OK, so I'm an addict

I was clearing out one of my kitchen drawers today, searching for all of the BoxTops I've cut out for Ian's class, and it hit me - I'm an addict. Yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but it's my dirty little secret. I am totally addicted to cute stationary. The dollar spot at Target is my worst enemy. Oh, and my best friend. I pulled this out of my kitchen drawer:

And that's not the half of it. I know, somewhere, I have a box full of little notebooks and knock off post-its. I have a compulsive habit of picking up cute little spiral bound mini notebooks to keep in my purse - you know, just in case inspiration hits, or I have the all-too-familiar urge to make a list of something. I have an almost endless supply of post it notes, most from the dollar spot, with every theme imaginable. I even have my initial.

I'm also a sucker for magnets. I visited a friend in NYC a couple of years ago and her refrigerator had a ton of cute magnets covering every exposed surface. Since then, I can't pass up the magnet sets I run across - especially those involving super heroes. Or puppies. Deborah, I blame you. =)

Of course, as I walked around thinking about this, I realized it's not just the stationary. And magnets. And stickers (I have a collection I started when I was in high school and it's still growing!) I tend to collect those things that interest me. For example - I have enough makeup to keep a couple of movie sets going. I have 4 shelves of cookbooks. I have a curio cabinet full of Precious Moments figurines. My husband would tell you I have a compulsive need to put holes in the wall hanging pictures....

I can't help it, I love to decorate =)

I know the trend is simplify, simplify, simplify... and believe me, this is better than ever before. Still, I like lots of pictures on the walls - everywhere I look, I see my loved ones. Candles and happy sayings make it feel like home.

Besides, you never know when you might need to write something down....

So now you know. My dirty secret. Not so dirty after all, is it? =) Now it's time to indulge my other addictions.

Making the most of every day

I love the hustle and bustle of family life. Most of the time, anyway. I eat, sleep, and breathe homework, cartoons, cookie crumbs and milk mustaches, and crayons. Oh, and LEGOs. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I get both kids where they need to be on time (which doesn't happen as often as it should!) When Ian was in baseball and soccer, I loved being at the ballpark. I am lucky to be able to take my boys to choir, Awana, and Scouts. Even if I do have to remind myself sometimes.

That being said, it is so important to take time every day to breathe, and soak it all in. In the middle of chaos, with dinner on the stove, kids rummaging for who knows what, and animals rubbing my ankles hoping I'll drop a bite - I have to remind myself to take a moment and savor life. When I forget, life usually comes along and smacks me in the head with a reminder. 

Around a year ago, I found out that Ian's very first teacher died suddenly of an infection. It broke my heart to think of this kind, vibrant woman just disappearing from the lives of her children so unexpectedly. It brought home to me that even when life sucks, it is still life, and needs to be appreciated. 

Every day over the last 2 years, even while pulling my hair out with frustration, I have instinctively recognized the precious gift this time has been. Being home with my boys, as tough as it has been to adjust to, is all I've ever really wanted. I am determined to cling to it, to hold on with both hands, and love the experience for what it is. Imperfect, messy, zany, unpredictable...bring it on, I say. Make the most of every day.

Begin as you mean to go on

A new year - a fresh start. New Year's Day brings a feeling of promise, of starting over. Really, it's just another day in the life - one in a row of days - but the rolling over of the calendar year makes it seem as if time is starting again. 

Year after year, I've had a list of resolutions, and most years I don't achieve them. This year, I have one resolution. More Joy. Wrapped up in that goal are many smaller actions that will need to be taken, but rather than write out another list, I am sticking with the one goal. More breathing, more loving, more playing. Less drama. I am looking forward to cultivating those things that bring me joy and peace, and cutting away those that cause me unnecessary stress. I want to pour out love on my friends, play with my children. I desire to create, to learn. I plan to organize and schedule, but only enough to keep things simple and moving smoothly. I crave enjoyment out of life.

Growing up, I loved Little House on the Prairie. I read the books over and over again. Even as an adult, I go back and re-read them occasionally. I love Ma's saying "We might as well begin as we mean to go on." That is my new personal motto. If I want change, I have to start it. Then, I have to keep it up.

So. Day one of the determined hunt for More Joy. Week one Plan: Be patient. Be kind. Be tidy. 

I'll keep you posted.