Here is a little about each of us as way of an introduction:
Benjamin (aka Dad) grew up in Belle Plaine, Minnesota and finds peace in being outdoors, and makes multiple excursions into the BWCA each year (even in the winter). He grew up helping his dad on residential construction projects, fishing up north with his grandparents, deer hunting with his uncles and playing sports with friends. Benjamin has helped keep our freezer stocked by butchering deer, beef, chickens, and rabbits over the years. He won’t admit to enjoying the work, but he is the resident handyman and since purchasing the farmhouse has roofed, sided, replaced windows, and remodeled the interior of the place (with the help of many generous family members and friends) to ensure it will stand for many years to come. He also has a bit of an obsession with old boats and motors.
Leah (aka Mom) grew up in Gibbon, Minnesota and spent as much time as she could in the countryside. She enjoyed milking cows during high school, and was very active with 4-H animal projects and the county fair, something she is looking forward to doing again with the kids. After years of caring for other people’s livestock Leah is proud to own her first cow and calf this spring. Leah loves being a mom and helping raise her children to explore creation and rejoice in God’s many gifts, the greatest of which is salvation found in Christ’s death and resurrection.
Natalie is the first one to muck out the barn in the morning and is adamant about providing quality care to all the animals. She has a welsh pony named Shadow she enjoys working with and hopes to show in 4-H next year. Like her dad, she loves being outside and going camping/hiking. She also loves all things music, and plays guitar and viola for her family and at church. She also has a very silly side, and rides a unicycle for fun.
Gordon likes to be a part of the planning process and is always asking what things cost, and how much return an investment can make. He masterminded a lemon-aid stand with his sisters that grossed over $100 in two hours last year! He is tender hearted – and though he has helped butcher an entire cow does not want to be there at the very beginning of the process. He is also an avid baker, and makes the best pancakes around. He and Natalie both have a MN Cottage Food producer license and sell baked goods from our farmhouse kitchen.
Marion is a free spirit! She loves imaginative play with her siblings, be it with dolls in the house or sticks in the grove. She spends large amounts of time doting on our rabbits, but says chickens are her favorite animal and helps eggs every morning from the chicks she helped incubate and hatch. She is very creative and always drawing or making a new invention from materials around the house. She doesn’t like to brush her hair, and has a large rock collection.
Susie loves to pretend to be different animals. We sometimes have to remind her “no meowing at the table”. She is getting very good at writing her letters/numbers and enjoys drawing pictures and making her own stories up. She especially loves baby animals, and helps Marion with the bunnies, chicks and small goat we have. She helps her mom water the garden every evening and talks the entire time. She is proud to have recently lost two teeth!
Lucille is the littlest and quite the firecracker! She makes sure her voice is heard and follows the bigger kids everywhere they will let her. Lucy is happiest outside, and has been caught more than once streaking across the lawn with her clothes in a pile by the door. She loves cuddling, singing (Jesus Loves Me & A Whole New World are her current favorites) and reading books with mom, dad, and especially her grandmas!
We would love to learn more about you and meet you all as schedules and your comfort allow.
You can reach us at 507-232-9902 (Leah’s cell) or look us up on Facebook and send a pm.
