Weekend Coffee Share....Come Sit with Me

It's another week of Weekend Coffee Share. I always love everyone's posts. Are you like me and try to visit everyone? 

If we were having coffee we'd probably talk about:

The Weather: Rain is in the forecast and while it's not my favorite, we really need it. So, I won't complain. I don't mind it when I can be cozy in my house, but when I have to be out and about, uggh! The leaves are starting to turn and fall from the trees. 

What we're thinking about: I'm thinking about what needs to be done in the next week house wise. I've been in a funk physically, mentally and emotionally the last week and with my back bothering me it's been hard to be motivated or get good sleep. I realize I need to shift my perspective and get myself back on track. I'm also thinking about our upcoming vacation to Central Oregon. So excited. 

I'm also thinking about all these new mandates in our state. I completely agree that the virus is real, BUT I think many things are being taken too far as far as mandates, etc. I'm so tired of how divisive everyone is, tired of how everyone treats anyone who thinks differently. I suppose I shouldn't say everyone, but many! That's all I'll say.  

What we're thankful for: My hubby and how well he has managed our finances through our whole marriage. We started out using Larry Burkett's system and then moved on to Dave Ramsey. It has helped us so much throughout the years. I'm thankful he taught our girls well, and they're on a great track for their lives. Of course we haven't done everything perfectly but that's okay, no one really ever does. I used to joke that people probably thought we made more than we really did because of how we managed our finances. 

What we're reading: I'm well into my books that I shared about last week and really enjoying them. I also received an ebook to read for review so I'll try to start that. Someone gave me a copy of the Magnolia magazine and I love it. I love how thoughtful the articles are. Each one has something that made me go "oh, that's good". For example, when talking about hanging things in a frame this thought was shared, "I wonder if sometimes our best memories or deepest experiences can feel so intimate that we keep them tucked away instead of celebrating their existence"....so many more thoughts like that. I'm tempted to subscribe to it. 

Around the House: Things are moving. Bathroom tile is getting closer to being done. Grout is done on what tile is finished. Hubby brought home more samples of tile for backsplash. Granite countertops will be delivered Saturday. We are painting this weekend in the current part of the house. It has to be done by Tuesday because floors will be installed mid-week. Cabinet doors and drawers will also be delivered next week.

Above are two of our 3 slabs of granite. We went to the warehouse where they will be cut (the equipment and process is fascinating...I was watching them do a few things while we waited to meet with the guy who will install ours). The top one will be our island. The bottom one will be the other kitchen counters. The X-d out parts are where sink and cooktops will be. The other slab that I didn't have a photo of will be bathroom counters. With whatever we have left, we might make some outdoor tables. You pay good money for your granite slabs so you want to make the best use of it. 

We also had gravel delivered (ignore our horribly dead grass). That will be spread out this weekend to make way for the wrap around porch. 

I'm loving how these niches turned out (for shampoo, soap, etc). 

Floors are almost all done...I can't wait to see this room all done. 

I wish I could have all of you over when this part of the house is all done. Anyone live in SW Washington...Haha!

From the kitchen: Well, the kitchen is still in a bit of a state of chaos, but I did make some cookies and a few meals on the grill. I haven't tried any new recipes, but I'm making my grocery list tonight so we'll see what I come up with...However, we are painting this weekend and floors get installed next week soooo maybe I won't be doing many new meals. 

What we're learning, understanding, realizing: A friend of mine recently was on a vacation through some beautiful states and state parks. I LOVED seeing all his photos. Another friend is in France on this awesome walking trek. How cool! Another friend is doing some home renovations and I love seeing her updates. This got me thinking about how it is much more enjoyable to celebrate with people when they post to their social media rather than allow envy, or jealousy to take root. It reminded me of an article I read a few years back about the phrase "must be nice". How easy it is to say those words when someone is experiencing something that we aren't and maybe never will. Do I sometimes get a little envious? Sure, who doesn't, but we don't have to live there. 

Favorite quote of the week: From my Writers Quote Wednesday Writing challenge on communication:

What we've listened to: I just haven't been able to focus on listening to podcasts though I've just saved a few to listen to at some point. I like listening to Ed Mylett and he recently did an interview with two Navy seals (one of whom killed Osama Bin Laden), that sounded interesting. Music has been my thing, it just helps my perspective, encourages me, it is powerful for me. My playlists are always so eclectic with almost every genre. Lately I have loved this song: 

Favorite photo of the week:

My mother in law is the absolute best. My own mom passed away 17 years ago and I am so blessed to have this amazing lady in my life. She came up Wednesday while I was babysitting and we walked to the end of the road to see the horses. Indy calls us Nonni Nancy (my MIL) and Nonni Kiki (me).

He loves this "head flashlight" we have and these binoculars. Oh, and he had a flashlight in his other hand. These came with us to see the horses and we all took turns wearing them. LOVE the imagination of children. 

Randomness: This weekend my daughter and son in law are having a "house look-see"....not really a house warming, but they purchased a 1925 home and did some remodeling. Many people were asking about it so they set a window of time aside for people to come see what they had done and visit. I'm making a few appetizers. 

Check out all the other posts on Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. I'm off to go visit some now. #weekendcoffeeshare

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin