Sunday, July 16, 2017
Currently: July 2017
READING Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin. Also recently finished re-reading Lord of the Rings after several years. Just as good as ever! My summer reading list includes revisiting several childhood favorites...must be feeling nostalgic!
DREAMING of a shared room for little girls. McBaby #3 is a GIRL and I'm Pinteresting all the pretty room decor ideas for girls. So fun!
ACCOMPLISHING just enough. A few recent health interruptions (read: 1st trimester nausea/fatigue and stress-related gastritis) are reminding me to slow down and focus on priorities. My freelance work keeps me busy during allotted work hours -- both DS and DD are in preschool 3 mornings a week, so those hours plus naptimes add up to 20 or 22 hours a week, which is plenty considering some other important claims on my time. I've withdrawn from several "extracurricular" and nonprofit activities, and haven't been working as much in the evenings (primarily because I fall asleep so early!). I've had some pretty work-heavy phases of life, and may have more in store, but right now is for focusing on my family and giving myself permission to do that has really made all the difference.
ENJOYING these warm summer days. The winter can be long and harsh in northwestern Indiana, so much so that summer seems a distant memory on those cold, snowy days. I'm soaking up the sunshine and many chances to play outside, eat picnic-style, swim, walk and enjoy warm-weather activities in general, storing up for when winter feels especially long!
REMEMBERING a week spent with family in southern Georgia. Our annual family reunion is a special time for reconnecting with extended family, and this year I got to spend some rare time with all three of my wonderful sisters. It's been harder to get us all together in the same place in the last few years, and this was a perfect chance to catch up and enjoy each other's company. It's always refreshing and encouraging to be in the company of those who know you best.
LISTENING to some old favorites Andrew Belle and Among Savages, in anticipation of their soon-to-be released new albums!
PLANNING to welcome a new baby in the fall! Really haven't had much to do thus far, since we already have plenty of clothing and gear to accommodate another child, but gearing myself up mentally for the task of caring for three children. Newborns are great because they mostly stay still and are consistently in need of pretty much the same three things: food, sleep, clean diapers. My concern is the other two... but reminding myself that God is faithful and His mercies new each morning. Looking forward to adapting to our new normal, one day at a time!
Friday, May 5, 2017
What's for Dinner? Banana Salmon
It sounds like an odd combination, but it's really quite delicious. This is a recipe my mother used to prepare, that was passed on from her mother. It's not something I prepare often (DH isn't a fan of fish unless he caught it himself), and this was the first time introducing to the kiddos! It's very easy to make and goes well with just about any green veggie. I served with broccoli and brown rice, but steam asparagus or sauteed garlic spinach would be delicious, too. They seemed to enjoy it, so I'll keep it in the rotation for the next time hubby is out of town! ;)
Mustard Sauce
1/2 cup Duke's mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 T stoneground mustard (I used the Trader's Joe brand)
Salmon with Bananas & Mustard Sauce
3-4 salmon filets (I used frozen this time, but fresh is always better)Mustard Sauce
1/2 cup Duke's mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 T stoneground mustard (I used the Trader's Joe brand)
- Distribute salmon filets on baking pan lined with parchment paper
- Dot salmon liberally with ripe banana slices
- "Ice" with mustard sauce
- Bake at 425 for 15 minutes
See that caramelization on top? The sugar in the bananas blends with the mustard sauce for a delicious creamy-sweet combo that really compliments the flavor of the salmon!
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Currently: April 2017
Feeling: Refreshed after an enjoyable spring break spent in Georgia with family. The children handled the 11-hour drive well (both ways!) and I got to visit with some folks I haven't seen in a while. And we all seem to be finally recovered from the longest cold/cough ever, AND spring seems to have made its way to Indiana. Win-win-win!
Listening/Watching: Many Beautiful Things documentary about the artist and missionary Lilias Trotter, with music composed by one of my absolute favorite musicians Sleeping at Last. The story of Lilias's life accompanied by gorgeous music is so beautiful to savor and enjoy.
Accomplishing: As much as I can. There's always a catch-up period after vacation, so I'll be doing double-duty (read: late night work hours) to make sure everything gets taken care of. I am so grateful for a job that allows me to have a flexible schedule, and a range of clients that allow for balancing my work load to fit in mini-vacations throughout the year!
Needing: A housekeeper? My carpet and tile floors are a mess and my poor dog still thinks the dining room is the ideal place for midnight mess-making. :( I have a hard time setting aside the necessary hours to really clean/scrub the way I know this place needs aside from quick sweep and mop sessions.... any volunteers?
Planning: Meals with my favorite new app Mealime! It makes meal planning for the week ahead a total breeze, complete with fast, healthy options and a grocery checklist. Plus, a trip to Chicago at the end of this month to see a favorite band, Branches. And summer travel plans for weddings and family reunions!
Listening/Watching: Many Beautiful Things documentary about the artist and missionary Lilias Trotter, with music composed by one of my absolute favorite musicians Sleeping at Last. The story of Lilias's life accompanied by gorgeous music is so beautiful to savor and enjoy.
Accomplishing: As much as I can. There's always a catch-up period after vacation, so I'll be doing double-duty (read: late night work hours) to make sure everything gets taken care of. I am so grateful for a job that allows me to have a flexible schedule, and a range of clients that allow for balancing my work load to fit in mini-vacations throughout the year!
Needing: A housekeeper? My carpet and tile floors are a mess and my poor dog still thinks the dining room is the ideal place for midnight mess-making. :( I have a hard time setting aside the necessary hours to really clean/scrub the way I know this place needs aside from quick sweep and mop sessions.... any volunteers?
Planning: Meals with my favorite new app Mealime! It makes meal planning for the week ahead a total breeze, complete with fast, healthy options and a grocery checklist. Plus, a trip to Chicago at the end of this month to see a favorite band, Branches. And summer travel plans for weddings and family reunions!
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