The More the Merrier {Monday is Mom-day}

The night before Christmas Eve we received quite a surprise- we found out we are expecting a baby!  We were not planning on this change in our lives, but now that most of the shock has worn off we're pretty happy about it.
I had really thought that this brood on the stairs waiting to head down and devour Christmas would be our family.  The little one just turned 3 on Saturday.  I had big plans for the coming year.  Plans to grow my blog and my business and to finally start digging out of the hole the recession has put us in.  Plans that now need to be adjusted.
I love motherhood.  I love these little people with all my heart.  Watching them grow and learn and become is the joy of my lifetime.  So I hope that you will understand when I say that although I KNOW I will love and treasure this new little addition to our family, I also am having a hard time adjusting the plans I have developed for this new year.  In my mind I keep hoping I can still have/ do it all.  When the reality is that I can't.  There are physical limitations as this OLD body of mine tries to grow this little munchkin.  (how women manage to have babies at 50 is beyond me, my 35 year old body is dying!! :) )  For example, I went to bed at 9 p.m. last night and STILL woke up tired. :)  It's a lot of work making a baby, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise, no matter how old you are. lol
I am nearing the end of the first trimester, and with that I am hoping for a surge of energy to carry me through the end of the pregnancy.  There are so many projects, plans and ideas running around in my head- I really want to see some of them become reality.
And if the only project I manage to fully complete this year is the creation of a new life.  Well, I guess that's a pretty big accomplishment in and of itself. :) 
Anyone have advice on managing life with a large brood?  Somehow 4 kids seemed manageable, but 5??? it just seems like A LOT! :)
Have a wonderful Monday!
xoxo,
Amy

Looking Back- and Forward {Mom-day}

This year has been so amazingly fun.  I have learned so much about myself as a person- what I am capable of and what really drives me from within.  I have learned that I LOVE blogging.  I love connecting with so many people I wouldn't normally have the opportunity to associate with.  I love being inspired by all that I see, and it's an incredible rush when you feel like perhaps you've inspired someone else, just a bit. :) 
I have learned to trust my instincts and heart, and to not be led by others who don't agree.  I have learned that I have my own style and voice- one that is different from others, but carries value and weight just the same.  I don't have to make or do what everyone or anyone else is doing- it is important that I remain true to myself.
Perhaps it was turning 35 that finally gave me permission to stop trying to be someone else, and to revel in simply being me.  Whatever it was- it is a delightful feeling to be free from the oppression of the popularity game and to just enjoy the life I have built up around me.
Looking ahead to a new year I am really excited to make this life I have finally embraced as beautiful as I can.  I have dreams of slipcovers, shelves, organization, purging and living with purpose and enthusiasm.  I see outings with my children and events planned and enjoyed thoroughly.  I also see growing and evolving and changing (and not just the growing that comes with creating new life. ;) ).
The coming year is going to be epic!  And we start it off with a bang this week as our little girl turns 3 on Saturday- complete with rainbow birthday cake and everything!
So to all of you who have been here forever- and to those of you who just pop in from time to time- Welcome to the new year!  I hope it brings you so very much joy and happiness and the fulfillment of all your dreams come true!
XOXO,
Amy

I know I've been pretty MIA this month.  I hope you all are having a wonderful Holiday season.  Amidst the craziness of the season- I hope you are also filled with love and hope and peace.
I won't be posting again until the new year- I'm going to take some time to just focus on and enjoy my family and the holidays.  Thank you so much for an amazing year- and looking forward to another incredible year to come!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

XOXO,

Amy