This spring we are growing and raising more food than ever before. Quality, clean food, raised beyond organic standards has changed our lives so much that it has become an obsession of which we have had to repent of at times. We love the vibrant, energetic way we feel, increased performance and endurance, and the flavor of our own food. It’s a great feeling to be providing even more food to our customers as well!
Life on the farm continues to be bustling and filled with a variety of learning, chores, cooking, projects, growing, weeding, and fun this month. We are seeing great improvements in our pastures (although we have a ways to go!), the plants and trees are growing well, and we all delight in this time of year as we are able to get outside more frequently. We are moving animals daily on our paddocks, harvesting food and medicine, planting more seeds and plants, and always have a project in progress. Many people ask us if we are preparing for something by growing all this food. Honestly, we grow our own food because we have very high standards and we want to know how our food is being produced. We also don’t store food out of fear, but because we believe that we are being good stewards of our abundance. I must confess that the more history we read, the more our eyes are open to the fact that it is a very wise practice to have some food stored up for a reasonable amount of time, but we are trusting that God will provide all of our needs. We also believe the Lord gives and He takes away, so nothing is truly ours.
Animal News
May started with very dry weather and several days of high winds and fine dust that was almost blinding at times. I was starting to wonder if we were going to remain dry through the spring. One morning we had a light rain that settled the dust. I should have been thankful, but as I drove 2 miles west of our place, I noticed a lot of puddles and later heard that this area had received a large amount of moisture. After sharing my concern with my mom, she stated simply that heavy rain may have washed out our alfalfa seed we had just planted. A light bulb went off as I realized how wise that statement was. I felt extremely convicted and realized that no matter what happens I should always have joy and thanksgiving, trusting that all our needs will be met! A short time later we were blessed with nice, soaking rain showers. We were especially thankful!
Our cows, sheep, and goats were all moved to pasture at the beginning of May. They were bucking and running with excitement. With the cold weather the grass’s growth was delayed, but the pastures now look great. We have been moving these animals daily to new pasture. We are amazed at how quickly the grass is growing back in the grazed areas. We also planted several paddocks of cover crop for our pigs and we are rotating the pigs through these.
The broilers are out on our hill by our place. This is our worst pasture area and we are working diligently to improve it. Last fall Cory rolled out hay to fill some of the eroded areas and to cover the land. This should help with compaction. We are using Kailey’s goats to eat down all the weeds and the chickens will help to fertilize and aerate the soil.
Lambing just finished up and we were blessed with many sets of twins and a few triplets. We are bottle feeding three lambs since three of our first time moms wouldn’t claim the second or third lamb even after we worked with them for several days. A few of our kids help me with feeding, but Annika (age 4) especially loves to help feed the lambs.
Projects
The last month has been filled with many projects. The kids and I have gone out several times to cut thistles in the pasture. This is a job all of us enjoy except my oldest daughter. She always volunteers to make a meal for us workers. That’s the most important job! We go as early as possible and even the little ones love to come with. I use my Maya Wrap to carry Abigail and so far she has done great! Between Cory’s full time job, milking twice a day, moving animals, and all his other chores, we are trying to help in whatever way we can. Sometimes he’s a little surprised by some of the changes we do while he is gone (sometimes pleasantly and other times not so much).
I have always been a fly by the seat of my pants kind of person (although by God’s grace that is improving) and I always think things are going to be easier or less time consuming than they end up being. My husband definitely thinks things through well and keeps me from going too far. When I offered to help Kailey build a fence this last month, he wasn’t very sure, but said, “Go ahead and try.” Kailey and I started building it and my husband happened to be home working. I felt a sense of pride at what we had accomplished so far when my husband came along and said we put the posts the wrong way. We tore everything out and started over. After rebuilding the fence three times my husband came along and helped us finish. It looked great, thanks to him. My lesson in this was to always be humble, plan things out, and ask more questions.
We are harvesting and drying raspberry leaves and lemon balm, and enjoying salad greens. I love adding raspberry leaves to my tea mix for energy and I noticed huge benefits with my labor in my last pregnancy. Every day I’m finding more and more that I LOVE about herbs. Our strawberry patch has grown very large and Lord willing we look forward to harvesting and making things with the strawberries. This year we did not experience a late frost and all the fruit trees look great. We are praying for a bountiful harvest of fruit.
All of our house projects have been put on hold since we have had so much farm work to accomplish. I look forward to getting back to these again.
Family Life
One of our goals is to have joy in all things we are doing whether in work or play. We encourage our children in this as well. Since there is always work to do on the farm, we have dedicated Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons to family time. It’s not that we don’t do things other times, but because of the never ending work, we have learned to be intentional with our quality time as a family. Most of our fun together is free. This month we have enjoyed numerous walks, a few swims at the dam, a couple trips to the park, and a walk on the 8 mile Dark Island Trail. We did not walk the whole trail, but plan to bike the entire trail soon. The kids enjoy numerous activities in the afternoon from horse riding, running through the sprinkler, riding bikes, playing games, writing, reading, and so much more. I am so thankful to be able to spend so much time with my children teaching them and instructing them as we rise up, as we walk along the way, as we lie down, and as we sit in our house.
Conclusion
With all the work to be done this time of year, I will admit that many times I struggle with the thought, “I could just buy this, rather than go to all this work.” When I’m feeling lazy, and simply don’t want to do the work, I pray and I’m reminded of Proverb 6:6-11 that states, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a littler slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber.” I also know that our food is better quality than anything we could buy.
The Lord has really put it on my heart to empower others about how our food has changed over a short period of time. We are reaching more and more people with our website and newsletter and LOVE to hear your stories about how natural, clean foods have changed your lives. Please help spread the word and keep those stories coming! As spring begins, we look forward to blessing others with our products and the work that lies ahead. Homesteading and farming are not simple tasks, but when you enjoy the work you are doing and get to feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, it is completely worth it. This spring we pray that you are encouraged to grow great food, find and meet a great farmer to buy from, slow down and enjoy each day, and be blessed with abundant health!