Sometimes you have to step back

When I look back over this past year, it's hard to believe just how much has happened. Like so many of you have seen, I've given everything I had to trying to make this little piece of land work for our family. Between raising five children, keeping up with everyday life, and trying to grow as much of our own food as possible, it's been a real labour of love. When the deer kept coming in and destroying the crops, I thought putting up a temporary fence would finally give everything a chance. But after being told it had to come down and the land needed clearing, it felt like I was back to square one. Watching so much hard work disappear was honestly heartbreaking.

I don't often show every tear or every moment when I feel overwhelmed, but this year has tested me in ways I never expected. There have been times when I've wondered whether all the hard work has been worth it, especially when it feels like every step forward is followed by two steps back. Even so, I've kept going because I love what we're building here, and because I want my children to grow up seeing that some things are worth fighting for, even when they're difficult. Your messages, encouragement and kindness have carried me through more than you'll ever know, and I'm so grateful to every single one of you who's been here for the journey.

For now though, I know I need to listen to myself. I need to take a little step back, spend some time with my family, and give myself the chance to breathe. It doesn't mean the dream has disappeared, and it doesn't mean I won't be back. Sometimes life reminds us that we can't pour from an empty cup, and right now my priority has to be my children, my home, and finding that spark again. Thank you for sticking with us through all the ups and downs. I truly hope this is just the end of one chapter and the beginning of a better one.