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My summer essentials for raising kids on the farm

It is officially summer and mother nature is reminding us with the 100 degree weather that is so graciously here. With summer comes lots of outside time for the kids. Raising kids on the farm takes summer to a whole new level. There is just dirt everywhere, dirt in my house, dirt in the diapers, dirt places I didn't know dirt could go. It is just something I learn to deal with and I have also learned to hire a good cleaning lady.
But, with summer comes endless hours of fun and family time. We spend hours outside, in the fields, walking through the orchards, picking up parts, running down equipment and taking meals to the farm during those late work nights.
In the midst of all the craziness, there are certain things I just can't live without. Things that make life so much easier. Things that I have learned to love. I created a list of my summer essentials for raising kids on the farm. These have been some of my favorites during the last four years.

I have two kids, born during…
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A New Adventure


It’s been a busy month and a half to kick off the year.

New adventures, new beginnings and a new home!

 
PC: STACEY LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY
 



We sold our house, were temporarily homeless as our family called it, then we bought our new home on some farmland, and to top it all off I am in the middle of "conference season" as it is referred to by my husband. 

 

Growing up in the country, I've missed living on the farm. Living on the farm were some of my greatest memories. It helped mold me to who I am today. I loved watching the tractors from outside the kitchen window, being able to jump in the truck with my Dad whenever he was working near by, having the opportunity to raise livestock, riding quads around the farm and just being outside as a family. When the opportunity came up to purchase acreage with a house, we jumped on it. 

 

Logistically speaking it was a hard decision. We had to sell our house, which meant closing escrow before we closed on the new house. With a few weeks in between, we found ourselves bunking up with my in-laws. Not ideal, especially for them, but thankfully they took us in.

 

But it all worked out and now we are living on our “new farm” as my son calls it. The kids are busy exploring the almond orchard and we are busy making the beautiful farmhouse ours! 

 

We are lucky the orchard was planted in almonds 10 years ago, so we should be able to get some more years of productive life out of it. It will be all hands, big and little, on deck to ensure we keep costs down and make it a true family farm. Hoping to do as much ourselves as possible. My son is already driving his little tikes tractor around picking up sticks and my daughter just cries every time you tell her its time to go inside.

 
PC: STACEY LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

The home is in great shape, I just of course want to make it my own. So a few small renovations and we will be living in the main house soon! In the meantime, our little family of four is getting real cozy in the 1,000 square foot original 1930’s homestead that is also on the property. The real purpose for the original homestead will  be my mom’s guest house when she comes to visit, but in the short term it’s our home for now. Hoping we don't have to stay in this little house for too much longer and can move into the main house soon.

 
PC: STACEY LEIGH PHOTOGRAHY

Did I mention there are also corrals on the property? I grew up raising sheep and pigs so I can’t wait to get my kids some animals too! The 4h years will be here soon and if I can convince the farmer husband we will have chickens and sheep soon, but he’s still not too excited about it. My son already thinks he is getting a bunny for Easter…. wish my luck on that one!

The farmer husband is happy too because he finally gets his shop. He has been needing his own space for awhile now. Let's be real, the house is mine and the kids overtake the outside space. So with this new property, he gets a shop as well as a semi detached office space that I promised to just take one wall....and maybe a corner.

 

There will be a lot going on for us for awhile, the craziness is only just starting. I’ll be sure to share our journey, so be sure to follow along on my Instagram stories for the inside look! I have already been sharing some, but if you don't follow me go find me instagram.com/almondgirljenny/

 

We are so excited for our new adventure and to be able to enjoy life on the farm! 

Until Next Time,
Almond Girl Jenny





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