Worry

This week we will be going to a hospital so my 3 year old son can have surgery on his hands. The doctor doesn't know what the growths are, but isn't worried. Right now I feel neither scared or anxious but that may change. I used to worry all the time, as a child I was nervous and anxious. I bit my nails, sucked my thumb and twirled my hair (and would pull it out). My first grade picture is lacking in hair.

A few years ago I realized I never worried about things that were in my control, I only worried about things out of my control, like other people and their choices, health issues, if other people liked me and what they thought about me. Worry for me was a huge burden and though things still bother me, I don't feel compelled to worry all the time anymore. I pray, I am thankful for the many blessings and I let go of the worry. I don't put things out of my mind or deny their existence, I just don't let them become all consuming.

No such thing as Perfect

No matter what someones life may look like, we will never have the whole picture and no one has a perfect life.Everyone can think of someone who seems to have it all and then some, they have; looks, money, closets full of beautiful clothes (worn once), fancy cars, monthly spa visits, pottery barn homes, and Better Homes gardens.  People like that always make me twinge a little, but then I remember that they are no better and no worse than me and just like me they are not perfect. We all need to give each other a break. Everyone has problems and everyone faces conflict. That is life.

Sometimes...
We can't change our circumstances,
but we can change our attitude.
Sometimes,
We can't change the way we feel,
but we can change how we act on those feelings.

Imperfect people will be perfectly disappointing. And there is no such thing as perfect!!!

"When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are."
— Donald Miller (A Million Miles In A Thousand Years: Why Some Live Make Sense And Others Don't)  

Good Habits

In college I started participating in a “No Buying” day, one day a week where I would not buy anything. I don’t leave home everyday now so it is easy to continue this practice. I like having a designated day, mine used to be Thursdays. Now there are no rules to this exercise other than no exchange of money can take place, you can barter, trade or accept free items. My friend introduced me to the idea, she had a bunch of free items on a table and encouraged people to take something and choose to be a non consumer for one day a week.

I also have decided to make Thursday my Donation Day, I will choose items to give to others or donate.

Recently I have felt compelled to be more generous. I am blessed and I want to be generous to others. I have a few things I am doing already, but I want to keep them quiet, so I don’t get self-righteous. I want to be liberal with love but practical in application.    

Have a great Weekend.

Fun Idea!

I have this old poker chips holder made from bake-a-lite. It was my grandparents and I inherited it a few years ago. I wanted to display it in an unconventional way because it is so cool and needs proper admiration. I found travel shampoo and lotion bottles at the dollar store (3/$1) and they fit perfectly. I filled them with some hand soap, homemade muscle rub massage oil, and some lavender scented (after shower moisturizer) spray.

Kids Crafts and Art Display

I love making crafts and I like my kids to color and create their own artwork, but my frig can only hold so many "creations". I also have a very small kitchen and the less cluttered the better so I put a ribbon up and used simple clothes pins that my kids can use to display their works of art.

 

The large picture frame originally contained a large mirror, we are on year 2 of bad luck (haha). I might paint it later on, but for now I like the extra area to display inspiration and creations. 

 

The desk is part of an old dresser that we re-purposed and I just screwed supports along the wall and used old stack-able baskets for support. As long as the kids don't sit on top it should hold.

This room only measures 8.5 feet by 11 feet it is cozy but we have a place where projects can be left without being disturbed ( as long as we remember to shut the door). 

Burlap . . . Affordable and Stylish

Great things about Burlap

1.  It is cheap around $1-2 per yard
2. It is versitle
3. It's durable
4. It has visual interest (or the texture looks nice)

                                                                                   I had some old canvas from when I painted (B.C. before children) they were half finished and hibernating in a closet for 6 years. I decided not to buy anymore craft supplies so I used what I had and put them to use.  I used 3M spray adhesive (spray glue) and a regular desk stapler.  

1.) I cut the canvas so it would wrap around the sides

2.)  Stapled one side (on back

3.) Sprayed the glue onto the canvas

4.) Pulled the Burlap tight and smoothed any bubbles

5.) Folded edges down and stapled in place

This took about 30 minutes to finish 4 canvases

                                             

I glued a tack onto a clothes pin and placed a photo the position can be easily changed. The burlap is a nice neutral background. Pictures and memorabilia are updated for seasons, birthdays and holidays.

How to Enjoy Staying at Home

Being at home can be enjoyable but sometimes you have to get creative. Boredom can be the catalyst for creativity so when you are feeling bored, rejoice and then

                          Find Some Inspiration

     We all need a little Inspiration and fresh ideas. This doesn't have to cost anything or be a huge production; small, manageable, quickly finished projects are good to create and accomplish. Decorating doesn't need House Beautiful worthy just something that brings you a little joy, embrace some whimsy



Here are some of my recent creative projects:

Canvas covered in burlap

Artwork display

Notes to self

Kids work area

Texas Cosmetic Hold em'

 Re Purposed

A lot cheaper than PB

     And I have my 10 year class reunion coming up this June as a reminder I put up my pre-twin pants for                     motivation.  Just because I have 5 kids doesn't mean I want to look like I have 5 kids! Ha!

 

I will be linking them to their own separate posts this week. Enjoy your day!