Trying to live in the moment...

Life here in northern Ohio continues to be very busy.  I always feel, around this time of year, like I'm on a wheel.  As the end of the year draws closer, that wheel just seems to go faster and faster.  Time is such an elusive thing!

I've been quite busy with the girls and school and all the extras - like ballet and Girl Scouts.  Kudos to those moms who have several kids all in different activities at the same time!  So far I only have one night a week where I truly feel like a limo driver.  I am continuing to work on my picture frames, my deadline date is fast approaching.  My attitude is "whatever I get finished, is what I am going with". No sense in getting myself stressed out, 

I want to enjoy this first experience.

I have been very conscience lately of trying to slow down and enjoy just being in the moment.  Like watching the fall leaves change colors - it only happens once a year!  The tree in our backyard turns a brilliant shade of yellow...

Before we know it the holidays will be upon us and another year will have gone by.  As the girls are starting to grow up I am realizing that I don't want to miss any part of it. Making sure that I'm actually engaged in the moment is the only way I can think of to not miss something.  What sort of things do you do to "be in the moment"?

More frames and a little Halloween...

I have been busy making frames!  I now know why those of you who do the craft show circuit spend months and months making stuff before your shows...

I do like very much having a deadline though, it keeps me motivated.  Last week the weather here in Ohio was just beautiful - this week it's back to cloudy and rainy.  This is a good thing as I did not get as much finished when it was so nice outside.

I have been trying very hard to stay balanced through all of this.  It's been going pretty well - I even took a little time to make some Halloween decorations.  These are mason jar Jack-o-lanterns.  
Very easy and fun to make:)

The girl's Halloween costumes are finished - with the whole idea of finding balance their costumes this year are "semi-homemade".  A little bit crafted by me and a little bit store bought.  They are happy with them and I have maintained my sanity - I will post pics soon.  
Have a wonderfully Blessed week.

Inspiration...

Wow! Has it really been two weeks since my last post?  How dare life get in the way of my blogging. I think whoever said that things get easier as your children get older was not being entirely honest.  Life in general is easier (everyone sleeps through the night without needing a bottle or a diaper change) but boy are we busier.  During the quiet moments I like to look for inspiration, and I always seem to find it right in front of me... 

Partially finished picture frames drying on the dining room table... 

A pretend campfire made of paper streamers 

(thanks to one of Fiona's Girl Scout projects)...

My never ending stash of tissue paper;  I can't help myself, the colors are so varied and rich and it's so inexpensive! 

During our fast paced lives, what inspires you during the quiet moments?