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

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.

With all the gloom and doom in the news these days, it's often very easy to forget about all the things we have to be thankful for… Here are some of the things I am most thankful for today:

• My healthy family… we had been told we most likely would not be able to have children. Now, we are blessed with two beautiful girls who are healthy, happy, and full of life.
• My wonderful husband … who puts up with my idiosyncrasies, my hobbies, moods, and tantrums (yes, I am guilty of those)
• My mom – who is my best friend. 'nuff said.
• My extended family and friends – who I know would do anything for us… back at ya, guys.
• My house – it's like living in a treehouse, only with a neighborhood and swimming pool.
• My job – I love, love, love the fact that I get to work at home all day and still get paid.
• My country – we may have problems, but we have our freedom and a lot more luxuries than a lot of other folks
• My health and happiness
• My faith – I know where all this comes from, and I know who deserves all the credit. and it ain't me.

What are YOU thankful for this year?