Link Loves (January 22) and Word for the Year

I love the links from the Finer Things this week!

Specifically:

-the one talking about the National Debt (I'm Canadian, but we could still learn something from this article)

-the one talking about living small (This goes with my goal to organize, declutter, and simplify my home this year)

-the one about training your children (or how to be a lazy housewife) (Of course, if I wanted to follow this one, I would need to have 3 more kids, which could take quite a while...)

Also, tomorrow is National Pie day (not to be confused with pi day which is in March) and Life as Mom has quite a few pie-baking tips and recipes.

I'm hoping to make an Apple Pie, and maybe a Chicken Pot Pie (except I'll use turkey).

I should probably make a Lemon Meringue Pie too, for my sister's birthday, but I'll probably make it from a mix, not from scratch. (I know that it's cheating, but I'll be at my parents, and I'd rather not bake all day)

Other things I've been reading this week:

-I love the concept of making a different crochet block every week and then sewing them together into an afghan when I’ve got enough.

-These are the cutest Apple, Pear and Strawberry coasters! I know a few teachers I’d love to make these for.

-In the spirit of helping me get organized, I’d love to make a day planner like this one.

-This year I’m turning 25 (I’ve been trying to forget about that). I guess I should make a list of 25 things to do before I’m 25. Check out Tabitha's list.

I almost forgot! The Hubby and I have decided on our word for the year. We really want to live on purpose instead of coasting through. For that reason, we've decided that 2011 is going to be all about living intentionally. Our first intentional act this week was to redo our budget so that we could see where our money has been going, and where we are going to put it. Our priorities in life are the things we put the most time and money into. We as a family want our priorities to be clearly identified, so we're trying to clear out the clutter from our home, from our bodies, and from our minds.

This will be an amazing year of growth and changes, and we're all excited for where God brings us. I hope you all have an amazing weekend! We're headed to visit my sister for her birthday!

until next time,

~A

Daybook: October 12

Outside my window...

trucks driving on the 401, street lights shining the only light. a peaceful night.

I am thinking...

tomorrow is my dad's birthday. does he know how much I love him?

I am thankful for...

so many blessings I can't name them all.

From the kitchen...

soft-shell tacos for dinner, and a few cakes in the works for the babes that are soon to be born...

I am wearing...

cozy pjs.

I am creating...

royal icing decorations for the long list of cakes I'm hoping to make. also I've got probably 5 baby blankets on the go...

I am going...

to start 2 new classes this week! Looking forward to advanced baking, but I'm not so sure about vegetarian fusion...

I am reading...

Think Like a Chef, by Tom Colicchio

I am hoping...

that I can come up with a fun meal for our (Swedish) guests coming for dinner tomorrow night

I am hearing...

sleepy breathing from the wonderful man next to me who takes care of my when I'm sick

Around the house...

dishes are done, fresh roses are in a vase, bathroom is clean, leftovers are away... the place is almost ready for company tomorrow night.

One of my favorite things...

baking cakes and bread! Hopefully in lab tomorrow I get pulled for one of those jobs!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
reorganizing my tool boxes, writing my essay for class, and helping out at the Y by partnering with students who are learning how to cook!

Here is a picture reflecting what I'm thinking...

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.

Daybook: Monday August 23

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...

cool night air after a wonderful rainy day.

I am thinking...
I'm so glad tonight that we have only one little monkey... 4 is a lot of monkeys, and a lot of mess...

I am thankful for...

having my little boy back after he spent a week at grandma and grumpa's

From the kitchen...

we had breakfast for supper tonight: yummy whole wheat chocolate chip pancakes and breakfast sausages! And the picky children we fed actually enjoyed the pancakes!! However Hubs and I are starving, so here comes a reheated pizza creation from work...

I am wearing...

comfy jeans and my warm red sweater.

I am creating...

a menu plan that will actually be possible to complete.

I am going...

to bed soon. Midnight shift plus a day full of activities makes one very incoherent mama...

I am reading...

"House Works" by Cynthia Townley Ewer of OrganizedHome.com

I am hoping...

that my hands will start to feel better and the eczema will go away in time for school (which starts in 15 days!!)

I am hearing...

random alien words from a video game called "Spore" that the Hubs is playing.

Around the house...

the fans are going, the baby is sleeping, and the Hubs and I are once again in our own separate screened-in bubbles

One of my favorite things...

Disney movies that have jokes specifically for adults! Looking forward to re-watching "Enchanted"

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Seeing my mama friends on Wednesday...I've missed them for the past few weeks. Also I need to attack the Shaggy Dog that is my head...preferably before I start school.

Here is a picture reflecting what I'm thinking...

I love you little man. Welcome back, and I'm so glad you have a name for me now. it was a long time in coming, but your mama has to smile every time you call my name...

-A.