It All Started With Chickens!!

Once upon a time, and way to many years ago, I bought some baby chicks. My husband was completely unaware. I just bought them and asked for forgiveness later. Hey don’t judge, most of us at some point in time has made this choice..I bought what was called a Homestead special on a Poultry website that I was pointed in the direction of. It come complete with all kinds of baby chicks, ducklings, baby turkeys, and goslings. I rigged a brooder up and raised most of them to full size. Baby Turkeys are sooo hard to raise. Unfortunately, the baby turkeys didn’t make it. My other babies thrived. They grew so quickly. I can remember being purely infatuated with them. I wanted to learn everything I could about chickens. From then, my love of the farm life would grow. I remember sitting and watching all of my poultry grow and develop. I remember how I enjoyed seeing their personalities blossom. I remember getting a laugh at the geese chasing my daughter around after too much torture from her. I remember feeling like I was made for this. I was born for this. I loved it. Time would pass, and animals would spring in and out of my life, due to the fact that well Life happens. Fast forward to being a bit more stable and needing an outlet. My husband suggested getting back into the farm life. I put up a fight. He had not long ago just bought a bus to convert. (Another story for another day) I didn’t want to take away from him. He reminded me that I give to everyone. I give my time, my energy, my love, my loyalty, whatever is needed, I gave it. He said it is your turn, First I got more chickens. My favorites are Cochins.

I love their overall appearance, their temperament, and the variety of color they come in.

Then we were up late one night and He asked me about my passions. Those things that make my heart sing. We talked for hours way late into the night about those things I loved, the things I missed doing, the animals that come in and out of my life, and horses. He then began to prepare our land. We built up pastures. We put up fencing. We converted our Pole barn into a working barn. He bought a horse trailer. He put all the pieces into place so when the time had come we would be ready.

Well then Early one October morning while scrolling FaceBook. I come across this majestic looking horse that looked like he belonged on a movie set. He was the gorgeous black and white horse with feathered feet, a long flowing tale, and he moved like a dream. He looked like royalty to me. When I come across this beautiful boy, He took my breath away. I showed him to Jimmy my husband. I said People like me don’t have animals like that. He asked why? I said because look at me. I don’t deserve that. A horse of his stature is almost too good to be true. He is way to beautiful for someone like me. Well, long story short, we ended up getting in contact with this horse’s owner. After several conversations we found out this beautiful boy’s name was Leo. When Leo come off the trailer he was even more breathtaking.

Now Leo and the rest of our gang was bought because I needed an outlet for my PTSD. I was a ticking time bomb and needed some way to preoccupy my brain. I needed some way to help relieve stress and keep me from getting inside my head. Eventually we added another horse, a mare named Lillie. Unfortunately moon blindness lay claim to her shortly there after and we would have to make the impossible decision to say goodbye. We were all devastated. Leo, took it especially hard. We went through all the necessary steps, but he mourned. He missed his mate. He loved her so, and protected her fiercely when she went completely blind.

Time went on and I could feel he was lonely. We then got some mini ponies. I had no idea what I was getting into.

However, I was optimistic and willing to try. After a month or so, along came Rip. He was a mini donkey from right up the road. He stole our hearts from the get go. His personality infectious, and reminded us all of a giant pup. He was animated, very vocal, and loves all the attention. Him and Leo ended up being the best of friends.

Well after awhile we quickly realized the minis just didn’t work for us. We rehomed the minis, and along came Hogan. Hogan was actually a former pasture mate to Leo. So they were buddies from once upon a time. That reunion was definitely one to remember. They were so happy to see one another. Hogan who was a bit timid, fell head over heels for my husband and my older daughter. He shows his personality full force with them. He feeds off their confidence. He thrives with them. He stepped on my oldest daughters foot and wouldn’t leave the gate until he saw her, heard her voice and was assured she was okay. Their bond is definitely a gift. One day she will pray he lives forever and never leaves her side.

We also have a couple of goats. A wether and a little 3 legged doe. They live full time with the horses and Rip and fit in perfectly. It is mismatched and thrown together in away. But honestly it works. In some crazy way everyone honestly fits. Each animals has its place and purpose. This name I chose for my farm, It seems to fit almost perfectly. Everything has just come together so well. I do believe God had his hands in this.

It is truly a gift being able to raise my kids on a farm. We get to teach them responsibility, they learn early on about life and death, they learn where babies come from, they are taught compassion, conviction, and what it means to hold another’s life in your own hands. Living on a farm does come with its challenges for sure. I try to surround myself with those I can trust and I know that if I need to leave my farm is in good hands. Starting this journey has been a blessing for us all. I firmly believe that. My kids are learning skills they can take with them the rest of their lives.

As for me, I am learning patience. I am finding that I am way to busy to worry about all of the what ifs, and what could haves, and I should haves. I find that my panic attacks are fewer and farther in between and I am living life right now. I am not focused on the future as much. That is where the anxiety and worry stays. Instead, I find myself thanking God for the here and now. I am trying to remain present in the moment. I am also slowly working on facing those things that terrify me. I am trying to face those things that trigger me. It’s sometimes two steps forward two steps backwards, but as long I keep pushing and moving forward I know eventually I will get there. I also know I can not quit. I don’t believe I have it in me. I keep going. Through all of this I am realizing my worth. I see my own strength. I am finding feet, and I truly believe working towards my purpose. Whatever it maybe.

It is funny though. My husband and I created this farm that I now proudly refer to as MisMatch Acres.I love this little life we are living now and to think, it all started with some chickens. They say chickens are the gateway farm animal.. I am living proof that this statement is the truth. I just want to leave a warning. Be careful when you go to a local feed store, farm, or a place that has them sweet little baby chicks, ducks, and all the other baby poultry for sale… It all starts with a chicken… You may just find something your passionate about. Have a blessed day my friends.

I love you if nobody has told you today.

Beck