Halloween 2010

I just returned from quilt market!  I haven't spoken too much about it, but a while back I made the decision to not exibit this fall as market falls over Halloween.  It is not an easy thing, being a working mom.  And I probably have the most ideal situation, being my own boss and all.  But it's still hard and there are always times that I wonder if I am still doing the right thing for our family.  When those times arise, I take a step back and prayerfully examine my choices.  I feel that the blessings of this little business 'o mine outweigh the challenges enormously though.  I'm always very careful in choosing the moments I have to miss (it can't be avoided) in regards to our little family, and felt that missing this holiday while our kids are so young wasn't the right choice for me. 

So I planned a little jaunt through 4 states and arrived home in time yesterday to paint faces and dress up my little water fairy and jedi.

They are the reason I started my business and so it can be a tricky balance doing it for them, but still being there for them.

They grow so fast!  When I filed these photos in my blog folder titled "Halloween", I found different photos from past Halloween's from the years this blog has been going.  Look:

And now: (wearing my wedding day headband)  How did this happen?  Look at how beautiful she is..and excuse me while I go bawl my eyes out.

 

And him:

 

And Now:

*sigh*  but, I was here to see it.  Which for me, was the right thing.

xo

sandi

Comments

[Laurel]

Childhood may be but only a moment in a life but the memories seam to fill the rest of that lifetime!

[Kelly O'B]

Good for you. You definitely made the right choice! They grow way too fast. Mine are 8, 6, and 2. I feel very blessed to be a stay at home mom.

[Jenny Fish]

It was so good to meet you!

[amy hamberlin]

I love reading your posts, you always have the right answers! It makes me feel better that I missed out on Market but not on my kiddos.

[Bloom]

Sandi, thank you for your beautifully honest post. It is really encouraging to hear that even the great Portobelllopixie wrestles with herself over being there for her kids. Good on you for giving up just a little fame and fortune for your treasured ones. How cute are they?! Who wouldn't travel across four states to be with them!

[mo]

You are so right. I am glad you made the trek though because I enjoyed meeting you! I made it home for Halloween too and was bone tired but happy to be there with them.

[Erika]

Good for you! I was disappointed that I could not meet you on Saturday because your ruffle pants got me started with my daughter; but I love the fact that your family comes first. Honestly, it makes supporting your business all the more important because I know there are other Moms that feel the same way I do about my little family.

Many continued Blessings.

[Mary Ann]

Well done, Sandi. Live a life without regrets. Your children will rise up and call you blessed.

[Sweet Baby Jamie]

Good for you!! It's hard to balance family & work, I believe you made the right choice!!

[Leslie Schmidt]

When you look at those sweet faces, I don't think it could have been a difficult choice! I love remembering the times my kids were little and how fresh everything was to them. And they will remember, too.

Best wishes to you and your family.

[Laura W.]

Thank you for writing this post... I am struggling with a difficult decision, wanting to stay home with my girls, while giving up a great paying job.

Reading this makes me realize that it's so much more important to be here for them.

You definitely made the right choice. Your children are adorable!

[Sherri Gauthier]

Admire your approach to balance...you are not alone. They are only small for such a short window of time. God bless.
Sherri

[Kathryn]

Good for you!

[Shannon Orr]

Oh, how many of us sit in this little boat with you! The struggle of many a mother to sooth their own creative heart and yet be there to wipe away little tears is always a tender and frequent thought in my own mind as well. Thank you for giving yourself (and me) permission to know when to prayerfully call it.

[sarah jane]

Yes, you definitely made the right choice:) They are so darling and precious! I made it back minutes before trick or treating, and I am so glad we made it back in time! And thanks for talking about this...you said it so well!
xo
sarah

[Jessica]

You're such a good Momma! You're kids are so lucky to have you:)

[Tammy C.]

Amen and Hallelujah to you sister...you did the right thing :)

[Clare]

Family first!! They grow up so fast.

[Angela]

I love you. You are an inspriation in MANY ways.

[Melissa Stramel]

I just did the same thing. Got home in the middle of the night Saturday but it was worth it!

[Lisa]

Definately the BEST choice! They are adorable! And as I've seen with my own they grow too fast. You will NEVER regret missing what you did of Market but you would ALWAYS have pings of regret if you missed their Halloween. Good for you! Keep up the great work.

[Lisa]

Oh Sandi! So very cute! Your kids are adorable! It's hard to balance work & family, but you seem to be doing a great job!

[Beaut]

It looks like you had a wonderful time.
I definitely made the right choice,
Well done and wish you all the best with your store.

Beaut xxx

[Shari]

Oh Sandi! You made the right choice, and it was still good to see you for the short time at Quilt Market. Your two precious kiddos are well worth it to make it for Halloween, to paint their faces, and dress them up. I love how heartfelt your posts are, and you still amaze me each day as you talk about your everyday life and business adventures. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings in reference to making the tough choices you have to make, by prayer. You have no idea how I needed to hear that today!

[Kimberly C.]

It's so easy to lose focus when you're being creative. But, I think it's always the better choice when we choose the people we love.