Monday, December 31, 2012

Reflection

I haven't done much reflecting today because I feel like my calendar already turned over a few weeks ago. Regardless, in about 30 minutes, it will officially be 2013. It is amazing to me that another year has come and gone. Time really does feel to be speeding up. Why is it that we have so much to do during the time of our lives we should be savoring the most? At this time, when life is so full of hope and promise and wonder, we are the poorest and busiest? I wish I could have stayed in my "suspended reality" of maternity leave forever, but unfortunately, being the family bread winner, I returned to work a few days ago. I am glad for the opportunity and ability to be as secure and financially gifted as we are in my employment. It affords us to have the option for choices. I feel grateful 2012 is coming to a close, but feel a little trepidation going forward. I feel we will we have much change and many challenges in 2013. I feel that I will grow in my journey, part because that is where I am in my life, and part because of this blog. I feel I have an outlet to document, voice and receive feedback for this journey. I go into 2013 with my head held high and with intentional thoughts and authenticity. I hope and pray for blessings unknown!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Time is what we will remember

Well the world didn't end, and we have all lived to see another day. I try to live my life knowing that everyday could be the last. I know far too well, because of my job, how quickly a "normal" life can change. I have a million things to do tonight, but submitted to what I WANTED to do...spend time with my almost 3 month old son. I love the times when I truly listen to me, and do what I am lead to do, and not what I feel I have to do. Logan and I have been cuddling for 1 1/2 while I read, something I rarely do. These are the times that matter, and the things I will remember when I am back at work next week. The sweet smell of his head and the reassuring sound of his breathing. I love how content he is in my arms. Could there be any purer of loves?

Friday, December 21, 2012

Advent

This year I was inspired, by Pinterest (insert husband eye rolling here) to create a Advent calendar. All if the activities listed for ideas sounded really fun and I thought my 2 1/2 year old daughter would really enjoy it. Embracing my new found craftyness, I shopped at Hobby Lobby, gathered my supplies, and 3 weeks later (I never said I was efficient) I am pleased to show it off.
It is made out of scrapbook paper, and each of the numbers is different. Some are glitter glue, stickers, buttons, toothpicks, ribbon and hemp string. I got stuck for inspiration a couple of times, and want to acknowledge my sister and my mother for some ideas. My mom baraided the wreath on number 23 for me. Thanks Mom!
It is fun to think about times in the coming years we will pull this out and I can bore Annabelle with its history.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Pride

One of the most precious gifts of being a child (in my eyes) is that they have not learned humility or embarrassment. Children of a certain age are who they are and make no apology for who they are. Since having one of these children in my home, it has been amazing for me to witness this. It has made me question many things that I am "embarrassed" about or feel I should be humble about. I don't always know where these qualities I have come from, but one of the best things about being a adult is that I can identify these qualities I don't like about myself, and actively stride to change them.
One of the qualities I don't care for is humility. Humility has a time and place but I really respect people who can discuss their successes in a informative, and non bragging way. Why is it that I have a hard time for taking credit for things I do well? If I have a big success at work, why do I feel shamed or embarrassed to share that? Why cannot express myself in a confident manner to be prideful but not arrogant? Successful but not bragful? This is some self searching I must do, but that is for a journal not a post. I pose these questions so that you can walk through this post with me, and learn how much I am growing from even acknowledging these feelings let alone posting them.
I am proud of myself! I have very good ideas and when given some mental and emotional space, very creative! I have really turned this maternity leave into a work leave, and have been focusing on the problem areas of my home. I feel like a rat in the wheel a lot of the time, and I fear it will be no different when I return to work. I am also trying to work on being present in my life. When I am working 40 hours a week, crazy shifts, and sleeping at odd intervals, I want to make the most of the time I have with my family. So with this in mind I have turned my house upside down going through every nook and cranny and looking at every square inch with the objective questions...
- Does this space work for me?
- Does it make my life easier?
- What do I want this space to be?
- How can I help it realize its potential?
- How can this space make my life easier, so I can be present when I am home and not distracted?

The result of these questions, and some inspiration from Pinterest, I have totally remade a few areas of my home. My kitchen received a reorganization (we are still looking for where we moved the dish towels to). the basement got some good attention. My laundry/pantry/mudd room is something I will be presenting in a future post (The Hardest Working 50 feet in Our House). I have worked so hard to make this space exactly what I and my family need it to be, and I am so damn proud of the way it is turning out. Pinterest has gotten my creative and frugal juices flowing and the projects that are coming out puts a huge smile on my face. So hopefully, in the next couple of days, my big reveal for a project that is 3 weeks, or 4.5 years, however you look at it, in the making, public for all to see.
And damnit, I am proud of me!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

She's Crafty

It amazes me sometimes when I throw caution to the wind and take on something that my insecurities would usually say no to. Crafts are not my thing. Creating something from scratch rarely happens, because usually I have a great vision with poor execution. It's usually cheaper in the long run just to go out and purchase whatever I want the first time rather than create it. It has recently come to my attention that that it isn't always about the final product, as it is about the journey of getting there, or the pride you feel once you are there. With the crazy post partumn hormones raging and an unusual amount of free time to browse Pinterest, the latest theme in my life has been "I can do that". It is so fun to look at and embrace how crafty I can be and how great I am naturally at some things. I am working on a few big projects that I am really looking forward to revealing, but for now, all I will say, is I am very proud of myself thus far.

Friday, December 7, 2012

The 32nd Year

I have contemplated starting a blog for months. There are many reasons why I haven't until now, but now, on my 32nd birthday, it is time. I have done quite a bit of work on myself this past year, and through this I have found I have a voice. I can say with confidence now that I truly believe I am interesting and have a lot to say. As an exercise in using my new found voice, I have chose to give myself a gift this year. A blog is the perfect vehicle. So, read, don't read, enjoy, don't enjoy, what have you. I am publishing this for me. It is My Journey to Simplicity.
I am a woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and nurse. I am the primary provider in my household. I provide for my family by working as a nurse in a hospital. I enjoy running my household as well. I enjoy cleaning, organizing and turning a house into a home. "Backyard Homesteading" describes one of the journeys I am on. Gardening, chicken farming, canning and preparing are key words. I am discovering a love for cooking, and enjoy trying new recipes often. I have two beautiful children. Finding fun activities to maximize their childhood brings me joy. I have been married to the love of my life, my best friend for 7 beautiful years. Being his wife, and supporting him in all of his endeavors fulfills me.
I will be blogging each day, or not. Whatever I feel led to do. I will write about whatever moved me on that particular day. Topics will include any of the aspects of my life listed above.
I am very pleased that my journey had led me here. I am so excited what the future holds for me, and my life!
My goals for this, my 32nd year include living an authentic, intentional life. Through this I will find my simplicity. I hope they this blog will help me define what that looks like to me.