Promise Acre: Our Journey

[promiseacres]

Two weeks ago had a deposit put down on 2 ewes and a ram lamb by a 4H girl... they were to pick them up on this Saturday.
Then last Friday my dh Josh had a 1200+ combine tire fall on him (it was on forklift forks) breaking his ankle and lower leg.
Yesterday Josh had surgery, 3 screws were put in. He can't drive, he can't put weight on the leg for at least 8 more weeks so he can not return to his "regular" job. Also last night this 4Her texts me, she wants her deposit back had a vet emergency, she wants the sheep but has no $. I had to spend her $ on bills b/c of the extra expenses with DH's accident, all his dr visits/surgery has had to be 50+miles away. She knew I do not refund deposits. The ram lamb in question is in a catch pen b/c of his being a total PAIN to wean. I had made her a REALLY good deal b/c she is a 4Her AND she was willing to take the pain of a ram lamb. I told her Dh's situation a few days ago so she KNEW the date of surgery, I've not replied back to her request.... today was payday, it was decent b/c of the overtime DH had started working. Dh says refund 1/2 of the deposit BUT It WILL be the last "nice" one, and will be getting workers comp only for who knows how long, which is probably 2/3s what his normal pay is AND no OT... I don't want to be a B****** BUT.... REALLY???
The upside is our church family & neighbors are helping, meals, child care, mowing, chores. Me & baby are doing ok but definately not up to 100%. I KNOW this is just yet another mountain we need to climb.

 

[BrownSheep]

You are having a rough go of it. The "nice" thing to do would be to refund some of the deposit, but that is not how the world ( or deposits) work. I hope you will be able to take it easy for a while.

 

[promiseacres]

Crazy month, hours after Josh got his cast removed and was declared "healed" I had to take him to the ER for blood clot in his lung and leg. He's on the mend now but now surgery to remove the temp. screw won't be til December at the earliest. Anyways it's been 2 weeks since then and his foot finally not having the issues with swelling. Our hay shed is full and I'm still able to do most of the daily chores despite being 31 weeks pregnant and supposed to be taking it easy. But with help from friends and our church family I know we'll make it.
Put RP in with the ewes this morning so in 150+ days we'll be getting lambs. Hens are laying well and hope to get their heat lamp in soon so they'll continue.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

You've sure been through a lot. Hope things get better for you and your family!

 

[Devonviolet]

1/2 this is their coop (other 1/2 will be our feed/tack area)


BTW I take them out most every day (weather dependent) to a 10 x 10 dog kennel....

Hi @promiseacres we are currently trying to find a plan for our chicken coop. Yours sounds I interesting. I would love to see the photos, but it says they have been deleted.

Is it possible to see the photo(s) of your coop? It's been a couple years since you built it. Are you happy with your design? Or would you do it differently now?

 

[promiseacres]

Well lambs are due! DH has been working pt for 3 weeks. Still having complications but feel we can make plans now. My newest daughter Kinzey was born Dec 17, made it to 38 weeks! She is a joy and sleeps very well.
Planning on raising some homegrown chicks and velveteen lots this spring. Debating on getting a pup as we are currently are dogless, our dog Pumbaa had nasty growth and we had to have her euthanized a month ago. But not sure it's a good time. So keeping as busy as ever.

 

[promiseacres]

Did I respond to this?

Hi @promiseacres we are currently trying to find a plan for our chicken coop. Yours sounds I interesting. I would love to see the photos, but it says they have been deleted.

Is it possible to see the photo(s) of your coop? It's been a couple years since you built it. Are you happy with your design? Or would you do it differently now?

 

[Devonviolet]

Did I respond to this?

No, I don't think so. It sounds like you have had your hands full!!! CONGRATULATIONS on your new little bundle of joy!!!

After looking at lots of different styles of coops, we ended up designing one ourselves. It has a 2X4 frame, chipboard siding and a 4:12 pitch gable roof. It's not perfect and not finished yet, but we are happy with what we have so far. Here is a photo taken after It got it's first coat of red paint. We are planning to put white trim and a metal roof on soon.

 

[promiseacres]

Devonviolet looks good. Sorry I never got any photos, life was happening. but things are slower now for the moment.
Our first spring lambs were born today, on good Friday. Emily, a first time mama had twin girls! DH wants to keep going with the sheep so... will be keeping these two. 3 more ewes to go.

 

[bonbean01]

Congrats on your twins!!!!