Trying Out Tuttle Creek

Yesterday, the girls and I checked out what could be our new home, (both in location and actual RV.) We played and explored and played more. I was really impressed with how big the RV park was! We really had a fun time there and I couldn't believe how fast the time flew by while we were there. I hope that's a sign of what's ahead of us!

After looking through about 30 RVs, I think we really like this one!

Outside: composting

Lately, I've been thinking a LOT about spring and what I want to grow outdoors. I have a lot of hope this year, even though last year was pretty awful, (read watering twice daily and everything still dying on me.) But this year I want to garden smarter and plan ahead. Gardening should start with good soil and that starts with composting. I've been wanting to compost for as long as I could remember but was always too intimidated to do so. A few days ago, I finally said yes and started my little compost pile. And it actually worked out perfectly because I had just raked up the rest of the leaves a few days before. So, I moved the leaves over to a corner between the back door and back of the house.

Then I put some chicken wire ends together to make a tub and started layering leaves and kitchen leftovers in that. It's little but I'm so happy to be composting! Since our diet comes from about 95% plant products, we can compost just about everything from the kitchen. Here is a great list of what you can and can't compost, (from sustainable baby steps.)

Right behind my compost pile, I want to put in a water bin. I actually want to do three or four of these for all of the down spouts around our house.
I've got a smallish list of all the new things to do outside. I'm hoping to do these without spending too much money and that everything will grow in them!
I want to hang some gutters on the fence and plant lots of vines and hanging flowers in them.
I'm also going to be making four raised beds. Two will be in the backyard, with one of them being just for the girls to plant whatever they want then take care of. A is already planning. The other two will be in the front yard and I'm hoping to be able to garden all year long with those babies.
And here's a little story for you: Monday morning I was looking for garden inspiration and remembered this little picture of two tires stacked and a plant in them. Since I did not want to go buy tires just for gardening I made a mental note to ask around to see if anyone had any old tires. About an hour later, the girls and I left to go drop a few bags off to The Rescue Mission, but I took the wrong street. On that wrong street were two tires sitting on the side of the road with a free sign on them. Um, thank you Jesus! Those tires are now in my backyard, waiting to be used.
I'm sure my mind needs to just settle down with all the gardening ideas, and I need to stick to simple, but all this warm weather is planting a seed. Ahem :)

One more week!

On this morning, Addysen was supposed to be starting her insulin pump... but she is still using insulin pens. Last night and all during today, we are having our first real Kansas snow. Since our instructor didn't want to venture out onto the snowy roads for a 70 mile treck, (and I don't blame her,) we have moved her pump start up another week.

Some might say all is lost, as it really was not fun telling Addy that she had to have shots for another week. But because of the timing in all this, lets just say that this dilemma made a decision for our that had been weighing on my heart for a few weeks. That "decision" was causing some serious stress on my part and I'm just so happy that God made it for me. He is amazing, you know :)


That being said, about time, Kansas!!! The snow is beautiful and Addy and Aaron are getting ready to go out and play in it. I love the smell of it. The dog got to go out in it for the first time this morning. He didn't know what to think. Once the baby wakes up, I think I'm going to bundle her up and see how she likes it. As for right now, my cup of coffee and blanket are doing just fine. I think some knitting is in order for today.... Oh, and there's a lemon poppy seed loaf in the oven as well. All is not lost... no sir.

Toads in November

Last week, while we were in IL there was crazy weather! We missed a tonado and got to be outside in 72 degree weather during late November. Even the toads came up from the river at my dads house. Of course, the weather changed drastically and within a few hours we had temps in the high thirties.

picnicking

A few days ago we picnicked in the rose garden, played in the leaves and smelled all the beautiful roses.

Away we went!

Addy and I got out of the house for a bit yesterday morning. We went mushroom hunting!! It was our first time ever and we found two different kinds. They were NOT edible but fun to hunt nonetheless. Addysen got super freaked out by a fuzzy, brown catapillar... Odd, since she usually likes creepy things. I cannot wait to go again with her!

apples

This past weekend the girls and I got out of the house to let Aaron do some more reading.I swear, if that man is not reading he's sleeping,poor guy. He is so busy.
We found an apple orchard online and made our way over there.
We've been to orchards before but this was the first time we've actually picked apples ourselves. Addy had a blast. Elli was more than happy to chew on an apple and watch. We got to learn about their apple press that was made in the 1890's.





We are slowly getting out and exploring this foreign city. On Sunday we went to the annual Apple festival a few blocks away. We ate apple fritters and listened to live bluegrass. And because all four of us went, it was perfect.

We followed the drum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We attended our first pow wow Sunday and it was fantastic. The entire atmosphere was relaxing, yet respectful and we were all in awe then entire day. Later that night, we went back to the pow wow and got to dance in the arena with everyone. I had a great time learning alongside my family. Addysen came home with a bamboo flute that we've both been enjoying. I recommend everyone going to a pow wow, you'll learn a lot!

Some pictures

 

 

 

 

These are just a few pictures I had taken back in April that I wanted to share. I do love my camera!

Oh, flowers

 

 

Where do you get yours? I get mine from all over, usually on the side of the road or from our walks. I carry some pruning shears and a half full bottle of water in my car just in case I find something pretty.

Muller's Lane Farm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday the girls and I went for a visit to a dear old friend's farm. I had been wanting to go out here for the past year and finally went! Her son and my brother had been friends for years and we had once even been neighbors!
Addy got to chase the chickens, (her favorite part), and I got to knit, (my favorite part.) It was just a great day and we had so much fun! Thank you so much Cyndi! I cannot wait to do it again!