New Picasso Chalk Mat Prints

I just listed 4 new fun prints for the Picasso Chalk Mat. They make great birthday presents for kids of all ages.
http://www.auntart.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=PicassoChalkMat

Desires

I grow tired of pleasing them. I grow tired of having to play this game…this competition with them…this masquerade. I’m speaking of my in-laws. Who I actually enjoy a lot as people. I have a lot in common with my MIL, to be quite frank. But…they don’t like the idea that we want to move from Seattle to the east coast. And it’s not like they live anywhere near us…AZ to be exact. But it’s the competition that they have created and honestly they are the only people playing. They think if we move to the east coast that my parents or my other in-laws (I’m dealing with a divorced in-law situation) would win. Win what?!?! I don’t get it? This isn’t a game…it’s life. And you know what….if you want to be in someone’s life you have to be present. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend or how many cards you send on random holidays. It’s about being here…being with the kids…making a difference in their lives…sharing moments with them. It’s about making a choice. Jon and I have made a choice. We’re east coasters…it’s honestly that simple. Seattle is great and we have made some remarkable friends but we miss the faster pace of life, the determination living and breathing in every person. I miss the tempo rhythm of conversations…the fast…clip clop…stay in the moment…don’t ask me to repeat myself…why weren’t you listening…keep up…I don’t have time to repeat….tell it like it is…life. When you have kids you think about what you want to give them…values, ideals etc. People you want to be in their lives who can influence them…make them better human beings. Jon and I have so many remarkable people in our lives and I am so thankful for each of them…but….I wish my kids knew the people that we love and hold so close to our hearts…I wish they really knew them. My sister hasn’t even met my 10 month old son…and no one is to blame here…it’s expensive to fly and she’s a single mom with 3 kids…we’re struggling to keep our heads above water financially. But we make do with the situation…and that’s fine for right now…but not forever. My best friend has been dating the same guy for almost 2 years and I have never met him. This is my best friend who I have known for 12 years (jabby don’t you feel old.. me just saying that?!?!), who was at the birth of my first son…who when my world crashes I call first. And once again no one is to blame….$ is always a factor…schedules/time off work etc all play into the equation. And when we do move to the east coast it will be a struggle to make friends and form new bonds but you know what? I’ll be happy knowing that if a crisis arises I can jump in my car, strap the kids in their car seats, fill up the tank with gas and head in whatever direction I need to go to “be there” for the people I love most.
So I’ve digressed…kinda….and I’m sure my in-laws won’t read this…but maybe you will. This isn’t about bashing you, cause honestly I love you guys and enjoy you. But us moving…ISN’T ABOUT YOU. It’s about me, Jon and our children and what we want for our children and what would make us happier and living out life to the fullest…. for us.