Perception

“It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive.”

- C.W. Leadbeater

I had a brief conversation with someone earlier today (you know who you are). It made me pause and think and reflect, mostly on blogging.

I started this blog because I thought it would be a fun, creative way to document our lives with our 2 little ones. I am able to post pictures and keep an ongoing journal of the daily happenings. But, this blog is not the whole picture. Our life is full and happy, but far from perfect. My daily routine often consists of whining children (and sometimes adults), diffusing a temper tantrum, constant messes and what seems like mountains of laundry. I do not like to cook and often don't, and most of the time I feel guilty about it (something I need to work on). Sometimes, I'm painfully shy and uncomfortable in social situations and until recently wouldn't order anything from the deli counter. However, I have happy, well-adjusted and healthy children who make my days full and worth waking up every morning. They are kind-hearted, silly, smart kids who constantly make us laugh. I have a husband who laughs with me, stays grounded when I go a little astray and loves me unconditionally, even in spite of my bad cooking.

I then started thinking about myself and how I perceive others through their blogs: "Look how beautiful her house is! What a great wardrobe she has! I wish my pictures would look like that!" I enjoy going through my list of blogs everyday, but, I must admit, sometimes I have a bit of blogger's envy....

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful every single minute of the day for my blessings, but I am constantly striving for better. And, while it may be good to work towards bigger and better goals, it's important to keep things in perspective and do so while being content in the moments taking place right before your very eyes.

It's not the whole picture...on my blog or anyone else's. I choose to write about the things that make me happy. Generally, making a craft with Little Miss or watching E move to the next level belt in Tae Kwan Do rank higher than conquering the mountain of laundry, but that's just me. Someone else may rank those things in a different order....

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

-Frederick Keonig

2011 Hugs and Kisses Photo Contest: Hugs - Adoption Photos - Adoptive Families

2011 Hugs and Kisses Photo Contest: Hugs - Adoption Photos - Adoptive Families

Valentines...last minute.

The plan was to have E start his Valentines last week so he could do a few a night without getting completely overwhelmed. Problem is no one carried out the plan and here we are with 1 day to go...

I decided to use part of my invitation design

from E's party and modify it to make Valentines...it was quick and simple. I printed 25 Valentines onto a sheet of 13 x 19 paper.

The hardest part was coming up with the silly sayings for the cards. I know it's hard to believe, but I came up with these all by myself...I can take full credit for the creativity....goofy!

...and yes, they're off center, because we're punching 2 holes in them and inserting a lollipop. Our favorite lollipops. If you haven't tried these before, I highly recommend them.

Now, all E has to do is sign them.

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Super Model?

The annual Elementary School Red & White Family Dance was tonight. Basically, it's a bunch of kids running around with their friends for 2 hours. My kids were red cheeked by the time 8:00 came around.

Little Miss asked me to photograph her, so, yes, this is a posed shot. Really? Why so serious?

...and I almost didn't want to post this one..a little too much for me. When did she become a Super Model?

And in honor of the red & white, a quote about Love.

For you see, each day I love you moreToday more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

~Rosemonde Gerard

Random

Some random photos for you today

The candle holders at night

My Christmas gift from E; it's not so bad. I think the look is growing on me (kinda)

Happy Friday! I have today off, so it's a really happy Friday for me.

"Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them. "

~John Shirley

Here's hoping your weekend doesn't disappear too quickly.

Hearts

Love is in the air. I'm not usually big into Valentine's Day, but this year it's been fun decorating with hearts around the house. Here are some craft projects Little Miss and I have been working on.

These jars look so pretty at night with burning tea lights inside.

We used chipboard hearts for the next craft.

We used these hearts for ornaments and for the garland that drapes across the mirror in the photos above.

Little Miss Originals...

I have a gold mine of lace from my memere...

I'm linking up with Heather today for Life Made Lovely Monday. Go check it out.

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"Do all things with love."

-Og Mandino

Aquarium

We recently visited the aquarium, one frigid day last month.

“Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.”

-Albert Szent-Gyorgyi