What's Up Wednesday

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
Leftovers!  The fridge is out of control after this weekend.  We also have stuff for Chicken Parmesan, French Dips, Homemade Pizza, & a Charcuterie Board.

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
Last weekend -- it was so good!

3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
The sunshine -- last week was so gloomy! :(

   4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
Getting outside as much as possible -- boating, cruising, & pulling weeds.

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:
Nothing really. 

6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
Refinishing a bookshelf for the guestroom. 

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:

I started working out with a group of girls this morning.  We do it outside by the lake, so it's kind of fun.  Well, the socializing part at least. ;)

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:

I haven't watched anything lately, but I have read so many books.  Here are the last three... The Hiding Place, The Royal We, and Sunset Beach

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Audiobooks -- the perfect way to make the time pass while pulling weeds!

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:
These shorts & these tanks

  11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
Not much. Lola turns three, Adam's bang plays Saturday night, & church on Sunday morning.

 12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
All the summer things!

It’s WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
I'm back to working in the office again. 

What's Up Wednesday

I'm linking up today with Sheaffer and Shay for What's Up Wednesday.  

What We're Eating This Week...

I was doing so good with cooking and meal prep when this all started.  By this point I'm really over cooking!  

Breakfast - I usually make chocolate chip muffins early in the week and then eggs each morning after the muffins have run out.  

Lunch - quesadillas, dinner leftovers, muffin tray lunches, pizza pinwheels, etc.

Dinner - Steak & potatoes, Chicken Parmesean, Lobster pasta, fresh fish & rice, pizza, porkchops & potatoes, and popcorn & shakes {anyone else do this on Sundays?}

What I'm Reminiscing About...

Graduation parties, weddings, softball, I guess I miss all the things May usually brings. 

What I'm Loving...

Audiobooks!  And TypingClub.com for the kids.  Most of all, reading Harry Potter as a family before bed.  Oh, and online church!

What We've Been Up To...

 Lots of movie nights, game nights, playing outside, walks, bike rides, playing with chalk on the driveway, basketball, shuffleboard, book reading, Bible study time, and remembering all we have to be thankful for.  Oh, and cooking, so much cooking.  Why do we have to eat three times a day?!  haha!

What I'm Dreading...

I'm not sure "dreading" is the right word for this, but I met some new neighbors just yesterday and we didn't shake hands or anything like that but we said that whole, "We would shake your hand, BUT..." thing to each other.  I know things have to change for a while in order for us all to be safe but I dread the idea of a world that's still afraid to shake a new neighbors' hand or hug someone years later.

What I'm Working On...

Our school is officially closed until next year so I'm playing teacher on top of working my normal job, but after that I'm filling in these commitment-free evenings with home projects and photobooks.  I have one photobook left to do {2013}, and I'm waiting on the electric to be moved so we can then do the back splash in the kitchen.  Once I'm caught up on photobooks I'm going to start digital organization.  I have a mess of files and images on 5 different laptops and 7 different external hard drives -- ugh!

What I'm Excited About...

I'm just excited for summer.   Longer days so we can ride bikes, swim, have picnics, go fishing, enjoy campfires, outdoor movies, etc.

What I'm Watching/Reading...

Like the rest of the world, Adam and I gave in and watched Tiger King {not worth it!}  I'm reading The Sound of Gravel right now.  I just finished One Plus One and plan to read Open Book next.

What I'm Listening To...

Kids, non stop!
& the wind -- it's soo windy today!

What I'm Wearing...

I am so proud of myself, I haven't bought once piece of clothing for myself since the beginning of the year {I think!}.  If not January, it's been at least since February.  That being said, this lockdown has allowed me to wear my favorite leggings every.single.day {to be clear, I do own several pair!}  Right now I'm wearing them with this a gray camo aerie sweatshirt that must be discontinued.   

What I'm Doing This Weekend...

Since Adam and I were supposed to be at the Kentucky Derby this weekend, I'm going to try to convince him to dress up and sip Derby cocktails on the deck this weekend.  It's supposed to be sunny and 78*, so why not?

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month...Well May Day is always a favorite for me, and social distancing hasn't ruined that, so I'm excited to make May Day baskets with the kids and Ding-Dong-Ditch some friends. :)

2014 | 2016

What's Up Wednesday

What We're Eating This Week...

I have no idea because Adam has been cooking again -- whoop whoop!  This is a major upside to him being home!

What I'm Reminiscing About...

Life in general.  I've been working on photobooks, so I feel like I've been reliving the past few years -- bittersweet. 

What I'm Loving...

All of the extra family time!!

What We've Been Up To...

Organizing, cleaning, gaming, painting, purging, playing teacher, snuggling as a family.

What I'm Dreading...

How long this dreaded COVID-19 will continue.  Adam was laid off on Tuesday.

What I'm Working On...

Painting the kitchen cabinets -- it's so exciting to see this finally happening!  I've been dreaming about it for almost 2 years!

What I'm Excited About...

Teaching the kids how to type {properly}, we're working on cooking, and then we're going to move onto addressing a letter.

What I'm Watching/Reading...

I've been listening to audio books while painting, so I just finished In Pieces, When Life Gives You Lululemons, Castle of Water, The Perfect Couple, & Grace Not Perfection. 

We've been watching a kids movie about every other night.  I do not recommend My Life As a Zucchini or Wall-E {snooze!}  But we've enjoyed Iron Will and Big Hero 6 this past week.

What I'm Listening To...

Alexa, 'play Elevation Worship on Pandora'

What I'm Wearing...

The best leggings ever, this top, these shoes, & my apple watch.

What I'm Doing This Weekend...

Continuing to paint the kitchen cabinets and a bunch of games and movies with the kids & Adam.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month...

Cullyn's 7th birthday & Easter.  Maybe even coming out of quarantine? 

What's Up Wednesday

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
M: Chicken Bacon Ranch + Steamed Veggies
T: Enchiladas @ Burger Night {Thanks Brooke!!}
W: French Onion Sliders + Green Beans
Th: Pork Chops + Potatoes
F: Out!
S/S: Grilling!

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:Our trip to the Ice Castle last weekend.
I hope to post about it tomorrow.

3: WHAT I’M LOVING:The warm weather last Sunday {60!} & anticipation of warm weather this weekend!

4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:Soaking up the last of the winter fun {skiing, ice skating, ice castles, etc.}

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:Photobooks -- I am sooooo behind! :(

6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:Painting the AV closet & trying to find wallpaper for the elevator project, sigh. 

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:My sister found out she's having a boy!!  & Spring is coming!

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:Watching - The Pharmacist {I didn't know it was a series when we started it!}
Reading - The Other Woman

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:Marc Broussard, JJ Gray, & Amos Lee

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:These leggings {always & forever!} and this top 

11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:Date night, possibly drinks with friends, J has a birthday party, taking the kids skiing, shooting a few photos for my sisters company, & church

12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:Dare I say starting our kitchen cupboard project??

13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:Jordyn is starting girl scouts -- I finally caved! Because we totally need one more thing on our schedule...

This & That

Did this:
Alll the after school activities
Wallpapered my bathroom{!!}
Read 'Winter in Paradise' & 'What Happens in Paradise' by Elin Hilderbrand {now I have to wait for book 3!} But a super fun series and we've vacationed to the little islands she refers to in the books!
Had my car break down on the side of the highway -- sigh
Paid $500 to fix the car -- ugh!
Spent much of the weekend working in preparation for meetings last evening.
Survived an ice/snowstorm
Learned how to run the snow blower -- & only fell on the ice twice
Let the kids have a big sleepover {6 plus our 2}

Instagrammed {@MurdocksMamaBlog} that:

I'm hoping to do this:Finish putting my Christmas bins away
Create a photobook from our Jamaica vacation
Take the kids ice skating {now that we finally have ice

Scheduled that:

T: This & That 
W: Life Lately
T: Day in the Life

F: Friday Favorites

What's Up Wednesday

My first What's Up Wednesday ever, so here goes..

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

Summer!

3: WHAT I’M LOVING:

Meal planning, a tidy home, & more time downtime - I love January!

4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:

All the fixing, cleaning, & purging around the house!

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:

Friday and Saturday -- we're laying an amazing man to rest and I'm just not sure my heart can take it. 

6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:

Uploading photos to Shutterfly so I can make some photobooks -- I am sooooo behind! :(

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:

My sister is coming home next weekend {!!!} & I'm hosting a get-together with a few of my friends tomorrow night!

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:

Admittedly, I'm not reading much because I told myself I can't pick up another book {except in the car} until I get caught up on editing {sigh!}  We however have been watching several movies lately -- Jack Reacher, The Tillman Story, and Taking Chance plus all of these.

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

The new JT & Stapleton song -- on repeat!

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:

I'm really trying to wear more of the clothes I already have {and part with the things I've just been storing for years!} but I'm wearing these leggings on repeat!

11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

We have the funeral, a work event, church, and hopefully taking the kids skiing.

12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

My sister coming home, hosting my other sisters baby showers, the daddy daughter dance, our final Christmas party!

13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:

We're listing our house for sale!

Bonus question this month: What is your favorite soup recipe?

WHITE CHEDDAR PALE ALE POTATO SOUP

Ingredients: 

2 tablespoons salted butter1 yellow onion - finely chopped1 clove of garlic minced

7 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small bite sized pieces

1 pound of cooked hamburger

1 cup your favorite ale beer {Blue Moon}

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded {Aged White Cheddar}

1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

1 cup whole milk

4 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper to taste

Step One: Begin by sautéing the beef & onions, with two tablespoons of butter in a sizzling Dutch oven. Cook them until the hamburger is crispy and the onions are translucent, beginning to caramelize.

Step Two: Add the garlic and herbs, sautéing them with the beef for a minute or so, stirring the entire time to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step Three: Add the chicken broth to the pot, and toss in the potatoes. You can salt the broth at this point, but make sure to taste before you do. Boil your potatoes in the broth for thirty minutes or until they are fork tender.

Step Four: While your potatoes are boiling, make the cheese sauce in a different saucepot. Simmer the ale, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and cheese on low-medium temp, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is all melted.

Step Five: Once the cheese is melted, puree the sauce using an immersion blender until it starts to froth. Once blended, pour the cheese sauce into the Dutch oven and stir.

Step Six: Once the potatoes are tender, ladle out one cup or so of soup broth into a mason jar. Add the flour, screw on the lid, and shake the jar until the flour/broth mixture thickens. Pour the thickened broth back into the Dutch oven, and stir. 

Step Seven: Using your immersion blender again, blend roughly half of your finished potato soup. This step is completely customizable. The more you blend, the thicker and creamier your soup will be. Serve with warm buttered bread.

This & That :: 4

Did this:
Regular week -- dance class, band practice, cooking class, work, school, gym, etc.
Watched Mya & Ava play basketball
Celebrated Peyton's birthday
Took the kids to SING

Instagrammed that:

Scheduled this:

M: This & That 

T: January Family Date

W: Our Kids 4|52 

T: Lil Chefs

F: A Photo

This & That :: 3

Did this:
Jordyn had a follow up at the ENT -- another follow up in 1 month :(
Went skiing with friends 
Got an ice storm
Had a sleepover with the Joynts

Instagrammed that:

Scheduled this:

M: This & That 

T: Snowman

W: Our Kids 3|52 

T: Ice Storm 2017

F: A Photo

This & That :: 2

Did this:
Jordyn started art class and cooking class this week
We volunteered at church
I 'decorated' for Valentine's Day
Went to lunch with Cullyn and a friend
Watched our niece's varsity basketball game
Had our youngest niece and nephew play at the lakehouse for the day

Instagrammed that:

Scheduled this:

M: This & That 

T: Jordyn's Surgery

W: Our Kids 2|52 

T: 

F: A Photo

This & That :: 1

Did this:
Celebrated Christmas!
Went on a double date with Adam's sister and husband
Left the kids with my parents for a few days
Tried Plus39 in downtown Des Moines
Took down the Christmas decor and organized the house
Supervised my dad and Adam as they ran electrical & mounted a TV in our room
Put together a storage unit for our room
Rang in the New Year!
Ate Hurts Donuts with my family {thanks sis!}
Watched Sully with Adam and Storks with the kids
Let Cullyn sit with me in church instead of going to kids' church
Lounged around a LOT!

Instagrammed that:

Scheduled this:

M: This & That 

T: 2016 Recap

W: Our Kids 1|52 

T: January Goals

F: A Photo 

This & That {w.2}

TWO nights this week I've been up all night, unable to sleep.  Any {natural} suggestions to help?  Besides lavendar oil/bath.  Also, I'm headed out to buy some melatonin to see if that helps.  For those of you that really know me, you know this is completely uncharted territory for me. :(

Did this:
Got a dumping of snow!
Brutally cold temps--lots of cuddling at home!
Grandpa had a total knee replacement
Made casseroles for two friends that lost loved one  this week. :(
Girls shopping day with my MIL, May {niece}, & Jordy on Saturday to look for a formal dress
Pizza picnic & sleepover with Vanessa {niece} on Friday night
Rearranged & organized the condo a bit on Saturday
Science center with friends on Sunday w/ football/games afterwards

Instagrammed that:

Edited this:

Shot that:

SOOTC -- Makeovers…everyday!

Scheduled this:

S: 2014 Recap
M: This & That

T: Christmas 2014

W: My Kids 2/52

T: The Lakehouse [3 years in]

F: A Photo::Nace Wedding