Oh, Pioneer

An old friend contacted me through Facebook the other day and asked me to catch her up on the past 17 years of my life. Figuring out where to start this post is about as daunting as responding to that message. When you let a while slip by without talking to someone, it’s hard to know where to start. It’s been too long since I’ve blogged, and life is happening at a breakneck pace.

We sorted through the curve ball I mentioned in my last post. God helped us navigate it every step of the way – like always – leaving me forever grateful that He promised to walk by my side through this life. As we sorted through our kerfuffle, we were presented with an opportunity. Before I explain said opportunity, I should probably go back and give a little history.

When my grandfather died (I was 14), the family farm was sold. For years, I dreamed of getting that farm back. Once it was turned into a subdivision in the middle of nowhere, my dream shifted into someday having a little plot of land of my own. I would build from the ground up and make it my own, something no one would take from me, short of God Himself.

When we moved from St. Louis to the outskirts of the Ozark Mountains, I tried with all my might to convince my husband it was a golden opportunity to seize that dream. He looked at me skeptically and reminded me he was a born and bred suburbanite. We compromised and rented a very suburban looking house on 10 acres in the country.

We worked like dogs for a year to fix the place up, put in fencing, and navigate the drought of the century – all while  learning how to care for animals on our own farm (infinitely different than helping a friend on theirs). When our landlord decided to sell, we moved across the street to a home that meant more work, more fencing, and its own set of challenges. My plan was to live there forever because I was sick and tired of moving. My plan didn’t happen and we were once again at a crossroads.

Enter aforementioned opportunity. We are now the proud owners of seven-plus acres of the most beautiful piece of property I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s less land than what we had, but it has more useable land, and that’s what matters to us. If I was to make a list of things I wanted in our piece of land, this fits the bill right down to the letter. The only two structures on it are a storm shelter and a darling old barn (which can be saved). I was touched beyond words when I found out from the gentleman we bought the land from that this piece of property is where his parents started out. The fact that he sold it to us is a great honor I’m eternally grateful for.

I jokingly say that we eased into my dream of starting from the ground up. Maybe it’s not so much a joke. Two years ago, we couldn’t have done it. Now, I believe we can. Hope so, because winter is fast approaching!

The plan is to put a pre-constructed cabin on it while I build. It’s a big step up from chicken shanties and alpaca sheds, but I think I’m ready. And if I’m not, I’m surrounded by really smart people who built their homes and can help me.

We’ll have electricity because Adam was a stickler for that. He said a wood burning stove and kerosene lamps wouldn’t run the laptops. (City boy) When I figure out our solar panels, the electric will go. I’ve researched water systems until my brain feels like it’s going to explode and come up with a design I think will work.  Part of me is terrified I won’t be smart enough to pull this off. Part of me is thrilled. My boys, they’re just thrilled. This is the adventure of a lifetime for them.

Hopefully, the animals will be in their new homes by early next week. They’ll have so much more room and so much more good, healthy grass. And a real barn. It’s like knowing you got someone you love the most fantastic Christmas gift ever and you can’t wait for them to open it. That’s how I feel about getting my animals moved right now.

I promise I’ll post pictures as soon as I can!

Oh, and we’re picking up our new buckling today. We’d put money down on him before our little adventure began. We got him so we can retain some of the doelings from Fernando. He’ll be part of Dylan’s herd of goats. Since my son has a goat named Snickers and one named Twix, Skittles seemed the logical choice for the new guy.

So wish me luck as I go down another crazy road, know that I do have plans to actually work on a book this winter, and stay tuned for pics and updates.

Lots of love to you all – have a fabulous rest of the week!

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