Our first post.

Our first post.

Hello out there to whomever might be reading this.Well where to start? Were a young family of 5 looking to find away to document our path from apartment dwellers to bona-fide (to our guidelines) homesteaders. I think its important on this first post to outline our goals and guidelines to what we hope is an interesting and fruitful life style. I think I will start with very small bios of the family.

Josh (the main author ) 27 yrs old, I'm a Maintenance Supervisor of an apartment complex in North Central Texas. I served in the US Army for some years before moving back to this little town we now live in. I did go to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division and while there the homesteading bug (as I call it) was planted. The main thing I learned in Iraq was how much my family really meant to me. After getting back to the states I spent a long time thinking about what I wanted in life and found that the two things most important to me was first my family and second peace.

Danielle My beautiful wife is 24 yrs old and a great mother to our three children. She also works at the same apartment complex but she is the Manager. (my boss at work and home) she is the glue that holds us together. She hails from upstate NY and living in Texas the last 2 years I think has made her miss the north more than she ever thought she would. She works harder than anyone I know. Managing a home and an apartment complex is a 24/7 job and it is normal to get up at 5:30am (with Jacob) and not go to bed till after 11:00pm.

Emilee Our only daughter is 4 yrs old. She amazes me everyday. She has just started school in Pre-K. Her days are filled with playing and asking so many questions its mind numbing. We are very blessed because of this. She is a great help with the boys also.

Benjamin Our red head is 2 yrs old and everything captures his eye. He is very observant and watches every little detail. If he knows its not right he will sure let you know.

Jacob Our baby is only 6 months old. He is the happiest baby ever. I really mean it, everyone always voices how quiet and happy he is. He only cries for the big 3. (food, changing, and sleep) he is following in his brother's footprints when it comes to noticing every little detail. He looks at everything and I believe that all three children will be very smart because of how attentive they are.

Now to our homesteading guidelines and goals:

First our definition of a homestead might be different from yours, (homesteading is a combo of mental and physical.) We must be at least half self-reliant. Meaning we provide at least halve of what we need (food, shelter, among other needs.) Now this is going to be possible because of the animals we plan on raising and the plants we plan to grow.

To us we must be out on 10-15 acres (I'm not saying that if you live in the urban environment its not homesteading) I would like to build a home at least 1200 sq ft (this is subject to change) and a number of out buildings (chickens, goats, hogs, rabbits, stone smoker, ect...) We also plan on having an extensive garden/orchard and a shop of some sort.

Work is something that must be done in some shape or some form. We hope to provide our work from home some how. With my knowledge and experience of construction, maintenance and repair I think a handy man service might work if planted in the right area. (that’s also why we plan to build our own home) My wife is great with office type work and management. (remember she manages a large complex with many different types of people and personalities. Tenants and employees)

Raising our children is entrusted to us from the man upstairs. Its a responsibly that we don't take lightly. At this moment my wife and I are at a disagreement about schooling. I would like to home school my children because I don't like the public school's ideas on teaching. (Like one teacher per 30 children. Out of a month( 160 hours) of school the child gets one day( 8 hours) of one on one instruction. I don't believe that is enough to properly teach a child of the things they must know to survive and thrive in the cruel world.

Peace and happiness:

Peace is something near and dear to me as I have seen what war really is. I dream of a life where we work hard, play hard, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Just because I want peace doesn't mean I won't protect and defend what needs protecting and defending but I will try peaceful options first. (one of my favorite quotes is " Don't mistake kindness for weakness.") As far as happiness it follows along with whatever we do or don't do. The reward of hard work, love and family.

Well that’s enough for day one Please leave any comments you wish. I will enjoy reading them and if you have an opinion
on something leave it also as I don't mind them and might be helpful in our quest.

Until next time....
Ford Family