Priorities Matter

Hi all!  I can't believe it has been over 3 years since I put anything up on my wee little blog.  In those three years, I went from working part-time at a home health company to a full time position as a Director of Nursing for the same home health business and my commute went from 5 minutes to 45 minutes each way.  I loved my job but with 4 boys and all of their activities...life became all consuming.  After about 1 1/2 years of doing this, I decided to take another position as an Executive Director for a large national assisted living company.  It was closer to home, but MUCH more stressful.       This was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life.  It was however, very rewarding as I really grew to appreciate the elderly and the daily service I could provide for them.  I loved the residents and the way they touched my life.  After a little over a year, however, I knew that it was time for a priority check.  After much prayer and consideration, my husband and I both decided it was time for me to be home more.  We took a large leap of faith when we gave up the salary I made which definitely made our lives more comfortable.  We also purchase a new home in May that, go figure, had a higher mortgage.  Talk about bad timing on our part.

I love being home with my kiddos and just being there for them.  My mom was there for me when I was entering into the stage in life they are and it was invaluable.  It is a huge joy to be more involved with them and all of their activities whereas before it was a huge chore just to do their night time routine with them.  I was missing out on sooooo much.  There have been sacrifices.  My gel nails and toes are gone.  I no longer eat out for lunch every day.  We treat ourselves to dinner just once a week.  Plus, my clothing allowance has been drastically cut...sigh.  It is so worth it for our family.  I finally feel like I am on top of things!  For the last 3 years I have just been running to keep up the best that I could and not feeling like I accomplished anything well.

Another perk is that I am back to doing all of my fun stuff around the house and am making a stab at starting a stamped metal jewelry and home décor business.  My hope is it gives me just enough to afford all of those soccer enrollements, piano lessons, cello lessons and the latest is a request to learn parkour from my 10 year old.  I hope he doesn't die at an early age.  I am excited to see where things are going to head in this great life of mine.  At lease I know I am where I feel I need to be...that's a great thing.

Here's just a little sample of the type of jewelry I am selling.  Happy hump day!