We have now been on the farm a full year. The last year has been full of beginnings and endings. We have left friends and our church family to embark on this journey to the country. This is the last year in review.
One of the things I remember about moving in was the heat. I forgot how hot Oklahoma can be in June. I am not sure I prepared the kids for the heat either. We spent a lot of time that summer at the lake or in the house.
When we moved in we had the neighbors horses on our land. I loved to look out the window and see them munching on grass or running together. I also enjoyed the beautiful wild flowers that grew in our fields. I remember one day looking out and we had the most beautiful sunflower growing by the back fence. I looked forward to doing dishes and looking at my flower. One day I looked out and Patrick, a large white stallion, had my lovely flower hanging out of his mouth, eating it.
In the fall, we built a compost bin. I did some research on the Internet to figure out how to get the process started. We mowed the yard and planned to put the grass clippings in the bin for our first contribution. About an hour later I looked out and the horses were eating my compost. Apparently, they though I built them a new feed trough. We tried to put chicken wire over the top to keep them out but they just pushed through it.
One of the things I remember about moving in was the heat. I forgot how hot Oklahoma can be in June. I am not sure I prepared the kids for the heat either. We spent a lot of time that summer at the lake or in the house.
When we moved in we had the neighbors horses on our land. I loved to look out the window and see them munching on grass or running together. I also enjoyed the beautiful wild flowers that grew in our fields. I remember one day looking out and we had the most beautiful sunflower growing by the back fence. I looked forward to doing dishes and looking at my flower. One day I looked out and Patrick, a large white stallion, had my lovely flower hanging out of his mouth, eating it.
In the fall, we built a compost bin. I did some research on the Internet to figure out how to get the process started. We mowed the yard and planned to put the grass clippings in the bin for our first contribution. About an hour later I looked out and the horses were eating my compost. Apparently, they though I built them a new feed trough. We tried to put chicken wire over the top to keep them out but they just pushed through it.
 |
| Our youngest son with the new calves |
In November we got our first baby chicks. In January, we acquired 3 Holstein calves. By the beginning of 2010 it felt like we had a real farm. I really thought that would be all the animals we would get until spring 2011. I was happy to learn how to care for the animals and get to watch them grow. Then in March, Matthew suggested that we get bees. He was so excited that he read books without being asked (that is a big achievement for an 11-year old boy). Consequently, in the spring we ordered two hives to start our aviary. In April, Jim had a patient who had 3 Alpine-Nubian cross doelings. He wanted to sell them and knew we had a farm. I felt a little overwhelmed having so many animals come so quickly. So far, all our babies are doing well and growing.
 |
| Our new baby goats |
We have had more then our share of problems with our house. It seems like every time we get one problem fixed two more pop up. We are on first name basis with our plumber. My kids run up and give them hugs when they pull in...they are just like family now.
 |
| Our older kids, hard at work building fence |
We have our land fenced now. The horses are on their own property and we have our steers and goats in their own areas. We got out and worked together to get the building done and had a lot of fun as a family in the process.
We have had many adventures this first year. I am hoping year two is a little more quiet but I am not holding my breath. With five children and acres full of farm animals there will always be some comic relief somewhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment