Happy New Year!

As I write this post, all I can see is snow outside my window… it’s almost like the universe saying, “Blank slate! Start fresh! Start anew!” (Look at me trying to find a positive spin on snow!)

2009 was a great year…

I watched in astonishment as my 4 little boys suddenly were “bigger boys!” Talking. Playing with each other. Swimming and skating and running. Dancing and actually knowing certain songs they like best. Feeding themselves. Ordering at restaurants. Everyone sleeping through the night. Handcuffing each other to poles (yes, that happened 2 days ago – and they were “play” handcuffs, not mine!). And a cherished moment… hearing the words, “I love you” (or “I wove ew” from Henry. Having all my sons be able to say that to me… there’s nothing in the world that’s better.

2009 was also the first year (since 2004) that I wasn’t pregnant. William truly had never known me as not pregnant. And I wanted to embrace this year and concentrate on these 4 little men… I wanted them to know me as the Mom who swims and runs and dances and chases and climbs and jumps and does cartwheels and sleds and skates. I was able to do that this year. Funny, I grew up as a competitive swimmer – and this summer my oldest son said to me, “I didn’t know you could swim, Mommy!”

2009 was also a fun and great year for me professionally…

My blog is my passion. And the fact that I get to share my love for fashion and beauty every single day on it is the best thing in the world! Not to mention the blogging and “real life” friends I have met throughout 2009… they have enhanced my life and changed my world, in so many, many different ways. Thank YOU! I’m often asked if I miss working in an office because of the social interaction… I sometimes I have to laugh, “Miss it?” Between Twitter, Facebook and Skype… I’m online with my best friends and “co-workers” all day (I mean, ALL day) long.

There are 3 people I need and want to especially thank for all their help throughout 2009… I couldn’t have done a fraction of “stuff” without them:

My husband, Matthew (or, as I refer to him sometimes as Matt or Matty). He is my biggest supporter. I couldn’t have been blessed with a better man. He “gets” it. And he “gets” me. And in life… that’s exactly the kind of person you want to experience it with. He helps me with my videos. He helps me “stage” the set (a.k.a. – our house). And he understands the need for the amount of time I put into my work.

My mother. Working from home is the toughest thing in the world to do – especially with 4 little boys. Without my mother’s help with watching the boys, proofing my posts (if you know me in real life – you know I hate to proof ANYTHING!), giving me fabulous and sound advice, and being there everyday with a smile and “what can I do to help?” – I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. If I’m half the mother to my sons that she is to me (and my sister and brothers)… I will consider myself beyond lucky.

My father. You have to understand one thing about my father… he is the ULTIMATE entrepreneur. As soon as I told him I wanted to do a “blog” – he was supportive. I think the first words out of his mouth were, “How do we get you started?” Supportive is not the adequate word to desrcibe my father… it goes beyond that. His support and belief in me is what fuels me and keeps me going. As I’ve told him a billion times… I have his “blood” and his mom’s “blood” pumping through me… it’s just a hard work ethic. You do what you need to do… and there’s no in between.

So 2010… I’ve been waiting for you! I can’t wait to see what’s in store… !

I hope it’s a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year for EVERYONE!!