Where the Buffalo Roam... Bison Range

A 45 minute ride in the car with some sweet friends and we arrived at the Bison Range.

We've been taking Mondays off of school at the Spry Academy so we could use that day each week to play catch up,  clean & organize or simply just relax. 

But today was a day to learn all about the American Bison. The visitor center had many facts and showed ways the American Indians used almost every bit of the animal for survival. 

We also were reminded of the near extinction of this wild beast. 

Look at this wall of dots! Tens of millions... Then down to under 100!

I need to be honest here. The round up wasn't exactly what I had pictured in my mind. I guess I was expecting the Wild West. I was hoping to see cowboys and cowgirls on their horses and dust clouds from the beat of thousands of hooves. I was craving to feel the rumble of these huge animals below my feet. And what I was really hoping for was a buffalo burger cookout! (Too much... Maybe... But they're just so good!)

All my wishes aside, today was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the mountains were glorious, the kids were well behaved (except maybe a certain bear could've used another nap or two!)

I'm happy we spent our day up at the range. We learned so much and got to enjoy some of our favorite people too. 

Sprys Hike

We made plans a while ago with some of our great friends to go camping. Friday was the day we finally pulled out of town and heading on our journey. 

Only 16 minutes from our home and we were there. Parked up in Charles Water campground up at Bass Creek. HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS PLACE EXISTED?!  

It is absolutely gorgeous. I don't think we could have picked a better time to go. The traffic was slow, the weather was beautiful and the trees were gorgeous! 

Today we had absolutely no plans other than just go with the flow. It was incredible. After a lazy morning and numerous passes with the volleyball, we put on our tennis shoes and started our hike. 

Friends, this regretfully was our first time hiking since we moved to this beautiful state.  Almost SEVEN YEARS ago!!! 

We only hiked up about one mile before we found the perfect little babble of the creek to throw some fishing lines in. Josh was the master behind the poles and bait... Live worms! Our girls loved it! 

Avin was the one scaring all the fish away. She wanted to 'frow!' rocks the whole time. And we let her. 

Alyn learned that when you snag your hook, you have to get in and get it. Thankful for Keens and a warm shower. The water was freezing cold! 

After we got back, ate delicious elk steaks, grilled sweet potatoes and salad (all of our food was amazing this weekend so far. I have a lot to learn from Cameryn!) we set the kiddos up with a movie and started our nightly fire. 

We had such incredible campfire conversations. Mostly about Jesus. I'm thankful for friends who will be open and honest and sharpen me. 

Yee haw

Little Miss Alyn was beyond excited to start a new hobby this week. On Tuesday morning, we enrolled her into a horseback riding club for homeschoolers. 

I have been dreaming of this day to surprise her as she is so in love with horses (well, all animals really.. But especially horses).  

Dreaming, but not searching. If I had been searching I would have found this place long ago. It's only 3 minutes away and is tucked behind some of or best friends home. 

Dunrovin Ranch. 

Since we went to Oklahoma to visit our friends, Alyn hadn't stopped talking about being a little rider like her buddy Addison. 

So Wednesday started a new adventure for this little 9 year old. 

She wanted to go with a more cowgirl feel than rider so she opted for a pair of Ariats. She used her hard earned cash to pay for a boot. We bought the other. *wink*

With the help of Sarah, her coach, she chose a dude horse,Monte, and learned now to tie a daisy chain and brush him. Next was the saddle... That required a bit of help from Coach Sarah.  

Before long she was walking that stubborn horse all around the arena. (When I look in the background, all I feel is awe. Awe for the mountains and the valley we live in). 

Finally it was time to get on. I love that these little girls (there are three 9 yr old girls in Alyn's class... One of her best friends) needed a step stool. 

And you should have seen these smiles. I'm sure the sun shined brighter because these little bits were beaming ear to ear that they were riding. 

I'm so grateful that Alyn gets this opportunity. I'm also thankful that I get a couple hours to myself every Wednesday.  Since starting our school year I feel way behind. Way behind of everythig. Way behind on life. I'm not sure what that means other than I feel like I'm out of time and doing everything like a crazy person. 

Because Alyn needs a parent on the premise during her two hour lesson, I get to take that time to catch up on my administrative work. That sounds fancy but it's very much needed. Two precious hours to meal plan, talk with some team members or hostesses, or even read uninterrupted. I need this time. 

Thankful that Alyn loves Monte... And that Monte will be waiting for her every week. And this table will be waiting for me. 

Warming Up to New Friends

Here's to camping and meeting new friends. CHEERS! 

On Monday when we pulled into our camp site, two gentlemen helped guide Joel into the tight site. There were trees and logs everywhere.... Clearly not a job for this girl. 

With a couple local beers as a thank you, we parted ways and didn't really see these guys for most of the week. Since it was rainy we were all shut inside our little travel homes for a few days in a row. 

Last night, however, when we returned to the campground from exploring Glacier National Park, the weather was beautiful. 

We saw our two helping buddies as soon as we got back and they invited us to go over to their fire a bit later. 

We fed the girls, snuggled them in tight, then grabbed our chairs and walked two sites down to get to know these kind strangers. 

Now I'll be honest here... Meeting new people and striking up the 'getting to know you' questions is super difficult for me. I don't like it at all. It makes me uncomfortable.... Like nervous sick. 

Joel on the otherhand, can talk to anyone, about anything, anywhere we are. That is definitely a strength of his. We are polar opposite but God knew we would be good together. He gives us strengths to help even out the others weaknesses. 

I should say though that once I get to know you, it's super easy for me to chat your ear off while listening with genuine interest. 

We walked over to the site and surprise! They had wives! I was happy to see some females there to keep me company. We got to chatting about the usual.... "Where are you from?" "Kids?" 

The the inevitable question arose "what do you do for work?"

For most people this is an easy question to answer. For me, it's a bit awkward. 

"I'm a stay at home mom who runs a successful Scentsy Family business"

That's how I wanted to say it... But I'm sure it came our more like "well, I'm a mom who homeschools our girls. They keep me really busy. I also work from home selling candles and stuff" 

Why is it so hard to explain what I do to people? I'm so in love with my business and am passionate about it, but when I get put on the spot, it's almost like I get nervous to share. Why do I do that? Do you do that too?

These two gals had different responses after they heard I was a Scentsy consultant. 

Girl 1:

She knew everything about it! She loves the product and could probably name off over 50 fragrances, 20 warmer names and couldn't stop singing the praise of our Laundry by Layers line. It was hilarious! Her eyes just lit up! 

My immediate reaction was "girl, why don't you just sell this stuff already?! I can tell you're passionate about the products and you're excited to share them!" 

Her response..."you know, I should. I don't even have a consultant because every time I buy something I never hear back from the consultants so I always have to search for new people to buy from. And whenever I want to have a party, I can't get anyone to call me back to schedule one"

Girl 2: "Scentsy?! What's that? I've never heard of it"

"Say what?! Girl hold on..."

I went back to our camper, unplugged our warmer on the counter and (gasp!) tossed out the little bit of Fried Ice Cream left warming. After wiping out the old wax, I dug through the drawers and found a half bar of Berries Jubilee. I grabbed a couple catalogs and magnet business cards and put them in a bowl. 

I wasn't bringing the warmer over to show her what Scentsy is.... But to give her the warmer and bar. Scentsy is something I think every person should experience and fall in love with too. Its a product that 'Warms the heart, enlivens the senses and inspires the souls.' It's just something you have to share. 

She was so ecstatic! She immediately grabbed it (after the sweet "are you sure?! You don't need to give this to me" yada yada) and ran into her camper to turn it on. 

We exchanged info so we could keep in touch. It was a night of laughter with our new friends. We stayed awake until 3am! I had a great time! 

Moral of my story: 

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. 

Meet new people to make new friends. 

Be proud of what you do and who you are.

Customer service is everything in this business. Call people back. 

Give to bless others. 

Go to bed earlier when you have a busy toddler! 

Change

When you know it's FINALLY time to make a change... you just know. Oh yeah, it's made VERY clear.

For over a year, I have known what I need to do, but was always unwilling to change. What if I lost friends? What if I didn't keep up with everyone's everything? How will I know what's going on? How would people be able to keep up with us? Who do I show my kids new tricks to? What happens when I need to chat with someone? Or stay connected with my customers?

Let me take you on a little trip down this very conviction.

Over 2 years ago, I was sitting in a bible study with friends sharing what our biggest sins were.... mine... finding self worth in what other people think of me. I spent a lot of time praying, asking God to remove this idol from my heart. Little did I know, He would remove it physically. The end of that summer, Joel and I 'lost' BOTH of our computers, Kindle and iPods. What's even more interesting... we lost our identity. No really, it's true. We were on a road trip back to South Dakota and as we were leaving the hotel in Montana, we were in a rush. We drove all night and were exhausted by the time we arrived in Rapid City so we went straight to bed. When we woke, we unloaded the car and there is NO electronic bag! GONE! We're not sure if we left it at the hotel or maybe in the parking lot but the hotel did not find it... neither did the police. Not only was all of our electronics in that bag... but so was all of our taxes, pay stubs, bank account info, and everything about us. We were in the middle of purchasing a home and everything, even our identity was gone. (Backing up just a bit... 2 months prior we left our unmarked electronic bag on the bus at Disney World because we were in a rush to get off - - but we got it back that time after 3 hours of searching and amazing Disney workers)

So there I was... knowing the idol was taken away... and I went out that morning and purchased another computer so I could stay 'connected.' It's like I couldn't help myself.

Fast forward two years and MANY conversations with Joel and other friends about how I need to step away or find some balance with my online world.

Friday... sitting in bible study, the group of gals and I had to share what our biggest distractions were that was keeping us from having active faith in God. I wrote about that here but was too scared to write about something that I felt I couldn't live without. So I talked about sleep. (which by the way... we don't have a handle on at all!)

I talked about facebook with the group of girls and we justified that I 'needed' it because that's how I do run most of my Scentsy business... with customers, team, etc. It's just something I couldn't give up... I couldn't live without it.

Saturday night, I was reading '7' by Jen Hatmaker (GREAT BOOK... Thanks Shelby for the recommendation!) on living in excess. Too much. It's taken me a while to get through this book because it really speaks to my heart. This season of my life, I'm seeing very clearly on what is too much. Possessions, Food, Media... Media was the chapter I started AND finished Friday night. In this chapter, Jen and her family took a 30 day fast from all media. This is what she said.

Ok Lord... I'm listening. I hear you, but I'm just not sure I can do it? How can I give it up? How can I still be successful without it?

Sunday afternoon, I saw a friend post on facebook about how she needed a break... a simple post that said "...I need to reclaim some intentional and purposeful meaning to this life."

Ok OK God.... I hear you.

Sunday evening, I had a cranky spell (this happens more often than I like to admit) - -

 insert my thoughts as soon as I yelled at the girls about the house and the mess.  My selftalk: "You are a monster! You are so addicted to what others think of you... You compare your bloopers to every one else's highlights... You want what everyone else has... Stop looking at this! Stop spending so much time comparing yourself to others! Stop spending so much time in the online world and forgetting about YOUR world.  Look around you. You have a God who wants to spend time with you. Who loves you and can satisfy you more than any 'Like' or 'Follow' ever would. You have a husband that is so tired of trying to have a conversation with you while your nose is hovering over your phone and you don't even make eye contact with him. He lies beside you in bed and falls to sleep waiting for you every night to turn off the phone. Your girls deserve more from you! The only reason you get angry with them is because you are frustrated that they want your attention when you are giving all your attention to these online relationships. They just want you to love them... spend time with them... acknowledge them. They are your REAL world."

and as I got in the bath, took my phone, and opened up Bloglovin'; this is what I read.  NO FRICKIN' WAY!

Lord I hear you LOUD AND CLEAR.... and THANK YOU for the ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER!

So there you have it... my reason WHY I have to CHANGE and say goodbye to social media for a while. I'm not sure how long.... maybe 6 months? maybe a year? maybe forever?

What I do know is that right now, in this season, social media is not enriching my life. I also know that it is stealing energy from my home and family and giving me a crutch to hide behind a keyboard and not develop strong relationships with people. Do I think it's going to be difficult to walk away? ABSOLUTELY. Do you I think it'll be better for my family? NO DOUBT! When I was telling the girls last night about my decision and we were talking about idolatry and walking in obedience, Alyn looked right at me... with tears in her eyes and said "Mom, for real? You would give up facebook?.... " I said "yes, baby, I'm going to." As a tear fell, she simply said "Thank you." and gave me a hug.

THAT is why I must change. My girls are my biggest mission and my mission starts now.

This doesn't mean I won't be around. I'll be here... right here actually EVERY DAY! I'll be blogging this journey and every journey we have a long the way... in the CRAZY SPRY way... but I just won't be posting on facebook or instagram anymore. So if you want to see us, you'll have to read here. There are a few ways to make sure you stay in our loop... if you want to.

You can click on the FOLLOW BY EMAIL link in the upper left column.

You can click on the FOLLOW ME ON BLOGLOVIN' in the upper right column.



 I know I'll miss seeing you and your families so I would love a text or email every once in a while from you.
Don't be a stranger... Say Hi every once in a while. I'm going to be going through FOMO most definitely... (Fear Of Missing Out) but it'll be worth having the party be outside and me: sitting in my house, uninvited by myself, working on faith, family and relationships.

 XO.
Jari

Goodbye Freddie

We had many memories with you. 

We outgrew you. 

You will be loved. 

We sold our 1956 Mercury tear drop to a sweet lady, Kim, who will be repainting Freddie (the name we have this Mercury... You know... Freddie Mercury- lead singer for Queen!) a yellow with crowns! 

Kim and her daughter will be going on a month long trip this year and she will keeping us updated through Facebook. I'm so excited for this mother/daughter combo who will have the best little camper around to take this life journey in!

Blessed to have made memories with this sweet camper and feeling good to finally share it with others. 

XO

Jari <---- feeling happy with just a few tears. 

Roadtrippin' + friends

Over the river and through the woods, to Scentsy Summit we go! 

That was in my head for most of the day as we traveled through some of the most beautiful terrain on this earth (some of my favorite anyway.) 

Joel, Avin, Ariell & I took a 7 hour trip through the mountains so we could attend Scentsy Super Star Director Summit - focused training directed to Scentsy's top leaders. 

We stopped in the beautiful town of McCall Idaho for some Mexican lunch on the deck overlooking the Payette Lake. BEAUTIFUL!

  

As much as I love the training, maybe more, I LOVE seeing so many of our closest Scentsy Family. 

Tonight we got into town and immediately started hugging, laughing and catching up with friends. (Ok to be brutally honest here, I got dumped like a bad prom date as soon as everyone saw little Miss Avin! She's quick to steal the show... And I love it!)

(So many hugs and no photos to prove it. Ill be better tomorrow)

We had a Velata dessert bar... (Bacon drizzled with Caramel Milk Chocolate is a new favorite!) and even got goodies in our room. 

We may or may not have stopped for some more Mexican tonight with a little treat. 

Anyway, it's a jam packed week and I can't wait kick it off bright and early tomorrow morning. 

So.... Goodnight.

XO

Jari