About Our Family

 

We are a family of seven, living in a very small town (population: about 700) in Minnesota.  We homeschool our five kids, ages 4 to 17, and enjoy learning and living a modern, old fashioned life together.  We get by on very low income, in part because of practices like gardening, foraging, cooking from scratch and “putting things up” — and because we bought our house for $2,000 in back taxes (and just helped our oldest child get her first house for $4,000 cash) and we work hard at finding ways to live a good life on very little.

Part of our homeschooling our children is teaching them these skills, so that they are as free as possible from financial worries once they’re on their own.  No matter what jobs or paths they take in life, it will serve them well to know how to make their own meals, service their own cars, balance a budget, grow a garden, cook from scratch, find good deals and take care of their own needs.

We also live a very natural lifestyle.  While we know the importance of modern medicine and appropriate medical care, we also know the importance of a healthy diet, fresh air and exercise.  Our kids know to reach for the lavender oil if they have a cut, the tea tree oil for bug bites and poison ivy, and warm garlic oil for an ear infection.  We use elderberry syrup to prevent and treat the flu and raw garlic three times a day for other sicknesses.  We eat mostly organic food (yes, even on a tight budget) and avoid GMOs, and clean our house with basics like vinegar, baking soda and elbow grease.

We love getting to spend time together as a family, and being able to teach our kids these skills that we had to teach ourselves. 

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5 thoughts on “About Our Family

    Connie Voss

    (October 23, 2019 - 6:15 pm)

    You posted an awesome picture on this website https://permies.com/t/40/72556/kitchen/Acorn-Mush-Preparation The picture is of a native american leaching acorns entitle acornhupa.jpg I teach history and wondered if I could use the picture for a slideshow?

    Connie Voss

    Alicia Bayer

    (October 23, 2019 - 6:32 pm)

    Sure! The photo is from the public domain. I don’t remember the original source but can try to find it if you need it.

    Kim

    (June 2, 2022 - 2:25 pm)

    Hello, I just found your site & really love the info you are putting out! Thanks for that!
    Just wanted to let you know that the font is so light I have to highlight it to read it.

    Kim

      Alicia Bayer

      (June 2, 2022 - 3:25 pm)

      Thanks for letting us know! I’ll try to figure out how to change the font. 🙂

    Frank Hyman

    (January 9, 2024 - 2:00 am)

    Hi! Just read your review of my book on Good Reads and wanted to send a hearty “thank you!” for such a delightful and detailed review. And also to commend you on your practices with foraging, homeschooling and financing homeownership! Well Done!
    I live in NC so our paths may not cross anytime soon, but I will be posting a link to your website tomorrow on my IG account: mushroomswithoutdying. Take care and happy foraging ! Frank Hyman

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