Living Off the Land

Our ancestors used to do it.

Live off the land.

It's been an interesting thing to try and do it in our day and age.

They didn't have to worry too much about taxes or gas for their cars because they didn't have them.

There is something really satisfying about getting back to the land.

We are adjusting.

Ya, that's a good way to put it.

The budget it super tight but Matt's stress levels are almost non-existent.

He is actually getting to spend time with the kids, which is something that has been incredibly rare all these years.

I've had a salad directly from the garden for lunch the last little while. 

We are still working out the kinks.

There are quite a few of them.

But there is something about this way of life.

Modern society has lost the idea of simplifying life in this way.

I'm definitely not turning off my internet or Roku, but I like the more simple way of doing things. 

 

Twin Peaks Hike

This afternoon, after getting some needed things done on the farm, I decided it was time to tackle Twin Peaks.

Brittan wanted to come with Kenna and I and I gave Corban a choice.

You can go hiking or work with dad.

As you can see, he joined us.

I will say one thing, he has mastered complaining.

By the time we got to our destination (the first bench) he told me he was dying.

All our faces were red but the views were totally worth very single step to get there. 

We also found a phone on the side of the road and an ice cream shop that was amazing!

 

Afton!

I really loved my kids when they were kids.

But I do have to say I might love Afton more. 

Being a grandma is basically the best thing in the world.

I miss him when I haven't seen him for a few days.

When he sees me he always says, "Gramma Ninny" and my heart melts every single time.

He then hugs me for a really long time. 

He came to the farm with Sam today and played in the dirt.

He likes to throw dirt.

At me.

Not out of being mean, just because he thinks it's funny.

I really adore this kid.

I really love being his grandma! 

 

Homer Day Two

This morning I forced everyone up to go with me to the Two Sisters Bakery to get yummy things. 

The biscuits and gravy were not as good as my mom's but they were decent.

We shared some delicious hot cocoa and I also had a berry rhubarb scone.

I loved sitting on the back porch eating our breakfast.

Then we headed back to the spit to fill up on gelato one more time.

After that it was back on the road to get home.

I'm so glad I got to spend some time with my family. 

 Once we got home I had fun calls from family and loads of messages from people wishing me a Happy Birthday.

Jamie made me a dirt cake that she showed me on a video.

It was the first dirt cake made with sixlets and dried play doh that anyone has ever made for me.

I love the people that love me.

Here's to my 44th year.

 

Birthday Adventure: Day One!

Yesterday in the morning we jumped in the truck and headed down to Homer to make memories for my 44th birthday.

We had so much fun singing at the top of our lungs as we drove through the turnagain arm.

We stopped and got water that flows from the mountain and then at Bird point and took pictures and stretched out legs.

We stopped again at the pass and I took a panoramic picture of the beauty.

We stopped at a BBQ place and had lunch.

Once we got to Homer, after over 5 hours, we visited our friend, Ashley and her family.

After that we checked in at the hotel and then explored the spit.

I had the best tasting salted caramel gelato I have ever had.

We walked the beach on the spit and Matt and I stacked rocks.

I loved that part.

It is such a simple thing, but I have found that the simplest things are usually my favorite. 

After that the kids and I explored the beach by the hotel.

It was a great day!

Grateful for Farmer Lake

It felt so hot today!

Brittan and I were doing farm stuff and then just decided to stop and go to the lake.

She was brave enough to jump in but I dipped my feet and felt tons better.

Corban threw logs into the water for Jack to retrieve them.

We laughed a lot when he actually did retrieve them!

I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place.

I also took a picture of my arm against my thigh (I know- scandalous) and I have some seriously white legs!