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If you've been wondering why my posts have slowed down (again) recently...where's why: we're moving! We're checking off #1 on my 2017 goals and moving across the state to Spokane, WA, the city where I grew up. When I left for college 10 years ago, I honestly didn't expect to move back. But a lot of things happened last year that caused me to open my heart to the idea (the main ones: having a baby, quitting my job, our rent going up, housing prices shooting through the roof in Seattle, and a persistent plumbing problem at our current place). Suddenly, Spokane felt right for our stage in life, and we found that it fit most of our criteria for a place to live. It's way more affordable than Seattle, there's beautiful nature nearby, we have lots of friends there--including friends with babies, and it's close to both of our families. The last piece of the puzzle was getting Ben a job, which I thought would be a challenge as Spokane's job market is almost entirely healthcare. But everything fell in place pretty quickly and Ben actually got the first job he interviewed for! Thank you, Lord. After that, things continued to align really quickly, which felt like confirmation that this is the right move for us. On the exact same day that Ben got his job offer, our landlord gave us permission to break our lease early (which he had been resistant to before). And all of our family was supportive of the idea--we'll actually be living with my parents for the first few months over there.
I'm really excited for this next chapter in our lives! We've spent the last couple weeks packing up all of our stuff, hanging out with our Seattle friends, spending time with Ben's family, and going to some of favorite spots one "last" time (actually, Ben's parents still live here so I'm sure we'll be back a lot).
With everything going on, I feel like blogging probably won't be a huge priority over the next month or so...which has been the theme of my life over the last year. I've been considering that, and how to let go of some of the guilt and pressure I put on myself to be a good mom, a good wife, a good friend, a good daughter, AND a good blogger. When I evaluate what makes me really happy, spending time with people definitely comes first. I still love blogging, so I want to keep it up...but it just isn't my top priority right now. And I'm realizing that I'm ok with that. I'm ok with not churning out tons of content. I haven't been doing a very good job of "keeping up" anyways. :)
So I'm going to try the "slow blogging" thing. Instead of trying to blog at least once or twice a week, I'm just going to post when I have something I really want to say--which might be once a week, once a month, who knows. In those posts, I want to try and share more of my thoughts and personal life, and make the posts more writing-heavy and less reliant on photos. Quality over quantity, you know?
As I'm adjusting to my new role as a mom, I'm realizing that those are the kind of posts I'm drawn to on other blogs. They're the ones that seem worth my time to read, and make me excited to write. They also feel more genuine to the stage of life that I'm in right now. I'm not hopping on every interior design trend, and I'm not buying a ton of stuff for our home...so trends and wish lists feel a little off. And I'd like to get a little more personal with you guys!
So anyways...I went off on a tangent. The point is...we're moving!!! Wish us luck, and if you're in Spokane, give us your suggestions for what to do over there! I'm super excited to rediscover the area. It's been over 10 years since I lived there, daaaang...
It's been a while that I've been keeping up with the blog, not only your posts provide inspirational thoughts (ideas, suggestions, opinions), but also are very well written to the point that makes us feel as if we were talking with a close friend. I've never comment before, but I wanted to wish you guys great adventures out there (not only in this new city, but every elsewhere that the roads may lead you), as you begin to live and hopefully to write this new chapter of your lives. I send all my best wishes to you guys all the way from Brazil.
Ps: Don't become a stranger and write to us (your reads) soon, and tell us all about this amazing story of your own.
Aww, Ana! Thank you so much for the sweet comment and encouragement. It really means a lot to me! xoxo
When you go house shopping get in touch with Marianne Bornhoft she works at Windermere Manito as a realtor. Her grandparents knew mine and we grew up in the same town. She's lovely and would be a good contact. I like your idea of writing when you have something to share. Bigs hugs to the wee one. Good luck with the move.
Oh, thank you Mary! I really appreciate the recommendation!
Ahhh, so excited for you guys! So glad that all things aligned up for the move. The Lord is so detailed. Hope the move transits well, and very excited to have more reason to visit Spokane! :)
And I love the way you've taken this blog, and will continue to keep up. Much love and grace to y'all!
Thanks Wanju! I really wanted to tell you the last time I saw you, but it wasn't official yet. I hope it all works out too, and YES come visit us! Once we have our own house, you can definitely stay with us anytime. :)
I cannot wait for you to be here! Tony and I are here to help with open arms! Love you!
Aww thank you Angie! I'm so excited to be living near you again! Looking forward to hanging out with you guys lots.
I've been waiting for this blog post!!! yay!! So so excited! and we will be more than happy to help you rediscover this awesome city! oxox
YAYYYYY! We are so excited to be near you guys!
I've been following your blog/IG for some time and while I will be sad not to have more regular updates from you I completely understand, I'm currently on maternity leave with my 4 month old. The time when they are little goes by so quick so I fully understand wanting to prioritize your family! Good for you! When you do post though, I'll look forward to hearing about any new favourite baby gear and of course your new home!
Aww, thank you Joanna! Enjoy maternity leave!!! I'm glad to hear you like the baby/family/home posts, because I'm pretty sure that's what the majority of my blogging will be going forward. :)