Blog Birthday

Wow, it's been a year since I made my very first post.  When I think about how far this blog has come and how sweet all of you are to visit and leave me nice comments, I am amazed. I am so glad I have this little blog it has changed my life in many ways.  I've always been into sewing, crafting and just creating things.  I never did it on the level I do now, but having a blog gave me a reason to push myself a little harder.

A little over a year ago I could barely sew and had never seen a craft blog or even knew they existed.  Then one day I found The Nester which led to other blogs and more and more blogs and I was hooked.  I'm embarrassed to admit I  spent countless hours staring at this computer screen.  I was so inspired that I started making stuff. Then I thought, why not share my stuff too?

No one read it in the beginning.  I didn't tell my family or friends, I was embarrassed. I don't know why.  Then I started linking my projects and people SLOWLY started coming by.  I remember getting excited that 20 people visited my blog in one day.  It was weeks before I got my first follower.   That was a happy day. Then started getting featured for some of my projects and that is when I finally started telling friends and family I had a blog.  But I was still hesitant.

You see I create things because it is what I love to do.  I don't feel like it's my duty or that I'm a better mom because of it. I hated the thought of sending the message that to be a good homemaker you have to do everything yourself.  I didn't want anyone to feel like they needed to do what I was doing.  And at the same time, I worried about people thinking I was wasting my time.  Why would I spend my time making things when I should be reading to my kids, going to the park, or cleaning my house. I hate that women have to judge others and themselves so much. Am I making any sense? Am I the only one who thinks this way?

Anyway, I think I'm over all that now.  I love making things and I love sharing them here.  I love the friends that I've made.  I love looking at a million other projects and being inspired by amazing women.  This is my niche and I love being part of it.

I can't tell you how many times I've looked at other blogs and think I could never do that or she has a cuter personality or I wish I was thinner so I could make my own clothes.  I'm trying to be better and overcome my fears.  This blog has helped me with that.  I've taken risks I never thought I would.  I've made and done things a year ago I wouldn't have believed. I love that I can edit out my mistakes and blog in my PJ's. I don't have to be perfect because I get to show you what I want.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! For all of your support.  Your kind comments get me through rough days. You encouragement makes me want to do more and try harder.

It's hard to be a mom.  I lost a part of who I was when I started having kids. It's hard to have your own identity.  You all know me as Kalleen not my kids mom.  I love that.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. I just thought I would share my thoughts on this last year.  Sorry no big giveaways.

The first post I shared was my Halloween Decorations. I finally got mine up for this year and I have some new things I'm excited to share over the weekend.