The Forward Gratitude List

It was a day of packing. Every day I try to pack at least two boxes, hoping that by the time we get our truck next week it will be smooth sailing from here back to Alberta. It's been a wild few years that are finally coming to a close and I can honestly say, I am ready to settle down for awhile. My list of things I am looking forward to about the new spot we will call home keeps growing the more I dream about it. I thought tonight I'd write down some of that gratitude so in the dead of winter I can look back at this list and remember all the reasons I was excited before winter froze me out. 

1. Friends top the list. I am looking forward to having friends nearby and being able to do things with other Moms/kids again

2. Bath tubs. We haven't had a tub in almost three years. I am so tired of showering with kids. Bring on bed time baths and kid-free shower time for me

3. Laundry being on the same level as all the bed rooms. It will be so nice to never see fresh loads of laundry on my living room sofa again (current situation that I'm avoiding eye contact with)

4. Playground. We have one about 5 minute walk from our front door. I can't wait to take the girls no matter what the weather

5. A beautiful kitchen. When I've gained a solid 10lbs this winter it's because I plan to spend all day every day in that bright white kitchen

6. Separate bedrooms. We've had one if not two girls nearby everywhere we've been the last few years. I can't wait to put Isla in one room, the other two in another and shut all the doors at bed time

7. Ballet. I really loved the class Sophia has gone to twice now and I'm so glad both girls are signed up for fall classes. They love to dance, so much that I got a backyard performance (leo and all!) while we were outside tonight

8. A fresh start. I feel like that is what I need more than anything. It's been a hard year here. I feel like that is putting it so lightly too. I am ready to get out of here and explore Alberta like I've never been before. I'm ready to find a deeper spiritual side. I'm ready to be a runner again. I'm ready to discover talents and help them grow. I have so much I want to do. Going back to work better not get in the way of all the fun ;) 

And that's all for now. That list may seem silly but I haven't felt this good about something in a long time. I feel like the second I stopped trying to understand the timing of my life and started accepting things as they came, life and the direction I should be going became more clear. I am on the right track.