Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Balance in my Crazy Life

This past year has proven to be the most difficult year for me.  I have always considered myself a strong person, one that never says no to friends & family, and I thrived on being busy.  Being a busy reached a new level, when my husband started working away from home.  Sometime two weeks, and home for a week, and more recently three weeks at a time with only 6 days at home. 

People kept saying I don't know how you do it... how do you manage it all?  Truth be told... I crashed... I could handle it for a while.  Up at 6 am... going for a run... getting the kids ready for school... starting the daycare at 7:30 and finishing at 5 pm... doing all the laundry, cleaning, cooking, homework with the kids... all their activities outside of school which accounts for about 10 to 15 hours a week... I tried to make time for scrapbooking, I tried to make time for myself.  In the end... I was diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. 

A big sacrifice for me was giving up designing for some amazing companies.  I miss it TONS... but I know I will be back one day, I will keep on designing with their products (side note... AWESOME releases from Doodlebug Designs & Bella Blvd this winter CHA!!!!).... I thought stepping down would make everything that much easier for me BUT I still felt overwhelmed with everything.  Single parenting is tough... on top of running a business....

SO... the decision was to close the daycare two days a week.  My heart was heavy and relieved all at once. I knew I was going to have to say goodbye to some wonderful kids (& parents), but I knew that I could not give the daycare 100% and I could not continue to give my kids 100% going at the rate I was going at.  So at the beginning of January I broke the news to my families. As of the end of February, this will take effect.

I thank all the families for understanding, some even wondering how I lasted this long.  I thank them for being so understanding.  So there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me.  I can't even imagine having a "day"  to get things done where I have no kids to look after.  I think the first day might be a little overwhelming. 

I always come up with a new little word every year, and this year was easy......

BALANCE....

This blog has been used for many things- from blogging about Daycare, trips, and mostly- my crafty obsession.  But this year, I look forward to balancing everything- life, job, family, and craftiness.... I look forward in sharing as much as I can, and I look forward to enjoying the process of sharing :)

I am hoping to start Project Life... but with my own little spin... I am tired of being tied to weeks... and utterly failing and getting behind.... so I have opted to do PL by month.  This may just be one double page... or two... or three... I made add 12 X 12 pages too... not sure, but I am keeping it open!

I have also been loving the whole idea of planners... yes planners... super cool! I can't wait to explore how I can add some creativity to sorting out my crazy schedule! 

Minis.... thats right... I really LOVE doing minis... and its been awhile since I have done one, so be prepared for some cool ones too!

Kids Crafts!  I am hoping to share some kids crafts and daycare stuff too that I have been doing! I got away from that for awhile, but I look forward to sharing :)


Alright I have been rambling on enough now.....

5 comments:

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

I am sure it was hard ... but good for you!!!!

Anelsie Ramos said...

You did what is best for you and your family! Everything will be fine! You are a rock star! Hugs from Puerto Rico!

Lisa Rukin Swift said...

Good for you for listening to your heart and doing what's right for you and your family, Jodi. THAT is strength. Funny thing is, my word is "balance" too. :)

Monique Liedtke said...

This must been really hard, making all these decisions, but you/family/health all comes first! So proud of you!!
(and I know what I'm talking about ... my hubby works away from home for weeks on end too and with 3 kids it can very busy although I don't have my own business, I do have a pt job as well :) ). Hang in there!! BIG hug!!!!

Mendi Yoshikawa said...

I'm so glad to hear you are able to make a little more time for yourself. I hope you can be on the road to healing soon. I think doing a double page layout for Project Life each month sounds perfect--If I did it, I know that's the only way I would be able to enjoy it and actually keep up with it. :)