Looking back, looking forward.

2011 was a great year for our family. We welcomed a new member of our family (who, I might add, is growing cuter and sweeter every day) and Chris was blessed with a good job (as an industrial machine builder) that he enjoys. 

And how did I do in my journey towards a simpler life? Despite our tiny, shaded, soggy backyard, I did manage to grow some herbs and make some healing salve, as well as dry some herbs for use in the kitchen. (Interestingly though, I found that even the rosemary and sage were weak on flavour - I am guessing this is a direct result of not getting enough sun.)

I made herbal tinctures for the first time this year - dandelion and lemon balm - and have not used them. I found the alcohol was just too strong for me (I don't drink at all, not for moral reasons but just because I don't like it). I think in the future I will stick to herbal teas.

Our green bean harvest was decent, but our tomatoes were a stunning failure. And just to prove that our back yard is cursed - I planted several zucchini plants and only got a single zucchini! Who ever heard of such a thing...

I didn't do some of the things I had planned for 2011--I decided not to buy a pressure canner because I really don't have room to store it here. And I actually canned less fruit this summer than the last year, not more. No pickles either. But I have continued to learn the skills required to cook from scratch, and improve my homemaking in general. I now make all of our bread by hand, which is a big step I suppose.

My sewing machine has not been very busy. I've sewn nothing of note all year (just a few baby bibs, a hat, some napkins, and I upcycled an old shirt into preschooler pajamas), even though I wanted to sew some long skirts for myself after the baby was born. Of course, it's probably not realistic to be planning new projects with a newborn babe around...

The first part of the year we were living only off our Etsy business, which hasn't really been bumping in 2011. This meant we were not able to save up very much towards our future home in the country. But that's okay, because now that Chris has a good job, with the chance to work overtime, and we feel confident that by the end of 2012 we will be able to purchase a place of our own--nothing fancy, but some place outside the city limits with a nice big yard so we can have chickens, lots of gardens, and of course, a tree house for lazy summer afternoons.

Perhaps most importantly in 2011, I learned to step away from the screen more often, slow down, relax and enjoy life. Our family started having Unplugged Sundays - no computer, video games, or tv all day every Sunday -  which is a tradition I have come to love. I started writing paper letters to friends, instead of emails, which has been enjoyable as well.

So for 2012, our main goal is to save up a down payment for a house. And for a personal resolution, I am going to try much harder than I have been to exercise. In past years, I have not been taking care of myself and it's starting to show. I have realized I can't properly take care of my family if I don't take care of myself, too.

For his part, Chris is quitting smoking this month. Good vibes are appreciated! :)

Since it is possible we will be moving this year, I think I am going to give up trying to coax a productive garden out of the yard here. But I will continue sewing when I get the chance, and I will be trying to improve my ability to feed my family on a strict budget.

I'm really looking forward to 2012 and all it will bring for us.

Does anyone else have any plans for the coming year they want to share?

 

Comments

[Brenda]

Hi, glad to hear the promise of good things like your own place, how exciting, save hard and you will get there, you have also achieved so many other things this year (I worry you are too hard on yourself) you raise your children, keep their home clean and safe, nourish them, emotionally as well as with food, home school them and so much more. Good luck Chris with quitting smoking, you will feel so much better and just think of all the extra money that will go towards your own home! Have a happy 2012! xx

[Andréann]

Baking all our bread was my goal as well and I totally failed :(
But I think saving up for a down payment is a very great thing to do. I can't wait for us to have our own place too...We will be moving as well this year ...but when, where? ah!

[Marlyn]

It is hard to look back at the past year because we tend to think of the negative. You do have to remember though that you have a young family and that is your first job to look after them. I think you have done remarkable well seeing you had a baby this year and are homeschooling. Hopefully you can pocket the smokes money in a kitty for your new home. Love hearing about your neck of the woods.

[Kim @ Homestead Acres]

You have made a lot of big steps this past year! Backing your own daily bread is a great step! Not only are you saving money, you've taken a lot of junk out of your diet that's in store bought bread. :)
We started doing no computers on Sundays as well. Didn't do to well at that. :( But I would love to start again.

[Leah]

It's good to look back and see that you are moving forward! I have sure enjoyed following your blog and reading about all your efforts since I found you here nearly a year ago. I too am trying to do a stricter food budget, and sharpen up on my thrify living skills this year.

Best of luck to Chris with quitting smoking!

[Joan]

Hi, just started to read your blog and I am so surprised how we have a very similar yet BIG goal for this year...save money and buy that perfect place for homesteading. We are going to start looking for land sometime in spring. It will take plenty of hard work and patience, and plenty of faith that you will get there - but you WILL get there! Wish you the best for this year.