Reality Check

When I first started blogging I wanted to make sure that I didn't make myself and my life look picture perfect- because it's not. I did some "reality check" posts to try and keep it real. I kind of got over it and decided everyone knows I'm pretty flawed so I stopped doing them but I was really surprised the other day to hear from a good friend, someone I thought knew me better, ask "how I do it all without going crazy?" And the answer is of course I don't do "it all" and I do go a little crazy sometimes anyways! A little evidence of what goes undone- my office space- which resides in my bedroom!Shameful, I know. That's my goal this week, get it in order, and we'll see how long it takes to get back to this state. Maybe sometime I'll give you a peak at my kitchen- Sam was marvelling yesterday at how it is a completely different mess every time he sees it, which in my defense, is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But I promise, in-between those meals it does get clean, at least once or twice a day!

Shopping

I have 2 slight addictions that balance each other out so they don't cause too much of a problem- over spending, and over eating. So I'm just *a little* fatter than I want to be, and I spend *just a little* over budget each month. The problem is, when I commit to really sticking to a budget, I can't stop eating, and when I go on a diet, I can't stop shopping! So I'm on a diet... and I found this really cute dress at Kohls.My measurements are slightly different than hers so don't let Sam see this picture. And I got it in black & white but I like it. And you can't beat that price, and it doesn't need to be ironed!

And something I want to buy, but have been holding off on, a new girly pair of Crocs! I don't know why these are so cute to me- in 10 years they will probably be something we laugh at, but they are so comfortable.

I'm an analytical...

One time I heard someone say "Oh I hate analyticals." Because they just think things to death, and can never make decisions and ACT. And I thought that was rude, because suddenly I realized was an analytical! And it drives me crazy. I have been working on things, but I want them to be PERFECT and they aren't and I can't decide what to do about it. I purchased the wood and paper to make the word SPRING 2 months ago... then I realized it would be 6 feet long, and I don't have a place to hang a 6' long spring decoration! So I decided to do HOP. (you know, like the Easter Bunny hops) But, that doesn't make as much sense on spring paper as it would on easter paper- you know with eggs etc. So I can't decide what to do. Those letters aren't glued on yet...Next, Target decided they weren't sucking enough out of me with just a $1 section, so they also added a bunch of $2.50 items that were so stinking cute! They are all painted wood, and cute, but I thought how much cuter they would be Mod Podged with some pretty paper! But I'm having a hard time decideing which items will go in which room, and what papers I will use!One decision I did make, I found this shower curtain that I absolutely adore! And bought some pretty bright pink towels to match for the girls bathroom. I've had the same shower curtain since we got married, nearly 9 years ago, because I could never really find something I loved. Now I'm worried when we have our next kid (not any time soon) it will be a boy, and he won't like the pink towels. Totally ridiculous! This is my reality check- I am analytical and a little crazy.
PS- We got my "smokin' deal" table tonight, opened the box and there's a big crack about 1/3 of the way across the top. :-( It's still totally functional, and I really love it other than the crack! They don't have any more though so I can't exchange it. I'm really bummed but I'm thinking if they give me a good enough discount, I may just keep it anyways.

Reading time

Here is my very favorite book to read with the girls right now, Big Sister and Little Sister by Charlotte Zolotow:I cry every time I read it and the girls don't know why but it is just such a sweet story about a big sister and a little sister, and I kind of think the girls look like my girls.
The other one we're into right now is Oh, What a Busy Day by Gyo Fujikawa: It's one that I loved when I was a little girl, and I forgot about it until my mom told me about Gracie loving it. I think it's out of print right now but my wonderful sister Beth found it for me for my birthday. (Thank you Beth!) It's just full of the random things kids do everyday and has really beautiful illustrations. I love them all but here's an example of one favorite: I just want to crawl into the book and sit there.

Ok and it's been a couple weeks since I did a "reality check" so here it is:

This is Miss B's February reading log. We are supposed to read 15 minutes a day, everyday, and she colors in one heart each time we do. February is over, and that's as far as we got- 13 hearts. I don't know why it's hard for me to do it. I noticed last time I was in her class that a lot of the kids are reading better than her and I am sure it is because we aren't reading enough at home. Ok, so that's my reality check, I hate to admit it but I don't read to my kids every day- I would like to though, I am working on it.

My life is not perfect

If you know me, you probably are saying DUH- but I realized the problem with blogs- it's like the Christmas card photo and letter- everyone puts out their best side, because who wants to see or hear about the bad? But then you start getting all these Christmas cards, and seeing the perfect beautiful families, reading the letter of their awesome accomplishments, and start to think boy my life is pretty dull and my family is pretty imperfect. But the fact is, a picture is just a moment. And while I totally admit my life is nothing to complain about, it is far from perfect. I want to keep my blog positive, but I am going to do a "reality check" a couple times a month in case I start making things sound too good. Here is a perfect moment from today.

I should point out my bed is unmade- and it remained unmade all day! But my reality check picture for today is my kitchen floor. It actually looks much worse in real life. I haven't swept it in almost 48 hours. See- very imperfect.

P.S. I did sweep tonight because luckily we were having friends over for dinner. I need the motivation.