Ah, jobs. Unless we're really lucky or financially well-off, we've all had them (and probably have them now). I never really pictured myself as a stay at home mom. I love my kids, but I also love to engage with other people and put my skills to good use. 

I went to college and majored in English Lit./Creative Writing, and I caught a lot of crap from people. Everyone asked, 'what in the world will you do with an English degree?' I knew that I didn't want to be a teacher. I don't have the patience. I loved writing. I had been writing and creating stories since I was a child, and often had flashbacks to sitting at my mom and dad's dining table with the typewriter out, writing mystery stories about my stuffed animals when I was very young. I wanted to be a writer. I wasn't really interested in journalism or reporting. My communications classes proved that it wasn't quite the right field for me. My writing classes, however, were magical... and I loved every class that had me writing papers and essays.

How did I become a Blogger? I started a personal blog back in 2008. My husband and I were living in MD, while he attended grad school. The blog was a nice way for me to share pictures and updates with my family and friends. This was before Facebook went wild and started letting grown ups in. After the birth of my son in 2010, I knew that I needed  to do something to contribute to our household income, but I needed to be able to stay at home with him. Day care wasn't an option, as it was too expensive, and hubby and I are way too choosy over who we let watch and care for our kids.

Baby S napping while I work, while on vacation in North Myrtle Beach, SC.

I never really expected my blog to take off the way it did. I connected with a few friends in direct sales, and asked if I could try to promote their products, by writing about them, their business, and featuring a couple of items that they sent me to try out. I even set up a few giveaways, which drew in new readers. Over the years, we've re-branded, worked with some phenomenal brands and businesses, and have had some amazing opportunities. I never knew that blogging, which was a fun hobby when I first started out, could become my full-time job. It's hard work- it's a lot of work, and it's endless. I work from the moment I get up each morning to the time I go to bed, but it's absolutely worth it.

This is why I blog & freelance as a writer. It's all for my babies.

I have had some great jobs in my lifetime, but blogging is by far the best job of all. After six years of learning the ropes, I make close to the full time income that I was making when I worked a 9-5 office job. That is astounding to me- because no one taught me how to do this. I have scraped the bottom of the barrel and fought my way out of a brown paper bag in order to do this, and do it well. I have spent countless hours researching, watching, reading, learning. Blogging allows me to be my own boss. I manage a team of amazing ladies who blog with me, and it brings me joy to share opportunities with them that they might not otherwise have. I do everything on my own time, and I can be home with my kids, volunteer more, and go on vacation anytime. Sometimes vacations are working vacations, but that's okay- again, totally worth it.

Blogging also allows my husband to have more flexibility in his schedule. He's a teacher and freelancing musician. We don't live a luxurious life, and sometimes we feel like we don't fit in with other 'grown ups' our age, but what we do works for us. We love the flexibility that we have, and are happy to have stability after years of praying for it. It just goes to show that you really can do anything you want to, if you're willing to work hard, make a few sacrifices, and be open to change.

Am I an expert blogger? No way! I am experienced, though. I know that there is so much more for me to learn, which is why I look forward to going to some blogging conferences this year. I can't wait to connect with experts in my field, network with colleagues, and hopefully catch up with some friends. I look forward to what 2017 holds for me through Mommy's Block Party. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

If you're interested in blogging, I would be delighted to share what I have learned with you. Just leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail. You can also check out our Blogger Resources page for tips on how to get started with a blog.

Thanks for reading!