Slowly but surely, I'm falling head over heels for this little slice of country paradise.
Every time I tell David how much I love it here, he asks if I'd like to try and buy it instead of build. Buying it could be an option but 1) We've never had it inspected. There's no telling what kind of expensive updates may lie beneath. 2) It is in a historical farm district which makes the value of the land very high and requires that a minimum amount of land be sold with every home. 3) We have already purchased our house plans and they weren't cheap.
It makes me wonder. What is it that makes me love it so? Is it the personal touches all around me I didn't realize I missed so much and that really make a house a home?
There is something to be said about being surrounded by photographs, furniture and nick knacks that you find beautiful and personal in some way, shape or form.
"Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris
Is it the fact that we got a fresh start on forming new organizational systems, housekeeping routines and habits?
Or is it the cottage itself, nestled into the trees with all of its character and charm?
No matter what it is, this little cottage has allowed us to really starting LIVING in the here and now. Before, I felt as though we were going through the motions, just waiting for the next big step in our journey. Now we can live in the present and it sure is sweet.
~Sarah
I really liked your blog/channel before you became insufferable know it all hipsters. You are actually achieving nothing but putting a happy face on fail after fail and rudely putting anyone in their place who might dare disagree with or question you. Also, please rethink the "cheat" thing with your trendy diet, you'll give your son an eating disorder. He is already at a disadvantage with your lifestyle and ideals.
ReplyDeleteI won't be back and I bet others are as put off as I am.
Disagree and question away! All I ask is that people do it respectfully and kindly... I do not believe our way of living is what would feel right to everyone and you have the right to form your own opinion about it all. People have to find their own way. We are happily finding ours and I am documenting as we go (more for ourselves than anyone else, really). I put our life out there and there's no way I can please everyone. As for Ayden, he is loved, encouraged, respected and accepted every single day and will continue to be for the rest of his life. Eating disorders go a bit deeper than just knowledge about food and nutrition. He's going to be just fine. Thanks for following along for as long as you did!
DeleteSorry about that meanie above me. And I've never seen you put someone in their place if they disagreed with you, quite the opposite really... you're always so positive and respectful of differing opinions.
ReplyDeleteAnd I loved this blog post. We live on 3 acres of land and the country itself has quite a bit of charm. It's so peaceful and the stars... :: big sigh::
I'm sure as long as you're surrounded by what you love and those you love- you'll always be happy.
Thank you, Olivia. Anonymity makes people a bit brave and sometimes feisty I think. We are completely aware that we are "weird" to the average person and frankly, that doesn't bother us a bit :).
DeleteOh the stars! We honestly don't make it out to see them much which is CRAZY! I'm seeing a little date on a blanket in the yard after Ayden goes to bed tomorrow night! Thank you for your kindness and support. You are right, happiness is where the heart is and my heart is with my boys!!! There's not a thing anyone can say that can change that.
Oh and lightning bugs! Can't forget those. Looking out over a field of lightning bugs is so magical!
DeleteLightening bugs are the best! I actually just posted a photo I took of my little man catching some :)
DeleteSarah, I admire you for being so respectful and accepting of other people's criticism. It's a fine attribute. I also think its wonderful that you aren't put down when thing don't go as planned. It's so important to be flexible and open and more so to be positive about what possibilities and lessons you can find in supposed failures. I'm so glad you don't let life, or other people, get you down. My husband is very unconventional and I struggle with my parents inability to be accepting. It is what it is, but I definitely look up to you and your values and the confidence you have in them!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Maria! We are on a journey and just don't think it is wise to make big, permanent decisions until we find one that feels right. The beauty of it all is that we have the freedom and time to find exactly what we are looking for!! That's where I find the positivity. We actually don't feel like we've had any "failures"... I feel like we are in a wonderful place, full of excitement and opportunity. As for my values, I just try my best to be true to myself, even if it is different from what other people do or would expect. It has not always been easy but it is important to me. I am sorry your parents have a hard time accepting some things. I'm here if you ever need to talk anything out. <3
DeleteSee! You're wonderful! Thanks so much.
DeleteIt's unfortunate that she's so negative that she sees the different steps you guys have taken as failures. When I saw your little cottage I was jealous momentarily, feeling like awesome things like that don't seem to fall in my lap. It was the farthest thing from failure in my opinion. One step closer to the life you want to live. While I may not always see your life and think that I wish mine was exactly the same, I can see how you are clearly living the life you feel is best for you and your family at this point in your life. Kudos to you because putting your life out in the pubic to be scrutinized cannot be easy.
ReplyDeleteTHank you, Kayla! I really appreciate your support.
DeleteOh geez! I really admire you guys for your clean eating and simple living, and living your dreams! I wish I had a charming cottege in the country to come home to each night. And your families happiness with your choices is evident from your vlogs and posts. I'm sensing major jealousy from that negative comment. You guys rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! We truly are happy. No sugar coating necessary :).
DeleteAlways supportive of wonderful loving parents! Ayden is a blessed little man! You keep being classy....you're much more supported than not. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! We really do want what is best for Ayden, as all parents do. Nothing would ever be so important to cause him harm in any way. I appreciate your support so much!
DeleteThe person hiding behind the "anonymous" comment, couldn't be farther from the truth. You guys are very inspiring and encouraging. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThank you. That really means so much to me.
DeleteI think you should stay in the cottage and not build the house. Just my opinion. I think it is better to be conservative and live well within your means. You have found the simple life a few steps before you would find it, no need to complicate your life with house building angst. Maybe later on after your family grows you could still look into building a house.
ReplyDeleteI meant "before you thought you would find it." Maybe your husband asking you if you would rather just stay in the cottage means that is what he secretly wants but he will build the house for you if you say that is what you want.
ReplyDeleteBuying the cottage could be in the cards. We'd have to find out how much they'd want for it. There is a good chance it would cost more than building since we'd also be buying the minimum acreage of land (we'd be building on essentially free land) and we'd also have to put money into some updates and repairs. We'll dig a little deeper. Thanks for your suggestion! It helps us make sure we are really thinking of it from all angles.
DeleteIf you were posting all the negatives in your life (because we all have our challenges) you would be criticized for being whiny. Really you can't win. One of the things that keeps me coming back to your blog is your positivity. I find it refreshing,inspiring and encouraging. As far as I can tell you are honest that life is not always roses you just don't choose to focus your blog around those moments. i.e the dishwasher debate. Keep on spreading the simple joys in life and I think you will help other people see them too :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! :)
DeleteSo true. Thank you so much for your support. You get me :). I have definitely written about rough times too. I just really try to see the bright side in every situation so it takes a lot for me to write about anything else.
DeleteHey, girl, I follow you on YouTube, and also here on your blog. I noticed in one of the pics above you have a bookshelf set up with toys in Montessori fashion. I'd LOVE to see a post/video discussing this! Thanks!!
ReplyDelete