Change is Coming

Quality Time

The time has come. I must go back to work.

I'm happy. I'm sad. I'm nervous. I'm excited.

When my husband went back to grad school for ministry in 2005 we knew it meant having financial hardships for a few years and eventually moving away from our families. All I asked was that I could be a SAHM for a while when he was finally called to his own church. 

Well, we moved here in 2009 and I became a SAHM to my then three year old son and six-month-old daughter. I didn't think I could make it after the first month. I was ready to pull my hair out! But, we finally got into a routine and I loved it. I missed a lot of the adult things, like lunch hours and conversation. I also realized what a gift staying home was for me.

After having my son in 2006 I returned to work full-time after twelve weeks of maternity leave. It was hard leaving him but I had no choice. I had to work.  When our daughter was born in 2009 we had already moved once. I had a new job and could only stay out for eight weeks and then had to return to work. Again, I had to work.

Then my husband was called to VA. He kept his promise and I got to stay home. I realized what I missed while I worked when my son was little. I don't regret it but I am sad that someone else got to see everything I missed.  More than once I've sat back and wondered, 'How in the world did I get all this done when I worked?'  I've learned what an incredible person it takes to work and be a wife and mother and take care of a home while making sure your kid doesn't turn into a serial killer. What's more amazing are the millions of moms and dads who do it every day!

So, in a few weeks I will return to work, this time only part-time. A few days a week. It will help me ease back into the real world. For some reason I think leaving my kids this time will be even harder then when they were infants.  They have become my side kicks, my partners in crime.

I am excited about entering the adult world again! Having conversations that involve subjects other than Buzz Lightyear and trains is a huge plus! I think I'm really going to enjoy my job.

Most of me can't wait to get started. The part of my heart that is with my kids is dragging a little though.

The Mini Wallet Miracle

Okay, so some of you requested to see my mini wallet when it arrived so here it is...

So adorable and it has been awesome! I received it last Wednesday and have only taken my purse with me once (when I went by myself to the Dr.). Having my hands free and no purse falling off my shoulder while I'm carrying B has been great!

I'll give a shoutout to the Etsy shop where I purchased my wallet, Ms Nizbit. I have not been asked to review this product. I searched for and purchased this item. It's a great handmade piece and very inexpensive so why not share the love?! It was hard to choose a fabric because there were a lot of pretty ones but I chose the black figuring it wouldn't show dirt as easily. They are washable though.

I'd love to hear of products you found that made your life easier! No self promoting please.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

ENTRIES ACCEPTED NOW - JANUARY 24, 2011 - CLOSED

To celebrate the 100th sale in my Etsy shop, Sweet Baby Tutus, I have decided to give away one of my Pink and White Princess Tutus! It features pink and white tulle hand tied on a white ribbon. The giveaway is for sizes Newborn-5T and is open to residents in the U.S. and Canada.

Sweet Baby Tutus are great for pictures, birthday parties or for dress up! They are big hits at baby showers!

HOW TO ENTER

Very simple! Leave a comment under this post. You may earn additional entries by becoming a Facebook Fan and a follower of this blog. For each entry leave an additional comment. Ex: "I became a FB fan too!" I will check to make sure the additional entries are valid. This gives you a total of three chances to win!!

The last day for entries will be Monday, January 24th (midnite EST). The winner will be selected on Tuesday, January 25th. using Random.org. The tutu will be shipped via USPS within 5 business days of receiving the size needed. If I have not heard from the winner within 48 hours of contacting them I will select another winner.

Feel free to tweet, post on FB or blog about this contest.

Thank you to all my wonderful customers for the awesome support since my shop opened!

Purple and VT

I love making custom tutus! Some of my custom requests have become permanent fixtures in my shop because I loved they way the turned out so much! Here are a couple of my latest. A Virginia Tech Hokie tutu and a purple and lavender tutu.

Love them!!
Visit Sweet Baby Tutus @Etsy