Some Tough Decisions....

This may be a somewhat wordy post and so I apologize in advance. I have a lot to say!

I will be celebrating my 2 year anniversary as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in just a couple of weeks. These past two years have been amazing!!! As most of you know, I was never a hobby demonstrator. From the time my starter kit arrived, I ran a business. Some of you reading this may recall my first class! I tought a baby album class and it lasted until the wee hours of the morning! I was a bit embarressed. But to my surprise- most of them came back for my second class. And I think they are all still great customers after 2 years and dozens of classes!

Also, in my first month as a demo, I got a booth at the Women's Expo in Glendale. This is a HUGE event. Boothes were not cheep! And I did not have much time at all to prepare. But I worked hard. And several of you helped me! I know someone out there remembers lugging tons of stuff for about a mile around the arena. And someone else remembers me driving home- bleeding. Literally. It was a long and hard weekend! But it was the start of an amzing business!

I have had the pleasure of traveling all over the state to do workshops and classes for friends. I have learned so much! Did you know that I only had one stamp set and one ink pad when I signed up to be a demo?! I have come a long way. I was a complete stamping novice 2 years ago- and today, I feel like I can call myself an artist. I have even been published a few times! I am proud of myself!

But building a business took time. And that meant that I gave up a good deal of time with my family and friends. I was talking to a downline yesterday and she said  "we are still friends." It struck me. We had been friends for years before I became a demo. But after I became a demo- she became my cusomer and later my downline. Now when I see her- it is to stamp or pick up an order. In many way we lost track of our friendship.

And my poor family.....in order to run my business, I needed to work Monday through Friday in my office. I needed to design class projects, do blog posts, paperwork, and place orders. And I couldn't do it with the kids around. So I made a tough decision to send them to a preschool/daycare facility. They love it there. And they are very happy kids. But then as my business really grew- I needed to do classes and workshops on the weekends. So I had to leave the kids with my hubby. Many times I felt like the kid's teachers saw my kids more than I did. I would often miss them and wish that I could be at home.

And that is where I am today. I was once a stay-at-home mom, who needed something ....more. And that is when I found Stampin' Up! Having something that was all mine, got me through some of the toughest times as a young mom of 4 babies. It gave me a break.

This past weekend, we took the kids to the park. My five year old, Kyler, was having a blast. And then he ran up to me and said  "Mommy, it is taking me a long time to grow up." I couldn't agree less! How did my "baby" get to be so big?! And why would I want to miss one more day that I don't have to? In just a few months he will be going to Kindergarden! Yikes!

I am the first to admit- I was not a great SAHM 2 years ago. The kids were a lot to handle on my own. I was tired and stressed and not very happy. But I would like to think that I am a different person now. A stronger person.

So with great fear, anxiety, and excitement- I have decided to go back to being a stay-at-home mom! Yikes!

So what does this mean for you? I will no longer be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Not even a hobbyist. At first I was going to keep my demo status for the discount. But then I started saying stuff to myself like "I'll just do a class every other month." or "I'll just keep my scrapbook clubs going." And I had to tell myself "no!" I LOVE papercrafting and stamping!!!! I am going to be very busy with my kids and when I do get some needed "mommy time" I want to feel free to make something for me. I don't want to have design something for a class or workshop. I want stamping and scrapbooking to be my get-a-way. Therefore, I will be contacting demo support in the next couple of days to end my career with Stampin' Up!

As for the blog- I am keeping it!!!! I love blogging! I love to hear from all of you. In many ways- we have become cyber friends. And I look foward to logging on each day. But you may see some changes. For one- you are going to see me using my favorite stamps and supplies. So this means- they may be retired and they may not even be by Stampin' Up!  Gasp! Although, I still think that Stampin' Up! has the BEST papercrafting supplies- I am not going to limit myself. If I see something I like- I just may get it!!! Another change, is that I may not be able to posts every day. I am not sure yet how much time I will be able to steal away to craft. We will just have to see!

One more thing for you- I am going to be selling LOTS and LOTS of my stamps and supplies here on my blog!!!! I am going to get rid of any set I no longer like or use. This will include current sets from the catalog. So it will be a good chance for you to get some discounted supplies!

Is anyone still reading this? If you are...then you must be one of my very devoted customers. I want to say one more time- that I have loved the past 2 years!!! You have all made me smile. I am starting to cry now so I know I need to end this ramble!

See you soon friends......