I’m linking up with What’s Up Wednesday to share all about our January! It has felt like the L O N G E S T month ever, but it has been full to the brim with so many good things!
What We Are Eating This Week
I’ve been on a roll in a lot of areas of my life, but cooking is not one of them. I’m in the worst cooking slump! We are all tired of the things that we normally never get tired of. I’m craving the things that no one else likes. I don’t know what anyone else is craving. So….I have no idea what I’m cooking this week. If I had my choice, I would probably make grilled cheese and soup every other day.
What I’m Loving
I can’t believe I’m saying this…but I’m loving basketball season! I never played basketball growing up, so I have been learning right along with my kids as they practice and play in their games. Having kids who are growing up is seriously SO fun.
I think basketball has been saving my life a little bit this winter because it has kept me from just sitting around being winter-depressed in my house. It keeps me hopping! Both of my bigger kids have had losing seasons and it is SO TOUGH to watch, but I’m beyond proud of both of them and their teams for getting out there each week and giving it their absolute all. And the little two are sideline champs (bless Ori for this miraculous sideline nap that he took!)
What I’m Not Loving
My exercise routine is currently non-existent. The mistake I made was leaving my treadmill out in the barn and then we got a huge snow and now I can’t get the treadmill into the house. So I haven’t run in weeks. Which is bad. Because I’m supposed to be currently training for a half marathon in May.
What We Have Been Up To
We’ve been staying cozy at home! We have already had two snow days this year (and I only teach two days a week, so that is a whole week off) and have gotten a lot of snow and even more FRIGID temps.
We have kept up our Wednesday hiking streak! Some of these hikes have been in real feel of zero degrees, so I am REALLY proud of us for getting out there!
We have had school days (we made snow ice cream!) and homeschool days (these are tough in January/February- just ask any homeschooler). We have done hair and the kids put together a little spa for me one afternoon. My ladies are laying lots of eggs, and my free-range egg are now cheaper than the store bought ones. Too bad my demand is bigger than my supply! We had a penguin come from the zoo and visit us at school! And I’ve been enjoying all my new January planners and notebooks 🙂
What I’m Reading
January 2025 has been one of my best reading months ever. I have read SO MANY good books. I also put together and hosted my first book club and it was amazing! How to Winter has literally changed my life! And How to Read a Book is probably in my top 5 favorite books of ALL TIME!
What I’m Listening To
I lost my AirPods for like a week and I was so aimless with my listening! Ha! Thankfully, Kiah found them and I am able to listen to podcasts while driving or doing dishes again. Phew. Here are some episodes I have really enjoyed lately:
If you don’t listen to The Newsworthy, do yourself a favor and subscribe! I love her quick and unbiased daily news recaps. I find I usually know what’s going on in the world just from listening to this. So helpful and not overwhelming!
I was so interested in this episode from Culture Apothecary. I was practically screaming at my phone because I wanted a seat at the table for this discussion. I have STRONG opinions on education in the US, and I feel rage when people claim that homeschooling is the *best* answer for *everyone*. It is an amazing way to educate, and I literally teach at a school that is built around supporting homeschooling, but it’s not for everyone. This episode was actually totally pro-homeschooling, so I wished I could hop in to add a more balanced perspective. I’ve also just really been enjoying the podcast as whole.
What I’m Wearing
I’m all about the big, warm and cozy clothes right now.
What I’ve Blogged About This Month
Day in the Life of a Law Enforcement Officer (you guys loved/were fascinated by this one!)
My Top Tip for Saving Time on Chores
That’s all for now! Next month is already filling up with so many good things. I view February as the last month of winter since by March we will be ramping up the homestead and getting our piglets, lambs, breeding the bunnies for some spring babies, and getting the incubator set up to hatch some chicks!