Lickety-Split

Here's a flashback to early fall of this year...

We rented a log splitter and had so much fun (I know, we're sick)! Thanks to that day, we're nice & toasty inside while the temperature goes down outside.

White Water Ranch Milling Job (Part 1)

Aaron and I have the awesome opportunity to harvest pine trees from White Water Ranch, my grandparents' Arkansas land.

At last count, Uncle Mark found 130-140 pine trees that are leaning toward the beloved 1960's family home, as well as a cherry tree next to the back deck. The past few winters have made it obvious that something needs to be done in order to protect the house.

Long story short, Aaron and I are in the position to slowly take out those trouble trees. Here's the best part: we get to keep them for ourselves! All that lovely yellow pine will be milled into lumber or debarked and left round. Initially, we'll use a little of the booty for the newest addition to our barn (I know, unromantic...but practical), but the master plan is to eventually use them in the construction of our home!

As a little squirt, I loved playing in the woods when I visited my Grandmother and Papa Gentry. Their trees grew on a crazy-steep hill, and I would have a blast climbing up the hill with cousins Zane and Jeremy, clinging to the sticky pine-bark. It was impossible to keep your feet from sliding on the dead pine needles that blanketed the floor. I often played Indiana Jones with Zane and Rheagan (Zane, of course, was Indiana, I was Willie, and, poor Rheagan was continually forced to be Short Round...we attempted to make her feel privileged in delivering her one line: "You call him Doctor Jones, Dawww!!" We'd enthusiastically slide down the hill, desperately grabbing at trees while we descended. God (and our mothers) only knew how dirty we truly got--we didn't notice the grimy fingernails and sticky arms (at least, I didn't).

So, a few weeks ago, Aaron and I went through Initiation of this milling job. In between praying for my husband's safety as he climbed the 50 ft. trees, praying for the house's safety, and pulling the taught rope directing the trees to fall away from the house (and up the hillside), I had moments to pause, lean on a tree, breathe in the aromatic pine scent, and remember my childhood spent in that magical place.

This project will take months to complete. We're learning, tweaking ideas and gaining additional tools as we go (thank God for portable winches). We're collecting much more than "free" building materials; we're preserving memories of a family that embodied faith, laughter and love.

Down Home

Just a few pictures of our place this past summer...

Meet Stuart...he's a sweet kitty.

Building lasagna beds for next year. This raised-bed method will help build up our compact clay soil.

Trying out the "new" Hog...

By Jove, I Think He's Got It!

Budding member of Rhema Soul???

Fun with Rheagan and Elijah

Rheagan and Elijah visited us Missourians last week. It was so great to see my sister's shining face (I guess we got enough Andy's, huh?!) Elijah has changed a little bit since July: he's talking a little more, is more steady on his feet, RUNNING, and is shaking his groove thing with much more skill (video coming soon).

Rheagan, Elijah and I went to the zoo with Mom, Dad and Gentry, took walks in Mom & Dad's backyard to look at the "Da-doos" (doggies), barked like da-doos, splashed our feet in the "waaaber!", danced, sang, played the piano, took a walk on Auntie Moriah's trails...to name just a few of the exciting things we did before they flew back down to Gator-ville.

I miss you two!

Solid as a Rock

Our storm shelter/root cellar/well house had its final pouring last weekend--thanks to Dad Hilburn and Trevor for the use of your manly muscles!

Neither Aaron nor I have ever built anything out of stone, so it's not perfect. We'll see how sturdy it is come fall weather!!

Here are a few pictures marking the progression of the cellar since we started it, last summer.

Summer Lovin'

In early July we visited my sis, bro-in-law & the cutest nephew in the world (hey, it's just a fact, guys).

The departing flight came too soon, so I'll just have to wait until Christmas to experience more funniness.

The Tractor

Now I'll never see him...

Get down witcha bad self

Rheagan & Elijah came to visit us in April, and we had this much fun the entire time!

Goodbye City Life

In an effort to better maintain Good Enough Acres, as well as take the next step towards our homesteading dreams, I'm quitting my job! My last day is June 26th, and saying "I'm sooooooooooooooooooooo excited!" would be an understatement.

Sure, it's been nice to have two steady incomes; nevertheless, it's come to the point where it's worth more to us to have me at home. Time is a precious commodity, too, and, for us, the money is no longer worth it.

As I stand at this crossroad, I look back on what's been accomplished and marvel at God's provision (as well as give ourselves a little pat on the back). During the past 8 years, we've used my paycheck to slowly pay off debt, as well as save for the land and other tools needed.

All in all, here's what we've done with my paycheck:

1. Paid off 2 vehicles

2. Paid off Aaron's student loans

3. Purchased 11 acres

4. Purchased all supplies to get those 11 acres livable (moving the trailer, fixing it up, well, septic & electric)

5. Purchased an industrial wood chipper

6. Started a comfy investment portfolio

7. Purchased a tractor

8. Purchased a saw mill

Someday, I'll be putting money into our pockets again; however, this time, it'll be from something I've grown or made on the farm.

Somebody pinch me.

Oh, baby!

We are smitten...

The Kids

Here are "Aaron's" hyacinths (I planted them, because they're his favorite) & the first daffodil in my little flower garden.

And then there's the experimental vegetable garden: I got the idea of using cardboard from Debi Pearl of "No Greater Joy Ministries."

I cut holes in the cardboard & put my seeds or plants in the hole. The cardboard does 3 things: keeps down the weeds, helps retain moisture (so you don't have to water as often), and adds organic matter to the soil (in the fall, I'll layer chopped leaves, compost, manure and top it off with more cardboard. It will then sit all fall & winter & break down).

It ain't pretty, but--if it works--we're happy! So far, we've planted onions, garlic & potatoes.