Reflection

It's been busy lately.  Life, work, home, family, relationships, part-time incomes and full time dreams have all fought for center stage in my world.  We've made a lot of changes this year and a lot of promises for next.  Here are a few:

Owen started a K4 program at a local school.  It has really been great for him and our family.  He has become more disciplined (as much as possible for a four year old) and LOVES to share his prayers with us and teach us everything he has learned.  It has been great for Kevin and I to find a community of parents and educators and start getting involved.  I've been volunteering and really finding my place there, which is what I've always wanted.

Kate is learning lots of new words and adores her big brother.  I guess we really haven't made a lot of changes with Kate.  The biggest change has been with my relationship with her.  Rather than focusing on the question of what I'm doing right or wrong, I'm just focusing on being with her.  Really enjoying every snuggle, every book, every wink of her eye and every hair bow she pulls out.  Trying to capture each moment in my mind so it's there to pull upon when she's outgrown these sweet little moments.  She is all girl (much like Owen is all boy) and it's really cool to see the differences between the two of them.

I've been working a lot at some new responsibilities with the 'day job' this year, and trying to make a 10 year career innovative and new and fresh.  I love the work that I do, so I'm keeping focused on creating new ideas for the corporate world and trying to make my mark.

I signed up with Thirty-One Gifts as a consultant this year, and have loved exploring this new opportunity.  It has meant some much needed supplemental income for our family, and I've made some amazing friends along the way.  It has really been a blessing, and I'm excited to see where 2011 takes us.

In keeping with my SIMPLIFY theme of 2010, since I added a new responsibility into my life with 31, I took one away.  One which was very hard for me.  I have always loved pottery, but lately it has become more of a job than a passion, and I knew it was time to take a break.  I fired my last kiln in October (fire #101 actually), and have set the clay aside for the time.  When it's right, I'll get my hands dirty again.  This has really been one of the hardest decisions of the year for me, but I haven't regretted it yet.

On the crafty side, I've been exploring other avenues of expression, and have been working on sketch books, ideas, and web layouts for some new things I'd like to pursue for ME.  I have a few ideas for new websites, new ventures, new inspirations.  No deadlines (for now).  Just a little creativity starting to peek through.  In its own time, not mine.  Again, another hard thing to grasp for me. 

Like many people, I've experienced a lot of ups and downs this year, but really attribute a lot to my faith.  Through my connection with 31 and some recent personal events, I've learned more than ever that my faith is my rock.  It's gotten me through a lot recently, and I'm holding on to it tightly for 2011.   I've been giving a lot of consideration to my theme for next year, and I want to wrap this year up and start fresh with a new perspective.

For those blog buddies of mine, your consistency in keeping your blog fresh and current is an inspiration to me, and I hope to provide the same to you in the months ahead.  Thanks for continuing to check in. :)