Speaking My Language

The blog has been conspicuously quiet lately. Usually that means that I am busy living life. Sometimes it means I an just trying to stay afloat. Occasionally it means I am really struggling. I would have to say that the past couple of months have been a combination of all three.

A Small Smattering of Treasures I received at The Gift of Time

In the busyness of life, my friend Kelly, treated me to a day. A day! I mean a whole day to take care of things I needed to take care of. I used this time to catch up with long time friends, work on some unfinished projects, organize my thoughts and make lists and plans for the next few months.
Kelly provided a fabulous lunch, treats (even a special treat just for me Take 5 candy bar) an entire box of delicious desserts for me to bring home to my husband, biscotti, gingerbread pancake mix, notes of encouragement, and so much more.
I think it was perfect timing to regroup and  prioritize what is important for our family. The next few weeks will be full of change for our school and our family to hopefully help things run more smoothly. I am already seeing some huge benefits from implementing a schedule change and dietary restrictions for several of the children.

My whole family is in love with Pioneer Woman

If you could question the amazingness of Kelly after the Gift of Time, she surprised me with "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" cookbook. Inside the front cover she wrote, "Just Because". Wow.
When I grow up, I want to think like she does, with such selfless love to her family and others. She remembers things about people (like my love of Take 5), she really listens, and gives from the bottom of her heart.
My entire family has a love affair with The Pioneer Woman. My oldest son wants to be adopted by her, my middle son wants to marry her, my youngest son wants us to take a family vacation to her house.My husband will smile and say, "Wow!" when I not so casually mention that I am serving a Pioneer Woman meal.  I actually like Ian's idea best because it doesn't take any of my boys away from me! I love her too! I love that her recipes are simple to follow, use ingredients I already have in my cupboard, and taste amazing! For an entire month all we ate were recipes from The Pioneer Woman.
I am blessed beyond measure.