It has been a week of full hearts and very muddy boots here at Faithful Flock Farm. Sometimes life on the farm feels like a quiet, steady rhythm, and other times, it feels like a fast-paced dance. This past week was certainly the latter.
We have been navigating everything from "chicken math" to graduation ceremonies. We are so grateful for the way the Lord provides the strength for each day, even when the ground is soggy and the schedule is packed. We wanted to sit down and share a bit of our journey with you.
A Sunday of New Beginnings and Family Work
Last Sunday began with some very necessary sorting. We spent time separating our Silkies and Seramas. If you have ever tried to organize a group of spirited birds, you know it takes a bit of patience and a lot of gentle hands.
Uncle Bernard, John, and Shannon all pitched in to help us build a new fence. It was a true family effort. Having extra hands makes the work go faster, and it also makes the time more meaningful. We are working on expanding our space because, as any chicken lover knows, "chicken math" is a real thing. Every time we think we have enough, a new flock idea seems to find its way into our hearts.
One of our sweet hens, Janice, finally got her "vacation" away from Big Red. He can be a bit much for her sometimes, so she is enjoying some peace and quiet. It is important to us that every bird in our care feels safe and comfortable.
Freedom Day and Lazy Afternoons
Monday was what we like to call "Freedom Day." The weather was finally kind enough for the chickens to hit the fresh green grass. There is nothing quite like watching a hen take her first few steps onto pasture after being inside. They scratch, they peck, and they seem to radiate pure contentment.
While the chickens were busy exploring, our two farm dogs had a much different plan. Milo, our white Maltese, and Panda Bear, our black-and-white Shih Tzu, decided it was a day for resting. They spent most of the afternoon being wonderfully lazy in the sun. They take their job of "supervising" very seriously, even if that supervision mostly involves napping near the fence.
The Mid-Week "Musical Coops"
Tuesday and Wednesday shifted our focus a bit. We spent time working on our other business, which meant plenty of paperwork and computer time. While we love being outside, the quiet diligence of administrative work is part of our stewardship too.
During our breaks, we sipped on cold fruit smoothies and talked through our "musical coops" dilemma. Our chicks are growing so fast. Every time we turn around, they seem to have outgrown their current space. We spent hours trying to figure out who should move where to make sure everyone has enough room to grow. It is a puzzle we are still working to solve, but moving day at the farm is always an adventure.
Muddy Mowing and King’s Debut
Thursday brought a lot of moisture. The ground was so wet it felt like we might need a boat just to get to the barn. That did not stop Grandpa, though. In true Grandpa fashion, he decided it was time to mow. Even with the mud and the soggy grass, he was out there getting the job done. We all watched with a bit of worry, but he just kept going.
The highlight of the day was watching King, our Brahma rooster. He has a very specific "waddle-run" that never fails to make us smile. He looks so regal until he decides he needs to get somewhere quickly, and then he just bobs and weaves across the yard.
We were also so blessed to sell 8 dozen eggs on Thursday! Our customers are the best part of what we do. We spent the evening carefully packing our brown, white, and green eggs into their cartons. Seeing them all lined up on the counter is a beautiful reminder of the daily care our hens receive.
Preparing for the Milestone
Friday was a whirlwind of preparation. We were getting everything ready for our trip to Indiana. Before we left, we checked in on the "Woodland chickens" over at Mercy’s Coop. These birds love the shade and the quiet of that space. We made sure they had plenty of fresh water and food before our weekend travels began.
A Graduation to Remember
Saturday was a day we have been looking forward to for a long time. We traveled to Taylor University to watch Devin graduate. There were definitely some tears shed. Watching your children reach these big milestones makes you realize how quickly time passes. It feels like only yesterday he was helping us around the farm, and now he is stepping out into a new chapter of life.
Uncle Bernard was kind enough to stay behind at the farm. He looked after the flock and kept Milo and Panda Bear company. Knowing the animals were in good hands allowed us to fully focus on the joy of the graduation ceremony. It was a beautiful day filled with pride and gratitude.
Sunday Reflections and Family Ties
We spent this past Sunday sharing the fruits of the farm with family. We brought a batch of fresh eggs to Aunt Bonnie. There is something so special about being able to provide healthy, fresh food to the people we love.
We also spent time with brothers Ed and Rick. Family time is the anchor of our week. It allows us to slow down, share stories, and reflect on all the ways we have been blessed. Whether we are talking about the farm or just enjoying each other's company, these moments are what matter most.
It has been a long, busy, and emotional week. We are tired, but it is a good kind of tired. It is the exhaustion that comes from a life well-lived and work well-done. We are looking forward to what the next week brings, even if it involves more mud and more "musical coops."
We would love to hear from you. How was your week? Did you have any milestones to celebrate? Please feel free to reach out and share your stories with us. 📞🤍
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
: James 1:17
Leave a Reply