Wants VS Needs!

I could write a book on this subject and I bet you could too. I've been pretty quite over the last two weeks as we finish up the renovations at our home.  

Looking back 4 weeks ago I would never had thought this would have taken so long to complete.  You know I even brought half of my stamping supplies with me to "work" during the "process!"  

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!  Wait… I need another laugh…..  Work during the progress…. that's funny!!

This is where wants vs. needs comes in.  

I had ALL good intentions of working during this entire renovation process but clearly had the wrong reality of what NEEDED to be done.  Who would have known? I didn't for sure.  It was just a little paint, wood and carpet…. Ha ha ha ha ha! 35 gallons later…. 

I've learned over the last 4 weeks what true exhaustion feels like.  I had no clue what painting an entire house would be like.  I had no clue I would be talking with contractors  4x a day- at least.  

Most days when I come back to mom's after working at the house I sit on the couch and try to add to the entertainment for the evening.  Only I find myself on the couch having a hard time getting my lips to move or my arms to budge because I am that TIRED.  

I wanted to craft SO many things, but the needs of the house had overtaken every inch of my soul.  

With all this exhaustion comes something VERY important- serious happiness.  

Each stroke of the paint brush I found myself smiling because I did it.  No ribbon's needed.  No pat on the backs wanted.  Sheer enjoyment knowing I did it.  (NOTE: mom did help too).  Every inch of the house has been painted.  Even *most* of the trim.  

There have been quite a few days I've shed a tear becasue I couldn't be super woman and keep up with all the tasks at hand.  You know… Be a mom, wife, daughter, painter and business woman.  Truth is I found out I'm not superwoman.  <insert naughty word!>

But deep in my soul, I know it's okay.  10 years ago when I started this rockin' business called Stampin' Up! I did it so I could be a great mom, wife, daughter and whatever else was thrown my way.  Over the 10 years I've had to take a hiatus or two.  This is exactly why I do this business.  I have the opportunity to take care of my family when the need arises.  I'm grateful for this.  

Of course this doesn't take care of my WANTING to run my business and craft like a crazy woman.  I have the desire 24/7.  I want to pull out all of my stamps (right now it would be like Christmas!!)  But I know the reality and the needs.  I have to be patient. I'm almost to the finish line.  I pray that you will be patient with me too.  

What's next? 

Tuesday all of our household goods come in.  It will be a chaotic CRAZY day. Our biggest concern is where everything is going.  My Florida room is not even started which poses a little problem for the furniture that must go in there.  Let's just say Tuesday will be interesting.  Prayers will be needed as we see the furniture come in and pray that they have all the hardware for the beds.  

Once again I'm grateful for family.  They will be here to help with the kids.  

Speaking of them, they are doing fantastic.  School is going great. Alexis is back to gymnastics. Brandon is back to swimming.  Their being spoiled everyday and life is grand.  

Now, let me explain my layout today.  Never in a million years would I normally share a TERRIBLE selfie pic with you but I think it goes to show the true me right now.  Saggy-baggy!

Let me explain… 

Over the last 4 weeks it's been rare that I put make up on.  In fact, I think I can count on 1 hand the amount of times I've fluffed myself.  (Southern for get pretty).  Seriously, what is the use if it's going to melt off from being so hot and sweaty painting?  All natural for me.  

Mom came over one day and said, "Kimberly! Look at the bags under your eyes!"  

Say what Mom?  I looked in the mirror and almost died.  I've never had saggy baggy eyes like this.  UGH.  

I decided that day make up was in order and of course a little sleep.  Nothing took the bags away unless I stretched my face out like a silly person.  

Depressing, but for a good cause I guess.  

I thought this layout was perfect for my All About Me book and our Monday MDS Challenge.  

Heather and I don't really have a "challenge" this week.  Both of us have LOTS going on.  BUT… We decided to create a layout and this week will be catch up week.  

Check out our My Digital Studio Facebook Group and join in the fun.  Make sure to check out Heather's Blog to see what she has created too.  

Lastly, to all my dear readers… 

Thank you!  Thank you for all of your kind emails, comments and sweet mail.  I've been terrible about replying but again this goes back to the exhaustion piece I wrote about.  I love you to pieces.  I just wish I had 8 arms.  Two of them would write you back to tell you how much your kindness is appreciated.  

To my customers…

Your support through all of this has meant the world to me.  You are constantly on my mind.  Know that I will be back very soon to inspire and create with you.  Thank you for giving me this time to get my family in our home.  To say that I'm grateful is truly an understatement.  

To my dear team of demonstrators…

Your fearless leader will be back in full swing soon.  Again, your sweet comments, beautiful cards and most of all your patience and encouragment is something I can't thank you enough for.  Truly, you are the most amazing woman. 

XOXOXO