planning: Now that the Halloween party is planned, I’m turning my attention to Thanksgiving.

Looking around the house: I’ll have to clean up after crop day today, but the rest of the house is in decent shape.

Looking forward to: Halloween party on Wednesday! It should be chaotic fun!

From the camera: Checking out The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Vala’s this week.

Life Right Now #30

On my bedside table: A Dream About Lightning Bugs by Ben Folds; The Walking Dead Vol. 32

On my TV: Continuing our spooky October movie month. A few new-to-me movies and a lot of rewatches.

Listening to: Lots and lots of podcasts of course. I’m really looking forward to starting Unobscured Season 2 about Spiritualism. Hoping I can find some time.

On the menu:

• Monday - Spinach and Blue Cheese Chicken

• Tuesday - Spicy Lentil Nachos

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Monterrey Chicken Skillet

• Friday - Coconut Curry Noodle Bowls

• Saturday - Irish Nachos

• Sunday - Garlic Ranch Chicken Pizza

On my to do list: I have no idea right this minute. Goodness… I know I have things that need to get done. Guess I need to check with my big to do list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Car appointment; RnR Construction

• Tuesday - Tinkergarten; Halloween at The Durham

• Wednesday - Park Playdate; Vala’s; Book Club

• Thursday - RnR Gym

• Friday - Trick or Treating at OCM

• Saturday - Various Halloween activities to choose from

• Sunday - Crop Day

What I am creating: I knocked out the classroom Halloween cards yesterday. I want to make a few more Halloween cards this week before moving on to Christmas cards next weekend.

My simple pleasures: Loving the few minutes of peace that I can find each day.

What I’m planning: I’m finalizing the Halloween classroom party plans and starting to think about Christmas activities.

Looking around the house: The playroom is yet again a disaster. Really need to clean it this week. We will have to rake some leaves and probably move the grass (one last time) next weekend.

Looking forward to: All the fun Halloween activities coming this week.

From the camera: Loving the chicken piano at Vala’s.

Life Right Now #29

On my bedside table: Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman; The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

On my TV: It’s scary movie month, so lots of movies!

Listening to: My usual podcasts. I also started The Habitat podcast.

On the menu:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Sausage and Mango Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Spicy Lentil Nachoes

• Thursday - Fish and Chips

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Apple, Cheddar, and Pastrami Grilled Cheese

• Sunday - Garlic Ranch Chicken Pizza

On my to do list: Recover the house from the party yesterday, plan on the Halloween party (Arthur’s class), various errands, library book drop, and many of things I’m sure.

Happening this week: Arthur is on Fall Break Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday so we planned some fun activities.

• Monday - RnR Art Class; Book Fair Volunteering

• Tuesday - Arthur’s Birthday!!; Tinekrgarten; Parent-Teacher Conferences

• Wednesday - Children’s Museum

• Thursday - Vala’s

• Friday - Treetop Adventures

• Saturday - Vala’s with J

• Sunday - Omaha Symphony

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment. I finished the birthday party crafts, so I’m taking a break. Next week I need to work on the Halloween party, Christmas cards, and Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Resting my feet after a long day. good punch, reading time

What I’m planning: Halloween party activities and crafts

Looking around the house: I need to finish putting away the party supplies and vaccuum the house.

Looking forward to: Our trip to the Treetop Adventures!

From the camera: an astronaut and a robot!

Life Right Now #28

On my bedside table: Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco; Paper Girls Vol. 6

On my TV: We’ve started our Spooky October so our watching has been spooky movies.

Listening to: All the podcasts like usual. Also, I’ve been listening to a lot of Mike Shinoda and Ghost while at the gym. Good gym music!

On the menu:

• Monday - Brie Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Cornbread waffles and chili

• Thursday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Friday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

• Saturday - Party leftovers

• Sunday - Leftovers / Dinner out for me

On my to do list: Final prep for the birthday party; email whoever (not quite sure who) about the Halloween party; schedule RnR classes for Oct; cleaning so much; finishing my two current books

Happening this week:

• Monday - Park; Library; Park Playdate

• Tuesday - Park?; Tinkergarten

• Wednesday - Park Playdate; Vala’s afterschool

• Thursday - Gym morning; Lunch with Arthur; Errands

• Friday - Party prep

• Saturday - BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!!

• Sunday - Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch; Book Club; Zombieland dinner and viewing

What I am creating: Working on the birthday party crafts. Making progress, but I still have a ton of little things to do.

My simple pleasures: Cup of tea; a good book; sleeping with the comforter

What I’m planning: Right now, I’m just trying to get past the birthday party this weekend.

Looking around the house: Things are a bit of a disaster right now as we get ready for the party. I have a giant pile of boxes in my dining room (turning into robots), party supplies piled high on the kitchen counter, and a baker’s rack filled with other party supplies. Plus we need to do a big clean sweep of the downstairs on Friday before the party (bathroom, vacuum, sweep). For the playroom, I’m planning on removing about 1/2 of the toys for the party so we have more room to play. Of course we need to vacuum that room also.

Looking forward to: The birthday party of course!

From the camera: Raffle time at the school carnival on Friday!

Life Right Now #27

On my bedside table: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness; Living Among the Dead by Daniel Cotton

On my TV: We’re so close to finishing Game of Thrones! Only two more episodes to go. I also finally started The Chilling Chronicles of Sabrina and am loving it. Plus The Good Place and Superstore are back!

Listening to: All the Binge Mode: Game of Thrones podcast episodes. So close to the end!

On the menu:

• Monday - Honey and Lime Jalapeno Chicken

• Tuesday - Brie Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Pork and Green Chili Stew

• Friday - Dinner out

• Saturday - BBQ Chicken

• Sunday - Grown Up Bacon Grilled Cheese

On my to do list: Oof! So many little things on my list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nothing. I’m thinking gym, library, potentially a park.

• Tuesday - Tinkergarten

• Wednesday - Parent’s Morning Out at RnR (means gym for me); Park after school

• Thursday - RnR

• Friday - School Carnival

• Saturday - Living History at the Fort

• Sunday - Nothing

What I am creating: Working on my Memory Planner, projects for the birthday party, and some Project Life spreads.

My simple pleasures: Simple yellow cake with chocolate icing, listening to the sound of the rain (especially at night), snuggles with Q

What I’m planning: The birthday party of course! We have two weeks to get everything ready.

Looking around the house: I did a big clean of my craft area yesterday. Lots of bits sorted, put away, thrown away, or bagged for donation. I want to organize my PL supplies and my desk is still a mess, but at least the cubbies and the floor are cleaned up.

Looking forward to: The elementary school carnival is this Friday. Arthur is super excited! Here’s hoping we have a good time.

From the camera: Hanging out at Vala’s all Wednesday afternoon and evening.

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.