This week on the homestead has looked and felt a little different.
We’ve been dealing with heavy smoke and poor air quality from the fires around Spokane, Washington. Our skies have been red, ash has been falling, and that beautiful summer view we’re used to has disappeared behind a thick layer of smoke.
More than anything, though, it’s heartbreaking to see the devastation these fires have caused. Knowing that families have lost their homes and communities are being affected while the fires continue to burn puts our own inconveniences into perspective.
We’re praying for everyone who has been affected, for those who have lost homes and property, and especially for the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect these communities.
At this point, I’m simply craving blue skies and a deep breath of fresh, clean air.
Staying Inside as Much as Possible
Most of our normal homestead chores and projects have taken a back seat this week. With the air quality being so poor, I’ve tried to keep as much of my work indoors as possible.
I don’t normally like to plug products in our weekly updates, but I have to give a little shoutout to our Jaspr Air Scrubber this week. With everything happening outside, it’s been such a comfort to know it’s working hard to keep the air inside our home clean.
It’s one of those purchases that I’m especially thankful for during weeks like this.
If you’ve been considering purchasing one, you can use my link and code ELIZA at checkout for additional savings.
Somehow, a Porch Still Got Finished
Apparently smoke doesn’t stop my husband and boys from finding a project.
They managed to completely redo one of our porches this week, and I absolutely love how it turned out!
There was a whole lot of sanding, staining, and sealing involved, but all of that work was worth it. The finished porch is beautiful, and I think it came out just about perfect.
I love watching an old space get a little new life breathed into it, especially when it’s done with your own hands.
Feeding My Hardworking Boys
While they’ve been busy working, I’ve been busy making sure everyone stays fed.
I’ve done quite a bit of meal prepping this week, especially hearty lunches that the boys can grab for their work days. Big burritos and wraps packed with protein have been on repeat around here.
When you have hardworking boys, you quickly learn that “a little lunch” isn’t going to cut it.
Keeping the fridge stocked with meals they can grab and go has made our busy days a little easier, and hopefully keeps everyone from coming home absolutely starving!
New Life Around the Homestead
In the middle of the smoky skies and everything happening around us, we’ve also had some very sweet reminders of new life here on the homestead.
The kittens that were born a few weeks ago are getting cuter by the day. There’s not much that can put a smile on your face faster than watching tiny kittens stumble around and explore their surroundings.
And we have ducklings!
Our sweet duck, Tipsy, hatched her babies, and we’ve loved watching her take care of them. Those tiny little ducklings following behind their mama might be one of the cutest sights on the homestead right now.
Even during a difficult week, God gives us these little glimpses of joy.
Praying for Blue Skies
We’re heading into another week feeling grateful for our home, our family, clean air inside, completed projects, full bellies, and all the new little lives running around the homestead.
Our hearts are with the people affected by these fires.
We’re praying for the firefighters working long, exhausting days. We’re praying for the families who have lost homes and property. We’re praying for the people of Spokane and the surrounding communities who are still facing so much uncertainty.
And we’re praying for rain, calmer winds, contained fires, and those beautiful blue skies we so often take for granted.
Hopefully next week’s update will come with a little more sunshine and a whole lot less smoke.
Until then, we’ll keep moving forward, counting our blessings, and praying for everyone who needs it.
From our homestead to yours,
Eliza