Stephanie

And, let me say this, writing the stories has been one of the most influential parts of me truly changing my lifestyle into one of preparedness. As you create these situation while you are writing it causes you to research and reevaluate your prepping priorities.

For example, in one story the family was trapped in the basement of the house after a tornado. I now MAKE SURE the things we need are available in the basement....just in case.

So, not only can you read the wonderful stories in Fireside, and there are many, but consider writing one of your own.

I'm glad you like the story Dee, it was a lot of fun to write.

I'm up writing in the middle of the night because...well, because I'm up in the middle of the night.

We had some news yesterday that's going to really change our plans and our involvement in this project. We are going to have to part ways, for at least 2 weeks. I've been contemplating the whole situation and trying to reason with myself, but I'm not listening very well to my 'reasoning'.

I'm always one to like a plan, make a plan and work that plan. But, every once in a while, life throws you a curve and you really don't have much choice but to make adjustments and be flexible. So, I'm trying to absorb this new turn of events and formulate a new and improved plan.

Here's the deal, my family in Arkansas need us. There are some issues there and being devoted to our extended family we have decided there is nothing to do but delay this adventure and offer ourselves and our resources to come to their aid.

The good news is, we're hoping that they will catch the 'wagon fever' and consider joining us after this detour. So, I'm trying to see the positive in it. But, still, I will miss you all very much and can't help but wonder if we'll ever see each other again on the trail.

*************

IRL - My sister will be here this evening for a week long visit and then I am taking her home to Arkansas to where I will stay for a visit with my Mom, Grandma (89) and other family members. So...I'll be on a computer hiatus, for a very good reason and a needed technology break. If any one needs me, just PM me and that comes to my Email which I'll try to check every couple of days.

Have great fun while I'm gone these next couple of weeks.

Great Deal!!

I love it when that happens...and yes, you should have gotten all of them.

Late this afternoon Henry set up the horseshoe pits and before long men were ambling in from all over the camp. The clank of metal against metal seems to draw them like a magnet.

I started popping corn and able to share with anyone that cared to have some. We promised the boys that tomorrow we would set up a target and do a little archery practice so they are looking forward to that. Maybe we'll have a little contest between the age groups, no prizes, just the recognition. How does that sound?

Oh, and thanks MtRider...for not mentioning my unmentionables...

Oh my!! What a busy and beautiful day. A wonderful Sabbath indeed. We slept in as late as the roosters would allow, and even then only the girls and I were stirring. Michael's cheerful song brought smiles to our faces as we began to decide what really needed to be washed and what would do okay if allowed to air dry and then brush the dried mud off of. With a family our size, we're going to need to be selective. I decided to let each child, from the youngest to oldest wash their own socks and underclothes. These were fairly easy for them to do and gave them a good experience as well.

I hung out as many quilts and blankets for a good airing as I could fit on the lines that Henry put up for me. Well, Aslan thought they looked like so much fun flapping there in the wind. So, he decided to go and join in the fun. The next thing I knew he had one of them by the corner and took out at a dead run. Well, my little border collie/sheltie would have none of that and she took off after him with yip, yip, yip. This caught the attention of a couple of Trish's pups and not wanting to be left out, they joined in the fray.

About that time they slipped in (still running like a herd of buffalo and still dragging my pretty afghan) behind MtRider's wagon where she had been grooming her newly acquired donkey. They startled him and he began braying! Never having heard a donkey bray, Aslan skidded to a halt with Gypsy and the two Pyr pups sliding into him.

Aslan, deciding that he wanted no part of that loud creature, dropped my afghan and made a quick retreat. The puppies eagerly followed. But, Gypsy, quickly surmised in her little herding mentality, that apparently this donkey needed to be 'handled' and the yip, yip, yip began again. Breathless and panting I arrived on the scene having passed Aslan going the opposite direction with his two tagalongs.

The girls were close on my heels with a leash in hand, retrieved the bossy Gypsy and started back to our camp. MtRider's own humongous dog had frozen in the spot, as all of this had happened, ready to act if needed but apparently a bit confused as what exactly was the source of the confusion between the barking dogs, the flying afghan and the braying donkey.

I began to apologize to MtRider profusely and as I often do when excited and talking I was using my hands to punctuate and add emphasis to my words. Finally, I realize that MtRider doesn't appear to be angry but is almost double over with laughing. I pause and tried to appreciate her ability to find the humor in the moment. We had drawn quite a crowd by that point with all the commotion...naturally.

MtRider, swipes at the tears streaming down her face with the back of her hand as she points out that firmly grasped in each of my hands (which had been been being flung here and there and everywhere) were undergarments, my most colorful undergarments. I had been having my turn at the washtub with the Great Afghan Chase of 2009 began and had not dropped them as I ran.

Blushing as deep a red as a beet I hurriedly stuffed the offending silkies into my apron pocket, picked up the soiled afghan and left the area with as much dignity as I could muster...which wasn't much.

Moments later I heard Michael whistling a different tune...sounded like....itsy bitsy teeny weeny polka dot bikini.

This was an oatmeal morning if I ever saw one. I even got into the instant cocoa mix. The little ones needed a little encouragement to roll out of 'bed' this morning. And I have to admit, so did I. The newness is starting to wear off and my joints are starting to wear out. Henry had to remind me about the Theracane and I was so glad he did. I got that little gem out and went to work on some pressure points. I had some instant relief and plan to do this throughout the day.

Besides the cocoa, I'm planning to bring out another secret weapon....LEGOS! Yes, I made room for these very modern, colorful, plastic blocks. You see, they snap together and will be the idea busy toy inside the jostling wagon. Besides occupying their minds, they are working on fine motor skills. Plus, there isn't a better manipulative for teaching math that legos...IMHO.

Well, we had to improvise tonight. This was our first birthday celebration on the trail with my middle son turning 10 years old. Oh the memories! And how did my baby get all the way to a double digit and official 'tween' so quickly.

I was able to do a Dump Cake in the Dutch oven and it turned out quite nicely. HOWEVER, I forgot one important thing. Birthday candles.

To us,as adults, no big deal. To a child, a very big deal.

So we improvised, and we lit ten emergency candles (there are nine of us and the birthday boy held two) and held them as we stood in a circle and sang happy birthday. The tune quickly caught on and before we knew it, one family after another sang. This made for the most lovely birthday song, it just went on and on, around and around, until it was back to us and then we all blew out our candles as he made his wish.

It wasn't very wasteful as they only burned a short time and he felt so special. As he should, it's not every day that you turn 10.

Being an early riser, I was already stirring but it was a bit of a job to get the boys up, they were worn out and sleeping hard. Finally we were able to get over to the other side of the warehouse. We tried to keep our voices down but the goats were protesting and that got our little Gypsy started barking. Plus, it seemed like the moving wagons sounded 10 times louder than normal as we tried to move stealthily.

Seeing as it is nearly impossible for everyone to start moving at once, we volunteered to be the lead wagons this time and get things rolling. Someone had a clip board and checked off those who left the meeting area to make sure no one was left behind. Thankfully Henry had been studying the maps carefully last night before turning in and sleeping a few hours. Then, he had his turn on watch, so was ready to move quickly when Michael showed up.

The minute we got to the other side of the warehouse and before the decision was made to move out again, I quickly milked the goats. I didn't have time to take the proper cleaning measures so it was a quick breakfast for the dogs. I didn't want the goats in distress from leaving them uncomfortable with full bags wanting relief.

By the time daylight was fully upon us we were several miles away from the "unfriendlies". Whispering a prayer that they wouldn't think it wise to follow, we plugged along. As the children awoke I passed out cold biscuits from last nights supper and mixed a breakfast drink into their filled water bottles. I was glad all of the younger children were sleeping in one wagon, at times like this it made a difference.

Soon, they were dressed and ready to stretch their legs a bit. I kept a careful eye on them, making sure no one wandered off, thankfully Aslan was watching carefully too. These were his charges, even before the livestock and he was well aware of it. Being on the move like this and suddenly in the company of many new dogs had been a bit of a strain on him. Each night when we stopped, he would attempt to set his boundaries as we walked the area around our wagons. I was very thankful that we had taken the opportunity for some quality training, it was making the situation much more bearable, for him, for us and for the many new faces around us.

We're doing pretty good, overall, but struggling with a couple of issues that have developed from the trail.

The first one may seem a bit 'shallow' but nevertheless...PRIVACY. People are everywhere, all the time and privacy has to be carefully planned, it never just happens.

As important as I KNOW that community is, I miss the luxury of making my own schedules and planning my own days. Hiding away for so long our little homestead gave me a lot of personal freedom and I kinda feel like I've lost that.

I'm also struggling with a bit of grief...it just seems so sad to leave behind everything that we know that is familiar and comfortable. I'm holding tight to my memories, precious memories and encouraging myself in the Lord, reminding myself that being safe and having a place where my children can thrive and grown is a good and worthy goal!!

As you all are aware, we were delayed. This happens sometimes when you have such a large family.

Arriving about the same time y'all were breaking up camp (having traveled a piece to join you) we are finally on the scene. Still, I'll be doing much more listening (reading) than talking (posting) as I'm finding there is so much to do and so little time to do it.

Every moment is precious, crucial. vital. All of my years of training the children to be responsible, obedient and trustworthy are paying off. So far, just a couple of days into this, we are running smoothly, like a well oiled machine. I can see why the pioneer families considered a man with many sons to be a blessing. From the youngest (5) to the oldest (15) they are doing their part without complaint. They are following the example of their hard working daddy.

The girls and I are constantly busy as well. Planning food, preparing the food, cleaning up the dishes, preparing the beds, etc... aren't microwave and dishwasher easy anymore. I've been trying to be more accurate with my serving sizes as leftovers aren't easily stored, prepared or used again. Thankfully, the dogs are more than happy to handle that little problem

Not wanting to completely abandon their education during this long trip we are reading from the McGuffey Readers as well as taking advantage of what we had already been doing back on our homestead. We call them "Walk and Talks". As we walk, we discuss what we see, contemplate the goodness of our Lord, work on rote memory of math facts, recitation of memory verses and etc...

I don't think that I ever mentioned it to y'all. But I finally got something I had been wanting for a very long time. A Goat Cart! My wethers are earning their way and can pull a surprising amount of weight, they are very strong. This cart can be used for weary children, transporting items from one wagon to the other, etc...

Well, time is wasting and as I said it is precious, so I'll run for now.

firegirl, I think originally MtRider said you could have a second wagon if you had a family larger than four and could supply a second driver.

Then I...the problem child that I am asked for three wagons, as we are a family of nine and can easily provide 3 drivers (two teenage sons and dh) with me as an alternate.

So....if you want to be a problem child like me...just present your case!

Annarchy!! Did you do that sketch?? Wow!! That is so cool!

Trish, that is a GREAT idea about the empty canning jars going into the barrels of grain.

This may seem like a 'not so important' detail, but I'm a good hair cutter, I have some good scissors (several pair) although I never did get around to buying a pair of those none electric clippers.

Is anyone bringing supplies to make the Goats Milk Soap?? Talk about a great commodity or barter/trade item. I'm not willing to go back to the days of no baths...if I have any choice in the matter!

I've tried to keep track but there have been so many posts, I might have missed it...but have we discussed weaponry and ammunition, etc.

We are in the process of gathering, learning and then DOING - reloading equipment, supplies, and tools. So this will definitely be coming with us. It could be a real benefit to have this ability.

We'll be bringing assortments of handguns, hunting rifles and shotguns, but also the three Black Powder Guns that we own, along with a supply of what is needed to properly clean and care for these important articles.

As a side note, we recently bought some gun carrying cases that float, so just in case, that is a good thing.

Trish, I plan on us eating out of our jars of canned food along the way as well, then hopefully I'll be able to refill them once settled...at least that is the premise!

Oh and I just remembered that I have quite a stash of those storage bags that you can remove all of the air out of after filling with clothing, blankets, jackets, etc... Talk about a space saver!!

That was creepy about the dogs and the worry about them turning feral, I had not heard about that before. Well, we'll take all manner of cautions against that.

And BTW, I'm no expert, but I have been attending classes with Aslan and am learning a fair bit about dog training, so I'll help others with that if they need it.

I'd also like to suggest that we have a Chaplain for this journey. Stress levels will be high, illnesses could occur and prayerful counsel is always a blessing.

Trish, I like the way you think!

My buck is a Mini Nubian, which is the direction I'm wanting to go and of course he'll be coming along. His name is Peter Pan.

As to the education questions, if I could only have one printed book for teaching, it would be the Bible. It is full of history, many forms of literature, poetry, perfect for memorization and even measurements/math/weather/health/etc...

My second choice would be the McGuffy Readers that I have mentioned before, they would suffice for reading, spelling and some grammar for any age if necessary.

Another important part of education is music, I'd be bringing any types of drums, guitars, violins, flutes, lap harps, etc... that I could lay my hands on. Music is such an important part our life and culture, I'd want to take as much as possible with me.

Someone asked about any herding dogs, I'll have my border collie/sheltie mix that handles our small herd of goats. Unfortunately, in this case, she can't reproduced more of her kind.

Our little Jack Russell makes good pest control...digging after rats and such. And Aslan is an LGD of course, although still a puppy, he has already alerted us to a couple of perceived threats.

We now have a cat, wandered up over a week ago and I'll be glad to have him along, he seems to have a strong hunting instinct.

I'm glad we'll have three wagons, we're going to need it! I've been thinking about the glass jars of home canned foods, and how to package them safely. I think I'll wrap them in towels, sheets and clothing that we're taking for extras. Not only will they protect my fragile items, they'll be used later as needed.

One thing that I've decided I would invest in monetarily, before such a trip (and it would be a large investment) is good quality boots for the nine of us, plus a couple of extras as their feet keep growing constantly. My 13 year old son is growing out of Mens size 13.

Since we have multiple wagons, I'm going to take two teams of horses and one team of oxen. They both have their advantages, so I'll take both.

I've decided against the generator. It is extremely heavy and trying to take gasoline along would be precarious and eat up additional needed space...plus, eventually we'd run out of room.

I WILL be taking a supply of those nice collapsible, canvas, camping chairs. How lovely to be able to sit down and be comfortable after a long day of traveling.

Okay...that's a few updates...back to real life!

Today!!! We will be making moccasins and raccoon tail hats...thanks to the kits I found here....

http://www.corpsrediscovery.com/Merchant2/...=front-projkits

This is such a cool site, lots of kits, pioneer style, etc... I'm going to also post this in Pioneer Living.

I have been looking and looking for this thread!!

Silly me! I forgot it was pinned at the top!

Okay...lots of family learning been going on as Autumn has entered our lives.

We have been studying the trees Deciduous and Coniferous, investigating the trees in our own yard and property. Determining the weather by the condition of the pine cones. (We're going to verify this again this morning as the rain should be moving in a while).

We've talked about the MANY uses of trees and raked and raked and raked. We talked about composting as well. We'll do some leaf rubbings next week, the kids always enjoy that.

We'll also try the pine needle tea again, last time it didn't work out well, but we want to try it again.

We may even make some scented fire starters out of the pine cones. We can spend a long time on trees, so much to learn.

NEXT....

We're preparing to face breeding season for our goats. for some of you, this may be no big deal, but for me, well it is a big deal.

My mom brought me a buck, Mini Nubian, which is just what I wanted so that we can accomplish this on our own homestead. This has given me opportunity to revise the old 'birds and bees' conversations to 'chickens and goats'. So far, any discussions have been a success. I adjusted information given according to age, naturally. I am thankful to be able to present this type of knowledge in a natural and less stressful environment. Reproduction is an important part of homestead life, after all.

What about y'all? What did you teach your child today??

I'm here!!! but kind on the sidelines watching the flurry of activity, I think I'm mesmerized by it all.

I'm not up to making a full sized list (too many real life requirements right now), but I'm enjoying reading the ones that y'all have created. I did have a couple of thoughts that I don't THINK anyone has mentioned.

I'm going to add leather needles and canvas needles to the collection, as well as a leather punching kit. This can make life much easier when we start to make moccasins and use the leather that we will eventually have. Something like this.

http://www.corpsrediscovery.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=LTHR

Along the line of the library wagon, I began to think of the educational needs of the children...my children in particular The library will provide excellent resources, but I'm thinking of paper (which would be a precious commodity) and pencils/crayons/chalks and chalkboards. I'd probably want a kit along this line for each child...plus a few extra.

http://www.corpsrediscovery.com/Merchant2/...de=cnp-projkits

Did anyone mention patterns?? for sewing? for moccasins? What about our stashes of thread and material? I'm understanding now a bit better how precious a soft piece of calico must have been to those ladies long ago.

Good for you Momo!

We had beans several times oursevles, it's really easy to incorporate them into stews and soups and chili.

This past weekend we camped out and slept in tents on our own property. Our youngest four children had never slept in a tent. The very youngest, who is 5 yrs old sat in amazement as dh began to assemble the tent.

After dh had spread it all out in the appropriate place (still flat on the ground) ds5 said "Daddy! How are you going to blow that tent up?"

Apparently he thought tents were inflated.

So, this was a long overdue lesson in tents and we all learned a lot. One thing I didn't learn is how they expected nine people to fit in that nine person tent. Good thing my two oldest sons (men sized teens) had tents of their own.

And don't forget bean dips. There are dozens of recipes on the web for those too.

BTW - I'm linking this to that other thread too - we may lose our marbles sometimes - but a good prepper never misplaices their beans.

Oops.....wonder what that says about me and what I discovered this weekend...I knew I had bought more beans, just knew it.

Thanks for the three wagons !! Yeehaw!!

I'm sure either of my two teenage sons could handle the wagon better than myself, so they and dh would be the drivers, I'd be an alternate if necessary.

This is the first part of my list and I'll edit this post as I can add to it.

We would be taking my goats and chickens and dogs (and even my pet parrot). Every animal has it's uses except the parrot who just flat out brings us joy and entertainment, and he doesn't eat much. So, Jonah will be traveling with us.

The goats are 2 wethers, 2 does and 1 billy. (I'll be able to increase my herd now that he has arrived.) They are Nubians and Mini Nubians.

I'm not sure how many of the chickens I could take, but, I'd take as many as possible. I'm thinking some type of cage attached to each wagon? and in one cage would be my bantams, all six of them would fit easily. I suppose my alpha roo (Black Astralorp) and three of his hens. Then finally my Americaunas and one more roo, probably my Lakenvelder? My bantams would provide good setters, and I should be able to hatch more eggs with my roos and hens upon arrival.

The dogs are three different breeds. My little Jack Russell could be useful in hunting, the Border Collie/Sheltie mix is a great help with herding the goats, and my Anatolian (Aslan) will help with security.

Our party -

Ma and Pa and seven children ranging in age from 5 yrs old to nearly 15, all of good sturdy stock and in good health.

Our combined skills -

Fire starting, campfire skills, animal husbandry, basic first aid, successful egg hatching, basic gardening, physical strength, Spiritual strength, trustworthy, team players, hunting, fishing, goat milking, cooking, child care, teaching of basic educational skills, music abilities, basic carpentry, hair cutting, ... enough for now.

First edit to add...

A few things I wouldn't want to leave home without.

My Wonder Junior hand crank Grain Mill, and every bit of grain, beans, rice, oats, corn, flour, cornmeal, honey, baking soda, yeast, sugar, and everyone other dry good like pasta that I have squirreled away . It's a lot, but I'll be wishing I had more. These staples will be divided evenly between the wagons, not wanting all of my eggs in one basket, nor all of the weight in one wagon.

My Berkey Light Water Filter and extra filters as well as the three Berkey Sports Bottles with included filters.

Every piece of cast iron that I posses. Griddles and casseroles and skillets and muffin tins and etc...!

All our camping supplies, tents, campstoves, and fuel, mess kits, sleeping bags, lanterns (both solar and oil), extra tarps, etc... This would be great for along the trail and for temporary shelter when arriving.

BOOKS - there are a few that I would insist of taking, Several copies of the Bible, the McGuffey Readers, my many Readers Digest how to books, food preservation books, herbal books, at least a box of books per wagon. Yes, I think they are that important.

My home canned goods. These would be difficult to pack and transport, but I would try to take them if at all possible. Not only would they provide substenance, they would provide canning jars for future food presrvations.

Canning supplies, would take as much as possible, all canners, lids for replacing and other equipment.

Also any dehydrated foods that I have gathered, these are light and convenient for eating on the go.

More later....

Fun! Fun! Fun!

A couple of questions ... naturally...

Since I have more than 8 in my family, can I have a third wagon?

And, am I reading this right? We are suppose to only take things we already own?

BTW those links are grand, thanks, can't wait to show them to the children. They used to play 'Oregon Trail' quite a bit, so they're familiar with the concept of weight limits and such.

Thanks for the neat scenario! Should be interesting.

Great Bump Leah!! Thanks!!

Can't believe how close the holidays are!! I love them!! Every single one of them!!

We had two little chicks born (our first homegrown) and we've learned together all about this process. It has been so cool.

We decided to stay out of the process and let nature take its course. The momma hen (whom we call Granny) has done a fantastic job. The chicks are now 2 1/2 weeks old and thriving. She takes such good care of them. No boxes, heat lamps, etc.. Just a old hen and her little chicks tucked neatly under her wings.

It has been a lovely real life example of adoption

We have no idea if she laid the eggs that she went broody on and gave up food and drink (except when we made her get off the nest twice a day) for. Talk about dedication!!

And even now, they stay right with their mom...she is their mom because she is taking care of them, not because she laid the egg. My children really related. Lovely teachable moment.

A couple of weeks ago I started attending an old fashioned Sewing Bee on Tuesday nights at my church. It is wonderful.

As I'm learning I'm teaching my children. They are learning simple crochet and also making rags rugs (or attempting to) and how to thread a needle, tie a knot and basic hand sewing. This will be an ongoing project.

This school year I plan to incorporate learning to sew using the machine, threading it properly and making bobbins...etc...

I should have paid more attention when my mom was learning when I was a girl...I'm making sure my kids do.