Sarah Got Her Groove Back

I've never seen the movie Stella Got Her Groove Back, but that's exactly how I felt this past weekend after I got to spend a bunch of time creating. I don't know what it is, but my soul needs creative time like that. It just refreshes me in a way nothing else can. On Saturday, D. was napping in front of the fire/football game on tv, Mallory was napping, Aubrey was playing and I was scrapping. I had already finished a baby hat I was making for a gift, so that was also fresh on my mind. As you have read, I have been feeling overwhelmed by stuff recently, so I just sat down and dove in. Between Saturday and Sunday I got 8 layouts done and began my Project Life book. For those of you who have done/are doing the picture a day thing, this is how I am doing mine. I didn't get a kit before they sold out last year, but this year snatched one up. It is gorgeous and manageable, and I am loving it. I'm also playing along on Janna Wilson's Stress Free 52 Week Challenge so I did a layout for it. I got to take a cable knitting class yesterday that was so much fun. Going to the yarn store is just a wonderful trip for all of my senses. Beautiful yarns displayed, soft music playing, and the smell of coffee brewing while I'm knitting. Ahhhhh. Anyway, I'm posting a couple of pics of my creativity this weekend. It has made me happy and has gotten my mojo working again! Woo Hoo!

What's the Buzz?

So, the buzz around here is that Christmas and New Year's have come and gone and I'm still as overwhelmed as before they were here. Hence, the blog has not been updated. I'm not sure why I'm still blogging, but I know I will get back to my more organized, peaceful self one of these days! (I hope and pray!) We had a wonderful holiday season, full of love, laughter and togetherness. The past few snow days have been great too. However, I am still trying to get back into my routine and the security for me that comes with that. My husband was very supportive and encouraging last night when I was telling him how overwhelmed I am right now. It made me feel so much better. I'll be back with more pics and kid stories. This pic is from the day D. and I got to spend with Aubrey at a Georgia Tech basketball game. We went to the game, the Tech bookstore, then dinner and Toys R Us & Game Stop. It's so nice to spend one on one time with your children sometimes. Much needed in our case, and a very fun time for us all.

back again!

My blogging is way behind because I was computerless for almost 2 weeks. I am back with a new computer (which I love), but all of my pictures are still on my old computer so I have no pics for this post. Right now our life is filled with school, church and other Christmas happenings. I have been way busier than I like and away from home a bunch, which I absolutely hate. I love being at home, so times like this make me a little crazy. I am looking forward to next week having the kids home and no place to go. We may even have a pajama day. (in fact I can almost promise it!) I am really trying to pray my way through this busyness and keep the gift of the sweet baby Jesus at the forefront of my thoughts as I go through my days. I know it sounds trite, but I am really trying to keep the "Christ" in Christmas. If you have any ideas of how you do this, or suggestions for us moms, please post them below! I love hearing things like that. We can all do better at this I think!

So thankful

Yesterday I got an email from our Women's Enrichment Director at church and it had a quote in it that said,

If all you had today were the things you thanked God for yesterday, what would you have today?

Whoa, that is heavy, isn't it? It really made me think. I am an overall pretty grateful person. It's something my mom and dad really stressed when I was growing up, and I am pretty aware of my blessings. Sometimes though, life gets crazy and I can complain. And you know what? I really don't have anything to complain about! Broken dishwasher? Well, I have dishes to wash and food that we ate on the dishes, as well as hot water to wash them in. A husband or kids that don't do exactly what I want them to when I want them to? Well, I have a healthy, great husband and children. So, I'm going to try not to complain as much as possible. If I do, I'm going to try to turn it into a thanks to God for whatever is getting on my nerves. Because all in all, nothing should get on my nerves.

I hope you all have a wonderful and full of thanks Thanksgiving! I'm thankful to be spending it with the cute Indian and pretty Turkey above!

new things

I have always been a person who gets excited about things pretty easily. D. teases me that I have too many "favorites", and he's probably right. But, here are a few new things that are making me happy today.

These two books came in the mail yesterday! I love books, and I can't wait to make things from both of these books.

This is a seasonal flavor which only comes out around Christmas. I had this in my coffee this morning. It's so good, and definitely a fave.

And last, but certainly not least, here are my new creations! I finished my first two knitted hats! I am so proud of them even though they are just little things. I'm now on to bigger and harder knitting! (yeah, right) I also finally got a free hour to scrap and got to do a layout for the Scrap Whispers challenge. I love how it turned out, but I can't share it till the layouts are shown on the site.

So none of these things are very big things, but they are bringing me happiness right now! What's making your day brighter right now?

the rear view

So much of the time as a mom I feel like I'm looking in the rear view mirror of life. Thinking about the kids when they were younger, and missing those days sometimes. At times I'm scared to look ahead because the future is uncertain and the world is so scary. I can only wonder what it will be like when my children are in middle school and high school. I am constantly reminding myself to live in the moment. But, I also look in the rear view mirror of my car way more than I did before children. I have been known to appear as a drunk driver, swerving as I try to find Mallory a book or Aubrey a car. I have absolutely loved listening to them jabber as babies in the back seat, Aubrey's running commentary about every truck on the road, and now Mallory's talking about whatever comes to her mind - most notably baby deer. Here are two pictures I have seen when I've looked in the rear view mirror in the past two weeks. And for the record, I didn't put the Nerf dart on Aubrey's head. He did that himself and D. and I just laughed and laughed when he fell asleep with it on his head.

pigs are flying

Yes, swine flu, that's what's been happening at our house. Aubrey came down with it really fast on Friday, so we've been resting (well, some of us have - I won't mention who hasn't) and sanitizing everything. So far the rest of us are still healthy, but I haven't had time to update the blog. After I upload some pictures, I'll post what else we've been doing. Just didn't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the earth. I'm still keeping up with my October album, so I'll post pics probably tomorrow.