I Feel So Homesteader-y

When we bought this property 7-1/2 months ago, I had certain activities in mind that homesteaders do...a stereotype of what a homesteader is. It's really nice to look at my daily schedule and see that I'm now performing those activities myself instead of reading about others doing them.

I've been busy lately hanging laundry on the line, making homemade laundry detergent, cooking eggs from our own chickens and potatoes from our own garden, canning apples from our own trees, and ordering seeds for next year's garden.

Shawn has been busy battling weeds in the garden, cutting firewood, picking okra and green peppers, repairing the chicken coop, feeding chickens and collecting eggs, and trapping the animals that are trying to steal all our apples.

There's such a feeling of contentment after spending the day canning. I cannot say that I particularly enjoy canning, but I do feel good after the long day's work. I'm sweaty, achy, and probably stinky, but I actually have something to show for it.



I canned the six quarts of apples on Wednesday and then attempted making apple jelly yesterday. The jelly never seemed to gel though, so it seems that we have a lot of apple syrup instead. Looks like we'll be having pancakes for breakfast tomorrow morning.

The most wonderful feeling though, is the happiness I get from the kids' excitement.

Sarah begging to go help Daddy feed chickens and collect eggs.
Sam coming to me and asking, "Can I help you make jelly?"
All three kids scrambling to get their shoes on so they can help pick apples.

THOSE are the awesome moments that I'm enjoying most of all.

Does Prepping Mean We Don't Trust God?

I came across a wonderful post that addresses the above question.

http://autonomy-and-faith-collide.blogspot.com/2010/07/time-to-load-up-pantry-past-time.html#comment-form

I agree with her assertion that Scripture calls us to be prepared.

I do believe that God wants us to be prudent in our decisions concerning the future. I believe that Proverbs 31:21 points out that one of my duties as a woman is to ensure that our family is prepared. That verse states:

"She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet."

To me, this means that I should take precautions before an event occurs so that my household has nothing to fear. Now, whether that event is an ice storm or an economic collapse..the premise is still the same. I have a Scriptual obligation to make sure my family is prepared.

Just some thoughts..things to think about...

We Have Eggs!!

Woo Hoo, so excited!

Shawn went out to the coop this morning to let the chickens out and found these three little surprises waiting for him.


No, none of our chickens laid the stick of butter...I just put it there for a size comparison.

Anyhow, we're excited. Of course, it figures that I just purchased 10 dozen eggs from the farm this weekend. I foresee us eating lots of eggs.

Editing to add in another picture. When I went out to put the chickens away last night I found a 4th egg in the coop. Then I put all the new eggs in the carton with the eggs we just bought from the farm. You can really tell the difference in size when you compare them in the carton!