Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Homesick!

Lately I have been a little homesick.

We moved to Idaho from Washington 20 months ago. Although I know that we were lead to move here and it has been a wonderful adventure, I am missing my family. I come from a very large and close knit family. It has been one of my greatest blessings! I love them so much and am sad at times that I can't see them.

Our three oldest children still live in WA as well. I think that is the hardest part! When we decided to move we talked to them and asked what they thought. I made it clear that we would not go if they wanted us to stay. They were all supportive and encouraged us to go because they knew what a dream this had been for me for so long. It was one of the hardest things that I think I have ever done, saying goodbye to them. You mommas know how hard it is to let go of your babies. Even if they are adults.

So, as I said, it has been hard lately. I think the last video that I made for our son Joshua for Memorial Day kind of made me think about how precious life is. (You can see it here.) Even though we are very happy here building up our homestead, at what cost are we doing that. We did move specifically to this area to be closer to my husbands family. Although they are wonderful, I still miss my kids.

Gregory has visited several times and Janie came once which is nice. I haven't been able to see Joshua since we left. My mom recently came to visit recently too! That was super fun! We have all Skyped on holidays which I love! It's better than a phone call by far!

Why am I sharing this though? Well, for those of you who are considering homesteading yourselves, this is something that you really need to consider when you are searching for the perfect place! It is sometimes hard to find it close to were loved ones are living. If you decide to relocate a great distance from family & friends there is a lot that you will miss out on. You may miss birthdays, weddings, holiday celebrations, school plays and dance recitals.... plus just the odd Friday night get together. Can you do that? It's a high price to pay!

That is what has been hard for me. Hubby reassures me that we are right where we are supposed to be and although I know that he is right, it doesn't make it easier when you are missing friends and family. So, just think about it. Doing what you are called to do is not always easy but it is very rewarding! We are establishing something that can definitely benefit our kids one day. I have comfort in that!

I will be traveling out to visit my family this summer and I can't wait!!!!

Give Hugs & Kisses to those close to you!
Tina:)

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

I'm Back!

Well, hello everyone!
 
I know that I have not posted to the blog for almost a year now. (That was quite the hiatus!) To be honest, I have been devoting much of my social media time to my new YouTube channel My Homesteading Project. It has been doing very well and has been a lot of fun! If you haven't checked it out yet you really should. I am loving the interactions with my new "family" as I share our journey to being self sustaining. I would love for you to join us! (Enough of the shameless plug.)
 
I hope that all has been well for you all. Although we have had our highs and lows since I blogged last, overall things are progressing nicely here on the homestead.
  • We now have 5 goats, 15 chickens, 3 dogs & 1 cat.
  • Our new chicken coop is built.
  • We created (2) 30x50ft garden beds which are mostly planted.
  • and much, much more.....
We have accomplished a lot but still have tons to do! There are a lot of projects planned for this year and my goal is not only to share everything with my YouTube family but with you here as well. My plan is to post here to the blog every Wednesday and to YouTube on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. I will also post a "Make It Monday" project on the first Monday of the month. That is the plan and I will try to stick to that schedule as closely as possible.

So, I hope that you will join us in our journey on whatever social media sites you prefer. We are EVERYWHERE now!
Lots of plans for gardening, fencing, building, meat rabbits & chickens plus all of the fun sewing, spinning, soap making & craft projects for you. I'm so excited for everything and will share it all with you! So, I hope that you will join us.

Thanks for being here!
Blessings,

Tina:)