Sunday, November 19, 2017

Homestead Happenings - Feb 2017

Because of the fire, blogging has taken on a different significance to me. Since I learned about blog books, I'm determined to keep blogging instead of scrapbooking and then print my blog in sections instead. I lost over 35 scrapbooks in the house fire. Now it feels like now such a waste of time and money. I will probably scrapbook my kid's baby books again, but that is about it. Losing those scrapbooks was probably the most painful loss of all, but I'm super thankful the hard drive on our desktop was able to be saved. A miracle, if you saw the burned out room it came of. I got my first digital camera shortly before Josiah was born, but anything before that time was lost.

 That said, I'm going to start where I left off. It's honestly a bit surreal looking back over these photos. Life was so normal in Feb 2017! We had snow storms and the kids were able to have more than their share of snowball fights. It was a bitterly cold winter. It was all we could do to keep the pipes and the pressure tanks from freezing. Our little stove wasn't enough to keep the whole house warm, so we did everything around it.
Michael got caught up on things and was determined to make an oak barrel mug. He cut all the wood himself and then welded the bands and handle together out of scrap metal. He made several of these, and they actually didn't burn up in the fire, but they were so smoked damaged that we couldn't use them again. Oh well, he had fun making them. I told him he would make a good "cooper".


 We used these big crocks in the living room as a place to put Rina's toys. She enjoyed playing in them, too. We'll have to get Rina a little cleaning set like this again. She loved it. A toy with a purpose, I love it!

Hailey is starting to have fun dressing Rina up. I love watching them play together. This used to be Hailey's dress.
Rina loves to help in anyway she can. I've used these Pampered Chef safety knives with all my kids.
Josiah received his Second Class BSA rank. We're so proud of him. He's learning a lot in Scouts and gaining confidence and skills.
Troop 700, small but mighty!


Valentines Day came around, and I always love to get the kids books they've been longing for. They got their traditional chocolate heart from the grandparents.
Josiah went to the Klondike with Troop 700. They did their best but the weather was not cooperating with them. A cold, extremely wet snow forced everyone to have to leave early. Still they did well in the few events they got to participate in.
That's okay, because the troop got to go ice skating at our local rink instead. Much warmer and drier!

 My sis and some of her kids came for a visit. We love to go to Rooster's for dinner when they come up. Haley got a new book called The Story Thieves. These cousins are such good friends.
We walked along the levee with Mom, Stacie and the kids. My niece, Jessica, enjoyed pushing Rina in her stroller.
Our newest board game tradition we play when Stacie is up is The Oregon Trail Game. We have so much fun playing this together! It is based off the old computer game.
Hailey is starting to cook meals now. Top Roman with homemade deviled eggs. Interesting combo, but hey, I didn't have to cook and those eggs were delish!
We went with our local homeschool group on a field trip to the local radio station. It was really quite interesting. 

The kids learned a lot.

Right after that, the flu bug hit. I was the only one who didn't get it and was able to play nurse to the rest of the family.

Rina loves to help do chores in the morning and Cuddles likes having someone else around to pet him.

Rina was able to make friends with Angel, one of our ewes. She came to us, scared to death of little kids, but Rina won her over.


Rina with Grandpa Ernie at Michael's Uncle Frank's funeral. Such a neat tribute to the life of a wonderful man who ALWAYS put family first. 

Uncle Frank taught his son, Joey well. He feels exactly the same way about family and just has a way with little ones.

Michael's mom, Kay and brother, Nathan, look on as Auntie April gets some Rina loves. It is so nice to see her coming out of her shell and going to family members.

We spent the night at Michael's folk's house and Grandma Kay played with our kids. 

Rina discovered Grandma's cool toy box!
Then we visited Auntie April's home and played with more cousins, Layla and Cash (both redheads btw).
Josiah and Cash adore each other. Love this picture so much!
Back home, Rina enjoyed playing with my Grandma Mary's tea set. 
The older kids made some delicious limeade all by themselves. Love that they are old enough to clean up the mess of making it.
Wrapped up the month by giving an Underground Tour to our local homeschool group. It was fun to get to show them the speakeasy door and so much more. We've got some pretty awesome history in this town!

That finishes off Feb of 2017. I'm so far behind, but determined to catch up for the sake of making the blog book. This is a year I don't ever want to forget. It was a turning point for our family and we've learned so much along the way. God has moved mountains for us.

God Bless,
Jackie

2 comments:

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Good to read this post and all that's transpired. Hang in there, Jackie! Glad you're back to blogging. I've missed you and your sister, Stacie, as well. Hope they are doing ok! It's late so am going to fold laundry. again! Have a blessed week! Hugs!

magnoliasntea said...

Lovely post! I am so glad you're on track again. :)

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