This one is written by Tammy :)

Well we haven’t been on here recently….It seems the more we try to slow down the pace of our family, the more we speed up. However, I am happy to report that although the pace is not as slow as our expectations; it is 99% better.  The first year back in our home state has been trying.  We have struggled with the loss of Albuquerque; which I now often refer to as home.  As many know out in The Land of Enchantment, on more than one occasion they heard about the “FINE” state of Kentucky, and of course “The Kentucky Wildcats” may have been brought up a few times.  It is funny because now we reflect back on NM, and what we miss so much now.

The move; which of course was in the dead of winter and during the holiday season (which created additional struggles), was successful; and finally..we were here. Angie has spent the year struggling to find full-time employment which would provide insurance for me, and pay the bills.   I am happy to say that she starts working full-time at the University of Kentucky in December; and this job will take care of both of these issues. 

We have jumped through the hoops of a move; such as changing our driver’s licenses. And, don’t even get this family started about satellite TV, which we gave up completely in March. We added several new animal friends and we lost some our new animal famil: Annabelle the goat, Betsy the cow, a few chickens and 1 duck, and lastly our beloved great dane “Ruby Lee.”

On our small piece of Kentucky heaven, we have started the process of becoming a self- sustainable home. We have also taken steps to try various ways to bring income into the family.  The kids and I have 50 pullets en route from McMurry McHatchery.  We plan to free-range these chickens and sell the eggs in the spring at the Farmers Market in Frankfort. We have the goal of expanding it in the future. The ultimate goal is to use this project to hit several academic areas by Harman Farm’s School House. 

We also opened a booth at Martin’s Flea Market; #334 on the corner of 151 and 127 it is stuffed full of items at bargains prices.  This project has been done by primarily by Angie; with Robert and me being the lifters.  By spring the goal is to have a green house in place, so that we can get our garden going earlier and also sell vegetables at the market.  Kennedy has taken a real interest in gardening and the goal is to give her a small area to do her own garden this year.   We have 2 bee hives which are doing well and plan to expand with 2 more hives in the spring.  Our goats are working on expanding the herd.  The calves; Daisy and Annie are growing like weeds.  Both are very friendly and the kids handle them a lot, so let’s just say that they put up with a lot.  The pot belly pigs continue to be useless (as Angie points out).  My argument is that they are good for the soul.  Our chickens have given us so many eggs I think the kids have grown a little tired of eggs at times.  The pony and miniature horse continue to be useless as well but I do plan on putting them to work this spring.  Robert and I have tackled little projects during the day while Angie is at work.  The kids and I are in full swing with school and although we struggle at times; it is working. 

Angie has found full time employment with UK and she comes home at night and jumps in with the kids. We are going to use this winter to hibernate, and work on projects.  The kids are spending time getting to know their family and new home state.  Robert is chomping at the bit to join the Marines, Sophie is always into something, Kennedy is blossoming as she explores her new surroundings, Sawyer has started asking if we need feed from Tractor Supply, and Jack is on the move with the rest of the family chasing him. 

Last year at this time we were wrapping up Sawyer’s adoption and aggravating everyone about Jack’s adoption (we wanted a date so that we could leave).  We were living in a packed up house and each day we would try to decide the logistics of visiting for Christmas in Kentucky and moving permanently to Kentucky.  The days were so long and the longer we waited; we became more frustrated. Then when we were just about to give up the Christmas visit we got the call the date for Jack Henry’s adoption was set and the whirlwind began.  So here we are trying to make a go at it now; one day at a time.  Sometimes when we are talking about the things we are doing I look back and want to say Angie and I are crazy.  But I am quickly brought back to reality, by something going on around us and realize that our family is struggling to make a go of this together and we are learning as we go, and how many families really get this opportunity? I hope you all continue to follow us during the New Year and look for our “accomplishments” and small mistakes.  The kids have started a book they plan to have printed as a reminder to these days. I have a feeling looking back will provide a lot of laughs.