Slow Down

   
We have been super busy getting the leg work done for next week.  Well, my wonderful son and I have been.  The last 4-5 days, we have been going full blast trying to get things together.  I have been going over the budget and so far, we're good...barley, but good.


Growing up, whenever my mother wanted to add-on, or remodel, I never remember the leg work, just the finished product.  That's what is in my mind, the finished product.  James is frantic over this project. :)  He is reading online, how-to books and anything else he can get his hands on to make sure he is 'up on what to do'.  I have repeatedly told him, "Honey, it's not a big deal.  Floor joist are easy."  I've done my fair share of replacing them (thank you to my Uncle Sam for teaching me).


However, with all the excitement of next week, with all the anticipation inside of us and the adrenaline rushing through our bodies, sometimes, okay, MOST TIMES, after a heart attack, we have a dose of reality.  Meaning, we have to realize we can not (and SHOULD NOT) over-do it.  If it gets done in the time we have allotted, great!!  If not, IT. WILL. GET. DONE!  Eventually.  Especially if you are re-doing the ONLY bathroom and laundry room in your home!!  Hey, you have to have a place to do your business, right?


One of the things (if you can call this a 'thing') that helps me to slow down is being in my kitchen, cooking and baking.  I LOVE to cook and bake.  I was planning on making a HUGE batch of chocolate chip cookies (and James was planning on eating the cookies).  But, the other day, my son, in all his wisdom, decided to mix AP flour and SR flour in the same container!!!  HEY! He is 17 years old...he tried!  So, instead, I got out a box of Orangesicle Cookie Mix, by Pillsbury.  No, this is not a plug, but if you remember the orange sorbet pop-ups and loved them, you will LOVE these. 

Mine didn't turn out this big, but they will get the matching frosting once they cool down.  I did add some zest of an orange for added flavor.  Amazing!!

Also, sometimes we just have to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.  So, this morning, James and I went out to the North Garden and planted our 'Hens and Chickens', gave them a nice drink and the sun is shinning on them as I type!  There is something about digging in the dirt, planting flowers and watching them grow that makes me giddy! 


I also finished the headboard for our bedroom!!  Now we just have to figure out how to hang it on the wall.  James said this morning, "Baby, I know you tired, but it's too low.  I fought all night with it."  Maybe he'll get it on the wall fast. :)


Get a cup of tea or coffee, sit back with a good movie or book, or in the quiet of nature and slow down.  Reflect on life, family, friends.  Regroup.  And, slow down.