Life Right Now #38

As I look outside my window: Windy and cold day, but bright and sunny.

Right now I am: Updating my giant to-do list. Lots of little things I need to knock out this week.

Thinking and pondering: What is our Thanksgiving going to look like? I think we are just going to do our household and make it an appetizer day instead of turkey, etc. J doesn’t really like turkey, and we love appetizers but they are a lot of work. SO maybe an appetizer buffet and movie marathon with the kids.

On my bedside table: The Troop by Nick Cutter; The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

On my tv this week: We finally finished Battlestar Galactica and it was such a disappointment. J did warn me, but I was still disappointed.

Listening to: Black Veil Brides dropped a new song, loving it!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Green Chile Pepper Jack Enchiladas

• Tuesday - Icelandic Lamb Soup

• Wednesday - Zimbabwean Peanut Stew

• Thursday - Mongolian Beef

• Friday - Balsamic Pork Roast

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Blackened Salmon

On my to do list: Just to name a few things I need to do:

• Change van fob battery

• Organize entry bench (lots of random coats, hats, gloves, door hangings, etc)

• Update homeschooling forms

• Prep and/or finish probably 20 blog posts

• Send the extra trash can form

• Schedule my work times for the week

• Vacuum and dust downstairs

• Meal plan for rest of November and into December

• Do a pantry inventory

• Clear the deck (need to move the grill into the garage)

• Start working on advent ideas

Happening this week: I’ve got a few work commitments to schedule in along with our usual homeschooling. We are going to try to hit the library on Wednesday or Thursday, but they have just lowered capacity to 25%. If we go in the morning around 9:30am, we should be fine.

What I am creating: I’m hoping to make some Christmas cards today. I finally got my storage system sorta organized (at least 70% done) and want to pause to actually make some cards.

My simple pleasures: Warm cookies from the oven, good scary books, snuggly blankets

Looking around the house: Argh! There is crap everywhere. I swear I am the only person in this house that ever picks anything up.. I need to go room by room and just pick up everything that doesn’t belong.

From the camera: Finally gather the leaves so we could jump into them. Really to clean them up, but the boys too advantage.

Life Right Now #37

As I look outside my window: Our big backyard tree finally dropped all it’s leaves. Guess I’ll be raking leaves today…

Right now I am: Finishing my bagel and coffee before I head outside.

On my bedside table: There’s Someone in Your House by Stephanie Perkins; Lumberjanes comics

On my tv this week: We finished the first season of Truth Seekers (delightful and strange). We’re almost finished with Battlestar Galactica. We have only four more episodes to go. Afterward, I think we are going to return to Star Trek (Voyager or DS9).

Listening to: All the politics and book podcasts in my feed. I’ve been alternating between the two categories all week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday -

• Wednesday -

• Thursday -

• Friday -

• Saturday

• Sunday -

On my to do list: A mile long list of things… One of the first things is to mail the extra trash can form and pop into the library tomorrow.

Happening this week: Hopefully back to some semblance of a normal schedule this week. I still have some work to finish up for J’s company, but the bulk is done. Otherwise I need to grocery shop this week.

What I am creating: Nothing this week unless you count blog posts not for personal use.

My simple pleasures: Working HVAC system. The guys came back to finish hooking up the AC unit. so now we have a complete and working HVAC system. Already, we can tell a difference with more equal temperatures throughout the house and better air quality. So excited!

Looking around the house: My Ikea order finally arrived and J put together my craft storage unit yesterday! I’m hoping to get most of my supplies put away this week so I can make tons of Christmas cards this weekend.

From the camera: Before the tree dropped all its leaves, it was this beautiful fire red color!

Life Right Now #36

As I look outside my window: It’s very lightly snowing. More of a mix of rain and snow really.

Right now I am: Finishing our meal plan for November and December. One of my least favorite home tasks, but it’s got to be done. Also trying to add in more lunches as we’re trying to cut our eating out budget.

On my bedside table: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson; Well Played by Jen DeLuca

On my tv this week: We’re slowly working through the last season of Battlestar Galactica. It’s not great, but darn it we are in it until the end.

Listening to: All the usual podcasts. I’m feeling like I need to add more music in rotation.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Chilean Ajiaco

• Wednesday - Zurek (Polish Rye Soup)

• Thursday - Black Bean Chicken

• Friday - Beef Tips

• Saturday - Monaco Vegetable Soup

• Sunday -

On my to do list: I did a huge brain dump on Friday. I’m hoping to knock out at least 5 items today and another 5-10 next week. On the list are a variety of small and some much larger tasks.

Happening this week: This week is going to be bonkers! We have so much going on.

• Monday - Regular Day

• Tuesday - HVAC install; Ikea delivery; Grocery store visit; Durham Halloween Drive-thru

• Wednesday - HVAC install; Nature Play Day

• Thursday - Library visit

• Friday - Regular Day

• Saturday - Halloween Party!

• Sunday - Regular Day

What I am creating: Long-term and short-term curriculum plans. We’re reaching the end of the semester and I’m trying to wrap it up and start planning for next semester.

My simple pleasures: Nightly Calm hot tea, cozy socks, spooky books

Looking around the house: It’s vacuum day! Lots of rooms were picked up yesterday, so today I get to vacuum all of them. Also excited to vacuum my craft room in anticipation of my new craft storage arriving on Tuesday.

From the camera: Shenanigans during the Book Drive Thru at the mall.

Life Right Now #35

Thinking and pondering: What should I do with the play room? It’s a mess right now.

On my bedside table: The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender; The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

On my tv this week: We’re slowly working through Battlestar Galactica S4 and jumped back into Happy S2. I’m watching GBBO and Below Deck.

Listening to: All the podcast like usual.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Curried Coconut and Lime Gourd Soup

• Tuesday - Chili

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Polish Rye Soup

• Friday - Chicken and Dumplings

• Saturday - Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Sunday - Cheesy Artichoke Pasta

On my to do list: My big task is to figure out eye appointments for myself and the kids.

Happening this week: Nothing much. I’m sure we’ll go to the library later this week, but that’s it so far. Maybe a zoo visit? Or at least a trip to a park?

What I am creating: Nothing much. I really do want to make some Christmas cards this week.

My simple pleasures: Hot tea, a good book

Looking around the house: Thinking about what to do with my craft room once my furniture arrives right before Halloween.

From the camera: We went trick-or-treating at Lauritzen Gardens today. It was cold, but lots of fun!

Life Right Now #34

As I look outside my window: The sun is out, the wind is blowing, and the leaves are changing colors.

Right now I am: Trying to make a darn to-do/brain dump list. Too many little things rattling around my brain; I need to get them all out!

Thinking and pondering: What is more important right now - going to the dentist or going to the eye doctor? My anxiety can only handle one this month. I’m leaning towards eye doctor as my glasses are pretty scratched up.

On my bedside table: Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner; The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Clune

On my tv this week: We ended up watching very little tv this past week. I was exhausted most nights. But we did watch Enola Holmes and Aladdin (2019). Both were entertaining if nothing else.

Listening to: The usual podcasts. Although today calls for music.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Swahili Fish with Coconut Rice

• Tuesday - Chicken Shawarma Fries

• Wednesday - Broccoli Beef

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - BBQ Chicken, Apple, Bacon, Cheddar Quesdaillas

• Saturday - Zurek (Polish Rye Soup)

• Sunday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin

On my to do list: See above for brain dump problem…

Happening this week: It’s grocery week once again. Off to finish my giant grocery list and hopefully not forget anything too important. We also have nature play day on Wednesday, a library visit sometime (Friday?), and maybe a park visit as the temperatures will be cooler.

What I am creating: Finally getting back into card making. I ended up making 6 cards using a borrowed stamp set yesterday. Hoping to start organizing my Christmas card supplies today.

My simple pleasures: Sleep, that’s all this week, just sleep

Looking around the house: Blergh! I think I’m the only one in this house that picks up random crap that accumulates. There’s crap everywhere right now.

From the camera: Quentin peeking out from behind one of our unit theme books.

Life Right Now #33

As I look outside my window: Leaves are falling from the trees! I love fall so much!

Right now I am: Pumping myself up to clean the kitchen. I am not excited, but it needs to be done.

On my bedside table: Lovely War by Julie Berry; Lumberjanes Vol. 12-13

On my tv this week: I can’t even remember what we watched this week. Man, I am tired today.

Listening to: Lots of depressing podcasts. I need to switch to something more uplifting.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Beef Stew

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Swahili Fish with Coconut Rice

• Friday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Saturday - Broccoli Beef

• Sunday - Chicken Shawarma

On my to do list: I think I need to do a brain dump today. I have no idea what I need to do right now.

Happening this week: Nothing big. We’ll probably go to the library and maybe a park visit.

What I am creating: Argh! I really need to get started on my Christmas cards.

My simple pleasures: Coffee cake and coffee, pumpkin patches, snuggly sweaters

Looking around the house: I cleaned the bathrooms yesterday! Woot! They look so clean now!

From the camera: Apple picking and flower fields at Vala’s this week.

Life Right Now #32

Right now I am: Getting ready to head to bed, but before that, I’m going to read more of my current historical romance novel.

Thinking and pondering: I should probably do a brain dump pretty soon.

On my bedside table: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, Lovely War by Julie Berry

On my tv this week: After returning, we catch up on the released episodes of The Boys, Lower Decks, and Archer.

Listening to: On the way back from Indiana, I listened to the rest of The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner read by Richard Armitage. Very good listen. I also snuck in a few episodes of Presidential, Pod Save America, and Currently Reading.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken parmesan

• Tuesday - Swahili Fish with coconut rice

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice

• Friday - Lebanese Green Stew

• Saturday - Apple Grilled Cheese

• Sunday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

On my to do list: I need tp pay a few bills, organize W9 resources, and probably a million other little things.

Happening this week: Hopefully this coming week, we will be back to normal for a schedule… I do need to go to the grocery store and we’ll probably make a library stop. Otherwise, I’m hoping to stay home and get back to normal and clean my darn house.

What I am creating: Not much at all. I do hope to get to creating Christmas cards this coming. I need to get moving if I want to make my own cards like I do every year.

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze, warm cinnamon rolls, pumpkin patches, Quentin snuggles and laughs.

Looking around the house: Things are still very trashed right now… I really need to just go room by room this week and get things straightened out.

From the camera: Happy Birthday Quentin! He turned 4 on Saturday.

Life Right Now #31

As I look outside my window: It’s still pretty overcast and a bit rainy today. I love the cooler weather this past week, especially since our AC is broken.

Right now I am: Sitting in limbo for the coming week.

Thinking and pondering: About grief, processing, and what to do next…

On my bedside table: Love and Death Among the Cheetahs by Rhys Bowen; Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

On my tv this week: We’ve watched a few episodes of The Orville, Battlestar Galactica, and The Boys. Other than that, I haven’t watched much of anything.

Listening to: Just the usual podcasts.

On the menu for this week: Dependent on travel plans, this is what I think we will eat.

• Monday - Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodles

• Tuesday - Baked Fish with Lemon Butter and Capers

• Wednesday - Broccoli Beef

• Thursday - Chicken and Noodles

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Sunday - Swahili Fish with Coconut Rice

On my to do list: So many little things, but I can’t do anything until I get more infromation.

Happening this week: Possibly…

• Monday - Zoo Visit

• Tuesday - Grocery store visit

• Wednesday - Apple Orchard Visit

• Thursday -

• Friday -

• Saturday -

• Sunday -

What I am creating: Nothing right now, but I want to make some Christmas cards soon.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate cookies, iced tea, smell of the rain, snuggling under my covers in bed

Looking around the house: Things are pretty situated right now, but I’m certain I have tons of things I could clean.

From the camera:

Life Right Now #30

As I look outside my window: It’s overcast and cool. Thank goodness!

Right now I am: Prepping to go outside and weed the yard. Then it’s time to meal plan and get our grocery list made.

On my bedside table: Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt (loving the Maiden Lane series!) and Uprooted by Naomi Novik

On my tv this week: We watched a fair amount of The Orville and a few episodes of Battlestar. Last night we watched Bill and Ted Face the Music. It was okay; a very earnest movie.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts, although I did have a heavy metal evening when going to and from bookclub. I sped through some Asking Alexandria, Palaye Royale, Black Veil Brides, 10 Years, and A Day to Remember.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachoes

• Thursday - Fish and Chips

• Friday - Chorba Frik

• Saturday - Blackened Salmon with Blue Cheese Sauce

• Sunday - BBQ Ribs

On my to do list: I need to find a notary for our stupid trash cans… The city is switching services and giving everyone a trash can and a recycling can. If you want another trash can, you have to get the large family form (5+ people in a household) notarized. Tricky with all the COVID restrictions right now.

Happening this week: We have our usual nature play day on Wednesday and library pickup on Saturday. I do need to grocery shop on Tuesday, but that’s about it for plans. Otherwise, it’s homeschooling like usual. We’re going to study the beginning of Mesopotamia and Sumer plus a separate lesson on the native tribes of the Northeast in what is now the United States.

What I am creating: Just lesson plans really. J has turned me onto a new note-taking, organization app called Roam. He had me watch the intro video last night and I am intrigued. Hoping to be able to play around with it later today.

My simple pleasures: A good soft baked chocolate chip cookie, breezes at nighttime, a good romance book.

Looking around the house: I need to tackle the kitchen today. Everything needs a good wipe down and the sweep the floor.

From the camera: Meeting Omar, the troll under the bridge

Life Right Now #29

As I look outside my window: It’s sunny and humid outside right now… I’m not excited about how hot I’m going to be today.

Right now I am: Trying to organize our science curriculum for the year. I realized that the way things were laid out initially doesn’t make much sense to me. So I need to reorder.

On my bedside table: The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov, a library book?

On my tv this week: We’re working our way through Battlestar S3 and The Orville S1, so lots of space tv shows right now.

Listening to: Podcasts and more podcasts. I started listening to Grim and Mild’s newest podcast, American Shadows. It shows promise, but the first episode is all about the radium girls and I know a lot about that topic. Still hopeful for the future of that podcast.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Jerk Pork with Caribbean Salsa

• Tuesday - Mongolian Beef

• Wednesday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Saturday - Shrimp Scampi

• Sunday - Calulu

On my to do list: I’m certain I have many little things to do. Sounds like I need to take some time today to do a brain dump.

Happening this week: We’re heading back to the Tree Adventure in Nebraska City for Wednesday’s nature play day. Otherwise, we’ll be home.

What I am creating: Lesson plans like usual. I do want to take some time to craft this week.

My simple pleasures: All the ice water.

Looking around the house: Blergh! I need to clean the bathrooms this week and I’m not excited.

From the camera: Last week was color week! Lots of art this past week.

Life Right Now #28

Right now I am: Putting away homeschooling supplies for the week and getting out next week’s supplies.

Thinking and pondering: Which NOVA episode should we watch to cover the origins of the human race? So many choices…

On my bedside table: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

On my tv this week: We finally started The Orville this past week. Pretty good. Like a continuation of Star Trek: The Next Generation. I finished a season of Below Deck: Med and have almost caught up on The 100.

Listening to: Black Veil Brides’s newest album, Restitch These Wounds has been on repeat in my house.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - French Onion Pork Chops

• Tuesday - Salsa Chicken

• Wednesday - Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

• Thursday - Sesame Chicken, Rice, Broccoli

• Friday - Leftover

• Saturday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Sunday - Jerk Pork with Caribbean Salsa

On my to do list: Just focusing on Homeschooling again this week. We’re easing into this whole thing.

What I am creating: I need to prep an archaeology dig for Arthur for Tuesday. I have all the ingredients, just need to put it together tonight or Monday night.

My simple pleasures: Plum cake, a good book, a cool breeze, weeding the yard when it’s only 70 degrees outside.

Looking around the house: I need to do a big pickup today. Arthur needs to help clean his playroom. And I need to put away the laundry. All that so we can go into another week of homeschool without piles everywhere.

From the camera: We enjoyed Mo Willems week. So many books!

Life Right Now #27

As I look outside my window: A random storm blew in this early morning… and I was planning to weed the yard! Oh well. Right now it’s still very overcast and lightly sprinkling.

Right now I am: Prepping for the day

On my bedside table: Dreamland by Nancy Bilyeau; The End of October by Lawrence Wright

On my tv this week: We’ve almost finished the second season of The Umbrella Academy! Yes! and No! I don’t want it to end.

Listening to: The usual podcasts. Plus I’ve been listening to Hayley Williams’s album Petals for Armor on repeat lately.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Shrimp Burrito Bowls

• Tuesday - Sloppy Joes

• Wednesday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

• Thursday - Baked Potato Soup

• Friday - French Onion Pork Chops

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Takeout Pizza

On my to do list: I need to focus on homeschool this week.

Happening this week: We’re officially starting homeschooling tomorrow! Hope it goes well.

What I am creating: I’m finally working on my Memory Planner again. Almost finished with June. Next big task is to format and print July’s pictures.

My simple pleasures: Hot coffee, feeling organized, pretty pens

Looking around the house: Some areas were cleaned up while others have acquired clutter. I need to reinstitute a weekly cleaning schedule. Over the week, J did clean the third bay in the garage so he could pull his car in (a friend is going to use our driveway to store a vehicle this week).

From the camera: We found some chairs in the forest this week…

Life Right Now #26

As I look outside my window: It’s a bit overcast but should clear up and bring cooler temperatures. So ready for this!

Right now I am: Drinking some coffee, looking over my to-do list.

Thinking and pondering: Which color should I spray paint the school desk? Either a blue or a green…

On my bedside table: Beach Read by Emily Henry; Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams

On my tv this week: The Umbrella Academy is back!!!!! I’m so excited. I really should pace myself, but a big part of me just wants to binge it right now.

Listening to: All the usual podcasts. Lots of whining children. It’s not been a great week…

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Shrimp Burrito Bowl

• Wednesday - Baked Potato Soup

• Thursday - Crab and Asparagus Soup

• Friday - French Onion Pork Chops

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Cawl Cennin (Welsh Leek Soup)

On my to do list: I have a big list of smallish tasks for the week. Mostly just organizing everything and prepping for fall. And I need to drop some mail off at the post office and our absentee ballot requests at the election commission.

Happening this week: I made appointments for library hold pickup and a zoo day this week. And it’s grocery week. Otherwise, this is our break week in between summer school and homeschooling start.

What I am creating: I’m currently in the midst of refinishing an old style school desk I picked up for free awhile back. I have all my tools. Just need to get to cleaning, sanding, and then spray painting. Hoping to be done this week so Arthur can use it for homeschooling.

My simple pleasures: A smoky old-fashioned, listening to the rain, a good apocalypse book.

Looking around the house: Things are in pikes everywhere. This week is all about organizing and putting everything away from summer stuff.

From the camera: We went swimming last Tuesday. So nice!

Life Right Now #25

As I look outside my window: It’s overcast today, but make no mistake, it’s still going to be ridiculous hot!

Right now I am: Trying to steal 5 quiet minutes before I have to make food (story of my life).

On my bedside table: The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov; some Regency romance series?

On my tv this week: Moving through S2 of Battlestar Galactica, S3 of Below Deck Med, and S7 of The 100.

Listening to: Nothing but podcasts…

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Fish Chowder Soup (Australia)

• Wednesday - Firecracker Chicken

• Thursday - Baked Potato Soup

• Friday - Shrimp Burrito Bowl

• Saturday - Crab and Asparagus Soup (Vietnam)

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I need to wrap up Alex’s school registration plus I need to call Arthur’s assigned school to tell them that we are going to homeschool. Beyond that, it’s the usually house chores and such.

Happening this week: We actually have a few things on the calendar for this coming week. On Tuesday, I’m going to a friend’s house for a pool party and I have Girly Book Club. On Wednesday, I’m picking up holds at the library and I have my other book club that night. On Thursday or Friday, I’m hoping to get to Target for the last of the school supplies and probably a few food items to hold us over until grocery day.

This will also be our last week for “summer school.” We’re closing out our unit studies with Insects and Bees. Arthur’s excited.

What I am creating: Lesson plans for homeschool and blog post mainly. I want to get back to paper crafting, but my motivation and inspiration has disappeared.

My simple pleasures: A cup of coffee, a good zombie book, cloudy days (even if it’s still hot as hell out there)

Looking around the house: J almost has the basement shop prepped for painting the cinder block walls before starting framing it out. Making a bit of progress. Nothing else has happened upstairs, but I’m really contemplating a ceiling fan for our bedroom. Air flow is terrible in there.

From the camera: Being scientists…

Life Right Now #24

As I look outside my window: It’s a bit overcast, but still going to clear up and be over 90 degrees today. Thankfully tomorrow the high is 80 degrees. I need to open these windows again and get some fresh air!

Right now I am: Sorting through all the random school resources I downloaded this week. I just found a great music listening journal template that I’m totally going to use.

Thinking and pondering: Do I have enough energy today to clean the toilets? Who am I kidding? I will find every excuse to not clean the toilets, but then, the toilets don’t get cleaned because no one else in this house is going to do it.

On my bedside table: Across the Universe by Beth Revis; Shrill by Lindy West

On my tv this week: We’re slowly starting S2 of Battlestar Galactica. I made some progress on Below Deck and The 100.

Listening to: Just podcasts. I’ve really enjoyed quiet this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Kale and White Bean Soup

• Tuesday - Monterrey Chicken Skillet

• Wednesday - Baked Potato Soup

• Thursday - Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowls

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Sweet Potato Nachos

• Sunday - Pineapple BBQ Chicken

On my to do list: I want to work through some more of the homeschool resources I found. I’m slowly getting everything prepped for August. I also know we need to continue organizing the garage. It’s looking so much better, but still a lot of stuff in there that shouldn’t be in there. And I suspect some trash (mostly just old boxes, not like rotting food trash).

Happening this week: I made another library pickup appointment for Wednesday. And this week is grocery week, although my list is in shambles right now. Guess I know what I’m doing tonight.

What I am creating: Lesson plans mainly. But I do want to print my June memory planner photos and work on a “me” project this week.

My simple pleasures: Quiet, a cool breeze, a chat with a friend.

Looking around the house: I need to vacuum and do a general pickup. Plus, those darn toilets won’t clean themselves.

From the camera: Most of this week’s library book haul.

Life Right Now #23

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny and so so hot.

Right now I am: Trying to escape the overly tired kids and get a bit of quiet time.

On my bedside table: The Guest List by Lucy Foley; Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

On my tv this week: J and I started Avenue 5 starring Hugh Laurie. It is a delight! We also continued Battlestar Galactica S1. And I watched a few more episodes of The 100 S7.

Listening to: Just podcasts and lots of kids crying and screaming this past week. It was a rough week…

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Paplou Soup (Omani fish soup)

• Tuesday - Baked Potato Soup

• Wednesday - Jamaican Prawn and Sweet Potato Curry

• Thursday - Teriyaki Chicken

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Kale and White Bean Soup

• Sunday - Orecchiette with Sausage, Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Broccoli

On my to do list: I need to finish Alex’s school registration. That’s my big task. Otherwise, I have all my usual weekly tasks.

Happening this week: I have a library hold pick up scheduled for Wednesday morning. But very exciting, on Thursday we’re having a friend and her kid over for a backyard picnic and playdate (and pool time). This will be the first time we’ve had a friend over at the new house.

What I am creating: Lesson plans for our upcoming homeschooling year. I’ve got the first few weeks kinda set and I need to work on our long term plans before circling back around to Week 1.

My simple pleasures: Lemon curd on my homemade waffles; iced coffee; cool breeze sitting under our tree; being able to see out the playroom window (I trimmed the bush)

Looking around the house: Blergh! There’s random stuff everywhere because no one else in this house knows how to put things away correctly.

From the camera: I got the inflatable pool out this weekend. Big hit!

Life Right Now #22

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny after a hazy morning. Although the air is at low quality due to the fireworks last night.

Right now I am: Lounging in my chair, catching up on blog posts, before reading part of my book.

Thinking and pondering: How do the twins manage to leave random crap at my house every time they leave? This time it was an entire sheet set (wonder if A needs that for his dorm room?), some clothes, and body wash.

On my bedside table: The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs; Once & Future Vol. 1; Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

On my tv this week: We watched Hamilton on Saturday of course! Beyond that, we finished S2 of Cosmos and made progress on S1 of Battlestar Galactica.

Listening to: All the podcasts per usual. I need more music in my life this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Kharcho (Georgian Beef Soup)

• Wednesday - Teriyaki Chicken

• Thursday - Paplou (Omani Fish Soup)

• Friday - Monterey Chicken Skillet

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Prawn and Sweet Potato Curry (Jamaica)

On my to do list: I need to register Alex for the Academy, make an appointment for library pick up, work on homeschool plan, and do a ton of cleaning.

Happening this week: It’s Rainforest Week for our Summer Unit Themes! We’re going to learn about the plants and animals plus some conservation. I found some great library books and tv documentaries for this unit. The next week is Moving West.

What I am creating: Nothing really, although I do need to print my collage pictures for the memory planner. And I should make a few cards using a borrowed stamp set.

My simple pleasures: Hazelnut Cream Iced Coffee (homemade!); finishing pulling the weeds!; reading a fun light book (looking at you Murderbot Diaries!)

Looking around the house: J demoed the closet in the basement work room, so big progress made down there. I need to make our summer/fall house renovation list so we know want to focus on. I know I need to cut down the front bush and clean up the rose bushes. Otherwise, it’s the usual sweep, vacuum, dishes, laundry like every week.

From the camera: Not too impressed by the sparklers. They enjoyed the poppers more.

Life Right Now #21

As I look outside my window: It’s supposed to be sunny and very hot today. Thinking the kids should get outside for some water play after lunch.

Right now I am: Figuring out what to make for brunch today. I’m thinking bacon, eggs, and maybe waffles.

On my bedside table: Exit Strategy by Martha Wells; Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

On my tv this week: J and I dove into Battlestar Galatica and caught up with Holey Moley, Patriot Act, and Last Week Tonight.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Texas Cheese Fries

• Tuesday - Smothered Pork Chops

• Wednesday - Beef Stew

• Thursday - Pizza

• Friday - Kharcho

• Saturday - ???

• Sunday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

On my to do list: I need to work on our summer bucket list and do a pantry overhaul.

Happening this week: The twins are going back east on Thrusday. So that means that we need to organize and pack early this week.

What I am creating: All the lists. I’m working on our first month or so of homsechooling. And I’m gathering all the resources for the overall year.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate chip cookies, iced tea, quiet reading moments

Looking around the house: The basement demolition has started. We’re working on getting things ready to fix the storage area to turn it into a workshop.

From the camera: We picked up a ton of books from the library this week. It took two people with two handcarts to bring them to my car.

Life Right Now #20

As I look outside my window: It’s another sunny day although it is supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon.

Right now I am: Getting brunch ready for later. I’m thinking orange rolls, sausage patties, and eggs.

On my bedside table: The Paris Hours by Alex George; The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs by Katherine Howe

On my tv this week: We restarted Battlestar Galatica as we’ve finished Broadchurch. For run, we’ve been watching Holey Moley.

Listening to: The usual podcasts. I also had Hayley Williams, Fiona Apple, and The Lumineers on repeat.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

• Tuesday - Chicken Parmesan

• Wednesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Thursday - Broccoli Beef

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Takeout Ramen

• Sunday - Texas Cheese Fries

On my to do list: I imagine that I will be doing another library pickup this week. Tuesday is also our biweekly grocery visit.

Happening this week: I’ve attempted to schedule another zoo visit for Monday. Hopefully this time we actually get to go. I also have both of my book clubs this week. Still over Zoom, but excited to talk books this week.

What I am creating: I should work on my Memory Planner pages for June. And hopefully I can find time and inspiration to make another card.

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze, a good book, ice water

From the camera: I cut Arthur and Quentin’s hair this week! And it doesn’t look half bad.

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny

Right now I am: Researching potential homeschooling for Arthur

On my bedside table: The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

On my tv this week: We watched a couple of mediocre comedy movies. We also finished Broadchurch S3, continued with Holey Moley S1, and dove back into Cosmos S2. I’m up to S6 of Below Deck.

Listening to: A few podcasts here and there.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos

• Tuesday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Wednesday - Spaghetti

• Thursday - Pot Roast

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Sunday - Fried Rice with Shrimp

On my to do list: I need to make another library pickup appointment, start getting the twins return trip organized, think more about homeschooling, pick up Arthur’s yearbook, do a grocery run (we had a package of chicken leak and go bad), spray for ants, and organize next week’s school theme (U.S. Geography).

What I am creating: I’m hoping to get back into card making. I made two cards last week and want to use the bundle I borrowed from a friend to make some more.

My simple pleasures: Sweet and spicy tea, a cool breeze, sprinklers

Looking around the house: J has been demoing more of the basement in preparation for potential air duct replacement and to make a server closet. It’s a mess on one side, but he’s made great progress so far.

From the camera: We went berry picking! A great socially distant activity for us. The berries were really small due to a late frost, but they taste great. I’m making strawberry compote today for a waffles.