Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: It’s cloudy, but the rain has cleared up mostly. It’s supposed to be under 70 degrees all week.

Right now I am: Finishing up dinner cleanup and getting ready to put the kids to bed.

On my bedside table: I have two novellas by P. Djèlí Clark sitting on my nightstand (Ring Shout and The Black God’s Drums). I also started reading Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.

On my tv this week: We watched a few movies (Mortal Kombat was actually not bad!) and continued with Star Trek: Voyager.

Listening to: I’ve been really enjoying my Apple Favorites playlist. So many good songs!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken with Black Beans

• Tuesday - Baked Potato Soup

• Wednesday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos

• Thursday - Leftovers/Take out

• Friday - Pulled Pork

• Saturday - Sweet Potato Nachos

• Sunday - Lemon Shrimp and Asparagus

On my to do list: I hope to get the laundry room put together plus do some homeschool planning and take a look at our calendar.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Normal home day

• Tuesday - Park playdate

• Wednesday - Grocery, library visit

• Thursday - Bees of the Heartland scavenger hunt field trip to Auburn, NE

• Friday - Normal home day

• Saturday - The usual

• Sunday - The usual

What I am creating: Lots of recipes today! Beyond brunch, I made a blueberry breakfast cake, lemony lemon bars, pesto twists, gazpacho, and dinner. It was a productive day in the kitchen!

My simple pleasures: Good adventure/horror novellas, a walk in the woods, the sound of rain at night.

Looking around the house: Our laundry room is looking so nice! The washer and dryer are officially in their place (need to adjust a bit this week), the walls are looking good, the door is off, and I’m ready to finish this thing! I have an order coming with a nice bar for hanging clothes, a shelving system, a curtain for the closet, and some new laundry baskets! I’m hoping it have to all organized next weekend.

From the camera: Pretty scraps from my gazpacho making.

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: It’s a bit overcast today. The forecast calls for high temps until this evening when the rain comes.

Right now I am: Finishing a Sicilian Orange Breakfast Cake in the oven before cleaning up the laundry room from yesterday’s painting.

Thinking and pondering: What should we put on our Summer Bucket List? I completely spaced on a spring list and really want to make sure to get a summer list. I think I need to enlist the help of the kids.

On my bedside table: The Toll by Neal Shusterman; Still Life by Louise Penny; In the Hurricane’s Eye by Nathaniel Philbrick

On my tv this week: We watched some Star Trek and then switched over to finally watching The Queen’s Gambit. I’m very intrigued…

Listening to: Nothing much except a few podcasts and my Apple Music favorites playlist. I love how it updates every week so I get a slightly different mix.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

• Tuesday - Grilled Cheese (not sure what kind yet)

• Wednesday - Blackened Salmon

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin

• Saturday - Pizza Night?

• Sunday - Chorba Frik

On my to do list: I need to do a brain dump in Roam today to catch all the little things. I do know that I want to wallpaper the built-ins and make a plan for shelving in the laundry room. The Container Store is having a closet sale and I want to take advantage of the sale prices.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Library and grocery runs while it rains

• Tuesday - Park Playdate

• Wednesday - Normal day

• Thursday - Dentist appointment for me for my permanent bridge!

• Friday - Trip to Arbor Day Farm!

• Saturday - Normal day

• Sunday - Normal day

What I am creating: Mostly lesson plans right now. I haven’t crafted for me in forever. Hoping to do that soon.

My simple pleasures: Finished curriculum folders, nice white walls, a cool breeze

Looking around the house: We are installing the new washer and dryer in the freshly painted laundry room today. Hopefully that means that I can do laundry tomorrow. The room went from a terrible beige to a nice warm white. It even looks good in the dark. Now if I can paint the rest of my interior walls that same color, I would be so much happier.

From the camera: I picked up Ocean by Stacy McAnulty to go along with the rest of the series (Earth, Moon, Sun, and Mars). I loved the illustrations so much!

Life Right Now #13

As I look outside my window: Another sunny but slightly chilly weekend. Although the temperature is supposed to reach 75 degrees today!

Right now I am: Laying out clothes for the week. Tomorrow it’s supposed to be 88 degrees, Tuesday 74, and then going back and forth all week. So I guess shorts for the kids tomorrow and short sleeves all week?

Thinking and pondering: How to structure our homsechooling next year in relation to the coop that’s forming? We don’t have the details worked out yet for the coop, but I need to start planning our schooling before we take our break in July.

On my bedside table: Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust; The Toll by Neal Stephenson (finally finished the Scythe trilogy!); Still Life by Louise Penny (another three chapters for our read along)

On my tv this week: We finally finished S2 of Star Trek: Voyager. The series itself is a bit uneven, but I do like Janeway a lot. Hopefully we finish all of Star Trek before I die.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts, although I once again had Architects’s new album on repeat a few days.

On the menu for this week: I still have to be careful with my temporary bridge (permanent going in on May 6th), so my meal plain is a bit disjointed.

• Monday -

• Tuesday -

• Wednesday -

• Thursday -

• Friday -

• Saturday

• Sunday -

On my to do list: We really need to get the laundry room finished this week so we can install the new washer dryer set. The plumber last week had to replace the entire water line box as the old was severely corroded. We figured, but it meant that he had to cut out the drywall that we now have to replace. J picked up the tools and plans on doing that bit today. Then we can sand, prime, and paint a nice shade of white (same as my craft room actually) and install next weekend. I’m so ready to have a functioning laundry room again.

Happening this week: A few things on our list for this week, but thankfully none are dentist appointments. I just realized that I didn’t plan for our grocery trip in here. Crap.

• Monday - Trip to the garden center for plants (I put this off last week because of the freezes; finally getting some plants); Book Club

• Tuesday - Gifford Farm visit (they now have piglets!); Book Club

• Wednesday - Park Playdate with coop families

• Thursday - Normal day

• Friday - Normal day

• Saturday - Laundry room cleanup

• Sunday - Laundry room install

What I am creating: Just plans. No crafting although I just got my new Stampin’ Up catalog and I’m itching to make something paper craft related.

My simple pleasures: Being able to chew at least on one side again.

Looking around the house: Really wishing to get rid of the random bins in my hallway, but we need to fix the laundry room first.

From the camera: Second vaccine down! I felt fine yesterday (I got it on Friday), but J suffered a bit of a reaction.

Life Right Now #12

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny. A little on the cooler side, but decent today.

Right now I am: Prepping to make brunch and then make a run to the library.

Thinking and pondering: How to structure our Ocean unit? We’ll be focusing on the ocean for the last week of April and all of May. I’m still working out how to break down the topics.

On my bedside table: Lady Mechanika Vol. 5 and 6; Girl Serpent Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

On my tv this week: We flew through Staged. Oh how I love David Tennant and Michael Sheen. They are absolutely hilarious. We also watched a few more episodes of Star Trek: Voyager. Eventually I will make it through all of Star Trek.

Listening to: Beyond podcasts, I’ve been listening the new album, For Those That Wish to Exist, from Architects. It’s so incredibly good!

On the menu for this week: I’ve had to redo a lot of the meal plan to accommodate my anticipated pain.

• Monday - Brown Sugar Chicken

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Spaghetti

• Thursday - Cawl Cennin (Welsh Leek Soup)

• Friday - Spicy Black bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Saturday - Smothered Pork Chops

• Sunday - Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowls or Green Chile Enchiladas

On my to do list: Just focusing on making it through the week…

Happening this week: This coming week is going to be my own personal hell week…

• Monday - Dentist appointment (permanent crown to be put in)

• Tuesday - 3 Hour!!!! Dentist appointment (temporary bridge to be put it); Also the plumber will be here to fix our laundry room water lines

• Wednesday - Home/recovery day

• Thursday - Park Playdate

• Friday - 2nd dose of the vaccine!!!!

• Saturday - Expected lazy day due to anticipated side effects of the vaccine

• Sunday - Normal day?

What I am creating: Nothing much.

My simple pleasures: Being able to chew on both sides of my mouth (this will be lovely), new friends

Looking around the house: I’m feeling less twitchy than I was on Friday. I cleaned out the main walkways and I plan on getting the boys to help clean their playroom today. There are random bins everywhere still as we had to clean out the laundry room in anticipating of some basic renovations. At least the mess is contained to a corner.

From the camera: I made this scrumptious raspberry coffee cake last Sunday. I might make an orange cake later today.

Life Right Now #11

As I look outside my window: Another bright and sunny morning, although it’s only about 45 degrees right now.

Right now I am: Doing a bit of curriculum planning before I make brunch and work on the meal plan / grocery list for the next two weeks.

Thinking and pondering: How to structure our summer? Our homeschool year goes through the end of June, and I had intended to take July off (if nothing else but for my own mental health). But Arthur does not do well without some kind of routine and/or structure. I need to think about how to plan out July and a week or two of August that doesn’t cause me stress but gives structure. Maybe independent LEGO projects or daily NOVA docs? We’ll continue doing a read aloud, but that’s the only definite thing so far.

On my bedside table: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn; Lady Mechanika Vol. 5 and 6

On my tv this week: For movie night, Arthur convinced us to watch the new Godzilla vs. King Kong. It was surprisingly good. Just don’t think about the characters too much.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts, although I did get to listen to my beloved Emo Project yesterday while putting together my new shelf.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday -

• Tuesday -

• Wednesday -

• Thursday -

• Friday -

• Saturday

• Sunday -

On my to do list: Sheets and towels need to be washed (might do this tomorrow as J is supposed to be working on the laundry room today); need to pay some bills; I should clean my office/craft room; I would like to finish my current book by Tuesday (125 pages left); and I need to lay out the rest of spring.

Happening this week: I need to do grocery run this week and we have a park playdate scheduled. Of course we are going to visit the library at some point this week.

What I am creating: Nothing that exciting. I really want to work on my December Daily album, but my craft stash is a mess. Guess I need to clean that up first. On the house front, I have the wallpaper to cover the back of the built-ins. Just need to find some time and motivation to actually do it. It’s a small change, but I think it will make a big visual impact to that dark wall of the living room.

My simple pleasures: Good coffee, a few minutes of silence, new shelving unit to organize (love getting stuff of the floor).

Looking around the house: Our laundry room is officially in renovation, but a small one. We debated doing a full reno or a temporary one and have decided on the temporary. We’re just going to cosmetically fix the back wall (just sanding and painting as they stained directly onto the drywall). J wants to move the water line about 18 inches to another wall, but that’s going to take a plumber. Not sure the timeline on that… And he’s debating about grounding the 220 line and moving the 110 line over. This would leave me with a much more functional, if not pretty laundry room.

From the camera: I put together a new shelf to hold our homeschooling supplies. My office/craft room is finally coming together. Next step is to clean off the floor.

Life Right Now #10

As I look outside my window: It’s a beautiful day outside. The birds are very vocal, the sun is shining, and it’s supposed to be 85 degrees by 4pm. Goodness!

Right now I am: Trying to sneak outside and hide the eggs. The kids keep getting up at the crack of dawn and I didn’t have a chance before they got up.

On my bedside table: The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner; Alice by Christina Henry

On my tv this week: We’re continuing our watch of A.P. Bio. The first season was funny, but the second season is even funnier!

Listening to: Mostly podcasts, but I did listen to a decent amount of The Emo Project and Alt Nation’s Alt 18. I completely forgot that I can listen to all the Sirius XM On Demand shows through Sonos.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Irish Whiskey Short Rib Stew

• Tuesday - Chicken n Dumplings

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - BBQ, Avocado, Cheddar Chicken

• Friday - Shrimp Scampi Fra Diavolo

• Saturday - Baked Mac n Cheese

• Sunday - Chicken Tikka Masala

On my to do list: I’ve got some curriculum to sort, a few appointments to make, and lots of things to clean!

Happening this week: Back to somewhat more normal schedule. We’ll be doing a park playdate on Tuesday and a library visit on Thursday. I also have a hair appointment on Thursday. My first haircut in over 6 months. I’m excited for my hair to be doing something interesting.

What I am creating: Mostly just lists. Although I hope to get to my craft projects at some point this week.

My simple pleasures: A nice breeze and sunshine on the back deck. Also iced tea.

Looking around the house: We (okay J actually) ripped out the cabinets in the laundry room in anticipation of getting a new washer dryer set. Just by taking those down, the room has so much more room.

From the camera: Found some great fairy houses at the botanical garden this week.

Life Right Now #9

I hate when I schedule a post and completely forget to write it! Ugh! Well, here we go…

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny after a very gray Saturday. The forecast is looking better for this coming week. Good thing too as we have three different days of outdoor field trips planned.

Right now I am: Attempting to make a meal plan and grocery list before we have brunch and then go see a play (social distancing and masking enforced!).

Thinking and pondering: How should I structure our potential homeschooling coop? I’m meeting some interested families at the park tomorrow to start the discussions. I have my own ideas, but I do want this to be a collaborative effort. We’ll see how it goes.

On my bedside table: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig; Robots and Empire by Isaac Asimov

On my tv this week: We finished S1 of Ted Lasso and that was exactly the show I need this month. So funny and hopeful. We also started AP Bio (well J has watched it and wanted me to watch it) and caught up on some other ongoing shows (Superstore, Last Week Tonight, Resident Alien).

Listening to: I’ve been digging the new alternative channel on Apple Music as well as The Emo Project on Sirius XM.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cheesy Artichoke Pasta

• Tuesday - Apple Cheddar Dijon Stuffed Chicken

• Wednesday - Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Chicken n Dumplings

• Saturday - Spicy Lentil Nachos

• Sunday - French Onion Pork Chops

On my to do list: Number one task this week to make eye appointments. I also need to pay a few bills and look into more curriculum resources for the rest of the spring semester.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Park playdate with interested homeschooling coop families!

• Tuesday - Trip to Gifford Farm with a new friend

• Wednesday - Grocery Day; Trip to Lauritzen Gardens for Easter Egg Hunt

• Thursday - Dentist Appointment

• Friday - Nothing (thank goodness; we will need a normal homeschooling day)

• Saturday - Nothing planned

• Sunday - Easter Hunt (in our backyard of course)

What I am creating: Plans for homeschooling. Really haven’t gotten to crafting this week. I need to carve out some time soon…

My simple pleasures: Cranberry and Orange Scones; birthday cake; a good cup of coffee

Looking around the house: We are starting a unplanned renovation on the laundry room. Our dryer quit a few weeks back and now our washer is dying on us. We are going to buy a new set, but first we need to get the old dryer out, take down the cabinets, and assess the walls. We decided that if we are taking down the cabinets (what I wanted when we moved in; necessary to stack the new units like I want), we should probably think about painting and other potential projects. I want to blow out the closet and make it an open storage area (a pseudo mudroom). Also I want to investigate whether the soffit above the cabinets is hollow or contains some essential pipes or beams. If hollow, I want to remove it and take the potential new storage all the way up. Right now it really cramps the space. And we want to remove the old home alarm system that’s next to the units and possibly investigate the area under the window (again, is it hollow or holding essential parts of the house). Phew! So much to do before we actually install the new washer dryer set.

From the camera: Totally didn’t take many pictures this week, but we did celebrate J’s birthday last night.

Life Right Now #8

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny outside (and fairly warm), but there is a wind advisory. It wouldn’t be spring in Nebraska without a wind advisory.

Right now I am: Deciding which smoothie to make for our pre-brunch meal. I think I might go with blueberry almond butter…

Thinking and pondering: How much work do I want to do in the laundry room? Our dryer died about two months ago and now our washer is dying. So we are going to get a new pair, but that leaves lots of choices. We decided on stacking them, but then we have to remove the cabinets that are above the units. I hate the cabinets as they aren’t functional at all. I can hardly reach anything in them and I’m not that short. We’re a bit scared to see the state of the walls once we get those off. And then there’s the option of painting, possibly removing the soffit above the cabinets, opening the closet up to a mudroom nook, and putting in some type of shelving unit in the open space. So many choices! I need to plan out some more once we get the cabinets out.

On my bedside table: Dangerous Women by Hope Adams; Recipe for a Perfect Wife by Karma Brown

On my tv this week: We started The Falcon and Winter Soldier this week and I don’t know if I can wait each week to watch this. We also caught up on Superstore and Resident Alien. Plus we threw in some episodes of Star Trek: Voyager. I’m currently in almost at the end of season 2.

Listening to: I binged Nothing More yesterday and had J listen to The Emo Project during lunch. Now that my favorite Bachelor podcast was canceled, I need to find a replacement this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Tuesday - Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

• Wednesday - Chicken Shawarma Fries

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

• Saturday - Crab Coconut Curry

• Sunday - Sesame Chicken

On my to do list: I have a lot of little tasks for the week and I hope to make some progress on my TBR pile.

Happening this week: Nothing much. I have two book clubs (still on zoom of course) and we’ll be going to the library. Otherwise, it will be a normal homeschooling week.

What I am creating: Nothing much. I hope to continue working on my December Daily album if I get a chance.

My simple pleasures: Good pizza, a vacuumed house, flavored seltzer water

Looking around the house: The first floor is looking a lot better than it did yesterday. I spent a lot of time cleaning out and reorganizing the playroom. I also got a ton of random crap picked up and put away.

From the camera: We love the aquarium!

Life Right Now #7

As I look outside my window: It’s raining! It rained all night and should rain most of today. It has definitely been awhile since we had any precipitation and since the fall since we had rain.

Right now I am: Getting ready to make a smoothie and do a workout downstairs.

Thinking and pondering: How to structure next year’s schooling? I think we have squarely landed on continuing to homeschool, but there are definitely some areas that I would like to tweak. I want to do more unit studies. I’m been mulling this over this past week.

On my bedside table: Librarian Tales by William Ottens; Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

On my tv this week: We dove into both Resident Alien and Mythic Quest. Both were just what we needed after binging WandaVision.

Listening to: My usual podcasts but also Hayley Williams and A Day to Remember on repeat this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sweet Potato Nachos

• Tuesday - Classic Baked Mac n Cheese

• Wednesday - Chicken Shawarma Fries

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

• Saturday - Sesame Chicken

• Sunday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

On my to do list: Lots of odds and ends. Mostly just putting the house back together and organizing homeschooling for the next month or so.

Happening this week: It’s our second week of our Spring Break, but it’s supposed to rain Monday through Wednesday. I need to go grocery shopping on Tuesday and then we might go to the library on Wednesday. Hoping for a clearer day on Thursday to go to the zoo and maybe a park day on Friday.

What I am creating: I want to make some movement on my December Daily album today (or at least this week).

My simple pleasures: Apples, a good historical romance, listening to the rain while falling asleep

Looking around the house: Vacuuming is high on my list today, but otherwise, I’m not going to stress about it.

From the camera: We visited Morrill Hall, which houses the natural history museum in Lincoln. Love the dinosaur fossils!

Life Right Now #6

As I look outside my window: Sunny, a bit breezy, but almost 70 degrees! The kids will be going outside after brunch.

Right now I am: Finishing a plum cake for brunch, letting it cool, before I make the sausage and eggs.

Thinking and pondering: How to structure out summer/fall for homeschooling? I think we’ve decided to keep doing this for at least another year, but I want to change things up for July and beyond. We are hoping to add in more outside of the house activities (hoping the pandemic lessens by the fall) and connect with other homeschooling families in the area.

On my bedside table: Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman; Walkable City by Jeff Speck

On my tv this week: J and I finished WandaVision last night. So good! We also watched a few movies and caught up with Last Week Tonight.

Listening to: The new Architects album is very very good! They’ve been loving it on Octane and I had to download as soon as it was relaesed last week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

• Tuesday - Mang Cua (Crab and Asparagus Soup)

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Grilled Cheese Night

• Friday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo

• Saturday - Indian Takeout

• Sunday - Mac n Cheese Casserole with Cheddar and Gruyere

On my to do list: I want to spend next week cleaning out my to-do list, focusing on the all the little tiny tasks cluttering it up. I would like to have a clear list to then do a big brain dump for spring by Friday.

Happening this week: It’s our Spring Break week for homeschooling. Instead of doing no school, we are going to spend a lot of time outside, take a few field trips, and focus on games. We’ll still be doing a read-aloud and some math and finishing our space unit. But the idea is to mix everything up this week. For our field trip, we are going to drive to Lincoln to visit Morrill Hall on the UNL campus. We love their dinosaur fossils and it’s been two years since we went. Hopefully we can get some lunch and eat at a park. And of course we will be going to the museum.

What I am creating: I’m starting work on my December Daily album today. Need to pick my photos and do a basic layout. I’m also starting to plan our next family road trip. It probably won’t happen this summer, but I’m shooting for fall (before it gets really cold, so like September or October).

My simple pleasures: Honey Tea Bread with butter and cup of Irish Breakfast Tea, Puzzle time, a good book.

Looking around the house: Things are okay, but I want to clear out laundry room and foyer.

From the camera: My birthday cake! Apparently the bakery was very confused by the message. Definitely not Schitt’s Creek fans.

Life Right Now #5

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny now after a very cloudy morning.

Right now I am: Sorting through all of the library books I just picked up. I got a ton of math books to supplement during our Spring Break.

Thinking and pondering: I have a towering pile of random stuff on my side tablet. I wonder where I should put all this crap?

On my bedside table: I was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman; Walkable City by Jeff Speck

On my tv this week: Continuing our movie month… One more movie tonight before we return to our regular television shows.

Listening to: Catching up on Dungeons and Daddies podcast.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken n Noodles

• Tuesday - Black Bean Soup, Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Wednesday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Takeout

• Saturday - Mang Cua

• Sunday - Smothered Pork Chops

On my to do list: I need to make eye appointments…

Happening this week: Nothing much beyond a grocery and library visit.

What I am creating: I finished my 2020 Memory Planner and have started working on my 2020 December Daily album. Here’s hoping that I get some time this coming week.

My simple pleasures: Smoothies, fun mail

Looking around the house: Always in a state of disarray. This is what happens when you don’t meaningfully leave the house for a year.

From the camera: The elephants are always my favorite at the zoo.

Life Right Now #4

As I look outside my window: Ummm… it started snowing again. Another winter storm warning for today.

Right now I am: Prepping to make brunch

Watching: J and I have added a few more movies to our movie month total. And I have been working my way through Bridgerton S1 finally. Only three more episodes to go!

Listening to: A lot of metal. I’ve had A Day to Remember, Ice Nine Kills, Asking Alexandria, and Black Veil Brides on repeat this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Beef Tips with Noodles

• Tuesday - Homemade Pizza (Fig and Prosciutto for adults; Pepperoni for kids)

• Wednesday - Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Thursday - Waffles and Breakfast Potatoes

• Friday - Maafe

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos

On my to do list: I really want to work on some of my projects today before the hustle of the homeschooling work starts tomorrow. I’ve also got a hankering to do a puzzle this week as well as finish two books.

Happening this week: We’ll go to the library like we do every week. I’m also thinking about a trip to the zoo on Tuesday or Wednesday. We couldn’t go the last two weeks as the actual temperatures were below zero. This week it should be in the 30s, which we can totally handle for a morning at the zoo.

What I am creating: Lesson plans, per usual. And I’m hoping to work on my November 2020 Memory Planner today.

My simple pleasures: I’m all about the historical romances this month. I don’t want to read any other genre of books, but I should.

Looking around the house: I spent 3 hours yesterday cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen. I feel so much better. Things are in their places. Now to get the other people in this house to not leave things lying around the kitchen…

From the camera: There’s more now, but this was taken this morning around 9am. Things had been melting a bit previous to this morning’s snowfall.

Life Right Now #3

As I look outside my window: The snow is so sparkly! But I just now that the temperatures are below zero. But I want to go to the library later. Guess I better wear all the layers.

Right now I am: Maybe breakfast. Contemplating doing a Valentine’s day craft with the boys. Or maybe a puzzle.

On my bedside table: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt

On my tv this week: We kept at our movie month and managed to watch 6 this past week.

Listening to: Just podcasts this week. Thinking I might need to put on some soothing background music for our afternoon school sessions.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Tuesday - Belgian Waffles and Breakfast Potatoes

• Wednesday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

• Thursday - Charcuterie Board

• Friday - Blackened Salmon

• Saturday - Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

• Sunday - Homemade Pizza Night

On my to do list: I really need to go to the DMV this week. My biggest to-do!

Happening this week: It’s grocery week, but I think I’m going to push it to Wednesday as the temperature highs for Monday and Tuesday are going to be around -15 degrees. I imagine that we will go to the library Thursday or Friday. Otherwise, it’s a normal week.

What I am creating: I finish my October Memory Planner pages yesterday so I hope to find some time to start November’s pages today.

My simple pleasures: Fuzzy blankets, Quentin snuggles, a new friend to text, hot tea

Looking around the house: The boys have destroyed the playroom. They really need to clean that today. I need to put away all the clean laundry and wash the sheets. Fun times over here.

From the camera: Arthur’s current art gallery about his bunk bed.

Life Right Now #2

As I look outside my window: It’s lightly snowing (again). Guess I might need to shovel the driveway if I want to go to the library this afternoon.

Right now I am: In a lull between meal prepping and brunch prepping.

Thinking and pondering: Should we do color for a kitchen backsplash? Dreaming of our kitchen renovation in 3-4 years.

On my bedside table: Scythe by Neal Shusterman; The Warmth of other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

On my tv this week: We’re one week into New-To-Us Movie Month and we have watched some interesting things. Last night was The Boy Band Con, fascinating documetnary.

Listening to: A lot of rock featuring Ice Nine Kills, A Day to Remember, Asking Alexandria, 10 Years, and AFI.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

• Tuesday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Wednesday - Salsa Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Breakfast for Dinner

• Saturday - Chili

• Sunday - Buffalo Chicken Dip

On my to do list: All the usuals, plus I need to make a few appointments this week and work on podcast prep.

Happening this week: Hopefully we can get to the library on Thursday or Friday. I was hoping to go to the zoo, but the highs are going to be in single digits, so maybe not.

What I am creating: Working very slowly on my October Memory Planner pages. I might be able to finish today. And powering through our 52 Desserts and Snacks food project. I made two recipes this week to catch up.

My simple pleasures: Berry smoothies, a good soothing historical romance, watching the slow fall (so pretty!), requests for jazz dance parties.

Looking around the house: Arthur has created an entire Valentine’s Day shop in my living. Points for creativity, but please clean it up now…

From the camera: Very creepy smiles, but fun was had during Saturday morning’s craft time.

Life Right Now #1

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and clear outside, but pretty cold (30 degrees or so). I’m loving the light, but I would have liked another snow fall.

Right now I am: Deciding whether to make some tea bread for tomorrow for wait to make it tomorrow…

On my bedside table: The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham; The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

On my tv this week: We’ve been enjoying S3-4 of Schitt’s Creek and S1 of Lupin.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts. I think I need to cue up The Emo Project or some other kind of music for this afternoon. Over the talk right now.

On the menu for this week: We were noticing that I tend to make at least one Tex Mex inspired recipe every week. So true! This week it’s out Friday meal.

• Monday - Sega Wat from Ethiopia (this was pushed from last week)

• Tuesday - Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

• Wednesday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Pork and Green Chile Stew

• Saturday - Parmesan Tilapia

• Sunday - Stuffed Pesto Shells

On my to do list: It’s appointment week! Meaning I need to make all the various appointments for myself and the kids. I seriously hate talking on the phone… I also need to get this school tuition bill straightened out. They are currently wanting to charge us for the spring semester even though that child graduated in December. Blergh! More talking on the phone.

Happening this week: Not much at all. Tuesday I need to do our grocery run and we’ll probably go to the library on Thursday.

What I am creating: Not much, although I am plugging away at my 2020 Memory Planner. I’m currently working on September’s pages. Hoping to finish through November by the end of January. Then I guess I need to work on my 2020 December Daily album so I can really start on 2021’s Memory Planner.

My simple pleasures: A good Regency romance, fun new-to-us TV shows, snuggly blankets, natural sunlight in my craft room.

Looking around the house: Like every week, there are random piles that need to be put away. I also have clothes everywhere drying as our dryer keeps tripping the breaker. Not sure if it’s an electrical problem or a dryer problem. SO clothes are everywhere drying.

From the camera: Grateful that our backyard has a slight rise to it. The boys can sled without leaving the yard!

Life Right Now #43

As I look outside my window: The sun has set and it’s oh so dark out there…

Right now I am: Watching Muppet Christmas Carol with the boys.

Thinking and pondering: What am I missing from the grocery list? There’s always something…

On my bedside table: Murder on Cold Street by Sherry Thomas; Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

On my tv this week: We wrapped up this season of The Mandalorian and S1 of Lovecraft Country. We also kept up with His Dark Materials S2 and watched a few movies/documentaries. I finally started Below Deck: Sailing Yacht S1.

Listening to: All the podcasts and The Emo Project on Sirius XM Radio.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Orechchiette with Sausage, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Broccoli

• Tuesday - Spicy Thai Noodles

• Wednesday - Mosterdsoep (Netherlands): Our last Soups and Stews from Around the World for 2020!

• Thursday - Seafood Feast for Christmas Eve

• Friday - Epic Charcuterie Board for Christmas Day

• Saturday - Ham and Cheese Croissant Sandwiches

• Sunday - Maple Balsamic Pork Chops

On my to do list: Final prep for Christmas! I really just need to put random things away and clear some space. I also need to stage out my kitchen endeavors for the week. And I should do a bit of curriculum planning for January in my down time.

Happening this week: Obviously it’s Christmas week! After Christmas, I hope to get to Target and Michaels for any after-Christmas deals. Plus my mom got me a gift card to Michaels. Hoping they have some gems.

What I am creating: I’m turning my attention to organizing the Christmas crafting supplies to make a December Daily box and put the rest away. I also should start organizing my Project Life supplies so I can do a craft room tour in January.

My simple pleasures: Irish Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks! Oh so good. And all the gingerbread cookies.

Looking around the house: Arthur is sad that we don’t have many Christmas decorations, but we’re usually not here for Christmas. I promised him that I would look for more during the after Christmas sales.

From the camera: Arthur made a bus out of a big box and of course he had to add the Pigeon on the outside!

Life Right Now #42

As I look outside my window: There’s still a layer of snow on the ground, although it’s been all messed up by the kids running around yesterday. The snow should stick around for a bit.

Right now I am: Eating breakfast and looking over my to-do list for the day.

On my bedside table: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampries by Grady Hendrix; Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

On my tv this week: Lovecraft Country, His Dark Materials, Below Deck: Mediterranean

Listening to: The Emo Project on Sirius XM. This channel has given me life this past week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Pizza Casserole

• Tuesday - Seychelles Fish Curry

• Wednesday - Sloppy Joes

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Baked Potato Soup

• Saturday - Honey Lime Jalapeno Chicken

• Sunday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

On my to do list: Lots of random little odds and ends. I also need to finish our curriculum for the week.

Happening this week: Quiet week… Other than a library run, we are probably just sticking close to home.

What I am creating: Christmas cards! I need to make about 20 more to be finished for the year. If I get some time today, I can knock out at least 12 of them.

My simple pleasures: Gingerbread, tequila sours, The Emo Project on Sirius XM (seriously, so excited I found this), fun Christmas romances.

Looking around the house: I should probably put away clothes today. And I need to vacuum upstairs.

From the camera: Snow day yesterday! It was the first time this year that the boys got to get out and play in the snow. They stayed out for almost 30 minutes.

Life Right Now #41

As I look outside my window: It looks very white out there. The cloud cover is complete, but also just white. Very dreary today.

Right now I am: Eating a bagel and trying to get my to-dos in order.

On my bedside table: Exhalation by Ted Chiang; lots of Christmas romances

On my tv this week: We’ve continued with Lovecraft Country and it’s just oh so good! We also watched a few movies this week.

Listening to: Just podcasts this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cambodian Creamy Pineapple Soup

• Tuesday - Chili Verde

• Wednesday - Teriyaki Chicken

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

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Honey and Lime Jalapeno Chicken

• Sunday - Buffalo Chicken Nachos

On my to do list: I have some housework to do today, but also I need to finish wrapping some presents and complete blog posts.

Happening this week: We’re planning a few Christmas activities this week.

• Monday - Grocery store

• Tuesday - Werner Park Lights

• Wednesday - MUD Inspection, Lots of work time

• Thursday - Probably more work time; Library Visit; Container Store Pickup

• Friday - Zorinsky Lights

• Saturday - Playroom Cleanout

• Sunday - Lazy Day

What I am creating: Hoping to get some Christmas card crafting time in today. I have almost 40 completed. Most years I make and send or give out almost 100. I’m very behind this year.

My simple pleasures: New clean planner, silly Christmas romance stories, Marble races

Looking around the house: I pulled out our meager Christmas decorations (usually we’re not home for Christmas, so not much in the bin), and did what I could. I’m thinking I need some garland and maybe a few other things just to brighten up the living room. We’re not going to buy a tree, but I can get some other things.

From the camera: After seeing Santa, we visited the aquarium at Cabela’s.

Life Right Now #40

As I look outside my window: Clear and bright, but very windy this morning…

Right now I am: Enjoying some of my cranberry sauce on toast. I didn’t eat enough of it on Thanksgiving.

On my bedside table: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins; North American Lake Monsters by Nathan Ballingrud

On my tv this week: We started watching Lovecraft Country and it is delightful. I’m so excited about this series!

Listening to: J had me listen to a fascinating 99 PI episode about the New York Public Library and Anne Carroll Moore.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Firecracker Chicken

• Tuesday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Wednesday - French Onion Soup

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Singapore Laksa Soup

• Saturday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Sunday - Cambodian Pineapple Soup

On my to do list: Today I need to finish sorting curriculum for December, printing curriculum for December, wrapping the December books, and organizing the advent calendar. I should also update my planner and pull my books for December.

Happening this week: We’re back to normal this week, thank goodness. Beyond homeschooling, we aren’t planning on leaving the house except to go to the library.

What I am creating: I’m putting the finishing touches on the advent calendar and working on Christmas cards this weekend.

My simple pleasures: Cranberry sauce! Greek pasta salad, Christmas music, a great book to sink into.

Looking around the house: We need to do a big pickup this afternoon, especially the boys. Their toys have migrated out of the playroom.

From the camera: A tower of appetizers from Thanksgiving. Oh so good!

Life Right Now #39

As I look outside my window: Clear skies today, much better than the gray skies yesterday. Although it’s only supposed to get up to 50 degrees today. I’ll take it.

Right now I am: Finishing up the grocery list. We’re having just our household Thanksgiving and decided to do all appetizers. Lots of things to make, but the food will last us Thursday and Friday.

Thinking and pondering: Wondering if the twins will ever respond to my questions about next semester…

On my bedside table: Lumberjanes Volumes; The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

On my tv this week: We caught up on our currently airing shows like The Mandolorian and His Dark Materials. We also watched a few more episodes of Happy.

Listening to: Binging on some good bookish podcasts.

On the menu for this week: Potentially four soups and stews from around the world this week! Getting closer to 52 for the year.

• Monday - Irish Scallop Bisque

• Tuesday - French Onion Soup

• Wednesday - Leftovers or Singapore Laksa Soup

• Thursday - Thanksgiving!!!!

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Baked Firecracker Chicken

• Sunday - Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup

On my to do list: Lots of organizing and prepping for December. I need to finish doing the boys’s advent calendar and 24 book plan. I need to get the pantry in order.

Happening this week: Other than food, nothing much.

What I am creating: Hoping to make some Christmas cards today! I’m been trying to get in there for a month now. I really need some quiet crafting time.

My simple pleasures: Hazelnut coffee, Quentin snuggles, interesting picture books

Looking around the house: J went out yesterday and picked up a new vacuum! Our old one has been dying for awhile now (almost 20 years old and moved across country twice). He bought a Shark on Black Friday sale. I’m going to test it out today.

From the camera: Dovi (peanut stew) from Zimbabwe was so good! Definitely making this one again.