My "process" and a peek at my mess. =)

I can't blame my kids for all the chaos around my house. Here's a glimpse at my scrap room/playroom, and as you can see I'm in the middle of a little project. Just playing around and having fun- using some of my Heidi Swapp goodness. =)
If after reading my previous entry you got the picture of me sitting in a corner with my Bible, praying and singing hymns, I apologize for that. While it's true that I read my Bible regularly and have daily quiet time and I try to squeeze in some meaningful worship too, it's not like I am out of touch with the world around me- as if I live in a monestary or something. {Which I think would be an enjoyable thing to do for a couple of days sometime....}
What I was trying to say is that I make time for things that are important to me and the way that I function best. I never watch television (or very rarely watch tv...my kids watch plenty of kids' programming) and I admit that I spend a lot of time on my computer, however, I still manage to stay on top of most of my day to day activities. I work around my blogging much of the time, and will do other things at the same time. Like empty the dishwasher or change a diaper while my photos upload. Or I browse magazines (I have Rachael Ray's open next to me right now)or even glance at the newspaper. I find that there are things we all do each day, and I am learning to 'weed out' the things that I find just eat up my time. Like telemarketers on the phone. =)
I find that I can be the most hard on myself when it comes to being a good Mom and "doing enough" for my kids. I find myself feeling guilty once in awhile that I am doing too much for myself. But then I snap myself back to reality and look at the facts...I am home almost constantly for my family. I get out to grocery shop once or twice a week, and that's about it. Seriously. And I feel guilty?! What am I thinking?! =)
I find that if I am baking and doing activities and cooking dinner and have all my laundry caught up, well then that's when I'm "good". On a side note- it's been 2 weeks since we've had fast food in our family- partly from watching "Super Size Me" and the other part due to helping Chip stick to eating healthier. We're all eating better around here and I recommend it to anyone. Not that we were really fast-food hounds before this, but still, we are really watching what goes in...and it makes a difference- physically and mentally. Back to being "good". I just have to say that there really isn't a scale out there in regards to being at the top of our games- as people, no matter what you do, or where you are at in life. I am learning that society paints pictures for us...the corporate Mom who has 2 kids and a housekeeper and jets sets around and has a perfect Pottery Barn/Cottage Living white interior home....well, I love you if you are that woman or family. But the truth is that 'real life' isn't always perfect and pretty and I am practicing being content at every single moment that I have- because that is what I have. It has helped me actually 'do more', because I am less concerned with perfection or living up to unrealistic expectations.
I said it yesterday...ask my family and friends. I fail everyday. And yet somehow I still find simple joy and happiness in the midst of my shortcomings. I have lots of room for improvement- thank goodness for that. Because I think if my life WERE perfect, I wouldn't like it half as much. =)