Almost March Day Book

Outside my window... 
Bright sunshine (although when you go out, it's crisp and chilly) We had a dusting of snow yesterday and it feels like it!!


I am thankful for...
Friends who let me ramble . . . and don't tell me to stop rambling but encourage the rambling to continue. (look at me rambling at the answer to this question? what is wrong with me today?!)

I am thinking about...
My friend in Spokane who just gave birth to her fourth little peanut and she is absolutely beautiful. She was a much prayed for, much anticipated little bundle and I can't wait till it's my turn to head over and love on her. (so glad you're family is there with you . . . but come on?! it's hard to wait when the pictures are so ridiculously precious!)

Learning all the time...
To be patient before reacting emotionally. Things just might work out on their own and what good was all the worrying? Or the frustration or the disappointment? Sometimes situations change and people surprise you with their responses . . . always assume the positive.

From the kitchen...
A full dishwasher from a yummy dinner of salsa chicken. (Don't tell my family how easy it is . . . either in the crock pot all day or in the oven - 30 minutes each side - with a jar of salsa thrown on top.) It's delicious served with tortillas or by itself . . . love those go to winners!

I am creating . . .
A lovely play storage area. I spent today sorting and labeling boxes and the girls were thrilled to come home and see the new space in the garage. It's a bit like their own toy store where they can "shop" for what they want and quickly and easily put it back when they are finished.

I am working on...
How to manage the time I have while both girls are in school. It's a misconception that having two kids in school will suddenly open up oodles of time. (I think it's from the same people who thinks that now that you're a stay at home mom, you'll have tons of time to cook homemade meals every night and keep up with laundry, dishes, beds made, paperwork and the general tidy.) Although, yes, I have more time without kiddos, but between keeping up with daily home chores, doctors appointments (thanks to 93 year old man who crashed into us before Christmas we have lots), and watching two adorable boys on Fridays, I have two half days a week. It is so tempting to cram a thousand things in. And so tempting to putter around until the time is all gone. But I need to work in time to recharge my batteries too - give myself permission to sit and read a book for an hour without feeling like I'm "wasting my time" because keeping mom healthy and sane is just as important if not more than all the laundry done. (Now if only I could listen to this wise advice?!)

I am going...
On a picnic tomorrow with my six year old. She told me this weekend that she'd absolutely love to pack a peanut butter sandwich, walk to a park and have a picnic. How can you turn down such a fantastic idea? And next year, when she is in school five days a week, I will reminisce and appreciate the fact that we took lots of little adventures together . . .

I am hoping...
To learn how to sew soon. All the fabric and materials have been purchased for the girls curtains and Hannah's window seat bench . . . a beautiful sewing machine is ready to be used . . . now if I could just figure out how to use it?! Mommy . . . come help me soon!!

I am reading...
One a Day Bible - today I officially read the entire bible in one year!! I am super excited, can't believe it and can't wait to start tomorrow on another year.
Unplanned by Abby Johnson - a former planned parenthood employee whose eyes are opened to what abortion really is after 8 years of working for the organization - absolutely incredible story - a MUST READ for everyone no matter what your feelings are towards the pro-life/pro-choice debate . . .
Lion, Witch and Wardrobe by CS Lewis with Hannah - we're on the edge of our seats with the second book of the series

I am praying for...
Friends who are dealing with major housing choices. There are two families going through completely different situations but both have some big decisions ahead of them . . . praying for clear answers and confirmation in the paths that they choose.
 
I am hearing...
Nothing. Travis is resting on the couch after a long day and the girls are both tucked snug in their beds. I am hearing the click of the keys as I type this day book though. I loooove my laptop!

Around the house...
A clean floor. I bought a new vacuum and I loooove using it!! It's the Shark and it's so fun. It is light but mighty and it's so satisfying to have clean floors. (Am I nuts to be excited about my vacuum and love to clean my floors? I'll accept that . . . )

One of my favorite things...
My new vacuum . . . is it legal to use the same answer twice? Well it is . . . that and my rocking chair. It's the same one I nursed my babies and sang them to sleep. The same one I comforted them when they had a bad dream and needed a snuggle. Now it's in my new living room front and center and their is something so calming about sitting in it drinking my coffee or using my laptop or reading a book . . . I love that it still has purpose and is the one thing I can't get rid of from my girls "little days."


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Remember that sweet little one I was talking about earlier? Here she is . . . and you can follow her little family and their sweet life Amongst Lovely Things