“Spring forward, fall back.” That’s the dreaded saying we have around here when we are supposed to partake in the time change. It always seems a bit easier to fall back then to move forward. I have to admit, this spring has not been vey busy around here as far as homesteading projects go. Sure, I’m busy with a lot of other important things, but the main reason for the lack of productivity I believe, is a feeling of uncertainty. As many of you know, homesteading on any level takes work. I, in no way consider my self a hard core homesteader, but what I manage to do is truly a labor of love. This year, more than previous years, I’m wandering about moving. With each rock I want to lay in my garden I will wander if I’m leaving this for someone else. Of course, no one ever knows the future in it’s entirety.
Why Worry?
I’m not really worried about moving, I do have peace one way or another. However, I have to admit that it makes me a bit cautious when pouring money into projects at the home. The truth is, though we love our little homestead, we have been pondering a move for several years now. We’ve already had plenty of reasons. So, why now? Well, without getting into the polotics of it all, I’ll just say that our lifestyle and that of thousands of others (particularly that of homeschooling) has been threatened yet again. We do not live in a place that’s run by supportive people. It’s really the opposite. We really value our freedom to live how we choose best. We have compromised on so much here already. The governing powers where we currently live believe in controlling all aspects of peoples lives with lots of laws and regulations. So, it’s not exactly a fit for us free spirited folk who just want to live and let live.
So, how does one move forward with uncertainty? I believe I will just hold God’s hand the best I can and put one foot in front of the other. We are not 100% certain about moving just yet. We have many things to decide and some things we are closely watching. However, whether we stay or go, it will be on our own terms and either way I believe it will be for the best. Hey, I’m an optimist. So, why worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. We are here for now, and that’s all that matters.
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matt. 6:34 KJV
What We've Been Up To
Though I may not have gotten a lot of home projects done, we are still busy as ever. Running a home full of life is a full time job. Much of my time is committed to educating and training our children. It’s been a little bit busier spring semester than usual because I am prepping for another graduation. Our oldest son will graduate this spring! He is truly an amazing young man with a heart of gold. As he continues a life of learning we look forward to seeing what the future has in store for him.
We also have a new driver in the house! Our third child now has his license. I saw a meme online that said something like: “Now a moment of silence for all the parents out there who just had a teenager added to their insurance”. Yep, we know how that feels. That would be more humorous, if it wasn’t so real.
Besides graduation preparations, we’ve managed to get out a bit. As the weather warms we really look forward to more outdoor adventures. The winter can really take a toll on those of us that love being out in nature. This year, though I didn’t like the cold, and I was determined to just bundle up and get out more. I did that to some extent. Even when it’s cold, feeling the sun on your face is such a gift.
We’ve also celebrated a couple of birthdays already this year and had a wonderful Passover and Resurrection Sunday. Last year there were signifiacant ailments in our home during Passover, so this year seemed extra special. Below is a picture of our beautiful roasted chickens. Compliments to the chef (Joshua, my husband). For Resurrection Day dinner we typically have chicken, potatoes, greens, corn, etc… We also play Easter themed bingo and everyone gets to pick out prizes as they win, it’s always a favorite activity!
Trip to the Aquarium
On one of our recent trips out we visited the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. We had a really fun time there. There was something for everyone to be entertained by. Lots of sensory play as well for the littles. Below is a YouTube short of us getting our dead skin eaten off by little fish. I know fish pedicures are a real thing, but this was a first for us. *More videos coming on the channel soon.
We’ve frequented Union Station many times throughout the years, but this was the first time we went to the Aquarium. If you’re in the St. Louis area I think it’s worth a visit. I will caution you, this is not sea world. It is a nice aquarium experience with some extras for the kiddos. There are plenty of ocean animals, but there is also a nice display of aquatic animals from the local rivers.
One of my favorite parts of the aquarium is actually the entry, or I guess you might call it a foyer. I can’t really explain what it is, but it is amazing and pretty mezmorizing. It’s like a light/image show on the wall and ceiling.
Our outing that day was much needed for this mama. Traveling and exploring new places together is definitely one of favorite things to do. We are actually in a season where not all of our kiddos are always with us on our excursions. If they all had it their way though, we would be. When we are all together, there is a sense of completeness I have though. Of course, we can really fill a room too!
What's Next?
Right now, we are enjoying the spring and going forward with planting and prepping for another harvest. Even with a level of uncertainty, I figure we still have to eat and besides that, it’s something we love to do. If we move later on, well, someone will hopefully be blessed with a nice garden plot and more. Besides, I enjoy the journey more than the outcome. No matter where we find ourselves this time next year, I will dig in the earth and get dirty. I will embrace the ground and surroundings that I’m blessed to dwell with.
Many of you know that spring is not my favorite season, but I view it as necessary. It’s not that I don’t like it. I’m just more of a summer kind of girl. I do like the feeling that spring gives me, like something better is coming. The long rainy weeks, days that seem both cold and warm at the same time, and unsettling skies all lead way to the predictable and consistent warm sunny days of summer that grow longer and fuller as the days go on. Life seems to slow down in the summer, schedules become less important and the sun bids you stay out well past dinner. Summer has a way of making me feel just a little more like a kid again.
Whatever the season brings you, may you have hope in knowing that something better is coming. Each season of life has it’s grand moments and even its trials. Even though sometimes we face uncertainty, there are some things that remain. We must not lose ourselves in life’s circumstances, but rather find what is most important and not let go.
Til next time…..
Amanda
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” Jon Kabat-Zinn
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