I snapped this photo a day before the rain arrived. Color is blooming all around the home this summer.
I took my book, and this time a highlighter and notebook, to the front porch. Oh, and do you see what else I took out there? A gourmet lollipop! Butterscotch. Yum!
I've made it to "Part 2" in this book now, but I've already checked off several "tests" and feel these questions have been repeated so many times in other books. So far, I have only been reminded that I have too much stress in my life, and most of it is "Chronic." I guess I have a lot of work to do. And many more family meetings.
However, I did realize that I do have a habit of waiting until a time of "crisis" before praying (I bought this book at a Christian bookstore). So, I took my Bible, dusted off the cover (tsk, tsk), and headed back to the porch. When I opened it, I found an article I had clipped and tucked inside it. Here's what it said:
Funny how I needed to read that article, and at that same time. There will be no more dust on my Bible.
As for knocking out more stress, I think I will be teaching each kid to cook their favorite meals. Last night I made broiled, mustard crusted cod with spinach/green onion. They practically lick their plates (all but one daughter who won't eat fish) when I make it. After my 13 year-old said, "Man I love this fish!" for the third time, I told her "Good, it's time for you to learn how to cook it."
The prep I do for the Farmer's Market is also a stress factor - kids fight, kids want to buy things, they argue during set-up and tear down etc. etc. Then there is the making of all the items. I wanted to bring in a new item this week, but after breaking down the cost of sugar, organic apple cider and butter, I could not come up with a price that will still give me back profit, and sell it at a reasonable price (Vinegar Candy). So, I'm learning to eliminate by breaking down the cost to make things. I may be cutting out my jams and jellies too, in which I have to buy the fruit for. I may keep my pear, wild black raspberry, but cut out (and only stock up for home) the others. Hubby and I are talking about getting a permit, to sell from the roadside instead. That would eliminate the packing up, fighting, unloading, fighting, and loading again (and fighting) stress.
In the book Breaking Clean, by Judy Blunt, she talks about how at age 8 (she grew up on a ranch), her fingers hurt so bad she couldn't hold onto a fork at dinner. She even passed out while working in a potato field. Now-a-days, most kids complain about having to wash a few dishes or even fold clothes. I do insist my kids all take on housework, even if it means hearing their mouths jabber on and complain. I was told by Hubby, that at work, most parents tell him they just do all the work because all the fighting is not worth it. I beg to differ. Kids need to learn how to get along, not complain, and not fight, and not argue. And most of all, take on responsibility in a peaceful manner. That alone, will reduce my stress in half.
A Mom can dream can't she?
Oh, and guess what else I found inside my Bible? He he! Hand written coupons from my youngest daughter. Two are for hair-do's from her. Guess who's gettin' a "do" tonight? Or maybe two?
