What set me on this path?

    I don't honestly know what set me on this path of blogging and philanthropy. I guess as a mom of four, I feel a strong desire to lead by example. I strongly believe we can manifest our dreams. This would be a perfect spot to venture into my religious beliefs. However, I didn't start this blog to preach to people or force my beliefs on others. My true purpose of this blog is to... 

1. Encourage my children to believe in themselves and to find excitement when doing things that are outside of their comfort zone. 

2. To be able to make money doing things I love. 

3. Give back to a cause I feel strongly about (kids with needs.)

    Being transparent is high on my priority list. It's kind of ironic though, sometimes when you are openly honest with people, they think you are hiding something. (One thing through this blog you will learn about me, I like to go on tangents, I will do my best to stay focused on the topic at hand.) That being said, my niece, Kandis, suggested I use a blog post to introduce myself to my readers. This is where my transparency comes in. This is not my first Blog, my first was a mass fail, I think I posted one blog and never again. I had this grand idea of posting quick easy fun crafts I did with my kids. Ummmmm, anyone who has done crafts with small children, knows they are not all fun, easy, or quick. Therefore my entire blog would have been one mass LIE! LOL!! 

    My husband, Todd, may tell you all I like to dance around uncomfortable topics. It's not that I am uncomfortable talking about myself. It feels awkward to write about myself, almost like I am letting you into a page of my childhood diary. Practice what I preach, I suppose...finding excitement in doing the things outside of my comfort zone. So here goes...A little about me.

    I am 46, I think. Born in 1975. Well that's great news, I am only 45!! I think I have been telling people I was 46 since my birthday in January, whoopsie! Age is only a number to me, not a mindset. However, I do see how age defines us in certain aspects. I am married to Todd Bumsted, we first met when I was 14. It is a love story to share, maybe at some point. Or you could just watch the Notebook, there are many parallels, including Todd building our dream house with his own bare hands. The Notebook is a beautiful love story with equal amounts of love and heartache. Todd and I have also had an abundance of love. However, much heartache also. It would be amazing if you met the man or woman of your dreams (or nowadays, whatever you identify with) and lived happily ever after. Assuming not many stories like these are told, and if so, your marital blessing of bliss is rare. Our blessing was and still is bumpy to say the least. However, it is passionate. We are either passionately sharing our dreams, love, desires, or passionately proving a point, fighting a battle, finding our way. We are together and we are grateful for each other. As individuals we could stand alone just fine, but together we challenge and encourage each other to be the individuals we never knew existed within us.  

    We have four children. Trevor is 21 and an amazing adult. Talk about passion, this kid, I mean adult, has more passion than anyone I know, aside from Michael Jordan, maybe. When he puts his mind to something he can move mountains, literally. Too much of something can be a detriment too, my wish for Trevor is balance. Clay is 18 and an observer. He is the quiet kid that absorbs everything. He is very well rounded and I always say he will go far in life on a smile and a handshake. My hope for Clay is that he always keeps his ability to connect with his self awareness. He has a true gift. Tegan is 14 and she is our complex thinker and intuitive child. She is quiet and shy. However, she is equally bold and creative. My dream for her is to use her voice to be heard. Ah, and Tylar the youngest and most fiery of the Bumsted brood.  She is just about 13 going on 21. She is bubbly and full of life, she has a tremendous impact on those around her. She has this aura of energy, that when she walks into a room, the mood is set based off her presence. She is unaware of the impact she has on others, it is my hope she will ride the wave of positivity the rest of her life. 

    We have four pets, Frankie a calico kitty that is 16 years old and Trevor's cat. She is the matriarch of the family. Annabelle is Clay's chocolate lab. Even at 11, she is full of boundless energy. Tegan has Penny, an orange tiger print kitten. Penny has brought an insane amount of laughter and love into our home. Tylar has Buddy, a 5 year old mutt who is much like Buddy the Elf, trying to find his way in the world. He is a lover of life, but a hater of squirrels. We recently lost Dwight our goldfish of 4 years. Sadly he was murdered by Penny. Nothing to laugh about, but jeez it was like animal planet, never did I dream our domesticated kitten would go after the goldfish!! On an even sadder note we also lost Spooky, Tegan's black cat of 7 years. However, on a happier note, you will all be delighted to hear Penny has learned it is not okay to eat family members. Life's lessons. Our furry family members are just as much a part of our family as the human members. We have such a connection with them and they add to our life story!

     

    Ha, not sure if you noticed, I told you nothing really about myself!! Maybe another time. 

    We have been working diligently on logos, prototypes of what we will be selling, and have come up with a name for our Etsy shop, along with the name for the foundation I would like the start. Things seem to be falling into place. However, we have a lot of work ahead of us. When I say we, Tegan and Tylar have jumped on board with the Etsy store and items we will be selling. I would to have things a little more polished before I share specific details, in case I change my mind 1,000 times before we nail things down. 

I hope you have a beautiful Sunday. 

                        "If you want to change your life, you must change yourself."

                                                                                    -Daniel Marquez