Looking Backward...and Forward.

A few years ago I started blogging, because I felt I needed creative time.  Once a week. Creative time.  Starting a blog seemed like a great way to make sure that I actually took that time for myself. 

Now, a few years later, I don't think I need blogging for that anymore.  So do I stop?  I've toyed with it at times.  A really good blog post takes a lot of work, and sometimes more time than I'd like to admit.  

Yet a crazy thing has come out of this blogging gig. I've realized that the projects I've done with my kids are some of the things I most want them to remember about their childhood.  I want them to remember when they loved fairies so much that they begged me to make fabric fairies, and fairy costumes, and fairy puppets. Or the wonderful evening we spent photographing their costumes as they explored a nature trail.

Then there are the puppies.....oh yes.  I love the puppies.  And I love the fact that when one of my daughters was sick a few weeks ago, the other offered to take her puppy for a walk.  SO, so cute.  

Yes, yes, when I think back on 2015, I realize that this blog captures so many of the really important things about 2015.  Things like the home addition that was sooooo difficult, yet so incredibly rewarding at the same time.  We started this home addition in October 2014.  A year later we finally finished all of the major projects affiliated with that home addition.  This addition has changed the way our family lives in our home.

We have a room in our house now that's totally put aside for creative time.  A room where my kids can grab supplies and make things whenever they'd like.  Creativity, both for me and my kids, was a big part of our lives in 2015. This blog has documented it all....even when there wasn't a "how-to" to write up.  Like the time Lu and I made masks for her father/daughter dance, and I gushed about motherhood and fatherhood...and relationships.  Good, good stuff. 

On this blog, I've celebrated my kids growing up.  We've had parties (like this one and this one).  And because of this blog, I've photographed every detail.  Otherwise I probably wouldn't have.  I love that my kids can look back on these parties...and on their childhood, one project and party at a time.



There have been lots of projects in 2015.  Projects that have stretched me both creatively and technically.  I've loved being a guest contributor for Make it Love it.  I've loved working to improve my photography.  I have so far to go, but I've come so far too. I'm still learning, and this has been a great journey.

Blogging wasn't what I set out to do.  I'm not trained in photography or art.  I often wish I was, because it's a bit intimidating putting yourself, and your work out to the public when it's not something you have a lot of ANY training in.

So when I look at blogging in 2016,  these are the things that I think about.  I no longer have an infant and a toddler.  I have a preschooler and a elementary aged child.  I'm quickly approaching a time when they'll go to school every day of the week.  

In 2016, I'm going to have to start looking more at our finances, and I'm really going to need to make some decisions about what I want to do professionally.  There's a part of me that really hopes that this little blog--or some off shoot of it--can grow to be something bigger than it is now.  

So now's when I have to offer a big thank you to all of you.  Thank you for commenting.  Thank you for buying my patterns.  Thank you for clicking on my ads. Thank you for supporting me and this blog.  Thank you for believing in me.  I really hope that we can continue on this path for a while to come.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful (and crafty!) 2016!

XOXO, 

Jill