So grateful

In all reality, it is not often that we take a step back to count our blessings. We are busy wiping runny noses, doing laundry, running businesses, driving our kids to and from school...grocery shopping, dance class, dinner, phone calls...where do we find all of the time?? I have written here on the RuffleBlog for a few years now. I have shared and exposed the good, the bad and the ugly of my life as an entrepreneur, a wife and a first-time mom. Many days when I sit down to write, I am overwhelmed, run-down, and dealing one fire or another here in the office. Sound familiar? That has never taken away the fact that I LOVE my job, our customers, and our creations. I love the fact that I get to do something that makes me happy, makes our employees happy, makes our customers happy, and that we get to pay it all forward.

I have always been extremely grateful for my situation in life, for my family and this business, but it wasn't until Layla Grace made her footprint on my life, that I truly realized life's incredible blessings. Aubrey is growing up so quickly and I am treasuring every moment. When she decides to turn the roll of toilet paper into a river of white through our entire house, instead of getting frustrated, I get out my camera and laugh. When she dumps her food all over the rug, we play the pick up game and sing. I am far from the perfect parent, but certainly Layla has made me a better parent. Layla gave us all such an incredible blessing, the gift of appreciating our every day. Our every day moments with our children, our every day moments with our husbands, with our parents...at work, at home...life is so short and goes by so quickly.

I have said it before, and I will say it again and again...thank you. Thank you to our incredible customers. I am in complete awe of the way that you came together in support. I knew that I worked with amazing people on a daily basis, but you guys really blew me away. I feel so incredibly fortunate to create frilly little designs to decorate the bums of your children, your grandchildren. I am honored that you choose our products and even more so that you take the time to share your positive experiences. Thank you to our RuffleButts team, for making my daily work life so fun! I could not do it without each and every one of you. Thank you to Mark, my hubby and our RuffleButts COO. I can't even begin to imagine doing this without him. Thank you to my friends and family for putting up with my crazy and chaotic life. For loving me anyway!

I am so excited for what's in store for RuffleButts this year. We have fun new prints, new styles on the way. A photo shoot scheduled for next weekend and lots of surprises in store! I am thrilled to share this journey with you, and honored that you want to be a part of it. I am so very grateful!

Playing with the Angels

It is with a flood of emotions that I share this news...

Just before 2:00 this afternoon Shanna posted on her twitter account "Layla went to play with the angels early this morning. Rest in peace precious Layla. 11/26/2007 - 3/9/2010".

I am without words, in sorrow. Yet, at this moment, I am also in pure celebration of Layla's life, as short as it may have been. This precious child has literally touched the lives of MILLIONS! She has made us better moms, better children, better wives, better people. She is God's angel that was on short loan for us here on Earth. She spread His word, her faith, and most of all, SO MUCH LOVE.

Shanna, our love is pouring your way. Your family is in our prayers for strength. Layla, I have no doubt that you are in a glorious place, with a warm, warm welcome! I don't know of a child more loved by so, so many. As we all move forward with our lives, and the twitter buzz dies down, I want you to know that you will absolutely never be forgotten! You have touched the world in an incredible way, and I will be forever grateful.