An Update: I am Alive

Today I've had two songs stuck in my head. all day. "Fly Me To The Moon" by Frank Sinatra. the other: "Kokomo" (sp?) by The Beach Boys. Of course when I sing it in my head I know all of the words, but as they start to come off my tongue, all I can sing is one line. So I sing it over. and over. and over again. I'm glad the day is almost over. ;)

We had a great thanksgiving! And although I didn't make it to the computer everyday to type up my list of things I'm grateful for, I truly am grateful for so many things. And the time spent thinking has only led to more automatic thinking of more things I am so grateful for. I feel like life has taken a 180 degree turn and my perspective and my priorities and desires are so different than what they have been for what seems like such a long time. The changes and challenges that have been happening have also really opened my eyes to what is important and what is not. It is so refreshing to get a new look on life, and to have a renewed sense of being alive, and doing things that matter.

I think the biggest part of what I have found a new sense of joy in and love for is my family and especially my two wonderful children! Being sick for a month or two really helped me to stop everything (all the busy nonsense) that I would feel so caught up in everyday, even though it was always self-imposed, and sit back and enjoy the slow moments in life. Of course I loved my boys before, but I must admit that there were probably too many moments where I was trying to do something else when really all I needed to do was sit on the floor and play with or watch or do whatever with them. I know I did a lot of that with Hike, but after Baby was born, I think things just got really stressful and with that came a lot of distractions, which I think slowly just got more and more until a few months ago. Now it is nice to be back to the basics. :) I just love those boys so much. The things they say and do everyday just cracks me up! ...as well as melts my heart.

Though there are also those times... of frustration and exhaustion. I think potty training has been the most trying. That coupled with Hike's "NO NO NO" stage. to everything. Not a good mix. Though it has been going well, until we left on vacation. We didn't want to deal with the potty training and accidents at someone else's house, so an extended weekend of diapers, I fear, had untrained our little one. And out of pure mental exhaustion, I think that I am not anywhere near the desire to start over again. ug. what to do. Once nice thing about leaving for a little while and then coming back home, is that it is the perfect time to change some rules and re-establish "the law". lol. :) We are going to nip some of these crazy behaviors in the bud. (Like the running around the table and not eating your food for the entire duration of dinner-every night behavior. Or perhaps the -I'm not going to repeat myself a million times anymore-lets just listen the first time- story of my life frustration. ;) ) Other than those times, which only happen once a month (I wish), 

life is great. :) 

The snow is here, and I'm sure will leave and come back again about 20 more times (since it never stays here). The Christmas season is here full force! Yippy! :) The hubby is finishing his LAST paper of his Master's Degree and will be done with school TONIGHT!!!! Hooray!! We are all so excited and so ready to celebrate! (Good job Babe! I am SO proud of you!!! You are amazing for being able to work full time, go to school full time, and help out so much with raising a family! You are my hero and I love you!) ;)  Things are simply good. :) And I am grateful. Grateful to be alive! And grateful to have the experiences I've had that have helped me realize that it's ok to slow down, and that really, it makes life SOOOO much better when you do. Don't stress, don't worry. Just wake up every day, breathe, do what you can, and enjoy the rest. :)

I wish you all a VERY happy and wonderful December! :)

And, on another note, I have quite a few Christmas projects that I am going to be working on, as well as some home improvement/organizing projects, so I am hoping to start posting projects and pictures again soon! :) Of course some of them might have to wait until after Christmas. We'll see. ;) Happy Christmas Crafting! I'd love to know what any of you are working on! :)