Connection Time!!!

 I'm doing some serious procrastinating right now.  The to-do list is outrageously long. . . except I haven't made one.  I should.  There's a lot going on right now around here and throw in a quick beach trip and family pictures (when we get home) is enough to motivate me to get things done.

This week, we have been so busy with spontaneous play dates with friends, sweet friends dropping by and some shopping.  Plus, it's perfectly spring.  Overcast mornings and breezy afternoons are enough to send us all outside.  We just love it! 

During Spring Break, we headed up the mountain in search of snow.  We've been getting a lot of rain lately, so we new we should be able to find some.  The snow was crunchy and it made quite the slippery sled ride, but we had a blast!  We only had to go about an hour from home.  I seriously live in the best place. . . snow and beach so close!  I am a serious California girl!

Has your Target gone Mario Kart crazy?  Mine has and I kind of wished I had the kids with me to race around the store in our "Mario Karts."  ha ha!  It might be a good idea that I was alone!  Also, how creative are they that they made the game start sounds when you walk through the doors.  My favorite part!  (side note:  I am NOOOO good at video games! But no matter how bad I am, Mario Kart is my favorite!).

I love avacado toast and I love a good runny egg, so when my friend Jenna posted what she did with the new everything bagel spice mix from Trader Joes, I knew I had to make it.  Seriously.  It's amazing!  I've eaten it twice this week for my lunch.  So satisfying and delicious!  And super easy! 
Here's what you need (bread toasted (I used sourdough), 1/2 avacado (smooshed into the bread), a sprinkle of salt, fried egg over easy, everything bagel topping. 
Make it.  You will thank me.  I'll pass it on to Jenna!

Sunday Nights are my favorite.  The kids go to bed a smidge early, the hubby grabs take out, and we watch a movie together.  We've been doing this for over a year and it's the best.  We get kid free time without having to pay for a babysitter.  We try not to work on projects (sometimes it happens), because we want this time to be focused on just hanging out and spending time with each other.  It is so hard to get date night's as parents and while we are so blessed with parents who love to watch our kids, we wanted to make this a weekly time that is set aside for just each other.  This past Sunday, I made a quick batch of carrot cake for two.  Seriously.  Amazing. Probably good that it makes 2 perfect servings and there's no leftovers, because carrot cake is probably my top cake choice!  I'm drooling just thinking about it! 

I've been doing some reading and I finished Bread and Wine, by Shauna Neiquist.  I got my copy from the library and had to take it back yesterday.  I was so sad.  It's filled with tons of delicious sounding recipes and so I think that I need to buy myself a copy.  Plus, she said some pretty profound things about food, life, community, and hospitality.  My favorite thing is probably not most people's but, I loved when she talked about using her friends (and husband's) food allergies as a way to challenge her in the kitchen.  She talks a lot about showing her friends love while making sure they are comfortable and have food to eat.  It spoke to my heart in so many ways! 

On Sunday, I just laid around the house reading.  At one point my oldest came and joined me and it was the best.  Really.  When your kids get old enough to sit and read chapter books on the couch next to you, it really is the best!  Then I think about how is growing up and I am just like "make it stop!"  He is growing into such a kind and loving kid that just takes life by storm.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for him! 

Each month, I try to do a Connection Time post where I just share my heart and what's going on in my life.  I want this blog to be a place where you come and feel encouraged and feel like you are connecting somewhere.  I love to hear from you and hear what kinds of things you are doing around your neck of the woods.  So, grab a cup of coffee or your favorite drink and join me for some coffee time. 

Outside my window there is a gentle breeze blowing, which is a welcome addition to our day because it's been really muggy today.  That and a gentle breeze is way better than crazy wind blowing and knocking baby plums off the tree! 

I am thinking of how much I need to get done and how to do it quickly.  And also, if I should make a cup of coffee to make it through the afternoon.  I've hit that point in the day where I think I need a nap.  grr. 

From the kitchen not much is happening right now.  I attempted some gluten free muffins this weekend that looked fantastic in cyber space!  I bought all the ingredients, baked them, and they were beautiful.  They tasted great.  I just could not get past the texture.  It was weird and wet and almost slimy.  So, I made these.  They are probably no where near as healthy as the gluten free, sugar free, dairy free ones I attempted, but they always make my tummy so happy! 

I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  Super comfy today.  I am working on getting laundry done for a quick trip to the beach and family pictures on Saturday.  I am trying so hard to not shop for myself and just shop from my closet.  That's hard when there are so many cute things out right now!

I am creating stuff for Teacher Appreciation Week next week.  That's kind of where my brain is right now.  I will be posting stuff all week on instagram if you need inspiration to spoil your child's teacher.  Also, if you use any of my printables, use the hashtag: #outoftherightbrainblog  on your post so we can see what you are doing!  I love to see what you all do!

I am going crazy. No. Not really.  I am headed to the beach for a mini vacation and by vacation I mean KID FREE!  It's just for one night, but me, my hubby and the beach are going to be having a wonderful 24 hours! 

I am reading absolutely nothing right now.  I am waiting for a book to come in the mail and then I will start on that.  If it doesn't come, I will grab a fiction book from my stash and devour that while listening to the ocean waves. 

I am hearing kids playing. Trying to ignore the occasional argument, but it's so hard when they are in the room next door. 

Around the House things are everywhere.  That sign that says "excuse my mess, my kids are making memories" would be the perfect way to describe my house.  Perler beads and quixel projects are on the counters, coloring books and colored pencils are on the coffee table and dining room table, and legos. . . well, those are just about everywhere.  Dishes need to be loaded in the dishwasher and bags need to be packed.  Oh, and laundry.  There are currently piles of laundry in two rooms and I am going to do it all tonight.  Wish me luck!

One of my favorite things hmmm.  This one took me a minute, but I honestly think it's that book Bread and Wine.  I just loved it and was so encouraged by it!  Go read it! 

A few plans for the week beach, pictures, and prep teacher appreciation.  I think that covers it for now.

Now, it's your turn.  Go ahead and pick one, two, or as many as you want and comment in the comments, on Facebook, or instagram.  Let's connect and have a conversation! 

Outside my window
I am thinking
From the kitchen
I am wearing
I am creating
I am going
I am reading
I am hoping
I am hearing
Around the House
One of my favorite things
A few plans for the week
What I am listening to