Hometown Adventures

Somehow it is easier to explore places far away than it is to explore the ones close to us. In Maryland I made a point of visiting DC and other places of interest, historical and natural. Since returning to Montana I have been repeatedly struck by how gorgeous the Flathead Valley is, to myself and others. Living without mountains seems to enhance their majestic presence. Plus, we have snow when its cold. Just plain cold weather feels a little pointless. The spring has given a profusion of wildflowers, and as we give way to the heat of summer I am anticipating trips to the lake and huckleberry picking. Over the past couple of months Roman and I have made it a goal to explore the section of Creation by which we are surrounded. It helped that Roman is fixing all the boundary signs for the fire department , leading us to farm fields, woodlands, and back roads. Ethan loves going on these "adventures" (his words) and Saoirse is a eager explorer herself. Carsten is definitely happiest when we are outside and the whole family seems to have a better mood overall when we take even a short walk. There are so many places to find close to our doorstep. As our children become more surefooted in the wild I hope we will have many more adventures with them.

Picking Glacier lilies during a road trip to Spokane. The kids started the day in clothes but after several incidents of road sickness they ended up in their PJs.

Ethan has been begging to fish for a while now, so now Daddy is teaching him.

The walking path by our house leads to a Little Lending Library.

The day he actually caught a fish on the Flathead River.

"I am queen of the castle."

Saoirse adores tiny flowers and picks bunches of them.

Taking in the world, mostly through his mouth. A little dirt never hurts!

Noisy Creek

 

 

Be It Ever So Humble

In the last two and a half months the children and I have traveled over 6000 miles, been in three major cities, visited historic sites, modern attractions, and natures beauteous offerings. Our many vehicles started with trains and ended with planes. In between we rode in taxis, on buses, and let's not forget the tow truck segment of our journey. We have been on Army forts, Naval stations, and seen Air Force bases.

I have dealt with all kinds of tedious adult tasks: paying TWO rents, buying and selling a van, insuring and licensing said van, having the van in and out of the mechanics shop, phone/medical/electric bills, GPS systems, etc. I baked bread, made oatmeal, and cooked a Thanksgiving dinner in crockpots. I spent a holiday season away from my parents and my in-laws.

Someone asked me if I feel like an experienced traveler now.

I don't.

I do feel less naïve, more confident, and have a greater faith in God.

At so many points on this adventure (in particular with the van) I was internally begging God to get me through some unforeseen crisis. Completely unfamiliar with my surroundings, I was praying for His grace to see me to the end. I can say that He always gave me the tools I needed: the GPS lady on my phone guiding me through frenzied roads and traffic, Roman's uncle working for a mechanic and helping with all my car distresses, sympathetic strangers carrying bags up/down escalators for the crazy lady with three kids in tow, sunshine and rain.

The past two months have been the most insane and courageous adventure of my life.
For this moment I am glad to be home.

To all of you who prayed for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The Little Yellow House

Many of you requested pictures of our home here in Maryland. So here we are. 

The landlords call it The Farmhouse, and the property was once a tobacco farm. 

The road is Carl's Farm Place. I need to find out more about the history of the place. The setting is very rural and we are surronded by trees. Oaks, beeches, a few pine and some holly. 

There are also many birds to see, and we saw some deer as well. 

There are several old barns. 

The newer red barn is used as a wedding venue during the spring and summer. 

The view from the porch. 

A glimpse of the car, which is in the shop right now. More on the car story later. 

The woods we are surronded by, plus a soldier and his son. 

I love this big covered porch. The kids play here daily. 

Our road/driveway. 

Looking through the front door to the back door. The living room is on the left, kitchen and dining on the right. 

This is my cooking corner. And I am proud to say I made a Thanksgiving turkey in a crockpot. 

The kitchen is good sized, but carpet means daily vacuuming is a must. 

Thanksgiving dinner is served, plus a look into the otherside of the room. 

The fireplace is gas and definitely a centerpiece of the house. 

The rocks go floor to ceiling, two stories. 

Up in the loft is our sleeping quarters. 

A crib for Carsten, one bed for Ethan and Saoirse, and one bed for me. And whoever needs extra cuddles. 

So that is our home away from home. And over the next few weeks we should have it all Christmas-sy. I put pictures on Instagram regularly, if you care to follow I am sweetcaitmallery. Hope you enjoyed this little tour.