This week on the homestead has been a little bit of everything. Potatoes, family time, gymnastics, hunting season, and some of the most beautiful fall scenery North Idaho has to offer.
I sometimes struggle with what to share in these weekly updates, especially when we haven’t tackled some big project or spent the entire week preserving food.
But then I stop and think about all the little things that have happened, and I realize that those are the things that make up our life here on the homestead.
This week has been full of the little things!
200 Pounds of Potatoes!
Apparently we don’t know how to do anything in small quantities around here, we picked up 200 pounds of potatoes from our local co-op this week.
Yes, you read that correctly. Two hundred pounds!
Now, before you start wondering what on earth we’re going to do with all those potatoes, I promise we have a plan.
We’ve already shared quite a few with our neighbors, which is one of my favorite things about having access to food in bulk. It’s such a blessing to be able to share with others.
We’ll keep plenty to use throughout the winter, and I’ll also be putting our freeze dryer to work preserving potatoes for years to come.
I love knowing that we can take something as simple as a potato and turn it into food that will be waiting on our pantry shelves whenever we need it.
Of course, that means more time in the kitchen and another round of freeze-drying.
I’m starting to think our freeze dryer works harder than anyone else in the family.
GG Is Here!
One of the biggest highlights of our week was my mom arriving for a visit!
Around here, she’s known as GG, and it’s always an exciting time when she comes.
Not only does she keep everyone’s bellies full with her delicious cooking, but she also brings an abundance of love, hugs, and laughter.
There’s something special about having Grandma around.
The house feels a little fuller, the kitchen seems to have something delicious happening in it, and everyone enjoys getting to spend time with her.
I’m so thankful for these visits and the memories we’re making together.
Celebrating the Little Victories
Another highlight of my week was getting to watch my daughter accomplish some of her gymnastics goals.
She works incredibly hard week after week, practicing her skills and pushing herself to improve.
If you’ve ever watched someone work toward something for a long time, you know how exciting it is when they finally accomplish it!
I love seeing her determination and watching her hard work pay off.
As a mom, those moments are such a gift.
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of driving kids from one activity to another, but then you get to witness a moment like that, and you’re reminded why all those hours on the road are worth it.
I’m so proud of her!
Fall in North Idaho Is Something Special
Have I mentioned that October is my favorite month?
I probably have.
More than once.
But seriously, autumn in North Idaho is absolutely beautiful.
The temperatures have definitely started dropping at night, and our mornings are getting pretty crisp. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to grab a warm drink and a cozy sweater before heading outside.
And the trees!
The colors are simply stunning right now.
Yesterday, my mom and I enjoyed a walk along the water, surrounded by all the beautiful fall foliage.
The sunshine, the colorful trees, the water, and the opportunity to spend time together made for such a wonderful afternoon.
Sometimes you don’t need to go anywhere fancy or plan something elaborate.
A simple walk with someone you love can be the best part of your day.
I’m trying to soak up every bit of this beautiful season because I know it won’t be long before those colorful leaves are on the ground and winter starts making its appearance.
I’m not quite ready for that!
The Boys Are Off to the Mountains
Hunting season is officially here, which means the boys have been spending much of their time up in the mountains.
It’s something they look forward to, and I love that they get to spend that time together outdoors.
There’s a lot of preparation, patience, and early mornings that come with hunting season, but it’s also another part of the lifestyle we’ve chosen.
Whether they’re successful or not, I’m thankful for the time they get to spend together and the memories they’re making along the way.
Of course, I’m always praying for their safety while they’re out there.
Thankful for These Ordinary Days
As I sit down to write this week’s update, I’m reminded that not every week has to be filled with something extraordinary.
Sometimes it’s 200 pounds of potatoes waiting to be processed.
Sometimes it’s watching your daughter accomplish something she’s worked hard for.
Sometimes it’s having your mom in the kitchen making something delicious.
Sometimes it’s the boys heading off into the mountains.
Sometimes it’s simply taking a walk along the water, admiring the beautiful fall colors, and thanking God for the opportunity to enjoy another day.
These are the moments that make up our lives.
They’re not always exciting or noteworthy, but they’re the ones I want to remember.
I’m so thankful for this season of life, for the family God has blessed us with, and for the beauty He’s placed all around us.
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” — Psalm 33:5 (KJV)
Here’s to crisp October mornings, full pantries, family visits, and soaking up every last bit of this beautiful North Idaho autumn!
From our homestead to yours,
Eliza