Reflections of 2011:::: We're Thankful

As we reflect upon this past year and life on the farm, we can’t help but give thanks. Even in the midst of trials and obstacles we have much to be thankful for. There is always good to be found.

We’re thankful that we’ve survived the worst drought in Texas in decades. There is no doubt that this summer proved itself to be the biggest challenge that we’ve ever faced since our farming days began. We're humbled by realizing that at the end of the day, we have no control over things that affect us daily. Like the weather, for example. Working outside regardless of buckets of rain, misty snow (sometimes), blistering heat, or chilling winds has helped me to understand just how small I am in comparison to the bigger picture. We can't choose our circumstances. We can only control how we choose to walk through them.

We’re thankful that we’ve gotten to farm yet another year. As we’ve went from greenhorns to more seasoned farmers, we’ve witnessed the land slowly come back to life flourishing with animals. When we began farming 4 years ago on this 113 acre farm, we had dreams of it becoming a one-day farm with real animals grazing out in the pastures. That dream has now became a reality. There is no doubt that this is a happy farm with happy animals. If you don't believe us, pay a visit to the farm and you'll very quickly become acquainted with “Onyx”, our Spanish goat turned companion. And we use the word “companion” very very loosely here as he is more like the resident “pest”. But, these are the small things that bring us much joy.

We’re thankful for each and every customer that have decided to bypass the grocery store and support a local family farm. We fully realize that picking up your food at a predetermined location and the farmer himself helping you load your meat in your car is just not as normal as going to a grocery store. Nor is driving directly to the farm to purchase your meat for the week in which your meat came off it's pastures. We continue to be amazed by this time and time again. Our customer community is growing. One of the greatest blessings of being your farmer is getting to know you and your family. Meeting the people that we feed and knowing them by name is truly something very special to us.

We're thankful that our family grew by one more litte girl this year. This brings the grand total up to “5 chicks and a farmer” living on this farm. This farmer is greatly outnumbered! Exie Jo is doing well. She is a dainty, smily, bouncy, healthy baby girl. It's hard to believe that she will be one at the end of this month! And her sisters are smitten over her.

One of the things that you can be expecting from us as your farmers, is to be more diligent in staying connected through this blog. The irony of a farmer blogging is comical since there are no laptops to be found out in the pastures. However, we want to closely connect you to your food even more, the happenings on the farm, and build relationships with each of you.

Another thing that you can expect from us, is for us to continue bringing healthful meats and eggs from our farm to your table. Thank you for being on this journey with us. Farm life is continuously changing and growing. There is no doubt that we will even face challenges this year. As we look back on 2011 with much to be thankful for, we look into 2012 with much to be hopeful for.

Oh, and "Onyx" the farm pest says,"Happy New Year" too!