Not Feeling It

This drawer describes how I have been feeling this week.


An overwhelmed mess! My heart and my home. I know that I have mentioned before that I tend to be an all or nothing person. Honestly, at this point, that is not going to cut it.

I care four days a week for a one and two year old. That is probably all I need to say. You see I am far from perfect, but I want so badly to be perfect. For things to be perfect. I have been frustrated easily this week. Bits of paper here and there from Megan's crafting. The same basket of toys being dumped and picked up time after time all day long. That pile of paper that comes back day after day. Even after I have just cleared them.

As I sat on the floor helping the boys pick up that basket of toys again! the song 7 x 70 by Chris Angus caught my attention. The line " 7 times 70 times I'll do what it takes to make it right" really struck me. My heavenly father doesn't except perfection and neither should I. He allows me time and time again , even more then 7 times 70 times, to get it right. He never gives up on me. He just expects me to keep going, keep striving to live my best life, my life for Him.


So I will keep moving forward. One day at a time, one second at a time. Getting my home in order one cabinet at a time. Keep loving the precious children in my life and encouraging them to pick up that basket of toys (or even better, not dump it in the first place!). Keep my heart and attitude in check by spending time in prayer and reading His word. Be encouraged that it may take 7 times 70 times to get it right, but that is okay.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

It's That Time Again...

for fun Fall festivals,


a pot of something yummy cooking away all day,


spending time inside, practicing writing


or playing with a friend.

Time to fluff the nest. Speaking of fluffing I thought I would share a little trick I use when decorating.


If I need more height for an item I will use a piece of scrap wood if it won't be seen.


Without the added height the plate would have been hidden behind the sign.


I also used it here to raise up a picture that I wanted to set on some blocks.


Once the fluffing is done it is time to make things cozy.


There has been rain and more rain this weekend and the soft glow of lamp light provided just the right feel of cozy.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

A Little Crafting

The other day I was feeling the need to do something crafty. I knew that my time was limited so I made some leaf wreaths.



I used 9" a wreath forms that had been gifted to me. I then hot glued on a piece of twine to use for hanging. (I thought a gingham ribbon hanger would be cute, but I used what I had on hand.) Then I glued on some silk leaves from my fall box.


I am super pleased how these turned out!

There has also been some kid crafting going on. I picked up these wooden pumpkins for less then $2.00.


Using watered down glue the kids glued on pieces of tissue paper and then later I came back and put on a coat of Modge Podge. Megan had a blast making this!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

An Apple A Day...

Last week I went on the first field trip of the school year... the apple orchard! There was a nip in the air and it certainly felt like fall.


Everyone was given a bag and off to pick apples we went.

After picking apples we were given a behind the scences tour. Very interesting! First stop was the cooler.

(sorry about the picture. The lighting in the cooler wasn't good.)

I was amazed at the stacks and stacks of crates.


All full of fresh picked apples!

The next area we entered the walls were plastered with fair ribbons.


Oh my, I loved looking at all of the ribbons. I had a hard time keeping my mind on the tour. :)

The day we were there they were bottling fresh cider.



Yum!

Sack lunches were enjoyed and then it was playtime!


The play area had many fun things to do


and a beautiful view!

I could have look at this view all day.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Bits and Pieces

As the end of the week draws near, I admit, I am ready. Ready for a morning with no alarm and a more relaxed schedule. This has been a headache kind of week, literally.
I suspect it is a combination of the change in the weather and some late nights.

It has felt good to get back into the swing of baking.


I find it relaxing and fun!


Not to mention delicious! If you are wondering how the three of us eat all that is produced, let me assure you that we don't! Many of the things baked are shared. Mostly with Chuck's co-workers.

The littlest guy I watch has started to toddle.


Oh my! It is a precious sight!

Megan is working hard at her schooling.


It is a joy to watch her absorb everything and it warms my heart when she has that moment when things click.

She has been trying and trying and finally tied her shoe last week!


After she accomplished it the first time there has been no looking back. She wants to tie everything!

I need to run and make sack lunches. This morning will be busy as I head off on a field trip to the apple orchard. Fun!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

The windows are open and a cool breeze floats through my home. That breeze carries a rich, spicy smell that makes the air not only feel like fall, but smell like fall.

I have been in the kitchen today. Making a batch of Caramel Apple Cupcakes.


I used a box mix and whipped up a spice cake. Before baking I folded in 1 cup of diced apples. I made 24 cupcakes and then allowed them to cool completely.

For the topping you take 24 unwrapped caramels and 6 TBS of milk (I used whole milk) and melt over a low heat.


Dip the tops of the cupcakes into the caramel mixture and then roll in nuts. Insert a popsicle stick and you have a delightful treat!


I will refrigerate these. I am afraid that if I don't then the caramel might melt if it gets warm. Enjoy!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Unwelcomed Guest

I don't like to be unkind to guest, but I am quite upset about this guest. The four legged kind that likes to chomp through items in the pantry. There is a mouse in the house and I am not happy! He is being very evasive and not walking into the trap. :( Anything not in a cans or jars has been moved to plastic containers. I am quite put out my this guest and will be glad once he is gone!


There is just a hint of color on the neighbors sugar maple. With the dry summer I was worried the leaves would just dry up and fall off. I am looking forward to seeing some beautiful fall colors.
With the change of season it was inevitable that this would take place.


Megan started us off toward the middle of the week and I have been a little under the weather this weekend. I am happy to say that after plenty of rest and a little medicine I am feeling much better.


Friday night fun was playing on the Wii. Megan had lots of fun and it is good exercise.

Chuck spent some time working on fence.


One side of fence (240 ft!) is almost done. He ran out of screws and just has to finish the gate and then cut the rest of the swoop. I am super exited to see the progress.

After dinner last night I went out to the back porch to read. I could hear some clatter in the kitchen and came in to see this.


Megan and Daddy ran to store this afternoon to get me some more medicine and picked themselves up a treat. It warmed my heart to see this!

I am off to start the day. There is plenty of housework to catch up on and I am looking forward to spending some time outside.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Apple Crisp Mix Candle

I have the crafting bug. I haven't been able to do much with my schedule, but I am itching to get crafting. The cooler temperatures have me thinking of all things fall related. The candles I made are inspired by those baking mixes in a jar.


I gathered up all of my supplies: 2 jelly jars, wicks, 6 tarts, cutting board, knife, labels, rings and lids.


I found these cute lids and rings at W*l-Mart.

I put my wick in the jar and then cut the tarts into chunks. First I layered in the Vanilla Frosting tart, next came Macintosh Apples, then Cinnamon Sugar. I had little more space to fill and added a little more of the Macintosh Apple.


I made the labels in Word and added an apple from clip art. I used my hot glue gun to attach them.


I plan to use twine to attach a tag and give as teacher appreciate gifts for the first day of Fall.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

A Chill in the Air

It went from 100* on Saturday to a high predicted of 68* today. I am loving this weather!


I have been taking my morning tea to the back porch. It feels wonderful to enjoy the warmth of the tea in the cool of the morning. A simple pleasure indeed!

The baby took a long nap yesterday so we snuck outside to play.


Although it was a little chilly the band keep marching.


I started a little fall decorating. Nothing fancy just a few simple mums here and there.

Since it was too cool to have the baby out I have to come up with ways to keep things fun. I quickly drew roads and a little town on a piece of kraft paper.


It was a huge hit! Not only did they play with cars for a long time but they also pulled out crayons to decorate the town.

A chilly day called for a chili dinner. I placed a serving of chili in Mason jars and topped with cornbread batter. I then baked it.


If you like cornbread mixed in your chili you will love this. The batter drops down into the chili and it was delicious!

I plan to throw open all the windows later this week and start cleaning. The weather make me want to get things in order and make things cozy for a long stay inside.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!