I am 67 years old and have been married to a farmer for 49 years. I have had 49 years full of disappointments, frustrations, tragedies, failures, excitement, pleasures, success, hope and LOVE. The days are long and hard. The love of a good man and faith in God is not all you need. You do need breaks from the everyday goings on. Some days a good cry helps but I also have a good friend that lets me vent. She is my go to person when I need a day away. We go fishing, antiquing and out to eat.
I was taught this years ago: remember if you have a bad day, you don't ever have to repeat that day. You never know what adventure tomorrow holds! Simple,words, but have helped me often in life!!! God Bless!!!
Bri, you've shown us a way to overcome frustration, exhaustion and disappointment. You are a strong, patient, intelligent woman. You will learn, you will overcome. You will celebrate the good things. You will learn more from the bad things. Life will go on. Thank you, Bri.
I am so sorry about Dolly...she is such a sweetheart and the milk, butter, etc. would have been a blessing- but there will be something special yet to come, I just feel it!!! You are such a special family, and you bless so many of us by sharing your life with us. You have no idea how much I look forward to your videos. Thank you so very, very much for sharing your lives- the tough and the great- with us. The scripture end title is so perfect!
I think Dolly is the most beautiful cow I have ever seen. Flopsy is the most beautiful goat. You are a blessing. I hope you feel encouraged by at least me, because I think you are a such a beautiful soul. I believe you will be loving on new baby cows and goats before you know it.
I really admire you Bri for all you do on your homestead. And, I just wanted to say you are blessed with a beautiful family. I love watching your little ones play. God bless.
When one is discouraged and one needs help one needs only to feel gratitude and to count one's blessings. I won't bore you with my personal story, but I cannot even begin to tell you how thrilled I would be to have such precious children, and a lovely family as yours. You are truly fortunate and I love that you count your many blessings every day.
Briana, what makes you two so special compared to other new homesteader's vlogs, is that you are humble and retrospective. Sharing with us your emotions about homesteading makes the story so real.
Bri, thanks for sharing. For me, reciting all of the Blessings in my life gives me a lift up faster than anything else. I am sure both you and Art would agree, that is a long list in your case. keep your chin up and God Bless!
You guys are hands down a true set of role models for us my wife and I have three daughters ages 4 7 and 8! We are slowly starting our Homestead up here in Maine!!! keep up the great work you guys are doing awesome!!!!
Hi guys this is the first time I have commented. I have only just found your channel a week ago. I live in Australia about 100 km (60 miles) south of Sydney. I really enjoy your channel and have already learnt some new skills and refined others. I find your channel and you both to be extremely well rounded and down to earth. I would love to take the plunge into homesteading and hopefully within the next year or so may just do it. I am a mental health nurse and after watching your recent vlog on disappointment, exhaustion and frustration would like to say I believe you guys will and are successful in your achievements and life and bring me joy (sometimes when I have very much needed it) watching you move forward. It is people like you that bring hope and happiness to others in just being yourselves, please keep going and bless you and yours.
Thank you for sharing your heart . . . beautiful. I love the way you rest your mind by relaxing with your children. May His blessings continue to be upon you and your family through all the ups and downs. - Carrie
Hi.... Bri you have Don a great job I have seen it a hard work and you did it good nice to see you thank you for sharing your video homestead 🐔 🐓🐥🐈🐕🐖🐂🌱🐏🎥👍👍👍
You said you picked the wrong cow, but I have to disagree. Dolly is the most amazing, wonderful, sweetest 'first cow' that anyone could ever imagine. Everything happens for a reason, right? There's always a silver lining. I love your attitude Bri. You are a great example to all of us.
I know nothing about cows but I think Dolly is a a great "learner" cow myself! and she is beautiful! Sorry you're disappointed, Bri, just hang in there.
Bri!!! THIS IS AWESOME! Hugs! What brings me hope? Knowing that tomorrow is a new day and that there are more people to get advice from and books to learn from. I get hope from my faith and knowing that God loves me and has plans for me that are good. What brings me rest....is being in my garden. I'm not talking about the I must pick all the beans and deal with them time in the garden...but the solitude and healing that happens to my soul as I putter around there. I also rest...I watch videos and work and then rest...and then work and then rest. Balance is key...Making sure that I have not set too high a bar and that the needs of my family are still in balance with the other things on my to-do list is important! What brings me encouragement is 1. venting 2. Working a new plan 3. seeking out advice from others who know! I appreciate your message today so much! As a message that works far beyond homesteading!
Gratitude for what I have and always counting my blessings. For everything that disappoints me there is always something that brings me joy. Keep your head up. You all have accomplished a tremendous amount in a year. Be proud.
Bri, I loved your comparison of your learning about homesteading to Brighton's learning how to be a person...the frustrations with learning new skills, etc. It is so helpful for me to cognitively frame it as a developmental stage...much easier to have patience and grace with myself! With gardening over the past several years, I have learned that it is a more joyful activity when I have lower expectations. If I plant a variety of things, something is bound to do well, and something else will likely be a flop. I have realized that you can't win them all (every year). Also, I do a lot of "experimenting"...which helps keep things fun, and also allows me to think of it as a learning experience...where "failures" are just as informative as "successes." Thank you for sharing your days with us; you and your family are growing beautiful souls:)
I have grandchildren older than the two of you and like them you bring joy to this old woman's heart. You both have our love, admiration and appreciation for producing these videos. There is a well of strength and wisdom to draw from and it surfaces when you are supporting one another.
God Bless you sweet girl. You are an inspiration to so many and you bring light into a dark world. You and Arthur are my favorite family on You Tube. I love seeing what you will do next. As they say this to shall pass. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow will take care of itself, we have today and it is enough. I raised 5 kids on a farm and they are all grown and tell me it was the best thing we could ever have done for them. Your children are so blessed.
when I have a bad day it reminds me that the only way to know you are having a bad day is because you have good days to compare it to . love your opening video of the fog burning off to expose the mountains . it reminded me of the time I spent in west Virginia as a child visiting my grandfather
What a great post, it has touched my heart greatly. My husband and I live in California and are both working full time and homesteading nights and weekends. We also have three children (8,7, and 6). We are planning to move to South Carolina next June which is why we keep working now. But it is exhausting. I'm choosing to take 4 weeks off of work to catch up. This week I focused on the house, and next week canning (my kids are in Bible Camp). Then after that spending kid time/family time and like you I feel like that will be regeneration. Thank you as always for speaking truth about your journey.
my answer is easy as to what helps me when I am discouraged....I watch you! you are feeling overwhelmed with all the knowledge you need to learn but are learning slowly....I watch you WISHING I was as far as you are NOW....we are still looking and saving for our place...your family and your homestead have inspired me to try to achieve my dream of having a little homestead one day also...so when you feel overwhelmed, know that we out there watching you, are still wishing to be even a little bit where you are...I hope you read this the way I am saying it, like a verbal hug =) how wonderful your neighbors are to gift you a cow...why would anyone say anything bad about them....honestly, people are too quick with their negativity...My feelings are that homesteading is a constant learning experience...always changing...your garden looks amazing and is thriving!!! Sending you hugs for feeling overwhelmed...all you can do is put one foot in front of the other...and do one thing at a time...eventually, it will all get done, your family is in my prayers...=)
When I get super exhausted, nothing helps quite as much as a good cry!! Then dry my eyes, get up & get a proper perspective, like you just did, and march on. All you can do is keep on keeping on!!! Besides providing for your family, you're teaching your children SUCH valuable life lessons!!
You're going to be just fine, Bri, because you get it. You have the perfect temperament and perspective for this life. You guys have come so far in such a short time! If I wasn't so dang busy with my garden, canning, freezing etc, I'd come help you! You're not that far away!
As a stay at home mom of 4 girls, I remember how exhausting days can be and I wish I could say something to really encourage you. I guess I would just say that one day, outta the blue, its all over; they are all gone with lives of their own, it seems the Lord takes his time often to remind them of their momma and her sacrifices and you remember that the days like you are having now, though exhausting, are the best days of your life. May He continue to bless you richly.
Bri, Thank you so much for this video. We truly needed this today. We are in our first year of homesteading and while we love it, and know this is the best possible life for our family- sometimes things do go wrong and stuff does get hard! Case in point, we are starting back homeschooling this week (so I was already very busy and stressed...then BOTH of our vehicles broke down within a day of eachother! Yikes! An extra expense we definitely were not prepared for! Anyhow, this video was just the inspiration we needed to hear! We love your channel, and we have just started vlogging ourselves (as a way to look back on our life and what we have accomplished/learned, as well as a way for our family that lives far away to see what were doing). There is truly so much to learn and no 2 days are ever the same! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for posting this video, I really needed this today. My great Pyrenees puppy killed eight ducks that were three months old. I paid $50 for those ducks, brooded them in my house, built a little pond for them, and they're all gone. Never got a single duck egg, never got a taste of duck meat. It's so disappointing because as homesteaders I think we make all these elaborate plans in our head, when something falls apart you lose all of those plans too. But, if I'm being honest, making plans is really one of my favorite parts of homesteading. Now I get to make a new plan, I've always wanted to order one of those backyard homestead combos from McMurray hatchery with the ducks and geese and turkeys. So now I get to make plans for that. Thanks Bri.
Wish I lived close to you so I could help you... I raised 3 children and we grew and raised most of our food so I know the frustration.... our children are in the 40's now and live out of state... would love to help out on a homestead.. it will get easier and as the children grow you will have many hands ❤️
I agree. Not only that, you are giving your children such a beautiful gift by living this lifestyle. You can't even imagine all the ways they are being blessed right now. Blessings that will make a difference to them in their later years.
Thank you for sharing the good and the bad...folks want to scoot by the bad sometimes, make their lives look great, thanks for the reality, the honesty, and the kindness you bring, may God continue to bless your efforts.
My thoughts are with you. I've come to love your videos because of the joy you express in the life you are now living. It's a great lesson for your children to see as you you succeed and as you sometimes fail and no matter which you don't fall apart with remorse or anger but demonstrate to them that you just move on, learn from the mistakes and celebrate the victories. You are a dear family.
Bri that was a very encouraging video. I take care of my father who has Alzheimer. And never dreamed I would have chicken and a small garden this year. Not always easy to take care of both. But with Gods help I have accomplished a small harvest. Makes me excited for next year!😉 You and Art have done a Wonderful job on your homestead!! You encourage many folks!
Hi Bri,you and Art are so very blessed. For over a decade I have longed for a homestead and due to circumstances out of my control it hasn't become my reality. So I live with a different kind of disappointment and frustration. But I take breaks like you do and always turn to God when I'm feeling overwhelmed. Thank you for being so honest with your life. I always enjoy your video content. :-) Gabby
You reminded me of something a friend led me to many years ago... 2 Corinthians NIV Selection: Praise to the God of All Comfort 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
hi , well this is why I love your channel so much , it is not only about the homesteading /informative but we are actually seeing and meeting new people , your familiy . And also how you talk to us in this video gives people somethings to think about , well for example disappointment was here in the morning , seems my veggies have been doing bad , all my chicks died and then the hard work for the season to put up young plants from seeds did not even begin that part because I'm to blame for the disappointment . If I knew more about tomato and beans , carrots they would have not failed , I have zero tomatoes from them , putted wrong labels around plants which results in wrong growth of it , wrong compost ( tomato was put in the ground without anything to hold and getting rained on ) beans are lost because I assumed they needed more time , no all got bad with dark bugs , sunflowers are eaten by birds and my chickens have nothing if I do not go out shopping for expensive feed I havent count on ... so your video today is helping me out to be honest ... i'm sitting down to the packs sort of speak and couldn't find the motivation but I guess I 'll just have to put up my raised beds and start my plants right ?? ty so much for your vid x
Bri, I wanted to share with you how I deal with frustration & exhaustion. I listen to Praise & Worship songs worshipping God and waiting on him to renew me. He knows my needs and he knows your needs. He is providing for you in the season in which you need it. Your Homestead has grown tremendously in just 1 year. Trust that God knows what you truly need right now and what you can handle right now. He is our father and just like you don't want your children to fail, God doesn't want you and Art to fail either. Make your plans but wait patiently on the Lord! Love your channel and love your heart.
Sorry about Dolly. Great advice you have about breaks. That is the only way I can keep going to get as much done as I can. Glad you are blessed with good and generous neighbors. Sometimes that can make all the difference. No man is an island sort of thing. You guys are doing a great job, I enjoy your family.
What a honest Lady you are Bri, and we learn so much by mistakes as well. as I have found out going through life. bless you both, and thank you for sharing life with us all. Briddy.
When I'm disappointed, frustrated & exhausted I go to the rock of my salvation -Jesus and I think of all the things I am thankful for! That puts things into perspective quickly! Jeremiah 29:11
Knowing there is a new sunrise tomorrow and it is a new day! I have an opportunity to make a good story each day.. you are awesome and I am impressed! Thank you Love your peeks into your life!
It is very possible Dolly was bred but miscarried early in her pregnancy. There is always a chance a disease such as Genital Vibriosis -- the STD of cattle -- caused it or something nastier. You also see miscarriages when cattle are transported due to stress and trauma. And there are times it happens for no known reason. Dolly is not past her prime for a family cow -- in a commercial dairy, yes -- but with proper care she could easily calf again -- if not several more times. An examination by the vet would tell you more. Now we raised Galloways -- which are primarily beef cattle -- and did not depend on them for milk. The breed is known for easy calving yet we did loose an occasional dam and/or calf. Now we had one ancient lady who was the oldest in the herd -- and our first. She produced some beautiful calves and then just stopped. She had such a strong maternal streak in her that we used her as a foster Mom for our bottle calves and did an excellent job of it -- so she was never slaughtered for meat. But we were financially able to do that since we raised our own hay and had access to rented pastures beyond ours. We also had the flexibility not to bred every year -- thus wearing our dams out. A year without a calf might do Dolly good :o)
I love this video. I'm only on at the beginning of year two and had some major set backs and disappointments. It's hard when you are learning everything for the first time. It takes a physical and mental toll. When I was down, I took hope in knowing that no matter how hard, or how impossible this life seemed for me, there is a reason I started this, and I will push through, push back, and push forward. I always try to remember the excitement and passion I had when I started.
Thank you for this video. The realities are so important. We are waiting on variance letter to find out whether we can have our animals. The waiting is hard. Not being discouraged is getting hard. Thank you again for perspective
Typically I start my morning around 3am, I eat breakfast, I water my fruit trees and feed my chickens, sometimes my kids are scared or fussy and I end up tending to them when I should be getting ready for work. I always try and give myself a half hour before I start work where I can sit in my truck and watch your show before getting into the craziness of life. THANK YOU.
Thank you for sharing all the knowledge you have acquired over the last year. Keep searching for the truth and keep believing in what you know is best for your family.....and relax....your success has been amazing and inspiring!
I totally feel your heartache...we are in our second year and have a garden and rabbits...it has been almost 2 full years of dissapointment and trials for a lack of knowledge...even after a full year of research on rabbits alone...we have dealt with dissapointment by reminding ourselves that it is inevitable that there will be failures....what keeps me going is the sense of strength and empowerment that comes with even the smallest of successes.... When exhaustion hits I force myself to rest and am lucky to have an amazing husband who will take the reins until Im fit....joy...learning brings me joy and my family brings the excitement....great video might have to do a continuation/response video
We live in the Ozarks. We have a beautiful place too, but only two acres. We do have a year round creek. I am 61, my husband is 67. We had a fabulous garden this year, thanks to my husband because I had knee replacement in June. We've had to give away most of the produce, cause I wasn't able to can. Your family gives us hope for the future! After we are gone.
God bless you and your family. It touches my heart to see good people doing the right thing. I've been struggling myself right now with the disappointment and frustration of injuring my leg and being unable to do what I want to in my garden. I've had to get better at letting go and letting God. I focus on what is growing well and watch people like you who are doing better than you realize.
You guys are good people and I really appreciate these videos. My wife and I are pretty new to this sort of lifestyle as well. Our chickens are laying like crazy right now and I didn't have appropriate nesting boxes built on their coop yet, so I built some boxes like yours out of milk crates. It works great. Thanks for what you do.
Bri...that was the Best Video ever!! I Love your honesty and I feel so bad for you about the disappointment and Exhaustion! Thank you so much for sharing what you did...That's educational! I believe that it's all going to work out for the Highest Good of all Concerned. You are one of the most kind, gentle, and patient people I ever seen. The Lord knows your pain and will give you the encouragement and and confidence you need. May God continue to Bless You and your Family.. Cate xo
Expectations and reality are two different things..As we learn the reality of where we live and what we do then we can set reasoned expectations.. One of many lessons learned from 70+ years walking..
Sorry for your frustration. You and Art are doing such an amazing job. You are both so inspiring. You are truly blessed with a beautiful family and homestead. I love watching your video's and appreciate all your hard work. I always enjoy the time lapse at the beginning of every video but this particular video was cool with that bird landing on the post. Dealing with frustration, exhaustion and disappointment is all about perspective. Focusing on what is going right and all the positives is the way to go. Sounds like you have a good handle on it. knowing how to take breaks when you need it can be challenging. I love your solution to that, spending time with your kids at play is perfect! Keep up the good work. I look forward to the next video!
I'm sorry Dolly is not bred. You have accomplished so much in such a short time! Your blessings are amazing. You have such a lovely family!I have many favorite bible verses! The book of Ecclesiastes is a great book to read!Chapter 1 talks about the cycle of life and chapter 3 is how God gives order to our lives. That's what lifts me up when there are days I might be disappointed, a little discouraged or maybe just flat out exhausted! It's HIS truth and wisdom that sets me free!I hope that helps you as much as it does me!Take care of yourself and your precious family!
I totally understand why you are disappointed, you work hard and really care about what you are doing. You are doing an amazing job and raising amazing children. Here is a big hug. We (the viewer) love watching you doing your chores, feeding and looking after the animals and your amazing garden and we thank you so much for allowing us to share.
Bri, the best vlog you've done so far. Honest, informative, passionate and heartfelt. I really enjoy this one. Learned more about you than any of the previous ones. 5 stars
A beautiful perspective Bri!!! I often think in terms of a woman in labor. If I take each set back as just a moment in time, it is not overwhelming, just as taking each contraction by itself and not allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by how many more labor pains are to come.
This is inspiring. I think we can see your feelings in you countenance as you go through all these feelings. Sorry Bri, no poker face for you. Your attitude is amazing. It encourages me to be better. Thank you.
*Hugs* Bri, you do look tired, but also like you're happy & satisfied. I know that feeling. I'm exhausted a lot too-- but the good kind of exhaustion where you know all those hours of work mean something for you & your family. I think that's what gets me through. My older boy who is 8 helped me this year with canning beans and took a genuine interest in asking questions and getting involved. It made my heart SO happy, and I hope some day when he thinks back it will be a fond memory he has of his step-mama. Good luck with everything -- I'm excited to see the updates you make to that amazing root cellar!
Life is chopped full of frustration. But it is also wonderful and exciting. My dad always said you have to take the good with the bad. Your children are so beautiful, kind and smart. Be of good cheer, love abounds.
It is so good to hear the positive message you gave today. Every day is a new day and He is always there to help us. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24. Your children will really appreciate the love you show them even though you have so much to do. Someday they will look back and their hearts will be bursting with love for all you do and have done.
I totally understand how you feel...I have had many issue's to deal with when it comes to raising chickens, and it's been an uphill battle for sure, but it's a live and learn deal, rolling with the punches as they come.
Dolly and Flopsy were destined to be with such a caring and loving family. They are healthy and happy and hopefully this time next year, you will have more milk than you know what to do with. You have accomplished amazing things and I watch with so much admiration.
Some berries will fall off because I will not get them picked this afternoon but after giving others treatment for their back problems my own needs treatment and rest so I am catching up on other homesteader's videos. When we had company coming my mother would send me to the root cellar to get one quart for each of a variety of things.
What gives me hope, rest and encouragement is watching you guys, honestly, you's are great and deserve all that life brings to you's. Good luck and prosperity in all your future projects, I still think you's are the best RUclips channel because of your honesty and open nature. A big 👍from us here in Ireland, lots of love Chris
I stumbled upon this video, and loved what you had to say. I have a completely different life to you. I live in the UK and live in a city with a very 9-5 life. Your gentle nature and passion came across quite clearly and I found encouragement in my own life. Thank you...I think I may watch more!
Don't be discouraged. Live and learn. When you take on new projects ask question and take nothing for granted no body said it would be easy. Put off starting school till after harvest. Love your videos. Something's have gone very easy and something's haven't been easy for you folks. Learn from it and move on.
i love what you said. about not to worry about tomorrow.. i need to tell myself that all the time.. i want to be connected with more farmers.. just dont know anybody yet. thank you for your inspiration!
Poor Bri don't get down on your self,raising a family is a job in itself and your a very good mom,wife ,working on the farm,you go all day and work so very hard,your pets are part of your family, Dolly is such a great cow so loveable,your garden is amazing,take some time with you husband and hold each other, love your homestead cams you should be so proud of what you have done your an angel and inspire so many of us
Lamentations 3:22-23 "because of the Lords great love we are not consumed. His compassions never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." This has always been my go to verse when I'm feeling stressed or at the end of my rope. You're doing an amazing job raising your family and building your homestead. Try not to feel too discouraged with the news of dolly. Things happen for a reason and God will make his plans known. I wish you and your family the best of luck! I absolutely love watching your videos and hope to one day start my own homestead as well. You're a true inspiration.
Bri, I love you and your honesty about everything life is offering you. I am sure Dilly not being bred is a blow you weren't expecting, but hopefully down the line you can have her bred. Your whole family has really come together to work so hard in short period of time to accomplish all you have, you guys are doing amazing. If I was closer I would be over there helping you out it all up for winter. Hopefully you can find some eager helpers when the full harvest starts coming in full force. 💜
Just when I thought I couldn't love your channel more. Love your positivity Bri. Thank you for sharing, even the bad stuff. Thanks for keeping it real. You're good people!! 💙💙💙
Dolly's health has improved SO much since you've had her. I truly would not give up on having her pasture bred or AI'd. God is good all the time and worthy of much praise in our valley moments and our mountain top moments. Y'all are a blessing to everyone who watches your channel! There is a time and season for everything...it's just another step in your journey of this lifestyle you and Art are building for your beautiful family. Y'all are doing a GREAT JOB!!!! ♥️
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing. My wife and I are looking forward to our own adventurers very soon with Homesteading. Keep up the good work! You are fighting the good fight! You are an inspiration to many....
Good vid. I'm homesteading in Florida, from scratch, and this lifestyle is not for the weak. 1 step forward and 10 steps back is how it seems while homesteading. Just remember .... at least it was 1 step forward. Keep going.
I appreciate this, today, Bri. our young doeling that I nursed back to health after a dog attack, just died last night. The antibiotic shot from the vet gave her severe diarrhea and she went down fast. So sad!! it made me want to give up goats altogether. its amazing how emotional a setback like that can be. We home school our children too. Our family enjoys your videos. Thanks for being real, Danielle from Indiana ☺
I watch the baby ducklings, they make me smile. My new silkies were hatched very close to yours.. Bri, you Art and the children are so important to me, I live by myself you are my close neighbors via You Tube, Thanks so much for being there for everyone who watches your vlog
What helps me is making secondary plans. Take Dolly for example. I would plan to try breeding her one more time. I would not stop breeding the goats just because you are trying to breed the cow. I would line up a butcher for Dolly if she doesn't breed the next time. It is very important to have a plan b for when plan a falls apart. Then have a plan c for when plan b falls apart. You will sleep safer because you have contingency plans ready.
I am 67 years old and have been married to a farmer for 49 years. I have had 49 years full of disappointments, frustrations, tragedies, failures, excitement, pleasures, success, hope and LOVE. The days are long and hard. The love of a good man and faith in God is not all you need. You do need breaks from the everyday goings on. Some days a good cry helps but I also have a good friend that lets me vent. She is my go to person when I need a day away. We go fishing, antiquing and out to eat.
Thanks for your uplifting words
I was taught this years ago: remember if you have a bad day, you don't ever have to repeat that day. You never know what adventure tomorrow holds! Simple,words, but have helped me often in life!!! God Bless!!!
Bri, you've shown us a way to overcome frustration, exhaustion and disappointment. You are a strong, patient, intelligent woman. You will learn, you will overcome. You will celebrate the good things. You will learn more from the bad things. Life will go on. Thank you, Bri.
Yes, sister
I am so sorry about Dolly...she is such a sweetheart and the milk, butter, etc. would have been a blessing- but there will be something special yet to come, I just feel it!!! You are such a special family, and you bless so many of us by sharing your life with us. You have no idea how much I look forward to your videos. Thank you so very, very much for sharing your lives- the tough and the great- with us. The scripture end title is so perfect!
I think Dolly is the most beautiful cow I have ever seen. Flopsy is the most beautiful goat. You are a blessing. I hope you feel encouraged by at least me, because I think you are a such a beautiful soul. I believe you will be loving on new baby cows and goats before you know it.
Angela Burns took the words right out of my mouth.
What a learning experience this has been. Looking forward to the next steps! God really is good and will be with you!
I really admire you Bri for all you do on your homestead. And, I just wanted to say you are blessed with a beautiful family. I love watching your little ones play. God bless.
When one is discouraged and one needs help one needs only to feel gratitude and to count one's blessings.
I won't bore you with my personal story, but I cannot even begin to tell you how thrilled I would be to have such precious children, and a lovely family as yours. You are truly fortunate and I love that you count your many blessings every day.
Briana, what makes you two so special compared to other new homesteader's vlogs, is that you are humble and retrospective. Sharing with us your emotions about homesteading makes the story so real.
Bri, thanks for sharing. For me, reciting all of the Blessings in my life gives me a lift up faster than anything else. I am sure both you and Art would agree, that is a long list in your case. keep your chin up and God Bless!
Watching your videos does it for me. I enjoy them so much
Absolutely beautiful! HOPE and FAITH are my favorite words I live by! May God continue to bless your sweet family and homestead!
You guys are hands down a true set of role models for us my wife and I have three daughters ages 4 7 and 8! We are slowly starting our Homestead up here in Maine!!! keep up the great work you guys are doing awesome!!!!
Amen and amen. As always extremely wonderful, encouraging, and beautiful videos! Thank you for the contribution to all our lives.
Hi guys this is the first time I have commented. I have only just found your channel a week ago. I live in Australia about 100 km (60 miles) south of Sydney. I really enjoy your channel and have already learnt some new skills and refined others. I find your channel and you both to be extremely well rounded and down to earth. I would love to take the plunge into homesteading and hopefully within the next year or so may just do it. I am a mental health nurse and after watching your recent vlog on disappointment, exhaustion and frustration would like to say I believe you guys will and are successful in your achievements and life and bring me joy (sometimes when I have very much needed it) watching you move forward. It is people like you that bring hope and happiness to others in just being yourselves, please keep going and bless you and yours.
Thank you for sharing your heart . . . beautiful. I love the way you rest your mind by relaxing with your children. May His blessings continue to be upon you and your family through all the ups and downs. - Carrie
Hi.... Bri you have Don a great job I have seen it a hard work and you did it good nice to see you thank you for sharing your video homestead 🐔 🐓🐥🐈🐕🐖🐂🌱🐏🎥👍👍👍
You said you picked the wrong cow, but I have to disagree. Dolly is the most amazing, wonderful, sweetest 'first cow' that anyone could ever imagine. Everything happens for a reason, right? There's always a silver lining. I love your attitude Bri. You are a great example to all of us.
I know nothing about cows but I think Dolly is a a great "learner" cow myself! and she is beautiful! Sorry you're disappointed, Bri, just hang in there.
Bri!!! THIS IS AWESOME! Hugs!
What brings me hope? Knowing that tomorrow is a new day and that there are more people to get advice from and books to learn from. I get hope from my faith and knowing that God loves me and has plans for me that are good.
What brings me rest....is being in my garden. I'm not talking about the I must pick all the beans and deal with them time in the garden...but the solitude and healing that happens to my soul as I putter around there. I also rest...I watch videos and work and then rest...and then work and then rest. Balance is key...Making sure that I have not set too high a bar and that the needs of my family are still in balance with the other things on my to-do list is important!
What brings me encouragement is 1. venting 2. Working a new plan 3. seeking out advice from others who know!
I appreciate your message today so much! As a message that works far beyond homesteading!
Gratitude for what I have and always counting my blessings. For everything that disappoints me there is always something that brings me joy. Keep your head up. You all have accomplished a tremendous amount in a year. Be proud.
Bri, I loved your comparison of your learning about homesteading to Brighton's learning how to be a person...the frustrations with learning new skills, etc. It is so helpful for me to cognitively frame it as a developmental stage...much easier to have patience and grace with myself! With gardening over the past several years, I have learned that it is a more joyful activity when I have lower expectations. If I plant a variety of things, something is bound to do well, and something else will likely be a flop. I have realized that you can't win them all (every year). Also, I do a lot of "experimenting"...which helps keep things fun, and also allows me to think of it as a learning experience...where "failures" are just as informative as "successes." Thank you for sharing your days with us; you and your family are growing beautiful souls:)
I have grandchildren older than the two of you and like them you bring joy to this old woman's heart. You both have our love, admiration and appreciation for producing these videos. There is a well of strength and wisdom to draw from and it surfaces when you are supporting one another.
God Bless you sweet girl. You are an inspiration to so many and you bring light into a dark world. You and Arthur are my favorite family on You Tube. I love seeing what you will do next. As they say this to shall pass. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow will take care of itself, we have today and it is enough. I raised 5 kids on a farm and they are all grown and tell me it was the best thing we could ever have done for them. Your children are so blessed.
Bri, I was just think the other day how much your family has done in such a short time. Your doing great! So many blessing on your homestead.😀
when I have a bad day it reminds me that the only way to know you are having a bad day is because you have good days to compare it to . love your opening video of the fog burning off to expose the mountains . it reminded me of the time I spent in west Virginia as a child visiting my grandfather
What a great post, it has touched my heart greatly. My husband and I live in California and are both working full time and homesteading nights and weekends. We also have three children (8,7, and 6). We are planning to move to South Carolina next June which is why we keep working now. But it is exhausting. I'm choosing to take 4 weeks off of work to catch up. This week I focused on the house, and next week canning (my kids are in Bible Camp). Then after that spending kid time/family time and like you I feel like that will be regeneration. Thank you as always for speaking truth about your journey.
Big hug to you, Bri! This is a great video! you look so tired, but you're still going at it. You are an inspiration.
my answer is easy as to what helps me when I am discouraged....I watch you! you are feeling overwhelmed with all the knowledge you need to learn but are learning slowly....I watch you WISHING I was as far as you are NOW....we are still looking and saving for our place...your family and your homestead have inspired me to try to achieve my dream of having a little homestead one day also...so when you feel overwhelmed, know that we out there watching you, are still wishing to be even a little bit where you are...I hope you read this the way I am saying it, like a verbal hug =) how wonderful your neighbors are to gift you a cow...why would anyone say anything bad about them....honestly, people are too quick with their negativity...My feelings are that homesteading is a constant learning experience...always changing...your garden looks amazing and is thriving!!! Sending you hugs for feeling overwhelmed...all you can do is put one foot in front of the other...and do one thing at a time...eventually, it will all get done, your family is in my prayers...=)
"He works all things together for our good"
Stephen Smith ?I am looking forward to seeing my redeemer face to face
amen! kneel when needed. Ask him for help, when things get out of control.
When I get super exhausted, nothing helps quite as much as a good cry!! Then dry my eyes, get up & get a proper perspective, like you just did, and march on. All you can do is keep on keeping on!!! Besides providing for your family, you're teaching your children SUCH valuable life lessons!!
You're going to be just fine, Bri, because you get it. You have the perfect temperament and perspective for this life. You guys have come so far in such a short time! If I wasn't so dang busy with my garden, canning, freezing etc, I'd come help you! You're not that far away!
As a stay at home mom of 4 girls, I remember how exhausting days can be and I wish I could say something to really encourage you. I guess I would just say that one day, outta the blue, its all over; they are all gone with lives of their own, it seems the Lord takes his time often to remind them of their momma and her sacrifices and you remember that the days like you are having now, though exhausting, are the best days of your life. May He continue to bless you richly.
Yes, Amen to that!
Bri, Thank you so much for this video. We truly needed this today. We are in our first year of homesteading and while we love it, and know this is the best possible life for our family- sometimes things do go wrong and stuff does get hard! Case in point, we are starting back homeschooling this week (so I was already very busy and stressed...then BOTH of our vehicles broke down within a day of eachother! Yikes! An extra expense we definitely were not prepared for! Anyhow, this video was just the inspiration we needed to hear!
We love your channel, and we have just started vlogging ourselves (as a way to look back on our life and what we have accomplished/learned, as well as a way for our family that lives far away to see what were doing). There is truly so much to learn and no 2 days are ever the same! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for posting this video, I really needed this today. My great Pyrenees puppy killed eight ducks that were three months old. I paid $50 for those ducks, brooded them in my house, built a little pond for them, and they're all gone. Never got a single duck egg, never got a taste of duck meat. It's so disappointing because as homesteaders I think we make all these elaborate plans in our head, when something falls apart you lose all of those plans too. But, if I'm being honest, making plans is really one of my favorite parts of homesteading. Now I get to make a new plan, I've always wanted to order one of those backyard homestead combos from McMurray hatchery with the ducks and geese and turkeys. So now I get to make plans for that. Thanks Bri.
Bri, 4 month old homesteader here. Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing your life lessons. They are helping me tremendously. Keep it real.
You're doing an awesome job and your family is beautiful.
A duck pond raised above the gardern..cast iron tub and drain into the garden. They are messy. Good luck with getting the girls bred.
Wish I lived close to you so I could help you... I raised 3 children and we grew and raised most of our food so I know the frustration.... our children are in the 40's now and live out of state... would love to help out on a homestead.. it will get easier and as the children grow you will have many hands ❤️
I agree. Not only that, you are giving your children such a beautiful gift by living this lifestyle. You can't even imagine all the ways they are being blessed right now. Blessings that will make a difference to them in their later years.
Yes! All of their lives!
Completely honest:. watching an Art & Bri video helps me deal with disappointment. Including this morning. So Thank You.
This is just a good video. Good people working hard. Your garden is amazing! Your kids are beautiful.
Thank you for sharing the good and the bad...folks want to scoot by the bad sometimes, make their lives look great, thanks for the reality, the honesty, and the kindness you bring, may God continue to bless your efforts.
My thoughts are with you. I've come to love your videos because of the joy you express in the life you are now living. It's a great lesson for your children to see as you you succeed and as you sometimes fail and no matter which you don't fall apart with remorse or anger but demonstrate to them that you just move on, learn from the mistakes and celebrate the victories. You are a dear family.
Bri that was a very encouraging video. I take care of my father who has Alzheimer. And never dreamed I would have chicken and a small garden this year.
Not always easy to take care of both. But with Gods help I have accomplished a small harvest. Makes me excited for next year!😉
You and Art have done a Wonderful job on your homestead!! You encourage many folks!
Hi Bri,you and Art are so very blessed. For over a decade I have longed for a homestead and due to circumstances out of my control it hasn't become my reality. So I live with a different kind of disappointment and frustration. But I take breaks like you do and always turn to God when I'm feeling overwhelmed. Thank you for being so honest with your life. I always enjoy your video content. :-) Gabby
You reminded me of something a friend led me to many years ago...
2 Corinthians NIV Selection:
Praise to the God of All Comfort
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
hi , well this is why I love your channel so much , it is not only about the homesteading /informative but we are actually seeing and meeting new people , your familiy . And also how you talk to us in this video gives people somethings to think about , well for example disappointment was here in the morning , seems my veggies have been doing bad , all my chicks died and then the hard work for the season to put up young plants from seeds did not even begin that part because I'm to blame for the disappointment . If I knew more about tomato and beans , carrots they would have not failed , I have zero tomatoes from them , putted wrong labels around plants which results in wrong growth of it , wrong compost ( tomato was put in the ground without anything to hold and getting rained on ) beans are lost because I assumed they needed more time , no all got bad with dark bugs , sunflowers are eaten by birds and my chickens have nothing if I do not go out shopping for expensive feed I havent count on ... so your video today is helping me out to be honest ... i'm sitting down to the packs sort of speak and couldn't find the motivation but I guess I 'll just have to put up my raised beds and start my plants right ?? ty so much for your vid x
Bri, I wanted to share with you how I deal with frustration & exhaustion. I listen to Praise & Worship songs worshipping God and waiting on him to renew me. He knows my needs and he knows your needs. He is providing for you in the season in which you need it. Your Homestead has grown tremendously in just 1 year. Trust that God knows what you truly need right now and what you can handle right now. He is our father and just like you don't want your children to fail, God doesn't want you and Art to fail either. Make your plans but wait patiently on the Lord! Love your channel and love your heart.
Sorry about Dolly. Great advice you have about breaks. That is the only way I can keep going to get as much done as I can. Glad you are blessed with good and generous neighbors. Sometimes that can make all the difference. No man is an island sort of thing. You guys are doing a great job, I enjoy your family.
What a honest Lady you are Bri, and we learn so much by mistakes as well. as I have found out going through life. bless you both, and thank you for sharing life with us all. Briddy.
When I'm disappointed, frustrated & exhausted I go to the rock of my salvation -Jesus and I think of all the things I am thankful for! That puts things into perspective quickly! Jeremiah 29:11
Knowing there is a new sunrise tomorrow and it is a new day! I have an opportunity to make a good story each day.. you are awesome and I am impressed! Thank you Love your peeks into your life!
It is very possible Dolly was bred but miscarried early in her pregnancy. There is always a chance a disease such as Genital Vibriosis -- the STD of cattle -- caused it or something nastier. You also see miscarriages when cattle are transported due to stress and trauma. And there are times it happens for no known reason. Dolly is not past her prime for a family cow -- in a commercial dairy, yes -- but with proper care she could easily calf again -- if not several more times. An examination by the vet would tell you more. Now we raised Galloways -- which are primarily beef cattle -- and did not depend on them for milk. The breed is known for easy calving yet we did loose an occasional dam and/or calf. Now we had one ancient lady who was the oldest in the herd -- and our first. She produced some beautiful calves and then just stopped. She had such a strong maternal streak in her that we used her as a foster Mom for our bottle calves and did an excellent job of it -- so she was never slaughtered for meat. But we were financially able to do that since we raised our own hay and had access to rented pastures beyond ours. We also had the flexibility not to bred every year -- thus wearing our dams out. A year without a calf might do Dolly good :o)
I love this video. I'm only on at the beginning of year two and had some major set backs and disappointments. It's hard when you are learning everything for the first time. It takes a physical and mental toll.
When I was down, I took hope in knowing that no matter how hard, or how impossible this life seemed for me, there is a reason I started this, and I will push through, push back, and push forward. I always try to remember the excitement and passion I had when I started.
“Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax.” I ❤️ you all .
Thank you for this video. The realities are so important. We are waiting on variance letter to find out whether we can have our animals. The waiting is hard. Not being discouraged is getting hard. Thank you again for perspective
Typically I start my morning around 3am, I eat breakfast, I water my fruit trees and feed my chickens, sometimes my kids are scared or fussy and I end up tending to them when I should be getting ready for work. I always try and give myself a half hour before I start work where I can sit in my truck and watch your show before getting into the craziness of life. THANK YOU.
Sending you loving energy. Thsnk you for sharing the difficulties, that is where the pavement really hits the road.
Thank you for sharing all the knowledge you have acquired over the last year. Keep searching for the truth and keep believing in what you know is best for your family.....and relax....your success has been amazing and inspiring!
I totally feel your heartache...we are in our second year and have a garden and rabbits...it has been almost 2 full years of dissapointment and trials for a lack of knowledge...even after a full year of research on rabbits alone...we have dealt with dissapointment by reminding ourselves that it is inevitable that there will be failures....what keeps me going is the sense of strength and empowerment that comes with even the smallest of successes.... When exhaustion hits I force myself to rest and am lucky to have an amazing husband who will take the reins until Im fit....joy...learning brings me joy and my family brings the excitement....great video might have to do a continuation/response video
We live in the Ozarks. We have a beautiful place too, but only two acres. We do have a year round creek. I am 61, my husband is 67. We had a fabulous garden this year, thanks to my husband because I had knee replacement in June. We've had to give away most of the produce, cause I wasn't able to can. Your family gives us hope for the future! After we are gone.
God bless you and your family. It touches my heart to see good people doing the right thing. I've been struggling myself right now with the disappointment and frustration of injuring my leg and being unable to do what I want to in my garden. I've had to get better at letting go and letting God. I focus on what is growing well and watch people like you who are doing better than you realize.
You guys are good people and I really appreciate these videos. My wife and I are pretty new to this sort of lifestyle as well. Our chickens are laying like crazy right now and I didn't have appropriate nesting boxes built on their coop yet, so I built some boxes like yours out of milk crates. It works great. Thanks for what you do.
Bri...that was the Best Video ever!! I Love your honesty and I feel so bad for you about the disappointment and Exhaustion! Thank you so much for sharing what you did...That's educational!
I believe that it's all going to work out for the Highest Good of all Concerned. You are one of the most kind, gentle, and patient people I ever seen.
The Lord knows your pain and will give you the encouragement and and confidence you need. May God continue to Bless You and your Family.. Cate xo
Expectations and reality are two different things..As we learn the reality of where we live and what we do then we can set reasoned expectations.. One of many lessons learned from 70+ years walking..
Sorry for your frustration. You and Art are doing such an amazing job. You are both so inspiring. You are truly blessed with a beautiful family and homestead. I love watching your video's and appreciate all your hard work. I always enjoy the time lapse at the beginning of every video but this particular video was cool with that bird landing on the post.
Dealing with frustration, exhaustion and disappointment is all about perspective. Focusing on what is going right and all the positives is the way to go. Sounds like you have a good handle on it. knowing how to take breaks when you need it can be challenging. I love your solution to that, spending time with your kids at play is perfect! Keep up the good work. I look forward to the next video!
I'm sorry Dolly is not bred. You have accomplished so much in such a short time! Your blessings are amazing. You have such a lovely family!I have many favorite bible verses! The book of Ecclesiastes is a great book to read!Chapter 1 talks about the cycle of life and chapter 3 is how God gives order to our lives. That's what lifts me up when there are days I might be disappointed, a little discouraged or maybe just flat out exhausted! It's HIS truth and wisdom that sets me free!I hope that helps you as much as it does me!Take care of yourself and your precious family!
Your family is in my prayers and I may not know you guys but I am proud of you and feel encouraged by your videos!!
I totally understand why you are disappointed, you work hard and really care about what you are doing. You are doing an amazing job and raising amazing children. Here is a big hug. We (the viewer) love watching you doing your chores, feeding and looking after the animals and your amazing garden and we thank you so much for allowing us to share.
Bri, the best vlog you've done so far. Honest, informative, passionate and heartfelt. I really enjoy this one. Learned more about you than any of the previous ones. 5 stars
A beautiful perspective Bri!!! I often think in terms of a woman in labor. If I take each set back as just a moment in time, it is not overwhelming, just as taking each contraction by itself and not allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by how many more labor pains are to come.
This is inspiring. I think we can see your feelings in you countenance as you go through all these feelings. Sorry Bri, no poker face for you.
Your attitude is amazing. It encourages me to be better. Thank you.
Great Video. Bits of motivation here and there. And yes, you need to love yourselves because one cannot serve from an empty bowl.
*Hugs* Bri, you do look tired, but also like you're happy & satisfied. I know that feeling. I'm exhausted a lot too-- but the good kind of exhaustion where you know all those hours of work mean something for you & your family. I think that's what gets me through. My older boy who is 8 helped me this year with canning beans and took a genuine interest in asking questions and getting involved. It made my heart SO happy, and I hope some day when he thinks back it will be a fond memory he has of his step-mama. Good luck with everything -- I'm excited to see the updates you make to that amazing root cellar!
Life is chopped full of frustration. But it is also wonderful and exciting. My dad always said you have to take the good with the bad. Your children are so beautiful, kind and smart. Be of good cheer, love abounds.
It is so good to hear the positive message you gave today. Every day is a new day and He is always there to help us. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24. Your children will really appreciate the love you show them even though you have so much to do. Someday they will look back and their hearts will be bursting with love for all you do and have done.
I totally understand how you feel...I have had many issue's to deal with when it comes to raising chickens, and it's been an uphill battle for sure, but it's a live and learn deal, rolling with the punches as they come.
Dolly and Flopsy were destined to be with such a caring and loving family. They are healthy and happy and hopefully this time next year, you will have more milk than you know what to do with. You have accomplished amazing things and I watch with so much admiration.
Some berries will fall off because I will not get them picked this afternoon but after giving others treatment for their back problems my own needs treatment and rest so I am catching up on other homesteader's videos.
When we had company coming my mother would send me to the root cellar to get one quart for each of a variety of things.
i'm really glad u teach your children how to treat your animals.I saw that you r a fine example for your kids.
What gives me hope, rest and encouragement is watching you guys, honestly, you's are great and deserve all that life brings to you's. Good luck and prosperity in all your future projects, I still think you's are the best RUclips channel because of your honesty and open nature. A big 👍from us here in Ireland, lots of love Chris
I stumbled upon this video, and loved what you had to say. I have a completely different life to you. I live in the UK and live in a city with a very 9-5 life. Your gentle nature and passion came across quite clearly and I found encouragement in my own life. Thank you...I think I may watch more!
Don't be discouraged. Live and learn. When you take on new projects ask question and take nothing for granted no body said it would be easy. Put off starting school till after
harvest. Love your videos. Something's have gone very easy and something's haven't been easy for you folks. Learn from it and move on.
i love what you said. about not to worry about tomorrow.. i need to tell myself that all the time.. i want to be connected with more farmers.. just dont know anybody yet. thank you for your inspiration!
Poor Bri don't get down on your self,raising a family is a job in itself and your a very good mom,wife ,working on the farm,you go all day and work so very hard,your pets are part of your family, Dolly is such a great cow so loveable,your garden is amazing,take some time with you husband and hold each other, love your homestead cams you should be so proud of what you have done your an angel and inspire so many of us
inspirational and uplifting to me,, today. I needed this video.
THIS TOO SHALL PASS, STRONG WOMAN OF GOD. TOMORROW HOLDS PROMISE. TODAY'S DISAPPOINTMENT WILL BE JUST A MEMORY. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Lamentations 3:22-23 "because of the Lords great love we are not consumed. His compassions never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." This has always been my go to verse when I'm feeling stressed or at the end of my rope. You're doing an amazing job raising your family and building your homestead. Try not to feel too discouraged with the news of dolly. Things happen for a reason and God will make his plans known. I wish you and your family the best of luck! I absolutely love watching your videos and hope to one day start my own homestead as well. You're a true inspiration.
Bri, I love you and your honesty about everything life is offering you. I am sure Dilly not being bred is a blow you weren't expecting, but hopefully down the line you can have her bred.
Your whole family has really come together to work so hard in short period of time to accomplish all you have, you guys are doing amazing. If I was closer I would be over there helping you out it all up for winter. Hopefully you can find some eager helpers when the full harvest starts coming in full force. 💜
Just when I thought I couldn't love your channel more. Love your positivity Bri. Thank you for sharing, even the bad stuff. Thanks for keeping it real. You're good people!! 💙💙💙
You are an inspiration to us all! Thanks Bri!
Dolly's health has improved SO much since you've had her. I truly would not give up on having her pasture bred or AI'd. God is good all the time and worthy of much praise in our valley moments and our mountain top moments. Y'all are a blessing to everyone who watches your channel! There is a time and season for everything...it's just another step in your journey of this lifestyle you and Art are building for your beautiful family. Y'all are doing a GREAT JOB!!!! ♥️
Thank you for your honesty!
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing. My wife and I are looking forward to our own adventurers very soon with Homesteading. Keep up the good work! You are fighting the good fight! You are an inspiration to many....
Good vid. I'm homesteading in Florida, from scratch, and this lifestyle is not for the weak. 1 step forward and 10 steps back is how it seems while homesteading. Just remember .... at least it was 1 step forward. Keep going.
I appreciate this, today, Bri. our young doeling that I nursed back to health after a dog attack, just died last night. The antibiotic shot from the vet gave her severe diarrhea and she went down fast. So sad!! it made me want to give up goats altogether. its amazing how emotional a setback like that can be. We home school our children too. Our family enjoys your videos. Thanks for being real, Danielle from Indiana ☺
I watch the baby ducklings, they make me smile.
My new silkies were hatched very close to yours..
Bri, you Art and the children are so important to me,
I live by myself you are my close neighbors via You Tube,
Thanks so much for being there for everyone who watches your vlog
What helps me is making secondary plans. Take Dolly for example. I would plan to try breeding her one more time. I would not stop breeding the goats just because you are trying to breed the cow. I would line up a butcher for Dolly if she doesn't breed the next time. It is very important to have a plan b for when plan a falls apart. Then have a plan c for when plan b falls apart. You will sleep safer because you have contingency plans ready.
Wow..you have been so blessed! Your garden is beautiful and your animals look healthy...and you got eggs! Thank you so much for the pep talk.
Your V-log´s is one of my favourites. You are keeping it real.