Is it a farm or a hobby? Am i a housewife or a farmer?

    Some of you may know I have been spending a lot of time with some amazing people at South Pork Ranch in Chatsworth IL. I have learned so much and have left feeling inspired each time I leave. I spend most of the time there listening and asking questions but I have been forced to do some real thinking when the tables were turned and  I was asked these two questions.....

"Is it a Farm or a Hobby?"

To me its a farm, I mean why would I live here if it wasn't right? Its 3.5 acres with a pretty farmhouse and a beautiful barn. It has gardens and fruit trees and is complete with a chicken coop. Its a farm.....but I knew I couldn't say that with confidence, something inside me was telling me "Its not a farm unless it pays the bills" Its not a real farm because my animals are pets. I love them and coo over them. I give them baths and tie bows in their hair. I would be laughed at if I said that out loud.
I had a lot of thinking to do. I want it to be a self sufficient farm. I want to grow or raise everything we eat and cut out processed foods. I want to get back to a more natural way of living and help others do the same. So for now it may be a hobby but you can bet it wont be for long.

"Just say it, you are a farmer"

Its true I am both a housewife and a farmer. I haul hay and carry buckets. I gather eggs and muck out stalls. I manage a variety of animal's well being and health. I grow, can, dehydrate and freeze tons of produce. I make homemade bread and know how to fry a chicken. I can keep up with the boys on Saturday and walk out of the house Sunday morning in heals and curls.
I am both a housewife and a farmer and I can say I've never been happier.

I am so grateful for the time I spend growing and learning on South Pork Ranch. I cant think of a better way to spend the day than improving yourself in some way, and ill do just that as long as they will have me.