A New Year!

Can you believe it?
A new year already?
(Oh, and before I go any further,
I have to tell you.... I have missed our little daily chats!)

Did you have a wonderful Christmas?
We had the merriest!
Every little boy needs his very own John Deere Lazy Boy recliner, doesn't he??
Time spent on the farm with family and friends....
always makes for sweet and lasting memories.


The past week has left us all feeling just a little spent...
it's time to get back to life as usual!



Each year on New Year's Day Hubbs and I spend a little time
remembering the past year and planning for the next.
We don't "party" over New Year's, but rather use the holiday
to organize our thoughts and our surroundings
in order to start the new year with a plan.

So, before we look ahead to 2012.....
let's take a look backwards at where we've been this past year.

As I have written before, life on the farm has a certain balance to it.
You learn to take the good with the bad....
the rains with the sunny blue skies....
the losses with the gains.
We suffered a few losses this past year as we bid goodbye to our friends...

Fagner (Becky's long time friend and eventing partner)
who passed away this past summer.
(I never blogged about it as the pain was too great)


Smilin' Jack (our sweet senior fainting goat)


and just recently (2 days after Christmas)...
Forrest (born on the farm 2 years ago)


Forrest had been suffering with lameness for the past several weeks.
Medications did not help and he continued to get worse,
until it was apparent that his quality of life had declined.
Sadly, Becky and I euthanized him and bid him farewell...
he passed in our arms amidst a shower of tears.
Forrest had a conformation problem that caused his patellae to subluxate
(his kneecaps dislocated constantly causing great pain...
a condition for which there is no fix.)

And so there were many tears shed this past year....
but oh so many more smiles and laughter.
Our farm grew by leaps and bounds this past year as we added
2 batches of baby chicks...


Our first "homegrown" ducks hatched this spring...
doubling the population of our duck pond.


Last spring brought the birth of 6 baby fainting goats.



A single, and a set of twins and triplets!


Leo, the Lionhearted appeared on the farm this past summer



and stayed.


As well as Sophia (we think she's Leo's Mama).


Sophia was relocated to Becky's barn last week, though.
Sadly, Bobby and TomTom would not stop tormenting her,
sending her to the rafters daily.
She now lives a more peaceful life sharing Becky's barn with her other barn kitty Lucy.

Perhaps the most exciting additions, however, are our two sweet piggie sisters

Ginger....

and MaryAnn...


our Kunekune pigs.
Are they not the cutest piggies ever?????

And in case you are new to our farm (Welcome!)...
we don't eat any of our animals...just our eggs.


And so it is with farm life.  We accept our losses and rejoice in our additions...
enjoying each and every precious day we spend with our animal friends,
ever aware that one day we will say goodbye.




Until that time, however, we will laugh and smile and love with full
and contented hearts.


We look forward to the year ahead
and will have more new additions to share with you as the months pass.
It has been so much fun sharing this journey with you all!


Thanks for being there!
All the best to you in this coming new year.
2012!

Comments

Country Gal said…
Wonderful photos ! Love Tyler in his new chair ! Heres to a great 2012 for all !
andy said…
Great pics I love all your animals. I hope one day to be able to have some farm animals. Happy new year love your blog.
Suzan said…
A very Blessed New Year to you, your family and all your creatures. I've enjoyed reading your posts and viewing your photos and live my dream of having a mini farm similiar to yours. My niece Sara loved her apron that I got from you in the summer. Instead of waiting for a wedding shower - I gave it to her for Christmas with a cookbook!
God Bless to you and yours with a wonderful and even more productive 2012!
Debi said…
Sounds like a good Christmas Beverly. I have loved getting to know you this past year and the crew on your farm. I have loved all the additions you have added along the way. Can't wait to see how the indoor riding ring will turn out. Happy new day. Debi
Anke said…
Thank you for letting us glimpse into your daily life on the farm. Wishing you and the family a very happy new year! Can't wait to see what you guys have planned for 2012...
I appreciate you sharing and have missed you while you were away. I can't wait to see how life unfolds on your farm in 2012.
Deana said…
I look forward to reading your post every morning. I subscribe to about 20 blogs, but I save yours for last. I always know I will have something positive and uplifting (even if it is sad news) with which to start my day! So, to you and yours, I send wishes for a 2012 filled with the simple joy of living life!
I've enjoyed reading you posts this past year. Looking forward to a wonderful new year. Susan
This N That said…
Nice stroll thru 2011..sad and happy.Always glad that there is more happy than sad...Hope 2012 brings you nothing but happiness..
Anonymous said…
I've loved getting to know your animals this year! So, a couple questions. Do you milk your goats? Do your pigs serve purpose as composters or? If I had more land we'd be doing the same thing. One day I WILL own goats! For now I'm content with my chickens. Ha ha
I have been wanting to add a few mini pigs to the farm for a while but my Husband is not so crazy about the idea. I have to say, your not helping any with all those cute piggy pictures. They are just so adorable!
Meghan Grace said…
Happy New Year, Beverly! Your blog is such a joy to me! Hugs, Meghan Grace
Unknown said…
I so enjoy my trip to your farm every morning (missed you) and love the cute additions and join in your sadness at the losses.
It's a wonderful magical place and I love how you wrap it in joy! Thanks for sharing your wonderful farm life!
I'm a new follower and I look forward to reading about your adventures. I'm sorry for your losses this past year, it seems like it's been a year for that. I loved looking at all the animals, especial the baby goats and Ginger & Mary Ann!

Please stop by for a visit when you have time. I love company and new friends are always welcome!

Mary
I love the JD recliner, I know a couple of little fellows that would love them. Thanks for sharing with the great pictures and blog.
I agree about the sadness and the happiness of living on the farm and being blessed with our 4 legged friends.
Happy New Year in 2012, may your farm and family be blessed richly.
Junebug said…
I'm so glad you are back and happy you had a wonderful holiday with your family and animals.I'm looking forward to all your animal tales in 2012. Morning aren't quit the same with out reading your uplifting blogs. Here's to 2012!
Anonymous said…
I've really enjoyed reading your blog this past year and will continue to come here and visit you and all your critters. Sorry for the losses you suffered. {{{Hugs}}}
Teresa said…
Glad you had a great family filled holiday. So sorry to hear about your most recent loss, but it does sound like it was best for him. I look forward to hearing all about the events around your farm this coming year. Blessings to you and yours.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for your great answers to my questions! I really feel more educated when I read your blog. I love your piggies. We've even considered a pet house pig as we love them but don't have acreage.
Anonymous said…
A blessed New Year to you and your family.

Annie v.
Dianne said…
I love the little John Deer recliner! Great farm photos. Happy New Year!
What a beautiful, happy, bittersweet post. Such is like on a farm. You have such a lovely life!
Happy Belated New Year to you and your family Bev! It looks as though it was a good year for Bee Haven Acres albeit a few sad occasions. We will enjoy going along on your journey this year.
Maura :)