A t the same time we were preparing for Papa to leave our lives, we were sent two new family members to join us. Jessa and Kastin joined our family in mid 2019. While they were family from the start, they “officially” joined the family in January, when Jessa and Pioneer Son married. I gained another daughter and another grandson. I know how I feel about having them join us on this adventure called life, but I thought it might be more interesting for you to hear from Jessa, (who will fondly be referred to as Pioneer Daughter 2 in future posts) how it feels to be a part of this crazy Modern Homesteading Lifestyle, and this family. She wrote the following words (in blue)….and I can’t help but throw in some pictures that have been taken over the last year and half, because I think pictures tell a wonderful story…and my own perspective because we all know I ALWAYS have something to say! 😉 I followed up Jessa’s words with some questions I thought you all might find interesting and helpful.
Oh where to start, my name is Jessa and myself and my 2 year old son, Kastin, are new on the farm. I married into the family right as Papa’s health got really bad. They have taken us in with open arms and we are so lucky to be here. Being here on the homestead I am learning so much. I come from a quite different background, I was raised in a back and forth pattern of in town to out of town. I have always grown up with horses and cattle.
Jessa and Kastin fit right in to our lives immediately. It’s like they have always been here. Jessa was HUGE help when I was caring for Papa. Not only, did she help witha anything needed, she also “mother-henned” me, making sure I rested, ate and took care of myself at a time when it was hard for me to remember to and take time to care for myself. She has continued do whatever needs to be done. Quick to learn, she is not afraid to ask questions about what she might not yet understand completely.
My granny taught me some about quilting and canning but she passed when I was very young. Since moving here I have milked my first cow, butchered my first steer, and processed so many deer. I have been helping in the garden and am about to start making my own essential oils to put in lard-based lotions (more to come on that later). I have taken over most of the cooking and am now cast iron obsessed. Though Kastin and myself are learning so much from Neena and the others around here don’t think I haven’t brought some new wisdom to the homestead.
Jessa is so on point with that last statement. She brings a fresh perspective, and wonderful ideas with her to the Homestead. We now have Zebu cattle, thanks to her ideas! But that deserves a separate post of its own!
I am queen of the re-sale. After Papa’s passing, we realized we had so many things around here that we no longer or never used. Even more that we realized we had multiples of because we had so many things that couldn’t be found at the time they were needed it was just easier to buy another so I started wheeling and dealing to get those to new homes where they could be used and we could use some of the funds for neglected repairs and upgrades around the place. Everyone here likes to give me a hard time about my used car salesman skill set but we each must bring something to the table.
Queen of resale is an understatement! If we need something for a new project, Jessa can find it! Usually cheap and close by! She has also been instrumental in posting unused items for sale to bring in money to fund new projects. If we want something sold or need something found, we just look at her and laugh, because we know she can make it happen!
I also work fulltime in the technology field, so I tend to be the family IT person as well. I like to say I am keeping the old school homesteading up to date with the modern technology. There are so many ways that the old school and the new school can mix to make things easier and more productive.
I look forward to learning more and be able to help more around here. I will keep you all updated on my shenanigans as I go.
The following sections contain the questions that I asked Jessa, along with her responses:
What has been the biggest challenge to adjusting to a Modern Homesteading lifestyle?
The biggest adjustment has been figuring out my time management. With a full time job that requires two hours of commute each day, 3 kids and this lifestyle I’m literally always busy.
What do you feel has been the biggest benefit to Kastin since joining our Homesteading lifestyle?
Kastin has learned so much. How many two-year-olds can tell you where their food comes from and how much work goes into getting it. He is also finally learning that getting his hands dirty isn’t the end of the world.
What has surprised you the most about this new lifestyle?
I’m really not sure maybe just the overall how much goes into it.
What do you enjoy the most about your new lifestyle?
I really enjoy the sense of accomplishment that can be achieved daily due to so much going on.
What is something you wish you had known before you began the Modern Homesteading journey?
How disgusting canned meats are because had I known I would have never let you guys make me try it.
I will say that not ALL canned meat is disgusting! So, maybe my first attempt at canning hamburger, produced something with a slightly odd texture….but stew meat, chicken and rabbit chunked and canned is wonderful! I WILL get you converted….eventually! 😉
What advice would you give to someone who is beginning a Modern Homesteading journey or joining a Modern Homesteading family?
Have an open mind. Ask questions. There are many times I fell dumb or useless because the family assumes I know certain things since it’s second nature to them. I have to be like “hey guys I am totally lost” but in asking I’ve gotten to the point where a lot of things I had no Clue about a year ago I can do on my own now.
Also find something new to bring to the homestead that you can learn with everyone it lets you have something that is an even playing field and you can even been the teacher for a bit. Keep an eye out I may just do some post on lotion making or even Zebus.
While this year has been full of changes, losses and trials, it has also been filled with adventures, gains, and successes. We have lost someone we all loved and looked up to, we have lost our freedom to come and go as we please, at times. Forced to wear masks in public due to a global pandemic like nothing we’ve seen before. We have economic and emotional trials as the world around us change, and our own worlds changed. But we have also been blessed with new family members. We have moved forward with homestead plans. We have meet the challenges with a strength that we did not we had. Some of that would have been with us regardless, but much of it is due to the smile and laughter that Jessa and Kastin have brought to our lives. As we near the close of 2020, it would be easier to dwell on the negative things that have happened. But, I for one, would rather bask in the blessings that we have been given. I honestly believe that when God takes something away, he gives us something in return. Sometimes what he gives is the biggest blessing of all. Welcome to the Homestead, Jessa and Kastin, you couldn’t belong any more if you had both been born here!
Advice, education, family, homesteading, learning, lifestyle