Warning: Mushy Post! Happy Birthday College Boy

21 years ago today, the most creative project I've ever made came into the world. There was no Mod Podge or glitter or hot glue involved. There wasn't even any chocolate. Our baby, who's no longer a baby, was born.

It still doesn't seem possible that it's 21 years later and that he's officially an adult! He's been an old soul since the day he was born, always older than his chronological age in some ways and completely age appropriate in others.

We tried not to read too much into the fact that by all accounts I had an easy labor. My BFF never lets me forget that I delivered wearing earrings and even a little lipstick.

What did that mean for the days ahead? Turns out that pattern continued. Sure there were all the normal childhood boundary tests and moments of counting to 10 before saying something (us, not him). Even middle school, which I think is the hardest age as kids really test their boundaries in that limbo stage between being little kids and burgeoning maturity wasn't too bad. HS, we've since come to learn, was far more stressful than he ever let on (and from what we knew it was stressful enough), a testament to his very cool calm demeanor. We are still not sure where that comes from!

In college he's come completely into his own. From the nervous guy we left in front of his dorm ( and the parents who were a wreck in the car driving away) to the confident young man who still chooses to come home on breaks and hang out with his parents.

Whatever the future holds, we know he will meet any challenge head on with a smile, quiet confidence, and a focus on what's important. We've now entered the stage of parenting where the student is often the teacher.

Every parent feels like they couldn't be more proud of their child and we are no exception. It's been an amazing 21 years and we can't wait to see what lies ahead.

Happy Birthday College Boy!

Life Is What Happens When You're Busy Making Other Plans

is one of The Mumster's favorite sayings. That's kind of where I am right now...my  day job is keeping me hopping like a frog on a hot skillet. (Please no one call PETA on me. I do not put frogs on hot skillets).

When I am able to break free, I'm enjoying spending time w/ Mr. Chocolate and College Boy for a couple more weeks before CB returns to school to start his Junior year. 

So while far from abandoning my blog intentionally, I have not been able to spend as much time on it lately. That doesn't mean that I'm giving it up or even taking an official break. Things will be "sporadic" for the time being and hopefully settle down soon. 

In the meantime, I did read a great article on the Cloth Paper Scissors blog that I'll excerpt a bit from ( copyright fair use) and encourage you to read! 

The weekly BFF Open House will continue so be prepared to link up tomorrow night!

art business: five rules of better blogging

Several years ago, I started a personal blog.I wanted a venue for talking about all the things I like to talk about--vintage linens and stuff, my house, my kids, my opinions--and besides, everyone was doing it. I quickly discovered that while I had a lot to say (no doubts there), it took up a lot of time to say it on a blog. I had to have a picture, I had to size the pictures. I had to link to things. I had to create contests and giveaways to get people to follow me, but then I had to keep blogging to keep them coming back.
Then the "gosh, I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while" posts started coming.

Who can relate to that? ME!!! Who can feel overwhelmed by it? ME!!!! Who can beat themselves up when they don't have the time to devote to their blog the way they want to? ME!!!!

And there's more in the article that I think is well worth a read. Also pinning to my "Blog Improvement Tutes" Pinterest board