Here we go...

Good Afternoon!  I have never blogged before, but I thought it would be fun to share the ups and downs of my newest endeavor.  In September of 2010 my husband and I purchased an old farm house on 5.5 acres.  The year prior to our purchase we talked and talked about starting our own small farm.  We wanted a different life besides living in a subdivision with two cars, two kids, two dogs, etc.  We wanted to have space and create a life more meaningful.  We have two young boys and we desired to raise them outside of what is considered "normal" for the average American.  So, we decided to sell our house and look for a house with land.  We managed to find one in the same small town we were already living in...one less stress.  It was scary to actually do it, but we decided why not.  What do we have to loose?  Worst case scenario...we sell the farm and go back to our previous way of life. 

So, here we are, it is February 2011.  We spent the past six months fixing up the house.  This house is over 100 years old and very neglected.  The first week we moved I cried each day asking, "what did we do?"  There was a lot to do, but day by day we got stuff done.  We had to tear out old floors and put in new and refinish hardwood floors.  We painted walls and cabinets and tore out sinks and found termites and leaks and mice.  You get the idea about how awful this place was?  It was bad, but now we are living in the house and we still have tons of work to do, but it is 100% improved.  I will share the journey of new tasks on the house as we work on it as well as post before and after pictures.

Spring is just around the corner and we are excited to finally work on the land.  Two weeks ago we got five laying hens (who have yet to lay an egg).  They have been so much fun..through the cold and my dog getting one, but luckily just her feathers.  I even had a dream last night that the white one (Shirley) had laid three eggs.  Yes, I named my hens...Laverne, Shirley, Henrietta, Veronica and Sabrina.  I will keep you updated on how they are doing as well.  We have figured out the space for our garden and I have planned out the vegetables we will be growing.  You see, our biggest feat is to grow and raise as much of our own food as we can.  We will learn as we go...through good and bad moments.  The stress of this new adventure sometimes is overwhelming, but for the first time in my life I am in LOVE.  I love my husband and my children and so many people, but this is the first time I am in love with what I am doing.  I am elated at times.  My friends all think I am slightly crazy and they call me farmer Janice, but I just smile because I am so happy.

So, day to day I will write what is new and as I remember stuff over the past six months, I will share that too.  Thanks for reading!