For Lent

I don't usually give up anything for Lent.  It's just not been something that anyone in my family does, Stewart's family does, etc.  I think maybe I gave up soda once for Lent during college, I can't really remember.  A few times during the last several years it would kind of sneak up on me, and I'd ponder giving something up but then I wouldn't decide in time, and then before I knew it, it was halfway to Easter.  But I decided that I want to take it seriously this year, and give up something hard, something that is keeping me from spending enough time with God.  It's a biggie....I told Stewart my plan and he looked at my with wide eyes.  I'm not sure he thinks I can do it.  Want to know what it is??

I'm giving up my Google Reader. 

If you have ever talked to me about blogs, you know that I read WAY too many blogs.  I sit down to "check my email" and before I know it I've spent an hour reading through all the updates on the blogs I follow.  And that's two-thirds of naptime, people!  Unacceptable!  There are way more worthwhile things I should be doing with my time.  So I'm going to delete all the blogs except for those written by a friend or family member, but I'm not going to even open the reader until after the Lent has ended.  Then I'll add back in a few of my other favorite blogs, but only a very select few.  The ones that make me excited to see an update, that I look forward to reading.  Here are my favorites, the ones that will likely survive my blog reading hiatus.

Annie's Eats- This is my favorite food blog of the moment.  I've used lots of her recipes, and they are all good.  I like that she highlights both sweets and savory dishes. 

Photo via Annie's Eats

Nesting Place- I'm getting rid of most of the home design blogs (there's enough inspiration on Pinterest), but this is one that will stay.  I just love the light and colors in her home, and the overall design asthetic.

Photo via Nesting Place

Blue-Eyed Bride- This is my favorite Mom blog of the moment.  Erin is the mom to two little boys, and just seems like she could be your best friend who lives around the corner.  She writes a lot about her kids but throws lots of other random topics in that keep things interesting.  Plus she just seems so darn sweet. 

Fly Through Our Window- Unbelievably adorable kids, gorgeous photos, lots of love for the Gulf coast.  She doesn't post very often, but when she does I get excited to see her latest pictures (and get a little jealous that she's so gorgeous, seemingly without trying!)  I also just ordered a couple of their t-shirts for Cooper's Easter basket.

Photo via Fly Through Our Window

Mama at Home- Kristal has a son who is just barely a week older than Cooper, so it's been fun to keep up with her motherhood journey.

O My Family- Another mama of two boys, she writes openly and honestly about her joys and struggles.  Her "Be Patient" song has become a favorite in our house in the last few days.  (Sidenote....in the checkout line at Walmart yesterday, while being a perfect angel, Cooper announced "Have to be patient!"  Sweetest thing ever.) 

Photo via O My Family

Whatever- Meg seems like the most fun mom ever...I want to be her when I grow up!  I haven't been reading her blog for that long, so I don't even know how many kids she has (five maybe?)  But she has a dog named Waffle, so really what else do you need to know?  I want to fly to Kansas for one of her craft weekends! 

Photo via Whatever

Honorable Mentions:
Tatertots & Jello
Smashed Peas and Carrots

PS As a bonus, I'm deleting Facebook from my phone!

Comments

[Angie]

I deleted all non-friend blogs from my Google Reader last year for Lent, and I never have added them back! Of course, after Lent, I went back to clicking on the ones in my sidebar, but it definitely freed up my morning time for prayer/devotions so I thought it was great. I'm doing another unplugging this year, too.

I think husbands reap a lot of benefits from that, too. At least, in our house that's the case. :-)

[Angie]

HOWEVER....I do keep the Methodist tradition of breaking fast on Sundays. That way, I can double-check flickr or blog posts on whatever craft I'm working on at the moment! I mean, that's totally necessary, right?!?

[Emily]

I pray to have your courage and discipline one day... sooner than later!!! I too often get sucked into the www.

[Angie]

Oh, and now I want one of those "Happy Camper" tees (and a few others) from the Honeybee Tees site. How cute!

[Court]

I got Happy Camper and Off to the Bay for Coop.  Really wanted Kinda Crabby and Set Sail, but they didnt have his size.