Ok this one I did a long time ago and already posted but since I am trying to keep track of my items, I am reposting, apologies if it annoys you. I did this for a creative therapy prompt.
57. Document a day in my life
It’s funny to see how different our days are already since I made this. but i guess that’s exactly the point. I’ll have to redo it again some time…
Journaling Reads:
5-5:30am: Nathaniel wakes up right around now. Most days Jake’s already on his way to work so I rush into Nathaniel’s room and try to get him before David wakes up. We then go downstairs and I struggle to wake up while I nurse him. I might watch some TV or check my mail while I nurse.
6:30am: David comes down sometime between 5:30 and 6am and by 6:30, I am fully awake and lately I’ve begun regularly working on some sort of creative project so I get the kids set up with breakfast and sit at my table. Nathaniel eats some bread, cereal, or graham crackers with cheese and a banana. David eats oatmeal and sometimes a fruit, too. I might be scrapping, sewing, crocheting, or painting. I work at this feverishly for about an hour or hour and a half, taking a break to get Nathaniel down from his high chair so he can walk around and play with duplos or David’s toys.
8am: When David had school, this is when he’d start getting ready but school’s over now and Kindergarten hasn’t started yet so they just keep playing until I’m done with my project or until Nathaniel is whining cause he’s really tired. I then put Nathaniel down and clean up around the kitchen a bit while I make my coffee. When it’s ready, it’s officially quiet time. David plays legos quietly while I drink my Cafe Francais and eat my graham crackers. I might check more mail, read blogs, message boards, or read my book.
9am: I officially start work. I check my mail, start triaging issues and go back and forth between tasks until Nathaniel wakes up. Once he’s awake, we hug a little and make sure he’s calm and then he plays alone or with David while I work some more.
12pm: Time for lunch. Nathaniel eats veggies mixed with yogurt, and cereal. David has his green beans and maybe meatballs. I might or might not eat lunch. Generally I at least grab a banana. After lunch we play together for a bit and then I clean up and get back to work. The kids play together, laugh, and make a lot of noise. I might or might not put Nathaniel down for a second nap depending on what time he woke up from his morning nap.
4pm: Time to start dinner for the kids. David eats a cinnamon raisin bagel and yogurt. Nathaniel has more veggies, fruit, oatmeal or bread and some cheese or yogurt. For now, he’s more interested in trying new foods than David is. Tonight we tried beets and he liked them. After dinner it’s bathtime, books, getting dressed, and nursing. David is there, too, and makes noises and entertains Nathaniel and they peek behind the curtain together.
6pm: The kids are in bed. Nathaniel is likely sleeping and David’s playing with legos in his room. He tells me his two things he’s grateful for and then I give him a hug and a kiss. He goes to sleep somewhere between 6:30 and 8pm.
6:30pm: I put another cup of coffee, grab some snack on the go and it’s time to process my photos from the day. I then post my Daily Diary entry and write about my day on my blog. I write 3 things I’m grateful for and 2 things David’s grateful for. Then it’s time for the second art project of the day. Right now I am making all the catalysts that are scheduled to come up for the rest of the year.
8pm: Once the art is done, I generally surf a bit, read a bit and then it’s time to go to bed. I go upstairs and kiss David and fix his covers. I turn of Nathaniel’s video monitor and go to bed. Jake might or might not join me depending on when he’s getting up the next day. I struggle to fall asleep and then I wake up and do the whole thing over again. Gratefully and lovingly.
– June 2010 –
These photos were actually taken last night as Jake put together the soccer goal he bought for the kids.
They had almost as much fun putting it together as they did playing.
But playing was a lot of fun for both, I foresee many happy days in our future.
I have some closeup shots of the boys today. Those are always my favorite.
Those piercing eyes.
The hugs and love.
Crying for food.
Laughing.
Looking angelic.
And cleaning up. There’s a lot of cleaning up all day thanks to the little boy.
We spent our night doing the moonlight walk. More on this soon. In the meantime I am wiped and off to bed.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a wonderful family walk in the moonlight.
2. I am grateful that I got to see the moon rise tonight. I’ve never seen that in my life before.
3. I am grateful for the good ache in my legs. The one that comes from moving my body.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. making my minnie mouse puppet at school
2. going on the moonlight walk
3. sitting next to maya on the bus
Since I am a guest designer for My Mind’s Eye this month, I wanted to make sure to post a copy of each of my layouts here, too. These all use the amazing My Mind’s Eye products.
Journaling Reads:
I know new teeth will come out soon and your smile will be complete again. But it will still not be the same. It is just another sign of how quickly you’re growing up and it makes me sad a little bit. I love you so much and wish I could slow time down. 8.10
The manila folder behind his photo holds the three teeth he lost so far.
Details:
Journaling Reads:
I remember when I wanted to learn how to knit: I had to go find a local yarn store and buy some yarn and needles so the owner would teach me how to knit. She taught me how to cast on and basic knit and purl. And then I had to go back to learn how to cast off. It was so frustrating to have to go all the way to the store each time I made a mistake or had a follow up question.g.
All this was before YouTube and Vimeo and other online video sites came to bloom. This was before people made how-to videos completely for free and made them available to people like me for no reason except their generosity.
In the last few months, I’ve learned how to crochet, knit a hat, make a camera strap, create a cover for my book reader, knit in the round, create a zentangle, and tons of mixed media techniques, all without leaving my house.
The evolution of the internet and streaming media coupled with cheap video camera prices has meant that I can learn any skill at my convenience and I am very grateful for that.
I love color but white flowers have a special spot in my heart.
This morning Nathaniel wouldn’t take his nap on time. Thankfully Jake was picking up David so I could let Nathaniel go to sleep later than usual and then I had to wake him up or he was going to go past his bedtime. When he wakes up he has the wonderfully angelic look with flushed cheeks and so much happiness radiating from him. So I snapped some photos right then.
So happy.
And then I snapped some of David when he came, too.
So so so love those eyes.
Good day over all. Lots of work, some scrapping (and not white but kraft page even!) and a lot of dozing while trying to stay awake. Can’t believe this week’s over almost. Went by too quickly.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful sitting here and listening to my boys running and playing soccer in the backyard with their daddy. Giggling.
2. I am grateful that I finished my layout and paid the taxes. I always get sad paying the property taxes but then remember how lucky I am to have a home.
3. I am grateful for a little time out tonight with a mom from David’s school. It’s not pure fun but it’s still time outside.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. making my johnny appleseed cup (they made a pot with seeds)
2. playing soccer with daddy
3. getting to see maggie’s ladybugs
This is using the A Million Memories September Kit.
Journaling Reads:
EOne of my favorite things to watch is the two of you playing. But this week I realized how much you just love being near David. When he’s busy doing things, you grab all your toys and sit near him to play. When he’s playing video games, you watch him quietly. You just like being around him. And I do understand that so well because that’s how I feel about you two and your Daddy. And I think David likes it, too. He loves having you around. At least so far. Aug 2010
Details:
After reading two terribly sad books, I picked Beachcombers cause it looked happy and light.
Light it was.
Even though I read it in one day, I decided it was too light. Too hollywood. All the stories had perfect, happy endings. But I did like the characters a lot and enjoyed reading this little story. There are many other books I’d put before this one but if you’re looking for a light read with happy happy endings, this is not a bad choice.
Today was one of those days that got away from me. I did end up doing many things but everything took longer and got done late. I guess all that matters is that it got done, right? I’ve had several good news lately and I’ve been feeling thankful and supremely lucky. With that also comes insecurity and nervousness and weird behavior and then regret for talking too much, too fast, etc, etc. So many issues so little time.
Nathaniel is completely obsessed with shoes. I love watching him try them all on.
And digging through drawers and evaluating contents.
David’s feeling better though he’s lost his voice. But no spitting today, no fighting. Mostly a good day for him. And I love him so much. He’s so sweet.
Nathaniel is getting more and more demanding. He will come over to me and demand to go up and then go back down. He will want something and then walk away from it. On and on. I can’t wait until he can at least talk and tell me what he wants.
And I get a lot of these faces when I refuse all of his wishes.
I’m sorry I’ve been low on words lately. I’m more hectic and tired than usual. Things will pick up soon. Thank you for continuing to come here and leave kind words and advice, I treasure each one.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I had a nice chat with my husband tonight. I love that even after 16 years we can still talk and enjoy each other’s company so much. I think that’s rare and I am not taking that for granted for a minute.
2. I am grateful that I finally got around to printing more photos to scrap. The bottom of the barrel is always uninspiring.
3. I am grateful some time to catch up tonight. This week is full of night obligations and today’s my only open night so I am watching TV, processing photos, and I even hope to read.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. making the johnny appleseed craft
2. filling out my fun school magazine
3. doing a math work at school today and having my teacher show it to the class
Today was randomly hectic and quiet. I did get a bunch of personal and work items done but most of the day I just felt super-tired. And tonight I am going out so I don’t expect tomorrow’s going to be much better. But I had moments of pure joy, like this one.
And this one.
And of course, this one!
Right before we had to leave to get David, there was a flurry of urgent work stuff, as there often seems to be. And then his bus was late and then I had to rush to the dentist and I came home to not having snapped one single photo of David so I asked for one:
And then we chatted while Nathaniel ate his meatballs.
David said he had to sit at a table all lunch today cause he spit at a boy. Then he said it was like sticking his tongue out or whatever. I got really mad and reprimanded him harshly and I am hoping this was the only time. It does not make me happy but he seemed genuinely sad so I let it go.
The kids are finally in bed and I am about to rush out to meet book club friends. I noticed today that my schedule/routine/life works really well as long as I don’t leave the house…
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for an awesome email this morning, some happy crafty news!
2. I am grateful that I got some of the items on my list done and got some work done!
3. I am grateful for Glee tonight!!!!
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. making the K (kangaroo) and L (lizard) puppets at school
2. making my tree with apples at school
3. coloring my book box at school
I wasn’t sure of what to write for today. Sometimes I have ideas ahead of time, sometimes I write about something that just happened and other times I stare at the screen for a while and then I remember how tired I am and all the other items on my list for today and I start to doze off.
Today was one of those days.
Until I saw a tweet by Karen Maezen Miller which pointed to this post by Lindsey which then made me realize what today’s post was going to be about.
Attention.
Lindsey writes, “What we pay attention to flourishes. Attention is love. It is, after all, the only true thing of value we have.”
Isn’t that true? As she goes on to say attention is time and how we spend our time is how we spend our days (and life, of course.) But the part that I focused on isn’t only that what we pay attention becomes our life, but also that what we give attention to flourishes. There are obvious things like plants, cooking, etc. where you can see the actual “flourished” outcome of attention. And then there are the things that take a lot of time to flourish so each bit of attention moves us a little forward and the regular progress is harder to see. For example, art, music or even math. Things that take a long time and a lot of practice. But what is practice? a recurring attention.
And then there are those things that we pour attention to and we might never see the outcome. Or we might never prove that our attention is directly related to that outcome. Things like friendships, relationships, children. There is no doubt that each of these things flourish with attention but the direct outcome of attention might be hard to see. But attention is what keeps all relationships going. The more you give, the more you’re rewarded.
Another thing Lindsey said that really stuck with me was “A critical task of our lives is to truly see those we love for who they are, even when that means accepting that there are mysteries inside of them that we will never understand. To release them from the cage of what we so desperately want them to be, so that they may flourish into who they are.” To me, this is the best kind of attention. The kind that doesn’t judge or expect anything in return. The kind that gives. The kind of mother, wife, or friend I try to be. Imagine if you had a friend who gave you the gift of truly seeing and truly accepting you. Wouldn’t that be the most amazing gift you ever received?
So, I hope that each of you spend a little more time today seeing where you’re spending your attention. And who you could see and love without judgement. And remember that attention is love. Thank you Karen and Lindsey for reminding me of that today. I needed to hear it again.
The following is cross-posted from the Weekly Gratitude Blog. I will post there every Tuesday and decided to post those posts here, too. For those of you who read both blogs, I apologize in advance. Some weeks the content might be different and other weeks, exactly the same.
A few weeks ago Margie emailed me and asked me if I could do a few samples with one of her kits that were scheduled to sell on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). The kit had the Girls’ Paperie Paper Girl papers, ribbons, stamps, and die cuts. No alphabets! Can you imagine me doing a layout without alphabets? Well, I went off and bought the letter punch from MS and decided to step up to the challenge. I will post the 4 layouts I made in two days, over the next few weeks.
Journaling Reads:
Since I am the family photographer, there are very few photos of me and you. So I asked Daddy to grab the camera and take one. You made this weird face so I decided to tickle you and he snapped right then. I love this. Imperfect but authentic photo so much.
Details:
David woke up with a low-grade fever today. Because I hate those parents who hate their kids to school sick and because he looked sad, I decided it was better to stay home and rest up. So he spent the day looking like this.
And resting and watching movies and even a little TV but mostly lying and reading books and coloring. The little one was restless today and couldn’t sit still or stay quiet. He played with his bottles.
And begged for food and whined about being on his chair. Slapped and kicked us without meaning to.
It was a useless day for the most part. I got a bunch of important work done but spent most of the day aimlessly wondering what to work on and not actually working on much. Oh well, tomorrow’s another day.
Things have been quiet here, I hope I am not boring you to tears or putting too many scrappy pages. Let me know if something’s wrong.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a fun BPS chat tonight!
2. I am grateful that my art journal that I posted here this weekend was the featured project at 2peas today!
3. I am grateful that David seems to be all better. Here’s to hoping the fever doesn’t come back tomorrow.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. watching kid TV
2. eating yummy snacks and fruit and my bagel
3. watching movies on my ipod
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projects for twenty twenty-five
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projects for twenty twenty-two
projects for twenty twenty-one
projects for twenty nineteen
projects for twenty eighteen
projects from twenty seventeen
monthly projects from previous years
some of my previous projects
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