The Journey Begins Part 4 and Final

Howdy!

The fall came and we decided to put our house on the market.  What was the worst that could happen?  My husband was looking for a job in IT in a good sized city, the houses in our neighborhood were selling FAST, and we would be able to leave it all behind and move to the country.  A reasonable assumption........right?

Thankfully our house in Houston was still young, not too many repairs, with the exception of an eyesore of a tree that was literally falling apart.  So, hubby and some of the older kids took it down and cut it up.  Too bad we don't have a use for firewood in deep Texas.

After a flood of showings and a couple of contracts on our house that fell through, hubby got antsy and rented the biggest truck he could find, and he and some dear friends filled the truck and our trailer and we were off.  Taking (almost) all of our worldly possessions with us.  I didn't know I had so much stuff...

We still didn't stay, but came back to Houston to spend the holidays in town and with family and friends.  We did make a quick trip in November to check on things.  And were excited about the actual "fall" that we don't get down south.  The pastures were brown and the trees were leafless, but it was still beautiful.

The hay barn was full from the summer's cutting, and that is exactly where I found my kids.  All the time.  I drew the line at eating and sleeping up there.  Although, not a terrible idea!

When my husband discovered he had several vacation days left for the year, we all agreed, we wanted to spend Christmas on the farm.  And we also agreed, that despite our frequent trips to the farm, we never really had the time to start and finish a project.  Or to unpack and sort through boxes.  Our visits lasted 2 or 3 days at a time.  Not enough to get things done!  The garage was stuffed full of boxes from our October move, and the workshop was in desperate need of a good cleaning so we could store tools.  So, hubby took all of us up, stayed a couple of days and headed home to work with the intent to come back at the end of the week.  I was without him for a week.  And THIS time.......I stayed.

Of course we cut a Christmas tree from our land.  As much as I hate cedar trees, they are useful once a year.

The big Christmas gift, a 4 wheeler.  Which has come in handy for work, as well as has been a blast to ride around the property on.  And through very little prodding, we even got my 90 year old mother-in-law on the thing and showed her around!

We did take it easy for some Christmas time, but otherwise, we worked all day, every day.  In the 2 and a half weeks were were there, almost every single box was emptied, the workshop cleaned and stocked with hubby's tools, the attic was floored for storage, and we were easily able to clean, sort, and organize.  And there's still so much to do!

I also found the time to spend a couple of afternoons in the pasture, collecting aged black gold to start as a compost in my garden bed.  Oh yes, and I set up my garden spot, complete with TWO compost bins!  There's nothing like poop and rotting food...

From this post on, I will excitedly begin my actual journey on the farm!  Looking forward to sharing my upcoming garden, livestock, home renovations, and much more!

The Journey Begins Part 3

Summer arrived and our first cutting of hay.  The neighbors cut our hay field before we came in for our monthly visit.  I didn't know hay bales could be so exciting and beautiful.  Yep, I have been countrified...

The summer also brought our first visitors.  We had some friends driving back to Houston from farther north and we were somewhat on their route home.  We had a lot of fun taking it easy and visiting for a couple of days, as well as gathering lots of blackberries!  They were all over the place, but in June, there were still many not quite ripe.

I think the highlight of the trip was our nightly showing of lightening bugs.  They were amazing.  For some, that's not a big deal, but for us, raised in the city and all the big lights, loved sitting outside in the dark with the quiet glow all around us.  The simple life doesn't get any better than that.

The following month, we took my nephew with us.  And there were still plenty of blackberries left to add some fun.  And for once, it was HOT.  Thankfully not humid, but the heat index on one of the days reached 115 degrees.  Yikes!   My husband had planted several fruit trees in the spring and spent a few days on this trip, adding cages and staking them for added stability and protection.

Also, my husband officially began looking for a job in the nearest big city.  With each month that went by, with no job offers, we tried to stay positive and not be discouraged, but that's not always easy.  We were in love with the farm, and were so ready to commit to being there full time.  Looking back over the months, I can see where it has been a blessing we didn't move before now, and we always looked forward to the next trip and what work we could get done.  Not always ideal, but it helped keep our focus...

Every time we visited, there were one or two new calves.  Talk about cute...!

The longer we've been on the farm, the more we learn about our land and about our neighbors.  Let's say, we've been blessed beyond measure.  Back in the spring, a gentlemen involved in raising the cows on our land, stopped in to chat.  We have learned so much from him and always look forward to his dropping by!  He identified all of the trees around our house, little did we know we had a mature apple tree, cherry trees, and a couple of pecan trees!  We figured out we had a peach tree in the yard, but not so many others!  Late summer brought some of the best tasting apples I've ever had.  Could be the land.........the variety........or the fact that it came from my own place.  It's always better when you do it yourself.

Part 4 coming soon!

The Journey Begins Part 2

So, in April, my husband had the great idea for the children and myself to stay for a couple of weeks and work on the house and garden.  With two large, packed to the max trailers, we carted half the contents of our house to the farmhouse.  Hubby stayed for a few days to help us get started.  We planted fruit trees and did some more painting and cleaning out of the house.  The previous owner had left a lot of "stuff" behind.  Big furniture items and just plain trash.  It was a lot of work cleaning up after that guy.  And when I tell you the house needed some updating, I wasn't kidding...

Little did we know, on this particular trip, we had a stowaway.  We had driven a good 300 miles, tarps covering our loads, and rain pelting us off and on along the way, only to discover our cat tucked in among the boxes.  Seriously, have you ever traveled with a cat?  Not something I was looking forward to.  She was so scared, and thankful to get inside the cab of the truck where it was warm and dry!  A more grateful cat I never did see.  On the trip back to Houston, she was not so thankful...

I would love to proudly tell you that when my husband left, with the plans to come back to the farm in two weeks, I stayed the whole of it and got tons and tons done.  But within 48 hours after he had gone, I was in the van, kids, dogs, and trailer in tow heading home to Houston.  BIG chicken.  Bok, bok, bok....  Aside from missing my husband, I was lonely.  Even with a houseful of children, I knew no one up there, was unfamiliar with the territory, and realized that all of my friends and family were 500 miles away.  Depressed and feeling isolated, I caved.  Didn't see that coming...

We did get quite a lot done before I crumbled.

As for the garden, it was far more difficult than I had imagined.  The current raised bed was held in place by railroad ties.  A great idea if you're not concerned about toxic chemicals leaching into your vegetables.  But guess what?  They are impossible to move!  I consider myself a fairly sturdy person.  But no match for a railroad tie.  And one that was rotting at that!  Rolling them away from the beds worked.  But I couldn't roll them far enough away and they were still in the vicinity of my garden.  And I didn't want them around at all!

I did the best I could at moving the ties out of the way, and then filled in their gaps with cinder blocks.  The bed was still soft enough to work the tiller.  The row garden, on the other hand, was hard, had become compacted, and full of weeds.  No way was my little tiller going to break that up.  It appeared that the previous garden area hadn't been worked in a few years.  And as much as I believe in a no-till method, initially a tiller would be useful to make the soil workable.

The cows joined us in April and May.  Lots of mamas, and as the spring and summer months passed, we were introduced to many of the babies.  They were one of the highlights of this journey. Especially since we had sold off all of our livestock and my children were still missing them!

The cows don't seem to give much of a care about us, barely give us the time of day, but stand for pictures.  They do love Molly.  Tiny, self-confident, smallest member of the household, Molly.  She would venture into the pasture and the cows would follow her about.  Noses to the ground, going wherever she led.

When we went back to the farm, after my solitary failure, the Lord blessed us once again.  I had been feeling so isolated and alone, and so far away from what I knew as normal.  A stranger in a strange land.  But in May, my neighbor called me up and said she was going into town and was going to pick me up to show me around.  She not only showed me around, but introduced me to several key members of our little town.  With each visit, I felt more and more comfortable and confident and thankful for what the Lord had done.  I then began to not want to go back to Houston ever.  And would tear up at the thought of leaving my farm.

Rainbows seem to be frequent on the farm.  God is good.

Part 3 next time...

The Journey Begins, Part 1

When we first began seriously looking for a farm, we had decided on exactly what we wanted.  We made a list, prayed about it, and asked for wisdom and discernment.  And because we are such a large family, our realtor was trying to help us find land with a large home, but for all of us, it was more about the space outside than inside.

We prayed for land that was healthy, that would house a variety of livestock, plenty of room for planting fruit trees, a garden, and grazing space.  Most importantly, a water source.  Well, the Lord gave us more than we asked for......we have four water sources.  There is a nice creek with a spring head on the land, which we weren't even aware of until after we bought the place!  Truly a blessing.

We also knew we wouldn't be able to move there permanently for some time.  So what to do with all of the pasture land and hay field?  A few weeks after we purchased, a neighbor contacted us to see if he could lease our property to graze his cattle and cut hay.  Ummmmm.....yes!  So the worry of maintenance while we weren't residents was taken care of!  Plus the neighbors were there throughout the week checking on the cows, which generated some action and made it appear our land was occupied.  Again, another blessing!

The home itself was in good shape, as far as structurally, but it did need some updating and repair.  The previous owners were smokers, which was an issue with me as I have a high sensitivity to cigarette smoke.  Plus, as a non-smoker, I didn't really want my house to smell like I was one!  We spent several days at the farm house pulling up carpet.  It's bare concrete now, which we plan to stain and seal.  A home in the country with several children, animals, and lots of dirt doesn't seem to pair well with carpet!  Also, we painted kilz in every. single. room.  Ceiling, walls, everything that could be painted, was painted.  This kilz is supposed to seal out odors.  But we had apply the kilz and wait three weeks before painting a regular coat of paint.

So back to Houston we went and then again to the farm three weeks later to paint every ceiling and wall in the house.

I'm sick of painting.

We still had a bit of a smokey smell at times, but I finally realized it was in the wood.  Murphy's Oil Soap did the trick.  It's natural, non-toxic, and smells like oranges.  Nice and clean.  I cleaned all of the cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms.  It made a huge difference.  And I think the last very small hint of smoke we smell is in the concrete, which sealing the floor should help!

Probably the most difficult repair we encountered was the discovery of a pipe that had burst thanks to the previous owner not turning the water off even though we were assured the water was indeed off by three different individuals.  Sigh.  Thankfully, it was in the mud room and ran through the garage to the outside.  We do have to replace some of the sheet rock.  And when my husband repaired the pipe, he put in an additional valve so we can add a deep utility sink later.  Gotta make lemonade out of lemons......right?

Part 2 coming soon...

A True Homestead Journey

For years, my husband and I have been searching for a piece of land where we could become more sustainable, practice land management methods the way the Lord designed, grow more of our food supply, and raise our children.  In January of 2015, the first part of our dream came true.  God led us to a perfect place for us.  An older farmhouse, lots of land, beautiful pastures, and even a small creek.  He provided and we were able to purchase our farm!  

We have been working on the place for the last year.  Planting trees, updating the house, starting a garden spot, cleaning out, packing, etc....

It has been a very long and tedious journey with much more to come.  The distance between our home at the time, and our new home was 500 miles.  For a year, we drove to the farm, would stay for a few days, and then very reluctantly come back to our home in the big city.  There were many frustrations and tears, but so many joyous moments.

I will tell you more in later posts, but I wanted to introduce you to our farm.  Where I'll be sharing our real-life journey literally from the ground up.  Everything I have learned, I will have to re-learn due to a new climate and terrain, and a on much bigger scale!  But I am anxious and excited!

Our cozy farmhouse.

My backyard.

Borrowed cows in my backyard.

More borrowed cows.

The view from my front porch.

My children playing in the yard.

More playing.

So. much. playing.

My dog.  I never know what he's doing.

I am truly grateful for what the Lord has given us.  And I pray daily that He will empower us with wisdom in managing it all.  I don't want to make any mistakes.  At least none that I can't learn from.  Or step out of His will.  From every part of what we grow to raising our animals and teaching our children, I pray God gets the glory and we remain teachable and thankful.

Stick around, there will be more to come!

Dear Homestead Journey, Where Have You Been?

I'm still here.  Over the last several weeks, our family has been through changes.

Without going into great detail, my dear in-laws have moved in with us.  Their addition to our household has brought joy and blessings to our family.  My children are such attentive servants, and they are being given the opportunity to learn a valuable character building lesson.  Their grandparents are leaving a mark on their little hearts that will stay with my children for their lifetime.

Almost three weeks ago, my sweet mother was diagnosed with lung cancer.  The news was shocking to us all.  I don't think I've ever cried so hard, nor have I questioned "why" so much.  My mother is one of the most healthy people I know.  She eats great, exercises, never smoked a day a day in her life and has never done anything harmful to her body.  I never imagined I would be going through this with her ever, especially at such a young age.  I trust the Lord and His healing.  I know my mom has been washed in an unexplainable peace that only God can give.  I praise the Lord that she is a Christian and, even though the diagnosis may look grim, she knows God has the power to heal and save and to give her long life.  I pray she will be with us here on the earth, for many years to come.

I believe she will be healed.  And I believe it is the Lord who has granted her peace and grace.  I know that through all of this, God will receive ALL the glory.

After battling a stomach bug that has lasted over two weeks, and dealing with the emotional roller coaster of my family members, I think I am finally ready to tackle life again.

If you think of us, pray for us.  My parents, my in-laws, and my family.

I promise this will be the beginning to posting here again.  I am grateful for all of my readers and those who are willing to stand in the gap for our family.

Blessings,

Tabitha

The Reformation of Food and the Family

This past weekend, I attended The Reformation of Food and the Family Conference, hosted by Vision Forum.  It was AMAZING.

I didn't get to sit in on all of the workshops, as they had them divided up 4 to a session, but I did purchase the MP3s to catch up on those I missed.  If VF offers CDs or MPs, they are really worth purchasing to hear the fantastic line-up of speakers.  I was ministered to and encouraged in every workshop I attended, more Christians need to hear and be a part of the growing numbers of families wishing to make a difference in our country, by way of food choices.  Too many people allow the FDA to make those choices for them, under the guise of "just trying to do what's best for you!".  Don't become sedentary in those choices.  Start a garden in your backyard.  Keep chickens or rabbits, if you can.  Find sources for raw milk, farm-raised eggs, free range chicken, grass-fed beef, organic produce and cheese.  Make room in your budget, and never use the excuse that you don't have enough money.  There is always a way to make things work.  And the Lord, knowing you are trying to do what's right by eating clean and natural, will bless you and honor you in your search for health for your family.

What really stuck with me?  As you know, my family has been on the road to this all-natural lifestyle for a few years.  It was a blessing to be encouraged to keep up the journey, and to do MORE, and provide more, for future generations of Christians.  The many confirmations through scripture and wisdom, revealed to me the necessity to take hold of the blessings the Lord has given us through His miraculous creations.  He has given us health and healing by what we eat, drink, and breathe.  We should take better care of the earth and what God has entrusted to us, and pray the Lord heals our land.


"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.  And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.  And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so."  Genesis 1:28-30


We have done more harm than good to the earth.  We have allowed pollution, disease, chemicals, and toxins to control our environment.  How lazy and selfish.  Coming from a Christian perspective, the hippies and tree-huggers have given the "earth-friendly" movement a bad name.  The creation has been exalted, becoming an idol of worship, and the Creator has been cast down and ignored.  It is our responsibility, as a command and blessing from the Lord, to care for the land and all that dwells in it.  Christians have gotten lazy and given the earth and its blessings over to a pagan society, full of pagan ideals.  In a sense, the creation has been adulterated and we, as followers of Christ, have stood by, and given the responsibility up to the heathen of our world.


"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."  Romans 1:25


There was much emphasis on the dangers of genetically manipulated foods to our bodies and health.  It's a cause and effect, you reap what you sow, promise.  There is no end to the many problems our government approved produce, grains, meats, and dairy has brought to our lives.  Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Thyroiditis, cancer, hormone imbalances, and so many more.  


The various speakers covered all of these topics and more.  I truly hope Vision Forum chooses to host another Conference again next year!


Doug Phillips was incredibly accurate,
The West Ladies were precious,
Joel Salatin was amazing,
Noah Sanders was awesome,
Gary Powers was spot on,
Chef Francis was delicious,
the list goes on and on...


Please be in prayer about how the Lord can direct your diet and change your eating habits.  Pray that the Christian community can have a huge impact on the future of farming and feeding the nation.  It all has to start somewhere, and the Lord will give wisdom to those who ask.


We all know better than to believe the lie of processed, FDA approved foods, but we buy into it anyway.  The world is sick, and it's all our fault.

Let Go and Let God

I follow many blogs.  Most are about homeschooling, homemaking, large families, or natural living.  It's easy to get caught up in what advice is the perfect formula for raising children, organizing your homeschool room, meal planning, or preparedness living.  So many ideas, so much advice, all wonderful and spot on, but at the same time, overwhelming.

Sometimes I find myself wishing I had all the answers.  Then I'd organize them into yet another black binder...

If I follow this person's advice, I'll have a great relationship with my husband.  If I follow this other person's advice, I'll have a best friend of my daughters.  If I follow another person's advice, I'll incorporate the perfect curriculum.  If I follow yet another person's advice, I'll be able to survive the apocalypse.  Maybe not so much on the latter, but you get the idea. 

It's very easy for us to find people we admire, take all of their advice, store it in our brain, and then get overwhelmed, hoping we get it right, do it right, say it right, so that the formula will come out right in the end.  We can't handle all of the information, much less put it to use!  Does X + Y really = Z?!  I need the right answers!

This morning was a processing day for me, apparently.  Feeling overwhelmed and like a failure, I made my way out to the garden, the only place to be alone and quiet, and cried out to the Lord.  I want to be a good wife, mother, friend to my children, and at the same time take care of all that you've blessed me with!  I can't do it all!  I can't guarantee that all of my efforts will be worth it!  I have no other option but to give it to you, Lord, all of it, every bit of it!  I cannot do it on my own, without Your guidance and wisdom, I am sunk.

Then came peace.  Give it to the Lord.  Do all I can, with what little knowledge, talent, and wisdom I have, and let God do the rest. 

I can't create the perfect family or perfect life, mostly because I am an imperfect mother, raising imperfect children, and married to an imperfect man.  It will never work.  However, I can do my best to raise my children up in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord."  (Eph 6:4), to be a godly wife, and to keep up with the home and land the Lord has entrusted me with.

And leave the rest to God.

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect."  2 Samuel 22:31 & 33

First Year Pictures

A sweet friend of mine took one year old pictures of the twins last weekend.  She did a great job!  Devon would not smile for anything, the photographer's son even bounced around, acting silly, willing to make a fool of himself, all to make my little girl grin, and she wouldn't budge...

Grant, on the other hand, was all smiles...