summer train of thought

Tea with friends. Fires on the beach. Many kms clocked. Jumping in the ocean. Cold prickles all over my arms. Sand everywhere. People who know you best. Changes are hard. Accepting changes can be harder. Ask yourself the tough questions. Summer is fleeting. Grieving what was once. Crying is ok. Back to school shoes. Beginning to plan ahead. Sleep interrupted. Goals and dreams. Overwhelmed and unsure. Tired AF. Envy. Water your own grass. Should we go away? Be intentional. Slow the fuck down. Don't feel pressured. Mint tea from the garden. Chives stored away for the winter. I want slow and simple. My priorities won't change.

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december moments

December is here and I am making sure that I find moments to slow down and enjoy this most beautiful season. 

I have been looking inwards, to try and make some sense of what this season means to me. 

Spiritually, I cannot deny that there is a feeling of anticipation, wonder, renewal and a need for quiet, all in my heart and mind. 

So I make conscious decisions to put down my phone, turn off the noise, and just be. 

At night, I allow myself to feel the darkness, and listen to the little breaths from my babies who sleep next to me. I try to let go of worries. I try to accept and embrace what is. 

In the day, I bundle everyone up, and we head for an adventure in the woods. As we walk further and further, we move away from the development and deeper into the woods. The promise of a hot chocolate picnic keeps the older two in tow. 

At home, I have designated our spare room to my crafting, card writing, and present wrapping. My sewing machine has been a whirring lately. It feels good to know that many of the gifts we are giving this year, are homemade and from the heart. 

In the kitchen we have been enjoying hearty meals by candlelight. Knowing that it is important to come together, to sit, to share, to pause. 

This season, I am letting Christmas be, what it will be. I'm letting go of high expectations and am taking stock of what we have in front of it, and it is more than enough. 

May this season be what you need it to be. 

xox 

slow and simple

I know that the term "simplicity" is such a trend word. It's seen on magazine covers, product names and more. Why is it that we are so drawn to a more simple life? And how can it be achieved?
In the never ending quest for a more balanced and peaceful life, I have been making a concision effort to make little life changes. Some are small efforts, that at once, don't seem to make a big impact, but I know they add up to make a difference.
Simplifying our family life, comes in many forms. From the purging of old things that are no longer needed, to creating a weekly meal plan, to keeping a family calendar in the kitchen, where all our appointments, shifts, engagements are seen in one place. It's these little things that once all put together, make a pretty big impact in  how our rhythm pans out.
Then there are the bigger decisions towards simplifying. Such as deciding not to put Noah into any summer camps this year. It costs money we don't have. He doesn't thrive in a busy over stimulating environment. Katia will have a guaranteed playmate all summer long. Our schedule is freed up, for us to go on any daytime adventure we want!
I'm trying hard to find moments in my day to feel present and grateful for what I have. To take notice of the simple things and welcome them into my heart.

Simple things that I am grateful for....

~ a walk in the woods with my kids and my dog. A way to recharge. A way to find quiet. A dog, so joyful and happy to be off leash and bounding through the woods.
~ 2 days of cool wet rain. Permission to slow down. To stay inside. To drink tea, eat popcorn, read books and watch movies.
~ homemade chicken and rice soup for everyone, including Wesley.
~ the summer reading program at our local library. Free programs. Motivation to read.
~ sweet U-Pick strawberries
~ hanging out on the soccer field, watching the kids run around and chase balls in the summer heat

So here's to simple and slow. May it's rewards be easy to find.

in the backyard

A lazy sunny Saturday. No where to be. Lawn mower going. A new sprinkler to play in. The tomatoes were finally planted.  Dirty earthy hands. Flowers in bloom. I check how the veggies are coming along. Baby in the ergo on my back. Tuna sandwiches, with dill pickles. Lemonade on the deck. A basket of water bottles and sunhats at the ready.  A feeling of ease. A feeling of connectedness, with each other and to our home. 

xox

taking stock

veggies, goats cheese and olives wrapped in phyllo 

We are slowly coming out of our sickness haze, and beginning to see the light. 

Yesterday, we had unseasonably warm and sunny weather, and so it was a picnic lunch outside on our back deck and a walk at Miner's Marsh. 

Recently Winslow went back to work, which means we are slowly finding a new kind of normal. 

Right now, I know that I am needed as the constant in our family, and it is good to feel that sense of belonging. As we find our way back to a routine and find a new need for organization, I know that I must be present and available. It may not be a glamourous job, but I'm reminding myself that it is important. 

In family news, our sweet Wesley Birch is now two months old. It's a beautiful time, that I am holding onto dearly. In one moment, I feel that he is still so small and fragile, and at the next moment, I marvel at his new developments and milestones. 

Yesterday our sweet boy had his vaccines, and while he did great during them, he was in so much discomfort at night. His poor cries, full of tears. We took turns holding him, kissing him and reassuring his feelings. There is something very comforting when someone tells you it's okay to be sad. Our poor babe. Thankfully today he is in much better spirits. 

And finally, in an attempt to make sure that I am in good spirits, I have been taking measures to practice self care as much as I can. Beautiful Hawaiian folk music, to calm my nerves. Homemade food that I enjoy (from this lovely book), not caring if the kids care for it. Walks in the sun. Chai tea in the afternoon. It's the little things, and boy are they beautiful when I take stock of them all. 

xox 

samosas