Changing Focus

I went on a walk today.

I wasn't looking for anything particular, just needed some fresh air.

I saw a flower growing in some rocks and it felt familiar.

"Bloom where you're planted."

I snapped a pic with my phone and kept walking.

I was bummed when I saw that it's out of focus though.

Nice clear rocks, fuzzy flower.

Typical!


Then it hit me:

"You're focusing on the wrong things."

LITERALLY.

I started blogging to find and to share inspiration.

I feel like sometimes I'm successful but mostly

I think I'm trying hard to be like other people.
I stopped blogging because it's stressing me out.


THE FANTASY:

"Look how cute my house is because of my incredible DIY talents!"

MY REALITY:

My house is usually a mess. I work full time and just want to veg out when I get home, not scrub toilets or make planters out of toilets.


THE FANTASY:

"Every meal I make is a picture-perfect masterpiece that my whole family loves!"

MY REALITY:

I hate making dinner. It takes hours of work for 10 minutes of eating and it rarely pleases everyone.


THE FANTASY:

"Look how skinny I am because of my herculean efforts to change my life!"

MY REALITY:

I'm tired. I want to sleep. And I ate potato chips for lunch yesterday.


THE FANTASY:

"Watching my little ones grow is so inspiring!"
MY REALITY:
I have 3 teenage boys. And sometimes they smell. But I love them.


My reality means trying to juggle work and kids and church callings and family outings and doctor appointments and panic attacks and allergy season. I feel like I don't have time to blog because it takes so much time. But I think I'm focusing on, and therefore blogging about, the wrong things.

So instead of just "tp tube crafts" and "cheesecake recipe" posts, you're going to be seeing more
"I survived a social engagement" and "Well, that didn't work" posts.


If that's your reality too, let's enjoy this ride together.

YAY, life!

Kid Craft: Baby Owls

How cute are these little big-eyed babies?! I love them!

This simple Baby Owl Craft is an easy way to add a touch of autumn to your home.

Here’s a list of supplies you’ll need,

most of which are probably in your house right now!

– cardboard tubes (empty toilet paper rolls to be exact)

– cupcake liners (just 2 per owl). Wilton has some fresh and unique designs!

– scrap paper (not much; just enough for the eyes and beak)

– scissors (again for the eyes and beak)

– a hot glue gun (good old Elmer’s glue works too, just not as quickly)

1- Start by folding in the top of the tube.

2- Add a drop of glue to one side to keep your fold in place.

3- Fold 1 cupcake liner in half.

4- Glue it to the back of the tube to create the wings.

5- For outstretched wings, cut a cupcake liner in half.

6- Glue each half on the back of the tube at a slight angle.

7- Cut another cupcake liner into thirds. Trim off the flat base so only the ruffles remain.

8- Glue each ruffle, starting at the bottom of the tube, to cover the tube with “feathers”.  Add eyes and a beak and Viola!

Happy Fall, y’all!

This was originally posted on East Valley Mom Guide.