A Little Crafty

Growing up my mother was always working on a craft project. She was either painting or making hair bows or sewing or scrap booking. I have limited time and limited skills, but every now and then I get a desire to create something.

A few months ago we successfully completed adding a half bath in the house but the walls are still white. We've not done the first thing to try to decorate. After spending too much time trying to figure out what I wanted to do I finally came up with an idea and just went with it.

I gave the boys some blank paper and a set of water color paints and told them to have fun. After I had collected about thirty original pieces of art I got to work.

With a pair of scissors, a big blank canvas, and a bottle of decoupage I was able to create this amazing piece of original art for the bathroom.

And some close up pictures...

I just love it. It was so easy to make and now I have a great piece that preserves the boys art work!

A New Title

My focus lately has been on trying to enjoy the little moments. My boys seem like they are growing up way too fast. The years are going by quicker and quicker. I know I can't slow down time, but I can make sure that I'm enjoy the moments that really matter.

I'm trying to not miss out on what's happening right in front of me because I'm worrying about tomorrow or next week. This is difficult for me. With a demanding job, busy boys, and just the every day happenings of life, I sometimes forget to just enjoy what's right in front of me.

I don't think I'm the only one that feels this way. In talking to my friends that have jobs and small children they constantly comment on how overwhelmed they feel or how busy they are or how tired they are at night.

So I'm trying to look at things differently. I'm trying to not rush through dinner just to get to the bath time and bed time ritual. I'm trying to have meaningful conversations with my children about their day. I'm trying to leave some free time on the weekends so that we can just be lazy and have fun. I'm trying to make sometime for myself so that I have an identity separate from "mom" or "wife".

So, my promise to you, my lonely reader, is that I will share with you the little things that make me happy. And maybe I will inspire you to enjoy a stolen moment instead of rushing through it to get to the next item on your to-do list.

I've got 2 little moments to share with you today.

First, I made homemade granola today. It was my first attempt but I must admit that it is delicious. I can't wait to eat it for breakfast in the morning with some yogurt and fresh fruit.

Second - a walk after dinner with my boys. The kids spent the weekend over at my parents' lake house. My dad dropped them off tonight just in time for dinner. Since the time changed last night I thought we'd take a celebratory walk through the park that is adjacent to our back yard. As we "hiked" through the woods I was reminded of how much fun it is to run free as a child.

And now I must go. It's bed time for the boys which means hugs and kisses and story time.

Good night, and remember, it really is all about the little things.