Harvest 

Hey! We grow a lot of our produce and when it starts snowing and freezing we get in a hurry to harvest it. The past two days were dedicated to harvesting and it got to freezing temperatures, so we we were glad to get it done. 

Two days ago we harvested our arugula, carrots, beets, kale, rutabagas, cabbage (we already had done our rhubarb). And yesterday we did potatoes and flowers. 

Potatoes are mostly mine, my dad's, and my little sister's job. It's a very cold job so I dressed in leggings with wool socks and pants over them, a short sleeve shirt with sweatshirt, beanie, and work gloves. 

Dad gets the pitchfork and crates and basically he digs around the plants, we lift it up, and dig out the potatoes with our hands. It doesn't take a ton of time, but it gets really cold on your fingers. I mostly dug the potatoes out and handed them to my sister who put them in the crate. We had put the potatoes in a new plot and they didn't do so well because they didn't have a lot of sun. Our reds don't usually do as good as our Yukon's but this year they did a ton better. It was a pretty disappointing harvest. 

With arugula we had to pull it up, pick the leaves off (and some seed pods) and throw the stalks into the wheelbarrow

With the kale, mom would go through and pick the leaves and I would pull up the stalks (which are really tough and big), beets she would pull them up and I would hold them while she cut the stems off, carrots you just pull up, cabbage is basically the same, rutabagas are like potatoes, and flowers mom just does by herself. 

It's a lot of work but great reward. That night mom made Borscht (Russian beet soup) with our extremely fresh beets and it was delicious! 

I will post pictures later! 

 ROOM MAKEOVER

YES! You read that correctly! Unfortunately, I'm not going to be "makeovering" drastically. Just cleaning out, rearranging, decorating etc. 

I'm super excited though! 

I'm having a hard time picking up a theme for the room, if you have any ideas for a theme and/or decor PLEASE comment!!!

Right now I'm trying to figure out decor too. I only want to spend $40 dollars so I'm also going to DIY. 

I know for sure I want to paint and distress some mason jars, want to hang a shelf, get a lighted up "A", get string lights, and throw pillows. 

I know I want but probably can't get: a desk with drawers, a new bedspread, desk light, and a bunch of other stuff. 

I REALLY wanted a loft bed (have for forever) but our slanted roof doesn't make it possible. 

I am soooooo excited! My professional decor consultant (aka best friend) helps me out I will post links for everything so you can see what I'm getting! 

PLEASE (i'm begging you!) COMMENT ON THEME IDEAS AND/OR DECOR SUGGESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 PICTURES 

Finally! The masses will be appeased! 

I know this sounds crazy (it totally is) but I have taken the pictures of my rearranged room! 

So now I can rearrange it again. I mean I didn't mind it this way but I just loved how I had it for winter last year so it's going that way again. I'm going to post the pictures and give you a little "room tour". 

So this is the nook thing. It didn't really work out as a study area b/c I now work downstairs but...

                        So here is my mattress on the floor, nightstand, trash can, mirror 

This is a close up of my super cheap semi working twinkle lights. 3 stickers from bro., 3 printed out quotes, and 1 written Bible verse are hanging on there with plastic clothespins it came with. 

Here is my dresser, heater, guitar

By the way hopefully you don't want anything in my room because I either: 

• have no idea where it's from
• bought it used
• repurposed it                 

Enjoy these super late photos!!!

 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I mean not exactly. But it is snowing!!! Not sticking yet, but it's only the 23rd. 

Except we're not ready for snow yet!!! 

Smile.  

Making one person smile can change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. Start small. 

Smile. 

Light up the world with your smile because you never know who might be stuck somewhere in the dark. 

 Goodbye [Shiloh Series pt. 4]

This is the 2nd goodbye post I have made. This time it is for Shiloh.. A couple days ago Shiloh's owner called us and said that he had passed away from colic. It was so devastating, especially since he was our first horse. We are so sad that he is gone. Love you, Shiloh. 💗💕

 School Snacks

I am SO totally for snacks during the school day! Especially if they are healthy! Here is a bunch of school snacks that we eat! 

First of all, I'd like to point out the dictionary definition to the word "snacks". It is a "small amount of food eaten in a hurry..." Take that to heart. 

Snacks: 

Cottage Cheese w/ or w/o berries 

Yogurt w/ or w/o berries

Nuts

Avocado (on toast or plain) 

Carrot Sticks and Ranch

Raisins

Trail Mix

Crackers

Toast

Piece of Fruit

Cheese

Ants on a Log (or just celery). 

Smoothie

Keto Snaps-an amazing dark chocolate, almonds, and coconut piece of deliciousness. 

So here is some common school snacks and most of them are brain foods too! Also they're not snacks but when I'm doing school I like to drink tea and coffee. 

Alright! comment down below on your favorite snacks...

 Time Management:

as struggle for most, a breeze for some. 

Hey guys! As you can see by the over dramatic title above...time management is the topic for today! 

I am of the ones who have fairly decent time management. Obviously, sometimes it gets a little messed up, but I'm going to share some tips with you on how I do my own time management. 

1. Use a planner. Most of you probably already do, but this is so essential. This way     you know everything that needs to be done! 

    1a. Write down everything that needs to be done, including the little things

    1b. If you need, write out a time frame for each one

    1c. Cross it off right away when you finish the task or subject. 

2. Set Time Blocks. By this I mean a literal timer for each subject. I find this especially motivating, because I love timers, and it forces you to buckle down and do it. 

    2a. Stopwatch yourself doing a specific subject and then base your timer off that time. 

    2b. Place "rewards" if you make it in that time frame and "consequences" if you don't. 

    2c. You could also just set a goal of "I am going to get two subjects done before b-fast."

3. Set Time Limits. I know this sounds similar to what I just said but I mean this as in don't let yourself be doing things that are not on your planner/agenda for the day. Set a timer for each break (online, snack etc) and stick to it!

    3a. Don't let being online suck you in! This is probably my biggest issue here. 

    3b. Let snacks be the dictionary definition! (a small amount of food eaten in a hurried                         manner). I have more on school snacks if you want to check it out. 

    3c. Random breaks are fine but only if they're just short. Get up, run around, but come back! 

Okay! This is obviously just a few and there are hundreds more (which I totally recommend looking at). Time management is one of those amazing qualities to have! Hope you enjoyed! 

Music 

for an inspiring song that makes you want to write a book about a boy named Cedric (or is that just me?) listen to: 

Our Love by Paul Cardall 

Highlighters: tips + Tricks

Here's the steps on how to use a highlighter! 

1. Find something to highlight (words that stick out to you, definitions etc.) 

2. Uncap highlighter

3. Carefully place on beginning of word/sentence/heading/whatever and gently pull the tip over the part         you want to highlight. Go straight! and don't go too slow because it will make it too dark and spotty!

4. Put lid back onto highlighter. 

Good job! Now you've mastered the art! Now some Tips and Tricks

1. Go quickly but carefully

2. Don't be super firm with the tip #begentle

3. Keep your highlighter capped up so it won't go dry

4. Don't highlight just for the fun of it

Hope you enjoy, and hope you also realize this is a ridiculous post, and I'm not serious about it! 😉😂

I know, I'm a weirdo

 London Fogs

There's almost nothing better than a warm London Fog on a rainy, cold day. So, yesterday I made one! The recipe I used was super easy and good...I also don't have a milk frother, so I have a really easy way to make the delicious, foamy milk on top (it's essential;-) ANYway here's the recipe and hope you enjoy!!! 

click here for link!

(this recipe makes 1 cup of tea!) 

1. 1 Earl Grey Tea Bag (Twinings is definitely the best!) 
2. 1/2 Cup Hot Water
3. 1/2 Cup Milk (see instructions for frothing) (this makes quite a bit of foam by the way) 
4. 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
5. 1/2 tsp Maple Syrup (you could also use honey, or a few drops of stevia)

1. Steep your tea in your mug for 3-5 minutes, your preference. 
2. In a 1 cup microwave safe measuring cups heat milk and vanilla till it steams (don't boil!). This took about 2 1/2 mins for our microwave...
3. After it milk is good and hot, pour it into a blender cup (we have a nutribullet) and blend till foamy. 
4. If you don't have a blender you can use a towel to hold a mason jar of it and shake (did not test). 
5. Stir sweetener in your tea and top with foam milk. 
6. You can sprinkle cinnamon on top if you like that! Oh, and I haven't tried this but maybe try add a tiny drop of Lavender Essential Oil if you like lavender london fog (personally, I prefer vanilla). 

Please comment if you made this and hope you enjoy! 

 Music

For today's music recommendation I am recommending:

 Walking the Wire/Largo by Piano Guys. 

SMILE. 

"If you see someone without a smile, 

give them one of yours." 

 The Shiloh Series pt. 3 

Hi! So this part I will talk about chores for Shiloh. 

I will be taking morning chores, and my little sister evening chores, since I wake up earlier and am a morning person. 

So I think this is what my schedule will look (I will update if different;-). 

6:00-head out to barn and say hello! 

6:05-fill hay net! 

6:15-bucket of grain+supplements 

6:25-check water trough (fill if necessary). 

6:30-give him a quick groom+check

6:45-muck out 

6:55-change into school clothes

7:00-school

I might need to start earlier, like 5:45, though, but I will see! 

Also, trail rides on powerline are going to be so fun! I'm probably going to ride him bareback lots (that's why bareback pad is on the list in pt.2) so I will just need to bridle him and put his pad on and go!!! Obviously after warmups and sending though! Thanks for reading! 

The Shiloh Series pt. 2 

So this, the second part, is where I will talk about preparing for our new horse, Shiloh! 

What we need: 

(as in necessities)

• 100 bales of hay
• A shelter logic shelter
• Halter
• 2 Lead Ropes
• Bridle
• Fly Spray
• Grooming Kit
• Corral Panels
• Grain
• Supplements
• Container for food
• Hay net
• Feed bucket
• water trough
• First aid kit
• water bucket heater
• bareback pad? 

 The Shiloh Series pt. 1 

Hey, today we are doing a shiloh series. If you didn't pay attention to the Guess what? post, you should know shiloh is our new horse. 

Hey, guys! 

So, on Friday we heard about Shiloh from our friend/horse lessons instructor. On Sunday, the lady posted him. We were in love with him. He seemed perfect for us! Here is his Quick Facts before we dig deeper. 

Age: 17 years 

Height: 15.1 HH

Color: Bay (brown) with black socks and a heart-ish shape on his forehead

Sweet temperament, intuitive, curious, loves trail rides, worked in equine therapy for 4 years. 

The thing is, he's perfect because we are starting an equine assisted therapy and growth ranch so having a horse who is good at his job, and experienced is just amazing. He is also very well priced, he is staying at a Bible camp, and we are friends with the owners of the camp, and he's just so cute. 

But he does have a few problems. He as arthritis in his hocks and a little heel pain. But, our instructor thinks with the right care, he can get so much better, and she said with arthritic horses, you give them the right supplements and keep them exercised and it's all good. 

So in the next part I will be talking about everything we need to get to prepare for him! Thanks for reading! 

Oh, and if you donated to our Horse Fund, or ranch fund thank you SO much! We really appreciate it! 

Guess What! 

 Nope, not correct! 

We are getting a horse, actually! Didn't expect that did you? His name is Shiloh (which means peace or gift from God) he is a 17yo Quarter Horse gelding. 15.1 hands, bay with black socks. He also worked in equine therapy for four years, so he's perfect since that's what we're starting. We are getting him on October 2nd and have so much to do! 

Finish his shelter, 100 bales of hay, all the supplies etc. We are super excited for him to come home and so busy to. When he gets here I will keep you updated. I might do a Shiloh series, too. 

 WRITE. 

Pull out a blank notebook, a piece of blank paper, and a pencil. Now draw a mountain on the blank paper. Make it as simple or complex as you want. After you draw that, write a random name (boy, girl, anything) for example, Wavelyn Grace. Look at the meaning of the name. Now write it down underneath the mountain. Using previous example, I would write wave, water, sea, lake etc, whatever I prefer. Then write a little background about the person you just "created". Like family, home, personality etc. Then a little way up the mountain write a problem/situation/circumstance (e.g. little brother sick, no doctor.) then halfway up the mountain write a way to fix that problem (e.g. taking a boat to the next island for a doctor). If you want above the solution you can write another problem and situation if you want it more complex/difficult. After the solution at almost the top of the mountain write what happens after the solution (e.g. she finds the doctor, brings him back). At the top of the mountain write the very ending or an "epilogue". 

So you should have a drawing of a mountain with a name and it's meaning and background, a problem, a solution, after the solution, and the very ending, or an epilogue. What I want you to do after that is write like 200-500 words about each category. Put them together and you have a story! 

Good luck and please try this and tell me how it works out! 

Smile. 

A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose. 

POSTIES

I have written 50 Blog Posts on The Artsy Otter! Halfway to 100!

Well this is the 51st but you know...

 It's Coming #don'tlosehope 

I KNOW I've said this before, but I finally settled into my school groove enough to do it now. MAYBE!!! 

THE PICTURES ARE COMING! 

I'm hoping to do it today or tomorrow for the project I told you, so long ago about, and soon my bedroom. I'm anxious to get it cleaned up again for pictures, then rearrange it again. 

It's just right now we are SO busy. 

Yesterday, Anchorage, today horse lessons and an appointment in Seward, Thursday, Anchorage again (oral surgeon consultation😬) and then Friday, CC and then guess what! we're going on a roadtrip/camping trip to Valdez for the boys' football game with our friends. So my life is so busy add school and getting ready for a special "thing" coming on the 2nd which I'll post about, it's chaos. 

So, I'm going to stop and get working! Bye! 

School Stuff

So I have a large crate that has all my school books/supplies in it. 

I have a large 2" blue binder that has 6 different colored dividers in it as well as sheets of college ruled enforced notebook paper in the back. During my Challenge B class I take notes on the paper and then put that paper in the correct strand thanks to the dividers. Also, at home doing my work when I, for example, make an ANI chart, I just write it and stick it in my Exposition strand. The divides make it really nice and organized and I am loving doing it this way. 

I must admit I have a lot of writing utensils. I have five pencils, four pens, 12 highlighters (6 gel, 6 felt), 2 dry erase markers, a pack of colored pencils, and Papermate flair pens (AMAZING). 

and then I have my school supplies...washy tape (for decorating plain notebooks and binders), tape, glue stick, tabbies, scissors, pencil sharpener, whiteboard eraser, erasers, and a calculator and a whiteboard. 

I also have a BUNCH of flashcards (for latin, math, logic) 

Since I do the notebook paper in the dividers system I only have a few notebooks. One blue sparkly one for math. One sea foam-ish green/blue notebook and that's all the notebooks. 

For the math notebook on the back (non sparkly) I put pink and gold dots, and blue and gold dots washy tape. On the plain seafoam notebook I put gray washy tape with gold writing. Also, for my Notes Binder I wrote inspirational sayings and Bible verses to go in the cover. 

I might get around to posting pictures. LOL. If I had a phone.... I know this was an extremely boring post, but whatever! 

What I do for School

I am homeschooled and do Classical Conversation's Challenge B Program which I really like. There is six 'strands' (subjects) that we go over each week in community with our tutor. Then during the rest of the week we complete the assignments as well as our other school subjects. 

Research (Science)-we research astronomers, write essays about them and do different projects. 

Grammar (Latin)-we do the Henle Latin books. 

Debate (the American Experience Storybook and Mock Trial)-we read stories, define heroes, and in second semester have a mock trial in a courtroom). 

Exposition (Writing/Reading)-we use Lost Tools of Writing. Read books, find issues, make ANI charts, make essays. 

Reasoning (Informal and Formal Logic)-we use the Introductory Logic books by Nance and Wilson. We read the chapters, complete exercises and make lots of vocab. 

Logic (Math)-Christian Light Education Algebra 1. 

The other school things I have to do not with Challenge B is: 

Music (piano, guitar, or violin 30 minutes a day). 

P.E (usually walk a mile a day with the dogs). 

History (use Dave Raymond's Antiquity course). Watch the lectures, read the assignments, complete exams, and make portfolio along with weekly projects. 

SO yeah. That is what I do for school! 

SMILE.  

Use your smile to change the world, don't let the world change your smile. 

Music

Hey, hey, hey! Totally recommend the artist Gray Havens' music ! They have great Christian songs that I really love! Especially their albums: Wide Awake, and Ghost of a King, and their single Train Station. Also great school music!!! 

FINALLY! 

Oh my goodness, guys, I was so excited to make this post! 

Guess what?!?! It's been coming a long time and today (9.13.21) it has actually happened. Let's see if you can guess based on the timeline...

  February 2017 (i think;-) I got 7 teeth pulled. Then I got a retainer (not plastic, not exactly the wire ones that go behind your teeth). Then I got braces, then I got invisalign on December 16th 2019. Now what do I have??? 

NOTHING!!! I know, right! Exciting!!! So, I do have a night retainer but compared to Invisalign it's nothing. 

Reading optional: (just me talking about Invisalign) 

The thing about Invisalign is that they're in your mouth 24/7 You're supposed to wear them 22 hrs a day. Also, you need to brush your teeth AND your retainers before you put them back in. So living in Alaska where shopping trips/appts. are 2 hrs away and you're spending about 5+ hrs away from home, that's really tough. On roadtrips or camping trips, which we frequently do, it's a constant stress. If the next gas station is blank miles away and I'm starving...like that. With camping trips, like after you eat b-fast, lunch, dinner, you have to brush them, and it's cold, and you only have a water jug. You know? You're also pretty much always in some sort of pain. Or there's plastic rubbing on your cheek, or your metal pin broke off while you were eating a burger and you swallowed it...not wanting to have a snack whenever because it's just not worth the time. Having to say "sorry, I can't, I have my teeth in." (btw, I call my retainers my teeth, because it's simpler). 

So, yes. In 6-8 weeks I will go back to the orthodontist to get a checkup on my nightly retainer wear. Also, I will get the edges of my teeth straightened (apparently retainers make the edges ridged and bumpy). So, that's exciting and that's my blog post! 😁💜