Letting Out the Breath

 Last weekend we went decently last minute camping. I'm very thankful for that last minute decision, because it was a beautiful weekend. You know how sometimes you don't realize just how much you really did need a break, until you take one?

 Mackynzie and I went out last Thursday, and Cody came after work on Friday. We set up our little home away from home in the trailer and then we just relaxed.

 I didn't have time to edit any photos, so don't mind if my iphone shots are a little rough.

I haven't had beans and wieners since I was a kid. I wonder what Mackynzie's memorable camping food will be...

 It was so great to just pick up and leave. It left me with the time I needed to clear my head and jump back into things (In a more organized fashion.). We played and explored and laughed and slept hard. Cody and I spent our nights beside the fire, talking and joking and just soaking up being in love. No distractions. Just us. 

 The first day we were there, while laying with a napping Mackynzie, I thought: "This is so much nicer. Total simplicity. I kind of want to live here." And although I don't think I'd go live in the trailer, it really made me want to strive for simplicity again. I mean, we already sort of do, but we could do a lot better. I like working and making things from scratch, and reaping the benefits of my own work. 

 It's hard to do that now, while we are living here, but I think I can get a lot of prep work done over the summer. Make things so that our new place really feels like us, and to have a blue print of things to do when we get there. 

It hasn't been just us for a while now, and I don't think we realized how much we missed it. Life is much more relaxed with just us. I am so very thankful for our ability to work together and make a peaceful home. And also to realize that we really have nothing that needs to stress us when we are together. Cody and I seem to just ebb and flow. We fill in spaces for each other, and move together easily. This weekend really helped us remember that, for me at least, because living with other people can cause a lot of added stress. We were by ourselves and it was like a breathing out after not realizing you were holding your breath. 

 Staying with his family has been a blessing, but it's one of those blessings that requires sweat and hard work too. It's taught me a lot about myself, and about our marriage. I also think I will have a very different appreciation for our own house when this is over. It's really taught us though, that no matter what's stressing us out, or making us uncomfortable, we can be calm and steady together, and tune anything else out. We are a force. 

 There will definitely be more trips this summer, more little get away's here and there. 

                               

VIA (this was as far as I could trace it.)

VIA

11/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013"

First ice-cream cone if i'm not mistaken. afterwards she said 'Thank you for the delicious ice cream treat, Mama!" 

10/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013"

I hope you always remember just how awesome you are. 

09/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Our little mama hen. She takes such pride in her babies. Such a gentle little nurturer.

Bits + Pieces

1. This was actually taken last weekend when we went out for a day trip. Nothing like snuggles in a hammock.
2. My reading stack for camping. I have really enjoyed each of these. For different reasons. Some will definitely be in constant rotation.
3. Guys. These nuts are amazing. They are also extremely simple. Check out the recipe here, on dig this chick's blog.
4. Camp ground parks are always perfectly worn in.
5.I needed this trip to help me clear my mind and readjust focus. It was beautiful. We will be going again a few times, for sure!
6. Trees with character.
7. Grilled fruit and meat is awesome and easy camp food.
8. Rest. Relax. Repeat.

You Don't Always Need a Plan

 Hey! It's been a little while. I am majorly 'behind' on this poor blog. I have been popping out an easy post here and there, but there are a lot of things I want to write about! We have just been keeping really busy, and are about to jet off to relax with nature in the form of camping. I wanted to say I am still here and I will get on top of things soon (I hope...).

If I'm being really honest though, i'm sort of overwhelmed. Not with everything, but I really love this space and also staying connected via instagram and the occasion facebook (for the blog) or vine. Since I made yoga and working out an every single day priority, i'm finding myself with a lot less time. I also have made the change of sticking to an early bedtime and waking early, so again, less time. Here is the really honest thing- I'm in this stage where I'm trying to spread myself in all these directions and feeling like i'm falling short in some of the most important places. I've struggled with this the last couple of days. I got really upset with myself for spending time in X when it should be in Y. This little get away couldn't come at a better time. I have hopes that I can collect my thoughts and come up with a bit of a game plan. I don't believe there is ever perfect balance, but I do believe that there is a peace. I know there is a peace, and I need to get back to it, because once you have smelled it's sweet aroma, you need it to fill you as often as possible.

 What does this mean? I'll let you know when I figure that part out haha. Probably that (obviously) social media is going to have to hang out in the trunk from now on. I want to make more time for this space, so that will be my priority in that area. I can pretty much guarantee things will be choppy for a bit, but i'm hoping that once I get the rhythm, keeping up with my 'wants' will be a little easier.

 Thanks for sticking with me. I appreciate you all!

Have a lovely rest of your week, and I will see you back next week!

{I could not track back to the original sources of these photos. They are not mine and I own no rights to them. If you see you'r photo here, (or anywhere on this blog) and do not wish for it to be posted OR wish to be credited, Please contact me and I will do so. Thank you!}

Almond Flour Pancakes

 I posted this picture on instagram:

 And said I would post the recipe if you wanted it. 

 These pancakes are super tasty! We have mostly avoided pancakes as primal peeps, because the ones I have tried have fallen short. And I really don`t like the texture and consistency of coconut flour, so I have never had success using it for pancakes or baking. I finally found some almond flour though, and this was the first thing I tried. 

They are delicious, pancake-sweet, and fluffy. they fill you up too. I recommend using a fine almond flour (I didn't. I used in between course and fine and they were still great.)

CLICK HERE for this recipe. 

Let me know what you thought if you make them. I think ill add a banana next time.