Currently

Reading // Bug and I are currently reading Charlotte's Web by E.B White together. I read out loud as she plays with the toys in her room and I show her pictures whenever they come along. She gets super excited whenever I "Oink" for Wilbur and she loves Templeton's squeak. Alone, I am reading "No More Perfect Moms" by Jill Savage. I got it for Christmas and I have to say it is amazing. "The Perfection Infection attacks when we compare our insides to others' outsides. No More Perfect Moms speaks to the root and reality of the insecurities mothers feel ..." That is what it says on the back cover and so far I am in awe. I struggle deeply with not only trying to measure myself up to another mother, but I strive for perfection and this book is really hitting home and making me find freedom from the disappointments of life through God. I highly recommend this book. I am also reading the chapter one (Boost Energy) of the Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin for my Happiness series. There is still a lot of time if you would like to join me in reading this book and finding the happiness in the now. 

Feeling Thankful // for the extra time that I have to spend with my husband. Last year's school schedule was crazy, and this semester has a lighter load, and for that, I am so appreciative. I love how happy Bug gets when she see's her father and I love it when the two of them play together. She can make him laugh so easily and he can make her dance so quickly with his guitar. I love our family outings together. 

Watching // Bug play by herself is the absolute cutest thing I will ever see. Tonight, for example, she did not want me to join in with her at all, she just stared at me whenever I tried to join her in the fun. So I stopped and let her resume with whatever she was doing and it was adorable. She is beginning to use her imagination. Her favourite thing to do is "drink tea" out of her plastic mugs by tipping her head back and making the satisfactory noise we all make after drinking. She whispers stories to her Lambie and Hedwig (or Awwoll as she calls him) who live on her couch, she plays with her doll and puts her in the stroller and pushes her around. And then she laughs, she tips her head back and she laughs as if its the funniest thing happen to her. Then she looks towards me to see if I am laughing. And of course, by this point, I always am. 

Anticipating // spring! I want spring to come so bad. I also have plans to visit the country side in the next couple of weeks, so I am looking forward to that as well. 

Listening To // the sound of the snow melting. It has been dripping all day and I love that sound. The air smells like spring and the drip-drip-drip warms my heart. I love days these kinds of days. Spring is coming.

Working On // I am working on cleaning out my closet! ah! Part of the Happiness Project this month is to organize/toss/restore and I got the (brilliant) idea of going through ALL of my clothes. My body and my style have changed so much since having Bug and I am ready to get rid of the pieces of clothes that I will NEVER wear or that don't fit right anymore. I am ready to get rid of the old and in with the new. I have always had a hard time with shopping and figuring out my style. Usually I end up buying a lot of cheaper items that I think looks good, but then when it comes to making up an outfit, I get stuck. I would rather a closet that has a few good quality staples with a few fun accessories to make the outfit unique. I want getting dressed in the morning to be fun, easy, comfortable and perhaps a little on the elegant style. 

Loving // the fact that my home is getting organized and put together in a way that I feel so cozy, and comfortable, and homey. It is amazing how a little bit of winter cleaning, getting rid of junk that we just don't need or use really relaxes me. I feel as if everything is simpler, cleaner, and better. I love it. I really don't know why, but I really enjoy getting rid of clutter and cleaning out closets (mentioned above) and just getting rid of stuff. I really do. 

Eating // My husband and I are in the process of trying to eat healthier and cleaner meals. Clean meal planning, drinking more water, giving up the majority of sugar. We have both been lacking in energy and the first thing we wanted to do was clean up our diets. It has been a bumpy ride so far, and I am still craving the sweets, but I have noticed a slight increase in my energy. 

Making // different choices for my life. I am trying to get up earlier, eat clean, drink more water, work out regularly, go outside more often, spend time reading and crafting, spending more time with Bug and my husband, unplugging. Choices of change, choices that make me happy, choices that make me healthy. 

Dreaming About // the next time we will be able to snowshoeing! Finally, finally, I have found a winter sport that I like! I went for the first time the other day and it was a blast. At first, I was worried because I was getting cold (and I hate being cold) and I was worried that I was going to hate it. But as we started walking and I started looking around at the beautiful, winter scene around me, I fell in love. I am so excited to go back out there and I hope that we make plans to do so soon. 

Knitting // ....... I am still working on a Christmas present! AH! I know it is so horrible. I don't know why its taking me so long. Actually, I do. I am a perfectionist and I am going so slow so that its perfect. Bah. Does anyone want to knit with me? 

Drinking // water. I am never drinking enough water and I find that late at night my body is so thirsty that I chug glasses and glasses of water to try and play "catch up." If anyone of you have any tricks or tips as to how to get the proper amount of water intake during the day (making it fun or how to remember), I would love to hear them. 

Wishing // I really wish that I could multiply myself into a herd of hard working, creative Emily's so that I can get all of the tasks, creations, books, and other assorted things actually completed. It is hard finding time for everything. I remember the Calvin & Hobbs comic strip where he creates a machine to duplicate himself so that the original Calvin doesn't have to go to school. I want that machine. I could play and read to Bug all day and my book would still get written, my knitting will still get completed, my house would be clean. Etc.