The secret is out...

Well, I guess since Ben just mentioned that I started a store, I should mention it as well. Let me give you all a little background first.

I have spent the last 5+ years making and caring for babies, which is a very good thing. However, it took a huge toll on my body and I am now no longer able to have kids. Now that we know they are all here, I am excited to get on to the business of raising them. As Clay approached his first birthday I realized that I have never had a 1 year old and not already been pregnant again. I also realized that for me, my entire identity was wrapped up in creating and caring for young children. I needed some sort of outlet and something that I could do just for me. I think I am a pretty good mom, but all of the other things that I used to consider myself...professional, well-spoken, detail oriented, etc. have taken a back seat to being a mother. I still want to be a good mom, and I think it will be easier for me to be that woman if I take care of the parts of me that are not directly associated with being a mother. So I decided to do something about it.

I started a store on Etsy.com. It is called Pumpkin Patch Designs and I sell hooded bath towels for toddlers and kids, super cute tote bags, mei tai carriers, and crocheted baby blankets. I have had so much fun making each of these things and it has been really rewarding to actually be able to make money on them. I have also been able to contribute to our family financially which I haven't done for a really long time and it feels good. I know that I said I was going to do something that was not directly associated with being a mother, but when I sat down to think about what I could do, all I wanted to do was create stuff for kids. I guess you stick with what you know. :)

I haven't said anything before now for a couple of reasons. First, I don't want any of my family and friends to feel obligated to buy something from me just because I am selling it. If it is something that you like and would buy anyway, then sure...buy it from me. However, if it is not something that you would buy anyway, please don't feel like you have to buy it just to be supportive. Your interest and well wishes are support enough. Second, I am 31 years old and still suffer from teenage insecurities. People that I don't know not liking my stuff is one thing, but people that I love and care about not liking my stuff is completely different. I know it's a lame excuse.

Oh, and how do I find time to be productive? I haven't found any extra time. I am swapping creativity...I am creating things for my store instead of creating a spotless house...which wouldn't happen no matter how hard I work at it anyway. :)

So there you have it. If you would like to see my store, you can check it out at www.pumpkinpatchdesigns.etsy.com. I also have a blog at www.pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com and email at pumpkinpatchdesigns@hotmail.com.