Hoop Hideaway & Dyeing Rice

we made a hoop hideaway--hours of fun right here. http://www.mandalahoops.com/hoops-blog/2009/6/30/hoop-play-forts-for-kids.html

yesterday we dyed rice--so very easy and fun!

3 different times this week different people have asked me 'how do you do it' (meaning how do i manage a home & children and still be able to make things and do this and that) and 'do i ever sleep?' and things to that effect. Well, I do sleep plenty and wanted to talk a little about how i make time for what i do...and perhaps more importantly, what i DON'T do, since i by no means 'do it all'.

things i don't do:
--watch much tv, at all. the only time i have to watch tv is in the evenings, and usually we have other activities going on that preclude any tv watching. that's fine with me, i would rather be socializing, going on walks/to the park, playing, bike riding, etc. i do enjoy watching *some* tv though--usually it's netflixed movies or episodes of The Office, when i can stay up to watch it.
--go shopping. well, i *do* shop of course, but it's not fun for me, therefore i spend as little time as possible actually shopping. going to the mall is not recreational for me. not only is it pricey to buy things there, but it keeps me from doing other things and habitual buying of 'things' means more work to maintain, more clutter to deal with, and therefore less time to do the things that matter to me. for example--none of us has a *ton* of clothes, as i am constantly culling and donating them, plus i just plain don't buy that many.
--work full time outside the home. i did that for a time and was very stressed out. i truly don't know how *those* women do it!! part time is just the right balance for me.


so those are just some random thoughts. i am by no means where i want to be as far as discipline or time management goes, i'm always striving to be better. i also have a helpful husband and (usually) helpful children. i do love to thrift shop though, it's environmentally friendly, frugal, and simple. i also must make time to do the things i love--and i love to create, whether it be sewing curtains, planting flowers, baking a loaf of bread, or making my own deodorant. it connects me with the earth, with those who came before me, with God...it's incredibly centering for me. my children, then, when they see or think of something they want, ask me to make them one. and so we have this whole experience for them and for me, and this joy of making things together. wow, what a cool thing!