Laughing Stock Farm

The Basics

I'm so excited to have found this site, I could type my fool head off; but I won't.  I'll just share the basics with you for now.

My name is Tracie.  I'm married to Steve (brawny construction worker), and we have 8 children.  Our dear children are John (22), Katy (20), Alexis (17), Chase (16), Eric (15) and our post-reversal babies:  Hannah Grace (8), Sarah (4) and Elijah (2).

Steve and I came to know our Lord and Saviour Jesus in 1995.  Our lives have changed so incredibly since then.  '95 was a big year of change for us, as it was also the year that we began seriously homeschooling and left the city for "farm country".

My dearest wish in this life is to serve the Lord in all I do.  I do fail often, and beat myself up appropriately each night as I ask for forgiveness; but gratefully we serve a Lord full of mercy and grace.  He continues to grow me and change my heart, though I'm terribly undeserving.

That said, the majority of our lives seems to revolve almost entirely around our homestead.  I've been home full-time to fulfill my duties as wife and mother since 1988, when I left the market research industry.  I've never looked back.  It's been such an incredible journey, and I wouldn't go back if you paid me all the money in the world. 

As I said, we've homeschooled since 1995 and are just now graduating our first official completely homeschooled student.  Yipee!!  Frankly, there were times I thought I'd never get them through high school.  Can I just say, I hate algebra?

We've used a wide variety of curriculums over the years.  I haven't actually had to work very hard at homeschooling because once I got the kids through the early years (and they learned to read), they pretty much took off on their own.  I've been more of a guide than a teacher.

Anyway....since we came to "the country" we've tried raising nearly every kind of farm animal there is.  We even kept a Fallow deer for a few years.  Our favorites have turned out to be Jersey cows and Duroc hogs.  Right now the only animals we have are a Buff Orpington rooster (Henry), a Great Dane (Zeb), 2 adult Border Collies (Dodger & Jemma) and their 9 puppies born Dec. 31st.

We're starting our farm all over again because we just moved back to Michigan from West Virginia.  We're trying to go debt-free and are slowly working our way out from under a land contract we signed for $330. per month on our 7-1/2 acres.  We've put a mobile home on it, had the well drilled, put the septic system in, had the electric brought in, etc.  We just moved in at the beginning of November, so I'm desperate to get to spring and start working to make this place our own.

Well, I suppose that's more than enough for now.  I'm looking forward to being able to journal my thoughts about the projects we're working on to make this our dream homestead.  With all the experience we've gained over the last 11 years, I'm hoping this is the one that will turn out best because we really know what we want!

Welcome and Hi

02:07, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by countrydreamn

I think that you will enjoy yourself here. There are a lot of great people with tons of info.

Blessings,
Debi

Hi and welcome, Tracie!

04:47, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by bobbie78

I, too, think you will love it here! I joined in November 06. I don't post in my blog as often as I should, but i do come here everyday and read others blogs. You'll enjoy yourself!

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07:40, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by BlueApple

Welcome! My husband and I (and daughters) are on the same journey. It's slow going at times but will be worth every moment. Welcome and I look forward to reading your blog.
Julia

I HAVE A QUESTION!!!

07:59, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by gokings13

When you and you dh got saved in 95 and 'changed everything'.......you life, your walk, your home.......how did you kids handle it? What do you wish you could do all over again? What kind of advice would you give???
Thank you,
Laura

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09:48, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by HandsNHearts

What an amazing journey and testiimony :o) I can't wait to follow along with you as you head into Spring!

Deanna

Welcome

10:01, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by borderling

It's nice to read of your pursuits. Our family is rebuilding our new homestead and it does get a bit overwhelming at times. It's nice to come to here and find like minded people.
God bless.
From Glory Farm,
Rhonda

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11:31, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by morningsunshine

welcome. this is the place for you!!!! cannot wait to read more of your posts!

-sunshine

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11:57, 10 January 2007 .. Posted by southernbelle

Welcome to hsb! I bet you really like it here. It sounds like you have a wonderful life and I look forward to getting to know you better.