NothingIsAGoodThing

 It is Sunday night, I haven't had a new post in several days and so I felt I needed to blog.  The problem was that I couldn't really think of anything to write about. Then I started to think that perhaps that is a good thing. Sometimes having nothing going on means that everything is perfectly normal and good.  I am fine with that.

Saturday was quite gloomy.  It was putting me in a gloomy mood.  I decided that a good way to overcome gloominess would be to think about all of the things that make me happy.

Sleeping kids - and not just because that means there is quiet, but because they look so stinking cute.

Little things I find - like my business card in Gabby's jewelry box 

Or her first party invitation carefully placed on her nightstand

Lots of cupcakes -not just because cupcakes are so yummy, but because it means friends are coming over.  Who said homeschoolers don't get enough socialization?

School on Saturday - ok, maybe this didn't make Gabby happy, but it makes me happy because it means we make our own schedule.

Bed head - maybe doesn't make me happy, but does make me laugh

My oils - this is a drawer of pure health and happiness.  I love that I can treat my family with all natural and safe products and not worry.

Thats all

#mysarcasticallycharminglife

#younglivingeessentialoils

#homeschooling

PerfectlyImperfect

This past week I have been in the "organization" mode.  My first goal was the kids' closet.  I pulled out things that are too small, and added in their summer clothes.  After all, it has been in the 70's! (MI friends, don't be too jealous) With that task complete, I moved on to the attic (scary).

Somewhere behind all of the boxes of Jeremy's crap....I mean, priceless childhood memories, I have 2 measly bins of keepsakes.  I came across my binder of college papers. Ahhhhhh.  I really have to say that I enjoy looking over my old work and reading the comments left by my professors.  I don't want to brag, but I pretty much rocked every paper. (ok, perhaps this is the definition of bragging but give a housewife a break)

I may have "rocked" my college papers, but I certainly don't  "rock" in all other areas of life.  I thought it might be fun to share some of my #fails from over this past week.

Picture taking while running (much harder than you may think when stopping is NOT an option) #fail

French braid #fail

Table manners #fail

Diet #fail

Ok, put your floaties on, its gonna get deep...

Reading over these comments made me realize that I am always striving for outward perfection, when I really need to be aiming for inward perfection.  How many days do I forgo my quiet time with the Lord by worrying about other things, like laundry, cleaning, going for a run, etc.  I'm trying to get into the habit again.  My women's Bible study is helping. I certainly do not want to be the only one who didn't get the "homework" done :) I spent my college years basking in glowing comments from professors, and striving for that perfect report card.  These things do not matter anymore. I may not be working for good grades now, but I am far too focused on other material and trivial goals.  I have a new prayer this week and moving forward - My prayer is that I can be focused on hearing the ultimate praise -
 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master'" Matthew 25:23

My reward is in Heaven, not in the things of this temporary life. I hope I can focus on pleasing the Lord, not on pleasing those around me, or myself.


#mysarcasticallycharminglife
#fail
#kids

PerfectlyNormalBoringGood Saturday.

We've rolled into a routine for Saturdays.

10:00 am - Kids Club/Craft time at Michaels - AKA "Please entertain my kids with a cheesy craft for 30 minutes while I browse the store and pick up more cake decorating supplies that I find completely essential."

11:00 am - Story Time at Barnes n Noble - AKA "Lead my children in ridiculous songs, read a story, and give them a page to color so that we can kill some time until we are ready to go home for lunch"

Oh, while I am on the topic of story time, I must vent my frustrations.  I really don't like it (ok, hate it) when I hear parents talking to their children (not babies! you know, like, 2 and up) in a baby/sing-songy/munchkin voice.  It really sounds like they are pleading with their kids, begging them to do what they are told.  "Don't touch that", "Don't take that toy from him", "Don't run away from me in the parking lot" or, and here's the really annoying one, "We don't talk like that, sweetie" Ugh, it really irks me. Anyway....

The rest of our Saturdays are usually spent with lunch, nap time for the kids, and catching up on my Food Network shows while I eat lunch.

Today, I also spent time working on my homework for cake class.  I need to have all the flowers for my next cake completed at home, before class on Wednesday.  I wonder how many calories are in failed royal icing lilies?  Hmmmm, oh well.


Anyway, 18 lilies, ready to go.

With any luck, my completed cake will somewhat resemble this:

Next on the agenda - dinner.
I made a lovely pasta dish - chicken tenderloins in a basil parmesan sauce with bow tie pasta on the side.

Gabby loved it, Ethan, not so much.

On a side note, I believe every white sauce is not complete with out some freshly grated nutmeg.  Trust me, try it.

 Does anyone else fantasize about having their own show on Food Network, while cooking? No? Never mind, I definately do NOT do that...

Obligatory hashtags
#cooking
#kids
#MySarcasticallyCharmingLife