Camburgers and Apple Pie

Today we celebrated Cam's birthday... well, the festivities began yesterday.  I had finished a tough exam at school, came home and took the kiddos for a walk in the sunshine.  I remembered I had stashed away a gift card for a cabin getaway in Winthrop that my folks had given us for Christmas, and eureka... what a better time than a birthday and post test anxiety.  So, we packed up and left the mountains.  We seem to really be living it up lately (just been lucky I guess), but we were just discussing how those days will quickly come to an end as our homestead grows, and there are more mouths to feed (animals not kids people)and chores that need to be done.  

 For the time being though, I think we are somewhat enchanted with our new location and enjoy exploring around us, and my mom really spoils us when it comes to things like this.  The cabin we stayed in was awesome!  Cam's always a little anti-Winthrop due what he would call the "patchouli factor" (ie... too many hipsters), but man he was ready to join the crowd when he saw the hot tub on the porch that looked out over the river.  What a place... and to think we didn't have to cross a pass to get there (well actually we did --the Loup, but it was definitely not a 4 hour drive)!  The kids loved it of course, and we were able to just walk downtown for dinner at Cam's favorite hunting hitching post "Three Finger Jacks."  I don't really care how hippy it is, I love the decor, and know that if I have a past life, it was spent in a time period such as Winthrop emulates... coming to town once a month with my horse, wagon, shotgun and hearing the cowboys boots hit the wooden plank sidewalks.  I love it.  Thanks mom!

I'd like to say, Cam and I stayed up staring into eachothers eyes while the hot tub jetted around us, but being a parent is 24/7, and poor little B came down with a nasty case of congestion that left me sleeping in the king master bedroom with B on my chest and Bear close by, while Cam was left with the smaller bed all by his lonesome.... HA talk about foiled romance!  We got a couple hours of couple time in though, which is always nice, and we always have a good time together, when the world is pushed aside for a fleeting moment before there's a half naked toddler at your sliding glass door!  You have to enjoy the moments when you can, my cousin told me recently that your time is the best thing you can give someone, and I'm really trying to make the few down moments we have count. 

 Kendyl woke seriously under the weather, so we had an early breakfast in Twisp, and hit the road.  The kids rarely (thank God), get sick.  It's like mother hen mode when they do though.... Vicks, fluids, humidifier, rest... there's part of me that sickly enjoys their poor little faces when all they want is to snuggle and SIT STILL with mom (knowing it's only a little cold of course).  After a good nap today, I think she's on the mend though, and I'm not sure what could slow that girl down two days in a row.

Anyone who knows Cam, knows that burgers were on the menu, and he has been requesting a pie for sometime now, so I set to work on that as well.  Bear helped me with the pie crust, and rolled some of the extras (which seemed to disappear magically).  Birthdays are such fun, and it's a good time to celebrate a person.  Cam never fails to amaze me in his ability to remain positive about whatever is going on with our life.  He's freakishly positive and stable, which is good because I may be a little more on the what I like to call "highly passionate" side.  We are good partners though, and I know everything is better with him by my side.  Burgers and pie were a success!  I forgot how good apple pie really is....

One exciting piece of homestead news is... we may be adding to our brood!!!!!  No Gram, not a baby.... a Pup!  I have been looking for sometime now (like years), for a female Ridgeback.  When researching the breed, it's very evident the gender differences in these dogs... It's like a lion pride... Females hunt, kill, defend... and the males step in when some muscle is needed to finish the job.  I of course, love this, and have dreamed of the dog that will basically be the kid's bodyguard, and my running companion.  Anyway, I actually started looking at importing one directly from South Africa, because we were told it's fairly similar cost wise, but ended up finding a somewhat local breeder.  So... we may be expanding!  Our first Eastern Washington baby!  

My countdown to the end of the quarter is on... so the next few weeks will be pretty intense.  Cam's rented out our neighbor's wood splitter, and is looking to possibly buy a welding machine to start a few jobs here and there as our schedule allows.  Like I said, there's a lot of unknowns, but I feel like we always make it happen one way or the other.  The weather has been gorgeous, but chilly here, and the threat of possibly a little more snow has been whispered about.  The locals seem to be worried about the lack of snow pack and how dry that will make things come summer, and the lack of water that is already showing.  It's a different feeling living in a place where nature actually affects your livelihood/potential safety.  While we dealt with flooding a bit back home, it never seemed to affect the community as a whole, but here it's fire danger, crops, animals, and homes depending on the tendencies of 'ol Mother Nature. 

I always tell Cam that I don't know how this blog will continue, because I'm not the world's most exciting person, but I always seem to have things to catch up on and talk about....
Bear turned 4 this past week.  Hard to believe really.  Seems like just yesterday Cam and my mom were plotting against me to get me to the hospital so they didn't have to deliver a baby on their own.... I always have thought Cam would've done just as good as any doc! 

To celebrate the big 4 year old we took a little road trip to Idaho.  A nice novelty about moving is being able to explore farther East then we have in the past.  Kellogg, Idaho was our destination, a quaint mining town now host to a ski resort and indoor waterslides! We hit Cabela's and Couer d' Alene on the way, and enjoyed a scenic drive through Northern Washington and into Idaho. Kellogg, once home to a silver mine, now is a resort town nestled in the mountains and near a beautiful Idaho river.  It was a gorgeous weekend for exploring new territory.  After waking up "in a new state," as Cam likes to remind us, we had some time to kill before hitting the slides; so we decided to go on the longest gondola in the United States!  A 3.2 mile climb to the ski lodge above the town.  The kids loved it, as did we.  We have grown  used to seeing the open land, and the trees seemed a change for us.  Next, was the waterslides!!!  What fun to watch Barrett.  I am so happy with his courage and adventurous spirit.  As a mom, I of course am protective and always wondering how he will handle different situations, but at the same time we intentionally encourage exploration, and he never fails to amaze us.  Once he figured out the slides, it was on!  Even Kendyl, running on no nap, was game for anything!  Bear was so proud to go on the slides by himself!!  There is nothing like the joy of your child. 
The kids wore themselves out.. Kendyl tried to fall asleep at dinner and was "officially" in bed by 6:30 and slept for 13 hours or so!  If a child's happiness is measured by how hard they sleep, I'd say we had an all around successful birthday weekend.  The resort is gorgeous and I could definitely see heading back sometime. 
We arrived back home to Cal and Dottie, who had joined us the week before we left, after one of my long school weeks.  Very nice to spend some time with them, and enjoyed another birthday celebration for Barrett and Cam.  It's nice to have the company, even when I have my nose stuck in a
book.  Cal gave Cam a hand with the endless pile of wood we seem to have, and they were able to take the quads out.  We always enjoy their company!

This was a short week for me (only one day of school and no clinicals), and let me tell you.... I could get used to this schedule!  We took advantage of the sun, and melted snow, to get up in the state land above our property to look for shed antlers.  We didn't have any luck on the shed front, but it was nice to stretch our legs, get outside, and reacquaint ourselves with the territory.  We were impressed how much Bear hiked, and it felt good to be out and about.  Cam continued to work on the wood pile throughout the week and me and the kids have had some good outside time.  I was able to get a good run in as well.  We seem to be gaining strength.   

Had a good visit with the neighbors and 3 of their kiddos today; nice to have some kids around, and some adult conversation as well.  The kids play hard, and I know it's probably good for them to see some faces other than ours every once in a while.  We certainly spend a lot of time thinking about their future and how we'd like to attempt to shape it.  Maybe the norm isn't all it's cracked up to be, this world sure seems to be in a spiral.....  We have a lot of unknowns right now, our 5 year plan is definitely written in sand for easy editing.  Nevertheless, our wings are stretched and the view is fine. 

Put your big girl panties on and....

There's a new sense of life around here with just the brief change of weather.  The snow has melted on our hillside, and while it remains down in the meadow, most our roads are clear and we are able to spend increasing amounts of time outside with the kids.  It sounds like a small change, and  I alluded to it a bit in my last blog, but I can tell you that spirits are lifting around here.  Two factors I think are at play.  One is a feeling of accomplishment for making it through the winter.  We survived the travel trailer in sub 10 degree weather, we took bare land and added to it water, power, and shelter, and we remain standing together.  Maybe it's a bit like childbirth, maybe God helps you remember the good stuff,  and forget some of the bad, because really you don't have much choice but to do it all over again!  The other part of the equation is the hint of spring in our step.  We get to be outside more, which I believe is one of the most powerful mood boosters.  The skies have cleared and we are reminded as we look around of the power of what we have done and the beauty that surrounds us.  We are looking forward to spring projects including building a chicken coop, a bit of fencing, and gardening...  practically paradise if you ask me.  There is just a boost generated from the swirling of all these emotions, that winters' troubles are no more, and we can finally put our best Muck boot forward.

Let my pause for a moment to catch you up on current Team Brown happenings.  We are now eating all at a table!  Cam built us an awesome "picnic" table.  I so enjoy being able to share a meal as a family again, there is just something to say for that.  Today he got an outdoor light up, which I'm sure will be nice to have on my early mornings.  Currently though, I am taking a brain break from homework, its around 10:30PM  and my husband has decided to make himself a hamburger.  Anyone who knows anything about Cam knows that heaven for Cam probably looks something like this.... A day of successful deer hunting in the backwoods, hunting coyotes with Dale Jr. on the way to the Daytona 500, where he is proceeded to be fed hand pressed bacon cheeseburgers (by his lovely wife of course--- who else were you imagining).   Hey, when you get a craving in your head... you make a hamburger at 10:30.  

Meanwhile, the youngest member of Team Brown is sleeping... in her big girl Tinkerbell undies.  Kendyl spotted a package of undies I had set away for her the other day, and she was done with diapers.... I mean flat out refused to have one back on her tender buns.  So, we are potty training (or being potty trained, I'm not sure).  It's a big day for us, because we have been in the diaper game for darn near 4 years.  It's a big moment and I'm sure if we had any babysitters within 200 miles we would be celebrating.  She is stubborn... Lord only knows where she gets that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Another thing..... we figured out this year the true meaning of "spring cleaning."  I really always thought it was some 1950's husbands ploy to get his wife to deep clean the house... but no,  I'm pretty sure spring cleaning is derived from people who live in areas that actually get a fair amount of snow.  See, you can never really predict when that first snow is going to come, so you forget to clean up your yard/property, and then the snow comes.... and in places that get real winters it never goes away until spring.  So, when the thaw comes it's like Christmas, you find that pitchfork you've been searching for, any construction garbage that flew around in a storm and got buried, and about three months worth of dog residue.... Hence the Spring Clean.  It all makes sense now.

After we spent yesterday afternoon spring cleaning, Cam took a dump run this morning while I was being potty trained, I mean potty training.  We had a rather uneventful morning, but got to stretch our legs on a little hike around the property this afternoon.  It's been some time since we could really do our loop, and it was nice!  Bear is quite the character hiking around.  He really launches himself Up and Down the hills.  He likes to tell us he's going to stay behind and then stalk us by running from tree to tree or army rolling down the hills.   Kendyl likes to find whatever snow patch she can and eat a handful, and she definitely likes to stop and smell the pinecones (she may be the world's slowest hiker, but maybe she's just light years ahead us in nature appreciation).  Cam figures the bears are probably getting ready to wake up, and we noticed quite a few small buds on the bushes down in the
canyon.  Like I said... hope.  Time to dust of the running shoes......   

The Thaw

I apologize for the delay... extra moments are hard to create these days.  I definitely have been letting down my publisher (Cam). 

Things here are.... MUDDY.  I believe we may have seen the last of the snow fall, but we aren't counting it out.  Nevertheless, the roads are a Jeep's dream.  We have gotten some reprieve from the fog that has kept us socked in, and I have to say, WOW!  Cam and I walked up to our future house site today and the movies were flowing: drinking coffee soaking in the early morning Eastern Washington sun, a patio overlooking simple beauty, a garden oasis behind the house with the wildlife gracing us with their passing presence.. yes please!  We've been making plans for a chicken coop and a few outbuildings to grace our land.  It's a challenge to start from bare land, but we shape everything that happens, and Cam's hands make it real; there's something to say for that.  We enjoy dreaming up a blueprint, and creating our ranch.  It's nice to think about these things... our goals in the midst of somewhat controlled chaos. 

After a 12 hour clinical day Thursday my husband made me a fabulous dinner that led into a three day weekend.  We took a chance and waded through the mud to the park in Conconully.  It's one of my favorite drives... ranches, rolling hills, and OLD ranches.  The kids enjoyed the park.... until Bear took a spill in an icy puddle. So he rode in his skivvies home.  It's a cute little town.  We were reminded of one of the last times we were there; property searching...Cal and Dottie had come over to visit us.. and it was hot!  We have been here for almost 6 months and have seen summer, fall, and winter, with spring in sight.  Today we rode the quads farther than we have gone for quite some time.  While the ice is less, we took turns pulling eachother out of snow banks.  There is something powerful though about the promise of spring; weathering the storm, the promise of something new and bountiful.    
 
Had a great weekend away with good friends and my parents.  Cam went on his annual coyote derby down near Moses Lake.  I was glad for him to get a break, and he so enjoys the predator chase.  Anna graciously made the journey to our mountain estate to watch the kiddos while I had a long clinical day, during which I of course returned to my car to find a flat tire (the third since moving here).  When it rains it pours!  After a popcorn stop at Les Schwab we met Derrick down in Wenatchee and had an amazing sushi dinner.  It was so nice to visit with them, I had such a great time!  My parents then met us in Leavenworth to enjoy a pre birthday party for Bear and some time together.  What a great place they arranged, a lot of good childhood memories there.  The kids are definitely beyond blessed by all the love they are showered with, and it is nice to reconnect when we can.  We returned home for the Super Bowl with our neighbors and their family.  Enjoyed the good company and good food before the end of the mini vacation. 





School continues to be a challenge.  And yes I seem to have risen to the academic occasion, but it's a hard balance to keep, and I fear I am not the best juggler.  It's a battle I'm trying to keep in stride and remind myself of the end goal for my family and myself.  The journey though, that's where one should place their attention, and I'm trying to hang on to that.  Sometimes not quitting or giving up is the biggest measure of success...

At War

I never really wanted to be a nurse growing up, it wasn't my calling, heck I really didn't even like blood and have been known to have "adverse reactions."  It was more so the direction I didn't want to go.  Career paths I often considered were: farmer, wildlife biologist, archeologist, bed and breakfast owner... you get the picture.  At some point though, you realize you have to find a path that can pay the bills, provide for your family, and make you feel like a somewhat productive human being.  So, why not choose something I wasn't exactly sure if I could stomach, and a fairly intensive course of study... Right???.  Cam's always telling me that I am not happy with myself unless pushing myself to some sort of personal limits.  I like to pretend I am totally capable of being a zen peaceful mother, but it's not always accurate.  The challenge of natural childbirth, school/work/family balance, running as far as I can; I may be one of those sick people that just loves to torture themselves just for the sake of the challenge. 

Wednesday I came home from class in an excited nervous stupor.  My instructor told me I was to observe a surgical procedure the following day, Thursday.  I immediately played the movie of me, in the operating room, either throwing up, or passing out, hitting my head on something, ending up as a humiliated nursing student in the ER (hopefully they would have decent popsicles).  I almost told them in advance NOT to call my husband, that I would gladly walk 10+ miles home while I recovered both physically and mentally. So I watched a few You Tube movies, freaked myself out, practiced blurring my eyes without it looking like I wasn't watching the gross parts, phoned a few people in the medical field, had a glass of wine and called it a night.  I'm not sure if I slept much, but I made it to the hospital in time, and managed to eat a little something.  I was already sweating and contemplating wearing a helmet???  I met up with my nurse, changed into OR scrubs, and headed in with a full on battle playing in my mind. They told me not to worry if I got woozy, but just to sit down, it happens to a lot of people, even the most experienced.  Sometimes though, you feel like your character is being tested, and no one wants to fail that exam. 

Initial anesthesia went well (needles I don't mind), and I was set up in full view of the procedure.  Incision, not so bad, I started relaxing knowing the surgical timeline in my mind, that really I could probably keep from falling over for how long it would take.  I'll spare you the gory details for both patient privacy and the fact you may be eating a fabulous snack while you read this.  Needless to say though, by the end of the surgery I was ready to jump right in.  It was AMAZING.  I couldn't believe how interested I was in inner body parts and what doctors could do to them.  The human body is really incredibly complex, but then at the same time it's totally logical and perfectly constructed to make sense.  I told Cam it's probably like working on a car, once you know what you are looking at, and how it functions is very apparent.  Anyway, I rocked it.  Totally conquered one of my biggest fears in life, and got the confidence boost that maybe my limits had just been stretched a bit farther. 

In modern day America, the average person has it pretty easy.  As a whole we don't fear for our safety, wonder where our next meals will come from, or spend the twilight hours sharpening our swords ready to defend someone's honor or beliefs.  We live in peaceful autopilot, rarely pushing the limits.  I mean don't you ever want to paint yourself with war paint, jump on a horse, yell really loud and go to battle??.  When do you ever get an opportunity to go balls to the wall.  Sports are about the only thing left where we can satisfy that inner warrior, and now everyone is supposed to win anyway, so where's the fun in that and how does that teach anyone to strive or push past their safety net?   We are fortunate, of course, that we don't have such things to worry about, but it leaves people unsatisfied and unwilling to act.  Tune into the discovery channel, people are now going to great lengths to try and reverse our technical evolution, to go back to basic survival and challenge.  I know Cam and I feel that desire often. 

Do I want my kids to experience a country wide depression, civil war, or the like? No... absolutely not.  But I want them to know the power they possess and have some fire under them.  I don't want fear to cripple their actions or expectations to limit their drive.  As a best parent, sometimes the best place to start is with yourself.   

Adaptation

On the way home today we were discussing how we hardly feel the cold around here anymore.  I generally wear a sweater when running errands or going to school, but the length of our outdoor adventures has greatly increased.  If the weather stays above 20 degrees we are good to go, with life progressing as usual.  We ride quads, play outside, go for walks all in weather that usually would have been cause for alarm.  I guess you could say we are adapting. 

There has been a lot of that along this journey.  First it was adapting to the change of lifestyle.  Being compressed into functioning out of a trailer forces quick mental and physical change.  It meant starting a generator before any power could be provided, walking 100 yards (downhill one way) to use the "facilities," and all the problems associated with these activities in 9 degree weather.  Then it was me transitioning to life outside of being mom and housewife and only part time employee.  It's been transitioning to having a village like support system, to being alone, 20 minutes on gravel, to a road that can't even be found on GPS.   It's Cam planning how to provide power, water, and living amenities on a BARE piece of land with our name on it.  I could write a book on all the challenges he has already faced. 

For years I have kept in my car a little note my dad wrote that says "Loop--Remember it's about the journey when you get to your destination."  Although I looked at it everyday for who knows how long, it's really sunk in lately.  One thing we always say is how busy we constantly are.  There is always something going on, and more often than not several somethings at a time.  Ever since we got married it has literally been non stop, kid, work, friends, family, school,  another kid, repeat, move.  How many times during a week do you think "wow, I am so busy where did the week go?"  You want to know why???  It's because we are living in auto pilot.  How often do you actually think about what you're doing?  It's more so zombie land... get up, feed kids, shower, go to do whatever it is you do, come home, eat, bed.  Repeat... Repeat.. Repeat...   We have all the amenities to make it easy, but our brains, and more so mindfulness are wasting away in repetition. 

I've been doing a little experiment lately, because my days are so packed.  I'm going from 5:30 to sometimes 1 in the morning.  Kids, school, studying, husband, and somewhere in between eat and use the indoor "facilities."  I've been trying to actually think about what I'm doing.... being in the moment if you will.  It's amazing what it will do to your day... I highly recommend trying it.  Turn off the auto pilot and just pay attention to what you are doing, the people around you, and the task at hand.  Just an idea....

School is back in full swing.  I can't believe how much we have to read.  I'll be starting in the local hospital this Thursday working both Med/Surg and OB.  Very exciting.  It's a different world over here, the whole hospital is about the size of the floor I used to work on. You need to be knowledgeable in many different areas, which is scary now, but something to look forward to in the future.

We took the kids up to Osoyoos, across the border last night for a little get away.  Got a hotel, swam, and went out to eat.  It was a nice little break from studying and got us out of the mountains for a bit.  Exploring new places is one of our favorite things to do with whatever spare time we can focus in on.  Back at home now and spent the day messing around outside.  Cam set up a 300 yard target for his guns, and I worked on shooting my bow, then some snow time with the kids. 

We are certainly getting in a routine around here, but it still feels new and exciting.


"An Arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward.  So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that its going to launch you into something great.  So just focus, and keep aiming."


        

       

Here We Go Again

It's a quintessential Sunday around here.  The snow is piling up in perfect silence outside, we just came back in from sledding shenanigans, the fire is crackling, and all is calm on the Eastern Washington front.  And so has been the ebb and flow of life the last few days....

The snow began sometime this morning.  We have been waiting somewhat patiently!  As I've mentioned before El Nino has somewhat destroyed our hopes of getting snowed in (and using the snow mobiles), so we watch closely to the weather report when any snow is predicted.  After testing out a new coffee cake recipe (not super impressed) we bundled up and headed out for some extreme sledding behind the quad.  Cam pulled us up, down, and all around the property.  We recently bought an "otter sled," which is supposed to be the toughest sled out there... perfect for homestead activities: hauling wood, supplies, animals, kids, moms, etc.  I have to say it has probably already earned it's keep.  Kendyl has started to enjoy the snow a bit more than she did at first, but still is not a glove lover, so naturally hates that burning cold feeling that happens when she takes them off..Ouch


One of the most exciting property developments that has occurred this week was Rigg's discovery of a predator skull near our gravel pile behind the shop.  Cam came in and showed me the ripe smelling remains and we immediately went to work identifying it.  This is the website ( http://thieroutdoors.com/black-bear-vs-mountain-lion/) http://thieroutdoors.com/black-bear-vs-mountain-lion/ found that helped us determine that is was in fact a..............................................COUGAR!!!  Based on the teeth, shape size, eye sockets, we ruled out bear.  Talk about home schooling, what a better way to learn than by having something in your hands.  We hypothesized that maybe a bird dropped it, or possibly a coyote drug it there.  Our area definitely has bear, cougar, and bobcat, so we know they are around us.

We've hardly made a dent in our log pile, and finally we have gotten the kids interested in helping (child labor at it's finest)!  Like Cam says wood warms you more than once (splitting, stacking, moving, burning); so we have yet to be cold.







My days of freedom are coming to an end tomorrow when I start back to school in the morning.  I am feeling much more equipped for success this quarter, and although I know it's a challenge, at least I have some space and technology on my side.  We are already talking about spring and the chores we'd like to get accomplished.  I can smell the pine trees and sage already.

Resolution

The New Year is a powerful time.  I'm not a believer in waiting to make "resolutions" you don't plan on following through with, but I am a goal setter, and there's something about the beginning of a year that wipes your slate and fills you with a feeling of confidence to shape the days ahead of you.  To make a list and take joy in checking items off when you conquer your goals. It's also a time to reflect on the year that has passed.  For us, it was a busy one, full of change, challenge, and creation.  I'd like to think we are just getting started..... Cam came up with a good priority list for springtime homesteading: garden, chicken coop, and root cellar.  I am so looking forward to getting chickens again; eggs from the store just don't compare, and who doesn't like baby chicks!  A garden will be a bit of a learning curve around here, learning what grows well, how to manage the heat, and how to make water stretch as far as possible.  Possibly some fencing too, if my farm hand has time, but I'm trying to be patient and not push my luck! 

Christmas was magical for the kids this year... Santa was a hit to say the least, and the childhood awe that filled our little ones, filled our hearts.  Our favorite memory of this Christmas was after Bear came out to the living room to find that Santa had indeed visited our home, he went straight to the wood stove (not burning at the time), opened the door and looked right up the chimney; this little guy is sharp!  It was a quiet day on the home front, different from our usual travels around the county.  The kids and I did journey over the pass for a few days to make the rounds at home.  It was a busy few days, but nice to catch up with family.  Although it's not the most popular decision at times, I feel confident in our move, and confident that we will press forward.

While me and the kids were away socializing Cam was working hard as always.  By himself, over the course of a couple days he built stairs up to the loft and another room for the kiddos.  Despite his curses over the stairs, his finished product was brilliant as usual.  It may seem like a simple improvement, but this has provided us with one further step in the evolution process.... EASY BEDTIME FOR MOM!!!!!  Simple pleasures like being able to put Kendyl to bed and walk away, instead of sit in the trailer and make sure she goes to sleep and doesn't crawl out of her bunk.  Humans were equipped with brains and thumbs to make these improvements and prevent moms and dads from wacking themselves with a frying pan.  Just kidding folks... for the most part! They are still sharing a room, and Barrett's mattress is under the stairs in his very own "BEAR CAVE."  Part of being a homesteader is knowing when to set yourself up for success, even if it adds to Dad's work list.  

The weather has remained in the teens and low twenties, so honestly we haven't done all that much.  I got a run in the other day, and today we drove an hour or so North to visit some friends who just bought a gorgeous home on the Kettle River.  They too are enjoying the lifestyle change.  We rang in the New Year with our neighbors and as always enjoyed their company and stories of living off the grid with 5 kids!  My days of break are unfortunately coming to an end as I start school again Monday.  I'm looking forward to working in labor and delivery this quarter and know that I can make it through much smoother will all the creature comforts Cam has built.  Hopefully it will afford us a little more balance through the intensity of the program.  Focusing on the day is one of my goals, we are constantly busy;  just like in a survival situation if you think too far ahead, you forget to accomplish the fundamental tasks of the day.  There of course needs to be foresight, but there also needs to be sanity and simple joy (possibly even boredom).  Hopefully we can add that to our 2015 garden.  

It's The Holiday Season

Whew... We now OFFICIALLY have internet service.  Hopefully unfaltering and steadfast ready for nursing school, late night craigslist extravaganzas, and of course this.....  Like many obstacles that we have conquered on this journey... it's weird to have easiness at our fingertips.

Let me backtrack a little to catch up on where we are.  I successfully survived my first quarter of nursing school.  There is much I could write about this, but since survival seems to be the theme, we will leave it at that... and pray for repeat survival for the proceeding 6 quarters.

We spent our first nights in a real bed and bedroom after school was over.  So nice to have a real mattress!  The kids stayed a couple nights with my folks while Cam and I journeyed to the wine country of Walla Walla for a short stay in a gorgeous historical hotel.  We had such a good time, I would highly recommend visiting there (just ignore the high security prison on the way into town).  Good food, wine, scenery, and company...and a couple snowmobiles to call our own.

Back at home without kids was... well quiet.  We worked around the shop, ran errands, did some unsuccessful coyote hunting, and honestly didn't do all that much. Our hopes for big snows have been crushed by El Nino, and we have been left with more rain than expected and lots of challenging road conditions.  Still have my hopes up to get more snow though.

Cal and Dottie graciously returned our kiddos to us and spent a couple days here.  We journeyed out on the quads (in the snow) to find a Christmas tree.  I really wanted a pine tree to truly get a taste of

the local flavor, and we found a beauty not far from the shop.  Cam let me cut it down with the chainsaw and I have to say it looks grand in our "living room."

My folks and Cam and Michael were next on the party schedule and we enjoyed steaks, decorating Christmas cookies, and the Polar Express with them.  Everything was going as smooth as a sunburn
on Santa's belly UNTIL..... we had no water.  Apparently the electrical board for the pump in the well didn't like being submerged in 5 feet of runoff.  Being without water is really annoying, but also extremely frustrating for people who just acquired the ease of running water and flushing toilets (and now have 4 guests as well).  I told Cam it's not necessarily the fact it broke, but the fact we had already hurdled this obstacle, and going backwards is well, not quite as productive as going forwards.  After a good chunk of money the next day though, hooked back up and flushing away!

Here's the update on our living situation now: pretty much a full kitchen (fridge, stove sink, laminated wood countertops and open shelves--loving these), bathroom remains the same with currently flowing water to tub, toilet, washer/dryer, 1 bedroom for me and Cam with our bed, dresser, and a bit of shelving.  The kids are still sleeping in the trailer which will hopefully make it's exit soon.  I didn't love this arrangement, but Bear still comes and finds me to snuggle at his usual time, so I guess all is right with the world.  They've taken to falling asleep and sleeping together in the same bed, not sure if this will come back to bite me, but I love the closeness they share, and am glad they find safety and comfort when close.  Today Cam built a railing around the loft which will soon be a kids play area/storage/guest "bedroom."  It was a big chore, but looks great and will be so nice for them to have a space of their own.

As most of you are, we are preparing for Christmas.  Santa seems like a hot topic around here this year, which is so exciting! It is different being on our own of course, but it has it's own peace as well, and for a moment we can relax and reflect on the journey these last three months have been.

A Survival State of Mind

We have awoken from the dark ages... Yes, we now have DirectTV.  We live in a shop, cement floors, no furniture (well I'll come back to that), plywood countertops, some drywall siding, but we have like 500+ channels.  I'm still not sure how I feel about it, well I guess I know, but one has to compromise when one has made vows.... 

I somewhat enjoyed the quietness of no TV.  I have no clue what is new in the movie theatre or what celebrities have been acting foolishly; it was quite freeing.  But, when winter sets in and kids get restless, I'm not going to lie, sometimes a movie is a saving grace for a bit of peace, and let's not forget NFL Sunday ticket.  Nevertheless, we are hooked up and besides the game on Sunday and all the subsequent games, have not had enough energy to finish a show.  Cam is greatly enjoying his recliner though (that's the furniture I was mentioning). 

Enjoyed the weekend with my parents.  The kids were thrilled to have them and I was happy to have someone to cook a huge cream and butter laden breakfast for now that I have a regular sized stove (French toast casserole and biscuits and gravy--- woah).  We always wonder what people think coming over; leaving our beautiful home and the normalcy/comfort of regularity.  We really aren't freezing or hungry, but I'm sure our living situation would be strange for some! 

Went for a late night (7 or so.. late now that we're parents), quad ride in the snow one night.  A little tricky navigating the ice.  Cam told me to go against natural instinct, let off the brake and give it some gas.... if that is not a metaphor for our life right now I don't know what is.  It's crazy at times, and yes I at least feel a little like I'm sliding around trying to gain some traction, but sometimes the best thing to do is just to let go, and press on, the ice has to melt at some point. 

I finished my first of 3 finals this morning.  I saw a sign the other day that said "I'm a nursing student... now I understand the reason for the nursing shortage".... HA! So True!  Sometimes I want to just be a farmer (well all the time if it paid near as well).   Stress relief on a homestead (yes with DirectTV) consists of chopping wood, then a quad ride to check the game cams and explore the area.  Not too shabby of a way to spend an afternoon with the family. 

Work continues in the shop.  Cam's working on a bedroom for us, we now have lights in the bathroom, and our kitchen sink seems to have stopped leaking.  Small Success everyday.  I have two more nights of hitting the books hard and then I'm sure will have some good stories from our time off.... A sneak peak: Christmas tree cutting in the wilderness, toddlers and quads in the wilderness, may be purchasing some snowmobiles, and possibly some husband-wife coyote hunting while the kiddies are away at Grandma's.... 

Problem Solving 101

Ok my few faithful followers.  I am back, somewhat.  Back to struggling with internet service.  I really have enjoyed hearing everyone’s feedback on our stories… I gotta say, the outhouse is a big topic of conversation surprisingly (who knew it would be such a hit)!  I’m glad we can keep in touch and give everyone a sense of what like has been like for us.  How has it been…hmmmmm…. Cam calls it problem solving 101 around here.  I feel like we’ve climbed so many metaphorical mountains that we should probably be in a lot better shape.

Let me rewind a few weeks to our first snow on November 21^st.  I had come home from my last day of clinicals to a wonderful winter wonderland, and two happy kiddos.  What a feeling it was to have our first snow, somewhat magical I’m not going to lie!  We made it through 9 degree weather, I made it through another milestone at school, and nature’s beauty rewarded us.  Even as a kid I always felt the snow just blanketed the world… muffling noise  
 
 
and bringing this calm peace and happy excitement.  That held true… for a couple more hours at least until our visitors, who were trying to drag themselves and a travel trailer to our property got a dose of Problem Solving 101.  Let’s just say it took a FEW trucks to get them up our driveway where we immediately threw them into slave labor so we could get the insulating machine back in the morning….  Through their stay their water heater broke, quads broke down, quads broke the tailgate, and departing wasn’t much easier than arriving!  Talk about fun J Great visitors though and much appreciated for their cooking for us and company. 

We did manage to move the trailer into the shop on Day 2 of Snow.  WHEW…..  Words cannot express the feat that Cam accomplished by doing this.  Tasks that consumed Cam’s day (thawing hoses, fixing hoses, patching hoses….and repeat) are now much easier or avoided altogether.  Our good friend Mr. Sands, once again came to our rescue over Thanksgiving and blessed my life with the joys of modern day convenience: TOILET….. SHOWER… AND….. WASHER/DRYER.  I continually think that if I can ever repay this man for half of the generosity he has shown us, I will be moving in the right direction.  HONESTLY>>> my life has significantly changed.  I may have become a born again housewife.  Laundry is so enjoyable I practically throw food on the kids myself!  And flushing a toilet… walking indoors to do so…. Pretty fantastic in negative 1 degree weather.  So now, thanks to the hard work of many men we have an insulated shop, equipped with a woodstove (awesomeness), a bathroom with washer/dryer, a cook stove and fridge.  Sleeping is still done in the trailer but we no longer battle the cold and have freely running water and electricity.  SO MODERN! 

I made our first voyage back to the homeland over Thanksgiving.  The kids traveled wonderful and driving conditions were great.  Being home…it was so fabulous to see everyone, catch up, share and give thanks with those we love!  It went by so fast, and I missed about a half of my list of people to see.  I did miss this land though.  It’s becoming ours… We are making a life here, and it feels good!  Exploring the area, establishing relationships with neighbors, working for every ounce of what we have on this property.  There is definitely a part of me that feels I have brought my family history full circle.  I’ll be proud to raise our kids here because those are the stories I love the most… country folk, animals, hard times, struggle, and FAMILY.  Cam and I are lucky that we share that goal.  Nothing is really ideal right now honestly, but there are only two options when faced with Problem Solving 101… roll over or start climbing..