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Time out mom-style

Life is busy. So very very busy. And I'm using small penny-worth words for a reason ... although I know a few very choice ten dollar descriptive words too. Penny words for the over-exerted brain, that's too tired to come up with something more high end at this point. In order to get everything done in a given day, I need at least 48 hours. 47 in a pinch. And it's at this stage, when I feel as though I'm swimming upstream, that it helps to set a time-out. Not for my boys, but for me.

A sweet, silent, tranquil time-out in a comfortable love-seat.

With the glow of the afternoon sun casting a warm, golden blanket around me.

Snuggled into some scatter cushions, that only I appreciate on the actual couch, as opposed to the my male housemates, who use them all for literal scattering, for building forts and for pillow fights instead.

Reading a beautiful magazine that takes my mind on short inspiring journeys and allows me to slip into a daydream just for a moment.

Bliss.

Breathe.

"MOM"!!!

It lasts all of 5 minutes before I hear someone shouting "MOM" at panic levels of epic proportions. It's actually fantastically comical. They don't need me all day, until the moment I close a door somewhere, with me on my own, placed on the other end of it.

And I try to embrace it, because I know that one day, I'll cry for these days. The days filled with the sounds of boisterous energy, loud sword fights, Legos paving my hallways, super-heroes in action saving the world and the sweet sticky boy hugs and kisses that complete my every day.

Life is good. We're blessed with health, a home, food in our bellies and freedom.

So 5 minutes in my happy place will have to suffice for me to regroup. Quality and not quantity. Total mom-style efficiency.

But let me share some of what my time-out brought me, in the hopes that you'll feel a little inspired too...

Bella Grace Magazine inspiration for threeand.me

It's recognizing which doors lead to nowhere, that proves to be the most time-consuming of the challenges for me. Not wanting to give up, but also not needing to follow the wrong path...

Oprah... light sparks as read by threeand.me from Belle Grace Magazine

I love this quote attributed to Oprah Winfrey. We're all uniquely different. How dull life would be if we all shone in exactly the same way.

Time is our greatest gift to people. We'll never get back the moments we've wasted. But neither do we regret the moments that are well-lived. Those glorious memories, which we get to re-live whenever we please. There is so precious little time available to experience everything fully. Wouldn't it be an incredible idea to package up time, in a beautifully wrapped box to present to a friend as the ultimate gift? Instead of some hastily acquired trinket that will never be used?

Real. All the way. Without the tears, the laughter would be less precious. They go hand in hand like hot and cold. Sweet and salty. Sun and shade.

My grandmother has always said to me... "as you call into the forest, so it will echo out." I hope I manage to pass along this treasure to my boys.

Time out with threeand.me

And so it is time to get back to reality... to love, nurture and cherish the family that makes my house a home. A noisy, chaotic, crazy one... but a loving one nonetheless. I'd have it no other way. Most of the time.

Wishing you an awe-inspiring, uplifting and wondrous day... may you find your 5 minutes of respite to regroup and re-inspire for what lies ahead.

Until next time.

Remember to Create. Enjoy. Repeat.

THREE & ME

www.threeand.me art and craft events logo

Reviews

Created. Enjoyed. Reviewed ...

Had the most fun tonight with an amazing instructor and many wonderful friends! Three & Me out did themselves with beautiful presentation and amazing craft that I am excited to display in my home! I look forward to another opportunity to craft with Three & Me in the future!

Camas, WA

What an amazing experience! Claire is an incredible instructor and makes these projects so fun and truly easy for those like me who are not artsy! She is extremely organized and everything is so well thought out and ready in advance. I can hardly wait to take more classes in the future. I would highly recommend Three & Me!

Angela H.

Camas, WA

I just went to my first Three & Me workshop. It was a wonderful experience. Claire is a warm hostess and an excellent instructor. Making everyone feel engaged and successful. The materials are top notch and every detail is well thought out. It’s a great escape for a personal creative moment or a fun way to connect with friends and family while expressing your inner artist.

Camas, WA

Such a fun string art class tonight! Claire is a wonderful instructor and everything was so beautiful; the display, the art, the examples, the supplies, the snacks! So fun!

Camas, WA

This is truly a fun night out! Claire's instruction is helpful, humorous and fun! I love how she allowed us options to be creative and put our own twist on our projects. There is a lot of attention to detail with the set-up, supplies and refreshments which did not go unnoticed.  I can't wait for the next project!

What a fun evening! Claire has thought of every detail and guides you step by step through the whole process! She is such an encourager and makes you feel like you have just made a masterpiece! I highly recommend her classes! I can't wait to take another one!

Camas, WA

I had such a fun evening! Three & Me had everything presented beautifully and organized in a way that made it easy to follow along for those of us that aren't necessarily crafters by nature! Thank you for a fun night!

Courtney H.

Camas, WA

Thank you Claire Houlding for an incredible night! It was so much fun creating with Three & Me!

Hollen F.

Camas, WA

You all did such a great job! Claire Houlding what a fun thing you are starting in our community! Love it. So fun to be there tonight!

Jennifer B.

Camas, WA

I craft a lot at home, but doing crafts in a class with friends is so much better. THREE & ME makes it so easy to do the things I am interested in, without having to find the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own. I've just booked my next ladies night with Claire! I can't wait. 

Vancouver, WA

Tonight, a bunch of lucky ladies got to craft along side one of the very best. Claire's heart, is hands done one of the very best and those of us who were there got to create something amazing that we will proudly display in our homes. Many laughs and much fun was had by all. I highly recommend one of Three & Me classes to anyone in the area! Spread kindness around like confetti!!

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Lana E.

Camas, WA

Art is not my strength. I don't have a creative bone in my body. So I came to a workshop because my friend made me... and I made something I now love. I was expecting to sit and watch, but landed up getting fully involved! My husband and kids don't believe that I made it myself. I'm coming again and I'm bringing my sister... she's even worse at crafts than me.

Alyson S.

Washougal, WA

We had such a fun girls night out making Christmas signs. Claire did a wonderful job explaining what to do and they turned out great! We are all looking forward to more events!! Thank you!

Kristine A.

Camas, WA

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