As I look outside my window:
Right now I am:
Thinking and pondering:
On my bedside table:
On my tv this week:
Listening to:
On the menu for this week:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday
Sunday -
On my to do list:
Happening this week:
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
What I am creating:
My simple pleasures:
Looking around the house:
From the camera:
As I look outside my window: It’s pretty gray and dreary today. And I think the temps are going to hover in the 30s. It’s definitely an inside day.
Right now I am: Getting ready to dive into a new book. I love it when I finish a book at bedtime. It’s lovely to start the morning with a new book.
On my bedside table: All those holiday romances… I’ve got a physical stack and a Kindle stack.
On my tv this week: We wrapped up our first Nic Cage Quarterly with 18 movies watched! With the start of December, we started with the new Doctor Who specials and S3 of Slow Horses.
Listening to: All the usual podcasts. Nothing too new or exciting.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Me out
Tuesday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf
Wednesday - Our
Thursday - Firecracker Chicken
Friday - Black Bean Soup and Ranch Chicken Tacos
Saturday - Me Out
Sunday - Chicken n Dumplings
On my to do list: A lot of prep work for spring semester of coop; Christmas prep; random cleaning projects…
Happening this week:
Monday - Coffee with potential coop families; Chemistry Class; Book Club
Tuesday - State Capitol Tour; Lost in Fun
Wednesday - Medieval Putt; Santa Rock n Lights
Thursday - Coop; Lit Society
Friday - Rudolph Performance; Fontenelle Forest Hike
Saturday - Book and Bottle Exchange for book club
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: Working on November’s Memory Planner pages. I also want to gather materials for this year’s December Daily album.
My simple pleasures: Hot chocolate (without cow’s milk!); breezy and fun books
Looking around the house: We need to do a quick pick-up before coop book club this afternoon. And I would really like to do a deep clean of the kitchen, but that’s probably not going to happen today.
From the camera: Q insisted on doing art and music with his pandas.
As I look outside my window: Very gray and dark after our snow last night.
Right now I am: Probably going to finish my current read and then maybe my puzzle.
Thinking and pondering: How long can I hold off on going to the grocery story this week?
On my bedside table: Lots of Christmas romances only list.
On my tv this week: We’re continuing our Nic Cage Quarterly. We’ve made it up to the early 1990s.
Listening to: More episodes of 99PI and Hello from the Magic Tavern for my weekend listening.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Italian Noodle Soup
Tuesday - Ham and Cheese Croissants
Wednesday - Me Out
Thursday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Balsamic Pork Roast
Sunday - Avocado, Mozzarella, Bruschetta Chicken
On my to do list: Lots of Christmas prep this week.
Happening this week:
Monday - Arthur Dentist Appointment
Tuesday - Home Day
Wednesday - Home Day
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Coop Book Club
What I am creating: I finished my October Memory Planner pages yesterday. I might just get started on my November pages today.
My simple pleasures: Sleeping without pain (did not happen last night), leftover turkey sandwiches
Looking around the house: Meh. I’m okay with it.
From the camera: Very cold, but enjoyable walk at Heron Haven on Black Friday.
As I look outside my window: After weeks where our backyard tree stayed green with just a tinge of red on one side. In two days, all of the leaves dropped. I didn’t get my beautiful red tree this year. Feeling a bit sad…
Right now I am: Pulling out my book for my normal Sunday morning reading time. I haven’t been able to do it for a few weeks and I miss it!
Thinking and pondering: Should we get donuts this morning? The eternal Sunday question…
On my bedside table: So many books! I have a stack of spicy romances to preread for Dirty Book Month, a few book club books, and a stack of Christmas romances. Not sure what I’m going to pick up next. First I need to actually finish my very strange but enjoyable book.
On my tv this week: We had to watch the S2 finale of Loki; it had me close to tears. And we have watched a few more Nicolas Cage movies to continue our retrospective.
Listening to: I managed to listen to multiple podcast episodes in the last few days. Nearing the end of S1 of Hello from the Magic Tavern, nearing the end of 2016 for 99PI, and continuing with a few of my currently airing podcasts like If Books Could Kill.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Pork and Green Chile Stew
Tuesday - Spicy Thai Noodles
Wednesday - Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Saturday - Italian Beef Sandwiches
Sunday - Peanut Sauce Chicken and Broccoli Bowls
On my to do list: Meh. I’m feeling very over my to do list right this second. I’m sure I have a ton of things to do, but I’m going to focus on prepping our curriculum and getting my Chemistry and Coop lessons set aside. Otherwise, I’m just existing this week.
Happening this week:
Monday - Meeting with a potential coop family; Chemistry Class
Tuesday - Kids’ Dentist Appointments; Book Club
Wednesday - Playdate with a friend
Thursday - Coop; Pirate Putt
Friday - Nature Explorers at Fontenelle Forest
Saturday - Kid Birthday Party
Sunday - Breakfast Club
What I am creating: Nothing beyond piles… seriously I’m just making piles of clothes and things to get rid of. I don’t often do a spring cleanout. I do a before Christmas cleanout.
My simple pleasures: Hot tea, apple cider, Italian soda — apparently I was very thirty this week!
Looking around the house: Beyond the piles, I got a ton of the first floor back under control. I do want to vacuum today and get the laundry done, but otherwise, the house is in decent shape.
From the camera: Got my semiannual hair chop! So much lighter and able to get a bit of volume through the winter months.
As I look outside my window: The temperatures have increased and we’re back to the high 50s and low 60s.
Right now I am: Deciding what to make for brunch. I have sausage and eggs, but what else? Maybe cranberry orange muffins? Or lemon poppy seed scones?
On my bedside table: Rest of the Night Rebel series by Jeaniene Frost; The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers
On my tv this week: We started our Nic Cage November this week. Multiple movies in and we’re loving it.
Listening to: Nothing much this week. I’ve just been putting my Apple Music on shuffle while in the car.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Pomegranate Chicken
Tuesday - Leftovers/Snack Dinner
Wednesday - Lemon Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
Thursday - Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Friday - Pork and Green Chile Stew
Saturday - BLT Pasta Salad
Sunday - Kofta Patties
On my to do list: Hmm… Guess I need to look at my brain dump.
Happening this week:
Monday - Chemistry Class
Tuesday - Squirrel House Jail Tour; Coop Happy Hour
Wednesday - DoSpace STEM Day; Board Games at a Friend’s
Thursday - Coop; Me Haircut
Friday - Hasta La Muerte at The Orpheum
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: Still working on my September Memory Planner pages.
Looking around the house: I really need to clean up some stuff in preparation for Monday’s chemistry.
From the camera: A neighbor had a fun claw machine for the kids to play on Halloween. The kids got three tries to get something. Quentin managed to grab one of the cauldrons. Arthur didn’t get anything but the guy had extra candy for him.
As I look outside my window: It’s very cloudy and currently 30 degrees. Quite a turn from the highs in the 80s from a week and a half ago. I had really hoped that we would stay in the 50s and 60s for awhile.
Right now I am: Preparing cinnamon rolls for brunch and getting the laundry started. Definitely a great day to stay indoors and hibernate a bit.
On my bedside table: The September House by Carissa Orlando; The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert
On my tv this week: More spooky movies to add to our monthly total. A few rewatches and a few new ones. We’ve also kept on track with our currently airing stories.
Listening to: More episodes of Hello from the Magic Tavern and 99PI.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken
Tuesday - Snack Dinner
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Pomegranate Chicken
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Out
Sunday - Appetizer Night
On my to do list: I’ve got some coop tasks for this week including finishing out the board games theme. I should also make a few appointments.
Happening this week:
Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Coop Halloween Party
Wednesday -Home Day
Thursday - Coop; Lit Society
Friday - Nature Explorers
Saturday - Coop Book Club; Friend’s Birthday Party
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: Nothing much, but I do want to get my Memory Planner started.
My simple pleasures: Egg and potato hash (simple but great breakfast), spooky books, purging unwanted clothing
Looking around the house: After doing a closet purge, I now need to physically get rid of the piles. Some might go to friends in the coop, but some will probably go to the Goodwill.
From the camera: One last visit to Vala’s. And look at those beautiful colors.
As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny and going to be pretty warm today. I would like the fall temps back please.
Right now I am: Staring at a giant pile of clothes that I need to sort. I’m doing the great clothes cleanout in this house, but it’s hard to find a few hours to just focus on my clothes.
On my bedside table: Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark; Thistlefoot by Genna Rose Nethercott
On my tv this week: Spooky Movie Month has been awesome! We watched some great movies along with keeping up with Archer, Loki, Lower Decks, and Ghosts.
Listening to: Mostly just a podcast here and there. I up to episode 68 of Hello from the Magic Tavern (season 1). Slowly slowly.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Roast Pork Cubano
Tuesday - Out for Book Club
Wednesday - Out for Book Club
Thursday - Garlic Ranch Chicken Pizza; Regular Pepperoni Pizza (for kids)
Friday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
Saturday - Maafe
Sunday - Irish Whiskey Short Rib Stew with Brussels Sprout
On my to do list: Along with all those clothes to sort, I do need to take care of some stupid student loan crap today. And I need to finish solidifying our plan for board games theme for coop so I can move on to planning W7-9 for chemistry.
Happening this week:
Monday - Chemistry class
Tuesday - Arbor Day Farm; Book Club
Wednesday - Vala’s (one last time for this year); Book Club
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Nature Hike
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: I really want to get back to my Memory Planner, but I think it’s going to have to wait until next weekend. I still need to do September’s pages and pretty soon, October’s pages.
My simple pleasures: Looking at all the fall colored leaves, apple cider, spooky books
Looking around the house: Meh. Things could be better…
From the camera: View from Friday’s nature hike
Right now I am: Grabbing my sweater to head on out to the coop steering committee meeting. This will be our first one and I’m excited to start chatting about the future of the coop.
On my bedside table: The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry; Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
On my tv this week: We continued our spooky movie month with some great selections including a rewatch of the original Candyman.
Listening to: Mostly just a mix of music, but I did start an audio book. Not sure if I like it yet…
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Salsa Chicken
Tuesday - Baked Potato Soup
Wednesday - Family Night at Vala’s
Thursday - Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup
Friday - Orecchiette with Sausage, Broccoli and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Saturday - Chicken Tortillas Soup
Sunday - Roast Pork Cubano
On my to do list: I finished cleaning out the boys’ clothes yesterday, so I’m moving on to my clothes. It’s going to be a project, but I will feel so much better when it’s finished!
Happening this week:
Monday - Chemistry Class
Tuesday - Vala’s Day
Wednesday - Playdate with a friend; Vala’s Family Night
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Nature Hike; Friend’s Birthday Party
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Zoom
What I am creating: The birthday party and recovery took it out of me. I would love to get to my September and October Memory Planner pages today and throughout this week, but we’ll see if I have time…
My simple pleasures: Raspberry Italian Soda, rainy days, spooky movies, spooky books
Looking around the house: I would like to finish cleaning off the weird hall table today, but otherwise things are in good shape. For the party, I cleaned off part of the kitchen counters and I’m really loving the feel. I’m going to try and keep everything as cleared off as I can.
From the camera: After our nature hike, we went hunting for fossils. Q was super excited to find some.
As I look outside my window: The sun is back out after yesterday’s clouds. But the temps are staying lower, so it should be just about perfect.
On my bedside table: The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead; Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
On my tv this week: We finally finished The Misfits! And because we went on a weird 6-degrees-of-separation thing, J remembered the one of the actors was one another show he enjoyed, Preacher. The show is based on a comic book from the 1990s by Garth Ennis who also wrote The Boys. So we had to start watching the show and I had to put the comics on hold at the library.
Listening to: Mostly just a lot of music mixes. Been really digging my Apple Music Radio channel. All my favorites, plus some related bands I am discovering.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Vegetable Beef Soup; Me out at book club
Tuesday - Out at Book Club
Wednesday - Quentin’s Birthday Dinner (pushed a day) at one of the Chinese buffets
Thursday - Snack dinner/leftovers; Arthur dinner at the homeschool dance
Friday - Chili Verde
Saturday - Pot Roast
Sunday - Spinach and Artichoke Melts/Grilled Cheese
On my to do list: Mostly I’m just needing to get all my ducks in a row for the boys’ birthday party on October 7th.
Happening this week: It’s Quentin’s birthday and book club week!
Monday - Chemistry class; Book Club
Tuesday - Vala’s (Quentin’s birthday); Book Club
Wednesday - Vala’s; Quentin’s birthday dinner
Thursday - Coop; Arthur Homeschool Dance
Friday - Fontenelle Forest Hike
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Coop Book Club; Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club
What I am creating: I spent some time working on my August Memory Planner pages yesterday. About halfway through the month. Hoping to get back to it later today.
My simple pleasures: Rainy forest walks; hot coffee; friends
Looking around the house: Two weeks until the birthday party and we’ve got to get the main floor under control. Starting on the hallway area this week.
From the camera: New addition to the pumpkin patch. Arthur’s direction to Quentin, “Look like you’re sleeping.” No idea why, but that was the pose.
As I look outside my window: The clouds are back but thankfully the temperatures are where they should be for this time of year. I’m totally ready for fall weather!
Right now I am: Enjoying my lazy Sunday. I will need to pop into the library and grocery store later, but right now, I’m taking a few minutes of quiet for myself.
On my bedside table: Rest of Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series; Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen (friend book club)
On my tv this week: J and I finished Andor and started the new season of Lower Decks. We also continued with Foundation (is there something going on with the timeline?) and Killing It.
Listening to: I went down a strange rabbit hole of 90s movie soundtracks the other day and added a ton to my Apple Music account. Apparently I was in a very nostalgic mood and binge listened to bands such as Letters to Cleo and Save Ferris.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Salmon Bowls
Wednesday - Honey Lime Jalapeño Chicken
Thursday - Spaghetti
Friday - Baked Potato Soup
Saturday - Chili Verde
Sunday - Sega Wat
On my to do list: I still need to make appointments for things. And I have a long list of birthday party prep tasks. Plus a shorter shopping list for all the things.
Happening this week:
Monday - First Chemistry Class!
Tuesday - Lewis and Clark Landing Meetup; Family Flu Shots
Wednesday - Fall Service Project
Thursday - Coop (hopefully!)
Friday - Glacier Creek Hike; Lit Society
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Breakfast Club
What I am creating: I’m working on my planner and Memory Planner this weekend. Hoping to get completely caught up. I also found a deeply discounted Happy Planner for next year. It was an 18 month planner (July 2023 to December 2024) with the layout that I like best. Win for me!
My simple pleasures: Fun romance books, a moment to breathe, successful shopping trips (crossing off those needed items!)
Looking around the house: We only have a few weeks until the big birthday party. I’m attempting to clear out one area on the main floor every few days in preparation. Things have just been piled everywhere from the various summer projects. But now it needs to all go away! I need my main floor back to minimal clutter.
From the camera: View from the top of the Hitchcock Nature Center. People really get down on Nebraska/Iowa, but sometimes the beauty of the natural landscape really takes my breath away.
As I look outside my window:
Right now I am:
Thinking and pondering:
On my bedside table: Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost; The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies
On my tv this week: We’ve mainly focused on our currently airing shows.
Listening to: I ended up starting my next Night Huntress book on audio. It was all the library had, so audiobook it is.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Tomato and Basil Grilled Cheese
Tuesday - Mongolian Beef
Wednesday - Snack Dinner
Thursday - Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Beef Stew
Sunday - Black Bean Salsa Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
On my to do list: Ugh! I still need to make all those appointments.
Happening this week:
Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Hitchcock Center Field Trip
Wednesday - Home Day
Thursday - Coop; Lit Society
Friday - Hitchcock Center Nature Walk
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: I finally printed by July and August pics for my Memory Planner.
My simple pleasures: A good book discussion (or four this past week), a normal coop meeting, fun middle grade books
Looking around the house: I need to do an overall pickup of the main floor of the house. Things are decent, just some random piles.
From the camera: Making water filtration systems for coop.
As I look outside my window: Another sunny and bright day, but thankfully a lot cooler than this past week.
Right now I am: Taking a few minutes out of my morning to read. An hour of reading of Sunday morning with a cup of coffee had been my routine, but I got off track lately. Loving the quiet time before family gets going.
On my bedside table: Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series; Estranged and The Changeling King graphic novels; 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
On my tv this week: So much media this week! We watched a ton of currently airing shows and finally started Andor. Plus, we managed to watch some movies.
Listening to: I managed to listen to my currently airing podcasts this week along with some very old Hello from the Magic Tavern and 99PI episodes.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Leftovers (I’m gone at book club)
Tuesday - Leftovers (might make Pesto, Asparagus, and Sun-dried Tomatoes Pasta Salad)
Wednesday - Crab Coconut Curry
Thursday - Grill Night
Friday - Sausage and Potatoes
Saturday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken
Sunday - Balsamic Pork Roast
On my to do list: I need to make all the appointments this week
Happening this week:
Monday - Dentist appt; Book Club
Tuesday - Mouse Trap Car Meeting; Book Club
Wednesday - 4H Meeting
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Nature Hike
Saturday - Coop Book Club
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: Nothing really. Working on my Memory Planner pages gets getting pushed to the bottom of the list.
My simple pleasures: Raspberry filled shortbread cookies, cooler temperatures, board games
Looking around the house: I need to do a sweep of the kitchen floor and counters, but otherwise things look decent.
From the camera: We played board games on Friday afternoon and I introduced the boys to Life.
As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny and the temperatures are going to be so high today. Hopefully, I can stay cool.
Right now I am: Prepping to leave for The Breakfast Club with some other homeschool parents. I’m finally making it to the meeting! And we will be discussing Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kemmerer.
On my bedside table: One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost; Lore Olympus Vol. 3
On my tv this week: J had me watch Agent Elvis. That show really snuck up on me! Reminds me of Hit-Monkey. We also kept up with some of our currently airing shows and started S2 of Killing It.
Listening to: Mostly just my usual podcasts. Nothing too exciting from this week.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Crab Coconut Curry
Tuesday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese
Wednesday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Pesto Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Asparagus
Saturday - Grill Night
Sunday - Sweet Potato Nachos
On my to do list: I have a list of coop and homeschooling tasks to accomplish this coming week. And I need to make some appointments (doctor, flu shot, eye, etc).
Happening this week: It’s going to be terribly hot this week, so we are going to basically hibernate in our house. Unfortunately, the pools are all closed. We might venture out too a splash pad that’s still open.
Monday - Home day
Tuesday - Home day
Wednesday - Home day
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Nature Explorers (if it’s not too hot…)
Saturday - Home day
Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club
What I am creating: I finally printed my June photos for my Memory Planner. Now I just need to sit down and finish the pages.
My simple pleasures: Popcorn, ice water, fun MG horror books, conversation with other homeschool parents
Looking around the house: J finished cleaning the carpets on the main floor. Now I just have to wait until the floor is dry so we can move everything back. And maybe I can use my living room again by Monday.
From the camera: Hanging at the playground at Platte River State Park.
As I look outside my window: It rained again last night. And it’s still pretty wet this morning. Glad it happened on a home day and not a park playdate day.
Right now I am: Making an orange breakfast cake for brunch before clearing our the living room so J can clean the carpets. Busy morning!
On my bedside table: An Immense World by Ed Yong; A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian
On my tv this week: We’ve kept up with our currently airing shows. We also finally started The Beatles documentary Get Back.
Listening to: I downloaded Nita Strauss’s new album and I am obsessed. So good!
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Chicken Shawarma Fries
Tuesday - Ginger Glazed Pork Chops
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese
Friday - Out
Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Sunday - Crab Coconut Curry
On my to do list: Lots of things I imagine, but the first thing is fix our curriculum for next week. I over scheduled us for week one so everything is a bit out of sync. Per a big discussion at a coop related birthday party yesterday, I need to make a list of potential spaces to hold winter coop in…
Happening this week:
Monday - Trying something new: Breakfast and School at Gene Leahy Mall
Tuesday - Zoo Day
Wednesday - Home day
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Nature Walk at OPPD Arboretum, Nightfall at Platte River
Saturday - Book Club Pool Party
Sunday - The Breakfast Club
What I am creating:
My simple pleasures:
Looking around the house: We bought a carpet cleaner and J decided that yesterday was the perfect day to clean the dining room and playroom. I must admit that it does look better. Now we need to do the living room.
From the camera: The stack of books that I had put on our schedule for homeschool that we didn’t actually get to… That’s okay, this is why I schedule flex weeks periodically.
As I look outside my window: It’s overcast and a bit drizzly. Definitely a change from the days of sun and 90 degrees last week.
Right now I am: Sitting outside enjoying the cooler weather and drinking my coffee. I imagine that I will have to go in soon if the drizzle really turns to rain, but it’s nice right now.
Thinking and pondering: What book should I read next? Maybe one of the two below or something completely different.
On my bedside table: Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis; Vampiric Vacation by Kiersten White
On my tv this week: J and I finished S3 of The Witcher while continuing to watch What We Do in the Shadows S5, The Righteous Gemstones S3, and Foundation S2. We also watched The Blackening, Loved this flip on the horror genre.
Listening to: I just discovered Nita Strauss’s new album and it is amazing. I’ve been listening to it nonstop.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Chili with Cornbread
Tuesday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - BBQ Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf
Friday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese
Saturday - Chicken Shawarma Fries
Sunday - Chicken Ranch Tacos
On my to do list: Nothing much. We’re starting school tomorrow, so I’ve tried to scale back my to-do list to accommodate.
Happening this week:
Monday - First Day of School
Tuesday - Fontenelle Forest Visit
Wednesday - Zorinksky Playground Time
Thursday - Coop; ET at the Quasar Drive-In
Friday - Nature Explorers at Neale Woods
Saturday - Friend’s Birthday Party
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: I want to work on my June and July Memory Planner pages. Hopefully I can find some time.
My simple pleasures: A few quiet minutes…
Looking around the house: We picked up the living room and breakfast area in preparations for school. The school racks have been filled and supplies refilled.
From the camera: Arthur enjoying his first go-kart ride.
On my bedside table: Anatomy and Immortality by Dana Schwartz
On my tv this week: We finished Human Target and continued with our currently airing episodes.
Listening to: Just my usual podcasts for this week.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Me Out
Tuesday - Me Out
Wednesday - Broccoli Beef with Rice
Thursday - BLT Pasta Salad
Friday - Fiesta Chicken and Rice Bowls
Saturday - Cookout
Sunday - Sloppy Joes
On my to do list: I did a giant brain dump yesterday, so now I’ve got a long list of tasks to accomplish this week.
Happening this week: The temperatures are going to be over 100 degrees most of the week. We’re opting for water play and indoor activities.
Monday - Zoo Day (I't’s Member Appreciation Week); Book Club
Tuesday - Miller Park Splash Pad; Book Club (yep, it’s a two book club week)
Wednesday - Home Day
Thursday - Home Day (peak temps)
Friday - Heron Haven Nature Walk; Bounce U Open Bounce
Saturday - Coop Kickoff Cookout
Sunday - The Breakfast Club
What I am creating: I would like to get started with my June Memory Planner pages.
My simple pleasures: A good bottle of wine, air conditioning, jigsaw puzzles
Looking around the house: Whirlwind cleaning yesterday has helped to settle my brain bees. We picked up and vacuum the downstairs. Today I want to focus on the kitchen. I want to clean off all the counters and sweep and stiffer the floors.
From the camera: Check out that little nugget! He is now almost 5 months old! I seriously just want to smuggle him home with me.
On my bedside table: Anatomy by Dana Schwartz (reread for book club); Pathogenesis by Jonathan Kennedy
On my tv this week: Nothing really. My mom and I watched Below Deck and The Bachelorette before the kids and I left on our road trip. That’s it. That’s all I watched in the last week.
Listening to: During our drive home, I finished Jurassic Park and followed up with A Grown-Up’s Guide to Dinosaurs. Right now, I’m working my way through Camp Red Moon by R.L. Stine before turning back to my usual podcasts.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Tacos and Black Bean Soup
Tuesday - Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Wednesday - Texas Cheese Fries and Salad
Thursday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos
Friday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Saturday - Honey, Peach, and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Sunday - Bourbon Marinaded Steak, Sweet Potatoes, Broccolini
On my to do list: Everything needs to be put away and all the lists need to be made. I’ve got piles of stuff that needs to be placed in its homes while I do laundry and dishes. And then, I need to make all the lists (grocery, coop, TBR, etc). From there, I ned to time block my free time to tackle coop prep, homeschool prep, and home tasks. I should probably do a brain dump first…
Happening this week:
Monday - Errand day: grocery, library, Target, etc
Tuesday - Zoo Day
Wednesday - Fremont Lakes
Thursday - National Homestead Monument? (I may change this to something that we missed while I was sick)
Friday - Crafting at the Park
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club Meeting
What I am creating: All the lists! And hopefully more Memory Planner pages.
My simple pleasures: Being home. Seriously, it was so nice to wake up in my own bed. Reaffirms that I really am a homebody at my core.
Looking around the house: After the last month of nonsense, things are just everywhere in this house. Not really dirty, but very cluttered right now. I suspect that this week I’ll be purging a bunch of stuff.
From the camera: UFO-like prototype at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton.
On my bedside table: The Bees by Laline Paull; Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman
On my tv this week: Nothing in particular. We’ve been traveling and now at my mom’s house, we’re just watching random things.
Listening to: On the drive to Indiana, I listened to about 70% of Jurassic Park. I last read that book about 25 years ago. I forgot how good the book really is. I’ll finish it on the drive back of course.
On the menu for this week: Well, we’re in Indiana and then we will be in Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri. So, I have no real idea of what we are eating this week.
On my to do list: Right now, we’re just enjoying our little road trip.
Happening this week:
Monday - Putt Putt visit, random shopping, dinner with Mimi
Tuesday - Splash Pad time
Wednesday - Dayton, Ohio (Ohio Caverns and Boonshoft Science Center)
Thursday - Dayton, Ohio (Air Force Museum)
Friday - Decatur, IL (Scovill Zoo) and Springfield, IL (all the Abraham Lincoln stuff)
Saturday - Hannibal, MO (all the Mark Twain stuff) and then Home
Sunday - Home rest day
What I am creating: I brought my Memory Planner stuff with me to Indiana. I’m hoping to squeeze in a little crafty time this next week.
My simple pleasures: Half sweet iced tea, Cookie Cottage cookies, my own bed (dreaming of it and counting down days until I get back to it)
From the camera: Hanging with the penguins at the zoo.
On my bedside table: The Secret Society of Tea and Treason by India Holton; Paradise-1 by David Wellington
On my tv this week: We’ve been disappointed with Citadel, so J had me start watching Human Target. Much more fun of a show.
Listening to: J got me hooked on Hello from the Magic Tavern. Oftentimes absolutely ridiculous, but I’m very much enjoying it.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken
Tuesday - Peanut Noodles and Chicken
Wednesday - Salsa Chicken
Thursday - Crab and Asparagus Soup
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Sunday - Brown Sugar Chicken
On my to do list: Mostly I just need to prep for my travel. I’ve got a few tasks to finish some prep work and definitely need to pack for both trips before next Saturday.
Happening this week:
Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Zoo Visit
Wednesday - Splashpad Day
Thursday - Curriculum Swap; Lit Society
Friday - Nature Explorers
Saturday - Errands for Travel Prep
Sunday - Home Day; Packing
What I am creating: Mostly just packing lists right now. Now that coop is done, I can put away things and prep for our travel.
My simple pleasures: Chinese food (I’ve had the craving lately), successful planning sessions, new books
Looking around the house: I definitely need to pick up the first floor before Thursday and our curriculum swap. I need to set up a few tables and clear some space.
From the camera: We visited a new-to-us ice cream place with friends after our nature hike.
As I look outside my window: Very clear. Thankfully the smoke from the Canadian wildfires has moved out the area. It was super hazy the other day. Not to mention the terrible air quality that resulted from the fires.
Right now I am: Rushing out the door to get to a friend’s house for a playdate. It was supposed to be the coop book club meeting, but apparently we are the only ones that read it. So we switched the event to a playdate. I’m thinking about maybe taking the kids out to brunch afterward…
On my bedside table: The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton; Peter Nimble by Jonathan Auxier
On my tv this week: We’ve been randomly watching episodes of our current selections, but nothing really jumped out at me this past week.
Listening to: I was on YouTube looking up a specific music video which led me down a rabbit hole of lots of other music. I have my Music Monday selections lined up for the entire rest of the summer already. I found some new music and rediscovered some older music.
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Tuscan Kale and White Bean Soup
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Mississippi Pot Roast
Thursday - Peanut Chicken and Noodles
Friday - Sweet Potato Nachos
Saturday - Avocado Bruschetta Chicken
Sunday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders
On my to do list: I’ve got a list of things to do for the coop over the course of summer. Small tasks, but I’m scheduling them out to ease the stress. I also have random house tasks and such to take care of.
Happening this week:
Monday - Home Day; Book Club
Tuesday - Gifford Farm Living History Field Trip; Book Club
Wednesday - Playdate with friends
Thursday - Coop Field Day
Friday - Nature Walk at Schramm
Saturday - Chemistry Class Prep Meeting
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: Not any crafts this week, but I am making trivia and discussion questions for the retreat.
My simple pleasures: A quiet moment to think, unstructured time with friends, iced tea
Looking around the house: I completely cleaned out the coop bags and picked up the living room. Everything looks so much better now.
From the camera: Very sweaty and dirty kid after an exciting game of gaga ball.
