Today I am thankful for:

~ A good night's rest, finally! The dogs usually wake me up multiple times a night, but they were good last night and I slept soundly. Boy, how I needed it!

~ Golden sunshine, blue skies, green grass and trees, dots of color from flowers, and bird-song. The beauty of summer minus the heat and humidity. :)

~ Music for its beauty and soul-stirring qualities. I wish I had learned to play multiple instruments as a child, but alas I can always sing. And I'm not half bad if I do say so myself...

~ Chocolate marshmallow cereal. It's not the healthiest, but it sure is good!

~ Fresh flowers, scented candles, cozy throws and pillows, comfort foods, good books, movies and music...all things that make for cozy home-life.

Laughter and Good Books

{photo: Ree's Facebook page}

Recently, I finished reading Ree Drummond's book, The Pioneer Woman: From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--a Love Story. I loved it! I was often found giggling - much to my husband's dismay when I was reading in bed and he was trying to go to sleep. Ree is down-to-earth and very funny and I was sad to see the book end. Thank goodness she has a blog!

TGIF

It was a long, hot day at work. I was ever so glad when 4 o'clock finally rolled around. My co-workers always make fun because I don't stick around to chit-chat when my shift is over (nor do I go there on my off days!). I am out the door and down the highway before they know it - happily driving home.

Now that I am home, I am looking forward to the next two days that I get to spend at home with my husband and children. If things work out as I suspect they may, I will be home full-time once again very, very soon. My heart rejoices merrily at the mere thought!

Gratitude

Today I am thankful for:

~ The rain which is helping our drought conditions and has brought with it slightly cooler temperatures. It is a nice break from the scorching heat and humidity here in the South.

~ My dogs always being so happy to see me. They act like they haven't seen me in years everytime I walk through the door. I love them!

~ Receiving Above Rubies magazine in the mail today.

~ Remembering back a few nights ago when my husband told me that he really, really, REALLY loves me....even more now than the day we married and why. Nineteen years together and still going strong. I can't imagine life without him.

~ Having already run my errands (and not gettinng rained on!) so I can spend a cozy evening here at home with my family.

Gratitude

Today, I am thankful for:

~ Being creative in the kitchen and starting dinner in the crockpot this morning. It makes for an easier evening.

~ A much needed nap after arriving home from work.

~ A clean kitchen which will make tomorrow morning pleasant, as I won't have to look at a sink of dirty dishes.

~ A pair of pink flamingos on sale for $4.99 to brighten up the area around the koi pond.

~ Pulling up in the driveway to see my pretty yard with the grass freshly mown, the flower beds weed-free, and a bright new garden flag purchased on clearance for $2.24.

What are you thankful for today?

Finding Balance



It's my day off and I have been getting caught up on my cleaning. There was laundry to do, floors to sweep and vacuum, dishes to wash, decluttering (always decluttering)... I don't want to spend my off days cleaning. There has to be a better way.

I am going to give FlyLady a try. I am hoping that by establishing simple morning and evening routines, spending fifteen minutes decluttering and doing zone work each day, I can keep the chaos (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) at bay.

You would think I'd have this working and homemaking thing down pat by now, but I don't. I have never been very good at balancing, and yet it is thing I must master if I am to keep my sanity. Clutter and messiness zaps my energy, steals my clarity of mind, and overwhelms me.

I tend to be a perfectionist. I want to do things perfectly or not at all. This is not conducive to a clean house! Acknowledging this tendency is the first step in overcoming it and getting control of my home and life.

Here's to new beginnings!



A New Direction?

I haven't written in so long because the direction of my life has changed so much in recent months. When I first began this blog, homemaking was my primary occupation. I had time to putter and primp my home, work in  the yard, cook good meals and bake loads of goodies.

Now I am working outside the home and am now also a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. July has been especially hectic. At the beginning of the month, we traveled to Missouri to see Joel graduate from basic training and AIT. Since then, I have quadrupled my efforts with MK. I feel like I've been running non-stop!

I don't really know what direction to take with my blog. I don't have loads of time for leisurely homemaking and decorating. Meals have resigned to quick, easy and not at all nutritious. I am feeling I don't have anything worthy to share at this point.

I haven't yet decided whether I will shut this blog down or not. I hate the idea of it. So tell me, dear Readers, what would you like me to share about?

I am listening.... 

Inspiration: Organized Desks

Which one do you like best?