The What I've Been Up to Edition

I've started two blog posts in the last few weeks with every intention of writing here in this space weekly once The Masterpiece Mom blog and podcast got off the ground over Mother's Day weekend. Obviously that hasn't happened. But I'm still here enjoying summer in all its glory with my family, and am happy to connect again with you lovely readers.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new site, or listen to the podcast (on the blog, iTunes, or the Stitcher Radio app), I'd invite you to do so! (Shameless plug.) We've been floored that people are actually listening. After all, who are all these people? Either way, it's oh-so-fun. God has been so, so good to us.

If you're interested, here's what I've written lately:
Missing Out or Missing the Point?
Dear Mom Who's Struggling to Forgive Her Child
When You Wonder If Your Work is Worth It

And here's a link to the latest episode of The Masterpiece Mom podcast:
Episode 5 - Mothering Myths: Part 2 of 5 

Would you be willing to help us get the word out? Thank you!

Well, since I hadn't planned to come on here and say anything too profound (after all it is past midnight), I did want to give you a little peek into my life as we head into a new season.

Here's what I've been up to and into lately:

1.  Decaf earl grey tea with half and half is my new favorite at-home comfort drink. I never realized how yummy earl grey could be. It sounded so plain, and well, grey. I just didn't know it was orange-y and rich and perfect. Add some sweetener if you must and enjoy.

P.S. Starbucks makes an amazing earl grey tea latte. Oh, the foam!

2.  I get teary and want to go through labor, delivery, and welcoming a newborn again every time I watch an episode of Call the Midwife. But then I remember how pregnancy hated me last time, and then uh, I have 8 children who are keeping me so busy I can hardly keep my head on straight. Plus, I'd still need to raise said child and be all postpartum again. So I'll just be thankful that I can experience those feelings all over again each time I watch Call the Midwife. And then I'll just wait for some grandbabies to come along in like 10+ years, right? Right. That feels really soon.

3.  I LOVE podcasting. It's much faster to brainstorm, outline, and record an episode than writing a blog post will ever be. Plus, working with a dear friend on it all is a major bonus.

4.  The amazing all-night daylight during the summer months here enlivens my spirit. It's easier to get out of bed in the morning, but also easier to stay up way too late because it feels too early to turn in.

5.  A couple weeks ago, we completed our 9th year of homeschooling. And honestly? I didn't even feel like celebrating. I felt like I needed a three-month long nap to recover from it all. Jeremy and I are brainstorming and making plans for how next year can be a different kind of wow. I think we're onto something. But for now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy this summer with all of its opportunities to serve God, my family and friends, and all of you.

What have you been into or up to lately?