What's Up...Tuesday!

 

I had every intention of doing a Christmas décor tour today, but I encountered a slight problem with the plan. I’m not done decorating yet. But it’s coming soon. I promise.

            Meanwhile, here are some peeks into what’s up around here these days!

What we’re eating this week:

            GREAT QUESTION!!! The last few days have taken on a bit of a life of their own, so my meal planning kept getting delayed. Last night we had chicken cooked in the skillet and a hodge podge salad made up of raw brussels sprouts, feta, lemon juice, and olive oil. It was quite tasty, actually! But the meal planning and grocery shopping must happen soon or we might be eating a lot of scrambled eggs. (Or not. We’re almost out of eggs, too.)

What I’m reminiscing about:

            Our sweet Braeya Jo. I looked up pictures of last year’s Christmas décor placement so I could recreate part of it. I found a picture of Braeya sleeping under the tree last year, which was one of her favorite things to do always. Seeing her from just a year ago was jarring, because I was able to see how quickly she aged in her end-of-life decline. Oh, sweet girl. She and I shared almost two decades of Christmases, and her stocking is lonely this year. We miss her and have decided to honor her memory this year by keeping her stocking under the tree she loved so much.

What I’m loving:

            Christmas decorations up and cheering up our space! Even though we still have some work to do to complete the project, it all just looks so cozy and nice. I had Bible study last night and when I pulled up in front of the house on my way home, I felt a giddy little sigh escape at the sight of the twinkling lights in the front window! I am also loving the stories that come with each piece of décor we have. The memories, the adventures, the sweetness. I’ll take all of it.

What we’ve been up to:

            Well, Ryan’s been up to learning his new job! He has been at it for almost a month now, and in that time, he’s moved to a new office, worked two full-time jobs, started training his replacement, and tried to do all things well. It has been a lot, but he’s doing it with grace, and I’m so proud of him for how he’s jumped in to tackle so much work with joy and enthusiasm!

            I’ve been in the thick of Christmas design…not just decorating our house, but designing our card and letter, planning for some Christmas-related speaking and writing, and trying to formulate my present plans! It’s been fun for my creative soul.

What I’m dreading:

            Hmmm…What am I dreading? Figuring out what I want to do next with my hair. I have spent the last three years growing it, and it’s longer now than it has been since high school, I think. I love it, and it’s taken a lot of work to get to this point, but it’s also reached blah stage, and I need to figure out what to do with it next. Layers? Cut it? Color? I HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION!!!!

What I’m excited about:

            Celebrating our anniversary. So looking forward to extra time with Ryan. And making so many memories. We have had the BEST anniversary adventures each year, and I’m excited for what is ahead.

What I’m watching/reading:

            We have been watching The Summit and the new Matlock. And we’re still in season one of NCIS. 21 seasons to go! And while I’m not watching this in real time, I talked my friend Pat into watching Little House for the first time, and now he’s in season five, and we talk about every single episode after he watches it. It’s so fun.

What I’m listening to:

            Ryan’s on worship team this month, so I’m mostly listening to those songs each week as he practices, but I’m also spending a TON of time listening to The Truth and to For Those Tears I Died. Those two are on repeat for me quite a bit right now.

What I’m wearing:

            Back to layers, and I am not upset about that. Cardigans and jackets…all the comfort clothing! I’m just over a month away from completing my full year of capsule wardrobe living, and I love it fully. It’s been fun to fall in love with the clothing I own!

What I’m doing this weekend:

            I’m going to a Baby Sprinkle! (If you’re not familiar, it’s like a baby shower, but not as intense. This one has a donut theme and features diapers and wipes for gifts. I’m super excited for it. Ryan is going to help on a project at church, and he’s looking forward to that!

What I’m looking forward to next month:

            Christmas, of course! And our anniversary! And wrapping up this year that has just been all manner of unexpected.

            How about you?