1.  We are gradually settling into our new school year routine.  I still hate largely dislike the 5 am wake up, but actually kind of enjoy the drive to St. Cat’s with Reilly & his classmate, Alex . . . and the few minutes of quiet time with Meg before she has to catch the bus.

2.  This past weekend, we celebrated Labor Day . . . by staying home and getting things done.  Meg and I totally gutted cleaned her bedroom (much needed!!).  I also made a trip to Goodwill to unload some stuff, caught up completely on my laundry, and crossed many things off of my epic To Do List.  It was AWESOME.

3.  In an effort to get myself organized, I’m attempting something new:  Menu Planning.  Yes, I’ve taken over some of the cooking duties from my dear husband, who has been the family chef for, well, forever.  Since his new job has a looooooong commute, I thought perhaps I could chip in.  So far, so good.  This book has been very helpful to me, in my cooking ineptitude.

4.  On the subject of cooking . . . the weather has turned cooler which is also inspiring me to cook and bake more.  Over the long holiday weekend, I made 2 batches of muffins, a pan of brownies and some yummy lasagna.  This does not bode well for my recent fitness-induced weight loss.

5.  On the subject of cooler weather . . . I’ve noticed that I seem to have a cardigan problem.  Now that the weather has turned cooler, I have managed to wear one just about every day.  Last fall/winter, it was v-neck sweaters.  I have fashion issues.

6. On the subject of fashion (and fitness) . . . although I’m working on an entire blog post on my recent lifestyle changes, I’m too excited not to mention this now.  Since I met my 50 mile running goal for August, this little bauble is on it’s way to me, as I type.  Cannot wait!!

7.  Speaking of impatience . . . I’m eagerly anticipating meeting this sweet girl this weekend . . .

8.  . . . and attending Renegade Chicago with her, Tracie & Heather!

9.  Speaking of the Windy City (am I rocking these segues tonight, or what? LOL) I’m hoping that Chicago is less windy on Sunday than it is here today.  Holy cow.  I was glad my kids had heavy backpacks to carry — I feared they’d blow away on their way home this afternoon!

10.  Enough silliness.  I have a date with my treadmill!  Until next time, friends!

When I began to read Anne’s personal story, I feared that she may have turned her back on Christianity. The daughter of a pastor, she experienced some less-than-Christ-like Christians in her younger years. Not only that, she also battled a heavy-duty addiction. Combined, those things could have been enough for her to shut the door on religion forever. But as her story unfolds, her understanding of God, his people, and her calling broadens. Towards the end of the book, Anne is a motivator – gently pushing the reader to be open to God’s grace in all of its manifestations. Permission to Speak Freely encourages us to not only accept ourselves as the damaged goods we are but also motivates us to share our story with others in the hopes of making a difference.

You can check out more at the Permission to Speak Freely website and at Anne’s personal website, Flowerdust.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.