Excuses

Lately I've become aware of a bad habit of mine because it is being reflected in my children. 

It's making excuses. 

I excuse my crabbiness toward my family by saying: "My back hurts."

I excuse my lateness to an appointment by saying: "My children were naughty."

I excuse the cold shoulder I gave to my husband by saying: "Little people have been hanging on me all day."

I realize that all of these things are true, but are they good reasons for mistreating the people I love most?  Often if we correct the issues with a little more foresight there is no need to make excuses. 

I could take a pain reliever for my back.

I could take the time to prepare better for my appointment leaving a little extra time for "naughty children."  

I could read the toddler and baby a story and play with them and they might not hang on me so much--leaving a little more for my hubby.

Sometimes I fail though even with preparation.  What should I do then?  Instead of excuses I could simply admit that I was wrong.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"I'm sorry I'm late."

"Yes dear--I have time for you."

It's really not that hard, but just like the habit of making excuses wasn't born overnight--neither will the habit of being honest, and admitting the truth.  It will take a conscious effort and a lot of help from above.

My Husbands Favorite Hymn

What's Blooming

 

Trumpet vine growing on the washline post

Our onion harvest--better than I expected.

 

Bee balm--almost past it's prime.

Hibiscus bloom by the front walk--what a nice welcoming sight.

Saving Money With a Baby

 

No doubt about it baby supplies can add up on your grocery bill.

Several years ago I tried making homemade baby wipes, and I was unhappy with the results.

Within a few days they smelled rancid, (because of the baby oil in them) and they dried out quickly.

A friend encouraged me to give this recipe a try and I am amazed.

I've been using them for almost a month now, and the other day I used some store bought wipes and realized I like the homemade ones better!

Whisk 2 tablespoons each of baby wash and baby lotion in 2 cups of warm water.

Pour over 1/2 a roll of Bounty paper towels stuffed into an airtight container.

This container is what I use to store the wipes in, but any round or square airtight container will work.

 

The lotion gives them a soft baby scent that lingers on the baby.

If you prefer unscented wipes you can use scent-free lotion and baby wash.

 

I have my hubby cut the paper towel roll in half with his radial arm saw--makes a smoother cut than an electric knife.

These wipes could be used for any quick clean-up--not just for babies.

Free Fun

Who needs expensive toys?

All you need is a pair of feet and some bubble wrap.

It will entertain everyone for hours.

Even the dog--who barked herself hoarse.

What do you do for free fun at your house?

Playing With My Food

The other evening my hubby told me he wanted a salad for supper.

Our lettuce in our garden is doing so well we can hardly keep up with eating it.

The house was tidy and I was a little bored.

So, I played with my food and came up with this creation.

Everything on the platter is from our garden except the tomatoes.

They came from a friends hothouse.

In case you were wondering it tasted every bit as nice as it looked.

What God Sees

When I look in the mirror I see a rather frumpy looking thirty-something lady looking back at me.  There are straggles of hair around my face and dark circles under my eyes.  My chin has multiplied and there are love handles in places where no love handle should ever be.

This makes me wonder...........

What does my husband see when he looks at me?

  Why do his eyes still sparkle when they meet mine across a crowded room.  Why does he search me out when he walks in the house after a hard day of work?  Why does he call me for no reason in the middle of the day to see how I'm doing?

What do my children see when they look at me?

  Why do they bring me their treasures to share with me?  Why do they cling to me at night after a bad dream?  Why do they tell me their deepest darkest secrets with such a look of confidence in their eyes?

What do my friends see when they look at me?

 Why do they send me a card just to let me know they are praying for me?  Why do they listen to me when my babbling makes no sense and I just need to vent?  Why do they sound so happy to hear my voice on the phone?

Most importantly what does God see when He looks at me? 

Does he see that my intentions are good even when I fail?  Does He know why I cry when no one else can see?  Does He care if I look frumpy?