I can only try to explain the incredible feeling of peace that I have today. It is a feeling that I am in the right spot. I'm trusting, and I'm living. I'm right where I need to be.
Yesterday was a wonderful day. Not because of anything, but because of nothing. My husband has been fencing now for a week. He is fencing a part of the farm he has wanted to pasture our cattle on for a few years now.
It just so happens to be 'that spot'. The one that held our wedding reception. The one we will build our house on.
Yesterday I decided to take a walk to see how he was doing. It was a perfectly sunny and crisp day. The kind where everything is just right. I'm going to have trouble describing the irony of everything. So I will just say this:
As we stood there, we saw at least five dreams of ours that were coming true. Even the oak tree my husband has always wanted, is growing right where we would see it from our new home. We just laughed at our lives, and how we want the same things. So many things that we have wanted in our lives and throughout our lives both together and individually are coming together. The best part is that some of it is not by our doing. Some of it, God has put together (like the tree), and it is so funny.
It is peaceful knowing that in His timing all will be. I have no doubt of the future, but I'm o.k with the waiting. I'm o.k with HIS timing.
Want to know the BEST part???
My husband and I have this overwhelming feeling that our farm has to do with healing of some sort. Healing on SO many levels. We have even discussed our farm being being some sort of outreach for hurting teens. A place of healing for them. A place where they can be immersed in animals and God's creation.
Yesterday I realized for the first time that it is me. I am the first graduate of the program. I have found so much healing here in so many ways.
I'm at peace, and now I'm ready to share it.
Showing posts with label Reflections and random thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflections and random thoughts. Show all posts
September 16, 2012
September 08, 2012
11 Years ago today
11 Years ago today I stood with my husband and said these words. " I will NEVER EVER move to the farm....and I am soooooooo NOT having more than two kids."
O.K I didn't really say the second part out loud. But I was thinking it!
Today I am a happy homeschooling house wife, living on a farm with dreams to live off the land. We have 4 kids, 1 llama, 85 cattle, 100 meat chickens, 40 egg layers, 4 ducks, 20 turkeys, a cat, and a dog that sleeps on my couch. Lol. (soon a dairy cow and THOUSANDS of honey producing bees)
I love life :)
Happy Anniversary to the BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.
O.K I didn't really say the second part out loud. But I was thinking it!
Today I am a happy homeschooling house wife, living on a farm with dreams to live off the land. We have 4 kids, 1 llama, 85 cattle, 100 meat chickens, 40 egg layers, 4 ducks, 20 turkeys, a cat, and a dog that sleeps on my couch. Lol. (soon a dairy cow and THOUSANDS of honey producing bees)
I love life :)
Happy Anniversary to the BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.
August 17, 2012
Reflections of Motherhood
I've just packed away a few loved toys to save for when I have grand babies. Amazing what four kids and ten years of mothering experience does. We have our favorites. The toys that all four have loved and used. The toys that were perfect for the imagination, versatile and used by all of them. Audrey is turning 3 in a month, and starting to out grow some of the baby toys that I've kept for 10 years now.
I look forward to the day when I take them out again. How fun it will be to be able to play with my babies, babies :)
The high chair is still at our table though, and every time Audrey climbs in and out of it I laugh at the futility of it. But it is HER chair. It was all of THEIR chairs. I think I will hold onto it for as long as I can. An absence of a high chair in a home is a sign of an entirely new stage in life. I'm happy for the new stage and all that it brings, but sad that I must wait at least 10 years to see it again. I've finally got this mothering babies thing down, and it is over. I suppose that is how it works. Now to figure out the pre teen and teenager stages! Once I have that down they will be out of the house. Wow. Out of the house. That too will commence before another 10 years is up. Wow. How short the time is that I have with them.
I better take that to heart and love them as much as I can while I have them :)
I look forward to the day when I take them out again. How fun it will be to be able to play with my babies, babies :)
The high chair is still at our table though, and every time Audrey climbs in and out of it I laugh at the futility of it. But it is HER chair. It was all of THEIR chairs. I think I will hold onto it for as long as I can. An absence of a high chair in a home is a sign of an entirely new stage in life. I'm happy for the new stage and all that it brings, but sad that I must wait at least 10 years to see it again. I've finally got this mothering babies thing down, and it is over. I suppose that is how it works. Now to figure out the pre teen and teenager stages! Once I have that down they will be out of the house. Wow. Out of the house. That too will commence before another 10 years is up. Wow. How short the time is that I have with them.
I better take that to heart and love them as much as I can while I have them :)
April 12, 2012
Right Now
Right Now in the Country I am...
Battling a war again ants that found their way into my living room
Wishing I had a greenhouse and I knew how to fill it full with plants
Wondering what the farm will look like in five years
Anticipating the arrival of our pigs
Excited to watch them dig my garden for me
Realizing that running a hard 10km's two days after a 34km run was not a great idea
Glad I kept Peyton home from school yesterday and missing homeschooling
Thinking of homeschooling them again
Being patient as I know I'm not quite ready yet
Loving the beautiful sunshine and warm weather today
Wondering if I will do anything productive with it
Battling a war again ants that found their way into my living room
Wishing I had a greenhouse and I knew how to fill it full with plants
Wondering what the farm will look like in five years
Anticipating the arrival of our pigs
Excited to watch them dig my garden for me
Realizing that running a hard 10km's two days after a 34km run was not a great idea
Glad I kept Peyton home from school yesterday and missing homeschooling
Thinking of homeschooling them again
Being patient as I know I'm not quite ready yet
Loving the beautiful sunshine and warm weather today
Wondering if I will do anything productive with it
March 14, 2012
My Favorite Quote
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
― Albert Einstein
I love that quote. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. This is sort of my parenting philosophy. It makes me smile because it reminds me that all my babies are different. It reminds me to get to know and love people for their uniqueness. It also reminds me that it is O.K to be me. It is O.K to be a little different than those surrounding me.
― Albert Einstein
I love that quote. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. This is sort of my parenting philosophy. It makes me smile because it reminds me that all my babies are different. It reminds me to get to know and love people for their uniqueness. It also reminds me that it is O.K to be me. It is O.K to be a little different than those surrounding me.
February 23, 2012
Oh the Places You'll Go...
Sooo...an interesting property has come up for sale. This on a day when we are told we are currently the ONLY grass fed pastured beef producers in the area. This on a day when cattle prices are soaring and we have come to the realization that making a living off this farm is very do-able. You see, our dream is for Adam and I to farm full time. We believe whole heartedly that we can make a living raising incredibly healthy meat and veggies, and organic grain for the public. There is a demand for it, and franctly offering people an alternative to the crap at the store just seems like the right thing to do.
The property? It comes with a home, a store, and 4 GIANT greenhouses. All 7kms from our farm and on a very busy part of the city. And all for a price we can actualy afford. Well, if we sold this house and moved to that one. We would live there for a few years until the business took off, then build a home here on the farm and use the other house as rental income.
The store would offer us an already set up space to begin selling not only our products, but make available to our town products produced withing a 100km radius. A local grocery store if you want to call it that.
The greenhouses would allow us to grow fresh and amazing veggies right there, offering people an alternative to the garbage trucked in, sprayed and processed for winter consumption around here.
The scary part of this scenario is that it is quite possible and feasable. But are we willing to jump in?
I've been wanting so badly to open a local goods store here. There is an incredible need and I think I would do a great job. My husband could then expand his cattle herd, and the girls could eventually become the cow girls they wish they were :)
The best part, is I think it would allow us the capital to build the home we want on the farm. The house on the new property is tiny, but would take a FRACTION of the time to clean, allowing me to focus on other things...like a GIANT lettuce operation...lol
O.K the really scary part is that it is not a bad idea.
The really really scary part is the amount of people in our lives that are willing and able to help us.
OR...
We could purchase one of those greenhouses used and move it out here on the farm. Hmmm. Interesting. If we did that we would have to come up with the money though. Would we get a business loan? You see if we sold here and bought the other property it would BE our mortgage. Of course, if we got a loan to purchase and set up a greenhouse here on our current property the sales of the produce themselves would pay the loan off...right??? And this being zoned agricultural instead of commercial I bet I would have more freedom when it comes to the use of manure and chickens to clean out my greenhouses.
Something to think about.
Not that any of you care. Just thought I would share what our thought are around here. Kind of exciting to think about.
The property? It comes with a home, a store, and 4 GIANT greenhouses. All 7kms from our farm and on a very busy part of the city. And all for a price we can actualy afford. Well, if we sold this house and moved to that one. We would live there for a few years until the business took off, then build a home here on the farm and use the other house as rental income.
The store would offer us an already set up space to begin selling not only our products, but make available to our town products produced withing a 100km radius. A local grocery store if you want to call it that.
The greenhouses would allow us to grow fresh and amazing veggies right there, offering people an alternative to the garbage trucked in, sprayed and processed for winter consumption around here.
The scary part of this scenario is that it is quite possible and feasable. But are we willing to jump in?
I've been wanting so badly to open a local goods store here. There is an incredible need and I think I would do a great job. My husband could then expand his cattle herd, and the girls could eventually become the cow girls they wish they were :)
The best part, is I think it would allow us the capital to build the home we want on the farm. The house on the new property is tiny, but would take a FRACTION of the time to clean, allowing me to focus on other things...like a GIANT lettuce operation...lol
O.K the really scary part is that it is not a bad idea.
The really really scary part is the amount of people in our lives that are willing and able to help us.
OR...
We could purchase one of those greenhouses used and move it out here on the farm. Hmmm. Interesting. If we did that we would have to come up with the money though. Would we get a business loan? You see if we sold here and bought the other property it would BE our mortgage. Of course, if we got a loan to purchase and set up a greenhouse here on our current property the sales of the produce themselves would pay the loan off...right??? And this being zoned agricultural instead of commercial I bet I would have more freedom when it comes to the use of manure and chickens to clean out my greenhouses.
Something to think about.
Not that any of you care. Just thought I would share what our thought are around here. Kind of exciting to think about.
December 05, 2011
Celebrations....
Anyway, I realized last night that I really should do it more often. It is cheaper than a restaurant, more intimate, and we can be as boisterous as we wish!
I love my friends. As an adult I have amazing friends in my life that I can celebrate and set a fancy table for. I am so grateful that I have the 'adult' life that I always wanted. Some of my friends I've known almost my entire life.
I can't have everyone I know in my dining room at once so I can raise a glass and toast them...
So this is my way of saying thank you to all my dear friends that I see seldom see, or see often, and to those whom I've known forever, and to those I've just met.
ALL of you who are in my life know who you are and I just wanted to say thanks for being my friend. Although I can't have all of you at my dinner table, you are all cherished and loved by me. I appreciate that you know who I am and yet accept me anyway, and I recognized how lucky I am to have so many people in my life....and if you EVER want to come for dinner just give me a few days notice so I can set a fancy table o.k??? lol
December 03, 2011
Our Guiding Light
Although we love to get caught up in the fun, in our home our focus is on Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity to dig deeper with God. To teach our children the meaning of Christmas. To practically live out our faith and to live out loud a little more.
Yes December is fun for a lot of reasons but for me it is best because I get to be who I am just a little bit more, or at least have a little more freedom to do so. In our house we are not focusing on Santa Claus. Our focus in on Christ and discovering once again why he is the Messiah. Why he fulfilled the prophecies. Why we believe what we do.
This Christmas season, why don't you look deeper into why you do what YOU do and what is the guiding light in YOUR life.
Now...I have a birthday party to plan!!!
Alyson
November 27, 2011
The Plates are Still Spinning...
I know what you are thinking. Why have I stopped blogging?
I would like to come up with something profound and inspiring to say but the words are just not there. I would say that I have nothing to blog about but that is not the truth. Life has changed since I put the three older babies in school this year. I am getting things accomplished and spending a little time searching within myself and looking up to God for guidance on a few things. I think I've just become a little more introspective lately and have not felt like sharing my inner dialogue with everyone.
As for an update, school is going well. It is not without its challenges but as I knew before, it was the right decision for our family this year.
My husband and I have been focusing on the every day, not worrying about making big plans for the future. Instead we are trying to be the best stewards with what we are given today, and resting knowing that God is in control of the future.
In fact, hopefully by the end of this week I will be able to present to you our new farm website. It is just a small part of what the future holds for us.
As for me, I'm doing O.K. The first few months of school were a little rough emotionally. I do enjoy having more time to plan and execute the household duties. In fact I believe this is the first year I've been prepared for the winter weather and the Christmas season. There is a peace knowing that I have more time to breathe.
The little ones are growing too fast and some days I feel as though I am watching it all happen without participating in the joys of life. I'm working on enjoying the moments I have...which I think is also why I have been spending MUCH less time on the computer to write down my thoughts.
So for now, know that I am still here and that I'm doing as well as can be expected. So far this year the plates are still spinning and that is as much as I will expect.
Alyson
I would like to come up with something profound and inspiring to say but the words are just not there. I would say that I have nothing to blog about but that is not the truth. Life has changed since I put the three older babies in school this year. I am getting things accomplished and spending a little time searching within myself and looking up to God for guidance on a few things. I think I've just become a little more introspective lately and have not felt like sharing my inner dialogue with everyone.
As for an update, school is going well. It is not without its challenges but as I knew before, it was the right decision for our family this year.
My husband and I have been focusing on the every day, not worrying about making big plans for the future. Instead we are trying to be the best stewards with what we are given today, and resting knowing that God is in control of the future.
In fact, hopefully by the end of this week I will be able to present to you our new farm website. It is just a small part of what the future holds for us.
As for me, I'm doing O.K. The first few months of school were a little rough emotionally. I do enjoy having more time to plan and execute the household duties. In fact I believe this is the first year I've been prepared for the winter weather and the Christmas season. There is a peace knowing that I have more time to breathe.
The little ones are growing too fast and some days I feel as though I am watching it all happen without participating in the joys of life. I'm working on enjoying the moments I have...which I think is also why I have been spending MUCH less time on the computer to write down my thoughts.
So for now, know that I am still here and that I'm doing as well as can be expected. So far this year the plates are still spinning and that is as much as I will expect.
Alyson
June 05, 2011
One of these things does not belong here.... Three of these things are kind of the same...
On that note, I've just been informed that at summer camp this year one of my duties is to PUT ON A GAME SHOW for the kids as an ice breaker the first night. I can't tell you HOW EXCITED I AM!!! Some of you may recall my incredible excitement about being on stage to ring the buzzer on the cruise? The only difference is I am NOT going to make anyone sing. That was just a disaster. But what happens on the cruise stays on the cruise...
I digress...
Game show whoot whoot!! I'm thinking Cabin Feud, A helmet with buzzer attached as the dinger thingy...oh the plans!! Got any cool and fun and CLEAN ideas????
May 15, 2011
Grace like Rain
The rain is falling and watering my newly planted corn, potatoes, and onions. I'm glad for the rain because is means that I will not be burdened with the task of watering my vegetable garden. Any relief from extra tasks around here is welcomed by me.
Although it is damp and dark the rain needs to fall sometimes. I think sometimes it needs to fall so I appreciate the sun that much more when it shines down on me, and sometimes I need to remember that there is a time and a season for everything.
Lately it feels as though my world and the people that are in it are falling. Just like the rain, I know that it is temporary and that better days are just a few sunsets away. I need to hold on to that hope. I also need to remember that Grace....just like rain....NEEDS to fall. It needs to fall FROM me just as I need it showered upon me.
Just like the Rain, everything has a time,season and REASON. And although I may not always see past the hurt, the pain, or the trial, I have hope that I'll be o.k.
Grace Like Rain: Todd Agnew
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly
Chorus:
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun
Although it is damp and dark the rain needs to fall sometimes. I think sometimes it needs to fall so I appreciate the sun that much more when it shines down on me, and sometimes I need to remember that there is a time and a season for everything.
Lately it feels as though my world and the people that are in it are falling. Just like the rain, I know that it is temporary and that better days are just a few sunsets away. I need to hold on to that hope. I also need to remember that Grace....just like rain....NEEDS to fall. It needs to fall FROM me just as I need it showered upon me.
Just like the Rain, everything has a time,season and REASON. And although I may not always see past the hurt, the pain, or the trial, I have hope that I'll be o.k.
Grace Like Rain: Todd Agnew
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly
Chorus:
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun
May 10, 2011
Through Their Eyes
Erin LOVES pictures and LOVES it when I let her borrow my camera for a while. I like digital cameras because she gets to click away and I get to delete the HUNDREDS of snapshots.
What I REALLY love are the pictures that end up on my camera. I love to see the world through her eyes. Sometimes she captures a moment like this one of Peyton pushing his baby sister. I'm ASSUMING one of the older girls put her in there.
Then there are the random pictures of things. I think this is Erin's way of letting me know that I need to sell more eggs ;)
Kind of takes that warm and fuzzy feeling away you know?
What I REALLY love are the pictures that end up on my camera. I love to see the world through her eyes. Sometimes she captures a moment like this one of Peyton pushing his baby sister. I'm ASSUMING one of the older girls put her in there.
Then there are the random pictures of things. I think this is Erin's way of letting me know that I need to sell more eggs ;)
And then there are pictures like this one...
Kind of takes that warm and fuzzy feeling away you know?
April 22, 2011
A Fresh Start to Spring...
I'm alive. I have just not felt like taking the time to sit and blog my thoughts. I'm doing fine for all those worrying. Sometimes I sort things out on my own and sometimes I just don't feel like writing. My priorities do not lie in bloggyland and that is just fine with me.
I DO have a bunch of country farm pictures on my camera for you. Perhaps after this EASTER weekend I will post them.
Easter weekend for us is sacred. More sacred than Christmas as it is the cornerstone of our faith. I am happy to say that my husband is off work all weekend and we are going to spend it with family and friends and our Christ.
10 Years ago this Easter Sunday I walked into church on drugs and accepted Christ as my Saviour. I've mentioned before that this year is an anniversary year for me in so many ways. This one is special to me because it changed my life completely. I am forgiven and am in right relationship with God because Christ took MY punishment. He took ALL OF OUR PUNISHMENTS. I am so grateful and this year I am filled with gratitude and reflection on the last 10 years of my life.
I like Easter because it is a reminder of fresh starts. If God can give me a fresh start then I too can forgive others. I too can let go and show mercy and grace to those that have hurt me. I too can have a fresh start with those I care about. That is the LEAST I can do for my God.
So Happy Easter. Happy Spring. Happy Fresh Start.
I DO have a bunch of country farm pictures on my camera for you. Perhaps after this EASTER weekend I will post them.
Easter weekend for us is sacred. More sacred than Christmas as it is the cornerstone of our faith. I am happy to say that my husband is off work all weekend and we are going to spend it with family and friends and our Christ.
10 Years ago this Easter Sunday I walked into church on drugs and accepted Christ as my Saviour. I've mentioned before that this year is an anniversary year for me in so many ways. This one is special to me because it changed my life completely. I am forgiven and am in right relationship with God because Christ took MY punishment. He took ALL OF OUR PUNISHMENTS. I am so grateful and this year I am filled with gratitude and reflection on the last 10 years of my life.
I like Easter because it is a reminder of fresh starts. If God can give me a fresh start then I too can forgive others. I too can let go and show mercy and grace to those that have hurt me. I too can have a fresh start with those I care about. That is the LEAST I can do for my God.
So Happy Easter. Happy Spring. Happy Fresh Start.
April 10, 2011
Like a Butterfly...
Spring has sprung. The gardens are being cleaned up, seeds are being planted, the laundry is being hung, the kids are spending most of the day outside, and the sun is warming up the crisp air.
Once the mud has dried spring is my favorite time of the year. We are finally emerging from our cocoons. Ready to spread our wings and fly. Judging by all the comments on facebook yesterday I would say that is how most of us Canuks feel.
It felt like a long winter this year and I'm ready for metamorphosis in several areas of my life. ...
I'm READY.
Once the mud has dried spring is my favorite time of the year. We are finally emerging from our cocoons. Ready to spread our wings and fly. Judging by all the comments on facebook yesterday I would say that is how most of us Canuks feel.
It felt like a long winter this year and I'm ready for metamorphosis in several areas of my life. ...
I'm READY.
January 25, 2011
Confessions
I have been running in the suburbs for the past week or so. I have to admit that I am coveting a different life. You see I grew up in the suburbs and loved my life. When we were first married, living on this farm was the LAST thing I wanted (and I was vocal about it), and for the first 6 years of our marriage we lived in the suburbs.
I started this blog 4 years ago after we purchased this family homestead. I was excited but nervous about my new adventure in this uncharted territory of 'farm and country life'. I was also bothered by a comment from a friend who said I was going to become a 'hick'. I needed a way to embrace my new found life and blogging about my adventures seemed kind of fun. Reading the entire Anne of Green Gables series, watching Charlotte's Web and sifting through the incredible history here has also helped me to find my way here.
O.K a LOT of prayer and listening to what God wanted from me also gave me a LOT of peace about the decision.
But I have to admit something. I moved here for my husband and this is NOT the ideal life for me. It is NOT the life I pictured for my family. I don't regret the decision and there is A TON of things I ABSOLUTELY LOVE about this place. But like all things having pros and cons lately I'm finding more reasons to move back to the city.
Running the other day I found the perfect home. Not 'perfect' as nothing is 'perfect', but a home that seems to fit the family lifestyle that I'm looking for. The nearby parks and neighbors. The walking distance to certain things. The quiet street for my kids to bike on with other kids from the neighborhood. And most of all....the house that does not need major repair, and would take half the time to clean.
I am finding myself longing for it. I'm not sure why. I'm not sure if it is because it is a life I really want and I'm tired of trying to embrace this life or if is because God is preparing my heart for a change. Could be that I'm discontent with something else and thinking about change is a distraction.
So I'm praying. Praying that the Lord leads my thoughts and heart to where it needs to be. His plans for my life are not always my plans but His plans are ALWAYS for the better. I can't see the future but He can and He has a plan for my life. So I pray that I find peace and contentment wherever I am planted and if it is here on the farm I want to be o.k with that. Tomorrow I may way up and remember how much I love this house and life and realize how ridiculous I am being....or not.
So those are my 'country' thought for the day. On that note I need to go out and feed my chickens. (Something I would miss very much if we moved to the city)
I started this blog 4 years ago after we purchased this family homestead. I was excited but nervous about my new adventure in this uncharted territory of 'farm and country life'. I was also bothered by a comment from a friend who said I was going to become a 'hick'. I needed a way to embrace my new found life and blogging about my adventures seemed kind of fun. Reading the entire Anne of Green Gables series, watching Charlotte's Web and sifting through the incredible history here has also helped me to find my way here.
O.K a LOT of prayer and listening to what God wanted from me also gave me a LOT of peace about the decision.
But I have to admit something. I moved here for my husband and this is NOT the ideal life for me. It is NOT the life I pictured for my family. I don't regret the decision and there is A TON of things I ABSOLUTELY LOVE about this place. But like all things having pros and cons lately I'm finding more reasons to move back to the city.
Running the other day I found the perfect home. Not 'perfect' as nothing is 'perfect', but a home that seems to fit the family lifestyle that I'm looking for. The nearby parks and neighbors. The walking distance to certain things. The quiet street for my kids to bike on with other kids from the neighborhood. And most of all....the house that does not need major repair, and would take half the time to clean.
I am finding myself longing for it. I'm not sure why. I'm not sure if it is because it is a life I really want and I'm tired of trying to embrace this life or if is because God is preparing my heart for a change. Could be that I'm discontent with something else and thinking about change is a distraction.
So I'm praying. Praying that the Lord leads my thoughts and heart to where it needs to be. His plans for my life are not always my plans but His plans are ALWAYS for the better. I can't see the future but He can and He has a plan for my life. So I pray that I find peace and contentment wherever I am planted and if it is here on the farm I want to be o.k with that. Tomorrow I may way up and remember how much I love this house and life and realize how ridiculous I am being....or not.
So those are my 'country' thought for the day. On that note I need to go out and feed my chickens. (Something I would miss very much if we moved to the city)
January 24, 2011
Cold but Grateful
It is FREEZING here!! Like -24C freezing!!! That would not be so bad if our Outdoor Wood burning furnace didn't break two weeks ago. It also would not be so bad if the cost of heating our home with Oil wasn't 800$ a month.
As much as I am cranky about the 800$/month oil bill I can't help but be VERY grateful for heat.
This house is 150 years old and so it is not hard to imagine what the pioneers in 1860 did in this cold. I picture the outhouses, the chamber pots frozen with pee in the morning, the children gathered around the wood stove in the kitchen, the hot bricks placed in beds and by feet in horse drawn sleighs. Sounds kind of romantic until you picture heading to church in -30C temperatures!!
Maybe they just did not venture out in this cold. And the babies!!! My children are sleeping with 3 layers of pj's and us with 2 duvet covers. I can only imagine how many layers those babies were bundled in.
Seriously gives new meaning to mama in her kerchief and I in my cap....BRRRRRRRR. No wonder they had so many babies back then. I wouldn't want to get out of bed either!!! ;)
So my next thought is present day and just how spoiled we have all become. We have heated houses,heated cars and heated basements. I don't know of many people who wear 'long johns' anymore. When I stop for gas and stand there with all the other freezing people I can't help but realize just how inappropriately dressed we all are for the weather. (Don't even get me started on the teenagers).
When it is this cold we should ALL be wearing long johns, hats, mitts, scarves, toques,balaclavas, mukluks,parkas.....ski goggles.
I'm not sure my point anymore but now my thought have moved to Anne of Green Gables.
No really....I'm not sure why I brought all of this up. Oh yes...I'm freezing.
So when you complain about the weather and how much it is costing you to wear your t-shirt in your home picture the pioneers who founded this great white North of ours. And be grateful....very very grateful that you don't have to thaw your frozen pee by the wood stove in the morning.
As much as I am cranky about the 800$/month oil bill I can't help but be VERY grateful for heat.
This house is 150 years old and so it is not hard to imagine what the pioneers in 1860 did in this cold. I picture the outhouses, the chamber pots frozen with pee in the morning, the children gathered around the wood stove in the kitchen, the hot bricks placed in beds and by feet in horse drawn sleighs. Sounds kind of romantic until you picture heading to church in -30C temperatures!!
Maybe they just did not venture out in this cold. And the babies!!! My children are sleeping with 3 layers of pj's and us with 2 duvet covers. I can only imagine how many layers those babies were bundled in.
Seriously gives new meaning to mama in her kerchief and I in my cap....BRRRRRRRR. No wonder they had so many babies back then. I wouldn't want to get out of bed either!!! ;)
So my next thought is present day and just how spoiled we have all become. We have heated houses,heated cars and heated basements. I don't know of many people who wear 'long johns' anymore. When I stop for gas and stand there with all the other freezing people I can't help but realize just how inappropriately dressed we all are for the weather. (Don't even get me started on the teenagers).
When it is this cold we should ALL be wearing long johns, hats, mitts, scarves, toques,balaclavas, mukluks,parkas.....ski goggles.
I'm not sure my point anymore but now my thought have moved to Anne of Green Gables.
No really....I'm not sure why I brought all of this up. Oh yes...I'm freezing.
So when you complain about the weather and how much it is costing you to wear your t-shirt in your home picture the pioneers who founded this great white North of ours. And be grateful....very very grateful that you don't have to thaw your frozen pee by the wood stove in the morning.
January 11, 2011
And I certainly did not know what LOL was ;)
You Know You're a Kid/Teen of the Early 90s If...
1.) You know who Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello are.
2.) You remember the Milli Vanilli scandal.
3.) You religiously watched 90210, Melrose Place , Party of Five,and My So-Called Life.
4.) You tight-rolled your jeans.
5.) You wore big hoop earrings.
6.) You thought bellbottoms were horrible and couldn't understand why anyone would've ever worn them.
7.) You knew how to do the dances called the MC Hammer, the Roger Rabbit, and the running man.
8.) You owned a pair of K-Swiss, Keds, or Air Jordans.
9.) You thought "Ice Ice Baby" was the coolest song ever, and when your parents told you Vanilla Ice would be a shot in the pan, you refused to believe them.
10.) Your bangs were at least 4 inches high, and you thought it looked good.
11.) You were a punk rocker for Halloween at least once.
12.) You or your sister owned a banana barette and;a T-clip.
13.) A hairdryer was required to set your hair.
14.) You rolled up the sleeves of your t-shirts,and tucked in the front, letting the back hang out.
15.) You had any "No Fear" or "B.U.M." clothing.
16.) You wore 2 pairs of neon colored socks.
17.) You wore overalls with only one side connected.
18.) You had Exclamation perfume.
19.) You remember when cartoons were actually GOOD, and not scary like the Teletubbies.
20.) You loved to slow dance to Power Ballads.
21.) You had a "slap bracelet".
22.) You wore your sweatpants pulled up to your knees.
23.) You had a black Debbie Gibson hat.
24.) You wanted to be just like Paula Abdul.
25.) You know the words to "The Humpty Dance".
26.) You owned the Bell Biv DeVoe tape.
27.) You said, "PSYCH" or "WAY!"
28.) You saw " Wayne 's World" at least 2 times at the theater.
29.) You loved the New Kids (and Joey was probably your favorite.)
30.) You wore jeans pulled up to your navel.
31.) All of your clothes were "baggy".
32.) You owned a pair of biker shorts.
33.) You wore "water shoes" into the pool.
34.) You had a boom box, or your stereo was a >weird color like pink.
35.) You bought tapes instead of CDs.
36.) You never missed "Fresh Prince".
37.) You or someone you knew wore "Cross-Colors" clothing.
38.) You remember when TLC weren't divas, and they dressed like they were in the circus.
39.) You thought "I'm Too Sexy" was such a cool song.
40.) You "busted a move" while C&C Music Factory wasplaying.
41.) You remember when Mark Wahlberg was part of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch".
42.) You owned a silk shirt, which you tucked into your jeans.
43.) You had jeans in various colors, like green, brown, black...
44.) You had a "Button Your Fly" t-shirt.
45.) You had a Ren and Stimpy t-shirt.
46.) You thought long-haired heavy metal bands would never go out of style. November rain was the best ballet like...EVER!
47.) You were addicted to Nintendo.
48.) There were multiple rubber bands on your pony tail.
49.) Kris Kross made you wanna.. Jump Jump!!
50.) You loved Beavis and Butthead.
51.) If you were a guy, you had your hair shaved underneath and you parted it down the middle.
52.) Either you or one of your close friends owned an acid wash jacket and it was cool.
53.) At some point pinning your jeans from your ankle to your knees was a good idea.
54.) You or your friends owned a leather backpack and possibly a leather jacket with a belt that never really fit on your body the right way.
55.) The internet was non existent and you actually phoned your friends at their house on a landline....and left a message.
1.) You know who Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello are.
2.) You remember the Milli Vanilli scandal.
3.) You religiously watched 90210, Melrose Place , Party of Five,and My So-Called Life.
4.) You tight-rolled your jeans.
5.) You wore big hoop earrings.
6.) You thought bellbottoms were horrible and couldn't understand why anyone would've ever worn them.
7.) You knew how to do the dances called the MC Hammer, the Roger Rabbit, and the running man.
8.) You owned a pair of K-Swiss, Keds, or Air Jordans.
9.) You thought "Ice Ice Baby" was the coolest song ever, and when your parents told you Vanilla Ice would be a shot in the pan, you refused to believe them.
10.) Your bangs were at least 4 inches high, and you thought it looked good.
11.) You were a punk rocker for Halloween at least once.
12.) You or your sister owned a banana barette and;a T-clip.
13.) A hairdryer was required to set your hair.
14.) You rolled up the sleeves of your t-shirts,and tucked in the front, letting the back hang out.
15.) You had any "No Fear" or "B.U.M." clothing.
16.) You wore 2 pairs of neon colored socks.
17.) You wore overalls with only one side connected.
18.) You had Exclamation perfume.
19.) You remember when cartoons were actually GOOD, and not scary like the Teletubbies.
20.) You loved to slow dance to Power Ballads.
21.) You had a "slap bracelet".
22.) You wore your sweatpants pulled up to your knees.
23.) You had a black Debbie Gibson hat.
24.) You wanted to be just like Paula Abdul.
25.) You know the words to "The Humpty Dance".
26.) You owned the Bell Biv DeVoe tape.
27.) You said, "PSYCH" or "WAY!"
28.) You saw " Wayne 's World" at least 2 times at the theater.
29.) You loved the New Kids (and Joey was probably your favorite.)
30.) You wore jeans pulled up to your navel.
31.) All of your clothes were "baggy".
32.) You owned a pair of biker shorts.
33.) You wore "water shoes" into the pool.
34.) You had a boom box, or your stereo was a >weird color like pink.
35.) You bought tapes instead of CDs.
36.) You never missed "Fresh Prince".
37.) You or someone you knew wore "Cross-Colors" clothing.
38.) You remember when TLC weren't divas, and they dressed like they were in the circus.
39.) You thought "I'm Too Sexy" was such a cool song.
40.) You "busted a move" while C&C Music Factory wasplaying.
41.) You remember when Mark Wahlberg was part of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch".
42.) You owned a silk shirt, which you tucked into your jeans.
43.) You had jeans in various colors, like green, brown, black...
44.) You had a "Button Your Fly" t-shirt.
45.) You had a Ren and Stimpy t-shirt.
46.) You thought long-haired heavy metal bands would never go out of style. November rain was the best ballet like...EVER!
47.) You were addicted to Nintendo.
48.) There were multiple rubber bands on your pony tail.
49.) Kris Kross made you wanna.. Jump Jump!!
50.) You loved Beavis and Butthead.
51.) If you were a guy, you had your hair shaved underneath and you parted it down the middle.
52.) Either you or one of your close friends owned an acid wash jacket and it was cool.
53.) At some point pinning your jeans from your ankle to your knees was a good idea.
54.) You or your friends owned a leather backpack and possibly a leather jacket with a belt that never really fit on your body the right way.
55.) The internet was non existent and you actually phoned your friends at their house on a landline....and left a message.
January 09, 2011
It's not really ALL about me and that's O.K
Really? Only 19 Days until our Vacation? I am soooooooo excited! What a way to start off our 10th year together. We have sacrificed. We have penny pinched. We have shopped for the perfect bikini and have been doing stomach crunches for a few weeks O.K ME...not Adam ;)
This trip came at a GREAT time. It is winter here in Canada and the sun only makes an appearance once a week or so. I tend to get pretty depressed at this time so focusing on this trip has been a great distraction.
I'm also starting to train for my first half marathon. I can run yes, but far no, and at this point I'm quite out of shape. Forcing myself to do sit ups and stretch for this cruise is helping my running more than anything. I've also changed my diet Dramatically, cutting out caffeine and adding A LOT of essential fatty acids and nutrients. I'm noticing changes in my skin and my moods as well.
So other than starting off the year with the stomach flu this is proving to be a good year so far.
It is the year of the selfish, and the more I think about the fact that this fall I could have THREE out of FOUR of my kids in school makes me rethink my life a little and why I do what I do ;)
Calling this the year of the selfish is not quite true. More like the year where I am not going to forget about 'me' in all of this chaos we call life. In reality my life is about God and 5 other people and there is nothing wrong with that. After all...I AM a wife and mother to 4 little people and it is a joy to be there for them and to be what they need me to be. Remembering to take care of myself will just help me to be what they need and give them what they need with a willing heart.
This trip came at a GREAT time. It is winter here in Canada and the sun only makes an appearance once a week or so. I tend to get pretty depressed at this time so focusing on this trip has been a great distraction.
I'm also starting to train for my first half marathon. I can run yes, but far no, and at this point I'm quite out of shape. Forcing myself to do sit ups and stretch for this cruise is helping my running more than anything. I've also changed my diet Dramatically, cutting out caffeine and adding A LOT of essential fatty acids and nutrients. I'm noticing changes in my skin and my moods as well.
So other than starting off the year with the stomach flu this is proving to be a good year so far.
It is the year of the selfish, and the more I think about the fact that this fall I could have THREE out of FOUR of my kids in school makes me rethink my life a little and why I do what I do ;)
Calling this the year of the selfish is not quite true. More like the year where I am not going to forget about 'me' in all of this chaos we call life. In reality my life is about God and 5 other people and there is nothing wrong with that. After all...I AM a wife and mother to 4 little people and it is a joy to be there for them and to be what they need me to be. Remembering to take care of myself will just help me to be what they need and give them what they need with a willing heart.
January 03, 2011
Welcome 2011
Well Happy New Year! Where did the time go? Christmas, Adam's birthday, Adam's birthday party...and New Years spent throwing up in a bucket. Stomach flu not self induced thank you very much ;)
Christmas was nice around here. We were able to just be together. We planned on getting back into the routine of things today but the kids are sick. As always life throws you curve balls. I can plan all I want but life will always get in the way. No big deal really. What I find a priority at the time always seems to seem so petty in the end.
I also have not blogged for a while because I've been on my other site a little more Proud to be a Fit Mom. I've had that site for 3.5 years for those of you who never check out my sidebar ;) I'm beginning to train for my first HALF MARATHON in May. Running is a big part of me. I don't talk about it here much as it does not sound very 'country'. Running a Marathon is a life goal for me. The Half is a stepping stone to that. I feel pretty far from the finish line at this point both literally and figuratively. I suppose that I am...and that is o.k too.
This year is also going to be a big year for me. It is the 10th Anniversary for A LOT of things. First Date with my husband, Finding Jesus, Getting Married, and becoming pregnant with our first child. Yes all this year.
To celebrate we are planning some things to celebrate our marriage, our family and ourselves as individual people. I'm not sure what some of those things will be but that sounds nice doesn't it??
The year is not starting off as 'celebratory' as expected but it is nothing we can't handle as a family and with Christ.
So happy 2011. No matter what happens...It will be a good one.
Christmas was nice around here. We were able to just be together. We planned on getting back into the routine of things today but the kids are sick. As always life throws you curve balls. I can plan all I want but life will always get in the way. No big deal really. What I find a priority at the time always seems to seem so petty in the end.
I also have not blogged for a while because I've been on my other site a little more Proud to be a Fit Mom. I've had that site for 3.5 years for those of you who never check out my sidebar ;) I'm beginning to train for my first HALF MARATHON in May. Running is a big part of me. I don't talk about it here much as it does not sound very 'country'. Running a Marathon is a life goal for me. The Half is a stepping stone to that. I feel pretty far from the finish line at this point both literally and figuratively. I suppose that I am...and that is o.k too.
This year is also going to be a big year for me. It is the 10th Anniversary for A LOT of things. First Date with my husband, Finding Jesus, Getting Married, and becoming pregnant with our first child. Yes all this year.
To celebrate we are planning some things to celebrate our marriage, our family and ourselves as individual people. I'm not sure what some of those things will be but that sounds nice doesn't it??
The year is not starting off as 'celebratory' as expected but it is nothing we can't handle as a family and with Christ.
So happy 2011. No matter what happens...It will be a good one.
December 23, 2010
Great Gifts
This is day 3 of vacation for me. No school, no cleaning, no grocery shopping. Just hanging out with my kids, drinking coffee and tying up loose ends before Christmas. I've even managed a run or two and I'm sleeping better.
I could not have given myself a better present. I don't think I could have given my kids a better present.....my time,energy and happiness.
Merry Christmas everyone....
I could not have given myself a better present. I don't think I could have given my kids a better present.....my time,energy and happiness.
Merry Christmas everyone....
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