Monday, July 30, 2012

So it turns out I can't do it all...

Dang it.
I really really really wanted to.
I was sure if I tried hard enough I could have a wildly successful home bakery business, highly popular blog, totally rad online shop, semi-clean home, dinner on the table and a side job for extra cash and benefits while the hub finishes school.
(Not to mention a few minutes to spare enjoying my sweet husband and darling babe.)

lil&mom550

But alas, I can not.
To be real honest, it's not all cupcakes and snuggle parties over here lately.
I'm overwhelmed and exhausted from thinking I can (and should) handle everything.
So several break-downs, tears, and prayers later...
I'm taking a big 'ol break from Sugar Mama Bakeshop.
It's not you, Sugar Mama, it's me.
Actually, it's not me either.
It's just not the right time.

lil&mom550

Remember when you were little and you couldn't decide if you should get a triple scoop mint chip ice cream waffle cone or limited edition purple platypus beanie baby with your $5 allowance?
And you were like, "well, that beanie baby is an investment that will probably be worth, I don't know, $300 someday... but then again, ice cream is soooooo good."
And your mom was all, "you should make a pro-con list".
Well, what I'm trying to say is, the pro-con list really helped.
It made me wake up and realize that no matter how much I love to bake,
Lily and Hunter are WAY more important to me.

ash&hunt550

So what does Hunter need right now?
  • A strong support system to get him through 10 more months of full-time school so that he can get his environmental science degree and get his fabulous dream job. 
  • He needs his wife to step up and make a steady income with benefits so that he doesn't have the sole financial burden of our family weighing on his shoulders. 
  • He needed me to volunteer to give up staying home with Lily and go back to work because he would never ever ask me to do it.   
lil&mom550

What does Lily need? 
  • A parent at home with her. Our schedules work out so that Hunter or I will be home with her all but 1 day! 
  • Her mama's full attention after work and on days off... aka no distractions of orders to be filled, marketing, phone calls, or cakes to decorate. 
  • Lots of smoochies, games, books, walks, prayers and love. 
All this to say, It was a really hard decision but I'm ready and actually a little excited to go back to work (my old job as a leasing consultant) and I will still blog
I love to bake and create recipes and record it all here. 
I love the community & support I've found in blogging. 

lil&mom550

I just won't promise any kind of regularity.
I'll be blogging when I have time and energy for it... and when Lily's asleep and Hunter's working.
I won't be doing any advertising really. If I love a blog or shop I'll let you know about it, but that's about it.
Just wanted you to have a heads up that my shop is closing but there will be lovin' coming from my oven :)
It's too bad we can't do it all, huh?
How do you balance?

14 comments:

  1. Oh darling. I went through something VERY similar to this. I literally had NO days off and was working at least 3 12 hour days during the week and I Just had to say...I can't do it. I was seeing it as I was "giving up" but then realize that I was just being practical. It's hard to balance everything but once you realize what is truly important and most importantly, MAKES YOU HAPPY - that's' when things are figured out. So...I hope you're happy <3

    PS, I love the beanie baby reference...heehee..I feel ya on that!

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  2. I am so sad to hear this but I TOTALLY get it. I was trying to do all kinds of shows, work full time and be a good girl friend and I was failing at all 3. So I stepped back about 6 months ago and my life has changed for the better in so many ways. I love your baking and I am so bummed but I totally am happy for you! You just have to know when to say no sometimes. xo!

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  3. I know that was a tough decision for you but your mom would be so proud of your pro/con list! Sounds like you made the best decision for your family. Congrats and good luck!

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  4. Love you Ash and respect you for making a decision that is best for your sweet family! You are still super woman to me!

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  5. Good for you, making that decision! I think all try to do EVERYTHING, but sometimes you just have to step back & make the hard choices that are best for your family. :)

    xoxo!

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  6. Hey girl! It is bittersweet to say, but welcome back. I know you want to be home with your babe! I'll be praying for a smooth transition. But, what a blessing to have one of you two home with Lily all but one day! Prayers your way :) Can't wait to see ya!

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  7. God has a perfect time for everything....I admire your decision and willingness to put your family first.

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  8. Hard choice yeah, but the right choice for you and your family! Wishing you a successful turn-a-round! Hugs, Loretta

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  9. I'm sure that was such a tough decision to make, but I'm proud of you for making a great choice for your family!

    "We should cultivate the ability to say no to activities for which we have no time, no talent, and which we have no interest or real concern. If we learn to say no to many things, then we will be able to say yes to things that matter most." - Roy Blauss

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  10. Bless your sweet heart. I think...no, I know...you've made the right decision. People are always more important than work...even if we love what we're doing too. I'm sure it was a very tough decision, but I think your life is going to be richer and fuller because you're keeping first things first. Blessings on your return to work! Don't feel guilty for being gone. Your little one will survive. May you have great quality time together when you have those opportunities.

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  11. I'm reminded of this lovely little poem...full of great thoughts!! The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow, But children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep! I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.
    *-*

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  12. Hey there Sugar Mama! I just wanted to say that this post moved me to tears when I read it. I have been following your blog on and off for a few months, and I can definitely identify what you're going through. I too am working full time at a job I DON'T like, and baking all night for my bakery that I LOVE. All the while trying to be a good, dinner-making, money-earning partner and supportive role model for the 5-year old in our home. It's REALLY. FREAKING. HARD. The regular breakdown's and crying fits are also a staple in my life, and I don't quite know the right way to handle it all yet. I just want to wish you good luck, and hopefully in the next year things for all of you will come full circle for you and your lovely family!

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  13. We went to the Weekend to Remember marriage conference last year & the teaching that has stuck with me is the importance of priorities. God is always #1, Husband is #2, Kids #3, then everything else comes after. No matter how much #4 might seem important, if it goes before #1, 2, or 3, it's not right. Someday you'll have a chance to fit #4 back in the way you want, but don't stress or get down on yourself for doing it the right way. God will be pleased, & in the end that's what matters. Good luck & your cupcakes are still delicious. =)

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  14. Good for you for recognizing your limits!! I think lots of women have this 'superwoman' mentality when we don't need to! Looking forward to your new craft - the logos are DARLING!

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