I completely realize that February is a short month, but even with the extra day, it’s really flown by this year. I blinked and now we have March starting. Honestly, it’s been a tiring month with many activities. But we have had a lot of fun, too. Apart from spring break coming up, I think our March will be a bit more low key. Well, here is to hoping, anyway! Here is our life lately February 2024 and what we have been up to.
Books I’ve Read
- Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson– Ernie attends a family reunion at a ski resort. But there is a twist. Everyone in his family has killed someone. I really enjoyed this and how the narrator breaks the 4th wall. It really kept me guessing until the end! 4/5
- Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman- Private detective Nils Shapiro is tasked to solve a woman’s murder. The catch? She was found covered with dust from hundreds of vacuum cleaner bags emptied on her body. Nils is down on his luck, but he moments of impressive intelligence. It would be a good character to follow throughout a series. 4.5/5
- The Fireground by Dervla McTiernan– Flynn is her younger sister, Kaia’s guardian. After going on a camping trip, she goes missing during a wildfire. Flynn enlists the help of Noah to help find out what really happened. Honestly parts of this story felt a bit thrown together. I think McTiernan’s other books were better written with a more thought-out plot. 3/5
- The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton-Evelyn Hardcastle will die every day until Aiden can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest at Blackheath Manor. I really enjoyed this style of murder mystery where the narrator is technically the same person, but has a different perspective each day. It kept me on my toes guessing the entire time. 4/5
Products I’ve Tried 
- OMG pretzels– These are so flavorful! We really enjoy all of the different flavors as a snack or with soups or sandwiches. It’s really hard to pick a favorite, but I really liked the Sweet and Spicy. These would be amazing on a charcuterie board or in a gift basket.
- HiBirdie window feeder- This feeder is so neat and easy to put together. It’s designed so that the birds practically come into your home to eat. I don’t have it up right now because of the cold, but in a couple of months I plan to put it in an upstairs window. The girls will love it (and probably the cat, too).
Recipes I’ve Made
- Lemon Herb Pasta– The lemon flavor added a lightness to this dish. I added in some artichoke and chicken, too. It was good.
- Red Velvet Brownies– These were delicious! I made a double batch and we are all glad I did.
- Ted Lasso Biscuits– The entire family raved about these. They are so tasty and not even hard to make.
- High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese– This is so good! Although I dialed back the spice for Avie, I added it right back in for my portion. Matt and I fought over the leftovers.
- Hawaiian Bread Cinnamon Rolls– I think Matt spotted this recipe and Claire made it. These are really good and so fast and easy.
- Chickles – These are cheesy pickles. Basically you melt shredded cheese then wrap it around a pickle. They are a fun appetizer, especially if you are a pickle fan.
Currently
- Loving- I finished watching Lessons in Chemistry and Only Murders in the Building. Both were amazing series and I loved them! I recommend them both!
- Looking forward to– Anyone else anticipating Bridgerton’s new season?! It can’t get here soon enough!
- Planning– It’s a long story and it’s been a long road, but we are finally planning to get some faux beams installed in our sunroom. Fingers crossed we are able to get it scheduled and it goes well!
- Wearing- The weather has been so warm this week the girls were in shorts for a couple of days. I know it won’t last, but we enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather while we had it.
- Eating- We have been eating all the Girl Scout cookies since we purchased from both girls. Yum!
- Family update
-
- Avie- Avie just wrapped up an enrichment course offered by the school called Game Club. She absolutely loved it. Avie just finished earning the last of her Daisy petals in Girl Scouts. Now we move on to what is called a Journey.
yes I’m making that face on purpose! haha!
-
- Claire- Claire wrapped up her second Delta swim season with to PRs. Now she is enjoying some well-deserved time off before starting soccer in April. We like to play the Harry Potter quiz every day on Alexa. This month Claire is excited to have our highest rank yet! Avie and I joined Claire at a cookie decorating class. It was so fun!
-
- Me- I’m enjoying some time off of carpool now! I helped out both Girl Scout troops by planning a joint meeting where each group earned some badges. It was a fun evening! Claire was able to read a book to the group and did a great job.
- Matt- Matt is done with his walking cast. Yay! Matt and I joined a group of friends at an indoor driving range. We also got to try out a new burger place. He had a lot of fun and I’m sure he will be back.
FEBRUARY GOALS
- Apply for Illinois license– I have started the process and mailed in my documents yesterday. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!
- Be more consistent with weight lifting- As much as possible. I lifted at least once a week and twice a week most weeks.
- Wash the couch and stool cushions– Washed and refreshed!
- Register for camps?– In between it all I’ve tried to look into some that work with summer swim team, but haven’t yet. Hopefully I can find something that works.
March Goals
- Plan out a summer schedule– It helps to see everything written out.
- Set tentative plan for summer vacation- I’d like to get some dates down for when we can go on a family vacation.
- Register for a 5K in March or April- I haven’t raced since early December. I have a half marathon in late April so I’d like to do another 5K before then.
- Schedule a haircut– Last time I got it cut was maybe August? It’s time!
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
