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Getting to Know Shelley, of Patricia Ann Designs

Shelley posted on February 19, 2009 16:14

For all of you that have been wanting to know more about who's behind Patricia Ann Designs, here is a post from none other than Shelley Bostrom, co-owner and founder of PAD! Kelley, our graphic designer and one of our blog contributors, posed this question to Shelley...

“How is Shelley Bostrom able to…run 2 businesses (Patricia Ann Designs and the PADShowroom), be room mom to her three grade-school children’s classes (Kindergarten, 2^nd grade and 4^th grade); be team mom to her boys with their base ball and football activities, be the Daisy Scout leader for her daughter, be the snack bar coordinator for her daughter Cheer team; volunteer in her children’s classes every week, be an active member of her children’s school PTA, be the neighborhood party coordinator; be the bunko leader for her group of ‘moms’, be a positive mentor to her circle of Mom-Preneurs of the PADshowroom, be a devoted wife to her husband of 13 years, be a loving mom, daughter, sister, friend, etc, etc….?”

So here's Shelley!

I actually have one more activity to add to my list... I know…. you think I’m crazy…. I’m so excited to start singing again at my church ~ Saddleback Church of Lake Forest!! I had to give up this fulfilling ministry 5 years ago when Faye was born and I started Patricia Ann Designs. It required too much time of me I wasn’t able to go back. Being involved in a ministry or volunteer platform or something was really tugging at my heart…..and the opportunity presented itself when I received an email from my church last week. The email was letting me know about a new choir that didn’t require as much of a time commitment. Now, we are just meeting one night a week and only perform one weekend a month! Whoo hoo!! …‘cuz you know that I had an extra 2 hours a week in my life, so I am now all full!! Ha ha!! But truly, this outlet will give me renewed strength to do all that I have to do in my incredibly busy life. ….

...and that is really the key to my sanity with all that I do…giving myself a little ‘time’ to renew my strength. I start every morning waking up an hour before the rest of my family wakes up. I take this time to start a pot of coffee ~ enjoy a cup or two, watch the news or read, enjoy the sunrise, reflect on my week, re-group, breathe, enjoy rare silence, recognize my blessings and give thanks…. This time in the mornings is really so special to me and really does give me vitality to start my day and live it to the fullest.

I have another funny secret that works for me….I take a 10 minute bath at least every other day. It’s almost like meditation for me. If I know I’m going to be up late working or am feeling some anxiety, I’ll take a quick 10 minute hot bath and it quickly rejuvenates and renews me. ….well those are 2 little easy tricks that work for me.

But in answer to Kelley’s question on how I do what I do…..it’s really it’s just a matter of giving some much deserved time to yourself…you need to make yourself count and you need to start your day off right! …whether it’s spending your lunch hour at a local park by yourself; going on a morning walk with your dog; reading your Bible or favorite book for 15 minutes; waking up 30 minutes early to have a cup of coffee or write in your devotional; taking a 10 minute bath; joining a club or women’s group; volunteering…..something that you’re passionate about or enjoy…..

Another important part of my ‘survival’ is my incredible partner …. My mom!! Our businesses would not function if it wasn’t for her. She is my rock, my right hand, the best partner, the hardest worker, my best friend, a huge blessing to me and my family.

Well, that is a little snip it about me. I’ll write more soon….. I promise!! Hope you all have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by at The LilyPad. Ya’ll come back soon!