March

As anticipated, March seemed to just fly by. The first three months of this year have definitely not been anything like the slow, dreary days of winter that we've experienced in years' past. This month gave us two good breaks from school: two days off at the beginning for parent/teacher conferences, and then a week for spring break at the end (which we enjoyed with Matthew's parents and sister). The boys did a session of swimming lessons and continued with Brother Lignell's karate classes. We had many nice sunny days and made it to the park several times. There was a primary Easter egg hunt, a ward potluck and pinewood derby, and a stake Relief Society dinner.

Matthew has kept busy building a new 3D printer and trying to get his CNC machine up and running properly, as well as working on building the shed. He's had Elder's Quorum responsibilities and his group of friends started a new D&D campaign.

I threw a baby shower, hosted a potluck lunch, registered the kids for school next year, and participated in my first 5K. I also made lots and lots of Macarons, and even did some quilting. Matthew built a shelf for my bolted fabric and used the CNC to cut out a hook to hang my thread. The sewing room is definitely my happy place.

Mission Prep:
Again, I didn't keep exact track of how many days I exercised, but I made a more concerted and therefore more successful effort to get outside every day for at least a walk, if not a run. The 5K ended up being much easier than I anticipated and I believe I owe a part of that to my regular training. Matthew and I have been trying out intermittent fasting as a part of our regular diet, which is working out really well for him and moderately well for me. I like the way I feel energy wise, and it certainly helps me eat less on the whole, but my headaches have been more frequent, so I can't do it every day. I'm sad to admit that I did not make temple attendance a priority this month and didn't make it at all. Unfortunately, the temple is closed until May for extended maintenance so it'll be two months that I miss. I'd like to try and add some time each week for family history as part of my temple worship, but I know myself and understand that I can only have so much at the top of my priority list. Learning how to most effectively use my time is a life long pursuit I believe. 

Meals:
Pork chops and potatoes
Breakfast burritos
Take out fried chicken
Sous vide steak and homemade french fries
Homemade macaroni and cheese with asparagus
Butternut squash and brown butter pasta
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Scrambled eggs
Coconut aji amarillo chicken (curry)
Sous vide BBQ chicken
Japanese curry
Waffles and bacon
Chicken noodle soup
Corned beef and cabage
Sausage and bean burritos
Reuben sandwiches
Beef and broccoli stir fry
Pancakes and sausage
Carrot soup and chicken fingers
Green chicken chili
Chicken tikka masala
Milanesa sandwiches
Pulled Pork and coleslaw
Black bean salad