Author: Lois Houston

I'm a sweet tea drinkin' southern gal who loves to cook, bake, crochet, and read. Check out my blog for posts about parenting, faith, books, crafts, planning, baking, cooking, and life in general.

Happy July 4th (almost)

This is a way cool video… Wish I could have edible fireworks!

Enjoy and Happy 4th of July!

Right this minute

I’m thinking about: what’s for dinner

I’m looking at: a pile of work still to be done on my desk

I’m wishing for: the publisher’s clearinghouse people to show up at my door (who cares if I didn’t enter?)

I would like to: spend the rest of the day scrapbooking or napping (or a combination of the two)

I’m hoping: that my little one gets well soon

Right this minute

I'm thinking about: what's for dinner

I'm looking at: a pile of work still to be done on my desk

I'm wishing for: the publisher's clearinghouse people to show up at my door (who cares if I didn't enter?)

I would like to: spend the rest of the day scrapbooking or napping (or a combination of the two)

I'm hoping: that my little one gets well soon

Right this minute

I'm thinking about: what's for dinner

I'm looking at: a pile of work still to be done on my desk

I'm wishing for: the publisher's clearinghouse people to show up at my door (who cares if I didn't enter?)

I would like to: spend the rest of the day scrapbooking or napping (or a combination of the two)

I'm hoping: that my little one gets well soon

About me

I’m a hardworking mom who loves her family more than life itself, sees a lot of things in this world that don’t make sense, and tries to make each day a little brighter for the people she loves. I love to write, love to read, love to create. Whether it’s a good meal, a scrapbook, or something intangible like a story, I’m always creating. I love to watch people… imagine what their life story is and what motivates them as they pass by.
I believe in looking for the best in everyone and everything and that we are all here for a reason (even if we haven’t discovered that purpose yet). I also believe that everything happens the way that it is supposed to.
I’m fairly silly and have a “commentator” that sits on my shoulder and sometimes takes over my mouth or keyboard to voice her opinions. (so don’t be surprised when she chimes in)
Oh, yeah, and I'm a Independent Creative Memories Consultant.
ALL POSTS, THOUGHTS, OPINIONS ARE MINE (unless otherwise noted) and as such, are COPYRIGHTED.
©COPYRIGHT 2008,2009 LOIS A. HOUSTON

What is a "normal" life?

Funny how our definition of “normal” changes as time goes by and our perspective changes.
For the past, oh, 5 years, R has worked almost every Saturday… taking maybe one off every 5 or 6 weeks.  When this first started, I hated it.  I missed having him around. I missed having time together as a family.  I had gotten used to a “normal” where we were together every weekend and I didn’t like the change to my routine. I selfishly wanted both the extra money that came from working overtime AND the time I felt like we were missing out on with him.

We adapted. Or, should I say, I adapted.  I think that kids are much more adaptable than grownups anyway.  It was not as big a deal to them as it was to me.  Anyway, it took me a while (a LONG while) but I adapted.
The girls and I began to make plans for Saturdays… fun “girlie” things to do together.  We’d get pedicures, go out to lunch with our friends, stay at home and scrapbook all day.  We created a new “normal” for us.

Then, the economy hit the tank, work slowed down, and job changes forced upon us a new “normal” again.  We didn’t have as much extra money for our outings and although R was still working a lot of hours, his job responsibilities shifted and he was under a lot less pressure at work.  Life began to shift again.

Ironically enough, we’re moving back towards that old “normal” of 5 day work weeks and weekends together as a family.  I miss the extra money (our budget misses it!) but I sure am loving the time together as a family.  As I type this R is outside (crazy in this heat, but that’s him) working in the flowerbeds.  He’s happy. Doing the things he does to relax.  It’s nice to look out the window and see the girls interacting with their dad and him puttering around with them.

We may not have that extra money, but what we’re gaining in quality time as a family is a lot more valuable in my opinion.  I guess I’ll take this new “normal.”  For as long as it lasts, anyway.

What is a ” normal ” life?

Funny how our definition of "normal" changes as time goes by and our perspective changes.

For the past, oh, 5 years, R has worked almost every Saturday… taking maybe one off every 5 or 6 weeks.  When this first started, I hated it.  I missed having him around. I missed having time together as a family.  I had gotten used to a "normal" where we were together every weekend and I didn't like the change to my routine. I selfishly wanted both the extra money that came from working overtime AND the time I felt like we were missing out on with him.


We adapted. Or, should I say, I adapted. 

I think that kids are much more adaptable than grownups anyway.  It was not as big a deal to them as it was to me.  Anyway, it took me a while (a LONG while) but I adapted.
The girls and I began to make plans for Saturdays… fun "girlie" things to do together.  We'd get pedicures, go out to lunch with our friends, stay at home and scrapbook all day.  We created a new "normal" for us.


Then, the economy hit the tank, work slowed down, and job changes forced upon us a new "normal" again.  We didn't have as much extra money for our outings and although R was still working a lot of hours, his job responsibilities shifted and he was under a lot less pressure at work. 

Life began to shift again.


Ironically enough, we're moving back towards that old "normal" of 5 day work weeks and weekends together as a family.  I miss the extra money (our budget misses it!) but I sure am loving the time together as a family. 

As I type this R is outside (crazy in this heat, but that's him) working in the flowerbeds.  He's happy. Doing the things he does to relax. 

It's nice to look out the window and see the girls interacting with their dad and him puttering around with them.

We may not have that extra money, but what we're gaining in quality time as a family is a lot more valuable in my opinion. 

I guess I'll take this new "normal."  For as long as it lasts, anyway.

Today: June 23, 2009

TODAY
June 23st, 2009
Outside my window… The grass is getting greener (and longer!) and the humidity is rising.
I am thinking... about how ironic it is that my toes are freezing when it is almost 90 outside (although much cooler inside)
I am thankful for… air conditioning
From the kitchen… I’m thinking takeout for dinner tonight, so nothing from the kitchen today.
I am wearing… comfy capris and a tshirt; standard work-from-home attire
I am creating… an interesting summer for my girls with lots of fun things to do.
I am going… to go see what the kids are up to upstairs – they sound like they are having more fun that I am down here.
I am reading… The Last Oracle
I am hoping… thatRob continues to work steadily through the summer and into the fall
I am hearing… the sounds of the girls playing “house” upstairs (ding dong!)
Around the house… there are small piles of stuff which need picking up before our company this weekend
One of my favorite things… air conditioning and a good book (preferably together)
A few plans for the rest of the week… trip to the pool (daily, I think) coffee with my friend Ann Marie, cropping with Robyn on Friday night and Shakespeare on Saturday (yeah!)  Sounds like a good week to me!