On The Slow Rode To Sanity

Okay, so I need to put blogging on my radar again. I have been extremely neglectful. *Sigh*

I have made some great progress in the last few months on my quest to learn new things and put the fun back in mommydom. For sure there are things I take pleasure in; my garden, teaching the kids and helping with homework and then the not-so-fun; cleaning and the endless mounds of laundry. But I have been doing a better job of taking the bitter with the sweet and really concentrating on living up to the saying "Bloom Where You Are Planted." Right now I am a stay-at-home mom and it's up to me to be the best because there are so many people counting on me EVERYDAY. So I am planted in this season of my life and I think right now I have found ways to still feel that I am moving forward and doing things for me. It has helped that over the last few months I have implemented a Chore Chart, planted a garden, learned to knit, and read several books for pleasure.

My Chore Chart: I have been a stickler for this and it has paid off big time. I feel that I have more time for me (see below). I also like the fact that it helps keep me on track. When I get up in the morning I know exactly what needs to be done. No more running around like a chicken with its head cut off just to complete one task. One unexpected upside: my husband has commented on how nice the house looks everyday so he has noticed the change. There are a few organizational items I want to do over the next couple of months to make life even easier but other than that no complaints.

My Garden: I am sooo excited about this and having a garden has allowed me to connect with my dad on another level because he is a gardner too. My kids have also learned to love collard greens because we have them a couple of times a month. I have more greens than I can handle so if you want some shoot me a text, a facebook mssg to let me know. The caterpillars got to them so there are more than a few holes in them but they are clean and organic oh yeah, and GOOD! What a sense of accomplishment as I go out to pick vegetables that have flourished because I have cared for them. Wow, I can't believe how successful it has been. I even have tomatoes starting to come on the vine. My long-term goal for those would be to can and/or freeze my own pasta sauce and seasoned tomatoes. What a money-saver that would be! Check out the latest photos.

This is a photo of my entire garden. Do you see how many collard greens I have. They are in the middle of the box.

My tomatoes are starting to grow! I planted these back in October so it's been a looonnngg time coming. I didn't think they were going to grow but low and behold they have!

This photo is from a couple of weeks ago. This is my green leaf lettuce after I picked it and washed it. We had a crisp, great tasting salad. Look at the vibrant color. I was so pleased with the outcome.

My knitting: I have made real progress here too. I have completed my first project! A knitted scarf for Anisa with a crocheted ruffle border. (Who cares that it is about to be spring and she probably won't wear it until later in the year...LOL) The fact that it is complete is the big kudos. I have begun many, many projects only to let them go by the wayside but I actually completed this one! It was so fun and relaxing to knit while I waited for Anisa's dance class to be over, while I watched Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, and while I visited my parents.

You can't tell but this scarf is almost as long as Alexander is tall. It took me a good while to complete. I used the stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next). It is a simple stitch and is really the stitch people think of when you think of knitting. I want to learn more stitches. They say if you can knit and purl you can do any other stitch. Let's hope that is true.

My Reading: I have read more books over the last couple of months than I have over the last 4 years. I am telling you, the Chore Chart works and allows for so much more extra time. I also recommend menu planning. Those are two HUGE time savers for me. Check me out on http://www.goodreads.com/ to see the books I've read and my reviews.

My Career Aspirations: Okay I've had a few jobs in my life but not many that I can call a career. I have been thinking about what it is I want to do and it is so exciting doing research and reading up on what is out there. I have not necessarily found my calling but I am taking steps in the right direction and will keep you updated.

I have made some great strides towards sanity in the past few months. It feels good to keep moving forward and Slap The Bull.