I didn’t really know what life had in store for our family two-and-a-half years ago when we moved to the lake. We moved from North Austin, close to Target, neighbors surrounding us, friends just a short drive away.

We moved to a neighborhood on Lake Travis. Some folks live on the lake, others (like us) are only a short walk away. It’s quiet out here. Most houses evenly spaced with acres between them. A community that gathers on the shores of the lake to fish, boat, and swim. To BE.

It took us a while to adjust to the move. Knowing that we moved to slow down our pace of life. When Makena, at two, was waking up asking to GO somewhere I knew things had to change. The need to GO. The need to stay busy.

I still hear from people that we live ’so far away.’ From what I ask?

We like it out here. I like to sit on my porch and do nothing. I like to sit in the yard and watch the kids roll down the hill in their wagon at top speeds. I like to sit at the lake. I like impromptu picnics in the yard and down at the lake. I love to sit on my couch, with toys and art supplies strewn about. I LOVE that. I like it that my kids think that going on a nature hike involves navigating around the cedar trees in the yard. Picking up rocks and sticks along the way to aid them in their imaginary play.

Mind you, the need to GO is in my blood. My mema was a mover and a shaker and could shop like nobody’s business. I still love to shop, don’t get me wrong. With time, the need to go has subsided. I prefer handmade gifts over the store bought variety. To me, it’s easier because I don’t have to leave the house.

For Valentines this year, we are making these. I don’t have to buy anything. I still don’t know what I’ll do for my own kids, but it will be handmade and they will love it because their mama tried. Part of setting my limits involves just showing you a good idea someone else came up with and not showing you how I make it. I am surrounded by a community of extremely talented ladies and they do a darn great job of showing you how. I am thankful for that.

I think it’s a constant work in progress. To slow down. To say no.

I have found wisdom and inspiration here, here and here. Learning to set my limits, to know I am not alone. The fear, the joy, the pain.

Don’t get me wrong, I know we aren’t all living at the lake. You can slow down wherever you are. It was a process to get here. Mentally as well as physically. Selling our 2,300 sf house, moving into a tiny apartment with two little ones for 4 months, then finding a very small lake house. Selling half of our furniture, trading in cars, reducing our spending. Learning that passed down furniture is the very best find. Trying to make it all fit in this house. The constant rearranging to make it work.

Last year, starting preschool 30 miles away so we’d still be tied to the city somehow. Then doing some homeschooling in the fall while I wrapped up the Craft Hope book in the last trimester of my pregnancy and adjusting to a new baby in the house. And now putting the kids in a new school two minutes from the house. With other lake kids, whose parents have chosen to live a life less ordinary as well.

It’s what works best for our family. I’m just doing my best here. I think we all are.