Um, hello there.
It's me.
The girl who can't find the shampoo and is really needing a shower.
The one who caved and bought gluten-free bread two days in a row because I have no idea how to cook while standing on boxes of pantry goods.
The one straddling two houses – one emptying and one filling. (For the record, the latter is happening at a much greater speed. Ruh roh.)
But it is happening. It is all coming together.
Two words? Tired and happy.
Exhausted and elated.
Overwhelmed and thrilled.
(That's six words. I know. But they are sort of synonyms.)
The terrified part fled at the sight of all of the work that had to be done. Your words helped, too. Thank you for that.
The farm is beautiful.
The nights are so dark and so quiet.
Even our dogs are happier here. Jasper, our old-old guy who grew up in the country just can't get enough. He has found a sunny hillside and sleeps all day out in the fresh air. It makes me want to cry.
And the kids have to be cajoled out of their pajamas before they rush out into the pasture to play. They can't get enough either.
Pete and I are adjusting to strange little
differences of this new home.
Everything is different. The sound of the water in the pipes. The way the light plays across the floor.
And how the kids run out of sight for
hours on
end. What an amazing shift! I'm constantly needing to remember (when I
wonder where they've gone) that worrying does not serve me. I keep
reminding myself that all is truly well.
Because it is.
All in all, I think we're winning. One box
at a time, we're getting there. (I've even stepped over some boxes to
hang some art. That always makes it feel like home, doesn't it?)
Last night I needed a break. Finally. To sit down in the silence and feel this change in my bones.
So while Pete put the kids to bed I went into my craft room. By the grace of God found the skeins of yarn I purchased a few weeks ago for Sage's new slippers, and also the pattern and the right size needles.
I found them. In the middle of a move.
Amazing? I think so.
Because this is my craft room. Oh my.
I closed the door on that mess and sat down to knit a few rows. And in that silence I felt… normalcy. What a treat that was.
With that, I'm heading back to the farm to unpack another stack of boxes. My brain is a little too fuzzy to even proof-read this, so forgive the type-os and run-on sentences.
As far as blogging normalcy goes, as soon as I have internet at the farm I'll be more consistent here again. Until then, I'll pop in to say hello and give you an update on life when we come into town.
Thanks for being all kinds of awesome, friends. Thanks for going on this journey with us.
Love to you all,
Rachel
What a grand adventure….we did something very similar about 4 years ago….understand the jittery feeling:) If it is anything like our adventure it will turn out beautifully. Blessings.
i haven’t been on-line much in the past few days and just found out about your new family home. congratulations!!! the land is beautiful and so soothing on the eyes.
I am not a giant sap and this did not almost make me tear up… yeah right (it did).
I am so happy for you. I just bought a house in the city (It is a good area and for our life it is the right thing, for now) But I am sooo miserable and wishing for a farm deep down inside (though I do love my house).
This is why I want one. *sigh* As always, I a moved by your reflections
YAY!
Thanks for taking us along on this exciting journey with you.
One of my least favorite things to do is move so I am in awe of you.
I am sure your heart swells to see your children already feel so at home. Great job!!!
Wiping tears here…you will make it all beautiful Rachel. Just like everything is this lovely, wonderful life.
Congrats. I’m so happy you’re moving into your dream. 🙂
This sounds so incredible and exciting! The pictures are beautiful… You’re going to have such a cozy home. 🙂
Love when the kids run outside and don´t want to come inside… wish one day we can go to a farm too!! Wish you the best… Raquel
From the pics it looks like you are doing very well at getting settled. I cannot wait for a visit to see the beauty and soak in your sunshine that has my husband a bit jealous right now. Darn the north/south valley!!
So happy for all of you 🙂
Did you paint? love the wall colors! =)
Keep posting lots of pictures!!!! Love hearing all about your move.
Your home is already looking beautiful. I love all the natural light and soft colors. I am so jealous because I want to live on a farm, grow all my own food, and live a simpler life. But I know that will never happen because my husband doesn’t share the same dream. Maybe in my next life…
it looks so sunny and cozy in there already….. best wishes to you all!!!
I can’t tell you how happy I am for you. I have been following your blog for awhile and I was so happy to hear that you found your spot. Awesome. We bought a farm this summer and are still getting settled but we absolutely love it. Our boys are 2 and 5. The 2 year old would stay outside all day if we let him. The 5 year old is an indoor kid but he ventures out now and then. He’ll get there. You guys inspire me and motivate me. Thank you.
You are superwoman Rachel! I am simply getting my shop spruced up for an open house and I can’t find the time to write a blog post! I am so excited for you and your family!
Enjoy each day, and savor your quiet moments. We have been through seven moves, and each one is so easily wrapped in chaos. Remember that this will be a place you live for a while. not everything has to be done all at once. You and your family are inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing!
Suzy
I didn’t get a chance to comment yesterday, but I wanted to say congratulations and that I am so happy for you….even though I don’t know you. You’re a stranger. Funny how this blogging world works. But you’re not a stranger. You were in my kitchen tonight as I finished up bottleing my bone broth from your recipe. So I wish you good luck in your new home. What fun you will have. Enjoy!
You have some really great things in your house! I love the Nikki McClure posters! I can’t wait to see how your life blossom into something evermore amazing in this new space!
Have been reading your blog for a while now. I am so excited for you! While my own family isn’t there yet, we’ve had some tough times, it is SO inspiring to see it can be done! Enjoy every minute. Thank you!
You are livin’ the dream, Rachel. Livin’ the dream. I grew up in Milwaukee and endlessly looked forward to going “Up North” (or west) to my mother’s home town of Viroqua. My aunt and uncle still lived in the country on their farm, whereas my grandparents had moved to town when I was about 4. That farm was the root of some of my best childhood memories and I still get excited to visit them. I can just feel you and your family’s elation. There is something magical in that organic valley 🙂 I pray that one day I too will have a little scenic spot in the country to live out my farmer fantasies. It is inspiring to read about your dream becoming reality. Love the stories and the pics. Bless up!
I am putting in a request that when you get all unpacked that you post pictures of your new home, it looks so lovely, and such fun for all of you. Yeah!!
Yay!!I am so jealous..waiting patiently(or rather not so patiently for my turn…(next year?) ENJOY!
Goodness me! Well done. Wow. Inspirational. I came here to see how you are – having a wobble about moving myself – and you put it in perspective – moving is hectic but temporary – the dream, you got your farm! I am so pleased for you. I wish you all the best with finding your new habits and your shampoo!
Such an exciting move! So happy for you:)
Oh my! I’ve been a bad blog follower and have “checked out” while busy with my own move and look at you! Found a farm of your own and already moved in! Congrats to you and the whole family!
Oh, darn it. And I went and missed your party. We were just too pooped. Hope it was lovely!