Creativity Breeds Messiness

Everyone I know needs a hobby. You know the one rejuvenated by working out? Going to work? Painting? Mine is food crafts.

When we only had 1 child, or even 2, being creative was a release. I would sew and craft and be happy. Now...not so much. Really the only time I get to be creative in a relaxing way is during the holidays. Well, I should say any holiday except Christmas. My husband, very wisely, recommended I actually enjoy the holiday as opposed to stressing over the hand-made presents like years in the past.

That brings us to Valentine's Day. For the past few weeks, the boys and I have perused Pinterest in our spare minutes. We have chosen cute cards for the classes and cute treats to bring in for parties.

Yes, I am the mom who stalks the email so I can sign up for the treats or fruit!

I buy all the supplies, including the 12.99 watermelon. Pinterest neglected to remind me that watermelon is totally out of season and will cost a billion dollars. We print all required materials. Eric sits down and helps them with their names. It's awesome!

*A little note that 1 class set was finished this morning so we were a lil' late to school.*

But then it's my turn. The food craft, nay, food ART. This is where I get to be creative. I covet the sprinkles and melted chocolate. I find such joy in slicing fruit to look pretty. Putting it together just makes me happy.

Then I go to school.

"Where do you find the time?!"

"Let's see what you brought this time."

"How much time to you spend on these?"

"Why did you sign up for watermelon hearts!!"

Because I am crafty. Because I am crazy. 

Because I am probably a bit masochistic. Because I want to. 

I often feel like I have to justify and say, "Come look at my house! It's super messy and crazy because I have neglected it in order to play with food." I don't want people to think I live this life of perfection. We are broken and messy, but we have redemption and creativity to save us.

So maybe I can be a little proud of my creations without feeling bad. My children love it when we do it together. They love being part of the creativity. They love feeling special. And I like to make them feel this way, so if a 12.99 watermelon and some heart cookie cutters are gonna do it, I'm all in.

The Lego ones say "We were built to be together"

Obligatory messy kitchen pic. It was super clean before I started to work on these!

P.S. I'll tell you my secret, I don't think of these fun things on my own. I copy a ton of stuff from Pinterest! Most of Valentine stuff has a printable sheet too!