I read a few blogs with yours being one of my favorites. I don't spend much time on line and do not even know how to do Instagram or any of the other things I'm sure I don't even know exist. I can imagine how difficult it is to keep up posts and you are so wise to place your family first (I couldn't resist that sleeping baby, either.) I suspect you have many readers even if there are not many comments. If you chose to continue blogging, I will happily and eagerly continue reading. God Bless and thank you!

Wise words. Peace and blessings!

Peace and blessings to you and your family. There are good people out there (here!)

So much joy and love in these pictures. God bless you all!

Liked on FB, too!

I have a little squirrel and a little monkey who would just love these! Thank you so much for the introduction to this wonderful family business. Love that!

God is soooo good! Many blessings to you and your (growing) family. Peace!

What a coincidence! We recently had our washing machine in pieces to fix a broken support for the tub which made it shake like it was going to take off during the spin cycle. We fix everything ourselves but had never had the occasion to tackle a washing machine before and we laughed at how good it felt to do it ourselves and avoid a big repair bill. Good for you!

I forgot to mention a book you might find helpful. "The Organic Artist" by Nick Neddo. It is new (just out this month) but perhaps your library might get it for you or you might consider it your one indulgence during this challenge (I think I paid about $13 for it.) The most beautiful example of creating art with gifts from Mother Nature that I have ever seen. Peace!

My family (husband and two little boys) live on a farm so we are able to grow a lot of our food and keep chickens and bees. However, after nine years of living here (in 2013), the deer came through and ate an enormous amount of our garden in one night! It was so disheartening as such as we love to have them so close to the house they look right in the window at us. The obvious answer of hunting them doesn't work for us, as we are life-long vegetarians. So, we had to dismantle our gardens and move them behind fencing (not an inexpensive or quick process.) So, we went almost all of 2014 without much garden to speak of and it really hurt our wallet. We simply can't afford to buy the quality of food we can produce (at least, not in the variety and quantity we can produce.) However, we decided not too worry too much as we feel it is an investment in our health and buying cheap, processed food is a false economy. One thing that helps us (and seems obvious but not easy for all, I know) is to just eat less. We have never been overweight but we have been able to be mindful about our consumption without becoming skeletons or feeling hungry all the time. And those little bits of food your young ones always manage to leave on the plate, they can be saved and reworked into all kinds of other meals. Having chickens helps with this as they get our scraps and give us eggs in return so no waste there.
As far as craft supplies goes, my whole family (parents included) volunteer at our church's charity thrift shop. You would not believe the items that are donated which are perfect for your artistic endeavors. Wool sweaters to felt, beautiful yarn (donated from the yarn shop down the street), paper/cards/stationary, the list goes on. Perhaps you can find a similar source where you live. Though I echo the recommendation above to work with what you have. I try to do this yearly and use the items I have as the source of inspiration for what I make, rather than trying to find the supplies for a particular pattern. Kind of like eating what you have versus buying ingredients for a certain recipe. Best of luck and I look forward to reading about your progress. God Bless!