Yes, in more ways then one. I know you are probably thinking I have lost my mind if that much snow means Spring Has Sprung! Here in NW Montana the days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising and the snow is melting which means Spring is upon us. I know as Spring and then Summer show themselves in more glory we will come back to remember Winter time in Montana. Yes this is a real thing, everything slows way down in the Winters as a much deserved rest time. It is an oddity that we are all still adjusting to, but at least speaking for myself, really appreciate and love.
Spring in the form of babies! Oh the much anticipated building back of our herd has begun. I for one was very anxious to begin this. Now take that with a grain of salt as the term “we” should be held very lightly. I have taken on a lot of new roles here in Montana and so my days are still being designed on how I want those to look and in turn my time with the animals has not quite been what it would have been in the past. However, I know I will get that balance figured out with grace and time for myself. In the meantime they are being loved on and taken good care of by the family. We added 2 new Dexter cows to the farm (Wilma & Betty), I can not wait to see them become a part of our farm and bring them into milking. This last weekend we picked up 2 new pigs (Ginger & Spice), so that we can begin the process of growing our own meat again. Our pork selections are very low, and so this provides me with great comfort and security. I love showing our children the circle of life and where the products they consume and enjoy come from, but also the work it takes to have that same product. I truly believe we have lost this part of education and it is one all my children and hopefully grandchildren will know, love, trust and work for.
The garden is still a ways away. I have begun the planning process and actually will start my first seeds indoors this week. One of the biggest changes for our growing practices will be the garden! The growing season here in NW Montana is much shorter then it was in Oregon. I will start all seeds indoor this year and harden to outdoors as the season progresses. I am sure there is going to be many ooops and mistakes, but I am very anxious and excited to get my hands in the dirt again. It has been two full years without my own garden, between listing the house and then selling the house and then moving! I am ready to plant, tend to and see the fruits of our labor in fresh vegetables.
Our home! Oh my gosh things are moving. The wood package has been ordered and delivery has begun. The delivery will come in pieces for many reasons, but today is the first delivery day, which enables Chad to start building walls. Yesterday the entirety of us went out and started shoveling snow off of the house. It was a beautiful weekend and working as a family up there felt so right and true. It is a process, but it is coming together. Hailey and I would fight over shoving the big pieces of ice off the side, it was such a reward after the work. I know it seems so silly to enjoy this kind of work so graciously, but it is truly so fulfilling and prideful to be doing it, doing it together, and instilling the ethics and pride into our children through the work, but also through the example. We have begun the ordering/quote getting of windows, doors and trim. Chad is really wanting to get everything on site, so that when he is ready it is ready. This has pushed me a little faster then anticipated, but definitely makes me get definite on some decisions and is so very exciting. Two of the bathroom vanities have been ordered, tile for the bathrooms and laundry room, and I have now really started looking at my options for the wood floors! Progress, progress, progress.
The kids are all doing very well. Spring sports are either starting or on the horizon, so that will be the next new experience for them. Ema and Dom have got to take advantage of ski school through their school, and have both very much enjoyed this new experience.
So, I believe you are all caught up for now, and we look forward to sharing the progress through out the spring and summer.
