2012 Wrap Up

As we prepare to wrap up another year I can't help but think back on what a great year 2012 was for us.  I realize that my presence on my blog was not as frequent as years past and quite simply, it's because I was more present in my life.

 

Silly me, I though as my kids got older they would need me less.  I've been both wrong and grateful for that fact.

 

This year I chose to shed the working Mom guilt and get involved with my children and their activities.  I've completely enjoyed my Girl Scout troop {homegrown from just my girl to 19 girls strong}, being a cheer manager and a proud football & baseball Mom.  I also decided to sign up to teach my kids bible class at church and I'm still teaching the ladies class on Bad Girls of the Bible.  Everything I've done has had it's rewards and I'm happy to have pushed myself to really be in the moment this year and make the most of everyday.

 

Of course all of this has left less time for me to craft but the time that I have set aside has been well spent on new projects and ideas that I've wanted to try for some time now.  I've done some sewing by hand, candle making, canned some delicious jams, embarked on some homemade beauty products, made more jewelry and tried a bunch of new recipes.     

 

2013 promises to be another great year.

 

March of 2013 marks my 20 year anniverary with the company that I work for.  I was 19 when I started.  It has been a great job and I love the founders like family.  I was able to buy my first home when I was 23 and I've truly never wanted for anything.  I'm grateful that I've been blessed with a great job and great people to spend my days with all these years.  

 

I'm excited to launch my new website and blog in early 2013 complete with a shop where I will be offering handmade products, art kits and vintage finds.  The necklaces in the photo above are a sampling of the restyled jewelry that I will have in my shop. 

 

I'm also excited for my third annual Creative Camp Out that will take place this summer.  I turn 40 that week so it's going to be a party!!  Registration for this event will open on February 1st.  Of course if you've attended in years past and plan to join me again please email me and I will reserve your spot.  Space is limited to 15 attendees.

 

Until next time...

 

Wishing you all a happy & blessed New Year!!

 

 

What A Difference A Year Makes

 

Yesterday our football season came to an end with Jake's team winning the championship.  This was exciting on so many levels.  Last year, his first year, they lost every game and scored only two touchdowns the entire season.  It was grueling in every way but they kept their heads held high and had fun out there.  This year they were determined to turn that around and show the league what they could do.  They couldn't lose this year and were undefeated.

 

This season has been somewhat emotional for me in ways that I was not expecting.  He turns 12 in two weeks and the realization that your 2/3 of the way through the parenting of a child is a sobering thought.  I fear the time is going to accelerate fromt this point exactly the way friends and family have told me it will.  

 

Jake was the captain and quarterback of the team and I quietly took pride yesterday as I was watching him in action realizing that, in so many ways, he was drawing off of things we'd taught and instilled in him.  How to win or lose with grace, be in control of himself, take direction, execute a plan, give others a hand and so many other values and life lessons that he's picked up along the way with us. 

His Dad was clearly proud, so much so that he had him off his feet.

 



 

My Dad never missed a game and was often times at the field for a game before us, being on the chain gang anytime he could to ensure the best view possible of the game.

Victory is sweet.  What's not sweet however is the fact that a football just missed my head and hit the glass doors next to me.  How many times do I have to tell these boys that we don't play football in the house???