Veins of Gold

It is in men as in soils where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not. 

/ Jonathan Swift

Sometimes, and I know this is the case with anyone who is breathing, I don't always feel like people see me. I don't always feel understood or appreciated simply as I am. Often there are expectations I can't live up to, things I am supposed to do and I don't, things I say no to that people may not understand.

This isn't a pity party. I'm learning that I am seen, by the One who really matters. It's a good thing that others don't always see or understand. Because it forces me to go where there is understanding, where I should be going for that acceptance I crave to begin with. All my flaws, all my failures, and also all my veins of gold are seen. The gifts I've been given that I don't always know how to use the right way, that I may not even know exist. He sees.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart... Jeremiah 1:5

 

 

The first shot is for Paper Heart Camera, Second is for Scripture and a Snapshot and Macro Monday,

third is for Monday Rewind

Eggshells

I'm no baker. I do try, hard...but I'm so much better at just eating things other people bake. I'm not sure what's so hard about it, but it's kind of like plants...I just can't seem to get it quite right. Maybe it's the fact that I just like things quick and simple, and a lot of times baking seems to require a lot of ingredients and steps. I get bored...fast.

Whenever I do bake *ahem, funfetti from a box, anyone?* the kids love to "help". If they find out I've made a cake without them they get rather perturbed that they weren't involved in the process. Their favorite part? Cracking the eggs. You can imagine, my two hooligans, cracking eggs. Yes, it's as ridiculous as you're imagining. The eggs either don't get cracked, or they are completely obliterated.

They are so cute trying to crack the eggs though that I always let them. I just have to make sure I get the eggshells out of the batter before we stir it up. Stirring happens to be their next favorite thing. They don't really do much stirring...they just kind of stick spoons/whisks into the batter and slop it onto themselves and the counter. But still...it's cute and they think they're helping.

This particular cake they were allowed to take "bites" of the batter. (Mother of the year right here, I'm sure...letting my kids eat raw eggs. Shhh...) I'm afraid they might have a new favorite part of making cakes. But if I'm honest, eating the batter out of the bowl is probably half the reason I even make cakes myself.

The first shot is for Better than Best, Second is for Fabulous Friday, 

and the last shot is for Paper Mama.

Earn Your Tots

Yesterday I had to go and do the dreaded glucose tolerance testing for gestational diabetes. If I'm honest, the drink they give you isn't that bad...I think the bad part is worrying/wondering if I actually have GD.

I have seen how diabetics have to eat. Guys, it makes me hurt. I don't know how they do it. They are some tough people. I know you do what you gotta do, and if I have it I'll suck it up and deal, but ohmuhword I really hope not. After I took my test (Billy was off and stayed home with the hooligans) we went the the Y where I got in my 6 miles, and then we went to Sonic.

I'm currently addicted to Sonic, but it does make me feel slightly better about a cheeseburger, tots, and slushy if I've gotten a good run in. Also I figured I should eat all the crappy food I want today in case tomorrow I get a phone call saying I failed a very important test.

Judging from the scared look on his face when I mentioned what would happen if I fail this test (and go on to fail the 3hr you take if you fail the 1hr) I think Billy is hoping I pass too. ;)

The first shot is for Show Off, and the last shot is for Texture Thursday.
Check out more iPhone shots at Perfect Imperfections.

Reminded

I don't like how sometimes I feel like seasons/holidays are skipped over. I know that stores want to sell things, makes sense, but I walked into Target yesterday and there was Christmas Trees on display. Now I love Christmas, but um, it's October. I haven't even digested (or received) my Halloween candy yet.

Like I said, I know stores need to sell things, and people like to shop ahead of time. I am not one of those people...I put off Christmas shopping because of the fact that I am constantly broke and it's physically impossible to buy presents. And I usually refuse to use my credit card unless I have a baby, and the accompanying medical bills that come with said baby, or someone is dying.

I guess I want to spend a little more time enjoying the season I'm in, as opposed to the one coming. I need to remember this in general, and not just when it comes to holidays. Like for instance, wishing that Baby J was here already instead of enjoying having him so close to me for this short period of time.

Yeah yeah, my back hurts and I can't breathe, sleeping just plain doesn't happen (which is oh-so-sad because I adore sleeping and when I don't sleep I'm like a grizzly) but this time will only be a few weeks of his life. Soon he'll be running around, growing up and away from me. I need to just chill and be thankful for this time. Same with whatever I may be experiencing...like the other two hooligans' new phase of sibling rivalry. I guess it's convenient at a time when I need to be learning this, that the word Thanks is so visible.

The first shot is for Simplicity, the Second is for Communal Global, and third is for Happiness Project.

Family Friendly

Saturday we went to the park with the hooligans, my sisters ("the aunties") and my parents. This kind of thing rarely happens...someone is always gone or we are usually just hanging out at my parents' house when we all get together.

The kids had a great time. It's always nice to have a little break from being their only source of entertainment, and the only referee when they are fighting. I was able to just take some "for fun" shots while everyone was playing. That hasn't happened in awhile.

It was nice to just wander with my camera and kind of get lost in what I was seeing, and all the beginnings of fall around me. That hasn't happened as much recently with all the client work I'd been doing.

Slowing down is something I'm set on this fall. I want to take time for the kids, for Billy and I, for just breathing a little bit. It's not always popular, but I think saying no and protecting sanity is a good idea sometimes. Especially as a third hooligan is about to make life even busier...and there will be a third person in my life who I'm sure will be naturally good at saying "no". ;)

The first shot is for Paper Heart Camera, 

the second is for Scripture and a Snapshot, 

and third is for Monday Rewind.