Life as I know it has officially changed

A few nights ago, I sat down on the couch and wrote 22 thank you notes. As my hand cramped, I thanked everyone in my office, from the front receptionist to the CEO, for being a part of my life in the last two years. It was a great time of reflection for me because it's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day frustrations and distractions that come with working in a busy office. While I wrote my notes, I thought about all of the things I will miss about each person.

Many people - work friends, random people who I chat with, other friends, etc. - have been shocked with our decision to pick up and move to El Centro and for me to stay at home with the babies. These same people have said what a shame it will be, I have so much potential, I'll become stale at home and I should start working again as soon as I can. I understand their shock, because I'll be the first to admit that I didn't expect to be staying home anytime soon. Not just financially, but because I really do like working and I've found a bit of a niche in marketing and design.

A couple of my sweet friends gave me baby/going away gifts, but the thing that touched me was something that one of them said in their cards. She said "You are giving your family a gift, do not forget that." This has been my mantra since I read it, especially when the doubts start to creep in. Things like, will I be happy staying at home again? Or, can we really, truly financially afford this, even though we've crunched the numbers? And, am I throwing away a potential career in marketing because I have decided to take a break?

I'm still nervous, anxious for the unknown, but my wise friend is right. No matter how much of a sacrifice it is to have left my job and moved away from the city that holds opportunity, my family comes first. It always has. It always will. And I'm happy to give this gift to them.

Obsessed, much?

Ever since we found out we were moving, I have become utterly and disgustingly obsessed with all things crafty-DIY-home decor. Mainly anything I can find on Pinterest. More specifically, wreaths. And I cannot stop watching HGTV. It also may or may not have something to do with the preggo phenom they call nesting. Except I won't be scrubbing the kitchen floor with a toothbrush, at least not  yet anyway.

I have two wreaths in my house and they are both store-bought. In fact, everything in my house is store bought because I generally have neither the time nor energy nor creative energy to make things. But for some reason, I have convinced myself that I not only will become more into decorating my house beautifully, but I will be DIYing all the time. So get ready for lots of fun projects. Maybe I'll actually post more. Maybe not.

Either way, it's going to be fun!

Check out all of these wreaths. Seriously awesome.

And this meal planning board. I'm just getting way too domestic right now.

Finally, this fall mantel. You cannot tell me you don't like it because I won't believe you.

PS, I'm in need of some new blogs to read. Share!