Ok Christie, here is a post as promised! LOL Thank you for not giving up on me.

I have been MIA but for a very good reason. Last Monday, after around 9 years of planning, waiting (not so patiently sometimes) and plenty of stressing, I was able to open the doors of The Lily Pad in my home town. www.lilypadboutique.com and www.lilypadboutique.blogspot.com.

The response has been amazing, I have not stopped going since the store opened, I have several new consignors each day and sales have been amazing. The first week put to rest my worries about the rent and expenses. I obsess about things like that and it was keeping me up at night. I have yet to advertise other than one ad in our local paper advertising for consignors. I am almost fearful of what advertising will do. But that is a blessing I will endure. I am so grateful and I don't take it for granted. A lot of hard work, planning and sacrifice have gone into the dream and the store. I love hearing from my customers how much this was needed in our area, how they love the store and don't feel like they are shopping resale and the best feeling happens when they take their cell phone out of their bag to call their friends/family and tell them about us.

It was a long journey to get here. I took a great lesson in patience and faith away from this experience. God planted the seed years ago when Morgan was little and it grew just enough thru the years to keep me interested and learning, leading first to the online store and now the brick and mortar. Many a time I would decide that maybe it wasn't what I was supposed to be doing and back away, God would bring someone or something into my life that would help me gain knowledge or new ideas, rekindling the excitement. But it was strictly on his time table, I had to learn to be quiet and listen, wait for his plan and time table to be revealed. Those of you that really know me, know that patience is not one of my strongest virtues.

There are no guarantees in life. The store may be here only a year or 20, but the gifts that it has already brought in to my life make every moment worth it. Thru industry organizations I have met many wonderful people who have inspired me, many of whom have become friends. The journey has taught me not to doubt myself, to believe in the gifts that God gave me and let no one deter me from his plan. Hearing my husband tell me how proud of me he is continues to bowl me over and the kids willingness to help and step up to do small things makes me proud. The time that I have gotten to spend with my Mother while working on the store has been priceless. The fact that she wants to help me do tedious stuff like pricing and painting, just because she loves me and wants me to succeed means so much.

I'm reminded of the quote that I heard years ago..."Be Still and Let God". That is the hardest thing to do but a lesson that I needed to learn.

So Christie, that is what has kept me away from blogging. Well, that and all of the kids activities. We are in soccer season which brings traveling tournaments, practices and all that goes along with that. I can't believe that the school year is almost over. I'll have a high schooler and a middle schooler. YIKES!

I have lots of pics to post someday but I can't promise that it will be anytime soon. LOL!

Gotta run but promised I would post.

Today I am thankful for:
1. My amazing children and the unique relationships that I have with each one.
2. My husband...my best friend
3. My Mom...
4. Salvation
5. my life....