Where to go from here?

I've had this drive lately. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but I need to do something. "I" as in not Ella's Mommy or Jason's wife. I think I need to do something that I enjoy solely. I think you slowly lose this when you become married and most definitely when you have children. Don't get me wrong, my most important and happy jobs in life are a wife and a mother. I am blessed beyond reason that God has given me these wonderful people in my life. But I think women get lost in the shuffle sometimes. We're guilty of forgetting about ourselves and because of that we're not as good as taking care of our hubbies and children. I'm not talking about completely handing over your wifely and motherly duties, but just creating a good balance. I've ran into this crossroads lately. In fact, it's hit me square between the eyes today. I want to do something. Maybe I want to create? Maybe I want to do something just for me that sounds completely boring to someone else? And why not...don't women deserve it? Definitely so. In fact, I know that my mother and mother-in-law still deserve it. Women sacrifice for years and years for their families and you understand that even more when you have children. People tell you that, but until you live it, you just can't comprehend it fully.

So, you might ask (or you might not-haha), what have I been thinking about? Well, I obviously spend A LOT of time on etsy shopping and browsing and I find myself favoriting hand stamped jewelry. I think it's completely unique and personal. I even discovered that they make kits for beginners just like me or you can spend literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I think I'll make sure I like it first before spending big bucks. Jason's question was, "When will you have time for this?" and it was a valid question. The only answer I had was, "I guess I'll have to make time". We'll see where this goes from here.

**I bought my stamps yesterday (12/3) and can't wait for them to arrive!

Gulf Shores & Cowgirls

It's been a week and a half since we returned from our vacation to Gulf Shores and we're still adjusting. It's just something about sleeping in until 8 or 8:30 every morning, lying around thinking about what you'll eat for lunch and then heading to the beach that just makes you go in slow motion when you return to your "life". We stayed in an amazing condo across the street from the beach and had an amazing 18th story view. It was roomy for all 5 of us (Beth and Jamie stayed with us). The entire wall that faced the ocean was floor to ceiling glass and I found it hard to pull myself away from it (so did Ella). Thursday we made the trek down and stopping while we could (the Peach Park was a hit) made it easy for Ella to travel in the car for that long. Friday we ate lunch at Lulu's while Ella played in the sand. We spent every afternoon at the beach. Even though it was mid-October, Friday's high was 92! We weren't expecting that. Saturday Beth and I took Ella to the local zoo and it was much better than we expected. We got some great family pics on the beach and I can't wait to put them on here. So everyone (all three of you-haha)...you will just have to be patient. It is a virtue, you know!

And, changing subjects, after trying to figure out what to dress Ella up for Halloween, I found this great deal on this costume ($8.99!) with free shipping, so we all know which one we decided on. I can't pass up a great deal like that. I think she'll make an adorable cowgirl. But we all know that hat will last...oh...about 2 seconds on her head.