home sweet home!

Well, after two weeks in New Brunswick visiting Jeff's family (and a much enjoyed break from all things internet related), we are now back home. Definitely a bitter sweet feeling to be here. It was SO wonderful to get away! Our days were filled with a revolving door of visitors, delicious food, so much coffee and wonderful conversations. Jeff's mom and dad were beyond amazing- they got Finn up every morning, fed him almost every meal and spent endless hours playing, bathing, chasing and laughing with him- Jeff and I were given strict instructions to take advantage of our two week window of freedom, and we basked in every second of it! It has been a really a while since the two of us have been able to spend a good chunk of time together, and it was really nice to be able to reconnect, talk and enjoy little things like window shopping through downtown Fredericton, or sitting in a pub without a time limit or rush to get back. All in all, I am so thankful we were able to take this trip. It was so refreshing for our entire family and really incredible to see Finn connect so quickly and closely with his Nana, Grampy and Uncle Kyle.

I spent a lot of time thinking on this trip- thinking about what we want from life, where we want to be and how we want to get there. I have always had some strong thoughts and ideas on what life should look like and the freedom and simplicity I want to surround our family, but figuring out how to get to that point is a constant struggle. A few things I am clear about now and am putting out there for the universe to what she so chooses with-

1) I am ready and open to letting new things come into my life- I don't know what this means or looks like, but this is a really huge step for me. I am definitely one that avoids change, and often find myself very committed and involved with things that, after time, my heart is no longer in. I am putting it out there that I feel content and complete with the work I have accomplished on some of these projects and am content and open for new things to come along. Jeff and I are both excited at the endless possibilities for this new chapter in our lives.

2) I want to build a house. Not like - have a developer build a house for us, but actually get my hands dirty, spend years and years learning, constructing, building a home that we will live in, grow old in, and will have as little impact on the earth as possible. I also know it is very important to me that this space remain small. After living with Finn in our little condo for almost two years, I have really come to honour the closeness, both physically and emotionally, that a small space brings. I always want this for our family.

3) I am going to spend this year simplifying our lives. Focusing on decluttering, ruthlessly purging, buying less and cooking more, spending quality time doing things we love as a family, learning new skills and utilizing them, growing more food, paying off debt and adding to our 'rainy day' fund, riding my bike WAY more, and being more patient. Finding my balance and soaking up all the happiness and wonderful gifts I have sitting right in front of me. I especially look forward to this.

I came across this TED talk on the last day of our trip. As my friend Jacquelene so perfectly put it, it's such a breath of fresh air- exactly what I needed after so much uncertainty and 'what-ifs'. Hopefully it will spark a little something for all of you too.

 and a few pictures from our trip...