Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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.

6 comments:

Stacy said...

WOW! What a blessing. I want to be that kind of friend, too.

Blessings to you all this Christmas!
~Stacy

Anonymous said...

Nice to see the blog fired up...I lOVE that new picture of your fam! So glad to have you seen you ... although so very brief it was.I will try not to eat so many of your Take 5s before you get here next time! :-)
Kelly

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Stacy, You Are that kind of friend! I agree every one needs those that you know are there for you no matter what!
Kelly, It never seems like enough time! I think it is a REALLY good thing that you eat them, because I don't have any self control in that area! You will be getting a Christmas card with the pic on it, as soon as I go get stamps!

elizabeth said...

Hi Carolynn! thanks for sharing your blog with me! Elizabeth

Nicole said...

I saw that cookbook and thought, "I wonder if Carolynn would like that?". I'm glad someone so thoughtfully gave it to you!