I get it. From the outside our farm may look like a petting zoo. I post pictures of goat kids, puppies, kittens, bunnies… If it’s cute and furry, we probably have it. But it’s not all butterflies and kittens here.
A year ago today I was out farm hunting and stumbled across this place. It met almost all of our criteria and came with a farm-load of work. To be honest, I really had no idea how much work really goes into a farm – but I do now!
We have been here almost a year and we’re already officially legal to sell our goat milk and eggs! But with that comes long hours, never a day off, and no naps! Most days I wake before my children after being up most of the night nursing our youngest. I try to at least get the animals let out before my husband leaves for work, and start milking once my girls are awake. I work a “real job” 3 days a week to pay for animal feed and other farm essentials. And on those days, I am often doing chores after the girls are in bed.
Today while mending fences (a never ending task), rotating shifts with my other half, a huge white puppy escaped. I had to slide down 10 feet into a creek to get near him and beg for him to come back to me. Luckily I found the hole from which he escaped and patched it. Although things ended well, containment is a constant worry here.
I work through illness and nasty weather because the animals can’t wait, and I’m in bed before 10 every night for a reason. So when I have no idea what is on television at night, that is why. I am beyond grateful for the farm friends I’ve met over the last few years. They inspire and support me on a daily, and sometimes even an hourly basis. There are days when I want to call it quits, when wine will never take the edge off, but I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
I dream of making this farm my full time job. Working outside everyday with my girls and actually making some money from it. But on difficult days I have to remind myself why I am doing this, because it is not for the faint of heart.
Thank goodness I take photographs of everything. They renew my passion and remind me of my ultimate goals – a sustainable life and an unforgettable childhood for my girls!
In your little world you are making big changes for the good of all. Along with all the animals you are raising children who will learn about hard work and making a living from the soil. In the long run they could not have better than the love and attention that you are giving them. Though I grew up on a farm (apples and chickens) I am learning a lot about goats and LGDs. Keep going and keep posting for all of us who don’t have farms.
What a legacy you are leaving your children! I believe you have that thing that is driven by love and passion and when you have passion for something, you have to do it no matter what. I have had a window treatment business for 32 years and it is my passion. I get it, there are a lot of crappy days and there are days where I have definitely wanted to quit, but then I get up the next morning and realize and can’t because it’s what I love and my passion. When you do what you love it’s like the work is your hobby and you love it. And hopefully, one day it will pay off monetarily, but if it doesn’t you’ll probably still do it. Because it’s that thing that you’ve got to do! Lucky us! There are so many people who hate their job and their life. We are truly blessed by God! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
You are truly an inspiration to everyone to never give up on your dreams and also that bc you have human children – never give up and love your fur kids any less. Thank you for sharing your inspiration. You are definitely planting seeds of love – life – and inspiration! <3
I <3 this post. Sounds like a page from our very own journal!
I am always inspired by how much you push through the tough times and the heartbreaks. What you do is not easy but it is beyond beautiful! You are one of the best Moms I know! That goes for your children and all your animal babies too!