1- I’m ready to end a week not feeling like it was rough . . . I don’t know. February had so much going for it but I have just kind of struggled with everything. And not for any objective reason that I can come up with, either, which is hard because then . . . how do I fix it?! I just have not felt at peace, if that makes any sense. Some of this has been related to watching the kids go through challenges. Some of it has been internal. Some of it is feeling, at times, kind of alone — which also doesn’t make any sense. Lots to reflect on.
2- A has requested we make muffins this weekend. That sounds nice! I need a nice, simple project. Does anyone have a go-to recipe to share? I have done these banana ones before with good success but not entirely sure we will have enough bananas because the kids usually eat them all before they get to muffin readiness . . .
3- Art of Gathering insights: I am reading this for the BOBW Patreon Book Club and there is a LOT to think about in this book, especially since I hosted my own big gathering professionally last year (BLP-Live). I am 2/3 done but already I would say it is a must-read for anyone who hosts events, runs meetings, etc. Honestly I wish I had read it before starting my program director job!
4- I ordered this. I feel like it’s time for me to really dive into creating a book version of the planning methods I teach in BLPA and discuss on BLP. I feel like I have learned so much through the podcast and through running live cohorts about what people need/want out of their planning guidance, and the time just feels right in a way it never did before. I am going to put my energy and focus into a book proposal over the next few months. ADVICE WELCOME!
5- Weekend anticipation: Very much looking forward to this weekend! Neither of us is on call AND it’s a break from soccer games (for C; G still has one, but that is very low key). We have some fun evening plans AND Sunday features C’s bday party, for which we have ordered a video game truck for the third year in a row because this is what he chose.
I don’t mind the consistency because at this point I am an expert video game truck party thrower!
21 Comments
sorry to hear that the week was not stellar… mine either, and I tried to list of things that I’m happy about in a bigger scale of things… zoom out a bit, and that made me feel much better.
you’ve been talking about dealing with kids issues in few issues.. .hope it’s progressing well. Parenting is soooo hard!
I will so buy that future book! Smitten Kitchen’s perfect blueberry muffins are super easy and super delicious.
I’ve made those and love them!!
I agree on the recipe! I was just coming over here to comment on that and saw someone beat me to it.
I will buy that book! Sorry I don’t have any advice on writing it.
We like this recipe: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/18982/our-favorite-easy-blueberry-muffin-recipe/
I’m here for the muffin recipes! 🙂
The Art of Gathering has been on my TBR list for awhile. I think your rec. is the final nudge I need to read it so thank you! Some recent muffin recipes I’ve made that my kids loved are these Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/apple-cinnamon-crumb-muffins/ and these Blueberry Muffins (I reduced the sugar to 1 c. and added lemon zest): https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/2868-jordan-marshs-blueberry-muffins
Yessss I am totes ready to read your book someday!! But I don’t have any advice, either.
I haven’t made them but the Smitten Kitchen blueberry muffins sounds amazing (your library might have her cookbooks if it’s not in her website).
I scoop out a couple of plain muffins, then divide the remaining batter to make some chocolate chip and some blueberry. A quarter cup measure is perfect for a standard muffin pan.
Would love to read your book ! Have a fun weekend.
I’ve been feeling a little bit out of sorts as well. I just feel like a ping pong ball that is being bounced around from one thing to another. I like being busy but this level of business at work doesn’t feel sustainable… I have a shouldless day on Thursday which I am very much looking forward to. Now I just need to stay strong and stay off work email…
3 of 3 kids gobbled up these black bean muffins (in lieu of the rest of the meal on their plates, but whatever) so I’ll be making it again! https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/gluten-free-flourless-black-bean-brownie-muffins/
Yesss you’re going to write that book 💪💪
This was my same response!!
Also…want to throw my hat in the ring for a beta reader! 🙂 I did Laura’s basketball fiction novel. I read a ton and I’m kind but tough with my criticism.
Yay for the book proposal. I’m excited for you!
I don’t have a specific muffin recipe to recommend, but the recipes on Sally’s Baking Addiction are always reliable and delicious.
So, January was a hard month, February has been bumpy- let’s just skip right ahead to March! I know it is VERY hard to see your kids go through hard things- and you’ve got three of them, so the odds of them all being happy at the same time are probably slim. Have a great weekend, and I want to hear about this birthday party! It sounds awesome.
I’m so sorry the week felt like a struggle. Hopefully the weekend gives you some respite.
A friend of mine made these muffins and I ate one at her house and immediately needed the recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/apple-cinnamon-crumb-muffins/
love this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019523-whole-grain-banana-yogurt-muffins i use it when i have some leftover banans but not enough for banana bread. we substitute some of the whole wheat for white flour, reduce the sugar a bit, and add chocolate chips.
Very excited about the announcement! Would love love love to read your book!
In reading your post today I was taken back to when my kids were young- they are now 37 and 33! I remember feeling stressed and distracted when they were struggling in any way – it was always helpful for me to connect with other parents as it helped me to gain perspective. That being said there is an old saying “ you are only as happy as your least happy child “. In 37 years of being a mother I have found this to be very true. You always have them on your mind – Being a mother is a tough job sometimes!