Paris in Love

Our apartment has been overrun with contents from the storage area that are in transition while we do some work on the shelving. Since signing another year at 6511, I feel really excited to treat the storage room like it's mine. Today, Tripp and I have both felt down in the dumps as we glance around and maneuver between the piles of stuff and laundry. Yes, we made the mistake of tackling our 4 foot dirty laundry pile in the same weekend as the storage dilemma. 

All this to say, I've started an audio book while cleaning and it's inspiring a new idea. I love, love a memoir. Or really, I love, love a memoir about a woman and her life that is both lighthearted and rich. Two of my absolute favorites are written by Jeanette Walls, Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses. The stories are so wild (within my definition of wild yet wholesome) and tell the poignant transitions of their lives so well, I cannot forget the details.

I'm thinking my new idea may be to start a memoir of some sort. Maybe even one that I write my whole life. If I had something like that from my great aunt or grandmother, I think I'd treasure it and hang on to that bit of timeless identity for all the beauty that God poured through her. This blog temps me to seize my inner writer and note all of life in the Grant house. I'm thinking I'd like to find some kind of computer program that functions like a personal blog with stories and photos that could be printed out or something... TBD. Know of anything?

Ah! And the audio book I'm 'reading' is called Paris in Love. I was going to put a shout out to it on facebook and then came to find that the author is famous for her romance novels. I did NOT want to be linked to promoting any kind of romance novel reading, yuck. Still, this book is so lovely and fun - I feel like I'm washing dishes in my Parisian kitchen. 

Many Hats

This morning, David is not feeling well and sleeping through church, so I'm going to take the time to wrap up Give Them Grace. Made my bed to fight the temptation to cozy up and sleep in it. I would recommend this book to any parent wants to reorient their parenting ideals with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Though feeling badly since about Tuesday, David has worn many hats around the house. I think it's his playfulness that keeps me thinking, 'I don't need to take you to the doctor, do I?'. Poor kid definitely needs to see a doctor asap tomorrow. The pics are a little blurry due to iphone + wiggly child.

David's Pirate persona is 'Choops' and he's
currently responsible for wiping down the deck

Training for the Nashville Predators

An oldie, but a goodie, David loves this visor
and hosts secret games of poker in his
room with the stuffed players

This is his 'goofy' look, wearing Tripp's hat
and stacking blocks (which is an activity of
intense focus and therefore he drools, hence
the bib)

Whoops, July where did you go?!

I can't believe this coming week is the last of July! I guess the first few weeks were all holiday and retreat, and ever since I've been workin' my tail off to catch up on life and work. In good news, I got to meet a new potential freelance client here in Chicago this week! It was neat to spruce up my portfolio and share the pieces I'm most proud of with a new audience.

So, here's my July desktop. No guessing game this time, and to be honest, I just change it out with June. I'm going to be much more punctual with August!

Turning over a new leaf, settling into mom and freelancer now and the routines needed to accomplish the must-do's of every day. They look something like this (in no particular order unfortunately yet):

1. Read the bible and pray for God's mercy on myself and family today. How the heck else do I think I can accomplish anything else?! (Moms and busy people I have a few great ideas on how to transform your morning routines into devotional-esque conversations with the Lord. He is near and hears you no matter what time you woke up or where you're meeting Him. Glory to God and thank you RPCC friend Iva for your straight talk.)

2. Feed, clothe and play with David.

3. Email everyone asap. Catch up on any RPCC women's ministry action items.

4. Knock out freelance work, keeping time on toggle.

5. Dinner?! What to do?! Take David for a walk to Devon Market and whip something together that could yield leftovers.

6. Freestyle and sporadic cleaning.



7. Read a chapter from Give Them Grace, which Tripp got me for my birthday and I really, really love reading. Best paraphrasing of creation, the fall, and salvation of man.



What kinds of things are on your daily must-do's? Any tips as to how you do them?