Wavering....

All week I have been "wavering" on whether I should take advantage of a moms outing that involves free time with friends to get some little things done. The MOMS Club that I am part of is hosting a 'Craft for the Cause' get together at a local church. We escape our mommy lives and venture out to band together to scrapbook, blog, clip coupons, read, putter around on our computers, write letters, laugh, talk, eat...well at least I think that is what is going to go on..since I have never been to one of these. The money it costs will be donated...not sure where yet. It goes from 9 am until 9 pm.  Originally we thought Ed would have to work this Saturday - but he doesn't.  So I have the chance to go.

Why waver?

That's me. That is who I am.

I waver when decisions have to be made...not big expensive decisions - like what car we should buy...nope that I can decide and convince my better half in less than 6 hours.

Not annoying decisions like when door-to- door salesmen come to our door - nope, that I can get sucked into quickly.

But when the decision is what restaurant to eat at...well now that is a big decision.  Because you never know when it could be your last meal!  Geez!

So when I have to decide between a Saturday with my three boys or with girlfriends - I waver.  Not because I think this will be my last Saturday with my boys - I don't worry that much (just when it comes to food) but rather because I LOVE being home when my husband his home.  I love seeing him with the boys, I love all being under one roof - with the freedom for an adventure if we desire it.  

So all week I have tossed around the idea of giving up my Saturday with my family to escape and have some Me time with some good girlfriends. Ed has teased me, which ultimately makes me second guess my choice. However, once I decide to go - I know he fully supports it and will know that some time away will be good.

Time away from these two little miracles that amaze me and frustrate me daily.
Time away from the ability to wipe down counters, do laundry, pick up toys, make dinner, etc.
Time away from an environment that is meant to be our home but at times becomes my place of employment and this makes it a place that begins to be tiresome.

Getting away will make me appreciate it all. It will make me feel human. It will remind me that getting out and doing something for myself is healthy.

It will make me appreciate the ordinary days that are spoken about in this short video. I found this on a favorite blog that inspires me often.  She shared it warning that it will make you cry.  I made it about 5 minutes and thirty seconds and then I couldn't push the emotions down anymore.  If you are a mom or a dad - watch it and let it remind you to make time for yourself so you can enjoy everyday ordinary moments that will someday be remembered as extraordinary.

There is no wavering when it comes to knowing that someday I will think back to these early years of motherhood and wish I had taken more in - not rushed it - and not forgotten that there is a part of motherhood that requires space; so that when the little ones fly from the coop, we know who we are without them attached to our leg, begging for our attention, and requiring so much love and energy.




May your weekend be filled with ordinary cozy moments that leave you feeling blessed and maybe a moment for yourself so that you can slide into the Monday routine with a deep breath and a patient spirit.

Happy Weekending!

A productive day, some great memories, and a horrific pin!

I have been cleaning house lately - not cleaning as in scrubbing - but rather I have been going through cupboards, drawers, and closets. I have a pile that is quickly growing that we will donate. This morning Charley and Henry went through our toy bins and amazingly we sorted things out and decided what we could donate and what we should hold on to. Ed could tell I was in a groove..so he suggested I go through some boxes that my parents delivered after we moved into this house. When we moved into this house we were graced with a large unfinished basement - plenty of space for me to fill with crap. Yes, I will be honest, crap.

So Ed brought up these boxes:

and the boys and I dove in. It was a little frightening....but it was also a hoot. I found notes from friends in High School. I found three diaries. I found books to share with my boys...I found jewelry that should NEVER have been available for purchase. I found an entire box of cassette tapes...Incredible! So here are a few of my favorite treasures...or at least the ones that gave me the biggest smiles...

 

First I pulled out these two books.  They were part of my Grandma Dort's collection. 

The memories flood back!

Our family went on a couple trips to the beaches in Florida. Impressed that these moved from Sheboygan, to Williams Bay, to Minnesota!  And they weren't broken!

The boys were very interested in the jewelry boxes...there were two.  This one was the most interesting.  One item I am really wondering about is tucked in back on the bottom level...

Why on earth did I have matches?

Or these horrendous earrings!

And this pin!  I remember this pin...WHY ON EARTH would I EVER WEAR THIS!  

And Maybe this is why I didn't date anyone in high school!

Oh gosh - does this item bring back heartache and pain. 

Yearning to be given one of these...or the turmoil of who would complete your circle...

I am rolling my eyes right now and smiling really big because I have two boys! YES!  We won't have to deal with this - I don't think...

  

Charley loved this jewelry box and the umbrella...it has a ballerina inside that spins with music.  I did point out the little girl on top....and then I realized - let him love it and fill it with treasures.  This is part of growing up -  finding treasures from your parents past.

Amazing how some books you NEVER forget!

Love that I still have this!

And this pencil was a favorite.  I REMEMBER IT!  The eraser is almost used up.  I remember it writing wonderfully and sharpening like a dream.  

  

This AWESOME cassette tape was one of 100's in this box:

YIKES!  If you loved mix tapes...you would be in heaven!

I even found one called "Depression 101"....what the heck was that all about?

I took those 8 boxes...and I now have 1 box that will be stored in the basement.  I have two boxes that will be donated.  And I had two bags of garbage.  I also had a small shoebox full of notes, diaries, letters, postcards, and more mementos to read through and enjoy!  

I am proud of myself for the hard work I have put in this past week.  We'll see what more I can find to chuck or donate this week. My goal right now is to have our living area filled with items that function with purpose in our life.  And I want our nooks and crannies to be filled with the items that are precious or hold memories...not junk :)

Doing this type of cleaning is exhausting.  My mind is tired...remembering such a wonderful childhood....and realizing how fast the time flies and how quickly the crap accumulates :)

Early Saturday

Henry woke early again and Ed, bless his heart, went and got him and plopped in between us.  He fell back asleep...but I couldn't.  The air is dry and all I could think about was a nice glass of cold orange juice.  So I slid out of bed...thinking...

I will just get up and go down and sit in the dark and putter around on m computer in peace with my small glass of orange juice before all my boys are up and the chaos fun of a Saturday begins. 

As I creeped out of my room and stood in the hallway - of course - Charley's door slowly opens.  "Mama, I have to go potty." WHAT ARE THE CHANCES!  I respond, "Good boy, go potty - and then go back to bed."  He quietly says, "Okay!"

Oh my gosh!  My chance for a few minutes of peace are still there.

It has been 10 minutes and the clock says 7:06 (We encourage him to stay in bed until the clock has a 7 in that first spot but it doesn't always play out that way).

Sigh.  Sigh.  Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh!

No matter what transpires this Saturday.....I got a few moments, sitting in the dark, of "me" time.


And this is what I enjoyed:

My One New Years Resolution by 6512 and Growing

Two Vital Elements: for a Peaceful Household by Zen Family Habits

most days...  by Everything I love

Every Mother Has their Thing and Future by Clover Lane

A few thoughts for today.

I came across this post today and was amazed.  You will want kleenex.  It is all about the first moments with your child.  The comments are just as moving!  Breathtaking.



For dinner I made Chicken Spaghetti.  Another yummy recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  I am obviously obsessed with her these days!  This will be my meal for meal group in February!



What are my boys doing while I type this...They both have their winter hats on.  Henry is yelling "Charge" and Charley is running full force into our old red couch.  Henry then follows....woops...they are into the dress up clothes and will be running full force into the couch dressed as a knight, superman, and maybe fireman.

This ain't going away anytime soon!

Picture taken by Uncle Greg

Worked out again today - 32 minutes on the elliptical.  I will work out for more than 12 weeks (since I always lose steam around that point)...because I have a feeling it is week 13 that I will look like this...

13 weeks and l will wear heels like this superstar.

I will walk Charley into preschool carrying that clutch.

It's possible - yeah, not a chance!

But who can name her?  Come on!  Take a guess!

Update...

I looked at the link I mentioned yesterday and I am encouraged to RESTRICT my diet by 496 calories...not restrict my diet TO 496 calories.  HA!  I knew that wasn't right! 

Thanks to all that emailed or CALLED to assure me that would be an unhealthy choice. 

Having a lazy day...and coughing a lot...so more to blog soon.  

Lots to reflect on as Hank turns 2 on MONDAY!  Yikes!

Still very curious what your resolutions are...or do you not believe in them?

Yikes...new jeans...here we come!

Okay, so I wake up this morning and read a few of the blogs that I follow and a few of them mention making more healthy choices in 2010 (eating and exercise).  One of them suggests...this link  to help monitor your fitness goals.  So I thought...let's check it out.  So I typed in my weight and my goal weight...and let them know that I  want to lose it by May 1st.  Yes folks, I am not patient, I want RESULTS NOW....or in 4 months. 

Drum roll please!

The calorie restriction intake would be 496 calories per day!
WHAT! 
That can't be healthy....Peggy...Raina....anyone...am I right!   I do understand that it doesn't figure in exercise...so I guess if I do some exercise I can add another 200 calories or something...probably...hopefully!  HAHA! 

I WILL NOT BE RESTRICTING MY CALORIES TO 496!  But this is a wake up call that cutting my portions doesn't just mean at dinner...or not a second helping...or cutting out my diet coke (which I have already done! YAY!)  It means making some better choices...more life changing on a daily hourly minute to minute basis.

So I may not be using that link..we'll see...but it was interesting to see that shocking number. 

So what is ONE of your goals for 2010...whether it is something big or something little...a lifestyle change or a life changing experience.

SO TELL ME!  ANYONE OUT THERE!  WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR 2010! 

Out with the old...Happy 2010!

New Years resolutions are meant to be made and then usually broken.  I am determined this year to do better with goal setting and achieving.  I have already set some goals with a couple great girlfriends... I haven't been really good at accomplishing them yet, but I will say, they are definitely on my mind - the goals and the friends.  So I am going to share a few goals that I am pondering....and my plan is to take them and break them down from time to time to establish pieces that I CAN achieve...because when goals are too big and too broad they become overwhelming. 

So this year...I am thinking about...

Health -  Out with the old...jeans...In with the new... jeans!
            I am hoping to eat right (less snacking and better portions) and work in a manageable exercise program so that I can feel better and get into some of my old jeans and make them new again.


Children -  I am going to strive to enjoy every second of the next several months.  Charley will start kindergarten in 2010 and that thought sits in my stomach like a rock. I am not ready to hand him over to the real world.  Yet, I know he is so ready.  I want to enjoy these last few months of choosing to go where and when we want....pj days...outings...playdates....mom and son time while Hank naps.  Henry too is going to be in for a shock when Charley ventures out each day.  So I want to continue to encourage their brotherly relationship.  I want to be present and patient with them daily.

Marriage-  We will celebrate 8 years of marriage in 2010 and we are starting to get to the meat of our marriage...we are in the midst of owning a house, raising two boys, and balancing personal time and enjoyment.  I want to continue to encourage Ed to go for his guy time while keeping our regular date nights frequent.  I also hope to give more kisses and have more patience.

Self-  I will continue to strive to find things that challenge me, bring me joy, and contentment.  Being home every day can leave one feeling un-challenged...blogging, cooking, finding time with friends, and other things remind me that there is self to this role as Mom.  I want to either go for a weekend with girlfriend(s) or my sister and mom...or have one planned for 2011..if that is when it works out best.  I will continue to force myself to leave the house one evening a week whether it is for grocery shopping or drinks with a girlfriend.

Home- I hope to be more aware of our finances...Ed, we will sit down and you can teach me...and I would like to make an effort to save for a home improvement project - big or small.  This means I will still work hard to spend less during the week on groceries and outings.

World- I will continue using our reusable grocery bags and napkins.  This spring I would like to help Ed build a compost bin so we can keep growing with our earth friendly ways.  I also am determined to get our boys out camping this summer.

Life-  Life is so good.  And it is so easy for me to get wrapped up into negative thoughts and worries.  It is so easy for me to get snappy at myself, my boys, or my husband...and my mom.  Why do I do that?  Not sure...but there is NO EXCUSE!  I will strive to find grace each day and remember - life is good.  Slow down.  Take it in.  Make someone else's life brighter by being more positive.

Hobby-  Blogging has become a daily hobby for me.  It challenges me and helps me appreciate the little moments in my life.  It is a place to reflect and motivate change in my role as a woman and mother.  My hope for 2010 is to continue to challenge myself with this hobby.  I would love to strengthen my writing, photography, and interactive blogging skills.  I know of so many bloggers that have made lifelong friends through their blogs.  I would love to get to know someone new through blogging...either reading theirs or reading mine.

Tonight we are feasting on :  Meatballs, homemade guacamole, shrimp cocktail, smoked fish, buffalo chicken dip, cheese cake, chocolate fondue, homemade bread, sushi, and more...yes we over did it.  But I am excited to be hosting two families who live close by as neighbors but have also become good friends!  Happy New Years friends and family!  May you celebrate safely and end 2009 with a smile on your face.  2010 is going to be a great year! 

Frugal Friday #6

I am going to take an easy out and just link to a pro money saving foodie.  She is also giving away 5 of her cookbooks!  I find her book to be full of money saving tips....and the few she shares today are great.

Check this out!

Merry Christmas!

Frugal Friday #5 - a little late

1.  Need a last minute Christmas present for someone.  Amazon has a bunch of magazine deals that cost only $5 and will be enjoyed for an entire year.  This mom writes about them here. 

2.  I have been taking a chance and leaving comments on various blogs trying to win some of the fun giveaways that they are having.  And I have WON twice!  I won recently on this blog.  It isn't a new camera or a gift card for $200...but heck - it is so fun to get an email that says your name was randomly picked.  I can't wait to see what product!  This win made me giggle.

3.  This past weekend we did the whole 6 hour drive to my parents.  Over Thanksgiving when we traveled we realized that a family of four to eat while on the road costs about $20...and we happened to travel over meal times everytime we were in the car...so we ended up spending 60 or so bucks on fast food - FELT SO YUCKY!  So this trip we packed food.  It was totally worth it.  We not only saved the money - but we all were feeling much better.  And we didn't have to even stop on the way TO my parents - six hours non-stop!  Bam!

4.  My goal in the last year has been to buy less of the individually wrapped snacks.  Instead I buy a large container of the item and then separate them out into little snack containers when we need some.  The snack size containers are convenient...especially when making lunches (so I am guessing at some point we will begin investing) but for right now this saves us money.  A box of 6 snack packs of goldfish crackers can cost the same as a large box that would make way more snack baggies.  It also is a lot less trash!

5.  Cheap entertainment for car travel - THESE!  Car Bingo Cards!  St. Nick brought Charley a couple...if you live local let me know and I will tell you where St. Nick got them, because he and I share our secrets.  Charley enjoyed them and so did I.  They kept us busy for about an hour - taking in the sites around us as we drove..instead of zoned out in front of a movie, which we do too! 

The Shoe for Any Little Black Dress...

This. is. the. shoe.

I see these in shoe stores and gaze at them longingly wishing I could walk in them.  Recently I was in a mood and I tried one on..and for those few moments at the store I strutted my stuff and they felt good.  I wore them for a wedding and survived most of the night in them! WOO HOO!  I think they are classic and will be my Little Black Dress shoe for a long time.  Not the most responsible pair to wear on a night when it is below zero...but fun!  I sure didn't feel like a mommy - and that makes them worth it, on a night when I get to be a wife, on the town, with my husband.

Frugal Friday #4 - a little of this and a little of that

This week I have a little food idea and then some frugal entertainment for this time of year.  Notice I am changing it from Frugal FOOD to just Frugal Friday....

This week's grocery tip has to do with side dishes.  Instead of buying a bag of frozen carrots or a can of carrots plus a bag of mini/carrots for lunches....buy one large bag of normal good old carrots.  Take 20 minutes to wash, peel, and slice them up to meet your needs....slice them in sticks for lunches or dipping (I store them in a container with some water to keep them crisp), cut them in circles for steaming, casseroles, or salad toppers.  The price will be better, the carrots last a long time in the veggie drawer - and the taste- WAY better than canned, frozen, or baby.  Nothing beats a "real" carrot.

And just a reminder...tomorrow when you wake up and decide to make pancakes for the family on a cold and cozy morning...make an extra batch and freeze them up.  Freeze them on a sheet first and then bag them and they will pop out of the bag easily...or freeze them together with a piece of wax paper between each one.  Think of how many pancakes you make ...compared to a box of 10 eggo waffles.  And they are homemade and you know everything that went into them.  Money saved!


2.  Entertainment:

During this month take an evening and bundle everyone up.  Give the kids a lollipop or a bag of crackers and go for a drive.  Look at Christmas lights...make it your mission to find the best house of lights...or the house that maybe should have just not attempted.  We did this the other night and it was delightful.  The boys loved it and it gave us all a moment to calm down.  We turned on the Christmas radio channel and listened to holiday carols.

Another little activity....turn out the lights and sit in front of your tree with your little ones.  Give everyone their own flashlight.  Have the Xmas lights on.  Play I spy (I spy Santa holding a fishing pole....I spy Thomas the Train...I spy a candy cane) and have the kids shine their light on the ornament when they find it.  Turn the tree lights off for an added challenge.  

My frugal moment of the week:  I bought my Xmas cards at Walgreens this year.  I did them online and was able to pick them up in an hour.  I think that is pretty good!  When I picked them up they printed off my reciept and along with it came a coupon...that I just threw in the basket.  Then Henry and I were on a mission to find a box of something for someone on my list.  They sell them there 2 for 5 bucks...they didn't have them out but they did have 2 for 3$ boxes...unfortunatley they only had one.  So I asked for help...she found the 2 for $5 in back and so I settled on those..then she ran up and had another box of the 2 for $3.  So I took those and put the 2/$5 back.  The man checking me out was diligant and looked at the coupon in the basket that I threw aside.  My bill came $3.21....he then said, "are you sure you don't want to find something else.  If you buy $5 worth of stuff you will get $5 off."  So I ran and got those other two boxes.  My bill was $3.21 and I got all four boxes!  SCORE!  I hear about people that use coupons and get things for free...never happens to me.  SCORE!

I did not grocery shop this week..instead picked up a few fruits, veggies, and bread.  We survived the week without a big shop.  Nice to do around the holidays.  Meal group really helps with that.  I have a nice stash that we are eating through.  

I can never have to many....

This weekend we did a kid swap with a friend so that I could DRAG Ed Christmas shopping with me.  Then tonight we watched their kids so they could do the same.  For three hours Ed and I stumbled around trying to check things off our lists.  Many times we would both wander in different directions and then one of us would realize that we weren't accomplishing anything.  So then we would kick it in gear and move on.

I realized this weekend that I LOVE planners...calendars, organizers...etc. 

Twice Ed caught me in a planner aisle or calendar store...once I told him I was going to look for something in a calendar store, you know the ones they set up seasonally.  He said he would be two stores up looking for something else on our list.  Eventually, he comes in and says, "What the heck are you doing in here?  You have been here for 20 minutes!"  I had three mom organizers in my hands and had to show him each one.  HA!

I could seriously fill out a new calendar every day.  I love finding the right writing utensil.  I love writing everyone's birthdays - even though I never look to see them again.  I love filling in our activities.  I miss filling out my lesson plan books.  The other day I mentioned the planner below to Ed.  I was super excited.  He pointed out that I have my computer and phone.  My Mac has an awesome calendar program and I USE it.  Every day!  However, it isn't the same as writing things in a planner.  So here is the one I would buy today if I had an extra 20 bucks in my pocket.  The whole site is pretty neat.  There are different things that I would get for different people in my life. 

This planner system  from lobotoME looks SO FUN!  It looks big (9x12) and easy to schedule lots of little tasks during your day.  I love that it has a place to keep track of your water intake!  I also love that it has a spot to record your dinner plans, exercise, and household tasks...I think I would give myself one unique chore to accomplish each day as a challenge...oooh fun!  I know I am weird.  The shopping list is in the corner; this allows you to easily snip it off and go!  This website also has tons of fun notepads.  Check out these.  But if you are like me...and you aren't shopping for yourself right now...given that it is the holiday season and there are far too many other loved ones to buy for...check out this free little thing.  I have it on my computer desktop screen right now and I LOVE IT!

Everyone has their thing...the item they can never have too many of.  The thing they LOVE shopping for.  For some it is shoes...others purses...others dishes....others jeans....jewelery, watches, jackets, lotions, chapsticks, wallets, I don't know.   For me...one of my loves....planners.  Never realized it until my husband couldn't find me and I was in heaven browsing planners.

Frugal Friday #3

We just returned from the library..this is the scene in our house.

Don't forget that one of the most valuable resources available to you for FREE is the public library. When I taught I was saddened by how many children don't have the opportunity to go and pick out books. Not because there isn't a library, but rather it isn't a choice their parents make.

So many parents were frustrated over getting their children to read at night for their 20 recommended minutes. I grew up with the library as a weekly errand stop with my mom. To this day I use the online reservation/ and renewal service. I admit that going to the library and expecting to find a book on the shelf is overwhelming and not likely. However, sitting down once in a while and opening Amazon or Barnes and Noble's website and bouncing back and forth reserving all the books that look great on the top 100 list is a great way to do it. Then all you have to do is walk in, present your card, and you are gifted a stack of books to devour. Or if you are a mama who needs some time alone...grab a hot chocolate or coffee and go browse a bookstore with a little pad of paper in hand and write down all the ones you would fill your cart with. Did you know many libraries will allow you to recommend books if they don't own them already? They do!

And your children - they will love it! At school they can't wait to go and exchange their books...imagine the excitement of being able to pick out more than one. And parents - the number one way to gift a child with the love of reading is to read to them. Read all types of books. Read books over and over. And let them see you reading! As a mom who reads to both boys nightly (well Ed reads many many nights too) but to have different books makes reading fun for me too.

FREE! -- If you organize it and have a place to keep the books. I find when we go to the library weekly we have less late fees. And when we do get a late fee...I like to think that we are supporting the public resource (Yes, Ed, let's think like that!). Thinking along those lines...Has anyone seen the book "Watch out Jabba the Hut" I am looking for that one momentarily.

So if you go to the library give yourself a pat on the back and bring a little plate of cookies for those lovely workers who check in and out those books. If you haven't been to the library in weeks, months, or sadly years....get your butt up and go! You will be surprised how quick and easy it can be.

Tis the season to cuddle up with a book by the light of the Christmas tree...with your children, with your husband, or with a glass of wine. Cheers!

** oh! And note the book sitting amongst the kid books: "Scream Free Parenting". WHA ha ha ha! That would be my evil laugh. Patience...always a goal in my house. I DO NOT SCREAM but I thought it might give me some ways to keep my cool.

Frugal Food Friday #2

You will probably notice that one of the ways I save is by using our freezers. Our freezer in the kitchen is packed full and our deep freezer in the basement is too full too. I am campaigning for another freezer because I really think it saves us time and money.

Tips today:

1. When you buy things like applesauce or spaghetti sauce buy them in large containers. If you are like us - we don't eat a ton of sauce on our spaghetti. And sometimes we head out of town and the applesauce or spaghetti sauce go bad before I am able to use it. Why buy large containers...well for the price. It is way cheaper to buy a large jar than a smaller jar. So take the large jar and portion it out in zip bags...I usually do one cup servings or two if I know I will want more. If you lay them flat in the freezer they will freeze in nice flat packs. They will stack easy. They pop right out of the bag when you want to thaw or they can thaw in the bag in the fridge over night. When I had baby food eaters I bought applesauce in a large organic jug and then froze it in ice cube trays, popped them out, and stuck them all in one Ziploc bag and when I needed a serving I just grabbed what I needed. That works for any baby food you make.

2. A cheaper way to get a nice amount of chicken for soups, casseroles, enchiladas etc...buy a whole chicken. Wash it, throw it in the crock pot with a cup of water, and cook it for 8 hours. When you get home you can take the chicken off the bone and you have yourself way more for way less money. I think you can buy a small Golden Plump Chicken for $3.59 at Target. And organic ones or cage free birds there are only a few bucks more...I hate taking the meat off the bone when it is all hot and juicy and slimy. So I usually put it in the fridge over night and take it off the next day when it is cold. But it is way cheaper...

3. And yesterdays potato egg recipe really is quite affordable. Give it a try. I dare you!

This week I am excited that green grapes were on sale at Target for $0.49 a pound on Monday! And they were good. Sometimes grapes aren't good ones - these were.

I also found today that Nathan's hot dogs...our favorite were on sale for $1.79 a pack...instead of their normal $3.99-4.99 a pack. I bought three packs. Threw two in the freezer and have one ready for the boys.

Being present....

I always enjoy this blog. This month she posted: Gratitude + Contentment = Joy. All I can say is WOW! Such a good outlook on life.

Lately, I have had anxiety about many things - mostly involving the health and well being of my boys. There are other moments when I get caught up in the worry of keeping the house cleaned up, a healthy dinner on the table, the laundry kept up, correspondence with friends and family, playdates and outings that keep us busy, and so on. Then there are other moments when I am so busy analyzing if my choice of being home is the best thing for myself, my marriage, and my boys. All of these things can weigh heavy on my shoulders at spontaneous moments during the day.

My goal lately is to be present in the moment and to be present with my boys. Slowing down, getting down at their level, taking a break from the worries, the computer, the cleaning, and just playing. Sitting down at breakfast and chatting with them instead of unloading the dishwasher. Being present because even though it stresses me out to think of all the other things I need to get done...I always feel more happy and productive if I take time to just be a mama to my boys.

I am so grateful for these simple days. Making my boys meals, driving Charley to preschool, taking Henry to storytime, taking walks, watching them go from playing nicely to whining and driving me crazy. I am thankful for cozy pants and slipper days. I appreciate the friends and family that correspond, call to say hi, email a message....and it is my challenge to focus on this gratitude and contentment in life. Because like the blog reads...Joy is living in the moment with gratitude and contentment.

The month of November is a time to think grace. It is time to celebrate families, traditions, and time. If you had an extra hour in your day today what would you do with it? What gives you the feeling of contentment? What brings you joy? Share a thought and you will be in the running for a November treat....a jar of homemade applesauce and a little something else :) Become a follower and you will have your name in twice! You have until Saturday at 8pm to share.