Yes, we have lost. But oh, we have WON!

So far our move to Montrose has been busy, crazy, emotional, and intense. Did I mention busy? Sometimes we feel like we are coming up for air, but it's usually just enough to hold our breath again. This farming thing definitely tests your character, faith, and sleep. zzzzz

We have been going fast ever since we got here getting animals established. SOOO much feenncccinngg, watching animals find the fence's weak spots and doing it over. Chicks in brooders, building chicken tractors, goats and rabbits and cows having babies, last years hay whittling away


just as grass is ready to graze, and did I mention fencing?

Along with all the work being put into establishing animals and systems here, there have been some financial twists as well. Our insurance dropped us as soon as we asked about farm coverage options, my one fulltime job turned into 2 part time jobs leaving me less than 1 day home with my family a week, new insurance inspections, to recently finding out the property we are leasing does have water, but can't be turned on due to the amount of money owed. We've lost 3 cows and 1 calf. We had baby rabbits die the night they were born, had a fox get chickens, blew the converter on our trailer. There have been other things showing up, but this is what comes to mind first. I think it is safe to say, it has been a bit of a roller coaster.

Yes, we have lost. But oh, we have WON!

The blessing of help from family and friends in tight spots with fencing has been more than we could ever re-pay. We have enjoyed getting to know new customers and share what we are creating. We watch births and get baby animals, get dirty and work alongside our children every day. There is light and inspiration in those we serve, we see God's hand in our lives every day.

We are watching our children learn adult lessons and character developing that they need in this world. We are watching them worn out, determined, minds developing and true education taking place. Our almost 11-year-old son has been thriving working a mans hours and a mans labor, our 13-year-old could run a household on her own if she needed to, and mom and dad are grateful for a pillow to put our head on every night.

Sometimes we got caught up in the whirlwind associated with ground floor operations, and everything that isn't done. When you sit down and think about all that has been accomplished and gone right you realize how small your obstacles actually are and that if you have come this far, you'll be able to keep going.