HomeAs I mentioned earlier, Chris and I were able to take a couple of days away while we were in MN and spend some time alone. Thanks to grandparents!
On our anniversary this year (June 11) Chris surprised me with making reservations at an English style bed and breakfast in Hayward, WI. Check out their site here @ McCormick House.
We had heard about this place from our good friends the Drevlows, but hearing about it doesn’t do it justice. You have to go to experience it for yourself!
I did only have to wait a bit before experiencing this amazing place but it was truly worth it. I was apprehensive about leaving the girls because it had been awhile that Mackenzie was away from us and we had never left Aubrynn. But after thinking about it, it had been 2 years since we had gone away. Our previous anniversary was spent moving our home to MO. So this was some needed time away.
It was absolutely wonderful. The house is beautiful and the yard that it sits on is fabulously relaxing and quiet. It is run by two gentlemen, one from England and one from MN. They take good care of you while you are there and have made their lives there. Hearing about how they ended up there is a great story of wanting to slow down and taking a chance. The town of Hayward is a cute little tourist spot. The McCormick House is only a couple of blocks from the downtown area so a nice strolls pace will get you there. We had our fun at miniature golfing and go carts, antiquing, and perusing all the little shops that people have uniquely and creatively dreamed up. We also spent time just doing nothing.
For more photos click here
For me it was a time of breathing, like I had said in the previous post. I felt like it had been a long time since I had gotten a big, deep breath of cool, crisp air. I had been feeling a bit uptight about some things. A couple of weeks prior to leaving for MN, I had stopped nursing Aubrynn kind of randomly. I was torn because I knew I kind of had to in preparation for our trip away but she was still so attached. So it just kind of happened that way. But with me stopping this, I was finding some new found freedom. I was able to get up in the morning and go for a run or stay out a bit later at night with girlfriends because I didn’t have to be home for Auby. But I was feeling frustrated because I didn’t know what to do with myself! I didn’t remember what I liked to do or even if I liked to do anything at all! I wasn’t pregnant or nursing anymore, so who was I? I think every mom probably goes through this but it was very frustrating for me, until I got to the McCormick House.
I was inspired by all the little shops with artsy ware and creative memorabilia. I remembered that that’s what I like. That’s what I’m attracted to. That’s who I am. I missed looking at the world with an artists eye. Observing every detail to capture the perfect photo or slowing down and letting your hand guide you as paint is put on a canvas. I love art because it’s just an expression of who I am. There are no rights or wrongs. There can’t be, it’s just art. I have FREEDOM in what I create. I don’t have to create it for anyone but me. I choose if I share it with someone. No one can judge me unless I choose. I remembered that that’s how I enjoy life and that’s what had been missing.
I had a revelation that I just need to be who I am. I need to stop trying so hard and just let what’s in me come out. I have a problem with thinking people are always judging me but I think my problem is that I judge myself way too much. God and I had a little conversation about this and I am working on it. I desire to be who I am. I believe that I need to express myself through whatever means that may be. We all need to express ourselves. If no one expressed themselves this world would be a boring place. So I encourage you to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to be who you are. Think of it this way, if you don’t, you are depriving me of being inspired! 
It also was reaffirmed to me that it’s not worth doing something unless you can share it with someone. I had some wonderful time with my good friend Danielle while in MN. I am inspired by her. She has decided to take a chance and display her art for all to see. Check her out here @ Danielle Alana Photography. I miss being with people I can share life with. I can’t tell you how much I want to have those relationships here. As I long for those new friendships, I miss the old ones too. There are those people who will never be able to be replaced. It was great to connect with Danielle while in MN although it was heart breaking that we have to live so far apart.
So it was a fabulous time away and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Chris is an amazing husband and I can’t believe it’s been 4 years! I love him more everyday and can’t wait to continue our lives together. It was a great time to reflect and think upon some things, all of which I am trying to place into motion while at home living the daily life. I’m remembering to breathe daily and to enjoy life more with little snippets of surprise here and there. Expression is the key word these days.