Year Reviewed,-I'd give it a "6"

We celebrated New Years Day like this. And yes, we invited our laundry. It's like a cousin, the annoying one that stays too long and keeps coming back:

Because what better way to spend our new beginning after an exhausting 2010.

After our living room picnic, Sam and I cuddled up to a good book. He laid his chest on mine, closed his eyes and mine weren't far behind(props to the hubby for picking up the cam!)....like I said 2010 was exhausting: sports, numerous injuries, ER visits, an (ongoing) addition to our home and lots of learning about friendships.

What I loved in 2010:

• a memorable weekend away with fantastic couples
• a spontaneous family escape to the beach
• celebrating twelve years of marriage
• deepening bonds with friends
• watching walls expand in our home
• recurring cuddle times with the boys I feared they would outgrow by now
• The Shack

What I hated:

• kidney stones
• a broken wrist
• stitches
• another set of stitches
• truck repairs
• a group divided
• broken hearts
• I raised my voice (waaaaaaaay) too often

What I learned:

• no matter how tightly you assign a budget, it can be blown to hell
• whatever the issue or hurt, not talking about it makes it worse
• parents do not always know best
• sometimes when I am the most broken, I see God's plan the most clearly
• my "struggles" are minuscule in comparison to the load some have to carry
• I don't always have to be "the strong one", it's ok to need

One or more of each thing that I've loved, hated or learned in 2010 may happen again in 2011, like they did in 2009, 2008.........but they will never happen the same way. That is what I love about the turning of the calendar. New experiences. I may feel the same way-for different reasons. I may change my mind, I hope I do. I will change. That's how it works. Here's to a "10"! Cheers!

A lttle ditty to send you off with a smile..

Taking Initiative

Well, I did it. I took the first essential step in returning to the workplace. Two years after placing my cosmetology license in escrow, sure I'd never use it professionally again, I have taken the required continuing education to reinstate myself as an active stylist.
I am actively praying as to where I will put my skills to use. There is one particular salon I am hoping God sees as good as a fit to my family life as I do.
When I tossed my craft to the wayside, I was "burnt out". Tired of the long hours on my feet, the people-pleasing aspect of the job, it was never a hard decision to walk away. Now, the very things I grew tired of are drawing me back in. I have a friend who is a stylist as well and her influence in my life has reminded me that my decision to "do" hair was fueled by my ability and desire to create. Hair is like a canvas, whether blank or numbered in brushstrokes, I can completely change the mood of the piece with a subtle additions or a completely original masterpiece.
As a woman I know how a great style can make me feel beautiful. I walk more confidently, check myself out in the rear view mirror and just feel good. I have the ability to give that gift to someone else. Thank you Marla for reminding me of that.
Now..just decide where it is I'm supposed to perform all of these miraculous works of art!

Find Your Thing

As a stay-at-home mom I have been able to be witness incredible views...first smiles, first words, first steps and first days of school. Being a wife and a mother are my favorite jobs. However 2 years ago, I got an itch. An itch to do something for me (that will eventually benefit my family). I am a creative, driven, inventive personality. How vain right? Well no. Being a full time diaper changing, bottle making, laundry doing, meal preparing momma has it's periods of monotony. And during those periods, frustration and discontent set in. Not with your family but with the inability to release those dreams and ambitions you had before them. As long as I can remember I have wanted to simultaneously be home with my family and own my own business. So did a lot of serious introspection. God designed me uniquely gifted and I literally took inventory of those gifts. I love design..of houses, clothing, creation. I am a dreamer...a forward, what if this could happen thinker. I love to work with my hands...ideas manifested. I'm passionate...about almost everything.-what I like or dislike-there is usually no indifference in me. So with these gifts in mind I began playing with my sewing machine...long story short..I am enjoying gradual and increasing success in owning my own home-based business. I am designing, assembling and selling my own line of handbags, bugotot. The brand name is a combination of my three son's nick names: Tanner bug, Owie(Owen) and Tiny tot(Samuel).
This was my thing. My creative outlet. My sense of accomplishment. My dream realized.
One thing that brings me great joy is seeing other moms finding their thing. I feel a sense of pride in seeing all this hidden potential and talent revealed. The inspiration for this post did not only come from my own story but one that has just begun to be written. Jess and her friend Ginny are also stay-at-home moms who are embarking on their own business venture. Jess is an artist in every sense of the word, painting, writing and an overall eye for beauty. She has an incredible heart for service. To God and people. She, like me, strives to live simply. So with all these traits in which God instilled into her combined with Ginny's unique gifts they have launched a website. A resource for moms in our county to find free entertainment and educational outings. Save money, share tips, find encouragement and encourage (and allow moms with home-based businesses to advertise for free, added bonus, but not the reason for my excitement). I am thrilled to see these two mommies use their God infused talents into something that will not only prosper their spirits but others as well. Even if your not a local, you should check it out www.tuscmom.com. Very inspiring.
I realize not all stay-at-home moms have this desire but if you do, get the pen and the paper and write down the things that make you..you. What do you love? What are your talents? Your personality? How can I shape those dreams into real life achievement? What is my thing?