We have now officially been on our Farmstead for four years. Recently I have began reflecting and realizing how many changes have been made around here, and how many nights I laid awake thinking and wishing for the life I have now. Change is a such a good thing and is great for a clean slate and fresh start! I reflect on finding my dear, patient, loving husband and the kids, at one point, I didn’t know if I would ever have.
Being a stay at home mom is very wonderful and rewarding, although there is much burn out and exhaustion that comes along with it. As many of you know it’s not easy for the moms who work part time or full time either. Overall motherhood takes and makes a strong woman. Walking to the mailbox alone during nap time feels like a win some days, or taking the garbage to the burn barrel is a huge success. The mental and emotional struggle can be a real drain.
Recently the kids and I were picking rhubarb, working in the garden and helping Lance fence pasture for the lambs and cattle. It occurred to me that I just wanted to take mental pictures in my brain of all the memories, squeals, giggles and fun times we are creating as a family. To capture them in my brain and remember I only dreamed of this a few short years ago.
We currently are working on a handling pen for more cattle. It is know as a “bud box.” Our youngest and I went down to check on Lance and bring him water. She actually was on a mission to go find her daddy, she walked the entire way to the south side of our barn where he was working. I had asked Lance if I could help with anything, our youngest (21 months) jumped right in taking her shoes off and playing in the dirt. She was so content for an hour just putting dirt on her legs and in her shoes. I was able to then help measure and hold different materials to help the process along. As a couple we have always said, even if the project takes twice as long we want the kids to be involved feeling valued and loved.
When times get tough and aren’t always pleasant or fun, when I get mad or frustrated I want to choose to be patient and understanding to my children. I want to let them be little and keep the joy that only God gave them. Now this isn’t always the case as I am human and we are all sinners, but trying to do my best is what matters. Everyday, waking up to be grateful for what we do have no matter the situation big or small.
I have come to realizing that taking time for myself is very important. Whether it be reading, resting, baking, or going for a walk, I need that time to regroup and re focus on my duties as a mother and wife. Also, family time is so vital to living here as well. Taking time away from the animals and demands of the ranch to try new things and enjoy time together.
As one children’s song says “a joyful heart is good medicine.” Be that joyful heart, because honestly it could charge someone’s whole day.
If you are reading this and it’s making you question your daily life or choices you have made, it’s not too late to change them. If there has been a calling on your heart, a desire culminating in you to build a house, change career paths, move states, adopt that animal, start your own business, etc. now is the time. Pray about it and take the leap. Life is much too fleeting to stick with something that you don’t find joy in doing.
If you would like to learn more about our ranch or our day to day life please follow our Facebook page: MyrvikFamilyFarms or send us an email: myrvikfarms@gmail.com. Our site has launched, please find us and our retail cuts at www.myrvikfarms.com.
