Being Real

Today's post is all about being real. With all of you and with myself. I love blogging. I love sharing my life and my home with you, my dear friends. And, in turn, getting to know you through glimpse into your lives. But it's just that. A glimpse.

As much as I love blogging, I think it has one major danger (aside from being the cause of hungry children with no clean clothes). The danger is that we begin to think that everyone else is doing "it" better than we are. "It" is whatever we're struggling with. Everyone else has better behaved children, is a sweeter, gentler mother and wife, is a better housekeeper, decorator, whatever.

It's the power of the edit and the zoom lens.

So in the interest of encouraging you before we all spin off into the business of celebrating Christmas, I'm going to get real.

Do you remember these adorable children who were sweetly waiting for their blueberry muffins? As I am writing this post, the older one is enjoying some time alone in his room because he SCREAMED at his younger brother and shoved him off the couch. But don't you go feeling sorry for that baby boy. He spent some time in the naughty chair earlier today for clonking his big brother on the head with Thomas the Train.

And these beautiful scrapbook paper chains that you all raved about? Well, the scrapbook tape that we used to make the loops isn't holding. Every few minutes, I hear a flick and a shuffle as a loop pops open on the tree and part of the chain falls to the ground. Repairs will be made with staples.

Allow me to share my dining room with you. It has looked like this for a month. Actually, this is pretty good. I cleaned up for an hour last night. The dining room becomes my dumping ground for all projects in process. At Christmas, that gets a little out of control.

And that Christmas yakk on the chandelier? My failed attempt at creating something beautiful. It's OK. I know it's a hideous mess. And I have no intention on trying to fix it because I am done. No more decorating. I've got plastic bins that haven't been opened and another tree that will have to stay in it's box until next year. I'll enjoy what is done and that's that.

And in case you think I'm all sweetness and light...let me assure you that Monster Mommy has been hanging out at our house a little too much lately. And what's worse is that Witchy Wifey usually travels with Monster Mommy. Let this be a pledge to my dear family that I will banish that evil duo.

So, on the off chance you thought that I had it all together, I hope this is an encouragement to you. We're all just doing the best we can. Some days are better than others and I pray that my Lord will cover my failings.

And here's an extra bit of encouragement for a few of you. The winners of my Christmas presents are:

Studio M Design - Magnetic memo board
Mandy - Table runner
Reading Rosie - Snowflake tee

Congrats to the winners! I wish I could send something to everyone.