Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Facts . . .

I did it. Finally. Under the pressure of friends and family. AND the fact that I woke up to yet another fever blister this morning!!! I do believe that is my 8th one since the week before Thanksgiving?! I only get those when I'm stressed. And I don't really get them very often {even with 4 kids!?} So, yes - I'm stressed.

What did I do, you wonder? I stopped accepting orders that is what I did. Until further notice .



Bummer for you? I don't know, but a huge bummer for me. I'm afraid I might have just killed my business! But I've got to get caught up! I personally hate placing an order and it taking for-evah to get! And yet, I'm doing it to all you guys!

Let me tell you my dirty secret . . . during the whole month of December, I didn't work as hard as I could. No, really I didn't. But you know - when one of my kids would ask me to hold them, I did it. I would stop everything I was doing and hold them. Not for "a minute" but more like 30 minutes. Seriously! And I have all those kids. And they all wanted their 30 minutes. And I just gave it to them.

Not just that. But when they would ask me to play play-doh. I did it. With gloves on mind you - because I have horrible sensory issues {such as Hudson,} but I did play with them. We played with that mess so much that a lot got thrown away because it just got nasty! Just gross, I tell ya'! But it has been replaced, so please don't worry.

And we colored. So much so that none of the crayons have tips anymore. Of course that has alot to do with the fact that Em kept throwing them down on the tile floor and breaking them off - but hey, they still worked and we still colored {for longer than 30 minutes!}

I did alot this December. Things I know I'm suppose to do. And do you know, I still got done with all the orders that "had" to be finished before Christmas! I was still stressed out - but I did it anyways. This month has been amazing to me and for me.

I also found a stack of orders that were placed at the first of the year! I have no idea how they got misplaced. I'm sure it was something I did. I just don't know what?! I still have not emailed these people to say "sorry" and " by any chance, do you even want this order?" I'm afraid I'm going to get the "kiss-off" email - I really don't want that kind of email. That is probably the reason I'm stressing!

I will not stop painting. I'm only getting caught up.

*With all my current orders.
*All the gift cards I gave as gifts. {I'm sure they want their gifts!}
*Emails {I haven't confirmed about 20 orders!!}
*Updating some things with small words.
*Studio needs major improving.
*and so much more . . . .

I really thought the past 4 months would give me the time I needed. It didn't. Just the plain truth.

But I'll still blog {changes, I hope, you will see here, too!} And definitely paint!

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, positive affirmations . . . please email me or comment.

I'm not going anywhere.

I just want my kids to have memories I don't.

Thank you all so much!

- kim!

26 comments:

Unknown said...

Go ahead! You can't get those 30 minutes back and your kids WILL treasure memories with you!

Unknown said...

You are an amazing mom, and your paintings were a blessing to my mom and sister who received them. Thank you!

Take all the time you need! We all have to step back sometimes and regroup our lives. Those people who write nasty e-mails, comments, etc. you don't need in your life anyway. Anyone who has a problem with you being a MOM does not understand the role.

I will continue to keep up with you, your kids and your work. Praying for you as you being this New Year!

shabby girl said...

You did EXACTLY what a Mommy should do, take that time. Isn't that why you had them? Yes, to BE with them.
Believe me, you're good enough that you don't have to worry about anyone going anywhere...and who can argue with your reason for late orders?
The stress part, I feel bad about. You'll get caught up and the new year will be better than ever!

Mitzi said...

Who could possibly fault you for prioritizing your time in such a positive way. Your family should always come first. Good for you for realizing that. Happy New Year.

The Long Family said...

Not all people realize that they won't get this time back and cut back. Your business will survive. People will say negative things but that's our world. Just keep blogging! I love your stories!

The Writer Chic said...

GOOD for you! And we're **this** close to a name, so as soon as I have it, I'll place my official order, and you can take your sweet ol' time finishing it. I promise, you won't get a kiss-off email from me.

Kim, your priorities are in order, and that makes you not only a good mom, but a good business woman, too. Your business is going to be FINE, and probably even thrive after this hiatus. I have complete faith in you!

xoxoxo

Monica

Anonymous said...

good for you Kim! no apologies for being the mom you want to be.. and i'm really happy that you had such a wonderful december.. and here's to an even more special moments-filled New Year!!! keep on keepin' on girlie! :)
continued blessings,
-Tracie

Mommy said...

I am so proud of you. SO PROUD OF YOU! You can't get this time back with your babies. Your business took off faster than you could have anticipated. It will be there when you come back...whenever that may be. Now you know what parameters you have to set to juggle family life and work life. You'll be more prepared to set parameters when you come back. SO PROUD OF YOU...

Robin said...

Kim, you were (and are) doing exactly what you need to be doing...don't apologize for that! Your babies are THE most important thing in your life. Your orders can wait!

Robin :o)

Anonymous said...

you have a interesting blog
God bless you

Megan {The Brick Bungalow} said...

Be a mom! That's what you are first and the art can wait. It seems that the majority of your paintings are for moms or future moms, so they should understand. I love spending time with my daughter and you should love spending time with your kids and not feel the stress of everything you think you should be doing. Have fun and good luck!

Mimi said...

You should NOT apologize for taking time for your family. I think everyone understands, please don't feel guilty. I will be waiting to place my order, by the way, what kind of paint do you use? Is it glossy? I'm thinking I want a matte paint, but don't know if I have a choice.
Good luck catching up!

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

You are a great MOM! I love this post...what a great reminder for all of us that we are Mothers--before all of the other things in this crazy life that take our time. Take your time with those precious little ones. Hang in there!

Brewskie said...

Good for you!! Your family always needs to come before your business. Anyone who has seen your work knows it's worth the wait. And don't worry, how can you not be blessed when you're doing things according to God's order? :)

Sandy said...

Yeah Be a good mommie the business will come later. Just read yesterday's blog and it cracked me up. I love those cookies, too bad that your Dad's missing out.

Mrs. Frogster said...

Geez, girl, you are making exactly the right decision! I can totally relate. During the Christmas rush of orders especially, I felt like a crazsy woman(well more so than usual) and finally stopped taking orders in the beginning of December so that I could actually enjoy Christmas with my family.
They are only little once. Bring on the play dough and crayons and cardboard boxes! :)

Good job! - Jeanette

Unknown said...

Good for you! It's a good reminder for all of us to really focus on what is truly important and lasting in life. Blessings to you, and Happy New Year!

AUDREY {LIL' BOOGER BLOG} said...

Just came across your blog and I don't blame you one bit...I actually closed my website out because I couldn't handle everything. I actually blogged about time tonight! Glad I found you and your work is beautiful!

easternjourney.com said...

I've been reading your blog for a long time, but I'm not sure if I've left a comment. I think you are such a talented artist and a busy Mom to 4 beautiful blessings. I just wanted to affirm your decision to slow down a bit and make these memories while they still want you to hold them. Before we both know it, our wee ones will be borrowing car keys and asking for gas money.

Darla DiStefano said...

you did the right thing! so don't stress over it! :-) Your fans will understand!

Shabby Soul said...

About those fever blisters... there is a vitamin called L-Lysine that works WONDERS for them!! You can even take a couple when you feel that first tingle and most of the time you wont even get one!! Trust me on this!

Lynda @ SportsMadGirl said...

Yeah for you!! Don't ever apologize for being a great MOM! Making memories with your 4 wonderful kids is what is most important.

You are a fantastic artist and we will all be here ready to place orders whenever you decide you want to start taking them again. Look forward to seeing what the New Year brings for you! I so enjoy reading your blog, you totally crack me up.

Blogless me said...

Just want to say that I think everyone has been wondering at one time or another whether we make the right decision. Whenever I am in doubt I always tell myself that this time we can never get back, so we have to try and enjoy every moment we can share with our little ones.

Danine said...

Don't be sorry! You're an amazing person and NO ONE is a super hero! You're children/family come first and if someone can't understand that because all THEY want is something that you beautifully create then guess what, it wasn't meant to be!

Take that time with your children, create those memories and the rest will be there!!

Jennibell said...

Kim, you are doing the right thing. Really. And you've also acknowledged it, instead of hiding behind an excuse or killing yourself to make appearances!!! Good for you. I just wrote a post about this same thing today (roles in life) so if you want to read it, check out the Jan. 3rd post at jennisseasons.blogspot.com I love that you posted pictures of others doing the same thing as you -- just to show us (and maybe you?) that YOU are not the only person capable of making great art. But since I'm NOT capable of it, I'll still come to you when you catch up :)
Blessings to you and your business and mostly your family.

Krista Lee said...

Good for you woman! I am so glad you finally put your foot down... It is really hard to turn away business but if you don't it takes such a toll on your personal and family time! :)