As promised: our little road trip in pictures

For our own sanity, we split the seven hour trip into two days. Considering that we didn't leave until sunset on Thanksgiving day (we planned on leaving early that morning but you know how life goes with little ones), it worked out really well. We had to drive through the snowy Blue Mountains in the dark which brought on bit of a anxiety for me so I sat in the passenger's seat praying the rosary to calm my nerves. Kevin is an excellent driver but I heard too many horror stories about driving through those mountains in snow before we left. Why do I listen to those things? Anyways, here's some bits and pieces from the trip:

Keeping the cats safe in the hotel while the dogs are out of their crates (that big black lump in front of Simpkin is Midnight) Eastern Oregon (Baker's City, to be exact) "ice skating" in Eastern, Oregon Whoops! Little L landing on his bottom Finally in Mountain Home! My crazy family hopped out of the van to roll around in the grass surrounding the visitor's center (mocking me for kissing the grass in Oregon) Playing around with my camera as Kevin checked us into our room in Idaho. I can see the stars!!
Snuggly evening in temporary lodging.

For those that thought I was exaggerating about the tree situation - May I present Mountain Home just before the sun set: Looking to my right Looking to my left Looking straight ahead. Isn't the sky huge and beautiful?!

We discovered that trees can be found in the downtown area of Mountain Home. Of course they were all planted their by man so they seem really out of place but still a sight for sore eyes!

I have a little story to go with that picture above. We are currently on the Air Force base in temporary lodging. Kevin's job pays for it for ten days and then we are supposed to have a house by the end of that ten day period. Considering that our house is still for sale back in Oregon and we are still paying the mortgage and the bills it's pretty hard to find a place to live that we can afford. We made up a budget, and after seeing it, said some prayers that the old house will sell fast. Kevin searched for anything available in the area within our price range. He came up with five places. Three were ruled out right away due to our pets, one never called us back and the last one said the place was available right away. We piled the family into the van to go check it out realizing it was more than likely our only choice until we no longer have to pay the mortgage back in Oregon. When we pulled up to the place it looked really cute. It was a small home built in 1945. Kevin went in first to meet with the owner. The kids and I sat in the van and I snapped this picture of a quaint, old pick-up truck and Christmas lights. Then Kevin signaled us to come in and look at the place. I will spare you details of the inside (which should have been condemned years ago) but I keep feeling like their are bugs crawling all over me, Lucian burned his hand on the open heating unit, and... I said I will spare you the details so I will stop there. Oh but one more thing, did I mention it was recently infested with brown recluse spiders?!?! I know it will just be a temporary home until we can afford a place out in the country, but that can't be our only choice. If that is all we can afford until our house sells - Lord, help me get through this!!! I know something will come up and we'll get through it, just as we always have.

Let's jut go back and look at the pretty pictures of the sky again, shall we?

In other news, K lost a tooth tonight at the community tree lighting we attended. So not only will Saint Nicholas be visiting but the tooth fairy as well! You can see our Saint Nicholas day celebrations here. Pictures and more to come!

As promised: our little road trip in pictures

Keep Calm Craft On {crafting on}

The act of creating, in one form or another, preserves my sanity amongst the chaos of life. This explains why I always have more than one project going at a time as well as why my housework tends to fall behind. I enjoy seeing what others are working on and keeping calm with, too. What are you creating? What is keeping you going? Snap a picture or two and share it with the rest of us by leaving your link below.



Hello everyone! We are here in Mountain Home, Idaho staying in temporary lodging. I have a small handful of pictures to share from our two day adventure later this week. I thought we were in limbo before the move but boy, was I wrong! That was just a small taste of what was in store for us once we arrived here. I am trying my hardest to fight depression right now but I admit I am struggling. Things will look up once our house in Portland sells and we can start looking for a home here. Any house selling prayers or vibes would be greatly appreciated right now.

The sky seems to be endless here and the sunsets are the most beautiful I have ever seen, but it's very cold and windy right now. I thought it best to get back to work on the scarf I am knitting for myself. I do believe some mittens will follow as my fingers went numb catching tumbleweeds outside today. I've had my eye on these ones for awhile now. We all need something fun in our wardrobe, right?

What are you working on?! Happy creating!

Keep Calm Craft On {crafting on}

Welcome December Sponsors!

Please join me in welcoming my newest sponsors:


Slate Falls Press - Eric and Joanna Johnson, the husband and wife team at Slate Falls Press, have collaborated together to create Phoebe's Sweater, Freddie's Blanket, and Phoebe's Birthday. Joanna's newest book, Green Gables Knits, stays in the theme of combining children's literature and hand knits, but in a new way. Green Gables Knits is a collection of knitting patterns inspired by the beloved classic, Anne of Green Gables, and includes eight knitting patterns for women, men and teens, including garments, accessories, and home decor. Created via an agreement with the Heirs of L. M. Montgomery, Inc, the book also includes 10 of Lucy Maud Montgomery's personal photographs of the places on Prince Edward Island that inspired her stories, alongside treasured quotes from Anne of Green Gables. It is a must for any knitter who is a kindred spirit of Anne!


Christopherus Homeschool Resources - Waldorf-inspired education and parenting *Waldorf-inspired Homeschooling curriculum and resources* Audio Downloads *Consulting Service * Web Resources * The Homeschool Journey Newsletter and more!
(This is the curriculum I am using for K. I have found through my own research that it has the most seamless transition from a Waldorf school to Waldorf homeschooling. I can't wait to share more about it with you all in the near future!)

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For affordable sponsorship with ever growing exposure please contact me: FarmerGOPI@yahoo.com

Welcome December Sponsors!