... I am LOVING Pandora. Free Internet music that you create based on your own taste. I am loving Tim's Shane and Shane channel. Hymns ... worship ... like, really good hymns and worship ... for free, all the time, through my TV (we're not the most technically advanced, we never even set up the stereo system from our old house here). No changing CD's, no lapses, so encouraging.
... I've been doing A LOT of Craigslist. I've been on the hunt for some pieces to purchase to complete some of my projects before the baby is born. AND - I've been selling stuff from our house and "barn" like a madwoman to make the money to finance these projects. It is amazing how much stuff one family can accumulate with a 1,000 SF garage in the back. On more than one occasion I've wondered if we should be on an episode of Hoarders. People have been literally backing trucks up to my house everyday and loading up with furniture (and crap) that we've just been storing for the past year. Lightening the load has been great. All the time with Craigslist buyers ... not so much. But, hopefully, will be done soon. :-)
... I'm getting used to having my office in the kitchen. It's been a little challenge with prying little one year old hands, but its been oh so much more convenient. An added bonus? Streaming online sermons from my computer. Yesterday, I listened to Pamela Benton from a talk she gave at Redeemer Church in NYC on covenant families. Pamela Benton spoke at a women's retreat for our church a few years back and was such a wealth of wisdom. A few nuggets from yesterday's sermon was the quote that we have to THINK theologically in order to LIVE practically. She also exhorted us to have a PLAN for the spiritual teaching of our kids. She recommended this booklet by Shirley Windam as a great tool for age appropriate goals for years 3-18 for teaching kids the Bible, memory verses, and memorizing questions from the Catechism for Young Children. Last night with the kids we memorized questions 1-5. Great fun! Mrs. Benton also recommended going through a children's Bible every year (which we've pretty much done). She reminded me again of The Child's Story Bible by Catherine Voss that Jared is now well ready for now that he is 6. And - if you're sensing a trend here of not procrastinating - you would be spot on. All these tools are already on order and en route to our house. I'll report back how we like them. Online sermons - what a good way to fill the air while getting things done around the house!
... I've been getting a lot of use out of my iPad. It was a fabulously generous gift from my uncle and boss for Christmas. I've joined a small group of friends who are reading David Copperfield by Charles Dickens on the Kindle. I'm a fast reader so I've actually enjoyed having a ridiculously long book (900+ pages) to keep me occupied for a longer period of time. I'm a little over halfway and well past the 26th chapter goal for discussion with friends on the 28th but I'm enjoying the book too much to slow down. A bonus to reading on the iPad is that it has its own light! I've also been downloading more apps for the kids too - math games and Bible so far. Jared and Will have been using the Read and Share App by Thomas Nelson, they are thrilled to get to do their devotions on the iPad too.
... I've been really into Pinterest. My neighbor, Christine, has been trying to get me and JJ on board with this (no pun intended) for some time but I couldn't figure it out. Now that I've got it down its been a great tool for organizing my thoughts on how to proceed with my projects, and also a great source for ideas like these ones ...
... Spinach Breakfast Smoothie ... My favorite Jamba Juice smoothie back when I was single was the Peanut Butter Moo'd. I LOVE the combo of bananas and peanut butter, but that one is SO bad for you!! This smoothie is a great compromise with the same flavor (it's seriously like dessert in a cup) but packed with protein and spinach. Yu-um. I'm pretty sure I could have for breakfast every day (and dessert for that matter!).
... Organization. I'm going a little nuts. Anyone that knows me knows I am the queen of junk drawers. I bought a drawer organizer for the worst offender in the kitchen and put it to good use. I'm tackling junk drawers and closets one by one. I've been ruthless. It's the pregnancy, I know it, but I'll take motivation in any form it comes in. Another cool Pinterest idea?
... A daily clothes plan for the week. I have to admit that thegunnysack.com via Pinterest wasn't the first time I'd heard of this. My uber-organized friend, Melinda, had already been doing this - but seeing that picture above sealed it for me. Yesterday, I went and bought this 13 shelf organizer from Target. And, seeing how it was laundry day, as I put away the boys' clothes, I sorted through all their clothes, purged whatever didn't fit to move down the line, and pulling out 5 complete school outfits for each Jared and Will to hang in their closet. The placement in the closet still needs a little work (my poor battle weary husband!), but I'm happy to free up space in the 3 drawer dresser they share which has been very tight. AND - now I only have to do this task once a week. Sa-weet!!Here's the finished product at my place:
Well... almost finished. I still need Tim (bless him) to move some shelves around to make room for more storage in their closet and I'd like to make some cute labels. My first born rule follower wants to be sure he selects the correct outfit for the correct day and really wants those labels. So - this project is just about finished. If you think of my cute husband, send happy thoughts and prayers his way. I've been a woman on a mission over here. And - to think we have 3 more months to go! :-)
4 comments:
Well aren't you just the picture of productivity. Pregnancy suits you well, sister!!! This post was LOADED! SO fun to read it all and feel like we just had coffee and got caught up! Thanks for all the tips and recommendations and updates! You are inspiring!
Ha ha! I guess I just felt like sharing. A lot. Crazy bloggy day. Crazy pregnant woman. :-)
You totally amaze me.......how do you do all this and still sleep ? I really feel inadequate and I am old and retired. Of course I do have Ralph to take care of but is that a good excuse ???
I have to admit I'm a little tired this morning, I did stay up a little late last night and am regretting it this morning. :-)
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