Fun for Friday

Hello, March! It is lovely to see you. I would like to say, if I could, that I've looked at the weather forecast for the next few days, and you seem to have forgotten to bring SPRING with you. Please remedy this. I am actually begging.

We've had quite the week here in Shafferland. I've barely seen Ryan, which is extremely unusual for the two of us. Of all the weeks for Deuce to be here! Ryan is his favorite, and he's not been here for Deuce to stalk. In addition to that, I've been in heavy writing mode for a retreat I'm speaking at in a few weeks, and while the writing has gone very well, it has left me completely exhausted. Hard core writing days are like labor and delivery. The end result is well-worth the time and effort, but it's exhausting in the process.

So I was really excited to see Natasha participate in the What's Up Wednesday blog prompt this week, and I'm showing up a fashionable two days late to turn the prompt into a Fun for Friday. :)

What we're eating this week: We've had some fun new foods this week! (Dashing Dish, of course.) Turkey Quinoa Soup, Low Carb Cheddar and Zucchini Herb Biscuits, Chicken in Lemon Cream Sauce, Roasted Parmesan Summer Squash Chips (that's a freebie recipe!) and Mini Cheddar BBQ Meat Loaves so far! All have been declared keepers!

What I'm reminiscing about: As I mentioned, I'm in writing mode, and if you've ever heard me speak, you know I pepper my talks with a healthy dose of illustrations from my life. So I've been looking back over all the years of my life that I can remember, pulling ideas to help demonstrate my points. And also...there's this gem from circa a long time ago:

What I'm loving: I have to also nod to writing here. I haven't had hard core writing days in a long, long time, because I haven't had time. This is feeding my soul so very much.

What we've been up to: Passing like ships in the night. Workouts, watching Deuce, watching Ryan's mom, meetings, weird work schedules, taxes, childcare...all the busyness and none of the together time. Next week is a new week, right?

What I'm dreading: I have a dentist appointment soon. Need I say more?

What I'm working on: Trying to have a really good attitude. I'll tell you what: when I do have hard core writing days for ministry work, Satan increases his jerkiness. I know this and expect it, but it's been a rough one. This week my heart hasn't particularly longed to share (Ryan, food, sleep, etc.), I don't love winter anymore, and it's been a grand exercise in showing Jesus' love when I'd rather be grumpy.

What I'm excited about: 75 months of marriage TOMORROW! I have tried to reserve Ryan for a couple of hours so we can celebrate what feels to me like a pretty stinkin' huge milestone. And also, with all the prep I've been doing for this upcoming retreat, I have to tell you I'm so excited for that, too. It's a group I spoke to last year, so I'm excited to see the ladies again. But the message God has given me feels powerful and sacred and encouraging. I can't wait to share it!

What I'm watching/reading: I'm reading The White City by Grace Hitchcock. (LOVING THAT.) I'm also still reading through the book of Matthew for my devotions (and Charles Spurgeon's commentary on Matthew as bonus material). I've watched a lot of HGTV and Family Feud in the background this week. I did sit to full-attention-watch Counting On, Bringing Up Bates, Manifest, and New Amsterdam.

What I'm listening to: I've been kind of obsessed with piano music lately, so I've pulled up a lot of it on YouTube while I get ready. Anthony Burger, Kim Collingsworth, Erin Paine...

What I'm wearing: Dog and cat hair, mostly. LOL!! Under that? Yoga pants and t-shirts. Tis the week of writing and working out. Yesterday I did put on a real t-shirt and jeans and makeup. It was kind of revolutionary.

What I'm doing this weekend: Celebrating 75 months of marriage, trying to see more of Ryan, watching Deuce, reading, and maybe, if I'm lucky, some scrapbooking! AND A NAP!!! Bring me a nap!!!

What I'm looking forward to next month: Spring. (PLEASE.) The women's retreat where I'll be speaking. Spring.

What else is new? Nothing. New would be fantastic!

Bonus question: What is your favorite board game to play with your kids? Well, I don't have kids, so that makes it tough. I'm also pretty terrible at games. I think the most recent one I played with kids who came to visit was Hi Ho Cherry-O. I lost. Yes. The preschool game. I lost that game TO a preschooler.