Sunday, February 19, 2012

Stories Told

I've had my nose in books the last few weeks and I wanted to share my winter reading!  I have been pondering how in depth to pursue farm animals and gardening this spring considering the many other responsibilities under my care!  It's much easier to read someone else's farming adventures than trudge out into the rain and cold mucking stalls, milking and feeding every day!  The books I've read most recently are:


Homesteading in the 21st Century - How One Family Created a More Sustainable, Self-Sufficient, and Satisfying Life by Goerge Nash & Jane Waterman.


&

Growing a Farmer by Kurt Timmermeister
www.kurtwoodfarms.com


Both books are stories of farming with it's pleasures and trials written in a modest way.  I found many things I could relate to in our own story since we bought our home and humble 2 acres almost 7 years ago.  We have had chicks, a bull calf, goats, rabbits, a pony and a horse, kittens and dogs and children!  (but not all at the same time) Apparently there are more stories to tell about our own adventures up to this point!  I also thought they were realistic and very informational! 

The one called Growing a Farmer is about a farm on Vashon Island which isn't too far from where we live so it was easy to relate!  Also, I grew up visiting grandparents on Vashon and have fond memories on their 10 acre farm so that was a bonus! 

I do have one more book that I would like to read but I will need to order it first called Year of Plenty!  Since it's been too cold to get my hands dirty I have been satisfied with reading about it and dreaming!  Please do tell if you have other reading suggestions! 
Blessings,
Olivia

Friday, February 10, 2012

Suddenly schooling

Well, let's just say there has been a bit of a mid-course direction change around here lately.  It started with all the missed school around the holidays and then during our recent winter storms really.  Then we had a boy on our hands who just couldn't seem to transition back into the school day.  A few tearful mornings on top of a few phone calls home from teacher gave us the clue that finally our son has had enough of the traditional classroom.

It has been 3 1/2 long years in coming to be honest.  Failure to thrive.  But not on the part of anyone in particular (and especially not our son) but more along the lines of the current popular method of schooling.  It just doesn't suit everyone.  In fact, I think there are many of us it doesn't suit very well.  Don't get me wrong, our daughter loves her school, is thriving and learning and is social as a bug.  But as wonderful as school is for some it is simply painful for others. 

And so I have a new job it seems!  I am a part time teacher now and we started just this week!   Don't I seem enthusiastic?  Well...


Truthfully, this is not the plan I would have chosen for myself.  This year I thought I would have 3 older children in school and one tiny darling little helper home with me.  I thought that my husbands untraditional work schedule would mean that I would have time to work on soap & candle making, time to volunteer, and a little time to myself.  Actually, he has worked more than ever and now I have a new role I didn't expect. 


It's not what I pictured...it's taken a few days to get used to the idea...reframe my expectations.  Realize I am still much needed by the little people in our home. 

And of course then I remember this is absolutely part of the dreams I have for our family.  The hobby farming, the gardening and soap making and children raising and homeschooling are a beautiful fit in this country lifestyle we have chosen.  Most of all, it's the children who are the blessings that make everything else worthwhile.  So we will do whatever it takes to see them healthy, happy and thriving and we will in return be blessed beyond measure. 

About Me

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wife & mother of 4 beautiful children, 2 girls & 2 boys. small business co-owner; catering and a restaurant/alehouse, writer, gardener, lover of freedom and humility found in christ, small town enthusiast, book reader, admirer of noble truths, beauty and love

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