Doing too much...and doing nothing well.

This time of year is always hard--there are four million things going on, and even though I feel like I should be in a routine by now, things still seem to be creeping up on me. Then, I find myself scrambling at the last minute. And maybe I pull it off, but I don't feel good about it because it was stressful.
And of course, I have a few areas (okay, a lot of areas) where I over commit myself. I end up stretching myself too thin, and I get stressed. There are a few other areas where I am very perfectionistic, and I want to be able to put more time and effort than I sometimes can. So, I have over-scheduled myself and feel like I'm only giving everything about 25%. And I am rarely satisfied with the results.
My goal for myself is to eliminate the drama. Everything is not a catastrophe. I read a saying, "Failure to plan on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part." Ouch. And I do plan, but in my rush and hurry, I overlook the details. So, then I am stuck at the last minute without something.
And, I freak out.
This is not who I want to be. This is not an example I want to set. I want to be "together." I need to learn that I am not indispensable. There are other people who can teach Sunday school, bring a meal or organize a meeting. I do not have to say yes to everything.
Baby steps.
Yesterday, I went to an amazing seminar at church. I had planned to leave early, since I knew Nicholas would need to eat again before it was over. I had an extra hour to get dinner ready for someone with a new baby, get dinner ready for my own family and there was no drama. I'm learning that I need to over-estimate how long something will take--and if I don't have time to do it well, I need to say no. (I realize I'm rambling) Some things will still not get 100%--I don't think I can say that I can't cook dinner because I don't have the time to devote 100% to it, but I think for now, that is going to have to be okay.
Progress, not perfection.

Pumpkins!

It was an absolutely beautiful sunny fall day here today. It was the perfect pumpkin patch day! We went to E.Z. Orchards this morning and had a blast! Ryan loved it and Nicholas seemed to enjoy the day as well! This is one of my favorite fall traditions!


Nicholas tries to put EVERYTHING in his mouth!


My cute boys with their pumpkins!