Magical Merry Memories

JUBILANT JACKSON'S!

Perfect Pies

So keeping with the thankful theme this month...I am so VERY thankful for thanksgiving pies! I was drooling over pies on pintrest yesterday I thought...wow some pies are BEAUTIFUL! also thankful for beautiful food...so enjoy some beautiful, mouth watering pictures of some amazing pies! If this doesn't get you in the mood for Thanksgiving...well I just don't know!

Source: google.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: pauladeen.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: yoli-www.blogspot.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: parents.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: bedifferentactnormal.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: familyfriendlyfood.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: eatinginandout777.blogspot.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: simply-delicious.co.za via Kalley on Pinterest

Source: onceuponachef.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: instructables.com via The Dragonfly On Iron Gate on Pinterest

Aren't these amazing! I am in charge of bringing pies this year....I have a lot to live up against! I better get baking!! Happy baking!!

The leaves are falling

Thankful for... country roads... that take me home...

Source: tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

what we are working on at the Jackson household this week

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Cheri on Pinterest

aren't these adorable?!!

Mustard lovin

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Source: decorpad.com via Ami on Pinterest

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Source: mangoandsalt.com via Ami on Pinterest

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W

What colors are you loving  this season??

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So VERY thankful

The closer we get to thanksgiving the more thankful I begin to feel! I have so much to be thankful for and it is always good for the soul to say it out loud! I am going to post several wordless posts showing just a few things I am thankful for! I am also so thankful to have functional vehicles that will allow us to go back to WV for thanksgiving!! I am so VERY VERY thankful for my awesome family & the wonderful family I married into!! 

attempting balance

I am not sure that absolute balance is ever achievable without tools, just as a tightrope walker uses a balance bar we need these tools to help balance our lives.  I feel blessed to have such an understanding partner who allows me to learn through trial and error and without this I don't think I would learn. He offers advice as needed and reals me back to reality when I am floating away. I also consider the blogs I read as tools, it is comforting to connect with other women who often experience similar circumstances in their lives.. I also enjoy writing out my own emotions..they sometimes feel and look different in print.

Speaking of blogs...I was reading a blog yesterday and was upset about a comment she made. She was certain of only one right way to raise children.  I pondered this comment all day and evening and wondered why it affected me so.  I concluded that it bothered me because I wasn't raising my children as she saw fit nor do I believe that there is only one way to raise children.  Every families situation is unique and requires unique solutions to establish balance.

  I love being a mother and I love being involved with Eli's school and having "mia time" but I also feel I need something for me. Be that selfish or not it's what I need.  I attempted working nights so I can be home with the kids but use my nursing degree....but that didn't work for, me, my kids, my husband, or our life...every situation is unique and I admire the women who do this full time...

If I do not have balance with my soul I am not the best mother I can be..and that is not fair to my children..

I worked hard to earn my degrees and while I don't regret any decision I have made to sacrifice career for children..I am ready to do something for me....to a point! And this is the part that I am having a hard time finding balance with!! For one working part time still requires child care and most don't offer part time care until 3...still 10 months away.... 

BUT

I am going to do it! I have found....what we think....is a wonderful solution to our tightrope..

I am going to work 3 days with a wonderful pediatrician as a PNP. I will take Eli to school, drop Mia off at daycare...yup I said the dreaded D word..and head off to work! It will just be her and I in a large established office! I am very excited! I will still have 2 days home during the week! Every situation is unique! I have found it is important to me that I have time for craft time, I need that creative outlet!

I would love to move into a bigger house with a bigger yard...BUT I love Eli's school, Chris has a commute of 1.6miles...so this is our compromise for right now! Maybe something will come where we can still walk Eli to school move a little bit farther into Olde towne but for right now we are happy with our current situation! One tightrope at a time!

I am thankful for the tools I have in my life to help me achieve balance!