Resurrecting this blog from the dust. It has been 4 years since I've been here, active and writing, and although I thought about my blog from time to time I admit that it was perched up on the shelf with other projects that I would want to return to
someday. The problem was, I got so darn busy with the kids and work that almost all of my best and interesting projects were set up on a shelf. A big shift occurred in our lives in 2017, when I changed jobs from a fast-paced office position with accounting and tax responsibilities, to a consulting position. My new job is flexible, rewarding, challenging, and so much more. Let me just say that it was like moving from the rocking ocean to the backyard stream. I had more opportunities financially in my previous career, but the stream is where I feel at home and I can float at a more healthy and calm pace. Of course it was a big risk, and we still question our ability to juggle household and farm bills but for the most part there has been huge rewards to all of us. My heart has always been at home, with the kids, in the kitchen, and on the farm. We all get to enjoy more time together. The most heartbreaking comment about our lifestyle before was summarized by Eric, who said that he felt like he missed out on so much with the girls in their younger years. He gets to see August every day several hours a day, and spends a lot of time with him on the farm.
Oh, so here are the kids. 4 years later. Oh, and there's another one. August Anders, born 5/26/15, perfect in every way (so far). ;)
I love this picture of them with their dirty boots (and bare feet).
And our home renovations are nearly complete. If you recall, we've worked room by room through our old farmhouse. We finished with the outside in 2017. We still have a pantry renovation to do, so hopefully we can share that as it happens in the future.
The farm is mostly the same, and I am enjoying being able to contribute more to the farm. I mostly help with the calves, which has always been my favorite part of the farm.
Eric and I also bought a neighboring farm property. It hasn't had animals on it in years, but it came with a beautiful barn, granary storage barn, house, and over 100 acres. We really are looking forward to implementing all of the projects we have intended for this farm, including putting sheep and goats in the barn after installing electrical service and pasture fencing; growing our produce garden and farm stand operation; and continuing to invest in the house and property.
And there's so much more to share. The kids are active with school, 4-H, gymnastics, soccer, and Swedish dancing. I can't imagine a moment in which we don't have something to be growing, cleaning, fixing, feeding, and improving.
