Two years ago I made the first, and only, resolution I have ever stuck with. I was being consumed by motherhood and trying to figure out who I was. So, I decided to make a resolution that would not deprive me of anything. Instead, it would be constant reminder to create the life I wanted. To challenge myself to learn new skills. To discover who I truly am.
Create something new every day–food, art, & memories.
I can honestly say that for the past two years I have worked every single day to create something new, often in the form of baking, cooking, and mixed media. However, I began to lose focus when it came to creating memories. That seemed to be the most challenging. I am naturally creative, so I felt pressured to create magical experiences rather than natural memories.
In 2017, it is my goal to be more intentional with my time spent with my family. I need to be aware of my distractions and be present in the moment.
On January 1, I found myself in a familiar situation. I entered a crowded Hy-Vee with my three daughters. We barely stepped foot into the store and I was already in the mindset of getting ‘in and out’ and immediately set expectations that my girls should be quiet, follow rules, and pay attention. (We had no where to be. This has just become second nature when entering a store.) 
As I finished picking out a few avocados, I turned around to find my 5-year-old balancing four large oranges in her arms while reaching for another. On most occasions I would find myself quickly snapping at her to put them back or remind her not to touch anything that we had no intention of purchasing. Nevertheless, I found myself calm. I asked why she was grabbing oranges, and smiled as she responded, “I want to make orange juice.”
So, I grabbed her a bag and told her to pick a few more.
I stopped rushing through the aisles, and I took time to answer their silly questions. I waited patiently as they stopped to look at the lobsters and even let them tell me the names they gave each one.
We may have spent a few more minutes in the store. However, I never had to stop to discipline them. Instead, everyone was engaged and we all left happy (which is a total WIN for any mom taking children grocery shopping).
When we arrived home, I set the oranges on the counter and carefully unwrapped the newspaper around a glass carafe and orange juice glasses. Coincidentally, when visiting my parents over Christmas, I decided to bring home the orange juice set that belonged to my grandparents.
The memories of my childhood are mostly simple things, like sipping juice from these tiny glasses while eating breakfast with my family.
I find myself sitting here at 10:00 p.m. unable to recall anything I accomplished today from my to-do list. However, I watched as my daughters spent an hour squeezing oranges, poured juice from my grandparents’ carafe, and shared stories of my childhood.
We created memories.
When I create art, it is often complicated and time-consuming. Creating memories should not be complicated. It should not be forced or even planned.
The best memories come naturally when you follow your children’s lead.
Oh, and this year, let’s keep it real. Because this spill happened immediately following that ‘cheers’ photo. #momlife
