Tuning Out Noise

Lately, I've felt like the world has been a little loud. The internet has been a little untruthful. Social media has been a little unkind. The boxes we post the pictures in have been a little fake.

It's all just gotten to me... a little bit.

My husband travels a lot for work and I find myself doing the hands on parenting solo. Truth be known I am fine with this, it works for us and we are all thriving and doing well (just incase anyone was worried.) The thing that is constantly drawn to my attention, is that I am the north star for our little boy that we brought into this world. That responsibility is huge. HUGE. I wonder everyday if I loved him enough, if I feed him enough, if I taught him enough, if I showed him enough. If I'm having a particularly rough day, my ego can get in the way and play all kinds of head games with me, erring on the side of inadequacy. And that just really is not my favourite.

But then, I remember this little quote I read years ago and I don't even know who said it. It makes sense to me, and perhaps it makes sense to you too- apply it however you see fit.

"Sometimes you just have to stop listening to the static at your door and be the parent." 

When I make this my focus, everything becomes a whole lot clearer. Clarity comes and things make sense. We operate from a place of love over here.

There is always going to be noise, always. Sometimes it's going to feel really uninvited. Tune it out.

You know what you need. You sure as hell now what you babies need.

There is power in your presence. There is power in your home. There is power in the world you are creating. There is power in the little humans you've been trusted to raise. Tune out the static and do life the best you know how. For me, it makes so much sense to replace fear with love. In my quiet, this is what always speaks to me.

This is my truth. Feel free to borrow it until you find what resonates with you.

Hahndorf Family Farm Barn

We headed up to the Hahndorf Family Farm Barn a few weeks back. Blessed with great weather we thought we would take advantage and make a day of it. There were all the usual farm trappings, cute animals, bottle feeding opportunities and pony rides. We also discovered what may just be the worlds largest goat... entry fee was worth it to see that beast alone.

Andy mostly loved the pile of dirt he found to the side of one of the barns and riding the pony. He was completely fearless and confident up on that little horse, an equestrian in the making perhaps?

All in all, a very enjoyable morning. It was good getting in early as we had a lot of the animals to ourselves before the crowds started coming in. If you are wondering what to do with your littles and the weather is good, we highly recommend this place.

Winter Beach Walk

I headed for the beach with my sister and my man cub in tow last Friday. Rain was forecast for the whole day, but we decided it was worth risking it- because we all know that the beach is always a good idea! It's one of my favourite things about where we live, the water is never very far and the weather is almost always nice. We had a blast running along the shore front and fleeing from the waves that lapped at out gumboots. Andy was in little boy heaven! Sand, water, seaweed, shark eggs and sticks. We even made it back to the car just as the clouds broke and the rains sure did come down. We made some good choices that day. Anything that makes you happy is 100% a good choice!

Andy's beanie is from Slouch Headwear and his gumboots are from French Soda.

The Minimalist Mum Project

Over the past two years I have packed up my little family and moved 4 times. First, we house sat my parents place for a little while, then we took off for the United Kingdom for 6 months, then back to my parents house and we find ourselves moved back into our little house. It feels good to be back and to be setting up our space.

In doing so, I am really taking on a new approach as to how we want to live as a family of three in our happy little house. I want to be a minimalist kind of Mum that has time and the freedom to focus on the things that are important and make us deeply happy.

There are a few items of media and literature that have triggered this kind of approach to life for me. The first was the book that I read at the beginning of the year called Present Over Perfect- a book solely focused on returning to an authentic and decluttered everyday lifestyle, bringing God into every little detail. Then there was the documentary The Minimalists on Netflix, which was mostly un-relatable seeing as I'm not a white upper class American male leaving a high paying corporate job in pursuit of a simpler life, however there were aspects of it that I felt were important to implement into my own lifestyle. Then there was the book I just finished reading entitled Chasing Slow- also a journey focusing on what matters most despite social pressures to be something else.

Here is what I have taken away from each of these influences that fell into my life right as I asked for them:

We are happier when we have the opportunity to simplify and focus on what is important.

Being present is a habit that creates bonds ad frees up our energy for good and positivity.

Making decisions about what matters most, rather than trying to do everything, is completely crucial to living a happy and fulfilling life.

Stuff makes life busy and sometimes messy and is mostly unimportant.

Placing value on the things that we already own decreases our desire to keep on adding more.

Things do not make us happy, people and places do.

Life experiences are far more satisfying than the pursuit of things.

Owning less means more time to do the things that we want to do.

So, in light of all of this I have decided to set myself a little challenge for the next three months starting on 1 July. That is simply this... no more "stuff". I will be focused on using what we have and living that saying "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." As I have been unpacking everything we own, getting the things out that have been in storage for the last few years I have kept thinking to myself "we have got enough stuff." Infact, we have an abundance of stuff, and I am just going to use it rather than add to it. I am really seeking to be mindful about what we bring into our home. I want to simplify systems that we have, work on a capsule wardrobe for every member of my family. Weed out the items we just don't use or need. I want time and freedom to do things and create memories rather than taking care of more stuff. I intend to declutter and give the things that we don't need to those who do need them and will use them. For me, it's about creating community rather than consuming. Sharing rather than taking and wanting. Unless it is something that needs to be replaced or an absolute need I'm striving not to bring it into our home.

Here's to testing out this minimalistic lifestyle and seeing just how it works for us as a family. I'm excited about it and interested to see what kind of a difference it makes.

This.

The Easter long weekend was exactly what I needed. Celebrations with our nearest and dearest. Easter egg hunts with the cutest kids in town. A Sabbath day that became meaningful to me in unexpected ways, which was an answer to my prayers. I have been craving a Sunday like that for the longest time and have been feeling incredibly frustrated by so many things. It was in the frustration that I was able to determine what I was missing, and that was “connection”. On Sunday I found it- in a very small way, but it's there and I feel like it is something I can build on. Hallelujah.

We ended our long weekend with a hike along the Hallet Cove Conservation Park. It was magic listening to the waves crashing against the rocks and the trickling sound as they rolled back out to sea. Andy had a blast exploring the little rock pools and tossing stones into them, feeling very satisfied with the big splashes they made. Watching that was pure joy. Adventuring and discovering with him is honestly my favourite thing to be a part of.

It was a weekend that allowed me to take stock of what really matters and I took the time to offer up gratitude and understanding for that. Because “what really matters” is different for everyone. I think that as I grow to understand this I am less worried about trivial things and I am just able to love others from where I stand. I want more of this and as much of it as I can get. Because to me “this” is what matters: family, dear friends, God and our Saviour, adventure, discovery and deep soul to soul connection. Without these things I feel a little lost.

Here’s to more of THIS.

Park Fun + 12 Things

1. Playing at the park this morning was good for both of our souls
2. A girlfriend of mine sent me this link this morning and genuinely asked how my heart was today- I was so grateful that she did both of those things
3. The weather today is feeling truly autumnal and I am loving it
4. It's possible I am coming down with a cold
5. I am one of those people that strongly supports keeping germs contained and will most likely hibernate for the next day or so- I will rid myself of this thing in no time!
6. I finished reading "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth and it was amazing, particularly from a parenting perspective. I'm highly recommending this one.
7. I wanted to write a full book review, however time just got away from me last month
8. Being continually busy makes you miss out on the important things, I'm working on that one
9. My favourite meditation app is called "Calm" and I feel like everyone should have it
10. Making physical lists and keeping them where I can see them is saving my spaced out brain
11. Currently snacking on this popcorn, go and get yourself some
12. Planning our next family adventure, it's going to be good

Happily Navigating Parenthood While Your Partner is Away

We are one week into a two month stint which has our husband/ Daddy away from us for the majority of the time. He will be stopping back every now and then and we have the added bonus of having Easter and Anzac Day holidays during this time period.

While my husband and I are not strangers to this travel and work away gig, our little man is, and I've got to tell you that this first week has been extremely tough on him (and us as parents seeing him struggle). He's old enough now to notice when things are different and change is something that takes a little getting used to.

Here are five things we have been doing this week that have really helped in navigating our way through parenting a toddler:

1. Talk about it a lot: Anytime my son asks me where Daddy is I tell him exactly what he is up to and exactly when he will be coming home. We talk about the plane and the hotel that Daddy is staying at. The taxi rides he takes, the companies he is auditing. What he ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every detail I can give him, I do. He takes a minute to think about it and then he is generally ok with that. Making video contact with each other every day has been so important for us all to communicate with each other and remain "close" to what is happening in each others lives. It makes our toddler feel very safe and secure.

2. Keep busy with fun things: We tend to get out of the house quite a lot and I've made an effort to keep that up while my husband is away. We try and do something everyday that is fun and memorable. Whether it is swimming lessons, going to music, meeting up with friends, playing at the gym creche while mummy gets in a little break or going to the park- we make sure that we get out and we talk about it for the rest of the day. My toddler loves it when we make plans for the next day right before we go to bed. He loves to think about things. He also really enjoys reporting to Daddy all the things that we have been up to in his absence.

3. Do a little bit often: Because I don't have my husband around to help me pick up the slack I take 10 minute "blasts" here and there to do odd jobs. It's worked really well in keeping things like dishes and laundry from piling up, thus minimising my stress, and right now that is a really good thing. It's no secret that if Mum is stressed and not happy, no one else is! You're kids will be secretly thanking you for doing whatever helps manage those stress levels! It's better for everyone.

4. Be prepared for the upheaval: Don't take is personally or get upset when your child is taking out their frustration and confusion on you. They might just need a day to get over things and need a lot of hugs and crying sessions and that is absolutely fine. There will a a few things that are quite uncharacteristic to your child, but it's just their way of working through things and dealing with their worries. Don't get stressed about it, just stop and roll with it. Also be prepared for the fact that while you don't resent your partner there will be moments when you resent the situation.

5. Find your support people and use them: There is no shame in admitting that it takes a village. My village is not particularly large, but it is fine tuned and very understanding of me and my little family. The people in it get me and I honestly don't know how I got so lucky to have them all in it! They also know that I generally will not ask for anything, so they are on top of checking in. However, that being said- I am getting better at reaching out and I am feeling so much more grounded for it. Can I get a hallelujah?!

It's also really important to remember that you can do it. Everything is temporary and this too shall pass. Time is always moving, so make the most of the situation and have some fun together in the meantime. Embrace the different way you get to make memories and enjoy it.

Choose happy!

Photo credit: Pikaboo Photography by Kathy Stabler 

Good Morning Sunshine!

One of my priorities this year is to actively cultivate happiness- it's something I am passionate about. You make the good life, glass half full and all that jazz.

The quote that goes along the lines of "every sunrise is an invitation to brighten someones day" got me thinking; then it got me planning; then before I knew it was 5:00am and I had a car full of some of my favourite girlfriends. We were sunrise viewing bound!

These are salt of the earth kind of girls and I absolutely love them. Added bonus, they know how to pack some delicious snacks (every girl needs friends like these).

In Adelaide, you need to head up to the hills to watch the sunrise. We decided to stop at Mt Lofty House and enjoyed each others company while watching the sunrise. It was so magnificent watching the colours change over the valleys and hills in front of us. The weather was warm with a soft breeze and we could hear the kookaburras laugh. In my book that's pretty much a perfect start to the day.

There is something very grounding about watching nature do it's thing. I'm in awe of this beautiful world in which we live. Watching the sunrise has been on my bucket list for a while now, I'm so glad we made the effort to do it! I don't think it will be the last time I do.