Moving On.

We have put our home up for sale.  We are planning to move back to Colorado.  And I am so very glad.
These last years have been incredibly hard.  Because I haven't wanted to write complaining and whining, I've not written much at all in so very long.  I take that idea, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all!" probably too close to heart.
Yes, there are a few things I will miss about this place.  Like today, when we had to leave for our first showing we went up to the woods just a mile away.  We threw rocks in the water, crossed the (little) river on a board bridge, and picked wild apples we ate right off the tree.  That was nice.
But this town?  There is so little for us.  We'll miss the incredibly kind people at our little church and the (very) few friends we've made.  But I won't miss much.
It's not the hard work, though there has been plenty.  It's that every little thing here is a struggle.
And I've fought against the prevailing negativity of this place until I simple cannot anymore.  It's sunk me more than once.  It's such a pit I have clawed my way out of too many times, my heart dying a bit more with each fall.  I don't want to live like this anymore.
So, here we are four long years since we sold our last home.  We've learned a lot.  Shoot, I'll always know how to milk a goat or a cow.  I had to put down another hen the other day and just didn't even think twice about it.  Quite a change from the first time.
We followed a dream that was often a bit more of a nightmare.  At least we won't look back at the end and wonder what might have been.  We gave it our all and it is simply time to move on.

Busy Days

The boys are busy playing, the girl is busy being cute and we are busy unpacking! It's all finally here. It's been a long year. So, in between rain and snow, we are working away and dreaming of weather to plant in.

Picture It

Dumpling walking ahead of me, this cloudy, rain dripped morning.  Wearing his cowboy hat and and carrying the milk bucket he looks so grown up and silly boy all at once.  I wished I had the camera to capture the moment.  That's why I blog, really.  To be able to capture a moment, a thought, a pretty little thing~to notice the gifts in the little moments of life~renews and refreshes me. 

Not having my camera in hand, I simply tried to capture the image in my mind's eye to hold it there and smile.  I thought briefly about stepping back in to grab the camera, shook my head no and went on. See, I was holding the bucket of water for the goats in one hand and Cupcake in the baby carrier in the other.  Pumpkin is in charge of gates and we're all headed to the barn for morning chores.  To stop now would be a disaster.  Bella's bellowing her fool head off and it's an hour before milking time, but she won't stop and I'd like to silence her forever, but then we'd have no milk.

And so we're off to the barn and I'm trying to keep a happy heart and remind the boys to watch for the hole and to hold the gate for everyone and not trip myself up and be thankful the water hasn't sloshed into my shoe like yesterday and to just do the next thing all while praying for grace and patience and peace and help.

It's Day 2.  Sweetheart left yesterday to go back to Colorado and get the rest of our things.  It's been a long day and it's just started.  He got stopped in Wyoming due to the winds and we aren't sure how long this will all take.  It's been almost a year since we moved for the first time and I'm tired of not being settled.  I'm tired of not having a dresser, a place to put basic things. 

I want to not want, to be just perfectly happy here as it is.  But realistically speaking, it's not just my pride and vanity, though there is that component I know.  I would like the rest of the couches and chair parts so someone who comes in can actually sit down somewhere other than the dining room table.  The boys are missing their stuff as well and Sweetheart needs his tools and we've been doing pretty well overall I'd say considering.  But it's time for it to be over.

Did I mention I'm also trying to paint?  I am insane.  I know.  Whatever.  My goal is to finish the dining room and kitchen while he's gone.  I am having trouble getting the wallpaper off the plaster walls in the kitchen.  All ideas are welcome.  I'd love to pain all of the downstairs, but even I think that might just be too much.  See, even I know my limits.

So, feel free to pray for us all.  For safety and sanity mostly. 

Well, the boys are done eating breakfast and the girl is smiling away at me so I'll sign off.  Probably won't be on here much for awhile.  Unless I just need a break.  Plus, the wild plum tree next to the barn started blooming yesterday and I want to get some pictures of it to share...

Just Kidding!

I got a call this morning from a neighbor that one of their goats was kidding imminently.  The doe (Mama) was having twins and the first kid had just arrived.  I was able to head right over and a few minutes later was able to see the second baby be born.  I even got to bottle feed her.  

This was a lot more fun than processing the chickens and roosters over there the other night.  This was the eighth kid they've had so far with more on the way.  I was able to stay for awhile and help out a bit.  I didn't take pictures because it's been snowing and raining and I wasn't sure what I was in for.  Just look at the picture from last week and sub in a goat for the lamb and you'll have the general idea.  :)  

I really enjoyed the experience and hope to be able to spend some more time over there learning more.  I had to come home to um, get some milk into my own kid.  I would have happily spent the day over there working and learning, but with my own three little ones it's just not possible.  I'll happily take whatever time I can though and learn as I am able.  

Now we've switched spots.  I am home with the children (kids seemed a bit confusing) and Sweetheart is back over at their house for a class on snaring from another neighbor.   I have no idea what all that will involve, but since I doubt he's bringing home dinner, I should go figure out ours.  All three sweet ones are down for nap time.  It's quiet and peaceful here.  

I think I'll go do some prep work on dinner and then gather up a blanket and read for a bit before getting back to my other chores.  I unpacked my 1915 copy of Little Women earlier.  I haven't seen it since I packed up for the first move last March and I've missed it so.  Maybe a cup of tea is in order as well.

Interestingly, as I was unpacking my tub of treasures last week I found my only some of my March decorations.  I found my shamrock teacup and saucer, but not the coffee/tea pot.  I do have the vintage postcard which I had out by the teacup on display, but haven't found my regular white teapot that's pictured in the link as well.  It will be so nice to have everything back, hopefully by the end of the month.  It's hard to believe all this packing and moving started almost a year ago.  Sitting on my own couch with all its cushions will be so nice.

These Days

The Backyard at Sunrise

Our Barn at Sunrise

The only pretty spot that's done.

I took a ton of pictures of Sweetheart and the boys sledding out back, but none of them turned out. We are still just busy cleaning up and out and trying to move in and take care of the three little ones and plan what's next and working hard and meeting folks and goats and not really having time for pictures and blogging. I've been writing real notes though.
And I put Kimberly's Cup on Facebook. Not too sure how that will work. If you are reader from a reader, click onto the real blog and follow the button on the right. This allows me to hopefully keep up with people on FB without announcing all my personal info to the world.
We are headed to a neighbor's for dinner tomorrow night. Looking forward to that! Sweetheart is busy working hard fixing things, but seems to really enjoy it all. Well, not all. But he seems to have finally relaxed and is totally in his element.

There Will Be Roses

Today I put on Sweetheart's boots and went and walked the land for the first time. I peeked in the outbuilding/shed/thingy wandered around the barn and trudged through the snow along the fence lines. I passed the old truck--it was empty Kay;)--and skirted the end of the frozen pond.

I looked at the bushy treeish things growing on both sides of the fence line and noticed the one-inch thorns, but without any leaves or growth I couldn't identify them. I walked on. Passed the grove of trees that diagonal bisect the upper pasture and headed for the top fence.

I looked closer at another group of growing things. It was then I saw the rosehips. I bit into one frozen one, its fresh taste on my tongue. One another bush I saw a single leaf. Roses. They are all roses. Tears filled my eyes, cold against my cheek. A whispered prayer of gratitude spoken, repentance offered and accepted.

You see, I've allowed myself to get discouraged. But somehow, the promise of the roses washed it all away with His grace. I continued along the fence line now smiling, even laughing alone. Heading back toward the house, swinging open the garden gate; I am home.

Still Here

And still cleaning. Unpacking has begun as well. Looking forward to taking a break soon. Maybe heading a few towns over to see their winter festival and ice sculptures. Or, just walking the fence lines here and exploring my own property. I still haven't made it to the barn or the other main outbuilding. I walked into the garage twice and the basement and attic once. It will be a long time before I am bored. I've got too much to do!

Home at Last

We are here buried amidst the boxes and bugs. Trying to move in and out all at once is interesting. A lot of "treasures" have been left behind for us to deal with. But we're home.

They hooked up the Internet for us today. I've yet to see my camera. When I can I'll post some pictures of the views. Amazing.

We met a neighbor the first night in. She brought over scones the next day and the most amazing danish the following day. In all the years I've delivered food to new neighbors, this was the first time we've ever been on the receiving end!

Another neighbor loves to sell stuff and so he's been over foraging through. He's also carrying heavy stuff in and out and hauling stuff away. What a blessing. There are a few things we'll keep, but we're happy he wants the rest. He'll even split the money he makes off selling things. I'm just glad I don't have to haul it all away myself!

We are all doing fine and working hard. Will continue to update as possible.

Hello from Idaho!

We are in Boise and just a few hours away from our new home! So excited!! I'll try to check back in next week sometime when/if we have internet service. :)

Really, We're Leaving

Please pray.

*****

Click on Joanne's picture on the right to check the latest updates.

Sigh

Still hanging out. Weather not cooperating.

Glitches

Um, we're still here. We've run into a few issues including weather problems. We're not sure now when we'll be taking off. Saturday? It'll be all about the weather. Internet shuts down tomorrow so I'll likely be off-line. Thank you all for your sweet prayers. Keep them coming!

We Are Outta Here

We have a break in the weather Thursday and Friday. I am packing like mad to be checked out of here tomorrow. Not seeing how this will all work out. I am more than a little stressed. It is ok if it doesn't happen until Thursday, but I'd sure like it to all work out so we can be on the road Thursday early. Prayers for my sanity are most welcome.

Once my computer is packed up I am not sure when I'll be back online. I'm not quitting blogging, but things move slow in our new town and so I am not sure when we'll have internet.
In the meanwhile, click on the button to the right for updates on Joanne. In fact, her husband, Toben, wrote another post last night to read. Kristen, her sister, and Janna will also keep updates posted as they are able.

Much love to you all and I look forward to sharing our new adventure with you all!!!!!

Thinking Back, Looking Forward

As we venture forth to a new home and a new life, I am excited. It's been a longer journey than I expected when we started this last March. I really thought buying a home would be easier than selling one these days. Not for us! We had a contract the first week and closed the next month.

We looked and looked and looked. Changed what we were looking for, adjusted ideals and prices, whittled down what it was we needed versus wanted. At least two acres with water rights became our only non-negotiables. Cute was desired, of course. This was going to be my home after all.

We wandered through property after property last spring. Nothing. Several places that would have simply been improved by tearing them down. An offer was made on a property. Luckily, it went nowhere at that time. Meanwhile, our home was sold and we had to move. The week of that closing we learned that the company Sweetheart worked for was being bought out. Spring turned to summer.

We widened the search to all over Colorado. A few places appeared and were visited. Still nothing. We camped out at Mom's while still searching.

The idea that we'd buy something before the baby arrived ended. I decided I had to withdraw from the search and just focus on getting ready for the baby to be born. We moved into a rental nearer to Sweetheart's work still not knowing what would happen with the acquisition.

Autumn came and with it the joyous arrival of Cupcake. The search resumed. Now, we widened the search again. Idaho had several things in its favor. It wasn't Colorado, but it was a lot more affordable. The company was sold and everyone was told nothing would change.

That lasted about a month. Then the layoffs began. Sweetheart's job was eliminated. And the house in Idaho was found. We wanted to buy something out right and made an offer. Autumn ended without a contract.

Winter arrived and with it a quick trip for Sweetheart to see the home we had put an offer on. He fell in love with it. Negotiations stalled.

On a whim, we decided to see if we could finance after all. We had our own side business since Pumpkin was born. Miraculously, we were approved based on the income from that.

Counteroffers went back and forth and an agreement was made. It was now mid-December and Christmas on the way. After a flurry of inspections, everything came back as perfect! We were even able to close early, last Tuesday in fact.

Now we are busily packing and trying to figure out the best way to get everyone and everything there. We have a lot of stuff. I hear some of you that have been to our old home laughing. Knock it off. So I have the gift of understatement.

Everyone keeps asking when we're moving. I still don't know. We have to be out of here by the end of the month, but hope to go sooner. I just wrapped up most of the things I wanted to do before leaving the other day.

We are just itching to get there. It will come down to weather and trucks and packing.

I am just taking a bit of a breather at the local coffee shop. I dropped off a load at the thrift store and returned all the library books. Sweetheart and the kiddos are at home. Not sure when was the last time I was just out by myself to do something relaxing alone. Cupcake and I have been a team since birth. I unpacked a bottle and left it on the counter is case it's needed.

There is so much to do, that I can't stay too long, I know. But the gift of an hour without being needed is wonderful. There is a giant speaker next to me playing country music which is somewhat drowning out the chatter around me.

Hmm...Think I'll be hearing country music a lot in the new town. That's ok. It'll be an interesting break from all my instrumental music I have playing all day. My "pretty music" as the boys call it is just a part of the background of our days.

I cannot deal with additional voices added in on purpose as my family seems to talk nonstop. Yes, more laughing from those of you in the know. I hear it. Here's the funny thing: Cupcake is a chatterer, too. She's started in the last few weeks and is hilarious. She is so expressive. She must get that from her father. ;)

When I was more than a little on edge this summer, I talked with Joanne one afternoon. I commented on not having a home for the boys and wondering what all the upheaval would do. She said something I can't get out of my mind that she said she had learned with all of her different moves. As far as the kids are concerned, wherever I am is home. An excellent reminder and one I have thought of some many times as we've lived in transition for too long.

I have tried to make this rental a home for us all. It hasn't been easy and I will not miss this house at all. Looking back, I can see that she is right and that it will all be okay. Doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to cooking dinner in my own kitchen and eating it off of something other than a folding table and chairs like we have for the last six months.

I keep trying to think about other things, but find my thoughts constantly going back to Joanne. Wishing so much we could have had lunch together yesterday as planned. Thinking about all our tea times, including the one that Pumpkin decided to, for some unknown reason, stick his hand in her teacup full of tea. Luckily, it was just warm and she was gracious about it.
Wake up, sweet friend. I miss you.

*** For those of you looking for updates, Joanne's family said they were going to keep the day quiet with just family so I am not expecting any updates today. The doctors determined yesterday that her movements were seizures and have now placed her into a medically induced coma for a few days. Please continue to pray for all of them. They are so needing some rest and peace.

Dear Friends

Yesterday morning my friend, Roisin, hosted a gathering of friends so that I could see everyone before we move. Wasn't that sweet of her? It truly was a lovely time.

The years have not been easy. There have been severe trials that we have clung to one another through and others that we are still in the midst of. We been together through many births, rejoicing in new little lovies. One of these wee ones was born still, one had a stroke in utero, one arrived through adoption, and others born without any troubles at all.

We've walked together supporting one through cancer and will continue to need to support another through her husband's battle with ALS. We prayed and played through times of unemployment, moving, marital difficulties and now the trying times of teenage girls. Some have left the group to return again and others have sadly just withdrawn and started new lives without us, though they are missed.

Some of us are silly, noisy, hypercompetive, can't keep score, never remember what number we are on, or just come for the food and fun and couldn't care less about the game.

But through it all, these women have been my best friends. Some I may only see once a month, others of us gather together regularly. And no matter what, we would do anything for one another.

All I know is that I will miss each one of you terribly and I hope you come visit soon.

PS-There's an opening in the group now. Want to join?

(She got to ditch school for a bit to come say goodbye. Love you Lindsey!)

The Great Adventure

"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
~Jeremiah 29:11

My dear, sweet friend, Terri, gave me a mug last week with this verse printed on it. It's sitting next to me as I type. I am also planning to write it out on a card and hang it up on my kitchen sink window with the other verses I am trying to learn.

How I have forgotten this promise, I don't know. But in the midst of all the unknown and turmoil of the last year, there have been times I have. Just being honest. Walking this path, not knowing, sometimes from day to day, where we would be in the next weeks/months ahead, I have lost sight.

My, well, near-constant anxiety for Cupcake before she was born wasn't good. Yes, understandable, but not faithful. As I sit here looking at all the new and unknown I am about to walk into I am doing it with a lot less fear. I don't think I realized until last week just how truly anxious I had been for her sake. I even worried so much about how all the constant stress would affect her probably causing more stress. Yes, some of it was simply because I had several people around constantly harping on me about it.

Most of it was because of losing Jimmy. I felt that if something happened this time it would be my fault. Because I was "doing too much". Because I was stressed. Because I had three friends miscarry in the first three months I was pregnant and all of them second miscarriages in a row.

Sweetheart reminded me more than once that life was pretty great and easy by comparison when we lost Jimmy and that that was in no way my fault. He reminded me that I would never blame my sweet friend who had lost two wee ones wondering what she had done wrong. And that's true.

So now we have Cupcake. And she's pretty great. An easy baby and totally adorable and her smile lights up a room. Seriously. While all you see is pictures, she has a way in life of drawing everyone to her. Between her hair and her smile and her dimple she spreads joy and laughter wherever we go. Thank you, Lord!

Wow. This post has totally gone a different direction than I planned when I started typing. Time to shift gears....

The Closing happens today, or tomorrow. Everyone has already signed everything. The loan will be funded today and that's the last thing. We had planned to do all cash, but then we would be totally broke and without an income. Sometimes, I wonder if we should have done that on faith, but I must admit I am preferring to do it this way. Now we can at least buy some paint. :) And my chickens and goats.

So now starts the packing up in earnest. We still have most of our things packed and stored, but we've been hear six months now and are pretty settled in. Most of what is here we use constantly, so I am trying to figure out what to pack and what I'll still need until the last day.

Then comes the fun part of getting it all to Idaho. We're still working on all the details of that and do not even know what day we will leave here. A big part of that is simply weather. January is not a fun month to try to move. We got a lot of snow this weekend and there is more where we are headed.

In the mean time, we are playing, reading, laughing and tickling. Packed up my sewing things and schooling things and lotion and balm things. I am trying to just focus on packing and cooking and saying my good-byes. That's a tough one.

The next few weeks are going to be kinda crazy. I'll pop in as I am able. I'll leave you with a few
pictures from the new house. I LOVE this built-in hutch. The top picture shows it from the dining room side, this picture is from the kitchen side.
Look at this porch!!!! We didn't see a lot of homes in Idaho with porches. I think I got the house with the biggest one in the state-280 square feet. And they are leaving the wicker for me. And the dining room table. And a lot of junk we'll need to clean out. :) There are serious treasures buried in there, too.

Here's the view from the back last summer. The boys are excited about this. And I am excited about this. Space. Can't wait to see it all myself!

Home Sweet Home????

We're hoping!

My Heart is Full

It is so wonderful to hold my sweet little girl. (Still needing a blog name for her.) She is so strong and healthy and, I must say, rather adorable. She is a calm, peaceful baby most of the time and she gives away the sweetest little gifts of smiles that show off the dimple on her left cheek.

She sleeps quite a lot it seems, but is doing well at night. In fact, with how poorly I sleep whilst pregnant being up with her through the night feedings isn't a big deal. Of course, some of this will definitely change tomorrow when Sweetheart goes back to work and I am unable to nap as desired. It will be interesting.

So, while we still no nothing more than we did when we moved in May about where we are headed and what Sweetheart's job situation will end up as, there is a peace from just knowing the baby is ok. It has been such a stressful process to me this waiting and wondering, but I am renewed now to continue on this path wherever it may lead us.

I just realized that this is the first time I have mentioned Sweetheart's job. Yes. So remember when I mentioned that there were other changes I wasn't at liberty to discuss here? This is one of them.

The week we were moving Sweetheart was notified that the company he works for was being bought out by its competitor. All the sudden we were left to wonder what all that would mean. Of course, it's the end of September and we are still waiting. A few people have been let go and the plan is to phase their software product into the competitor's product and eventually close the office. Most of the people working as support staff will be able to continue on with the new company and even work from home.

Sweetheart would love to work from home, however he is not support staff. He has indicated to them his desire to stay on and move into development, but we don't know what they will decide. So there you go. At least we don't have to worry about selling a house if he loses his job.

Home Sweet Home

It has been a busy week here around the new place. I've unpacked some things we'll be needing while we are here and nesting a bit. I sewed up a new tea cozy out of scraps as I seemed to have all mine still packed in storage. My kitchen is in order which is always nice for me.

The kitchen has churned out breads, cinnamon rolls, apple pie, scones, as well as breakfasts, lunches and dinners. All this has made for a lot of dishes which are now washed by hand. I enjoy it overall and am amazed at how much better all my dishes and silverware look when not machine washed!

I am hoping Sweetheart will hang my clothesline up this weekend as well. We do have a dryer, but I would like to use the line as able. Our old neighborhood prohibited clothesline.

I did plant some flowers the third day here to brighten up the front. There are the most wonderful, enormous trees all over the front and back including two apple trees and a peach tree. The late snow means no peaches and the squirrels are working hard to make sure I don't get apples, but we'll see. All my canning stuff is packed up anyway.

I've been visiting our little farmers' market on Thursdays which is nice. The offerings should pick up soon. Still trying to work out regular grocery shopping. Organic food is not real popular in these parts. ;)

I was so spoiled last summer with all the garden goodies of fresh flowers and food.

We finally have internet service here at home which is so wonderful. Sweetheart is sitting next to me on his computer as I type. The boys have drifted off to sleep as well. They have been sharing a room since we sold the house. It has its good days and its bad days.

I finished reading Little Dorrit. I highly recommend it! I really do want to see the movie now. I am debating between Dombey & Son and The Mystery of Edwin Drood for my next reading. I started D&S, but it is so sad so far.

Alas, my Highly Domestic Book Posts are delayed as I had to return all my library books. It wasn't worth renewing them as the drive back to that library is lengthy and not all the books were available for renewal. I will see if I can find any of them at the library here when we go next week.

Well, I think that is all my news for now. It is so nice just to be able to sit and type. Hopefully, I will figure out how to do the pictures again on here and have some new pictures up soon. I'll even post a few of the house, Carey. :)

Thanks to everyone for sticking around through it all and all your sweet comments. They mean so much!

Home for Now

We moved this week to a little house in Berthoud. We are just renting month to month. This lets me nest until the baby arrives and we adjust to all that. We are still looking for a our little farm, but decided it would be best to just chill until the baby is born. After living out of suitcases for two months, it is nice to settle in a bit.
We are all doing well and happy. I am sitting in a cafe right now having my first internet access (fix) since last week so I thought I'd just pop in real quick. We should have internet late next week. :) More to come then!