At eighteen I thought I had it all figured out. Boy, was I wrong!!!
There is so much more to life than what appears at first glance, isn't there?
I am a single mother. That is not all that I am, however. I am an artist, a crafter, a business-woman, an avid reader, and an optimist. I am warm and open and optimistic, and also indecisive, a true gemini at heart, and a believer in the beauty that resides in the hearts of man. I can be moody when interrupted, especially while reading or crafting, and I am so easily entertained it is almost ridiculous at times. Want to see me smile? Show me yours. That's all it takes. Happiness is what it's all about, isn't it?
I believe that it is impossible to define a person or personality. We are not this, or that, or even both. We simply are. Isn't that wonderful?
When your days start becoming too dark to handle, gather some wood, light a little fire, and wait for the sunset. Everything looks better in rosy shades.
I run my own home-based business called Cute As A Crochet Button. I've been doing it for about 5 years now, and it has grown from a crochet-only winter-only thing to a full-time all-sorts-of-creativity outlet for me. It allows me the opportunity to stay at home with my children and see all their moments, and gives me the freedom to spend all the time with them that I can. My work is one of my coping mechanisms. We all have them, and I am not perfect. Life is stressful sometimes and it sure is nice being able to pick up a hammer, a paintbrush, or a crochet hook and just de-clutter the mind a little bit. There truly is nothing like a little creativity to focus the mind and lighten the heart.
See? How could you NOT smile at this?
I have five children. They are the perfect blends of individual, wonderful, creative, and drive-me-completely-crazy. They make me smile daily, and they also add new gray hairs daily, but who's counting?
Jason is my oldest. He is my day-dreamer, my rock, my greatest assistant, my constant irritation, and the man of the house. He is crafty like me, and man, the kid can run! He is my "tween". *Shudder* Scary business, that. Knowing that you are creating an adult-in-training that will one day create his own. It's so neat to watch them grow from babies that need you for everything to little almost-growns that can do almost everything on their own, but secretly still want nothing more than to generate pride in you!
Life is full of lessons:
Sometimes the little moments are more precious than anything your imagination could create.
Everything tastes better when eaten with chopsticks.
Sometimes cool is the way to go.
Silly faces are good for the soul.
We all have our own style, and that style makes us unique and awesome!
Miss Maia Rai. My little pixie-girl with the voice of an angel, the temper of a feral kitten, and the beauty of a springtime sunrise. This little gal is as unique as they come, and bears the nickname "Pigpen" with pride. You will see her, daily, outside, nose-deep in the dirt, grass and leaves in her hair, laughing maniacally from pegging one of her brothers with a mud-pie, and dressed in her frilliest, brightest, and newest girly-clothes. She sees no reason why she can't be everything: Rockstar, girly-girl, one of the boys, momma's-girl, and completely independent all at the same time, and you know what? Neither do I! I have had to learn to make stain-remover, though... this one can ruin an outfit quicker than anyone I've ever met! :)
My little Lucien. No matter how old this one gets, he is still my baby. This guy is a mommas-boy to the core. He is the first one to rush to my side any time he thinks I need help, and the last one to tear himself away (very unwillingly) at night. He loves school, and is so passionate about learning. My greatest wish is that he never loses that joy. He is sensitive, and sweet, and loving, and such a pleasure to be around.
Tristan. The only thing to say about this one is: Hold on to your seat . . . it's going to be a bumpy ride. He is a non-stop comedy show from word jump. This one is all boy. He's an escape-artist, a clown, a papaw's shadow, and if you think it can't be done by a two-year-old, think again. He will prove you wrong. Every time.
And then came Ollie. Little Liam Oliver. Born the day after his brother, Lucien's, birthday, and just starting to come into his own personality. This one has a fun life ahead of him. He's got four brothers and a sister all chomping at the bit to teach him all the wonderful, fun, silly, and naughty things they have learned over the years. They are delighted, and, quite frankly, i'm terrified!!! I have a feeling I better stock up on Excedrin now!