Living with intention

I've never been much of a collector. If I haven't used it within the last year, it gets donated. I have so many collectors in my family that if I need something, they've probably got at least two of them. I do tend to be quite sentimental when it comes to my kids. I try to capture all the special moments with pictures and videos but I also save artwork, cards, any sort of ticket or record......the list goes on. I treasure these days with them. I love the good days and I love the how we make it through the rough spots. I've decided I should write them each a letter once a year. Nothing electronic but a old fashioned, hand written letter that they can hold onto long after I'm gone. I want them to be able to look back at each year of their lives and know the highs and lows and most importantly, how much they were loved. So, I may be a little behind because the kids are now four, three and one year old but better late than never. Time is too precious to let it slip away. It's never too late to make the choice to live with intention.

Growing up is hard work

Our house can be pretty chaotic at times and for good reason with three kids all under the age of 5. Everyone thinks they're the boss but no one is convinced that I'm really the Mama Hen around here. I admit that I can be a push-over but who doesn't want to make their kids happy. We teach them the right things to do and show them through our behavior. They can be loving, compassionate, polite, happy little people. If only I could make it happen more frequently but I have to remind myself that growing up is hard work and it's not always pretty.

Settling In

I originally created a blog with the intent of sharing my crafting adventures but life gets busy and the other stuff takes priority. Sometimes the days are so busy that I find myself just getting by but I want to treasure all of these special moments and live my life being more mindful and with greater intent. A little background if you're interested....I spent far too many years in college and envisioned myself working in my own private practice as a therapist. Becoming a momma was not something I thought about often but then one day it all seemed to change and hasn't stopped since.  My husband and I now have three beautiful children. I have been a full time mommy since my first daughter was born and have really struggled with the thought of being labeled a homemaker or housewife. I know it takes a lot to run a household and I am constantly going. I have thought about getting back into the counseling profession but it just makes more sense for our family if I continue to stay at home. I am grateful that our family can manage on a single income, not to say that we do not struggle at times and we have learned to cut a few corners along the way. With that being said, I am settling into the idea that raising children and managing our family's home is my job.....even though I've been doing it for over 4 years. I also need to accept that it is enough and challenge myself to do the best job that I can for my family and myself. So, I'm back to blogging and hoping to document some of my adventures in parenting and homemaking.

Babies and more babies and fuzzy pom poms :)

Where does the time go? I have not posted in several months but I have a good excuse....two toddlers and a new addition on the way (if all goes well because I know it is still early and this is a critical period but I could never wait three months to share my excitement with the world).  Life will be busy but our home will be full of love. I hate the mess and yes, I sometimes feel overwhelmed but more than anything, I love watching my children grow. Anyway, I have done so little crafting but I did set a token economy up for the girls today. They each have their own box which they have decorated and they earn little sparkly pom poms for good behavior. I decided to do this when time-outs didn't work out as well as I had hoped for my 2 1/2 year old. Today is the first day and she seems excited about earning these little fuzzy balls so, I hope this continues and we have a lot less pushing little sister incidents, fighting diaper changes, "I no wanna share....all mine!" kind of behavior which I realize is probably age appropriate but I think this is a good step. Time to take a nap while the house is quiet. I so quickly forget how something so small can make me so sick and tired.

Party things

Becoming a one year old is a big achievement and we are getting ready for a party. Aowyn will be turning one at the end of August and last time I posted, I was in the process of making several Sesame Street theme banners, which are now complete....thank goodness. because the banners took far too many late night hours and I'm sure she will not remember a single detail of her first birthday...but that's ok. Aowyn has had to share her attention, unlike her older sister and as much as I try to even things out, sometimes it just can't work out that way. I want her to have a super special day with family and close friends with all the details, courtesy of mama. So, here are the pics as I promised.

Feeling the need to craft

I finally made it back after disappearing for awhile. I get into the routine of being mommy, wife and "Suzy homemaker" as my mom calls me and I forget that I need to do something for myself every now and again. Eventually I start feeling the urge to create, craft, cook....whatever. I've kind of fell out of love with felt and that's really all I knew. My new project is Aowyn's 1st birthday. My youngest little chick turns one at the end of August. She loves Elmo and so, Sesame Street party it is! Just a small party at home but I like to make things extra special and well after spending almost $60 bucks at the party store for some basics, I have decided to do a little crafting. I have to start these projects early because I never know when I'm going to get the time and I'm just a planner. I have spent the past few nights working on a 15ft pennant banner that says "Happy Birthday Aowyn." My next project is a Sesame Street Sign for the front door. I'll have to post some pictures when everything is finished up. So, that is where my creativity leads me......to Sesame Street.

Building our family

Mama hen has been tending to her chicks these days which has left little time for crafting. The closest thing to crafting that I did today was teach my two year old how to crack an egg and cook scrambled eggs. My plan worked....she learned a little something and then actually ate her breakfast. As hectic and loud as my home is, I absolutely love that I have to time for the little things. Making pancakes in the shape of a heart, finger painting, tea parties and bedtime stories to name a few. I am so grateful that I'm able to stay home with my kids while they are young because I know I am building a strong foundation. At one point in my life, I never imagined I would have children. Now I have two and I am excited that we are working on adding a third (and final) to our little nest. Things will be busy and cramped to say the least but our home will be full of love and nothing is more important than family. Only time will tell when I will have good news to share but when the time is right, it will happen. Happy belated Mama's Day!