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

  

A Little June Bug Turns One

Cupcakes frosted and decorated . . . candles lit . . . sing the song . . . happy 1st birthday little girl!!

And the joy continues . . .

We have now officially passed this yucky bug throughout this whole family. And yesterday was my turn for disappointment. A dear friend offered to watch the girls for us last night . . . Travis was coming home to make me a special dinner to celebrate valentines day (not usually a big deal around here - I love the random times of "i love you" so much more . . . but we were so excited to have this special date planned). Instead, I spent the entire day in bed with this wonderful sickness . . . and the homemade dinner? Ginger-ale from Winco. Be gone from our house flu!! You are no longer welcome here!!

Heartbreak

Haley woke up this morning at 12:30 throwing up with a terrible stomachache and a fever. She feels horrible. And it's never a good time to get the flu. But on the day of your first kindergarten concert that you've been eagerly anticipating for weeks, have chosen your party dress to wear six days ago, had both grandmas and an aunt coming from out of town, a special dinner planned at a restaurant and have been asking each day of the last week and a half if it's finally time. . . it's just flat heartbreak. And if you have to be the Momma to break the sad news that you aren't able to go, well that's just plain heartbreaking too.

Wisdom

I finished reading "The Magician's Assitant" by C.S. Lewis (the first in the Narnia series) with Hannah tonight. He is an incredible author that weaves a tale with descriptive images you can see, wit and humor that make you smile and depth in such an approachable way that it causes you to ponder quite a few things.

I was struck by a quote near the end of the story and I felt as if I must pass on his wisdom . . .

"When things go wrong, you'll find they usually go on getting worse for some time; but when things once start going right they often go on getting better and better."

I have gained so much perspective going on this crazy journey of health complications I've been on and have equally gained so much perspective on this path to healing and wellness. I am so thankful . . . to God be the glory . . . the things have gone on and on getting better and better . . .

The First Day Book in February

Outside my window... 
Sun, sun, glorious sun!! It looks and feels like summer out there! Not joking!!

I am thankful for...
My husband who values my role as an at-home mom as much as I do. I can't imagine what it's like to have to prepare the kids, the house, and the family each day as you head off to work. This is in no way a comparison of "my-jobs-better-than-yours" so please don't misunderstand this. I know plenty of wonderful women who work outside the home for many reasons and love their children and their families to bits. I'm just grateful for the job I get to do each day.

I am thinking about...
The chicken marinading in the fridge. We have friends who invite us for dinner occasionally and they always cook the most flavorful meat. Every time I ask what they've done, the secret is marinade the night before. So I did. And I'm excited for yummy stir fry tonight with marinaded meat!!

Learning all the time...
How to make my life run a bit smoother. There is no perfect plan and no guaranteed-tried-and-true-no-fail-method but I'm learning some tricks that make the little things easier so I have more time and attention for the big things. (Like planning my menu again . . . remember? That was a goal? I'm actually doing it. And not in a crazy-print-out-with-recipes-and-shopping-list-attached like I used to. Simply a list of meals we'd like to eat for the month and as I write the weekly calendar on our fridge wipe off board, I add a little note on the side as to what I'm going to cook. One glance the night before and I'm on track. Plus, it's stopped the 'what are we having' question from my eight year old EVERY DAY!! arrrgggg - minor frustration diverted.)

From the kitchen...
lots and lots and lots of supplies for a Superbowl extravaganza. The girls were asking me this week, "What is the super bowl?" I started to explain that it was a championship game for two football teams who have worked hard throughout the season to earn their spots blah blah blah. As I looked at their blank faces I changed my plan and said, "It's a super fun excuse to get together with great friends and eat a ton of yummy food!" Their eyes lit up and they are now looking forward to the day asking me often, "How soon until our friends come and we get to eat all this food?" (We're making deviled eggs, homemade meatballs in bbq sauce, stuffed mushrooms, smoked salmon with cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, chips, soda - we're going crazy and can't wait!)

I am creating . . .
A blanket for Hannah's window seat. She loooves her new room and the selling point from the beginning has been her cozy window seat that looks out over the beautiful scenery where she can nestle down with a good book and spend the day in bliss. My mom and I are making a fabric covered foam pad to sit on and I am crocheting a comfy blanket that is turning out quite fantastic if I do say so myself!!

I am working on...
Laundry. Does this job ever end? No. End of discussion.

I am going...
To spend the rest of the day doing nothing and everything with my girls. They have the day off of school for the semester break and the two little boys I usually get to love on each Friday are away at their aunts house so were are in our sweats. Just finished painting nails, having a Zumba dance party on Kinect, and after they play barbies for a while, planning on a tea party with real tea. Not everyday do I pull out all the Mommy stops but every once in a while it's fun to get down on the floor and play for the day.

I am hoping...
To exercise more. I now live in a gorgeous neighborhood with fantastic walking paths everywhere. My lungs are stronger, I have more energy and I'm ready to tackle the outdoors! (With caution of course.) My biggest goal is to walk the girls to school one day. There school is in our neighborhood. How wonderful is that? And save a few hills that just might kick my butt, it's a do-able trek. Baby steps . . .



I am reading...
Magazines . . . it's very rare that I flip through a magazine but am finding it a bit relaxing to pick up every once in a while, read a few articles and set it back down. A copy of Parents and Parenting were tossed my way (and I'm enjoying a good laugh and how far I've come from the new mommy days) and my favorite that I have a subscription to is called Home Life and it's put out by Lifeway ministries. They have encouraging and helpful articles about parenting, marriage, and great ideas about life in general. (Check out their website for a sample and even cute printables)

I am praying for...
Friends. I have so many wonderful women in my life. I couldn't be more blessed. Not a day goes by when I don't thank the Lord for bringing those into my life who make my life better. And there are so many prayers that go up for them - for healing, for peace, for courage, for strength, for diligence, for decision making, for faith, for time, for patience . . . and mostly for joy. (and lots more fun with me!!!)
   
I am hearing...
The girls giggling upstairs together as they play. There are lots and lots of moments when their interactions together are anything but loving . . . and there are lots and lots of moments when I smile hearing them crack each other up!

Around the house...
Evidence of mommy playing today. It's good . . . and messy.

One of my favorite things...
Good coffee creamer. Sounds silly but can make my day when I take a sip of that little cup of joy in the morning and it's sweet and yummy and milky looking as it's been splashed with the perfect creamer. (My favorite right now is Coffee House skinny caramel macchiato. 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Hee hee . . .