Simple Living

I hope the past week has been so full for you friends.  I cannot believe we're in the final moments of 2013.  Can you??

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the months behind - wishing I had done this or that, had been more organized, less stressed, more disciplined, less distracted, more present, less busy.  So tonight, I sat in the quiet of my parents' cozy, Christmas-lit living room and jotted down some things I'd like to do differently in 2014.  

- Inductively study the Bible

- Pay off debts

- Be more organized

- Travel beyond US boarders

- Work towards purchasing a home

- Purchase a 2nd car

- Grow my Chloe + Isabel business

Those were some of the more practical things, but laced throughout that list, I found myself writing little things like....

- Enjoy my husband daily

- Be joyful!

- Be others centered

- Serve

- Be more generous

- Share more of my life

- Live more simply

- Cherish the little things

In my youth I dreamt of the years ahead of me, however, as I grow older, I realize that every breath is a gift, every moment a privilege.  Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so more than ever, I desire to live in the here and the now.  As I glance over my goals for 2014, I find a common theme - savor and simplify.  I truly hope to savor and cherish each day as it comes and goes, and I plan to simplify.  So here's to year two thousand and fourteen ~

2014, 

I hope you are full and rich.  Brimming with adventure, blessings, growth, and warmth.  I hope you bring about establishment - completing the work once began in me and establishing more of the woman, once created to be. I hope you're full of joy, gratitude and thankfulness.  And lastly, I hope you are simple.  Keeping a heavenly perspective is my heart's #1 desire as I follow your footsteps and venture into your unknown.  I look forward to what you hold and I wait in great anticipation.  

Yours truly, 

Danya

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What do you have to say to 2014?

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Are you a purple elephant??

*source unknown

I've been passionate, ambitious and creative since childhood.  I struggled in school because I thought outside the box.  I day dreamed during class lectures and I thrived on relationships with my classmates - I was regularly that kid called out for talking or doodling during class.  But I was a total people pleaser too and when I did less than ok on a test or an assignment, I beat myself up over it.  I didn't fit into the academic mold in the least bit and it hurt.

Twenty years later, not much has changed.  I look around at what everyone my age is doing (getting married, making beautiful babies and/or in the middle of a career they had always dreamt of) and I can't help but notice that I'm different.  

Friends, we were created for more.

Comparison is the root of so many awful things.  Insecurity. Loneliness. Anxiety. Discontentment. Anger. False pride. Physical illness.  Any of these things sound familiar?

How many times have you looked at a girlfriend and thought, I wish I had her life. *guilty*  I'm challenging you to stop.  Put an end to the comparison and find confidence in who YOU were created to be.  Confidence in your circumstances.  Pride in the work God is completing in YOU and not her.

Have you ever noticed that the "purple elephants" are the world changers?  World changers are different.  They don't necessarily have the marriage, the babies, the house, or the career.  All of those things are normal and good, but when we are so focused on what we don't have or how unlike everyone else we are, we are distracted and rendered useless.  

I don't know about you, but uselessness scares me to death.  So I'm bound and determined to guard and protect my heart from the ever-so-tempting game of comparison  {via facebook, instagram, twitter, magazines, reality tv, etc.} and put myself back into the game of changing the world.  I'm taking pride in my "purpleness" and I'm excited to own up to all I was made to be.  If I'm "just a wife" for a season, then I'm going to be the best wife I can be.  If I'm a career woman, I'm going to be the best employee I can be.  If I'm a mom, I'm going to be the best momma I can be.  Lets be the best at where we are in life and lets see the world change!

Dream with me for a moment. Can you imagine an army of secure, confident and God-fearing women?  It's no coincidence the enemy goes after the female heart, making her feel unwanted, unloved, unusable - we're a powerful part of God's kingdom and we were meant for more. 

*If you're the creator of this print, please let me know.  I searched high and low for it's source.

It's Personal {+ a giveaway}

A few weeks ago I began a new job as a merchandiser for a really special company called Chloe + Isabel.  I can't wait to tell you what I love about this company and why I've chosen them, but first a little personal note...

I've been debating a home based business vs. giving private music lessons again vs. a real job out there in the "real world" for a long time now.  As explained in a recent post, I've been in a funky season.  And in this season, I've had a lot of time to evaluate my life, the hopes and dreams I've carried with me since I was a kid and the things I'm good at.  In the midst of all of my planning and striving to find my niche, one small little thought continues to nag at my heart, "Take a risk.  Put yourself out there."  That thought makes my skin crawl.  I've put myself out there and it hurts.  

When I first began this blog, I never intended to fully let people into my life, nor my heart, and I certainly wasn't going to share my music.  But I've been playing it safe for a while now and things aren't going the way I thought they would go.  I truly truly truly feel that, that small nagging voice is the one I need to listen to, so rebranding PPS and making it all a bit more personal is a BIG step for me.  It's huge in my world, but I'm excited about where things are headed.  

That said, I'm also moving forward with pursuing more opportunities in my music.  A career as a recording artist has been my ultimate dream as long as I can remember and it was put aside once B & I got married.  I knew God was calling me to find confidence as a wife and to invest in my marriage, so I laid down a lot of things that I was passionate about and really good things came as a result.  The cool thing about God-given gifts though, is that often times He only calls us to lay them down for a season while He prunes and perfects other areas of our lives.  It's safe to say, I've been pruned and I've been prepared and I think my heart is ready for more.  Ready to dive in and give it my all and ready to open it up to whomever may benefit from the lessons I've learned, the life I've lived and the pain I've experienced.  Life is messy and life is good - and it's meant to be shared.

So this is where Chloe + Isabel comes in.  Chloe + Isabel caught my attention a few months ago and I just couldn't forget about it.  I'm always looking for ways to supplement our income and for years, I've dreamt of owning my own business.  The more I learned of c+i, the more I realized it was a great fit for my life in this moment.  It's a fairly new direct sales jewelry company based in New York City, that empowers and trains women to be creative entrepreneurs.  Each piece is designed exclusively for c+i in NYC and is handcrafted, nickel free, lead safe and backed by a lifetime guarantee.  Not only is the jewelry beautiful, unique and made of high quality (some organic) materials, but they've set their merchandisers up for success.  From the ground up, they've designed a website that each merchandiser can personalize and use as their own online boutique.  And they don't let just anyone become a merchandiser.  Each merchandiser is approved and interviewed before being accepted, ensuring that geographical locations aren't saturated with c+i merchandisers and that we fit the brand just as much as they fit into the lives of their merchandisers.  It's truly a fantastic company, one I'm proud to be a part of!  Over the next few weeks I'll be building relationships with local businesses, charities and events to partner with as well as selling the jewelry through my online boutique.  Feel free to take a look around, do a little shopping and a little dreaming.  If you create a free account, you can add things to your cart (aka wish list) and potentially win those pieces through my promotions or through hosting your own pop-up shop (email me for more info about that if you're interested - in Cali or not).  C+I pieces make for great gifts, so remember me when shopping for bdays, graduation, mom's day, sisters, girlfriends, Christmas, etc.  

So where's the party?!

To celebrate this new and exciting season, I'm giving away one of these beautiful leather wrap bracelets to anyone who spends $50 or more in my shop using this link.  If you shop + share my link {or this image} via your social media outlets you gain extra entries {just be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your extra entry, so I know to add it to the giveaway}.  All orders over $100 get FREE shipping. Winner will be announced Friday, September 20th.

Thank you so much for your friendship, encouragement and support as I follow after my dreams and venture out into new territory with the blog, my music and the business.  I'm really excited to follow hard after my Creator and can't wait to see what He has ahead.

Beautifully Pruned

source unknown

I can so TOTALLY and completely relate to this quote!  Can you?  

I'm sure we've all been there.  Sometimes it's a season of repetition, where we feel we're on a hamster wheel, running in circles getting nowhere and utterly exhausted.  Sometimes it's a season of difficult life circumstances, where all things seem to go wrong and the world is working completely against us.  And other times it's a season of stillness - waiting, waiting and more ... waiting.  

I've been in the latter part of all that lately - playing the waiting game.  But learning a lot about myself along the way.  Our move to California was a great adventure, an exciting one, totally life changing.  But adventure aside, it's been a long year and a half of waiting for me personally, as I've supported my husband in his new job, served alongside him in worship ministry and in our home.  While I once looked at it as a season of rest, a time to establish a new home and build new friendships with our church body, I'm now finding myself restless and uneasy with my lack of "purpose."  

In my quiet time lately, I've been quick to remind God He has yet to reveal my great "purpose" to me, but His response has been gentle.  I don't understand - I've given a lot of different things my time, energy and resources in hopes that I may find "success" in one of those pursuits.  I've even involved others in my endeavors and feel I've wasted their time and energy and resources.  Instead of success, I've found one closed door next to another - no scratch that, one bolted door - locked and totally unmoveable door after another.  I can confidently say that it's not for lack of trying or for fear of moving forward, it's simply because God hasn't allowed it....yet.

I'm a firm believer in God's promises.  I believe that He gives us promises throughout life in various ways - in this case, I found a promise and comfort in His word.  A week ago my daily devotional couldn't have said it better :

"DEMONSTRATE YOUR TRUST IN ME by sitting quietly in My Presence. Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. By waiting with Me before you begin the day’s activities, you proclaim the reality of My living Presence. This act of faith— waiting before working— is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness. The most effective way to resist evil is to draw near Me. When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word. The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy. When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more. 

Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. . . . Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?'  LUKE 12: 22– 25

Taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

Friends, wherever you are in life.  Be encouraged.  You're passing through a season (and I'm right there with you) - whether it be slow, difficult, trying, confusing or complex - remember that this is not the end destination.  Draw near to Him and watch Him prune you, perfecting you for the ultimate destination!

Heart : Not For A Moment

This weekend was so sweet.

I had the privilege of leading worship for our 2012 Women's Conference.  There were so many nuggets of truth my heart clung to throughout the event - it was a special weekend to say the least!

{hubby took this - he's so sneaky!}

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A reoccurring theme in my life as of late has been summed up by Hebrews 13:5, it says...

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 

Now tell me you aren't comforted by that verse?!  Money is nothing, contentment is everything and we are never alone despite what we may think!

I'm finding more and more that when I completely let go and trust in him - my needs are met, my heart is full and my spirit is content {despite a flooded apartment, only having one car in this season of life, not being able to go home for Christmas this year, etc. etc.}.

Friends, life is hard - we all have our difficulties but there is truly nothing better than surrendering our worries, our issues, our anxieties, our "situations" to him.  Because "He will carry us a thousand miles to show, that not for a moment are we forsaken."

I leave you with this....this song was one we sang at the conference this weekend and it's so fitting for where my heart has been.  I hope it meets yours as well...have a wonderful week and know that you are not alone.

XO

Swamped....literally

This is what my past few days has been full of - airing out our poor little apartment.  What a mess it turned out to be!  Who knew the power of a little leak?

Needless to say, our complex finally decided to put us in a hotel until the mess clears up - new carpet and drywall are on the agenda for tomorrow.  

Earlier today I had to stop and think - why this week?  Why, of all weeks, would our apartment flood and cause so much chaos?  And then it hit me!  Almost every time I'm leading worship for an event or speaking {I'm doing both this Saturday}, some sort of madness breaks out whether it be bronchitis, the flu, two flat tires, or a flooded apartment - it's always something.  {Thankfully it's nothing physical at the moment.}  

So I took a time out - I dropped the pup off at hubby's office and packed my "day bag" so I wouldn't have to return to my soggy home and I made way to the sunshine.  I sat under blue skies and watched the rays of sun peep through the trees, I ran my fingers through slightly dewy grass and my eyes enjoyed following crisp, golden leaves from branches to the ground beneath.  I fully enjoyed my Creator.  Just what my soul needed.  

It was here, at the park that I spent my quiet time and put finishing touches on my talk for this weekend's conference.  For a few short hours my soul was nourished, my heart was made glad and my skin a bit less pale.  :)  

I totally realize that water in my home is not the end of the world.  In fact, it's not really a problem at all when I consider some of the trials dear friends are walking through.  But it has consumed me for the past few days.

Get away from whatever it is that's consuming you - hand it over.  Carve out just a few precious minutes in your day to enjoy Jesus, cast your cares upon Him and breathe deep - experience the burden lifted, even if it's just for a short time.  

You, sweet friend, are dearly loved.

XO


- images via instagram

Heart : Keeping it all in perspective...or at least trying to.

via

Hello Friends,

What an eventful few days it's been!  A packed weekend, with lots of fun things, followed by a little disaster and frustration on the home front.  

Lets start with the good, shall we? 

This weekend I had the privilege of hearing Joyce Meyer in San Jose - what an encouragement that was!  Her book Battlefield of the Mind was the topic of the weekend.  We can control our attitude and outlook on life...always a good reminder.  Little did I know, I would have plenty opportunity to exercise this only a few short days later. 

Sunday evening we had an almost front row experience at a Carrie Underwood show with friends of ours...she was spectacular.  What a voice!  I can only dream of having the vocal chops she has!  Maybe in heaven, right?? ;)

{I'm not much of a country music fan [but I do love Carrie], I don't even own cowgirl boots [gasp! I know!] So my blonde curly locks was the most "country" I could muster.}

Sounds like a great weekend?  I know... it truly was.  But yesterday afternoon we came home to a small drip from our bathroom ceiling and didn't have time to mess with it cause we had a concert to be at.  So we called maintenance, left a vm and put a bucket under it.  Problem temporarily solved, right?

Well, this morning we woke up to soggy carpets, a musty smell and water dripping from several areas of our ceiling.  I don't know what it is with me and flooding apartments.  This isn't the first time I've been through this.  

While we love the little place we call home, we're rethinking the situation.  In the mean time, I'm trying to keep my Joyce Meyer advice in the forefront of my mind.  Attitude and outlook has everything to do with this.  Lord help me...

XO

- images via instagram

Heart : Priorities

via

So our Honest Housewife, Amber, is taking a little break from PPS to focus on the precious men in her life and she'll be joining us again in a few short weeks on a new series focusing on issues of the heart.  I can't wait to share that with you when the time is right!

In the mean time, I love the quote above - it's so true!  Today I'm rearranging a few priorities in my life as well {thanks for inspiring me Amber!} and I encourage you to do the same!  Looking forward to the week ahead.  Lots of love...

XO

Honest Housewife : Daily Prayer

- Amber

The Liebster Award

Hi Sweet Friends,

I missed you while I was away enjoying time with my family.  We had a wonderful time exploring the Central West Coast.  I'll be sure to share a few pics later this week.

While I was away, I was nominated for the Liebster Award not once, but TWICE!  I'm flattered!!  Thank you so much to Olivia from ThisLooksGoodOnYou and Rebekkah from RebekkahMadeWhole for the nominations.  I couldn't be more honored!

So, What is the Liebster Award?

According to Olivia, “The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcoming.”

The rules for the Liebster Award are…

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you & create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them. {Remember, no tag backs!!}

11 Random Facts About Me :

1. I used to sing shamelessly in the shower until I married and moved in with my hubby...I supposed I was slightly embarrassed by my loud and enthusiastic concert for one. {okay, maybe I sing when he's not home....maybe}

2. I did ballet and other forms of dance for 10 years and I love getting my zumba on, but I'm far too embarrassed to get my grove on at a wedding or anywhere public.  

3. I am gluten free and while usually I'm ok with it {and I make it sound as if there's no better diet in the world} I sometimes miss those giant, fluffy, buttery, sticky, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls. Come on, who are we joking here?  Cinnamon Rolls are simply not the same without good ole' gluten!

4. My celebrity crush in high school was Heath Ledger - Brenton still teases me about it...so sad he's no longer alive.  

5. I get a little obsessive over wrapping/decorating Christmas gifts - or gifts in general.  So much so, that hubby gets slight anxiety over wrapping gifts for me.  He feels that his don't quite measure up. {And my mother-in-law saves my wrapping paper...lol!}

{Last year's wrapping supplies...ha!}

6. Shoes & Handbags are my ultimate weaknesses when it comes to fashion.  If I could, I would have closets {yes, that has an "s" on the end of it} full of them!

7. Even though I've been performing in front of audiences since I was a kid, I get sweaty palms and a racing heart when I play an instrument in front of people.

8. I want to learn to speak French fluently.  I took French in high school and totally want to take a trip to France just to rock my sweet French speaking skills.

9. I inherited 4 sisters-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law, a mother-in-law, father-in-law, an adorable neice and a partridge in a pear tree when I married my man.  ;)  {All of whom I love and appreciate}

10. My favorite fragrances are Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Versace Bright Crystal and Chanel Chance as of late.

11. I am so not a morning person no matter how hard I try.  Anything earlier than 8:00am is painful for me {Sorry Honey, I know this drives you nuts}.  

11 Questions from Olivia :

1. What was the last book you read?  Platform : Get Noticed In A Noisy World by Michael Hyatt  {I recommend it to my blogging/internet business friends - a valuable resource!}
2. What was the last article of clothing you purchased and from what store?  A super cute pair of JCrew coral sandals with gold chain embellishments from a great consignment shop in Monterey called Luna Blu.   
3. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate most definitely!!
4. Name your top 3 favorite songs on your ipod/iphone/whatever.  Gosh this is hard - how about three favorite artists?? Lately I've been loving Moriah Peters, For King & Country, and Jayme Dee
5. Who in your life inspires you the most?  My parents inspire me to live a life wholeheartedly for the Lord and my husband inspires me to go for my dreams - he's always so supportive.  My sister amazes me too - she's been one to go after the education she wants and is a fabulous writer!  Can't wait to see what she does career wise.  
6. What is your favorite movie? I love The Holiday.  It's one of those movies I could watch over and over again and still be in love with it.  I also love action and suspense movies - the latest Batman and The Avengers were both great!  Oh and That Thing You Do is a classic!  Takes me back to dating days with hubby...good memories. :)
7. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Ha!  Um I have to say Team Edward??  
8. What is your favorite color to paint your nails?  My go to is a light pink from Sally Hansen Complete Salon series called Shell We Dance?  It goes great with just about any outfit - a nice soft neutral.  
9. If you could give new bloggers (such as myself) any advice on how to create a successful blog what would it be?  Gosh, I feel like I still have a lot to learn too, but I think the two most important things I've learned are (1) know yourself and be confident in who you are.  With so many bloggers trying to "make it" it's easy to try to sound like each other - find your voice and share it proudly.  And 2, connect with your readers - build community and friendship.  That's one of the best things about blogging, is developing friendships with people who share a common interest and learning and growing with them. :)
10. What fall fashion trend are you looking forward to the most?  Boots!!!  I LOVE boots!! :)
11. If you could steal any celebrity’s closet, who would it be? Just one??  Gosh!  I'd have to say Rachel Zoe.  I do love the simplicity and casual elegance of Kate Middleton too - either one would be fine with me!

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11 {or in this case, 7} Questions from Rebekkah :

1. What's your favorite blog post?  I have to say I was pretty proud of how the photos turned out for my recent Loaded Breakfast Toast post - not to mention it was just scrumptiously delicious!  

2. What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?  Introducing you to a few projects I've been working very hard on over the past few months.  And the holidays - I always love Thanksgiving and Christmas!  

3. What's the most embarrassing picture you have of yourself?  I have had plenty of unflattering pictures taken of myself, but none of which are still in my possession - who wants to keep those suckers around??  Not me!

4. How many different places have you lived?  Melbourne, FL {though I don't remember it}; Gulf Breeze, FL ; Ft Lauderdale, FL ; Franklin, TN ; & Monterey, CA - what's that?  5

5. What's your favorite way to tell a story? I love all artistic mediums - painting, writing and songwriting are among my favorites. 

6. What's the most hilarious show you've seen lately? Ok so it's not hilarious and I'm probably going to hear it once I share this, but I have a slight addiction to reality shows such as....say.... Married to Jonas ;)

7. Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?  Good question?  He's never in San Diego, that's for sure!

My Nominees:

1. Happy Wife Happy Life (of course I have to start with my lovely contributors!! ;)
2. The Grecian Garden
3. Fashionista Musings
4. Desiring Providence
5. Eat Cake
6. Michaela Noelle Designs {I know you have more than 200 followers, but your blog is precious}
7. Amber Denae
8. Throw You a Rose
9. Anticipation

11 Questions:

1.  What's your signature Starbucks drink?
2.  What was the last book you read?
3.  What was your best summer 2012 memory?
4.  Who do you confide in?
5.  What is your dream date night?
6.  Where do you hope to one day travel?
7.  What is your favorite thing in your wardrobe?
8.  Sweatpants or denim?
9.  Gold or silver?
10.  Twilight or Hunger Games? ;)
11.  What inspired you to start your blog?

XO 

Honest Housewife: Going With the Flow

Family beach trip! {sort of}

Me, Emerson{shaded}, Hunter and Shawn.

Dearest Friend,

Last week we decided to get away for a night! 

In desperate need of family time, Shawn made a call to his Grandparents who graciously blessed us with their beach house in Lincoln City for the weekend!

After the boys woke up from their morning nap on Saturday, we packed up the minivan and headed off towards the ocean. 

The Hood to Coast race was going on so we took the longer, more scenic route which actually ended up being nice to just spend that extra time with Shawn, talking and then silently taking in the beautiful creation around us. My heart began to fill with a peaceful calm that only the sights and sounds and smells of nature can bring...
Hunter and Emerson were awesome! They were happy the first hour of our drive, and then slept the last half. {it took us a little under 2 hours to get there with a brief stop for coffee}

The beach house is really more of a lake house, but it's still just a few minutes drive away from the beach. 

Well as soon as we arrived, the four of us spent time outside on their deck. Hunter and Emerson lay in the warm salty air laughing as the breeze blew across their little bodies, and gosh it felt good to be away from our home with all the responsibilities of laundry and cleaning and bills and... all of our day to day thoughts were put on hold! 

Here we basked in the wonderful hours of freedom that were before us.

The boys took another short nap and afterwards we decided to go to the outlet mall in town. I bought some cute pajamas for my babies, a cookbook for the sister in law and a t-shirt for Shawn. {I'm saving my 'personal' $'s for something special.}

Again, the boys were super chill! Hanging out, taking in the sights of a shoppers heaven and smiling/staring at all the people who passed by. Eventually they did begin to get a bit fussy when it was time to feed them, so we went back to the house for dinner and sleep, with plans to spend the next morning at the beach.

Sunday morning Emerson and Hunter were grumpy, tired and out of their element. Also, as many diapers as I had brought {I thought I grabbed too many}, it was still not enough and Shawn had to run to Safeway to pick up a pack while I stayed back with the boys since Hunter had decided to poop right after we changed him with the last diaper! 

Then it was time for a nap and if we'd stayed any longer it would have been too late to get home early like we'd wanted to and it just didn't fall into place like we'd imagined so... we didn't actually go to the beach on our beach trip. Instead, we packed everything up, piled back into our sweet ride and headed inland while the boys fell asleep to the hum of the tires, rolling us home.

Sigh... I LOVE the beach! And if you know me well, you'd know that for me to be so close, and not actually walk on the sand and hear the tide lap at the shore just inches from my toes... is absolutely crazy! 

But that morning, in making the decision to head back to Portland, I knew that I was doing right by letting go of what I initially wanted for the sanity of my family. The boys wouldn't remember it {if they'd been taken to the beach}, Shawn didn't care, and I... I could go again sometime. I'd been a thousand times before. And this super short vacation, was about my family and relaxing, not about the beach. Some other time we can dedicate to making memories while playing in the sand and jumping in the waves and flying kites and... that just wasn't for last weekend.

I definitely wanted to stand at the edge of land and sea... but with this role of Motherhood now upon me, I'm learning all the more what it is to go with the flow. 

The more willing I am to lay aside my plans, the more my mind is set at ease. Hunter and Emerson are my most important responsibilities by far!

Now is not the time to be selfish. 

At first I thought that letting go of what I wanted was such a bummer! 

But these days, I'm realizing that my letting go is actually a gift to two little children, and that's starting to feel pretty good. 

I'm learning to let go of my 'plans' or at least hold them loosely. Becoming more flexible is becoming a strength of mine rather than a weakness.

I said "no" to the beach {which again is MY FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH!} and instead said "yes" to what my sons needed.

Still, I can't wait for the day when they get to see the ocean!

"Oregon coast, we'll be back."

For now, going with the flow and taking life one day at a time is where it's at... 

Anyway, there's a whole lot of surprise and adventure wrapped up into that kinda of living right?! You never know what you're gonna get ;)

xoxo

Living on the Edge!

Honest Housewife