Currently: March

Current Read: Last week I ordered Bread &Wine by Shauna Niequist. I absolutely love it so far and her recipes look amazing!

Current Playlist: As usual, I have an eclectic mix going at all times. Some of my favorites include Brave by Sara Bareilles, U2, and Matt Redman. See? Eclectic.

Current Color(s): Brown. Navy. Black. Not necessarily together. 

Current Drink: It's still cold here so my beverages must be warm. Coffee with almond milk is my favorite current morning drink but mid-morning I switch to tea. This is my old favorite that has become a new favorite again.

Current Food: This popcorn (Chicago mix from Costco). Ugh. Can't. Put. The. Bag. Down.

Current Favorite Favorite: My cousin introduced me to the teasing brush in Chicago last month. I came home and bought one and I LOVE it. It gives me the volume I need without having all kinds of product residue in my hair! I tried to find the same Paul Mitchell teasing brush that my cousin had but couldn't (and was too impatient to order/wait for it) so I ended up buying this one instead.

Current Addiction: Instagram. And Words With Friends. And Candy Crush. Sigh. 

Current Wish List: I really love these stackable rings. I think a set with my kids' names would be fun but I also think a set with character traits or words that I aspire to be would be equally awesome. JDB, there are a couple of gift occasions coming up. Hint hint.

Current Need: I need a new hairdryer. Mine seems to be dying a slow death. I went to buy one the other day but couldn't decide on one. I guess I'll keep using what I have until it goes kaput. I'm very picky about my hair appliances. 

Current Triumph: After a pretty slothful few weeks, I think I've found my morning exercise groove again. I've gotten up and walked the past 8 out of 10 mornings. Triumph. It's getting warmer (and lighter)(until time change this weekend screws that up again) and that certainly helps.

Current Annoyance: Competition. And you know what? I'm competitive. I'm annoyed when I feel drawn into competition and I'm annoyed by what it stirs in me.

Current Mood: Thinky. Is that a word? And introspective.

Current Blessing(s): Physically and emotionally healthy kids. Answered prayers. And people who bring peace to my life.

Current Outfit: Yoga pants, tank top, fleece hoodie, UGGs. Wore the same thing yesterday. And I might even wear it again tomorrow. Smile.

Current Excitement: Looking forward to time with some friends on Thursday. We're overdue for a catch-up! And SPRING BREAK! Really excited about a break from the daily routine.

Current Project(s): Decluttering. My house...and my life. This podcast was a good catalyst for me--
PODCASTS - Christine Caine (You might have to scroll down to find the one on Decluttering.)

Current Prayers: My 4-month old nephew has been in the hospital since last Friday, with the flu and rotavirus (and possibly more infection). It's pretty pitiful but he's in a good place and they're slowing getting answers. Also praying for ANOTHER friend diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm growing weary of seeing the number of friends diagnosed climb higher. It breaks my heart.

Current plans for the day: Coffee with a friend and some birthday party planning for Abbey. My house could use some attention too, but the other stuff is way more fun. It might be wishful thinking but I'd also love to work a short nap into my day since I woke up (unintentionally) at 4:30AM.

Current thought that I love:

Six on Saturday

1. I've been a little more quiet here lately. It's not for lack of thoughts. My heart and mind are exploding with big things that God seems to be working out in me but I'm processing more inwardly than outwardly these days. There's good stuff there but it's made me a little more quiet.

2. Were you aware that last Thursday was an awareness day for human trafficking? I gained a deeper understanding of this gut-wrenching issue last year at the Life and Justice conference I attended and there are a couple of ministries I support whose goal is to END IT. Anyway, I used a sharpie to make a big ole red X on my hand on Thursday. It didn't wash off easily and therefore I woke up on Friday with a big ole red X on my face...and on my pillowcase. Funny. Two days later I still have a faint red X on my hand. I think that's a good thing though...

(This is the two-days later photo.)

3.  I mentioned earlier this year that John started a new job--this new one being part-time. He was able to move to part-time but keep his full-time salary and full-time benefits (CRAZY!!!) That means he's home with me a lot more. We've synched our days at home together around our work schedules and so far it's going well, though we've both had to make some "adjustments" to being home together so much. Overall, I'd say it's been a very good thing for our family! I think my favorite part might be having some help with kid activities and transportation. Is that lame? 

4. Yesterday I made my big grocery shopping and Costco trips. In between those two, I met a friend for lunch. She ended up going to Costco with me...and can I just say that Costco is much more enjoyable with a friend?!?! She made a mundane task so much more fun! This reminds me that I need to post my menu plan.

5. Last weekend, I went to a painting studio with some friends for an open paint class. I shouldn't really say it's a "class" because they don't teach you HOW to paint. You can choose from dozens of paintings they have (or pick your own) and then you just sort of imitate it while they guide you along the way. I came home with this..

Mine turned out a little different than the original one (on the right below) but I was pleased with it. 

John wants to frame mine. Which is sweet, but not necessary. I had a fun evening with friends and I get to go again soon for another friend's birthday party. :)

6. I'm so slap-happy that it's the weekend. I'm heading out in a little while for a ladies morning out with one of my favorite speakers from the IF Gathering. We also have a track meet on tap today (though it's in the 20s and just so yucky outside) and other than that we have little else on our "have to-do" list. That's my favorite kind of weekend. Happy weekend to you, too!