Dirt Road Diary; 12 Country Living Lessons

%22I wouldn't give a nickel to have it paved in gold. Everything I Love is at the end of the dirt road.%22

One month post our move and 99% of the time I’m still waiting for someone to wake me up from my dream. However, I don’t want you all to think it’s been without a few learning curves – so here is what ‘4 Weeks of Country Living Has Taught Me’

Dirty Road Diary Style; 12 Country Living Lessons

(in no particular order)

  1. Dirt is the new “cool” – my kids have never been dirtier and, I have never cared less. Hahaha, ok maybe I’ve cared a bit. Truth, country living is dirty – clean boots, coats, and clothes are a thing of the past.

Dirt Road Diary;

2) Music bee’s lungs work just fine – just ask the neighbors if they heard her when she saw her first Gardner snake in the woods.

3) Bugs, bugs, and more bugs!!! My house is infested with ladybugs and I’ve already killed 15 Mosquitos, a few spiders, and several moth thingies (yes, that’s what they are called)

4) Raccoons can climb really high: and, when you move your bird feeder they might just get mad and poop on your balcony.

5) Rainboots are a necessity. Did I mention it’s dirty? Thanks you Jesus for our mudroom!

 Childhood Unplugged; Country Living Lessons

6) Deer are such peaceful animals.

7) Real fireplaces take me back to my childhood. They are just so dreamy and magical.

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8) Chickens are super cool little creatures – and, I might just become the next crazy chicken lady. I love them!




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9) Well water isn’t actually scary at all and surprisingly tastes pretty good. Not to mention it makes your hair super soft (ummm..bonus!)

10) Going to ‘town’ still sounds totally strange to me but, is super fun! 1 grocery store, a few gas stations, a subway, a frozen custard place, a thrift store, and well, of coarse Tractor Supply – what else do you need?

11) And, the number one thing living in the country has taught me in 4 weeks – I hate leaving home!

12) Home is where the heart is –

“I wouldn’t give a nickel to have it paved in gold. Everything I Love is at the end of the dirt road.”

My Happy Homestead; Goes Country

Homestead, self sufficiency, new start, family, faith, hope, love,


My Happy Homestead; Is Going Country


That’s right, we are moving! We are packing up and heading to the country. 


Some might say us suburban raised “city slickers” have no idea what we are in for. Some might think we have lost our beloved minds. Some might have feelings of sadness, anger, excitement, jealousy, or  just pure joy for our family. Some are still sitting there shocked by such a change -while others have seen it coming for years. 

Here is the thing, although to some it may seem the decision to move was made nearly overnight – it in many ways has been nothing shy of the opposite – it has rather been a life long journey.  

This winding road of foundation building has truly been going on for years and, I am only just now beginning to see some of those very intricate pieces God had layed before us so many years ago. I also venture to say we will never fully know nor understand all of the individual pieces; while, other pieces have been so perfectly set before us one can only believe they were set there just for our awe and wonder. 

Growing up I was always somewhat of a dreamer. (Ha, who am I kidding ? I still am!) I would play for hours creating families of paper dolls, swinging on our swings gazing off into the clouds, or playing with my doll house built by my grandfather. I would dream of houses, families, and simplicity. The things I remember and cherish most about my childhood were “simple things” like 80’s music playing 24/7, visits to grandparents houses, boating, swimming, jumping rope, going to plays, mystery trips, and just being a kid. These are the things childhood memories are made of. 

Childhood memories are made up of faith, intentional parenting, planning, purpose, and being present. 

You’re  probably wondering what my childhood has to do with moving and here it is; 6 months ago Ed and I didn’t have any clue where we wanted to move – nor did we ever imagine we would go from deciding on a location to buying a home in less than 2 months time. Did I happen to mention ‘our plan‘ was to not move for another 3-5 more years? 

Ah yes, and that childhood I remember so vividly – could it really be one of the original pieces of our foundation was built during that very time. The very place I loved to drive with my family – the place with the winding road, the hills, trees, and fresh air- that very place on the way to our annual family mystery trip to see “The Christmas Carol”. Could it be that same road of childhood comfort would one day be the path that led us to our new home? 

faith, hope, love, homesteading, self sufficiency


It is only now, that I am beginning to see each piece- so perfectly layed before us. From childhood gardening memories, skills passed on from grandparents, to childhood friend’s (who just so happened to mary your cousin and will now be your childrens’ new dentist) because of coarse they will be among your new neighbors. 

How does this stuff happen? For real people, I could not make this stuff up! Who moves an hour away only to be brought back to their childhood- 


During our dating years – we would venture north and scour real-estate catalogs looking for property; we would talk about cottages and various locations. We would discuss blueberry picking in the wild, hunting, and spend countless hours searching for the northern lights over the lake. These are the things that brought us together. These are the things by which God has built our foundation – 


God sized dreams that seemed insignificant and at times maybe even a bit unrealistic – 


Faith


Family


Friendships


Love


Hope


and, Trust


So although to some our move might be a shock – to others it’s exactly where God has called us to be. 


The road doesn’t always make sense and it certainly doesn’t always seem fare. No one promised this life to be easy because it certainly isn’t going to be so – but being faithful, living intentionally, and being present in the very place you’re called to be at this exact moment is truly priceless.

Be sure to take a seat and stick around as I dust off the shelves of this space, add some new ‘decor’,  and take you down the dirt roads with me!! Sign up here for our “Homestead Happenings” news letter for the newest and most up to date behind the scenes happenings.

Faith, hope, love, Country girl, homesteading, self sufficiency




Featuring My Little Boo!

I try very hard to “feature” one of the kids once in awhile and I’m sure it is past due for our little Boo!! She is our busy little bee, a lovable kid, with a comedian like personality. She is a tiny little peanut and full of spunk! She has been that way since birth. Undoubtedly that little personality she was born with will surely carry her onto many great things in her future.

 Boo has been busy learning her ABC, counting, shapes, and colors! She has taken a real liking to coloring lately. Amazingly enough my busy little bee sits quite still for “school”. I love watching her learn!

“Wee” have also taken a liking to music. This girl will sing her heart out…it brings tears to my eyes everyday! So sweet and innocent!

For St. Patrick’s day our sensory bin was filled with green and white flower petals, tissue paper, shamrocks, and other small manipulative type toys. Both girls have enjoyed “making cole slaw” with this bin.

 “Wee” have also been playing a lot with our “pom-pom magnets”
To make your own; you will need pom-poms in assorted colors, circle magnets, and hot glue! Voila!!
Simply hot glue the magnet on the bottom of the pom-pom and get ready for hours of enjoyment.
For fun Pom-pom printable sheets go HERE
Letters 
 Numbers
Mosaics

Place your printable on a metal cookie sheet and let your little one enjoy placing the colored pom pom magnets on the circles. 

 The weather was nice (WAS, being the key word here for a bit!) it has since gone back to the 30’s (brrrr…) during the great “warm up” we played bubbles, chalk, and went on MANY walks! There is nothing like when the weather breaks and getting outside with my kids. I love it!

Boo’s favorite place in is the kitchen. She is destine to be a chef! She loves to cook and eat!! During the winter months Wednesday is her favorite day when Door to Door Organics comes to our home. She ALWAYS helps unload the farm food. During the summer she loves when we pick up our CSA box to see what we got from the farm. This little girl would be one hard worker if we did in fact live on a farm. Sorry Boo, the raspberries behind the garage will have to do for now :)!!!

 

And lastly, most days you can catch this little wiggle worm dancing to most any beat! She is a country girl at heart…but “turn it up” and “I like it loud” are her two favorite phrases!! God love that girl…you bring a smile to mommy’s face everyday! Yes, even when you are having a fit….you are still darn cute “My Little Boo”!! Mommy Loves You!!