On Living Simply and Loving Deeply

This time of year, I'm typically so over the holidays and winter as well, for that matter, that I've already begun plans for my garden. And while there will be no plans for a back forty garden this year, that doesn't mean I've been able to resist the urge to create--to take something raw and make it into something useful, if not beautiful. I've been going a little crazy, bookmarking things I want to make myself: beeswax candles, shampoo bars, dream pillows...I'm a Gamelin girl; I can't resist these compulsions.

I haven't started making my own probiotic deodorant (yet!) but I have actually phased out how much recreational reading I'm doing...which is a BIG deal. I typically spend about an hour of the girls' nap time and an additional two to three hours after their bed time reading. So you get how this is a big deal? Instead, I've been doing more prayer journaling, listening to good music (I've recently fallen in love with Mumford and Sons), researching projects I want to actually complete and I even dug out my knitting bag today...and crocheted a pot holder...because who DOESN'T need more pot holders?

I'm looking to the future with a more simplistic view and part of that means staying in and working on these things with my kiddos.  It also means realizing how much we already have and how much of it isn't even being used. 

This drastic change sprang from the realization that most of my days are spent shepherding the girls around trying to get 'stuff' done. And I'm tired of it. I'm tired of buying tons of groceries that end up in the compost since (shocker!) I tend to get over ambitious with my meal planning. We're focusing on physically consuming less food (John and I) and keeping our menu simple. I can't tell you how many times I've searched out obscure ingredients at the store only to have them expire or sit on a shelf until I've forgotten what their original purpose was. This means less time preparing dinner, less time at the grocery store and more time playing with my girls, which is, by far, my favorite thing in the world.

From what I can tell a little time invested in research, purchasing bulk supplies and I'll be on the road to keeping my heiny out of target altogether, where I usually purchase toiletries and cleaning supplies...or just wander around wondering what else I can purchase that I never realized I desperately needed. This entire transition means I'll have more time at home...which is where I really want to be. 

Today, I actually got to ask the girls whether they wanted to play in the back yard, go for a walk or out to the playground by the library. I can't remember the last time we had so much free time that I actually consulted the girls about their choice in activities. 

This is the life: Living simply and loving each other. I hope I can keep this going. And, in case you couldn't already tell, I highly recommend it.