How do I start a post like this?  I guess I just need to say it: I (Leigh) am going to be stepping away from Impress Your Kids.  My heart is breaking over this, but I know it is what is best for me and my family right now…

I have been struggling with balance for a while – balancing time with my family and time with the computer, and the computer has been winning lately.  Thankfully, the Lord is merciful and good – He is opening my eyes once again to my real purpose here (how many times will it take, Lord, until I really learn?).  My purpose is to be a mom to my boys, a wife to my hubby, a keeper of my home.

I wish that I could say that Impress Your Kids works into that picture for me, but that’s one of the parts I cannot balance.  Looking at all the other crafty blogs out there puts me into hyper-mode to create fun and perfect crafts, which makes me laugh, because I have two very strong-willed boys that do not have my same vision of perfection.  I either spend all my time doing the crafts and editing pictures and posting, or feeling bad because I haven’t posted everything that we’re doing (some I can’t post, because they are not my original ideas – so then I feel bad for not having time to do what I want to for the blog.  Vicious cycle).

I don’t think I’m stepping away forever… but I do need to be obedient to the Lord, and I don’t know when He will have me being able to come back.  Amanda has told me that I can post again whenever I get the blogging itch – and you know that once you’re a blogger for any length of time, you start to think in blog posts… so chances are I’ll be back with something fun (and hopefully imperfect) that I can share with you all! And I’ll still keep up with you guys through your blogs and the BlogFrog community, too.

Here’s the best news, though – Impress Your Kids will continue on and be blessed! Amanda is absolutely fabulous (as you all know), and her love for the Lord and her kids is amazing.  I believe the Lord has used IYK and Amanda (He has definitely used them in my life – I love you, my friend!), and He will continue to use this place to impress His word on all of our hearts.

May God bless you richly…. until we meet again.

Related posts:

1. Top Ten {Tuesday}: Questions for YOU!
2. Top Ten {Tuesday}: Why I’m glad we’re back!
3. Hello DOT ORG!
4. Surround Yourself…Impress Your Kids
5. The After Post: Seeds Family Worship Winners