Hey There! Welcome!

Thank you for coming to visit at my new blog! I'm glad you're here. Pour a glass of tea or a cup of coffee and let's talk!

First, do you like the new look? I do! I couldn't be more pleased. And impressed with the wonderful girl who has patiently, cheerfully, and kindly guided me through this design process --- Bethany at Graham Cracker Crumbs. You have to see her blog and outstanding photography. You'll enjoy her perspective, for sure.

Second, all the old links are still here, although I updated their names based on the name of their blog rather than listing them as "so-and-so family" (unless that's the name of their blog). You'll also find a couple new links that I have found recently and think you might like, too.

So, on to the main reason for the big switch. I'm sure you're wondering. I would be.

I've been grappling with whether or not I should tell my "real" reasons for switching. I haven't wanted to offend or put anyone off, that's for sure. (And I hope you're not offended if you disagree and choose a different path for yourselves. Everyone is different.) But I've decided to share them now.

I have had a couple of people I love dearly come to me and suggest that I should reconsider all the detail and personal information I am sharing on my blog, specifically of my children. And the only reason is because of the many, many crazies out there who search blogs in order to gather detail to further prey on children. I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to my precious children because of information I willingly put out there. Oh, I can't think of anything worse. So, I'm pulling it back in.

If you have been a reader of my blog because of the photos and detail about my kids, you might not like the new and improved version. But, I hope you'll continue visiting. Because there are other changes, too.

I've been feeling like my posts are just "chatty cathy" without much substance. There's more to me and my home than just the sometimes trivial topics I've been writing about. So I'm changing it up, in an attempt to write "more about more".

But, I'm scared. (Just being honest.) I'm scared because it's been easy to just post pics of my kids, tell you about the fun things we do, places we go, or friends we see rather than really thinking and sharing perspective.

I can do better than that, though. I love writing. I always have. I love the feeling of clearing my head, getting it out on paper (or keyboard in this case!). I believe it gives my brain room to breathe. Now that I've put it out there, this blog and you are my accountability, encouraging me to think more. Write more. Breathe more. Enjoy more.

My heart's desire is for this to be a safe, special place to come, read, reflect, enjoy, and get inspiration. Friendly. Honest. Nurturing. Special. Loving. All those qualities I try to exude from our home, shared with you.

Thank you for visiting My Acre of Diamonds. I hope you'll return often.