Daydreamin' on a Sunday

Life is any thing but predictable. In January we were determined to move to North Las Vegas so we could be back out west. But moving back out west brings a lot of financial changes. Our family could adapt to the lifestyle but the cost of living would be a shock to us. A month or so ago, I had the gut feeling that maybe we should just stay here in South Carolina. Our current mortgage is super low, we have a lot of freedoms that other states don't have, the slower lifestyle lets us avoid the rat race... and while I had always wanted to move back out west to be able to give our kids a taste of what I got growing up, it just isn't what I want as a grow older. San Diego will always be my favorite hometown. Growing up at the beach, not being far from the mountains, Disneyland, even my friendships that lasted what felt like a lifetime even though our lives went in different directions. It will all be forever imprinted in my memory. But, we don't need to leave where we are now to give our kids the same experiences.

Lately, I've spent a lot of time curating my life to be the mom and wife that will feel most authentic to me. Most of that is the traditional lifestyle of being a stay a home mom which I've come to learn isn't so popular in my generation... but I get so much joy out of the little things like baking a loaf of sourdough and making sure my family is taken care of. My job is sufficient for me, now I just have to fine tune it. My day as a stay at home mom allows me time to daydream about our ten year plan. Getting to the think about this kind of stuff is exciting for me because I would be lying if I didn't say that Gabe and I have been through the ringer during our marriage... both of us ready to throw in the towel. But instead we are focusing on growing together, not apart, and figuring out how to build a stronger foundation together. That is part one of our forever plan.

Today, I decided to ask our oldest two what they would like to have in our next home. Asher would like lots of blocks and a treehouse. Grey would like a booster seat... such a simple gal. Gabe wants a man cave, lots of wooded land, and a lazy river. I have to make a list of what I want because I'm just a specific kind of person:

1. A screened in wrap around porch so I can spend my mornings and evenings outside without getting eaten alive.

2. a basement with a cold storage room.

3. a large master bedroom with a study room for me so I can read, plan, and pray quietly.

4. a garden with chickens and a dog to protect our land and other future animals.

Honestly, there's so much more as I begin to type that but I'll save you from the boring specifics haha. Daydreaming has helped me refocus my mental health. It gives me something to look forward to without the immediate commitment. But, for now, I get to live in our cute first home with our three kids and give them the life I always wanted to provide for my children. While it may be unconventional for some, its perfect for us. A life that starts at home, kids who love being outside, and two parents who are trying their hardest to be the best version of theirselves for their kids. That is what I am daydreaming about on this Sunday afternoon and it is what I will accomplish tomorrow and every day after that.