Another one from the academy of sciences.

Today kept feeling like Sunday. I’m glad it isn’t. And it was a relatively productive day. I did my layout, finished my book and when Nathaniel woke up from his nap:

we went out to lunch to this French cafe we discovered that we love. We then went shopping for some of the items we needed to stock up on and as Jake and the kids were unloading, I snapped these photos.

David helps his Dad by carrying the grocery bags to the kitchen.

And Nathaniel likes to just hang out by the door when it’s open.

My sweet boy. Love him and those blue eyes.

It was David’s Wii day so he played while Nathaniel played with his toys.

And I practiced more and more of my crochet. Getting better at it. Still got a loooong way to go.

I had a hair appointment today but my stylist got sick and had to reschedule, then I made an appointment for a pedicure only to show up and find out they were closing. I had to reschedule that. too. It was one of those kinds of days. Now the kids are playing in David’s room while I sit with them and type this up.

My plans after they go to bed are to write my third lesson for the upcoming Big Picture Scrapbooking class. I want to get most of the content down this weekend so that I can perfect and tune the class in the time left. Let’s see.

I’ve already started the next book: East of Eden. It’s 1450 pages on my reader. Ugh…. but I’m told it’s really good.

So some writing, some reading, some June planning, choosing the photo for tomorrow’s layout, and then bed for me tonight.

Note to Self:
I’ve learned that, for me, doing an activity for at least 30 minutes is necessary. It takes me that long to get in the groove. In programming, we generally call this being in the zone. It’s one the reasons meetings are evil (amongst many others) because it takes a while to get into the zone and then you perform at your highest when you’re there until you feel like you rode it all the way through. For me, this applies to doing scrapbook pages or art. It applies to writing. That’s why I plan and then sit and write the whole lesson in one shot. It works much better for me when I have the flow. It also applies to reading. I get into a book much more after I’ve focused on it for over 30 minutes. (so 10 pages a night might eventually help me finish a book but I don’t really ever get into it that way.) It even applies to learning something new. When I’ve been crocheting for over 35 minutes, I am much better at it and at picking up new things than I am if I do 10 minutes a day. So this means that I need to set aside at least an hour per activity to really do well and get enjoyment out of it. Good to know.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. A delicious lunch (goat cheese, salad, and pesto panini), on a beautiful day, with my wonderful family.
2. Finishing my book. I really loved it. Rare for me to love a short-story collection this much.
3. The sense of calm and peace I am feeling. I am thankful for that, I am not taking it for granted.

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I’m grateful for the Wii-time.
2. Going out for lunch.

From the Academy of Sciences. I am a bit obsessed with butterflies.

I love watching Nathaniel and David, especially Nathaniel being so curious and getting in David’s business. So far, David’s quite kind with him.

And there’s much rejoicing when Daddy comes home.

Especially from this one.

And then tickling and laughing.

And more hugging and love. It makes my heart swell.

May 27 already? Another ok day but I can’t remember much of it. I am so tired most of the day. Some emails, a bunch of work, taking care of the kids, and poof the day is done. Tonight I hope to read some and work on my BPS class some, the deadline is coming fast.

Note to Self:
A bunch of great links for you (and me) today. Talks that are definitely worth your time. Elizabeth Gilbert and Simon Sinek on how leaders inspire action via Kelly Rae Roberts.

And this movie about the surprising truth of what motivates us is also awesome.

All of them are worth your time. And food for thought and soul.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful some great videos I watched that inspired me and made me think (see above.)
2. Grateful to find some awesome, simple crochet videos, been looking for those for a while now.
3. Grateful for this feeling of peace and self-content I have had lately. It makes me happy.

Two Things David’s Grateful For:
1. Daddy baby he’s so loving his daddy!
2. sticker book we bought at the store while mommy was getting crochet needles cause she couldn’t find the ones she bought before despite searching for hours.