Currently {February 2016}

Listening to // My favorite thing to listen to is the All Sons & Daughters station on Pandora. However, the girls ask to listen to the Annie & Home soundtracks on a daily basis. Thank God for You Tube.

Drinking // Lately I have been drinking Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and loving it. Either that or Irish coffee. With this cold weather I need something to keep me warm :).

Wishing // For Spring break to be here. Honestly, I haven't actually decided if we are taking a full week for spring break or not yet. But I put a break in our schedule and I can definitely see where some down time would do everyone good. 

Eating //  Healthier!!! Would you believe it, I FINALLY put down the cookies (for the most part) and have my nutrition back in line. It feels great.

Missing // My tan.... can it just be summer yet? I am tired of being pale and sad.

A MUCH tanner, mid July Beth

Learning // Multiplication & division.... okay maybe I'm not the one learning but I am learning how to teach it. When did they start doing this stuff in the second grade anyways?! My negative feelings toward math are not being helped by the advanced rate that they are teaching it.

Looking Forward To // So much! Emily's birthday, The Daytona 500 and the blogs 2nd birthday that is fast approaching. Exciting things are happening!

Praying // For friends. So many friends have a lot going on right now. There are several that are on my heart and in my prayers consistently. I pray constantly that they would see Gods goodness and faithfulness daily.

Enjoying // Drawing on my chalkboard... can this just be my answer every month? I am also loving the massage chairs at my really awesome new gym.

Reading // I started the She Reads Truth Lent plan last week and have really been enjoying it. Even if it isn't anything large it is good to be consistently reading again. 

Wearing // I almost typed less then I realized that wasn't right, lol. What I mean to say is I recently cleaned out my closet ditching 72 clothing items I no longer wear. It felt so good to get rid of some of the junk! But as far as what I am actually wearing it will most likely always include a black vest as of lately. I also picked up THESE work out capris that I LOVE. Coupon + clearance meant I only spent around $7!

Planning // A busy weekend! Emily's birthday celebration and our annual Daytona 500 party happen this weekend. So much to plan and prepare for!

Watching// Still watching Parks and Rec we are somewhere in season 3 right now and my love and adoration for Ron Swanson grows and grows all the time. That show is hilarious. So glad we finally decided to watch it.

What have you been up to currently?

Currently {Christmas Eve 2015}

Drinking // Hot Cocoa, English Breakfast Tea and Coffee. #givemeallthehotdrinks

Missing // Being able to play outside all the time. Or maybe I am really just missing being able to send the girls outside all the time ;). 

Listening to // Christmas music! I'm especially fond of Silent Night.

Wishing // It would be a white Christmas, those are just the best. Instead it should be sunny and in the 60's. What?! That just doesn't feel like Christmas at all. I am fully aware this thought contradicts my thoughts on "currently missing",  however it should be cold at Christmas. It just makes everything feel more festive.

Learning // How to use a speed lite flash. The hubby let me have my birthday present a bit early. (Thanks babe) I am pretty excited to learn how to properly use it. Practice make perfect right?!

Looking Forward To // I guess I should probably say Christmas... but I am actually pretty excited about my birthday (Monday). 

Eating // Christmas goodies. Every year I bake way too many Christmas cookies and pretty much eat them for breakfast every day until they are gone. #noshame

Praying // That our friends and family would have a great time celebrating Christmas and that we would take the time to really reflect on the real reason we celebrate. The birth of our Savior.  

Enjoying // Christmas break from school. Oh glorious, glorious Christmas break. 

Reading // Christmas and Advent books with the girls. I just love having all the Christmas books out. We only have them around for one month each year so we really try and enjoy them as much as we can.

Wearing // I went shopping with my friend Anna recently and she talked me into buying this shirt.

And this sweater.

With a couple of coupons I picked both of these up really cheap. Man I love a great deal. 

Planning // I'd like to start planning a summer trip. I should really get started soon.

Watching// Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and more. We have been having a blast watching so many new to the girls Christmas movies this year. 

What have you been up to currently?
Happy Christmas Eve Friends!

Tuesday Talk: Currently {November 2015}

Drinking // Coffee & tea, tea & coffee. Hot drinks all the time, all day. I have even been making a pot of decaf in the evening so we can have a cup of coffee after dinner. Yes, I am totally aware that I just added 20 years to my real age.

Missing // I am feeling pretty content right now and being able to say that (and mean it) feels wonderful.

Listening to //  Christmas music! Yup, I said it and I am not one bit ashamed about it either!

Wishing // That I could slow down time a bit and really enjoy this time with my family. I hate how quickly the holiday season passes by.

Learning // To let go of some control in the kitchen. Marissa is an amazing help in the kitchen and I need to give her more freedom to learn without me micro-managing her. She recently made a pan of brownies almost entirely on her own and they turned out amazing. She is going to be a great cook some day!

Looking Forward To // Decking the halls! I am starting on Thursday and will probably wrap things up by Saturday eve. 

Eating //  Too much?! I have been having the best time in the kitchen lately creating some fantastic recipes. Cheese Balls, chocolate cookies, dessert pizzas I have been blogging about food a lot lately and loving every second of it. 

Praying // For Paris. The violent attacks and loss of life is heart breaking.

Enjoying // My girls. They are simply just the best and I love them to the moon and back.

Reading // I haven't been reading lately but I do have a few books I want to dive into soon. Marissa has also been asking to start reading the Chronicles of Narnia again. I don't think she will have to twist my arm too hard :). 

Wearing // Lately I have been wearing sweatshirts and hoodies at home and boots and scarfs while on the run. I also picked up a pair of booties and I am SO glad I did. 

Planning // All things Christmas, what else would I be planning in mid November?!

What have you been up to currently?

Now it's your turn to link up this week.
Grab the button from my side bar and join the fun.

Beth - Our Pretty Little Girls ~ Michelle - Grammie Time

Keri - Living In This Season  ~ Christina - Waltzing In Beauty
Lauren - Simply Free ~  Becky - BYBMG
Jess and Katie - Sweet Little Ones ~ Whitney - Polka Dotty Place
Laura - Life Is Beautiful ~ Elizabeth - All Kinds Of Things
Sarah - Abiding In Grace ~ Stephanie - Wife Mommy Me
Emily - Morning Motivated Mom

An InLinkz Link-up

Currently {October 2015}

Drinking //  Coffee, lots and lots of coffee. Recently I have rediscovered my love and I can't seem to stay away from the stuff. Which can be kind of scary because to much coffee makes me a bit "edgy". 

Listening to //  The Home soundtrack on repeat. My girls love it!

Wishing //  I could get away for a little vacation or something, anything. The school year is such a mental battle for me. I LOVE it and can't imagine life any other way but sometimes my head feels like it might explode. The days are long and the weeks are short.

Learning //  Lately I've been working on photography skills, how to work my new phone, the history of the song 'Yankee Doodle' and that the scissors my husband has in the garage are REALLY sharp. And those are just a few things I've learned lately.

Looking Forward To //  Christmas! Oh my goodness I just can't wait guys. I know, I know, respect the bird, yada yada.

But c'mon, CHRISTMAS!!! It is just the best time of the year and I am already so excited.

Eating // Too much, HA! Oh the foods of fall are such a weakness of mine. Soup, muffins, pumpkin everything and scones. Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE scones?! If you need proof just check out this Pinterest board I have completely devoted to them.

Enjoying //  All things fall. The weather, the activities, the open windows crisp air and bonfires. It has been ideal. 

Praying //  That God would help us feel at home in the church we have been regularly attending. We feel like it's where God wants us to be but growing roots and friendships takes time. I seem to be antsy about these things. God's timing is perfect.
Reading// I am still reading Women of the Word but I recently was given the chance to review a Christmas book that I am excited to share more about soon. Marissa has also been enjoying the Little House chapter books which has me thinking we should dive into that series together soon!

Wearing //  Scarves, boots, fingerless, gloves, and plaid. Tis the season!

Missing //  Sometimes, just sometimes, I miss having little babies. But then I shake my head a bit and am so grateful for this season of life even though watching the girls grow up is breaking my heart. 

Planning // Halloween costumes. I don't want to give them away now but I feel pretty confident in saying that a certain someone is going to be dressing up in some kind of mouse-like fashion for the 3rd year in a row!

Here is a look at last years costumes. 

 

What have you been up to currently?

Currently {September 2015}

Reading//   Do text books count? I have a hard time desiring to read much during the school year (or any time really) because it feels I read all day. Long gone are the day of recreational reading for this girl.

Drinking //  Water, lots of water. I am back on track in the fluid department and rewarding myself with cups of coffee between ridiculous amounts of water.

Random question, does anyone else ever save their Starbucks cups, wash them and reuse them? I am pretty sure my homemade iced coffee tastes even better from a Starbucks cup.

Wishing // For life to feel a bit more settled but knowing it will all happen in Gods timing. There are just so many things that feel a little up in the air right now. It always feels so hard to stay grounded in these seasons of life.

Wearing // In the spirit of fall I have been rocking some leggings. But I would like to add that I hereby solemnly swear to keep my back end covered.

Because we all know... leggings aren't pants!!!

Other than that I live in work out clothes, which are pretty much just leggings made of spandex.

Looking Forward To //  I want to say Christmas but I really am excited about fall. We have so many fun things planned on our fall bucket list.

Learning // To map out the 50 united states. You can laugh but it's true. It is part of Marissa' geography curriculum this year. When I told her she asked if I could do it and I had to give her an honest no. Then I quickly replied no, but I will learn how to do it with you. One of my favorite parts of home school is learning together!

Watching //  Master Chef. I just love that show and the grand finale is on tonight. Once that is over I will be in a no TV phase until I start watching the Christmas movies (when that becomes a bit more socially acceptable).

Enjoying // Life. Sure things are a bit up in the air and we feel like we're at an in between spot right now. But there is SO much too enjoy. I love our family dynamic right now, my exercise routine and home school is going so well this year. I wanna soak it all up and really enjoy it because it is so good. 

Planning //  A few fun girl nights in the next few weeks. One will involve some shopping the other a photo shoot of some sort. You'll have to wait for more detail on that one. I have been blessed with some great friends and I am excited to spend some fun time with them.

Eating // The same thing, all the time. It's super fun to do, you should try it some time #sarcasm. I did figure out how to make some protein bites that actually taste pretty good. To bad they aren't as healthy as I'd like for them to be. I justify it by celebrating that they are way better than a cookie. Mmmm, cookies. 

Praying //  I think yesterdays post pretty much summarizes the prayer department. I am also praying for more patience in my life when it comes to school stuff. I can get so impatient sometimes and I want to graciously love my girls.

Missing // Our days at the pool. Summer is over and my tan is fading fast. I've taken the girls swimming at the indoor pool a few times recently but it just isn't the same. 

What have you been up to currently?

Currently {August 2015}

Reading//   Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. I am only on chapter 2 and I want to go on and on about how good this book is. This book equips you to better study Gods Word, something I think most people would say they need and desire.

Wishing //  I'm still wishing that summer could last forever. I think I am in a bit of denial that our summer is pretty much over. Thank goodness we have a month of 3 day weekends before co-op starts back up in September. Maybe 4 day school weeks will help us ease back into things. 

Listening to // Emily sing, all the time. I stumbled across a quote on Pinterest that said a happy child is one who sings and it made me smile. 

Watching // The girls and I are huge fans of cooking competition shows. Lately we have been watching plenty of Master Chef and Food Fight. I love that they are so interested in cooking and kitchen shows already. 

Looking Forward To // Christmas #sorrynotsorry. The arrival of the Christmas season is what will motivate me through this first semester of school. Don't get me wrong I am very excited about fall and all things pumpkin, but Christmas is where my heart is. 

Drinking //  Iced coffee. All. Day. Long! If you haven't tried this recipe yet, you are missing out.

Wearing //  Bathing suits... well I was until today :(. I guess it is back to endless workout clothes for me now.

I did recently grabbed this jacket (in gray) really cheap on clearance. I kind of have a jacket obsession and fall will soon be here. 

Learning // How to do chalkboard art. The huge chalkboard in the home school room was put there more for decorative purposes and less for a functioning chalkboard. I made my first attempt last week and was pleasantly surprised with how well it turned out. I had originally planned on changing it once a month but that was so much fun to do there is no way I will be able to wait a whole month before making a new creation!

Enjoying // My girls. We simply had the most amazing summer together and I just love them so very much. We had so much time to play and live an unscheduled life just enjoying summer and each other. Going back to routine is going to be a bit harder than I imagined.

Planning //  Exciting blogging activities for the fall, Christmas and the New Year too. I know all of this seems pretty far away but you just wait. It will be here before you know it!

Eating // From my garden. BLT sandwiches are so much better this time of year with fresh tomatoes, Margherita pizza is a favorite and then there is the best salad ever that I made with my home grown butternut squash.

Russ' mom made this one day and it has been a favorite ever since. I plan to share the recipe soon because something this good just needs to be shared. 

Praying // Still praying that God would guide us to a new church home. I have also been praying for our new school year. May grace and patience be abundant for both.

Missing // Is it too soon too be missing all of our pool time yet?  We spent Friday at the pool as a family. We recently realized Russ still has 95 hours of vacation time for this year so we thought it would be perfect for him to take the afternoon off.

Yup, it doesn't get much more perfect than that. 

What have you been up to currently?