Finding a good routine

Meanwhile as the big kids have been rotating through getting to work with the different crews outside, I’ve got at a big helper here with me along with Sonora on down. We hold down the fort, keep the fire going, keep hot meals ready for whenever they get to come in for a quick break, keep up with all the regular homemaking chores, school the kids and….the list never ends.

I love being here at home and getting to look out the big windows that are on 2 sides of the kitchen/living room. It reminds me of home on the farm where we can lookout and see who is going where. Often times there is a tractor, truck and trailer, bail chopper, or horse that is going by. I love feeling like I can keep up with everyone without having to be the one out and about. I think Stephen has turned me into a home body!

I LOVE my job as a mama, but sometimes I get complacent with my responsibilities. It’s unintentional for sure, but one day I’ll look up and realize the kids didn’t answer with a good attitude, or I’ve had to tell someone multiple times to pick up their shoes, or the squabbles between the little ones just aren’t going away. And finally I’ll realize, THATS MY JOB! I don’t know why I think they will fix themselves, but no matter how long I leave things undone or unattended, it doesn’t get better, but much worse. So moving up here is like a fresh start for me-mentally. I’ve kicked it into another gear and I’m purposing to not let things slide by me. I realize it’s going to take time for new habits to be formed and good attitudes cultivated, but what an honor to get to train these little children to be mighty warriors for Gods kingdom!

The kids have enjoyed exploring around this little house, finding treasures, riding bikes, taking turns with papa, doing school and eating. My kids are always hungry! I’m so thankful for sourdough food-we make about 3 batches of something every day! I’m also thankful for this fresh start with school. I have really enjoyed working with the younger ones this last week. They are doing some fun new things and I’m sure the newness will wear off eventually, but for now I’m really enjoying my time with them!

Martin took me and some of the kids on our first trip to town. We went to Burns, OR. The drive was just beautiful! Stephen would have loved it! He has always said he wants to live 2 hours away from the nearest Walmart. Well, Burns doesn’t have a Walmart and they are an hour and a half away. We went 38 miles on a dirt road and really enjoyed our experience. The little community of folks seemed very friendly. We got everything we needed too! We picked up some parts at the Napa, got our first Azure Standard order, did a little bit of thrifting and came home just in time for bed! It’ll take me a while to get used to the travel time, but the scenery is beautiful and we really enjoyed our trip!