Ready for winter!

So, for the past few weeks (ok, months) we have been spending most of Jason's time off going to go cut wood. The new house that we moved into has a wood fireplace and a wood stove. And, with the winters in the mountains being much colder than in the valley, we knew that we would need several cords of wood to keep us warm all winter (which means snow on the ground from November to May). Bring it on! I loved the mounds of snow we had last year. It was welcomed with much excitement, newness, and enjoyment! However, with this being my first wood-collecting experience, I didn't realize how much WORK goes into getting wood. Holy cow! But, we tried to make it great fun! We involved good friends in the whole process, which we feel blessed to have help us, and we made the best of it! So, after weeks of labor: cutting, hauling, loading, unloading, chopping, and stacking - we have about 6 cords of wood. Under the stairs, there are four rows of wood (you can't tell from this angle). This picture just does not do it justice!

This was my first time, within my memory anyway, that I have ever gone to go cut wood. Gratefully, we purchased a large, commercial saw last year for this very purpose. However, on Jason's last run to get a few cords of Tamarack wood (which they tell us burns hotter and longer), he had a little mishap with the tree. His saw got stock, and in the process of getting it unstuck, as the tree fell... well, it fell right upon the saw. With much discouragement and anger, somehow Jason managed to move the huge tree just enough to remove what was left of his saw. He concluded that we are just not meant to have anything nice or new. So, the rest of the wood has been cut with his little saw he got for his birthday years ago. It takes three times the time and doesn't do the job as easily as his big saw, but we were grateful for a back-up.

Our 1st Wood-cutting Experience

(with the Napier and Jones family)

Bryson & Jason working together.

Bryson with the axe, cutting off the branches, and Jason with the saw, cutting up the logs.

Bryson loves to jump right in and get his hands dirty.

An innocent bystander who, somehow, got dirty???

The kids off exploring while the dads are hard at work.

And lucky Emma... always smothered with kisses!

Are you guessing who the culprit is who dirtied Emma's face?

Good guess! Thanks, Tyler! He's trying to shut her up from telling on him?

Kimberly: collecting some rocks while losing her drawers???

Blake takes Tyler on a journey through the woods.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Can't be superman in the sky!

And Jason... whereever there is work, there is always play! This time it's hide-and-seek!

Another wood-cutting experience with just our family!

Our family theme this year is based upon having unity. Look at this teamwork. We are truly trying to breed it in our family: helping each other makes light work and relieves burdens!

Bryson - being a muscle man!

On our drive, we spotted a moose in the creek about 30 yards from the road. She was not happy to see us stop and take pictures of her. She stomped through the creek, steaming mad, and ran off into the woods. It was quite a site. I have never been this close to a moose before!

Another dirty adventure!

Wood-splitting/stacking party!

(with the Montague family)

Jason & Jared getting a work-out!

The Boys: Bryson and Benjamin stacking wood.

The girls: McKinley, Megan, and Kimberly stacking wood.

All of our little helpers!

Jason finally asked Brother Dean if he could borrow his wood-splitter after splitting about 2 1/2 cords himself. Boy, was he ever grateful for that piece of coveted machinery. Jason has had many problems with his back over the years. Maybe a combination of hanging sheetrock, lifting his quadriplegic brother in-and-out of bed, and moving heavy objects somewhat regularly. So, the wood-splitting, which has always been sheer pleasure and enjoyment to him in years past, started taking a beating on him. He hopes never to have to split another log, unless he has to. That wood splitter saved a huge taxing on his back! Thanks to Brother Dean. Thanks to all those who helped us: loaning us trailers, helping us cut, carry, chop, and stack. We appreciate ALL the work that went into our first winter preparation! We are ready! :]