Quiet

I've been pretty quiet in this space.  Our lives have been packed full recently.  I have also been in the midst of a big writing push, and I'm happy to say that I sent a large chunk of my dissertation to my advisor on Friday.  The writing is extremely gratifying but also exhausting, and I'm finding it a struggle to motivate myself to write more on this blog.

That's okay.  I'm in a place of acceptance, and I know that this is just a season, one that will soon pass.  If I'm a bit quiet during this time, it's quite alright.  I can fully return when my final chapter is signed, sealed, and delivered~!

In the meantime, here's a glimpse into our lives lately:

• We had a lovely Mother's day weekend.  My boys spoiled me a bit with the most wonderful breakfast.  I had told Andrew that all I wanted was to go on a wildflower hike, and we found the most beautiful, tucked away spot.  The flowers were AAAAAMAZING!  My expectations were completely blown away.  I'm still cataloguing them, but we saw at least 15 different kinds.  Below is a collage of some of them.  I'm pretty sure this hike is destined to become a spring tradition!

• I also got this Shark vacuum for Mother's day, and I'm thrilled.  It's ridiculous how well this thing cleans.  I could not believe what it pulled from my sofa and rugs on the first round.  I had to empty the canister three times, which is scary considering that I'm a clean freak!  It was strangely gross and satisfying at the same time.  I did tons of research and this one had excellent reviews.  Many of the reviews said that it was better than a Dyson.  Dyson's have always intrigued me, but I just can't justify that price.  If I'm going to spend that much $$$ on a vacuum, it should vacuum for me!  

• In my last posts, I referred to our sewer project.  Well...that project turned into a bit of a nightmare.  Here's a picture of our front yard after stage 1.  Stage 2 then required that we bust open our concrete floor in our basement and dig a trench.  So...we are in the midst of repairing our finished basement.  The whole ordeal was one expensive fiasco, but unfortunately, a necessary one.  I'm actually looking forward to having our basement updated a bit. I'm also hoping that this all pays off when it comes time to sell our house!  Needless to say, we also have some landscaping to do....

I had to drink a margarita after this....

• Andrew and I celebrated our 4th anniversary last week.  We've made it a tradition to stick to the traditional wedding gifts, which keeps it interesting.  This year's gift was flowers and fruit.  Andrew gave me this most beautiful bouquet of fragrant flowers.  It smells divine!  He also surprised me with this glass pane with pressed flowers in it! I was having a hard time getting a good picture of it because of the glare, but it's just beautiful!   I made him a batch of chocolate covered fruit :-)

• Our Memorial Day turned into a bit of a bust because our little guy was sick with some kind of virus.  The poor thing.  I swear there isn't anything worse than seeing your child not feeling well.  On the upside, we got lots of rest and our basement is nearing completion.  
• I'm loving these warm days that I get to spend with this little guy.  We have been maximizing our time outside and loving every minute of it!

xoxo

Lately

Life has been full lately. 

Last week was my spring break so Liam and I spent a few days visiting with my parents. We came home and then I packed my bags and headed to Pittsburgh to present at the NARST conference.  I do enjoy going to conferences, but at this point, I'm kind of tired of travelling. I have no plans to get on a plane anytime soon and that is fine by me!

Here is a little random peak into life around here lately.

• I finally have a pretty solid outline for my dissertation so I'm in full writing mode.  Now I just need to find some precious time to put my nose to the grind.  My goal is to be finished with a draft by Labor day (I can't believe I'm actually telling that to the world....it kind of makes me want to hyperventilate....) 

• We are busy planning our summer concert season. (Yes... I did just talk about needing to find time to write my dissertation and now I'm talking about going to concerts.  It's all about balance right?!)  We have tickets to see Ray LaMontagne and the John Butler Trio, two of my very favorite musicians!  We also have tickets to this festival, which will likely be the highlight of the summer.  

We are considering this festival, but I need to see how my writing goes before I commit.  Hopefully this can be a reward for finishing a couple chapters!

• Here's Liam with his little buddy Cecelia. After the longest winter ever, we are seriously enjoying being able to play outside again.  

• Speaking of my little guy, he is keeping me on my toes these days and starting to challenge me a bit.  But he's also talking up a storm and just being all around awesome.  Here he is playing his "big boy" guitar with his new guitar strap.  This kid just can't get enough music.  About two days ago, he started making up little tunes along with words.  It kind of melts my heart.....

• Speaking of the longest winter ever...this winter wrecked havoc on my skin.  I've never had dry skin like I had this year.  In a moment of desperation, I tried this oil and it was like a miracle.  It's now one of my skincare essentials.  I never in my life thought I would be putting oil on my face but this stuff is uh-mazing!  My skin has never looked better.  I use it morning and night.  It is pricey, but a little goes a long way.  I might actually go so far as to say that this is the best skin care product I've ever used.  For real. 

• I'm SO ready for it to warm up so I can start wearing warm weather clothes. Anyone else totally over your winter wardrobe?! I'm ready for sundresses, skirts, and sandals.  I recently discovered the store Altar'd State and it's totally up my alley.  It's very similar to Anthropologie but not as expensive.  I picked up this shirt on sale, and I love it.

•  At the end of last year, we were hit with a couple of costly car repairs.  So at the start of the year, we revisited our budget and started using a cash system (I plan to write a post about this).  I have been so impressed by the changes that have resulted in our spending and how much more intentional we are with our money.  I'm completely sold on this approach!  

•  I'm gearing up for a weekend away with some of my girlfriends.  We are heading out on a girls' backpacking trip.  I can't wait to spend some quality with my soul sisters and also be in the woods for a couple of days!  Fun stuff!

xoxo

Bringing home a little bit of France

While I was in France, I was particularly impressed with the some of the ways the French seem to just enjoy life. 

I was also smitten with their approach to food as well as their style. 

Here are some of my favorites:

• Their coffee was amazing.  Every afternoon, we enjoyed a cup of espresso.  I've never had espresso like this in the United States.  It was so rich and smooth and really makes me want to get an espresso machine.

 

• Their food was delicious.  Honestly, we did not have a bad meal, and I  really love their focus on eating fresh.  Their streets are lined with bakeries, produce stands, butchers, and cheese shops.  They shop almost daily and prepare their meals with all fresh ingredients. The food is rich, but the portions are reasonable.  They definitely prefer quality over quantity. 

 

 

• Have I talked about the chocolate?  Yum.  I had chocolate mousse for dessert multiple times.  So so good.  I may have come home with a slight chocolate addiction and have since been enjoying some good, dark chocolate on a daily basis. 

 

• I loved just sitting in the cafes that line the streets and people watching.  Something that was very noticeable was the lack of technology in these cafes.  I never saw anyone on their cell phone during a meal, or even while having coffee.  From what I understand, they really value being present when they are with other people.  It was refreshing and makes me realize just how plugged in we Americans are. 

• Paris is known for it's fashion.  And now I know why.   I never knew you could tie a scarf in so many different ways.  And I saw some amazing handbags. Everyone looks fashionable, but in a very natural way.  It's like they aren't even trying.  I definitely came home inspired.  

 

 

• Perhaps most inspiring was the fact that the Parisians just seemed to enjoy their leisure time.  In the late afternoons and evenings, the cafes were packed.  They really seem to prioritize taking some time to relax during their day.  Since I've been home, I find myself taking the time to enjoy an afternoon cup of tea.  I also have been working more from cafes rather than just sitting in my office. I've noticed that even these simple, small things can make a big difference in how I feel.  Even just a few moments of leisurely, intentional time can go a long way.

 

I continue to hold onto a little bit of Paris. The trip was a good reminder to focus a little more on enjoying the present, soaking up the good things in life, each and every day.

Lately

I think I've finally recovered from my trip to Dallas last weekend!  I'm not even going to bother to write a post about the whole fiasco because it's just not worth the energy, but let's just say I came home exhausted!  

The conference itself was awesome.  Getting stranded and having to deal with American Airlines was not so awesome.  My flights kept getting cancelled, and I spent many, many hours on the phone trying to get re-booked.

But alas, I made it home safely!  

Life has been a whirlwind so here's a little update:

• My semester has officially ended!  It was a great semester teaching.  I got wonderful feedback from my students.  I did not, however, make nearly as much progress on my dissertation as I had hoped.  That means its time to refocus and re-prioritize.  2014 is my year to finish!

• While I was away, my boys surprised me and put up our Christmas tree.  You have no idea how sweet it was to come home to those twinkling lights. I was so exhausted from being up all night and seeing the tree nearly brought me to tears.  It was so sweet. Liam is completely obsessed with the Christmas tree by the way.  Every morning, the first thing he does is ask me to turn on the lights!

• I love looking at our tree and seeing ornaments from my childhood.  Growing up, we were given a special ornament each year.  There are so many happy, special memories tied to each of those ornaments.  I have continued the tradition with Liam.  This year, his ornament is a Cozy Coupe.  It's fitting considering how many hours he spent in his this summer.  

• Speaking of holiday decorations, I look at this holiday house tour and this one, and I'm completely inspired.  This year, however, it's just not in the cards.  This year, we kept it super simple with just our little tree and a few other decorations. Perhaps one day, when I'm no longer a graduate student, I'll have the time and energy to really do it up!  

• I just started reading this book.  I was a vegetarian for several years into my mid-twenties. Recently, I've felt an inclination to return to the lifestyle. I do, however, enjoy eating meat. And my husband is definitely a meat eater.  I think this might be the perfect compromise for us.  The book is full of really insightful nutritional information.  I consider myself pretty informed in this area but he's touched on several things I didn't know.

• I have also recently started doing yoga again.  I am using this DVD, which I love!  Since this past summer, I have had lower back pain, on and off.  I decided to take a break from my high impact, cardio workouts and do something more gentle, in hopes that the lower back pain will go away.  I have always enjoyed yoga and have read that it's one of the best ways to combat back pain.  In terms of yoga though, I only really like it when it's challenging.  I still want to feel like I'm exercising!  Ashtanga is a more rigorous form of yoga and I am definitely challenged.  Already I feel stronger and more flexible.  It's kind of remarkable.

• Liam is totally into Christmas this year.  I'm not sure he really understands what is going on, but he talks about Santa a lot!  I just got him a few books to help him understand what Christmas is really about.  This book is my favorite.  I cannot get over how much I love this story....which talks about the trees, the animals and the stars all rejoicing over the coming of  Jesus.  Truly, a beautiful story.

• I am currently drinking this hot chocolate.  So good!  Have I ever talked about my love of mint combined with chocolate?  I can't get enough.

• Which is why I plan to make these brownies to take to my family's holiday gathering.  I hope they are as good as they look!

• And speaking of Trader Joe's, have you ever had Cookie & Cocoa Swirl?  Whoa.  I don't think I should be allowed to buy this stuff again because somehow, I just end up eating it straight out of the jar!

• Andrew and I just finished watching Under the Dome.  I wasn't sold on it at first, but now I'm hooked.  The series was renewed for a second season, which means that the final episode totally left us hanging.  I hate it when they do that!

• We are happily gearing up for the holidays!  We'll be gone more than a week travelling to various locations to be with our families.  My grades are done.  Our gifts are wrapped.  And I'm truly looking forward to spending some quality time with the people we love~!

Lately

Things have been pretty busy around here lately.  What's new right?  It seems to be a common theme this time of year.

Our fall has been hectic.  I'm actually grateful for the time change and the fact that we don't have much planned in the coming weeks.  I'm also really looking forward to the holidays this year.  In the meantime though, here's what we've been up to.

• It rained on Halloween, but we did get a chance to take Liam out for a bit.  This was his first trick-or-treating experience.  It was pretty cute.  He caught on pretty quickly.  Here he is with his friend Cecelia.  He's a dinosaur and she's dressed as Angelina Ballerina.  They are such buddies.  

• Last week I submitted an application for a dissertation fellowship through my university.  I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I'm really really hoping I get it.  Fingers crossed!  It would allow me to focus solely on my dissertation, which would be really helpful in terms of completion.  As much as I love teaching, it just takes up so much of my time!  I should know in about a month so please send some positive vibes!

•  I can also now share the news that I'm going to Paris in February to present at a conference.  It's been in the works for awhile, but now it's official!  I've never been to Europe so I'm super excited about this opportunity! I can't wait to see this beauty.

 

Source

• Andrew and I went backpacking this weekend in southern, Illinois.  It was such a beautiful fall weekend.  We could not have asked for better weather.  The trip was amazing and deserves its own post but for now, here's a sneak peak.

 

Happy November!  I'm headed home this weekend with Liam to visit my parents for a few days.  Andrew is going to stay home and replace our bathroom ceiling that was damaged from a leak.  I'm pretty sure I'm getting the better end of that deal! 

xoxo

Lately

I'm a list person.  I love to make lists, and I love to check things off my list!

So today, I'll be sharing a list of some random happenings and things going through my head.

Life is busy and hectic these days,  and as much as I love blogging, I just can't seem to find much time for it.

So here's what's been going on in our world lately....

•  I am teaching two undergraduate education courses this semester.  I love it.  I'm pretty sure I was born to teach.  But it's a lot of work, and I'm struggling to find some balance.

• I need to start analyzing my dissertation data but haven't been able to find the time because of teaching. Hopefully, I can get started this week!

• Being a mom of a toddler is awesome and fun, but it's also exhausting.  On the days I'm home with him, I should spend the evenings writing or grading, but instead, I can barely summon the energy to sit on the couch.  I could really use a few more hours in my day....

• Speaking of the toddler, here he is wearing his super hero mask.  He's starting to get into costumes, super powers, and playing pretend. Full on cuteness!

 

• To help me unwind a bit, Andrew sent me out on Friday night to hear some music with friends.  Here's a picture of me and my besties.  The four of us go way back and this picture reminds me of the days when we were all footloose and fancy free!  What a super fun night.

 

• The return of pumpkin spice flavors makes me oh so happy.  Seriously, sometimes it's the one treat that gets me through the day. Now if only the weather would cool off enough to pull out the boots!  I'm definitely ready for fall.

• I am training to run this race again this year, 10 miles through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.  I work best with a goal, and the runs are a good way to manage some of my stress right now.  Win-win.

•  Have you seen the new Pottery Barn catalog?  Wow. Wow. Wow.  I'm loving the rustic, natural style.  I have pinned many images on Pinterest as inspiration for my future home.  It is totally normal to spend time thinking about your future home when needing to write a dissertation right?! 

•  Looking forward to the return of Parenthood next week!  It's one of my favorite shows and it's moved to Thursday nights, which means it will be a nice treat when I get home from teaching.

Have a wonderful week!
 xoxo

Busy busy

We have had a very busy couple of weeks!  Here is what we've been up to around here:

• I recently traveled to Washington DC for a quick trip to visit the National Science Foundation.  It was a whirlwind trip, but I came away with such invaluable knowledge about the grant writing process.  I may be writing a grant proposal with my PhD adviser this summer, so this experience could be rather helpful.

• I then traveled to Nashville, TN to meet up with my roommates from college for a girls' weekend.  I'll be writing more on that soon!  Here's a sneak peek:

• I submitted my dissertation proposal to my committee on Tuesday.  I have been living and breathing this proposal for the past six weeks so it feels really good to have it done.  I honestly can't believe I met the deadline.  It seemed so crazy when I first started, but somehow, I managed it.  It ended up being 85 pages long and included 97 references.  The craziest part?  I read most of those 97 references during the last six weeks while writing.  I'm pretty sure my brain is maxed out for awhile.  I have to defend it on May 13th.  Then, hopefully, I'll be free to start collecting my data.  In any case, it feels good to step away from the reading and writing for a bit!

• During this busy time, Andrew has taken on the bulk of the parenting duties.  I'm so grateful for his support.  I must say, I was really starting to miss Liam while I was gone.  It reminds me, once again, how blessed I am to be able to stay home with him part-time.  Today was my first day at home with him in a week, and it was such a treat. We spent most of the day playing.  I just love days like that!  Sometimes the simplest things are truly the most precious.

• Liam has learned how to count.  Here's a fun video of him counting to 10.  Of course I think he's a total genius!

Things should be settling down for awhile, and I am definitely welcoming the break.

I'll be back with more soon!

xoxo

Lately...

The new year started off slowly but things are starting to pick up.  Here is what we've been up to lately...

I'm in love with Downton Abbey.  We rented seasons 1 and 2 over our winter break and finished just in time to catch the start of season 3.  Now, my Sunday nights are reserved for this delightful show.  I'm a huge fan of period shows.  I'm a sucker for the costumes.  

Liam and I watch this video multiple times a day.  We love it, and he does this cute thing where he drums his hands in the air and makes the sign for "stronger".  I can't get enough of it.

My sister-in-law gave me this candle for Christmas.  It has this amazing sweet, woody smell. I burn it every evening.

I starting shredding again last week.  After months of running, I wanted to give my knees a break and mix things up a bit.  When I did the 30 Day Shred in June, I lost 9.5 inches in 30 days! This definitely works, but you have to do it every day.  But its only 27 minutes which makes it completely doable.  We are going to Florida for a week next month so I'm using that as motivation!

I have also been juicing in an attempt to keep us healthy this winter season.  I usually throw an apple, an orange, half a cucumber, two cups of spinach, some ginger, and flax seed into a blender.  Sometimes I add a banana.  This mixture will last me a couple of days, giving two large glasses full.  I think it's delicious, and the best part is that Liam likes it too.  Now, if only I could get my husband on board.....

This is Liam's favorite book and has been for awhile.  We read this book every night before bedtime.  It's a beautiful book with a beautiful message.  

I just finished reading this book.  It's got some powerful messages about the food choices that we make.  It's not a diet book but more of an exploration into the emotional and spiritual side of eating.  I wouldn't say it was transformational, but I have marked several passages that resonate with me.  One of my favorite quotes reads, "Spiritual hunger can never be solved on the physical level."

I usually drink chamomile tea in the evenings, but I recently discovered this.  It's a nice alternative.  It tastes good, and I love that it's loose leaf.

Liam and I attended story time at our library for the first time last week.  Liam loved it, and I enjoyed chatting with the other moms.  This is definitely going to become a regular part of our week.  I'm finding that as he gets older, we need to get out of the house more and this is an excellent morning outing.

This week I'm back to school, which means that we are getting back into some semblance of a routine.  As much as I love having a break, I also love having a little structure in my life!

What about you?  What have you been up to lately?