I've been thinking a LOT lately about documenting my days. As much as I *complain* about how busy things are, I KNOW that one day I will miss all of this busy-ness. I know that I am in a good place. I am thankful for my life- my husband, my children, my home, our business(es), our church family. I have SO much to be thankful for… and I am thankful. Sometimes (often times) it's like I'm standing 1 inch in front of an amazing work of art.. only I can't see it's beauty because I'm too close. It's good for me to step back- to stop for a minute- to reflect. I have a husband who knows this about me and so… this week he gave me a day off! Can you imagine? An entire day to do WHATEVER I WANTED!!! I had to make a list! Otherwise I would have thought of all the things I could do and not actually DO anything. So, I went to Starbucks… I had my ipod, my planner, a book, my Bible, my coupons, and a blank notepad. I spent almost 2 hours leisurely writing, reading, listening, clipping and completely appreciating my alone time. To be honest, that's all I really needed. To be away for just a little while- to plan and collect my thoughts. I would have been perfectly happy with that. I spent the rest of my day in an unhurried fashion. I delighted in every moment. I savored my frontega chicken panini from Panera Bread. When I came home, my children were SO excited to see me and we played and did puzzles and just enjoyed each other.
Before I had children I thought it was very selfish for moms to feel this way-to crave time alone. I thought they were being selfish and should be more thankful for the gifts God had given them. Maybe every woman doesn't NEED breaks, maybe there are some women who can handle their load just fine, but for me… I need a break every now and then. A time to relax, to be away, to breathe again. I love my children dearly. I wouldn't change one thing about my life, I hope I don't sound unhappy- there is nothing further from the truth.
Later that night, my dear friend Kelli came over with coffee and spent the evening with me. Kelli is such an encouragement to me. She reminds me how passionate I am about being a homemaker. Creating an atmosphere in our home that is pleasing to the Lord and enjoyable for our families. A place that James can't wait to come home to. When she left at 10:30pm- I wished we could have spent another 5 hours or more!!
Wow- look at me! I'm very chatty today! So Tuesday we took a trip to the Santa Monica Aquarium (thank you, April for inviting us!). Wednesday, Kennedy & I baked a cake together. Thursday, James taught the boys (geography and P.E.-Golf) and Drew & Brooke came over for a sleepover and Friday we had dinner with our very best friends, Danny & Hallie.
It's been a good week. OH! so back to what I was saying about documenting my days….
Ali Edwards is all about"documenting the everyday". In fact, I took her class a while ago and created an entire album called "A week in the Life." She is now revisiting that concept on her blog. You should check it out (if you're interested- if not, you shouldn't waste your time blog surfing). Anyway, I'm going to try it fully digital. I'll post my layouts if I accomplish it 🙂 Doing things on the computer is 10x faster for me. My brain just "gets it." I would be very sad in a world without computers and electronics.
by emily