Abundant Blessings Homestead

A new life began 2 years ago today...

We left SW FL for our new home in TN two years ago today. Tonight will mark our 2 year anniversary in our new home. So much has happened and changed...both with the farm and within us....in those two years.

We have done considerable fence work, added a multitude of animals, gotten rid of plants, added new ones, re-worked the barn (thanks to my Dad!!!), experienced Daddy at home full time (loved it!!!) and had job changes, suffered illnesses (and a tooth abcess), found our way around town and learned some new ones, made friends, realized some "friends" were wolves in sheep's clothing, had wonderful visits from family, and absolutely fallen in love with our new home.

It has been a busy, yet fulfilling two years. I can't imagine ever leaving here...and certainly never heading back to Florida. Florida is a fine state...to be from!  Tennessee is beautiful, filled with character and friendly.

We currently have 2 goats, 35 laying hens, 8 beef cows, 1 milk cow, 6 ducks, and 54 new chicks. The goats, 2 cats and 3 cows are bred. Last year, we raised and processed 100 broiler chickens. We started out with 100 laying hens and have gradually reduced it down to the 35 we currently have. We tried dogs...two adorable beagles..but they didn't belong on a farm with fowl of any sort...so, they went to a new home. I would love to add in a small lap dog...but those that I have found are a bit out of reach financially at this point. Adding a new baby to our family is a great wish for all of us...who knows what the Lord has in store for us.

Life is interesting and full. I remember days gone by before moving here that were empty...nothing to do...the children bored...me bored...Toby bored...looking for something of interest to fill the time. We do not have that problem any longer!!! There is ALWAYS something to do..something that needs done...something crying out for attention.

It is interesting to look back over the last two years and see how far we've come. We have a long way yet to go, certainly, but we are so far beyond where we started. It is encouraging to see how we have grown and changed. How our family has gotten even stronger. How we depend on each other that much more. How my sweet Honey is not stuck in a truck 50+ hours a week any longer. (one of the biggest blessings of our move).

What a wonderful life I have been blessed with...!

Happy Anniversary!

{ 11:06, Wednesday, March 29, 2006 } { Posted by spinninggrandma }

How wonderful to find such a wondrous place.

If you are looking for a little dog, go to the Humane Society or City Pound. There are thousands of sweet dogs (big and little) waiting for a loving home. When my two dogs (old and growing older) are gone, that's where I am going for my next dog.

Hello from another Tennessean!

{ 04:17, Wednesday, March 29, 2006 } { Posted by FoggyMountainFarm }

I enjoyed reading your entry today.

Your place sounds delightful!

Blessings,
Laura

Beautiful story...

{ 08:10, Wednesday, March 29, 2006 } { Posted by DonnaJoy }

I hope to have the same one someday!! I love your blog!! So glad the baby is back home!!

Bless...

Donna

love this

{ 03:52, Thursday, March 30, 2006 } { Posted by Cathy }

Laurie,
I loved reading this blog entry. Made me so good hearing about your homestead and your family. The Lord has truly blessed you all. You have found "home" now and where you belong.
Blessings my friend,
Cathy

How cool

{ 03:56, Friday, March 31, 2006 } { Posted by TheLandIsCalling }

You are blessed!!! Wow, how far y'all have come in 2 yrs. Can you even believe it. I hope in 2 yrs I can be saying some of the same things you are saying.
Blessings,
Andrea

Love it!

{ 04:05, Friday, March 31, 2006 } { Posted by Brykclan }

Great entry Laurie ~
Love hearing about all that you have done in the 2 years there.
Blessings my friend,
Cathie

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{ 01:01, Monday, April 3, 2006 } { Posted by HillmanAcres }

Wow Laurie, you really have come far!! I know how you feel, we are going on 2 years in August and we've done so much in that time. You don't see it while it's happening, but when you look back you just have to say WOW!!

Keep up the great work :)

Leah