I was thinking yesterday,

about a site I really like. Slickdeals. It's a deal site where I do all my Christmas shopping. It just lists all the online sales, price mistakes etc. and I have all these searches out for the things I want to buy for Christmas. So that's what I do instead of writing in my blog.

Well, when you have a really, REALLY good deal, it makes it onto the front page of the site and there's a whole craze that happens. It happens to everyone...even me. You stop thinking about the product and you start thinking "can I get one before it sells out". And you follow the codes and add one to your cart. And you feel like you want that item more than anything else. You feel like it's the best thing in the world. And sometimes it is, but there's a thrill with getting something that everyone else wants.

I've been overloaded with work lately. Every client I've had in the past two years and brand new clients are calling me with tons of work. And the tighter I get and the more limits I put on how much I can do, the more it seems they want me. And I realize that somehow, I've gotten on the front page of slickdeals.

Starting next week, I'll be working three days a week at the coolest company ever. I'm excited because it's social media (like a facebook type of place) and I'll get to do some design. I'm excited because my rates aren't a problem. I'm excited because I can work and come home. I'm excited because this seems like the perfect job for me. This past month has been tough. Figuring out my identity (mother, worker, sociaizer etc.) is impossible. I just want to know that when I'm with my kids, I'm with my kids and when I'm working, I'm just working. www.i de a blo b.com

Another thing I've noticed lately is this thing I've been doing that's bizzare: Falling asleep on the couch every night with all of my clothes on. And I love it. I'm not sure why, but my dream is to fall asleep on the couch without changing into pajamas. Maybe it's because I'm giving into being so tired. But it's a habit I need to break.

Here's a breakdown of what's happening:

SCHOOLS: At first we were going for the best public schools, and then I decided that I wanted to see what the private schools could give us in terms of financial aid. So for the past month, Mike and I have been schlepping around to all the schools...going on tours...parent interviews...getting tests done etc. So far, so good. We'll find out what we get in January or February. And if all else fails, we're moving. I am a person that did not have a great education. The reason was challenge. I could keep up without studying. I could skate by doing the bare minimum. And I see in Emmett, like I see in my self, a "rise to the occasion" nature. This is my biggest priority as a mom.

WORK: Yes. I've been working constantly.

FRIENDS: I love and adore my friends. I love you guys so much.

DESIGN: I've been doing little design projects here and there, but nothing worth posting.

CHRISTMAS: I've been shopping since October and am almost done. I'm excited about some of the things I have -- especially for Ana. There are a few last minute things I need to get. IF YOU LIVE IN PHILLY and you see something you want on Amazon, contact me. I get free two day shipping on almost anything (any price).This year, we made rings and hung them. Every morning, I stick an activity behind the ring that says what Christmas thing we need to do that day. Emmett LOVES this and I love it because we're doing things to spend time together. It's bringing Christmas to our house.

KIDS: Ethan steals my heart -- he is so much like me. His brash boyishness and unending curiosity is something I instinctively understand. He is so utterly happy, I feel like he's going to be fine. Emmett is my sidekick and my pet. I can't do enough for him. I can't kiss him enough. And we bond creatively. Emmett is thoughtful, introspective and incredibly intelligent (I have the tests to prove it!). It's in a gentle way that we connect.

AUDREY: Most of you know what has been going on. All I can say is that I love and adore Audrey more now then ever. Audrey is my other half, in a way. I cannot imagine what life would be like without her. My sisters can make me laugh in a way that's not possible for anyone else. They bring out sides of me that all of you see, only when I'm with them, they're the technicolor version...the pure cocaine version. My family is everything to me.