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Esmé turns One, and a family update

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And just like that, our baby is one…

It has been a beautiful, emotional week (at least for mama) celebrating our sweet girl. I don’t know how my heart could be any fuller, and yet each day I love her even more. Does it ever slow down, or will this overwhelming love continue to grow?

She’ll never fully understand this unbreakable bond (except maybe once she has her own children), but her dada and I wrote her a letter so she’ll always know what she means to us. Cue the sappy video…

As this milestone birthday passes and summer draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect back on this past year and where we are now. 2020 has been a strange, challenging and uncertain time. It has given us pause to re-evaluate both our daily lives and the bigger picture, focusing on our goals and what is most important.

Since settling down in Florida 2.5 years ago, life has thrown us a few curveballs and didn’t exactly unfold in the way we had planned. Our real estate goals have shifted, timelines adjusted and our focus has become clearer. We never imagined we’d be living in a home we dreamed up and built from scratch. We also didn’t think it would take us two years to finish our first investment, and that Covid would shut down the travel industry just as we were launching two AirBnbs.

riverside retreat living room

Through it all, Lucas has also held down a full-time sales job. Our real estate and renovation hours are largely nights and weekends, and we don’t have a team of contractors to rely on. We were prepared to dedicate our lives to this from Day 1, and that’s what we’ve done. Apart from taking a week off for our wedding and babymoon we’ve been here working non-stop. Two trips in 2.5 years compared to a different city every two nights for the better part of a year… that’s quite the adjustment!

seiser alm

But there’s one thing I know for sure—change is good. Change is necessary to live a full and rich life, and challenges are catalysts for growth. This year has brought challenges for many of us, but with that comes an important reassessment and shuffling of priorities. For us, that meant prioritizing what was best for our family, and what truly made us happy.

We realized it was more family bike rides, more beach outings, more morning snuggles, more time to DIY and finish projects around the house, less stress over work deadlines…

linen sofa

And so we’ve made the decision for Lucas to leave the corporate world (hopefully for good this time) to focus on our real estate goals and family life. To be completely honest, this was not something we thought would be possible at the beginning of this year, especially after Covid hit. There’s still a lot of uncertainty, and no one knows how the markets will be impacted in the near future. It’s risky to walk away from a full-time career right now, but we’d rather live a full life instead of predictable one.

After ten years of blogging I feel like I’m finally at a good place in my career, and I’m really finding my niche. I stay up at night dreaming about new projects, wake up excited to work on and share them with you. Lucas has also found a passion in DIY and would love to spend his days in the garage building, and spend more time with his daughter. Success is measured by happiness, not money. While it may not be the “safe” choice, we know it’s the right one for us.

Have the events of this year brought any big changes to your life? Have your priorities shifted? As difficult as may be to see through the fog right now, this year will become a blessing for many of us once the dust settles. All challenges are opportunities if you allow them to be. I hope you seize the ones that come your way this year ❤️

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  1. I love this decision you guys made! You won’t regret it.

    My daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder at 6 days old and while she will be fine, germs are her enemy so we decided I would quit my full-time job to stay home with her. It is what I wanted to do all along but didn’t think we could afford to do that. My husband works from home so we get to spend so much more time together and we love it! It is amazing how much happier life can be when you are focused more on family and less on acquisitions. I wouldn’t change any part of my life now for the world.

    I hope you guys love it as much as we have!

    • I’m so sorry to hear that Danielle, but what a blessing to have that time with her! It just goes to show that when you want something badly enough in life, you can find a way to make it happen. Family and relationships are all that matters in the end! So happy it all worked out for you <3

  2. Oh how this makes my heart swell!!!! I have always stayed home full-time with the kids and we even homeschooled for a few years. My hubby was always working and had a busy travelling schedule for work, although he was fully dedicated when home. This pandemic has meant he’s worked from home and hasn’t travelled and he’s still planning on doing so for the foreseeable future. Life has been so much more relaxed and we have loved the quality family time it’s given us. No more wasted time commuting to and from work or weeks spent away from us. I am so happy for you guys…you won’t regret this!!!!

    • Thank you Amélie (love your name, by the way, it was on our girls name list!) This pandemic has given many the gift of time, and it’s something we will be eternally grateful for one day. I’m so glad it has had a positive impact on your family <3

  3. The video is a treasure she will love from years to come…..I am in tears of joy for your family! I am happy you chose you, family time and following your dreams…. that is the right decision for your family in this stage of life. I look forward to the many more projects you will share with your audience. Happy birthday little Esmé 🥰🎂

  5. If it doesn’t work out, jobs will always be available. Follow your dreams!! I love that you are telling your daughter you don’t need to follow the path well taken, make your own.

  7. Incredibly inspiring and heartfelt- thank you for sharing. You both are talented beyond measure! So happy for your family- what an adventure! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

  8. I’ve been following your journey for many years and seeing your happiness and joy brings me such happiness and joy! I’m so excited for Lucas to be home full time and for Esme’s 1st birthday!!!! Sending lots of love and good wishes from New Mexico!!!

  9. What a sweet way to remember your daughters first year of life and a gift for her to have, especially when she is older. Excited for you all on this new adventure. COVID has definitely been life changing. Some good changes have occurred because of it, like families being able to spend more time together. Many blessings on this new season of life.

  11. What wonderful news! I’m so looking forward to all the creative and inspiring projects you’ll be sharing.
    Happy Birthday, Esmé, you were born to wear a tiara!

  13. Happy Birthday and congratulations! At 54, I wish I’d had that wisdom about living life in the present rather than “after” some predetermined milestone. You enjoy what you do and you enjoy one another and most importantly you express gratitude for the opportunity to do both. That is amazing!

    I look forward to watching your journey unfold as I start my own. (It’s never too late!)

  14. I worked with Lucas at FC. I’m sorry to see him go but what the two of you have created is something really beautiful. I wish you three the best of luck. I know you’ll only continue to grow and be successful.

  15. In this time of world turmoil, chaos, negativity, uncertainty, and deception the most important thing we can do is to fortify our family relationships. We hold our loved ones and our values sacredly close. I’m glad that Lucas knew the value of you being home with Esme as a full time momma instead of working outside the home. He is stellar. So now it’s awesome that you put your trust and faith in your togetherness to bring him home too to move in this direction. It will all work out. Even better than you now know.

  16. Great news for you. You won’t regret the change. Follow your heart. During my preschool years, my mom BBC and dad were both home. It was a precious time.

  17. These are fantastic news!! I’m SOOO happy for your little family. I got worried you would not be blogging anymore but instead it was the opposite and I am so excited for this new chapter in your lives. Congratulations on making that huge decision and wish you much success! You’ve got this!!!! <3

  19. Happy first Birthday, sweet Esmé 💛
    your parents have a beautiful soul, and I have been happy to know this blog for un very very long time.
    I kiss you Esmé, from Brittany in France.

  20. Cuteness overload! I can’t believe it’s already been a year; no doubt you say the same. Happy birthday sweet Esme’. I’m looking forward to your continued inspiration here on the blog.

  21. Good for you guys! Seize the day! Your talent should cast a wide security net…you deserve it! ❤️

  22. What a treasure the video will become for your daughter! Thank you for sharing such tender thoughts, it made my day. The family photos are beautiful, and Esme’ seems like she is such a happy baby.
    My favorite poem is a Robert Frost one, and in part, it says, “two roads diverged into the wood, and I, I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference”. Best wishes for success in the choices you are making.

    • One of the truest quotes and one we try to live by! I’m so happy you liked the video Charisse. Our girl is the happiest, we are so lucky.

  23. You are the sweetest family!
    In the words of Bob Marley “ Every Little thing gonna be alright”.
    ❤️

  24. This is so great! I left my job as a physical therapist to be a stay at home mom and it’s THE BEST! I’ll go back to work someday but for now family is the list important thing. You and Lucas do amazing work and I can’t wait to see what you all come up with when not distracted! Congratulations!

  25. That’s so great for you guys! You’re both so talented and hard working…you’ll nail it. Yup, that pun was absolutely intended. You’re welcome. I’m so happy for you making this opportunity for yourselves and your birthday girl. Time together (especially in the baby years) is an amazing gift and worth any risks you take to get to it! I’d wish you luck but I know you don’t need it 🤗

  26. This is the unexpected fork in the road you’ve been traveling towards all along. You’re talents are infinite as a couple and the results you produce in every aspect among the best out there.

    There is a market and need for your creative and inspirational Designs. The affordable tips and how to tricks that you share make it real for your followers to have design within our reach.

    Congratulations on your decision. Hoping you will succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Best wishes

  27. Beautifully said! Enjoy every moment because they do grow super fast!
    We’ve been contemplating moving to central Florida from Pennsylvania. Are you happy you made that move?

    • Thank you Lisa! We were just staring at the neon sunset the other night talking about how fulfilled we are here. For me, a lot of it has to do with the climate–I am a tropical weather girl through and through and don’t belong anywhere else. If you don’t love the humidity and storms, don’t love the beach/water lifestyle and need mountains, it might not be your jam. And of course every city/neighborhood has a different vibe, so you can find a place that feels like home to you. Just my two cents 😉

  28. Happy 1st Birthday to your adorable daughter! You will never outgrow this incredible full, loving heart. My 5 children are in their 20’s and 30’s and when I hear them call me mom, to this day, my heart melts. Only 5 people in this big ole world could call me that! Now, as of June, I have a daughter-in-law and she calls me mom…and so the joy expands!
    I wish you well with the changes in your life plan…”safe” can be overrated. 😉

    • Congrats on your large and growing family! I can’t imagine my heart growing any fuller but this perfect girl of ours makes me want to have ten more 😆

  29. What an exciting time for your family. I can’t wait to see all the beauty you will create together.
    Change is good!!!
    P.S. Your girl is a doll!!

  30. You’ll never regret the choices made to make your family a priority. Good for you both in recognizing this while Esmee’ is young!! God bless your family.

  32. Never realized Lucas had (past tense) a full time job! What the two of you have created (besides Esme) is all the more incredible given the part time ability! Happy Birthday to Esme and much luck in all your future endeavors.

  33. That video melted my heart, goose bumps and all he feels! You guys are amazing and truly inspiring!

  34. Congratulations! I think it’s an amazing decision for Lucas to be following his heart and leaving the security of his job, especially during a time of such uncertainty! Nothing like a global crisis to make us realize how short life is and how important it is to spend each day doing what we love. It’s courageous and inspiring. And I’m sure it’ll be for the best- you are both so talented, creative and hard-working. It’s been so fun to follow along with your progress and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you two.

  36. That’s so exciting! Job changes can be scary, but it will be worth it! I made a job change last year, and it’s been wonderful but it was scary at first. I have 2 kids including an 8 yo daughter named Jenna 😊, and I have to say my love for them continues to grow…not even sure how that is possible, but it is. Your daughter is adorable! ❤

  38. Absolutely Beautiful video of Esme`! Somehow I missed this important notice! She is one lucky, adorable little sweetheart.

    The wonderful news of this new turn of events, must feel like a dream, a breath of new life and excitement!

    All of us following are anticipating waiting for your new projects, especially now that you will have have more time!

    Have you ever done video photography for a living? Could be your next business, but honestly I love reading and watching and following your story, your designs and your tutorials!

    Many wishes for the future and happy dreaming!

    • That is so sweet of you to say, Janice! We feel so fortunate to be in this position. And videography is something I’ve always enjoyed as a hobby and way to capture our family’s memories 🙂

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Hi, I’m Jenna and I’ve been designing and DIY’ing my way through homes since 2008. Join me as I learn, share my experience, and hopefully encourage/inspire you along the way!

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