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littlehouseonthewater · 4 years

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“Have you sold your Cruise-a-home yet?” someone asks me. “YES!! Yes we have! And let me tell you how all the puzzle pieces fell in to place for our new sailboat!!”

After almost three years of living aboard our amazing 1976 40’ tiny floating home, we finally transitioned onto the next phase of our adventure. Patience and timing have been everything. After waiting three years on a list for an end tie slip, our turn finally came. The day before we put an official offer on the sailboat, we acquired a 58’ end tie slip in South Marina! Amazingly and thankfully the whole boat buying process went smoothly for us. The vessel had been on the market for a year. We actually walked through it the previous May, and had been patiently waiting for life’s puzzle pieces to fall into place. January 26th, almost three years to the day we started this nautical lifestyle, we cruised home in our new Transpacific 49 we’re naming, Royal Way. Immediately we moved aboard and are enjoying making her our new home. She’s beautiful with solid teak and 1980’s craftsmanship. We now enjoy three staterooms. Joy and Arianna share the forward split V-berth stateroom, which creates a bunk for each of them. Felicity and Caleb share the midship bunk room with extra vanity and hanging locker. A spacious wet-head rounds out everything forward of our generous saloon. My favorite amenities include the warm glow of our Dickenson propane fireplace, a ginormous fridge and separate large ice chest (later freezer), and my new galley drawers. Ryan now has a navigation/office station and walk-in engine room complete with workbench. Lastly, besides enjoying a boat with two heads, Ryan and I finally have a Master Cabin to call our own!! Sleeping on the kitchen table is now reserved for the one day occasional guest instead of nightly for us!

In my previous post I mentioned a poem called “Love grows in Little Houses.”

“Love grows best in little houses with fewer walls to separate. Where you eat and sleep so close together, you can’t help but communicate. And if we had more room between us, think of all we’d miss. Love grows best in little houses just like this.”

Interestingly enough, with the addition of separate staterooms with walls and doors between, our children became more short tempered, grumpy and possessive than when they all shared a common space. For three years we were so used to working together literally on top of one another, the current personal separation into ‘rooms’ still feels a little awkward. Change feels that way though…awkward.

I remember telling Ryan, “I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but I feel like a part of our adventure will begin sooner than we expect.”

And then the COVID-19 crisis happened.

I always wondered what emotions I would feel when the momentous moment finally came when I unwrapped the lines from the cleat, climbed aboard, and Ryan pulled our vessel away from the dock.

Honestly, with the current situation, as we pulled away from the dock, I felt my anxiety blow away with the wind, replaced with deep breaths of fresh salty air. I had peace. I had confidence in my husband’s ability to captain our vessel and keep our family safe. I had confidence with my adaptability to use our provisions appropriately. I had confidence our family would adapt gracefully to whatever came our way. I had confidence we were finally in a vessel that could take care of us anywhere we went.

For forty peaceful days we stayed home, on anchor, away from mass population. Ryan was able to work from home on reduced hours. Our kids continued their homeschooling, like normal. Thankfully the biggest change was climbing aboard our dinghy morning and night to take our dog to shore since he refuses to go on our boat. We were on our own little isolated island of peace. Through this time, we bonded with our vessel. She became a heartfelt, safe-haven, home.

Jacy Taisey

Provisioning

Daddy time

Laundry helpers

Laundry day

Getting in the dinghy for the first time from the boat

Sunrise coffee

Hoisting the sails for the first time

Happy 17th Anniversary darling!

Home at Last! "Have you sold your Cruise-a-home yet?" someone asks me. "YES!! Yes we have! And let me tell you how all the puzzle pieces fell in to place for our new sailboat!!"

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littlehouseonthewater · 4 years

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“Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials.

Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.” ~Comte de Buffon

“Have you sold your Cruise-a-home yet?” someone with a cheerful disposition asks me. “Not yet,” I sigh, “we’re still waiting.”

Truly we could not have chosen a better boat than our Cruise-a-home to transition from foundational home to hull home. Now, at the end of 2019, our children are ages 13, 11, 9 and 6. They have grown at least twelve inches since we began our nautical lifestyle three years ago. Proud mama moment, my children are amazing. Their “bedrooms”, if you could call it that, are 29″x68″. Their bed takes up 27 1/2″x63″, leaving 5″ for knickknacks, treasures, stuffed animals and books. Like when Alice grew too big in the Wonderland home, the six of us have most literally reached capacity of our Cruise-a-home.

Keeping the dream to cruise alive, Ryan and I have looked at hundreds of sailboats online. May 2019, a dear friend of ours excitedly found the most probable sailboat candidate to be our next home. We walked aboard as a family, and felt the “yes, this seems right!” feeling in the pits of our hearts. Tripling our current living space with three state rooms, two heads (bathrooms) and a walk-in engine room for Ryan to store his tools and me to have a washing machine, how could this not happen quickly for us? We came back to our cruise-a-home and taped up a “For Sale” sign. I just knew all the puzzle pieces would click into place quickly for us.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s many times about the person he calls – not about the calling itself. He’ll take anyone with an obedient spirit, no matter how green, messy or ignorant they may be. But once you sign on, he’s got to put you through basic training to get you in shape to operate with his high standards, methods and ways. Perhaps you don’t have the mental knowledge, the spiritual maturity, or the emotional depth needed to accomplish what he has in mind. Maybe you want to call the shots in how things proceed – and God knows you’ll fall flat on your face unless he’s the one in charge. He’s got to test your commitment, your endurance – to see what kind of stuff you’re made of for the long haul. Perhaps it is for you to see what you’re made of…for God already knows. This basic training always, always grows you in maturity, self-confidence, and ultimately, dependence on God.

So while we’re waiting and getting upset at God for not doing anything, could it be that we are the hold up? Is it us that he’s waiting on? To show we trust him – so he can trust us with what he’s about to do? To prepare us mentally, having thoroughly thought things through? To prepare us emotionally, with a solid resolve and conviction to move ahead? To just grow up a little? Or a lot? Spring showers can pop up in an afternoon. Hurricanes take days. I think God makes us wait because he’s got bigger ideas in mind. Plus, his timing is always perfect – he can see what’s coming down the pike in eternity, and he knows the right moment in time to get you moving.” ~ Jenny L. Cote (Now I Sea p. 29)

I wept when I read this. Waiting IS SO HARD!! But in the months of waiting, I have succumbed to the conclusion: I would rather patiently wait for God’s timing, than try to manipulate something premature and make a chaos of decisions. That being said, our life continued.

This last summer we cruised 10 days in our 27′ sailboat. It was our first long sail, overnight, cooking…anything longer than a sunset sail. Amazingly enough…our kids are crazy. It was unanimously agreed by our four (not of this world children) that they actually preferred the cramped close cockpit quarters of our 27′ sailboat to our spacious 40′ cruise-a-home (at least when cruising). They enjoyed snuggling and reading in the cockpit, taking naps in the V-birth, and never once complained.

Our kids are resilient and adaptable. We spent our first night rocking and rolling (not exceptionally pleasant), moored at Blake Island. The view of Mt Rainer to the south and Seattle to the east, were beautiful. The following morning, we walked the island and found treasure while geocaching.

Later, we met up with our friends and cruising companions from our yacht club…and then one boat was not like the others. I’ll admit, jealousy is hard to combat when I feel I’m lacking…and forced to wait. But if I remained unsatisfied with what I do have, and stubbornly put my foot down that a 27′ sailboat is just too small for me to even give it a try, how many wonderful memories my family would have missed out on. So, I put forth my best “I got this, let’s figure this out” attitude. Pleasantly, I’m amazed how well we’ve all adapted to such tiny spaces. And I thought 238 sq ft for a family of six was tiny! The memories we’re making, the experiences we’re having, and the bonding and growing we’re doing…strengthens our resolve to keep waiting for the right timing for our one-day bigger sailboat.

A few months after our summer cruise; we felt Ryan had reached all he could learn working on the ferry. Before his transition to his new job, we decided to seize the opportunity and take a road trip halfway across the United States to visit family. In typical Taisey fashion, we made this decision with two days planning. Packed into our 2007 Toyota Highlander, we realized the joy is in the journey, not just zipping to the destination. Contentedly we passed the hours and miles by listening to Focus on the Family’s radio drama of all seven Chronicles of Narnia series. Watching the changing landscape as we climbed the Rockies and drove across the Great Plains, I couldn’t help but think of the courageous pioneers, wagon trains and families traversing this ruggedly beautiful terrain so slowly. Such courageous people of long ago, willing to take the risk in search of a better life and adventure.

On our way to Illinois and Indiana, we drove I-90 and had 3 twelve-hour days to get to our final destination, Elgin, Illinois. We visited with three sets of great grandparents, made yummy cookies with my favorite Auntie and Uncle, and reconnected with a beloved cousin and her family. When our time was up, our hearts were filled to the brim with love after reconnecting with loved ones we haven’t seen in years.

On our way back west, we decided to take the meandering two lane country roads. One stop was in Arthur, Illinois where we happened to meet a very nice Amish family who kindly answered all our enthusiastic questions. They shared how they make buggies (the family business), how they function off the grid, and their fascinating way of life. We delighted spending a whole afternoon with them, ending with Arianna becoming pen pals with their youngest daughter!! Now, how cool is that!! I connected most with their love for family, enjoying the slower pace of life, and putting their whole heart into their craftsmanship and homemaking. We left with hearts full, and strangers who quickly became friends.

Another interesting stop was at Vandalia, IL. This city was Illinois’s second state capital from 1819-1839. This particular building was capital from 1836-1839, before the capital was ultimately moved to Springfield. Abraham Lincoln was a delegate here. The wood beams and floors upstairs are still original to 1836. I get so excited touching and walking where history happened!

Behind the old Vandalia Capital building was an old church turned into a historic museum with 1800 era artifacts. One reason I love homeschooling, my children naturally exhibit an intellectual curiosity to learn. In times like these, my heart swells with pride and thankfulness for the museum lady delighted in allowing our responsible children to respectfully hold and handle historical artifacts from this time period. Textbook history became multi-dimensional with weight, time and place. Experiences like this is what excite and draws us to continue to work hard toward our future voyage.

“Treading alongside the men folk, were women with dainty calloused hands who, after giving birth, would tote water from a brook, never seeking sympathy or aid; but, boldly under bonnet brim her beaming eyes looking far into the future, she’d thrust her dainty feet into sturdy books, never dreaming of the History she made…” (Written by Deloris Lynch in honor of the Madonna of the Old National Trail) Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 identical monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. The monuments were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). They were installed in each of the 12 states along the National Old Trails Road, which extend from Cumberland, Maryland, to Upland, California. (Wikipedia) Wives and mothers of such high character inspire me to be a bold and courageous helpmate to my husband and example to my children.

An unseasonable blizzard hit the Dakotas, so we headed south through Missouri. We visited the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis. Ryan delighted in bringing our children to a place he went when he was a child. The mighty Mississippi was close to flood stage.

“The Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act, and the Dread Scott Decision proceeded the succession of the southern states.” We memorized this history statement from Classical Conversations. The Dread Scott case and decision was conducted at this St. Louis Courthouse. One of my favorite book series I read as a youth, which has become a favorite of my children, has its plot line about the Underground Railroad and its setting along the mighty Mississippi and the St. Louis Courthouse. I feel so privileged to be walking along the trail of our nation’s history with my children.

“We met the advance company of Oregon emigration…It is remarkable how anxious these people are to hear from the Pacific country and strange that so many…should sell out comfortable homes…pack up and start across such an immense, barren waste to settle in some new place of which they have at most so uncertain information, but this is the character of my countrymen.” James Clyman (June 24, 1846) At one museum in Independence, Missouri, we learned about one gentleman, Ezra Meeker, who traveled the Oregon trail via ox-driven wagon as a child, again along the trail via automobile as an adult, and flew over it a third time before he died. My mind was blown as I thought through the timeline in my head of all the things that transpired throughout his lifetime from 1830-1928. Incredible!

We celebrated Felicity’s 9th birthday visiting Bear Country, and Mt Rushmore. It was a bucket list item for Ryan and I. Our kids enjoy being Jr. Rangers, filling out different informational pamphlets regarding different national parks. The girls outlined our road trip route, marking our different stops along the way.

A very sobering Memorial, we visited a piece of the Berlin Wall and read its history to our children. I know this quote is regarding a different battle, but it touched my heart, and made me ponder. “The price of Liberty. Let me ask you something. Did the men of D-Day sacrifice themselves because you and I had earned it and deserved it? No. Many of us weren’t even born yet. Even so, those men realized how precious and valuable we were. Liberation is not dependent on the action of the imprisioned – it is dependent on the Value of the imprisoned in the eyes of the Liberator…” (Jenny L. Cote Now I Sea! pg 132)

Soldiers, First responders, Men and Women of Valor…my family and I, Thank You.

Continuing west, we visited Kansas’ Capital building. One of two capital buildings where you can take a free guided tour and walk up all 239 steps to the top and outside of the rotunda. This capital building held significance for our history memory sentence regarding the court case, Brown vs. Board of Education where segregation by race in public schools was deemed unconstitutional. Until the 1960s, this building was completely open to the public. Unchaperoned youth would climb throughout the highest heights of the dome and write their names and dates on the brick and steel supports. It is illegal to do so now, but has been preserved as part of the building’s history. Amazingly, there are no reports of injuries for such escapades.

The last major place we visited was the Badlands of South Dakota. What an amazing landscape!! Buffalo blocked our road. Prairie dogs played hide and seek with our kids as they ran from hole to hole as if playing Whack-a-Mole. Taking a break from listening to Chronicles of Narnia, we listened to Jenny L. Cote’s audio book, The Ark, the Reed and the Fire Cloud. This story is about Noah’s Ark. It is amazing to see the strata of the rock and read of the fossils they have uncovered in the Badlands ranging from fish and birds to rhinoceros and saber tooth tiger…all fossilized together in the Badlands.

Our spontaneous two and a half week road trip took us across eleven states, from Washington State to Indiana and back again. We indeed have a beautiful country, and we’d spontaneously do it all over again in a heartbeat!!!

“So while we’re waiting and getting upset at God for not doing anything, could it be that…he’s waiting for us to trust him – so he can trust us with what he’s about to do? To prepare us mentally, having thoroughly thought things through? To prepare us emotionally, with a solid resolve and conviction to move ahead?” ~Jenny L. Cote

The weeks have turned into months of waiting. Our living quarters are as cramped as ever. My emotions have tumbled from wanting to just give up and quit this adventure, to resolved determination that another stubbed toe will not break me and to just hang on…this waiting cannot last forever. Ryan began his new job late in October and absolutely loves it!! In November, we switched docking places with another member from our yacht club, so we could be right next door to our best friends who are another live-aboard family. What a blessing it has been to do this live-aboard life with another family with kids!!! Lastly, with the dawn of 2020 right around the corner, we have saved enough to make an offer on the sailboat we walked aboard in May 2019!! This season of waiting has been a hard season, but it has left me with a solid resolve and conviction that God’s delays are not God’s denials, and His timing will always be perfect. The future adventure is worth the pain of waiting.

Blessings,

Jacy

The Future Adventure is Worth the Pain of Waiting "Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius." ~Comte de Buffon…

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littlehouseonthewater · 5 years

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After two years of living aboard our amazing tiny floating home, we’re ready to move onto the next phase of our adventure. We have found a 50 foot sailboat we’d love to put an offer on, but need to sell our Cruise-a-home first. Projects wrapped up, our tiny home looks exactly as I dreamed it would, homey and cozy. We listed it for sale on Seattle’s Craig’s List.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/d/everett-tiny-home-for-sale/6927557304.html

This tiny floating home was our “test” to see if our family could manage tiny living. We can. We thrived. We love living on the water, and the next step of the adventure is beckoning us like never before. Of all the homes I’ve lived in, our tiny floating home is my favorite for many reasons. Besides the beautiful warm tones of maple wood throughout the interior, my favorite three aspects of my home are my spacious IKEA galley drawers, roomy head with large tiled shower, and nine huge windows measuring 3’x4′ each! My home is so light and bright all year round. The Cruise-a-home, built in Everett, Wa, is a unique boat unlike any other. It is a commodious tiny house, with a boat hull, specifically built to explore the Pacific Northwest waters.

Though there are many houseboats in Seattle’s Lake Union, very few are ever able to leave the dock, much less cruise and explore the enchanting waters of the Pacific Northwest. In two years we have traveled all over the Puget Sound, explored the Canadian Gulf Islands and cruised all the way up to Princess Louisa Inlet (Chatterbox Falls) 200 nautical miles away!

Our Cruise-a-home infront of Chatterbox Falls

Better than a one bedroom apartment, or perfect as a relaxing retreat on the water, our current slip in Everett is transferable to the next owner. Our slip boasts the best unobstructed views in the entire marina. The Port of Everett Central Marina, located 15 minutes west of I-5, is also still accepting live-a-boards (with approval of credit). The approx. monthly moorage is $650p/m.

Our Cruise-a-home includes the following:

1 Bedroom (currently configured to hold 4 bunk beds, but can easily be converted back to a single queen stateroom).

1 Bathroom (Electric Macerating Head, Glass Tile and River Rock Shower, Hanging Closest, Ample Drawer Storage)

Beautiful Kitchen with 24″ full pull out soft close, locking drawers (I have so much storage space in my kitchen. I literally have everything at my fingertips)

Propane Princess 3 burner stove with Oven

Electric Haier Stainless Steel Fridge and Magic Chef Microwave-convection oven

Hardwood Floors throughout with full length below floor access

Dinette seating for 6 with storage under the seats. The table drops down to create a Full size bed

U Shaped Couch forward of the kitchen for entertaining and a great reading nook

Built in bookshelf

Plumbed for a washer/dryer unit

200 sq ft upper deck with large Magma BBQ

Upper Helm Driving Station

Main Windows have been replaced with Vinyl Double Pane Saftey Glass Windows

On Demand Water Pressure

Electric Torrid Water Heater with Heat Exchanger (10 gal)

Plumbed for washer/dryer

Diesel Forced Air Heater with vents throughout the house

6(qty) 6volt Golf Cart Batteries

2000 watt Trace Engineering Inverter

3500 watt Predator Inverter/Generator

LED Lighting throughout with Touch Dimmers

200 Gallons Fresh Water (Stainless Steel Tank)

150 Gallons Fresh Water (Stainless Steel Tank)

50 Gallon Black Water Tank (weekly pump out service at the port, $15 p/w)

Electric Windlass with 100′ 5/16″ BBB Chain & 150′ Rode

Our Cruise-a-home has twin Crusader 270 and holds 200 gallons gasoline. Cruising speed is 8-16 knots. All Plumbing and Electrical systems have been replaced. Fuel tanks were professionally cleaned and access ports installed in 2017.

Though we finally got our houseboat looking the way I dreamed, our family is ready to move onto the next step of our journey toward circumnavigation. We have a 50 foot sailboat we’d love to make an offer on, but need to sell our Cruise-a-home first.

If you, reading this, know of anyone who would be interested in our story and purchasing our beautiful floating home, please share this post and have them contact us via either our listing on Craig’s List or via my blog. Ryan and I would be so appreciative!

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/d/everett-tiny-home-for-sale/6927557304.html

We’re taking the next step in faith, believing our tiny floating home will bless and enrich the next owner as much as it has blessed and enriched our family.

Blessings,

Jacy

Chapter 37: Little House on the Water is For Sale, so we can Sail! After two years of living aboard our amazing tiny floating home, we're ready to move onto the next phase of our adventure.

#Dreams #Faith

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littlehouseonthewater · 5 years

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Chapter 36: Little House in the Winter

Almost like a mysterious prophesy, I composed a poem two decades ago, August 24, 1999. I was still in highschool, entering my junior year. Perhaps I cryptically wrote to my future me.

Sufficient

“‘Come to me.’ God quietly whispers. ‘My Light you can trust. The path ahead may not be straight or easy, or what you expect. The waves will be high and the cost may be great in your storm. My Light is…

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#Children #Dreams #Faith #Friends #Sailboat #Video #Winter

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littlehouseonthewater · 5 years

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Chapter 35: Curve Balls, Treasure Hunts and Blessings

Entering our third Spring living aboard, I cannot believe how fast two years have flown by. We’ve had blessed seasons full of social media worthy exclamation points give way to slower seasons, where daily life is more like commas connecting clauses in a sentence. Sometimes it seems we’ve been thrown a curve-ball and unexpectedly find ourselves plodding questioningly through undesirable tough…

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#Bible Study #Dreams #Faith #Perspective #Struggles #Wife

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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“You unravel me, with a melody.

You surround me with a song

of deliverance, from my enemies,

till all my fears are gone.”

~ No Longer Slave lyrics from Bethel Music Publishing

This season in my journey with God, He is gently disentangling complicated knots deeply rooted in my soul. I am being unraveled. “To separate or disentangle the threads of a woven or knitted fabric, a rope. To free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve” is how Dictionary.com defines the verb ‘unravel’.

I’ve been wrestling in my spirit with a concept for weeks, probably months, potentially my entire life. It is not just the concept about ‘Have Faith in God’. I am wrestling with the security I feel in my relationship with Him. He is Love, but what does that really mean and how do I let that knowledge effect my life? I am wrestling with wholeheartedly entrusting to God, Everything – Everything that makes up me, that is important to me, that belongs to me. I wrestle with wholeheartedly trusting God’s desire to provide our every need. I know He is able, but does He want to protect and provide for my family in this incredible nautical adventure?

He is gently unraveling my shredded garment that cloths me in defeat.

Unhealthy ideas I believed about myself due to my perception of other’s actions toward me. Relationships that are just…complicated. I can think of certain specific situations where motives were wrongly read, grossly misunderstood and I was sentenced: not worth any amount of mercy, time, understanding or second chances. I seriously struggle with rejection; not being wanted, left out of the group, very much alone. For years I projected this “not being good enough” for relationships with family and friends who have walked away, with a stand-offish God of whom I’m terrified will turn his back and walk away from me if I mistakenly mess up.

Recently I was graciously given a book called “Uninvited – Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely” by Lysa Terkeurst. This author must have taken a peek at the journals I have filled throughout my life. I can relate to her experiences chapter after chapter. She gave me a new perspective on a Bible story I’m very familiar with. A story I can relate to all too well.

“Most of us have been made to feel like we don’t belong at some point in our lives. It’s a bummer to be left out, not chosen, and overlooked. But when someone of great significance in our lives makes us feel like our belonging is more of a question mark than a security blanket, we become very sensitive to even the slightest hints of rejection. The wound is reopened, and rejection’s infection sets in.

For David, it wasn’t just that Nabal rejected his request for food. Nabal rejected him as a person and a leader.

‘Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?’ David’s men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word.’ (1 Samuel 25:10-12)

Nabal’s dismissal of David conveyed:

You are not known.

You don’t belong.

You aren’t important.

You are not valuable.

You are not secure.

…Nabal’s words struck an existing wound. Nabal wasn’t the originator of David’s wound, but he certainly hit it dead on when he rejected David and his request.”

Lysa goes on to say in her book, “I believe the deep wound was caused years before by David’s father, Jesse. In 1 Samuel 16, when the prophet Samuel went to Jesse, asking him to bring before him all his sons, he did just that, with one exception. He left David out in the field. Either he had totally forgotten about David or held him in such disregard that he never thought David had a chance to be the chosen one Why bring him in?

Either way, that’s hurtful.

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, ‘The LORD has not chosen these.’ He asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’

‘There is still the youngest, ‘Jesse answered. ‘But he…is tending the sheep.’

Lysa continues, “…that must be one of the lamest excuses he could give for not including David in what surely was the biggest event this family had ever taken part in. If David’s father had any regard for his youngest son at all, he could have found someone else to temporarily tend the sheep.

Lysa says she suspects behind that statement were some thoughts like: ‘Well, yes, I have one more son- the youngest, David. But he…doesn’t look like a king, doesn’t act like a king, doesn’t smell like a king. So, I didn’t invite him.’

Uninvited by his own father.

Can you imagine how David must have felt when they finally went to get him and he stumbled into this event fresh from the field? Dad brought everyone else but me. And with an emotional dagger steaming with red-hot rejection, David’s father inflicted a mark on his heart that read, “You don’t belong.”

You don’t matter as much as your brothers. You aren’t important enough to be remembered. You are not valuable enough to be considered. You are not secure with this family who disregards you.

Even though Samuel went on to anoint David as the future king, I can’t find where Jesse ever tended to his son’s heart. Isn’t it crazy that on the same day David achieved the ultimate success of being named the future king, he was overlooked by his father? No amount of outside achievement fixes inside hurts. Those hurts have to be soothed by replacing the lies with truth.”

~Uninvited, Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst pages 95-98

Confessions from a wedding photographer…behind my camera, I quietly wipe away silent tears when a dad toasts his beautiful daughter, telling her how proud he is of her. He recounts treasured memories which he holds close to his heart of when she was little. He couldn’t be more proud of the woman she’s grown up to be. Her radiant life has touched many people’s lives for the better. When he tenderly holds his daughter during their dance, I snap photo after photo of the proud, loving fatherly look in his eyes…and my heart breaks. I wish my dad would look at me like that. Hold me like that. Love me like that. Be proud of me like that.

With the right pair, there is a moment so incredibly tender between a mother and daughter on a wedding day. I encourage mom to turn to her daughter and give her a tender hug before helping her get into her bridal gown. Memories flash through their minds. How fast time flew from babbling infant to beautiful bride! Two independent women share a sweet loving bond. I quietly snap photographs of tender moments that happen so quickly, wishing I had a healthy relationship with my mom.

Need I mention the bond between best friends, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, counsins…family. I snap candid photographs of families and friends joyously reunited together sharing memories and swapping lively stories. My heart breaks. Those I held closest to my heart, my absolute best friend of two decades, immediate and extended family members, have all turned their backs on me and my family and have walked away within the last three years. The dagger of betrayal told to my flushed face was that ‘god told them to walk away.’

Voices from memories play in my head. “Hello raggamuffin! Where is your brother, my favorite grandson, Danny-boy?” “Jen, you’re like a radio that needs to shut-up.” Rejection feels like I’m not worth the time to pursue or get to know. As a teen, I heard two phrases constantly at home: 1. Honey, I’m so thankful Your choices never gave Me grief. 2. Darling, I will never forget… I’m told I was mature, ‘adult-ish’ by the age of 6. Before the age of 10 I adapted the mentality that it is better to be seen and not heard. I was terrified to do something that would grieve my parents, for heaven knows they wouldn’t forget, and neither would I. Love had strings attached. Often I felt damned no matter what choice I made. I became an extreme introvert. Every now and again, I will still meet someone who has known a member of my family and silently accept their astonished statement, “I’ve known your family for 15 years and never knew you were apart of that family!” This falls into the same category of answering “I’m fine” when I’m really about to die on the inside.

I want so badly to stop living in mental and emotional defeat. But how?

While washing dirty dishes, I was listening to Beth Moore’s podcast “Grasping My Everything.” “You are a capable woman!” Beth proclaimed. “You are not ineffective nor unproductive! That is the Devil’s lie. That is your old self talking. In Christ, we have the Full Power of the accomplishing work of Jesus from beginning to end:

Incarnate – Jesus can relate to everything I feel.

Crucified – I am dead to that sin, that old way of thinking.

Raised – His mercy is new each morning. I can come back to life after each devastation.

Ascended – Jesus indwells, empowers, gifts, equips and comforts me.

Seated – There is no king above my King! He knows me by name. He knows my every need. Jesus is seated in All Authority, interceding to the Father on my behalf.

Beth encouraged, “Living a powerful victorious life begins with living powerful, victorious days in Christ. Dare I keep living in defeat when Jesus says, “Everything I have done is yours for the asking! Everything I have done is ment to impact your day!”

I was so incredibly encouraged by this message from Beth Moore. Here is the link to the whole 30 minute podcast. http://subspla.sh/j2czbbq

There is a song from Phillips, Craig and Dean that I cherish. It’s called “When God ran”. It starts with declaring the Majesty of Almighty God. Proclaiming His Victorious Names. And then the chorus:

“The only time I ever saw him run, was when He ran to me. Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest and said ‘my son’s come home again!!’ Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes. With forgiveness in His voice He said, ‘my son, do you know I still love you?‘”

It’s songs like this that play at just the right moment when I know God is confirming His love for me. It’s the friends we’ve met here at the marina who have blessed us with: friendship, extra apples from their orchard, an oil heater, a kayak, an electric 3 horse power motor and then an 8 horse power gas motor, a stainless marine barbecue, stainless poles for our back deck, time and energy helping with boat projects, a sailboat!! The use of a house throughout the coldest parts of winter!!! The list of blessings is long!!! Jesus knows our needs and has met every one of them when we needed it most. From the depths of my heart I thank each person who has been the hands and feet of Jesus, reconfirming His love for my family and I!!! Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!!

Another podcast that has so profoundly impacted my heart on this particular topic of wrestling with my security in my relationship with God is Beth Moore’s podcast called “The Art of Growing Up“. I want my stay-at-home, beloved wife, homeschooling mom life – to be a blessing to others. I want my life to matter, to make a difference for the better. “You will never be a mighty woman of God until you realize you are a Dearly Loved Child!” Beth proclaimed. “How does a Dearly Loved Child behave?” she asked. “There is a confidence a dearly loved child has, that a child who doesn’t know she’s dearly love, lacks. We cannot go back and relive our childhoods, but we have a re-do with God. Right now I can become a healthy Child of God. I can know I am Your Child, God. I can know that when I sleep, I sleep right in Your presence. You know every tear I’ve cried. You know every struggle, every worry, every fear, every responsibility, every stress placed on my shoulders. You are my Father, and you Dearly Love me as your Child.” I have listened to this podcast from Beth Moore over and over and over again. It has so blessed my heart. This is the link to this incredible podcast from Beth Moore. http://subspla.sh/vcncxqq

Every time our church sings “Child of God” by Bethel Music Publishing, I cry. I am being unraveled from complicated knots of rejection and loneliness. I am being pursued and persuaded to the dance floor of life by Jesus…to dance upon the water with Him! Psalms and promises of His unswerving love He sweetly sings to my soul. He is delivering me from a devastatingly deceptive way of thinking. There have been times when my heart hurt so intensely, I wanted to give up on life; wishing with everything left inside me for Heaven and Jesus’s arms, where I would finally be wanted and accepted. I’ve come to the conclusion that God must have something spectacular planned for my family and I for the devil to so assault me with rejection throughout my whole life. He has tried to shut me up. But I will no longer be enslaved. When I say I cling to Jesus, I seriously Cling to Jesus as my Lifeline. I cling to the knowledge He has a plan for us, to prosper us and not harm us, a purpose too wonderful for me to imagine.

“There is something wonderfully sacred that happens when a girl chooses to realize that being set aside is actually God’s call for her to be set apart.” Lysa TerKeurst says in her book “Uninvited”.

Jesus choose me. Jesus calls me His Beloved Child, His Daughter! He lovingly calls my Name. He strongly desires to spend time with me. He continues to strengthen my relationship with husband and children while enriching our lives with a new family of friends here at the water’s edge. He has a plan and a purpose for my life. My hope is to hear my Heavenly Daddy say, “I’m so proud of you sweetheart. You are beautiful!” I can’t wait to throw my arms around the neck of Jesus. I would weep, and just be held close to his heart, safe in his strong, loving embrace.

Last year I learned how to take life one day at a time. Through winter I boiled water in a kettle to have hot water to wash my dishes. When I turned my electric kettle on, I needed to turn the heater off or I would blow a circuit. Our boat has 30 amp power. A normal home has 200 amps of power. Our shower wasn’t done yet, so nightly I would bundle my four children up and we’d walk to the public bathrooms 1/8 mile away. One day at a time, I figured out how to thrive an entire year. On clear cold winter nights I would step off our boat and look up at the stars and think to myself, “walking to the shower, I get to see the Big Dipper and all these beautiful stars. The real thing is better than wallpaper.” I made it through winter one day at a time. I became a strong woman last winter. I’m much more optimistic approaching this winter because we now have hot water, a beautiful shower and a better heater…with a vent right at my feet keeping my feet warm as I wash endless dirty dishes!!

This winter, I’m learning to literally free fall into God’s loving arms. I’m beginning to recognize when I get restless, then fearful in my spirit, afraid God has forgotten me. I crave God’s constant reminders that He sees us, loves us and will take care of us. Kinda like my husband and children crave constant reminders of my faithful love for them. On one such struggling day, a small bird literally adopted us. It perched and stayed unafraid within inches of us. Happily, it even perched upon our outstretched hands. In my soul I felt His sweet gentle whisper, “I see the birds and take care of them. You are more precious to me then they.”

This summer and early fall I have joyously embraced our huge backyard here at the marina and have absolutely delighted in spending time with my kids. We’ve rollerbladed, thrown the ball, kicked the soccer ball, learned how to skateboard, built sand castles, gone on walks… and then I’ll step back and watch my kids play. I delight in their laughter. I encourage them to keep trying when they learn something new and difficult. They are courageously confident youngsters because they are securely loved by their dad and I. Knowing my deep love for them, I better understand God lovingly wants to participate with me like I participate with my children. He loves to hear me laugh. He delights to bless me. He kisses my face with the gentle breeze. He holds me close when He sings, reminding me of His promises. He is unraveling my defeat and clothing me with budding confidence in His Never Failing Love. He is Faithful. I am finally finding rest and security in my relationship with Him. I am His Dearly Loved Child.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you.”

Blessings,

Jacy

Playing in our backyard.

Morning wrestle time with daddy

Love of my life!

The crew on Sans Souci

Mama and son time playing catch

Just being silly

Sad the Ferry moved docks.

Our favorite boat neighbors with the kids

Our growing boat family!

Me and my kiddos!

Car show down at the port.

The calling of our hearts.

Jesus sees us.

Playing on the dunes.

Take those shoes off and wiggle our toes in the sand.

Beach treasure!!

Morning wrestles with daddy.

Spending quality time during the fall.

Someone turned 8!

A budding engineer.

Someone turned 5!

Growing up way too fast.

Unraveling Defeat, Living Loved "You unravel me, with a melody. You surround me with a song of deliverance, from my enemies,

#Bible Study #Faith #Inspirational Quotes #Perspective #Struggles

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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The time had finally arrived for our two-week, 400 nautical mile round trip vacation on the Salish Sea with our yacht club family. We had been looking forward to this trip with great anticipation for months. It was our first real taste of what the crusing life, that we long to have, will be like. We relished every minute of it!!!!

Day one, bright and early July 28th, we left Everett and followed our yacht club friends through the Swinomish Channel to reconvene with the rest of our group at Stuart Island. The cruise was pleasant with calm seas. We are getting used to the motion of the boat as we find our groove in keeping preoccupied on long cruising days. The kids colored or slept while listening to Adventures in Odyssey. I baked and cooked in the kitchen a while. I still think it’s the coolest thing ever to continue functioning as we normally do while cruising to far away places.

During the golden hour we reached our destination for the first night. Stuart Island is one of the farthest northwest San Juan Islands before entering Canadian waters. We hip-tied to our two other friend’s boats and all gathered for a pleasant evening on the floating community dock at Reed Harbor. The friendly chatter amongst other boaters makes this such a fun neighborly environment of which I feel very blessed to be apart of. After we put the children to bed, us adults stayed and chatted on the dock while the full red moon rose high, reflecting perfectly in the stillness of the water. I found out what Bioluminescence was. It was so cool to see the water glow blue when swished around and agitated.

Reed Harbor, San Juan Islands

Day two, we awoke early, crossed into Canadian waters and checked into Canada at Bedwell Harbor, Pender Island. From there we snaked our way through a tiny river, through Beaumont Marine Park, and around Pender Island to Trincomali Channel. The kids settled down and enjoyed the constant cruise. The water and weather were calm, even the wind was warm! We enjoyed being outside on the top deck, taking turns driving, following in the wake of our cruising buddies.

Crossed into Canadian Waters

Tiny narrow bridge…

Just before crossing through the infamous Dodd Narrows, our friend’s boat had some problems. We anchored in the bay for about 90 minutes and let the dad’s put their heads together to trouble shoot the problem. We moms and kids seized the opportunity and jumped in the water to cool off. The problem turned out to not be serious, so we continued onto Nanaimo to top off with water and gas and anchor for the night in front of Newcastle Island Park. Since we could not bring fresh fruits and veggies into Canada my friend Kristine and I hopped in their dingy and went grocery shopping in town. It was fun. 🙂

Nanaimo, Canada

Day three, we crossed the Strait of Georgia. Whiskey Golf, an active torpedo range in the middle of the Strait, was open for civilian traffic. The crossing was wonderful. The weather was beautiful with a soft breeze and calm following sea. Ryan tried to explain to the kids the difference between the rhythmic swells in big, deep water vs the fast beat of the waves atop one another in the shallower Puget Sound. The kids enjoyed the bow of our boat. I love how well they get along! Their world had been limited to our boat for three days, yet they were not stir-crazy nor at each others throats. They joyfully sang “Nick-nack-patty-wack-give-a-dog-a-bone” in as many goofy ways they possibly could, cracking up at the silliness of themselves. Their imaginations are limitless.

Straight of Georgia

Smuggler’s Cove

Straight of Georgia

Smuggler’s Cove

By early afternoon we pulled into Smuggler’s Cove and anchored our five club boats together…then it was playtime!! The kids swam behind the boats the rest of the afternoon! My friend, Amanda, and I explored all around the cove in our kayaks. The water was so clear! During low tide, we stealthily paddled our way into various sheltered bays throughout the cove. It was so quiet, so peaceful. I felt privileged to peek at another “planet” while gliding just inches above a treasure trove of broken clam shells, tiny hermit crabs and a myriad of purple starfish. They were everywhere among the rock formations!

Day four, we separated from our group to refuel with gas and water. Rounding the corner from Secret Cove, Malaspina Straight greeted us with very rough 3-5 foot following seas and gusty winds. Gradually it grew calmer when we entered Agamemnon Channel. Providentially, we met up with our friends on Wishing Well and followed them the rest of the way through the Reaches to Chatterbox Falls and the rest of our group. We cruised about 12 knots to try to make Malibu Rapids around slack tide. Late afternoon, we finally reached our destination for this trip. In four days, we had cruised roughly 200 nautical miles from our home port in Everett, WA. Such an incredible trip!!

Prince of Wales Reach

Princess Royal Reach

Queens Reach

Malibu Rapids Young Life Camp

Waggoner Cruising Guide 2014 Edition says this about Chatterbox Falls, Princess Louisa Inlet:

“It is a ‘holy grail’ for cruising people from all over the world. Entered through Malibu Rapids, the Inlet is surrounded by 3,000 foot high mountains that plunge almost vertically into 600 foot depths below. Entering Princess Louisa Inlet is like entering a great cathedral. The author Earl Stanly Gardner wrote that no one could see Princess Louisa Inlet and remain an atheist. It is one of the most awesome destinations on the coast. What words can describe this place? All the superlatives have been used on lesser subjects.”

Chatterbox Falls

Our Cruise-a-home infront of Chatterbox Falls

Walking to Chatterbox Falls

Taisey Family in front of Chatterbox Falls

Ryan actually turned his phone off for three days because we had absolutely no cell service. It was blissful!! Four long days of travel were well worth the journey to this destination! During our stay next to the Falls, we relaxed. The kids swam. We enjoyed fast dingy rides through the calm Inlet at sunset. We toured the Malibu Young Life Camp facility and enjoyed ice cream. We enjoyed the short hike to the base of Chatterbox Falls. The weather cooled when the clouds rolled in. It was time to leave this gorgeous place. Days four, five and six are wonderful memories. I look forward to returning to this breathtaking place again someday.

Princess Louisa Inlet

Day seven, we left Princess Louisa Inlet and headed to Pender Harbor on the Sunshine Coast, about 40 nautical miles away. We stopped at Madeira Park Marina to pump-out our black water tank. Come to find out, this is the only pump-out station in all of Pender Harbor…and they only pumped out two boats each day costing $10 for the service. They also charged $2 to dispose of one small bag of garbage. We have learned many interesting things on this trip.

Day eight, we decided to stay and enjoy the quiet bay at Pender Harbor and did some housekeeping. Ryan, Joy, Felicity and Caleb joined me to do laundry. After a 20 minute dingy ride, we found one washer/dryer which, luckily, were ready to accept our dirty clothes! While we waited for the laundry to be done, we browsed the local shop, split a salad for lunch and enjoyed ice cream cones while being serenaded by a pianist and singer. My kids were content, our clothes were getting clean, our tummies were full, beautiful music filled the atmosphere, my heart was happy! While we were away doing laundry, Arianna went fishing with Mrs. Amanda and Mr. Bob. Unfortunately they didn’t catch anything, but they did have a fun time together. The kids swam the rest of the afternoon closing out our eighth day.

Cruising to the laundrymat!

Pender Harbour, waiting for laundry

Laundry…accomplished!

Pender Harbor

Just playing in the dingy

Day nine, we crossed the Straight of Georgia for the second time. Calm seas and a light breeze ushered us across to Silva Bay, a protected marina on the northeast corner of Gabriola Island. From there we headed to Pirates Cove. Seizing the opportunity to go on a treasure hunt, we began our very first geo-cache which took us around the entire island. What a fun way to hike! We were on a mission, following certain clues, searching high and low for canisters with little trinket treasures. Geo-chasing made walking through the trails so much more entertaining and interesting!!

Pirates Cove

Pirate’s Treasure

Geo-chaching at Pirate’s Cove

Just looking at tide pools

Geo-chaching at Pirate’s Cove

Keeping our boats anchored in Pirates Cove, we all loaded into two ‘super dinghies’ and zipped our way nine nautical miles around the point, across a straight, to Ladysmith. We enjoyed the quaint marina. We strolled through a small marine museum which paid tribute to mariners of long ago from the Vancouver region. Later, the kids enjoyed playing in fresh water at a nice splash pad nearby. We headed home in the evening sun after a wonderful meal at the local British Pub, Fox and Hound.

Day ten we rendezvous with our boat friends in Otter Bay for our last night in Canadian waters. We enjoyed a potluck dinner together, table tennis, bouche ball and wonderful conversations.

Day eleven, early in the morning we pulled up our anchor and found a stow-away. A starfish attached itself to our anchor chain! Always looking for fun ways to learn, the kids scrutinized it for quite a while before setting it free again to its watery home. We crossed U.S. waters and checked into Customs at Roche Harbor. Welcome back to our home country! We anchored in the bay, ate lunch, then dinged to the dock and walked around the bustling quaint marina village of Roche Harbor.

A Starfish Stow-away on our anchor chain

Historic church at Roche Harbor

That evening we joined our group in Garrison Bay and became one of the five “spokes” making our boats into a “wagon wheel”. Our sterns faced center with our bows pointing away. This allowed every boat to be ‘by itself’, yet still rafted together. We chatted with each other while sitting on our “back porch” so to speak and watched the kids kayak and swim. Among the most memorable, Ryan held hands with Joy as they jumped off our top deck into the cold water. That night my friend Amanda taught me how to make sushi. Artistry and yumminess came together into a deliciously beautiful roll! 🙂 When dinner was over we all jumped into our dinghies and zoomed our way out of Garrison Bay to Haro Straight where we enjoyed a magnificent sunset with our amazing friends. These wonderful people, whom we’ve now vacationed with for two weeks, have become so dear to me. When we joined the Everett Yacht Club last year, we became apart of a bigger family of people who love boating and adventures out on the water. My heart is so thankful for friends who have become dear, like family.

Everett Yacht Club Wagon Wheel in Garrison Bay

Our Yacht Club family

Sunset over Haro Straight

Yummy sushi dinner

Day twelve, our family enjoyed touring the British camp at Garrison Bay where we learned about the “Pig War” that took place in the late 1800’s.

“According to the treaty verbiage, the water boundary between the two nations (Canada and the U.S.) was run along the 49th parallel to the middle of the Strait of Georgia and then south through the middle of the channel, then out the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the sea. This left the San Juan Islands in dispute.”

“By July 1874…peace had finally come to the 49th parallel, and San Juan Island would be long remembered for the “war” in which the only casualty was a pig.”

~National Historical Park, San Juan Island nps.gov

When the visitor center was closed, we spontaneously decided to get lost hiking the switchbacks up to the top of Young Hill…in flip flops. Hot, tired and sweaty, with not much water left, our kids encouraged each other, “Taisey’s don’t complain and don’t give up!” On the way down Felicity noticed a scab on her ankle ripped off and started bleeding pretty heavily. Unfortunately someone had previously taken our tiny first aid kit out of the backpack I carried. Thinking fast, Arianna gladly offered to have Ryan cut the back of her tee-shirt to make a bandage for her sister’s ankle. Both girls wore the bandage and shirt like a badge of honor.

Garrison Bay hike up Young Hill

British Camp, Garrison Bay

Hike up Young Hill

When the sun set and the stars were out, Ryan zipped away with Joy, Arianna and Caleb back to the British Camp to meet up with our friends. They were all going on a Snipe Hunt! Armed with flashlights, plastic bags and pumping adrenaline, Mr. Bob, a former Boy Scout leader, led six brave youngsters and their dads through trails in search of the infamously shy Snipe creature. My kids came back full of excitement that one Snipe ran right behind them…and that Mr. Bob even caught one!!! But it gave such a struggle in the bag that Mr. Bob just could not keep it contained long enough for the kids to see it. The exciting eventful evening unfortunately came to a sad conclusion when Mr. Bob missed his step and fell into a hole on the trail, breaking his ankle. 😦

Day thirteen, we all spent the morning helping Mr. Bob and Mrs. Brenda tidy up their boat and load up their dingy to head to an urgent care on mainland to help Mr. Bob’s poor, swollen foot.

From Garrison Bay we followed our friends down Haro Strait to Bowman Bay, just north of Deception Pass. Amanda and I dinged the kids to the nearby sandy beach which was bathed in sunlight, and let them run around to burn some energy. Dinner and a game of Mexican Train with our wonderful friends rounded out day thirteen.

Day fourteen, we went through Deception Pass and made it just outside the breakwater to Oak Harbor marina when our port engine died. Our friends, who already fueled up and were ready to head back home to Everett, decided to stay with us and help Ryan sort through the problem. After a squall passed which brought thunder, lightning and a torrential downpour, Ryan and Adam isolated the problem. Resolving it enough to get our engine going again and we continued home to Everett with calm seas, puffy white clouds and sunshine.

Storm clouds over Everett

Back in the Puget Sound, pods of porpoise welcomed us home. We traveled 400 nautical miles in two weeks, anchored every night and used our dingy as our car. Our family loved every minute of this trip, confirming our hearts’ desire to continue pursuing this amazing adventure of exploring, learning, serving and sharing our story as we live on the water, vacationing for now, on the Salish Sea.

Blessings,

Jacy

Chapter 34: Cruising the Salish Sea The time had finally arrived for our two-week, 400 nautical mile round trip vacation on the Salish Sea with our yacht club family.

#Canada #Chatterbox Falls #Community #Friends #Princess Louisa Inlet #vacation #Voyages #Yacht Club

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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As a young girl, I was drawn to the courageous exploits of the Cooper family from Frank Peretti’s “Cooper Kid Adventure” series. Archeologist Dr. Cooper would bring his teenage children, Jay and Lila, with him wherever in the world he needed to go. A nail-biting, page turning, can’t put the book down adventure would follow. A dad of honor and integrity would go to the ends of the earth to protect his children as a suspenseful mystery always unfolded. I loved how teenage siblings, Jay and Lila, would watch out for, protect, take care of each other and work together throughout their adventures. I coveted how close-knit the Coopers were. Not in an unhealthy co-dependant way, but each character was independently strong. Working together beautifully balancing their weaknesses and strengths, they accomplished much together.

These last two weeks we have cruised over 400 nautical miles and have had many adventures of our own. Nothing as nail-biting, page turning as the fictional characters whom I loved…but as my family sadly concludes our two-week vacation, I astonishingly realized, my family and the relationships we have with each other, is what I have so deep down always wanted, just like the Cooper family.

I am married to my best friend from high school. He is a man of honor, integrity and ingenuity; a family man who loves me securely like I’m the only woman in the world. Secure in his covenant love and protection, blissfully, there is no hidden shame or manipulative motive between us. It’s an amazing feeling being loved so truly! Tirelessly he provides for and protects our family of six. With a continuing love of the sea and a desire for learning, he’s leading our family into an amazing adventure that I can live and write about!! As I promised on our wedding day 15 years ago, I will follow my husband anywhere around this beautiful earth. Our children, young as they are, have similar cords of devotion, protection, affiliation, and love for one another as those I strongly desired from the sibling relationship between Jay and Lila.

A recent example, after exploring the English Camp in Garrison Bay, San Juans, we spontaneously decided to get lost hiking the long switchbacks way up to the top of Young Hill…in flip flops. Hot, tired and sweaty, with not much water left, our kids encouraged each other, “Taisey’s don’t complain and don’t give up!!” On the way down Felicity noticed a scab on her ankle ripped off and started bleeding pretty well. Unfortunately someone had previously taken our tiny first aid kit out of the backpack I was carrying. Thinking fast, Arianna gladly offered to have Ryan cut the back of her tee-shirt to make a bandage for her sister’s ankle. Both girls wore the bandage and shirt like a badge of honor. Watching my kids trust my husband and I as we led them up the long hill and down again, we are a loving, trusting team, encouraging each other on. While walking up the hill, yes we had minor complaining asking, “are we there yet?!” But when Felicity started bleeding, all complaining went out the window and the kids rallied together to come down the mountain as a family. It was pretty heartwarming.

A while after we moved aboard, dreaming about our future, Ryan and I sat down and wrote out four things that would help guide our family for years to come.

Explore: We want to explore our beautiful world. We’re finding fun ways in which to do it too!! On this trip we geocached for the first time at Pirates Cove in Canada. We couldn’t have picked a more perfect location for our first treasure hunt! And there are caches all over the world! When visiting English Camp Garrison Bay in the San Juan’s, we discovered that National Parks have “passports” and stamps you can collect from the 400 National Parks all over the US.

Learn: We want to learn all we can about the people, culture and history of the places we visit. As a homeschooling family, I love how many countless ways there are to learn outside of a single stationary building.

Serve: As we travel, we search for ways to help and serve those whom we meet. An example, while at English Camp in Garrison Bay, Ryan noticed the Parks Volunteer lady needing help taking down the Union Jack. Our children readily chipped in, making sure, out of respect for the Union Jack, it did not touch the ground. Other times on our cruise, our group stopped to help other boaters in need of assistance. It’s always nice to pay a good deed forward.

Share: We love sharing our story and ultimately through how we live, we share the Love, Grace and Redemptive Forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

These words represent who we are as a family and our motive behind why we want to circumnavigate.

I have mentioned before, Ryan and I believe this year is a training period for us. Earlier in the year, about the time we were given our small sailboat, God brought a one-day-a-week deckhand job for Ryan on the 88 passenger ferry located on our dock. Eagerly Ryan learned all he could, encompassing just about every inch of the vessel. By mid-summer Ryan was promoted to First Mate and Chief Engineer, in-charge of all maintenance of operational systems. The plan this fall is for him to go for his 100 Ton Captain’s license and apply for Relief Captain in the spring. Only God knows where this amazing opportunity for him will lead in our future. Until then, Ryan continues to work hard (having so much fun while doing so!) and learn as much as possible.

This trip I/we were stretched in many different ways. Bulk provisioning for my family before our trip started and then getting used to a dinghy ride in certain locations for grocery runs between anchorages where nothing was available. And then remembering I needed to carry everything I purchased from the store back to the marina and into the dinghy. Lots of exercise shopping this way! Doing laundry a week into our trip was fun. A twenty-minute dinghy ride brought me to one washer/dryer. Waiting for two loads to get done, Ryan and three of our kids enjoyed lunch and ice cream before going back to the boat. (Arianna decided to go fishing instead.) Conserving water was another concern. We hold 150 gallons of water which lasts our family 2 1/2 to 3 days with normal dish washing and showering for all six of us. Our solution for water conservation cleanliness was using three five gallon Camp Shower bags. They were wonderful!!! After jumping off the boat for the first time, our kids were like fish in the water. They loved swimming! Since they were in their suites anyway they frequently showered on the bow of our boat. We can shower all six of us, including washing our hair, with one five gallon camp shower and a little extra. These bags are definitely coming with us on our catamaran to conserve fresh shower water!!!

We had many long cruising days. My kids were anxious at the beginning of our trip, afraid they may be board or seasick…not at all! They settled down and enjoyed the ride. They colored, listened to Adventures in Odyssey, played games, helped navigate the boat, read or slept. Multiple hour cruises don’t face them anymore…and no one got seasick!

Communication between crew members is the last major training our family is undergoing. Ryan is natural at sea fairing ways. He can read the wind and waves and knows just what to do to trouble shoot engine problems. I however, am more natural at motherhood than sea fairing things. I am definitely on a learning curve. When I learn something, I duplicate what I’ve been shown and taught, half out of fear I will do something wrong. I don’t like making mistakes and am afraid to do something terribly wrong. However, the weather and currents are hardly ever the same when it’s snarly. Since my loving Captain feels the movement of the boat due to the weather, he’s getting better at communicating to me how I can help him bring our vessel into a harbor safety.

These two weeks have been amazing family time. Stretching us, training us, growing us, continuing to confirm our pursuit of living on the water as we explore, learn, serve and share one story at a time.

Blessings!

Jacy

Malibu Rapids Young Life Camp

Queens Reach

Princess Royal Reach

Pender Harbor

Chatterbox Falls

Prince of Wales Reach

Storm clouds over Everett

Bowman Bay Sunset

Prince Wales Reach

Princess Louisa Inlet

Chatterbox Falls

Princess Royal Reach

Cruising 400 Nautical Miles in Two Weeks Stregthens Family Relationships As a young girl, I was drawn to the courageous exploits of the Cooper family from Frank Peretti's "Cooper Kid Adventure" series.

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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God gave us a sailboat!

My heart skipped a beat. My breath caught in my chest. Did God really allow this to happen to ME, in the laundry room, my homemaking, domestic domain?

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#Inspirational Quotes

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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Laura Ingalls Wilder

I am beginning to learn it is the sweet, simple things of life

which are the real ones after all.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

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#Inspirational Quotes

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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Our Favorite Things

We are the Taisey’s who live in a boat

Tied to the dock, it looks like a moat.

200 sq ft is where six of us live,

Here are a few of our favorite things…

Taisey Family

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#Inspirational Quotes

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

C.S. Lewis

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#Inspirational Quotes

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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As the house got emptier, I kept telling God, “I trust you Lord! Take it. I willingly give up our things in exchange for what you have for us. I love you, and I trust you.” Jacy Taisey

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#Inspirational Quotes

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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“All your Dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.”

Walt Disney

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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My family is in a time of preparation and training, not only to follow in the footsteps of many other amazing families sailing the ocean blue, but to embark on a never-ending exciting adventure of discovery.

Our family goal, within the next two years, is to buy or obtain a sailing catamaran somewhere in the world and begin circumnavigating from that location. Successfully achieving such an audacious goal, I sat down and wrote out a rough “road map” of things I thought important to focus on in our current educational season. I want to focus on:

things I do not know but think wise to learn and

things I am unfamiliar with, but greater knowledge could alleviate un-do stress.

For the last six years our curriculum has been Classical Conversation’s Foundation program. I cannot sing praises high enough regarding their ultimate mission:

“To know God and to make Him know. In every subject, God has hidden His truth and beauty. It is our pleasure as students and teachers to discover Him as we learn. Our studies should also prepare us to reason clearly, speak eloquently, calculate accurately, and write convincingly so that we have the ability to make God known to others.”

~ Classical Conversations Foundation Guide Mission Statement

Through this curriculum I have learned many tools to help my children and I breakdown large sections of information into manageable chunks that we memorize and digest through repetition. The classical model of education is divided into three learning stages:

The Grammar stage – memorizing facts

The Dialectic stage – discovering how the facts relate,

The Rhetoric stage – applying the facts.

For more information on Classical Conversations and its curriculum please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com

With this model of learning in mind, I am focusing on equipping ourselves with knowledge for our future adventure. Through research, I compiled and segmented the information I gathered into weekly blocks which my children and I memorize and discuss. The following is a synopsis of what I deem important to learn in the next few months:

History – We are memorizing a new chronological timeline of important events, people and dates which integrate most of Classical Conversation’s timeline but adds other facets of church and world history. We also will memorize history sentences and geographic locations which “add more flesh to some of these events to give us a skeletal story of world history.” ~ Classical Conversations Foundation Guide 5th Edition

We are memorizing 100 Greek and Latin roots for “just as phonics helps children figure out what words are, Latin and Greek help them figure out what words mean.” ~ English from the Roots Up Volume I

Science – Since living on the water and one day desiring to sail beyond the Puget Sound, I thought becoming familiar with weather terminology and forecasting weather systems would be advantageous.

Math – Traveling in foreign countries I would like to become as fluent with the Metric system as I am with the U.S. Arabic numbering system. The kids and I are memorizing many metric conversion tables including measurements, weights, liquid, speed and celsius.

Nutrition – Right now I have the convenience of Blue Apron meals delivered weekly to our boat, not to mention a supermarket right down the road. But what happens when I have to store provisions for a 3 week passage by shopping in an open market in another country? Grocery shopping is already a stressful task for this introvert. There are just too many options down each aisle! I need to become more familiar with the daunting category of “nutrition” and eventually “from scratch” meal planning. After much searching, I happened upon a very informative, easy to understand website by Suzy Staywell at https://www.healthy-eating-support.org who breaks down the basics of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and so much more. My kids and I are figuring out how this information fits into creating healthy nutritional snacks and meals.

First Aid – I downloaded and printed First Aid cards from the Red Cross which I am discussing with my children one card at a time. Soon we will go through a First Aid class and hopefully have more hands on experience cementing our understanding of what to do in stressful situations. With the realization that accidents unfortunately happen, knowledge to know how to correctly respond will help keep us calmer than resorting to unprepared panic and potential costly mistakes.

Sailing – Since sailing is our ultimate goal, we are learning the definitions of each part of the sailboat and their functions. This summer we’ll graduate to sailing out on the water with experienced sailors and possible classes. I conclude our sailing section with learning many different types of sailing knots.

Nutrition and the food pyramid

Science

Drawing parts of a sailboat

Nutrition

History

First Aid

Drawing parts of a sailboat

As I have stated before, I am an old soul at heart. I love the one-room schoolhouse concept. “In a one-room schoolhouse, one teacher had all ages of students in one room. The younger students listened in on the older students’ lessons. The older students benefited from a review as the younger students recited their lessons…This kind of ‘waterfall’ learning environment is much like the education environment of the early days of our country and the one-room schoolhouse. As homeschooling families, we have the opportunity to recapture this natural learning environment as we renew our own understanding of the nature of learning.”

~Essentials of the English Language by Classical Conversations

We then conclude our morning lessons with more in-depth study in Arithmetics, English grammar and writing.

“…Christians sometimes ask, ‘Does the study of arithmetic glorify God?’ The answer is yes. While learning arithmetic, children develop their God-given, natural, Biblical mode of thinking. Biblical thinking begins with the premises that God created everything and that basic truths of creation are self-evident to us. We know, for instance, that we are in time and space. The concept of number – with unity and plurality – seems natural to us. So do the concepts of motion, equality, causation, and order.

…With this mode of thinking and study, it is natural to view God’s creation as orderly. Stars keep time more perfectly than clocks can ever manage, crystals teach solid geometry, musical tones and overtones vibrate in mathematical pattern that man discovers rather than creates. The heavens declare to us the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Yes, children can learn arithmetic to the glory of God.”

~ Parent – Teacher Guide for Ray’s New Arithmetics by Mott Media

Counting back change

Big sister helping little sister

Arithmetic

Math with playing cards

In our reading/ writing/ grammar/ spelling program, I use McGuffey Readers because, “The children in these stories continue the McGuffey tradition by being filled with wonder at God’s creation and by wanting to live in ways that please their parents and God. Students can learn this happy outlook on life at the same time their academic skills are improving. Besides the moral topics, history, geography and nature topics are included, so student’s general knowledge is expanded…” ~Parent-Teacher Guide For The Original McGuffey Readers by Ruth Beechick, Ed. D.

Big sister helping with reading

We work as a team

English

Finally, I embrace this quote from Essentials of the English Language. “Forget everything you’ve ever heard about ‘grades’, or number of worksheets, or ‘what my fourth grader should know’ and instead, enjoy the process…Remember, this is not a check-off-list approach to learning. The focus is not to simply complete a worksheet and move on, but to return to each piece of memory work many times until it is mastered, and later come back to it occasionally to ensure and reinforce that mastery.” This is how we will learn things we do not know but think wise to understand while gaining greater depth of understanding to concepts we’ve just scratched the surface of.

In this new season of our lives with a bright horizon ahead, this is the roadmap I’ve compiled, training us to enthusiastically prepare for the adventure that awaits. Finally, my children are excited to come to the school table, to learn.

~Blessings,

Jacy

Little man Loves to sail!

Nam teaching us how to sail

My sailing girls

Hang on!

History

Science

Counting back change

English

Math with playing cards

Big sister helping little sister

Math with playing cards

Nutrition

Nutrition and the food pyramid

Drawing parts of a sailboat

Big sister helping with reading

We work as a team

Arithmetic

Helping make breakfast…better than a toaster

First Aid

Sibling love

Horse lessons

Cuttie Caleb

Playing “house” in our sailboat

Playing at Jetty Island

Arianna loves her puppy

Wildlife all around us, a Bald Eagle

Can’t believe she’s growing up so fast!

Beautiful sunset

“Look mom! A banana slug!”

Chapter 32: Preparation, Training And a Road Map of School Subjects for Our Future Adventure My family is in a time of preparation and training, not only to follow in the footsteps of many other amazing families sailing the ocean blue, but to embark on a never-ending exciting adventure of discovery.

#Chapter 32 #Children #Dreams #Homeschool #Mommy #Organize #Parenting

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littlehouseonthewater · 6 years

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I’ve been dreamily imagining our future out on the vast open sea sailing from place to place. I’ve been pondering, how do I, a wife and mother of four children, prepare myself and my family for a future grand adventure on the open sea? What can I do now to help my children develop the self-discipline needed to trust each other, work as a team and function as a family unity while remaining teachable? These are the core values I believe I need to nurture my children toward to make our dream a successful reality.

First and foremost is our reliance and faith in God and His continual leading down this incredible path. Right after our Corner-stone of faith, Ryan and I recognize one vital key to mentally succeed as family is our need to work together and operate as a team, just like the Three Musketeers, “All for One and One for All”. My husband and I are the core of our family and are unified in the decisions we prayerfully make together. I respect, trust, love and support him completely, without reservation. He loves, protects, supports and provides wholeheartedly for me and our children. For fifteen years, Ryan and I have played a game where we try to “out serve” each other by constantly searching for ways to bless and meet each other’s needs before a need arises. Slowly, our children are catching on to this game…which is such a blessing!!! Respectful, loving, teachable, silly and obedient, our children have risen to our high expectation of self-control to safely and wholeheartedly embrace the many challenges and pleasures that is our new life on the water. Trusting each other is paramount to our family’s success in this grand far-reaching endeavor.

After trust comes teamwork and operating as a family unit. We have taught our children from a very early age, that being a Taisey has a code of conduct. Taisey’s are honorable, respectful, self-controlled, honest, and hard working…besides being spontaneous, playful and silly. Taisey children do not whine, complain, throw temper tantrums, nor demand their own way. Early on in raising our children, Ryan and I removed the question, “What do you want?” in order to remove the demanding whiny response, “I want….” from our children’s lips. We lovingly and firmly remind them that Taisey children don’t rudely demand their own way…especially when speaking to adults. Instead we rephrase the question, “Would you like to have…?” so they can respond more politely asking permission, “May I have….please?” After that, even our four-year-old son will sing out matter-of-factly, “You get what you get, and don’t throw a fit.” Our children have embraced our “family code” and keep each other accountable, even in Ryan and my absence…hence securing our trust in our children’s behavior for their ability to handle a very big adventure.

It is very interesting, and a constant struggle, trying to teach the concept of “harmoniously working together as a team” specifically in regard to daily chores and diligently completing their schoolwork with a teachable positive attitude. I try to help my children understand the abstract concept: if they each 1) diligently complete their daily responsibilities (chores and schoolwork), and 2) cheerfully do what needs to be done no matter “whose turn it is”, we will move and work harmoniously together like a well oiled machine. Our 8 1/2 foot width will expand, not in an explosion of anger or implode by feeling claustrophobic, but will expand like a wonderful full breath of fresh air.

Ballet has taught our children many life lessons such as self-discipline, gracefulness and self-control. Even four-year-old Caleb, who isn’t in ballet, honestly and truly enjoys sitting still, watching his sisters dance on their quarterly watch days. The repetition of each individual drill, perfecting the muscle memory for each step before more complexity is added is a wonderful concrete picture of how my children and I learn. Repetition of memory work until it is familiar, comfortable, easy and then mastered is what I strive for…the finish line to a long relay marathon called homeschooling.

This year, our second daughter, who is a natural-born leader…quite stubborn and opinionated…decided to decline from the self-discipline art of ballet and instead pursue the difficult job of disciplining a horse to obey in horse riding lessons. These horse lessons have been worth their weight in gold, teaching my nine-year-old daughter valuable, practical life and relational lessons. Situations she had to work through with her horse became concrete lessons to abstract struggles she and I have had in our mother – daughter relationship. Like using an Aesop fable where animals are the main characters to successfully teach the heart of a moral, was what horse lessons were. I could use her horse’s behavior and how her teacher coached her, as a starting place for multiple conversations. Chuckling, I told her trainer she could write a parenting book. These are some of the things she would say to my daughter when her pony decided to act like a protesting, disobedient pony:

Every time you ride a horse, you are either training or un-training him.

Who is in charge? Who is calling the shots? You or your pony?

Yay! Your pony responded right away, all the way! He’s still going to test your resolve and leadership.

You may need to get more firm with your pony. Remind him who is boss.

Don’t take no for an answer! Don’t let your pony pull any of his tricks!

Your pony doesn’t seem in a submissive mood today. Have your conversation with him and remind him who is boss.

After many conversations with my daughter, which were surrounded in love, I am deeply blessed she and I have become much closer. She is not only becoming a teachable, confident horse rider, but also a more teachable, humble student at home. As her mommy, I am so proud of the growing up she has done and the beautiful young lady she is becoming!

Preparing for a grand future adventure, I feel I really need to keep nurturing and molding our hearts and attitudes so we can work together harmoniously, no matter where we are. Only then can we accomplish much and be a blessing to those around us.

Blessings,

Jacy

Nurturing the heart of a child, times four I've been dreamily imagining our future out on the vast open sea sailing from place to place.

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