"Mom"-day

I took this picture because I think it looks like she's straight out of "Despicable Me".

I had an epiphany this weekend, in the divine revelation- sent straight to my heart kind of way. The month of January was spent in a turmoil of confused thoughts, conflicting desires and all around lack of proper focus. Torn between being a mother and all the other choices women have out in the world of today, I wondered how to resolve my inner struggles. Wheels spinning but going nowhere fast. I did the only thing I know how to do- I dropped to my knees.
Where is my focus meant to be? How do I resolve all these heart-strings being pulled in a million different directions? How do I fulfill all the parts of me, when they seem to be so at odds with each other?
In the quiet moments of an early Saturday morning the answer distilled upon me. In a peaceful wave of love, my Father in Heaven showed me that I don't have to choose. It is possible to be a mother and enjoy other things too. If I will keep my focus on the most important part of my life {motherhood}, all the other, little parts will find their place- because they DO have a place- and that is the biggest lesson in all of this for me.
My religion teaches that motherhood is the noblest of callings- and I firmly believe that. Motherhood is an incubator that refines woman and distills out of her the very best she has to offer. But, motherhood is hard. Hard in a way that isn't always fun, or exciting, or satisfying from moment to moment. Motherhood needs an escape valve, a way to release the pressure and blow off some steam before the head of the mother explodes! ;)
The answer for me (and this really is all about me after all) is to not let the escape valve become too large. If all the pressure is off- there is no change, no growth, no learning. I am right in the middle of the all consuming young-children stage of motherhood. And while I have no delusions that things will get "easier" as they get older- I do know that things will change. Right now, time is of the essence- and I need to wisely manage mine so that I am able to accomplish all the necessary elements of life. Living my religion, teaching my children, keeping a mildly clean home (I use the word "clean" loosely) need to be the focus of my life right now. And even with those things properly in place, there will still be room for the other things I enjoy- blogging, crafting and everything else I like to do. It was a simple realization, but one that completely changed me, brought things into focus, and is allowing me to move on, and forward in a way I haven't been able to for a long time.
How grateful I am for a loving Father in Heaven- who is aware of me and my poor muddled brain- and is willing to bring clarity and understanding just when I needed it most.

Now, to go get focused. ;)
XOXO,
Amy

American Crafters project- round 1

So, there have been quite a few wordy posts around here this week. Mostly because my main project for this week was this beauty- My Love Notes Board for the American Crafters competition. And with 2 kids with the flu and me with a cold, there hasn't been a whole lot of time left after that.

So, I have been patiently waiting until today so I could reveal this project! I made the envelopes using ideas I gleaned from a tutorial here. I wanted them to be small enough that one small piece of candy would still seem like a lot. But mostly I wanted to have a place to leave them a note every day, telling them things I love about them. I think the notes are my favorite part- and I think even though the candy gets the loudest response- the kids love the notes even more! ;)

This is my living room set up now. I got the red lanterns from IKEA for 50% off after Christmas! The bead board frame is a left-over hand-me-down from my mom. It had some heart shaped wreaths that I ripped off, but I didn't know what I was going to use the board for until this week! (glad I hung onto it all these years! lol)

XOXO,

Amy

Linking up to Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts and Whipperberry's Friday Flair Linky party. Also linked to Wendy's Craft Goodies link party!

"Theme"-day Thursday

So, I've decided that the theme for February will be Love Notes. A definite nod to the holiday that encourages amorous expressions to all we hold dear. And even though half the month falls after said holiday- I figure any time is a good time to tell someone you love them- and I hope to give you some ideas that you can use all year round.

The first idea I had was to show you some of the cards I'm making for my kiddos this year- but, sadly, my 2-year-old got hold of my camera yesterday. RIP my little Kodak easy-share- it was good while you lasted. Yes, my camera has gone the way of the dodo and is no longer in existence. So, while I figure out how to take pictures while I scrounge up enough money to purchase a new camera- I thought I'd share some blogging love notes with you all.

My first love note has to be to Martha Stewart. My darling lady- you are definitely a fearsome creature to behold. I would hate to cross swords with you. But, you have re-invented a genre- and encouraged entire generations of creative souls who will forever be in your debt. Through your magazines I have learned to knit, crochet, embroider and have expanded my creative horizons to include hundreds of "good things". Martha- I love you. And even though I had to cancel my magazine subscription because it was making me crazy trying to live up to your expectations- you still hold a special place in my heart.

My next love note goes to Gwen, from Gwenny Penny. Gwen was my first real-life blogging friend. She linked to a couple of my tutorials, commented and I commented back. She is super talented and has a fantastic site. But more than that, she is a true friend- one with whom I can share my concerns and spew my most aggravated blogging angst. She shares more than one brainwave with me and I hope that one day we will be able to meet in person.

Jen from Tatertots and Jello- how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love your generous spirit- you share your hard fought spotlight with countless would-be craft bloggers like me. I love your gorgeous projects- ruffle pillows, trees and everything in between- you have a lovely style all your own and display it with pride (as you should.) I love your weekend wrap-up party- my first foray into linking was at your party. I have found great ideas through your feature posts, and you have sent many, many viewers to my little place on the internet- bless you. I love (well and kinda hate) how absolutely darling you are. Just kidding- I don't hate it- you're too darling to hate. You are kind and sincere and simply awesome.

Suzanne from Just Another Hang Up. I want to be you when I grow up. Seriously, I love your style, your blog and how you come across in your posts. When I am frazzled and feel like there's so much chaos going on in my brain, I go to your blog to calm down. There is a sense of calm and serenity about you that works it's way through the world wide web and seeps into my fingers. You are grace and beauty and I so enjoy spending time in your neck of the web.

Amy from The Idea Room. You had me at hello! j/k Actually it was probably different words, but from the moment I met you at Jen's cookie party you have been so kind to me. You took my card, followed through and have given me so much encouragement. I love you for that! I have needed someone further along in this endeavor than I am to show me the way, and you willingly stepped into that role, just when I needed you. Genuine and sincere plus amazing ideas make you a true powerhouse in this world! :)

There are just too many to keep going: Amy, Leanne, Jonie, Andi, Abby, Samantha- you are all wonderful friends and I have enjoyed getting to know you all. And everyone else who leaves me comments or just stops by to visit- I LOVE you! Seriously, I LOVE YOU! You have been the motivation to keep me going even when I didn't really want to. And I am so excited to see where we go from here. I love new relationships- they are so thrilling and exciting!

This is not all-inclusive by any means. There are so many amazing creative places out there- Lara or Ellie G or ... :), Mandi, Amanda, Kari- I mean, I could {and too often do} get lost in you for hours on end. So if you're not mentioned by name, please don't take that to mean I don't give away all my free time to you as well, but I have to wrap up this post at some point, right?

So, my idea for today- share the love. Write a post, or comment, or e-mail to those out there who inspire you, uplift you, or just make you smile- and share the LOVE!

XOXO,

Amy