Currently: 12/19/12

Reading: I am currently reading A Heart Like His by Beth Moore.  This book is all about King David and his love for God.  This is the first Beth Moore book that I have read and I am really enjoying it so far.  

Photo found here

"A Heart Like His looks at the bond of mutual love and admiration between a man who was not unlike any of us and the one true God who is all good and all powerful. Beth Moore walks us through an exploration of David's incredible life, drawing spiritual insights from a man who boldly fulfilled his divine destiny not merely by what he did, but who he loved and served. Bringing lessons from David's life to bear on your own, this picture of a man who loved and followed God will help you to serve with a heart focused on Him no matter the circumstance."

Praying About: After the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy I have really been thinking about the future of our family and the way that we will continue to grow.  It is so sad and disappointing to me that we live in a world that is full of so much hatred and vile and I can't imagine bringing more children into this world.  I know that sounds sad and depressing and  I am SO so thankful for Everett and baby "Flubber" that is on the way but I do not want to purposefully bring another child into this world after baby Flubber is born.   Tyler and I do plan on bringing more children into our family through foster care and adoption.  There are SO many kids that are already in this world who don't have the love and support that they deserve and we are really hoping that we can help to bring some love and kindness into the world. 

Looking Forward To:  Meeting baby Flubber! I can't believe that I am already 18 weeks into this pregnancy!  This is really, seriously going by so fast and I feel like I have so much "work" to do before s/he makes his/her appearance!  I have been working with the Thompson Tot's kiddos lately with using our manners, not climbing on the furniture, listening, etc in order to have them more prepared when the baby comes.  I want to work with Everett a little more on using our "inside voice" and gentle hands.  

I can't wait to hold this baby and get to know him/her.  I know that Everett is going to be a great big brother and I am quite excited to see their bond grow.  For more baby updates, click here! 

Listening To: The Twelve Days of Christmas CD by Mickey Mouse and friends! Sorry for the crappy quality picture, apparently it is an almost non-existent CD these days.  I guess CD's are on the way out!  One of my favorite Christmas traditions is listening to this CD and hanging the ornaments on the tree!  For more fun traditions come back on Friday and check out my post! 

Photo found here

Planning On:  So in order to reach a goal you have to set a goal, right? So here it is, I am planning on breaking my soda addiction on January 1st!  I did this last year and I actually kept it up for a few months! I have been consuming soda on an almost daily basis due to the headaches that I have been having but I am ready to give them up because I know they are terrible for you!  So I am going to indulge these next few weeks and then I'm kicking my soda habit to the curb! Hold me to it guys! 

Anticipating: Getting to celebrate Christmas with my sweet baby Everett.  We are spending Christmas Eve with Tyler's dad, step-mom, and their families; Christmas morning and dinner will be spent with my family; and the day after Christmas we will be spending with Tyler's mom, step-dad, and their family.  It is fun being a mom during Christmas because everyone tells you what they got for your kid!  I know that Everett is going to be beyond excited when he sees his family and his presents.  We want Christmas to be more about giving then getting but since he is so little we haven't quite figured out how to get that message across. Thoughts anyone?

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For more Currently posts, click here!  Thanks again to Danielle for the original inspiration for these posts!

Currently: 8/29/12

Loving:  My new hair do! My sister did a great job on it and did exactly what I was wanting! I am super stoked with it and am glad that I can walk around and not look like a doofus! (Not sure what I am talking about? Check out my post from yesterday here!) I even decided to copy my friend Jenn's idea and I had Rebecca throw in a bright purple streak! It's hiding in the picture below but I will try to get a better shot of it!  

The new do!

Reading: I just bought the book What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert which was highly recommended by my good friend and mentor John Cook. I am excited to start this little book (it's only about 120 pages long) because it seems like it is going to be a good follow up to my Lessons from the Mount series I had going on this past summer. 

Photo found Here

Excited About: Everett getting to try new foods! We have been holding off on some foods because of the potential for him being allergic to them.  Today he got to try peanut butter and honey for the first time! He really (really) (really) loved it!  He is also branching out to fish and other types of nuts soon! He is getting so big! 

Digging:  Naked Berry Blast.  It is 15.2 ounces of pure deliciousness. It is really good and I can not get enough! I am going to attempt to make this at home because they run around $2.50 a pop! It should be fairly easy- they tell you right on the bottle what is in it! There may be a post to come about that! 

Photo found Here

Eating: Chili! I know it is summer and all but chili is a nice and easy thing to make and only gets better every time you eat it. I make it paleo style with out the beans and it is pretty good if I do say so myself! Look out for a post next week with the recipe! 

Getting Back Into: The swing of things around here (home.)  Everett and I have only been home 12 out of the last 28 days and it has really thrown a wrench into our schedule.  (I use the term "schedule" loosely because I try to let E tell/show me when he is tired/hungry/etc. because I have learned it is 190,380,480 times easier to put E to sleep if he is already tired!)  We have been traveling a lot this month going on family trips and vacations which have all been great and fun but it is nice to be home.  I am planning on setting up a routine for E (and Lilly when she is here) so that there is some sort of structure around here. 

Organizing:  This blog! I am going to try to set a routine for the blog here as well. I would like to have certain days that I post certain types of posts on. For example, Daily Happenings on Mondays, recipes on Wednesdays, etc. etc. I would most certainly welcome any suggestions from the 100+ of you who are tuning in to Not So Average Momma! 

Thanks again to Danielle for the original inspiration for these posts!

Currently: 8/15/12

Feeling:  Excited, anxious, and happy. There are a few things in the works behind the scenes here at the Thompson household and I am just so in awe at how great God is. Everything seems to just fall into place as long as we (Tyler and I) allow Him to guide us in our lives.  It is so hard to just "let go and let God" but truly truly our lives are so much less complicated and more focused when we allow God to drive and we sit back and enjoy the ride. 

Photo found here

Reading: Bloom- Finding Beauty in the Unexpected by Kelle Hampton.  I am about 75% done with the book and can not put it down!  Kelle writes her story with such great detail that it makes you feel like you are right there with her.  You can't help but feel some of the emotions that she was going through.  It is a really great read and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something to read!  Have you checked out Kelle Hampton's blog Enjoying the Small Things yet?  You should- it's great!

Thinking About: Future tattoo plans.  I know that may sound silly, especially since I just finished up my half sleeve but this girl is a planner at heart!  I want to make sure that the tattoos I have on my body are meaningful (to me) and are beautiful.  I do have a few different ideas running around in my head but not any that are set in stone as of yet.  If you are on Pinterest (add me NotSoAvrgMomma) and then be sure to check out my "Sweet Ink Dude" board to see some things I've pinned. Check these out: I LOVE the placement of this tattoo... what a hilarious idea... sometimes I felt like this lady during my tattoo sessions.  (Never heard of Pinterest? Check out this post.)

Photo found here

Drinking: Water! H2O! This stuff is actually pretty good! I have never been a very big water drinker but due to all of the traveling we have done in the past month I haven't really had time to hit the store which means no juice, tea, etc.  I prefer to drink water VERY cold with lots of ice and occasionally a lemon slice or two.  This is good for me because I know that I should drink water a lot more than I do, especially since all of the drinks these days are filled with high fructose corn syrup, sugar free sweeteners, etc. which are a no-no in the paleo diet lifestyle. 

Skipping: Breakfast.  Yeah I know it's the "most important meal of the day" and I know that I should be eating a nice and healthy breakfast but I have just been really busy lately and honestly I forget most of the time.  I know that I feed Everett so I should just should feed myself then but while he is quarantined in the highchair it is the perfect time for me to move laundry, sweep, mop, throw some make up on, etc.  I am hoping to get back on track with the whole "eating breakfast thing" soon. 

Listening To: Contemporary Christian radio. I am so encouraged every time I turn on the radio and hear these songs of praise.  The song that I can't get out of my head these days is "More Like Falling in Love" by Jason Gray.  I love the message that the song brings.  Check out the full lyrics here.  

"Love, Love

Deeper and deeper

It was love that made me a believer

In more than a name, a faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me"

Currently: 7/20/12

Reading: Matthew 5, 6, and 7 (also known as The Sermon on the Mount) three times daily.  This is really helping me to get back into daily Bible reading and aiding me in understanding more about the love that God has for all of us. I plan on reading it 3x a day for a month. Read my first week recap here.

Thinking About: New and exciting things that may be in Tyler, Everett, and I's future. There is nothing set in stone as of yet so there is nothing to share (sorry)!  If you think about saying a prayer for our little family and any changes that may or may not be coming in the near (to distant) future, we would appreciate it!

Loving: This new stage Everett is in! He is such a little explorer baby and wants to check out everything. This is of course the most frustrating of stages because it seems he can get into everything that we don't want him to! We have baby proofed some of the house- the cabinets that I don't want to continually clean up and we have gates everywhere which have helped to contain little Mr. Explorer.

Listening To: I do love me some country music! Especially during the summer when I can roll down the windows, turn the radio up, and sing out loud and proud! :)  Tyler and I are pretty big Brantley Gilbert fans and I do enjoy this song a lot...

Anticipating: Our summer vacations that are coming up! We are headed out to the Outer Banks with Krystal, Aaron, and Colt and then back to Grandma's house with Tyler's mom, step-dad, and two of his sisters all in the month of August! It will be nice to get to be on vacation with Tyler especially since he has been working a lot this summer!

Working On: Thinking of more ideas for the blog.. anyone have any? I have been trying to keep it interesting and a good mix of life, Everett, points of view, etc. Am I boring you? Anyone? Bueller? Buller? Bueller?

What have you been currently up to?

Currently: 7/5/12

Anticipating: Our vacations to the beach this summer! We will be traveling to the Outer Banks and to Rehoboth Beach (again) soon and I am excited! It's so nice to take time off of work and just relax with family!

Thankful For: Great friends and fun outings! Everett and I went out to the Reston Zoo with my friend Catherine and her cute little girl Addison.  The kiddos loved seeing the animals and had fun petting all the animals! 

 

 

Reading: My church recently completed a series on sexual sins which covered everything from adultery to pornography to homosexuality. One of the books that Pastor Todd referenced was titled Washed and Waiting and is written by Wesley Hill who is gay and is a Christian. I have such strong views on equality and I believe that God made everyone just the way He wanted them to be so I was apprehensive about reading this book. I am only about half way through so far but the content is interesting so far.  Have any of you read this book? 

Eating: Salsa and guacamole! Mmmmm! Now if I could just find a paleo substitute for tortilla chips!! Grrrr.. 

Listening To:  Mr. Jack Johnson.  I love his smooth style and buttery voice.  Perfect for the summer! :) 

What are you currently up to?

Currently: 6/14/12

Looking Forward To: Family pictures! I am so excited, my friend Samantha Martin is going to be taking Everett, Tyler, and I's pictures at Aquia Landing. We are overdue for Everett's 12 month pictures so this will be a great opportunity to get those taken as well.  (Click here to see photos of E over the past year!)

Enjoying:  Watching Everett learn how to do all sorts of new things! He can climb the stairs, stand up by himself, blow kisses, drink out of a straw, there is something new every day!  When people say that the first year flies by they are not kidding!

PigPaw teaching E about the car

Thinking About: Regina (Mother) and the struggles she is up against.  She is one of the most tough women I know and I am so inspired by her courage.  Fred (her husband) has been and continues to be right next to her every step of the way.  Mother has a tough road ahead of her, please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Everett, Mother, and Lilly

Eating: Sweet potato fries! Mmmm they are so delicious! Here's a recipe! It seems like every restaurant I have been to lately are starting to offer these tasty fries and I am quite happy about that!

Photo found Here

Readjusting To: Everett's new schedule! He has recently decided that he wants to wake up between 6:30 and 7am rather than his usual 9am wake up time.  I am okay with him getting up earlier because I (usually) already awake but I was worried that he was going to continue his "strike on naps" but instead, he has been taking morning naps! Can you believe that? The boy who would never nap is now taking not one but two naps a day! Crazy. I am not holding my breath but I am definitely crossing my fingers that this schedule sticks! 

Passed out!

What are you currently up to?  Write a post and comment here with the link! :)

Currently: 6/2/12

Hi there buddy!

Reading: I finished reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and it was great. It was an easy read and it is definitely a book that I will recommend to high school and college graduates. Check out the website to get more information about The Last Lecture.  

Reading: Love Wins by Rob Bell. Pastor Franklin (from my MIL's church) gave me a copy on Wednesday and I am planning on reading pool side today! 

Peek a boo!

Enjoying: Time at my in-laws house in Greensboro, North Carolina. Everett and I decided to take a little trip and visit GaGa, PawPaw, Aunt Riley, and Aunt Jordan. The weather has been beautiful (except for the monsoon like rain for a few hours yesterday) and E has been having fun playing with Aunt Riley!

Hi momma!

Listening To: GaGa bought Everett one of those Paper Jams guitars and the only song it plays is I Think I'm Turning Japanese! Over and over and over and over again! Needless to say it's been stuck in my head all week!

Thankful For: All of the family and friends who came to Everett's birthday party this past weekend. It would not have come together as well as it did if it were not for all of the help and support from everyone.

Wheeee!

Anticipating: My next tattoo appointment! I know I say that every time I post a "Currently" post but it's true! I have two more appointments until my half-sleeve is finished! :)

What are you currently up to? Here's what E's been up to!

Currently: 4/17/12

Look at those eyes!

Reading: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.  I have heard lots of great things about this book and I was anxious to read it.  I am not very far into it but so far I love it!  Check out the website to get more information about The Last Lecture. 

Photo found Here

Anticipating: My little boy's first steps- he is crawling around like crazy and loves to get into everything.  I know I have posted about this before, but he is so close!  We are at grandma's house this week and Everett is really getting into all the cabinets and drawers.  I guess I am glad that he's not walking yet because then he would really be into everything! 

I'm crazy!

Watching:  Everett and Grandma toss bread to the birds off the back porch at her house.  It's a beach house tradition of sorts and Everett had fun watching the seagulls.  

Feeding the birds and taking in the view

I love it here!

Obsessing Over: Taking pictures of Everett! I have been taking pictures of him for a while but lately my dad has been letting me borrow his nice camera and I have been inspired to get out and take pictures of Everett. Check out this post to see more pictures.

Hi Momma!

Love this boy!

Working On: Baby proofing our place (and Grandma's while we are here!) I talked about baby proofing in this post and how I wasn't sure if I was going to take the plunge or not.  I love my little boy and I love that he is very adventurous but I am going to go crazy chasing him around and making sure that he isn't going to get into something that could hurt him or he could break.

Listening To: Brooks and Dunn is one of my favorite duo's. I love their sound, their lyrics, everything about them. They are such a great, dynamic pair and I am glad I can play their music over and over again! 

What are you currently up to?

Currently: 4/4/12

Life is good on the patio!

Celebrating: Today is the 27th anniversary of my parents engagement! (Insert awwwww here.)  They are the best parents that I could have ever asked for and I am so glad that they are Everett's grandparents!

Raeann and Ben (Mom and Dad) (Gran and Pigpaw)

Celebrating (Continued): Today is Star Wars Day! May the fourth be with you! Read more about Star Wars Day here and here!  Visit the Star Wars website to send your very own E-Card to your favorite Star Wars fan! 

Photo found Here

Obsessing Over: Starbucks Caramel frappuccinos have long been an obsession of mine but at 410 calories a pop they are a bit indulgent. I am hoping that I can control myself especially since frappuccino happy hour starts today! 

I practically shrieked when I saw this email!

Pure deliciousness (Photo found Here)

I have found a stand in of sorts for my coffee loving self- the almost as scrumptious runner up, the one, the only, the bottled Vanilla frappucino!  I picked one of these puppies up at the local Exxon the other day and they are pretty good!  I do wish they made a caramel flavored one but alas.  So these little guys now have a permanent shelf in my fridge and are saving me a little money too, which is an added bonus! They run about $6 for a 4-pack at Target (my favorite store) rather than the almost $5 for a caramel frappucino! They are also only 200 calories (for the small bottle) which is nice for my waistline too (it's almost bikini season people!)  

Ahhh so good! (Photo found Here)

Eating:  I can't get enough of this chewy "granola" that I made the other day.  I think I might have to start doubling the recipe because this stuff goes quick at our house.  It has a great sweet to salty ratio that makes it hard to stop eating it- and it's made out of good for you stuff so I don't feel bad eating it... lots of it! 


Anticipating: My next tattoo appointment - this afternoon! Super excited! Check out this post out for pictures of my last session. 

Listening To: Dixie Chicks, Not Ready to Make Nice.  It is starting to be nice outside which means you can roll the windows down, blast the music, and sing at the top of your lungs and this is the perfect song for that! :) 

Reading: Nothing BUT I am going to start reading something because I love reading. Anyone have any suggestions?

Working On: Organizing the small stuff around our house that often gets overlooked. I've been keeping a list for myself and I just add to it every time I think of something that needs to get done. It's a work in progress but so far, so good!

Looking At:  This sweet sleeping boy.  Is he not adorable?  I am so blessed to have him.

What are y'all currently up to?