Self Sufficiency
Mom On A Farm | An Authentic Homesteading Poem

Home Uncategorized Mom On A Farm | An Authentic Homesteading Poem
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of homesteading is not only the continuous acts of hard work and determination to live a life of self-reliance, but the values that go along with it. The community of homesteaders who read Pioneer Settler are wonderfully creative and hard working people, making this blog a joy to write. ‘Mom On A Farm’ is the perfect poetic example of this lifestyle we all love.
I was recently beyond flattered that one of our readers was willing to share a personal poem that she wrote about her life as a homesteading mother. After getting her permission, I am sharing it with all of you to enjoy!
Mom On A Farm
By Nicole Malstrom
You can ask what it’s like to be a mom
And you’d get answers far and long
But do you know what it is like to be
A mom on a farm, now that’s what I mean?
We’ll take the last seven years or so
And see if we can give the story a go
We had some dogs, some lambs, things here and there
But a bigger four legged would bring life with a flair
A pony, a gift, from an old neighbor you see
Would open the way for a red head with glee
Hours upon hours these two were together
Sleeping outside, bonding through all kinds of weather
Reading a book laying across her back
Or riding the roads and lanes with our without tack
We had to deal with an abscess up in a foot
Soaking and treating and care of the hoof
From there, along with a move
Another kid started into the groove
Through connections a second horse came free
A beautiful gray guy for my boy he would be
They rode these two most every day
Even through winter, gloomy and gray
Along with these critters came the need for feed
And the kids pitched in to fill that need
Shoveling manure, bucking hay, placing flyers not a few
Earning denaro to feed the growing crew
Along came a big ol’ starving bay
That tugged the heart strings right away
But a spill mixed with wire along the road
Would change how this horse’s story would be told
An injury to the fetlock is what happened
The vet was called and treatment began
All things that were done seemed to no avail
And it seemed he’d be sent on the heavn’ly trail
My daughter asked if we could keep trying, anything at all
So we soaked, stretched, massaged, wrapped, praying a mighty call
And to the vet’s surprise the unhealable healed
So he could once again walk smoothly across the field.
But on a clear and sunny September morn,
The pony became cantankerous and forlorn
This bay, he got a little too close to her
And she let out some kicks with quite the flur
As a few girls were preparing to take a ride
Is when events unfurled to make one cry
To watch this boy thrash in the pains of death
We supposed heaven’s pasture was indeed his path
See, those kicks had caused damage unseen to the naked eye
Causing him to bleed to death deep inside
It’s hard to witness death take place in ways as such
Then holding a child as they cry for another loved so much
See, many may not quite understand the connection
That certain gals can have with introspection.
Farm life, farm life……how ‘bout lets add some more
How about a special needs lamb in through the door.
This little thing needed special care and love
Since deformity affected the palate from above
Feedings through the night; yep, she did each one
Doing what was needed and up before the sun
Then added in new lambs to bring companionship
For the special one with the unlined lip
So for weeks on end through the night we’d get up and feed
Bottle after bottle according to lots of need
And just when it was about to end the nightly trek,
A friend’s dogs took a kitten and didn’t put it back
It was such a tiny little slimed up blob
But Amandah was asked if she was up for the job
So from lamb straight to kitten came the nightly bottle feeds
As she became momma to another little one’s needs.
Nigerian Dwarf goats joined with our growing array
Now those are the cutest babies you’ve ever watched jump and play!!
And bunnies! Oh yes you can’t forget these soft and hoppy friends
White, black, brown, gray, and a mix of many blends.
Death always seems to come and strike it’s hand
Not caring which critter is across the land
Dogs jumped in our pen of lambs
Scaring, biting, believing a kill was at hand
Though it didn’t happen just right then
Our special needs gal could no longer win
A special bond was attacked through this death blow
And now her body returns to Mother Earth below.
A couple of calves joined our happy fray
But one of those didn’t make the day.
It’s not easy when the call needs to be made
To put an animal down, to put it to the grave.
The boys have both had to assist in this grim task
The realities of life over them hold no mask.
Life carries on, and the farm critters are as much a part
For their care and lives set upon us their mark.
These all can get sick or have problems like me or you
And they need love and care, this much is true.
At times you’d think our kitchen was a veterinary room
Treat ear infections, abscesses, dressing wounds, and to groom
Lambs and goats, dogs, cats, and rabbits….
Some days it seemed to form new habbits.
And a bedroom for a girl was not just that for her
It has been shared with creatures full of fur
But it hasn’t always stopped with just that
It’s even become a room at times for horse’s tack!
I don’t think many other mothers can really understand a certain woe
About living on a farm through sun and rain and wind and snow
Because no matter how hard I try to convince any to remove the shoe
In comes not just dirt and mud or sand, but a glorious mix with critter poo!!
So there are some things both hard and sad
But many things as well to make one glad
We’ve joined in competitions, events, and parades,
And worked to earn the blue ribbon grades.
To watch a certain girl ride true and free
Or a young man drive his mini and cart down the street
Fills this mother’s heart with gladness and joy
As their gifts and talents they work to employ.
I haven’t shared all the stories of sorrows or lucks
Or included the donkey, turkeys, guineas, roosters, or ducks
But I think I have shared things just enough
That farm life is fun, enjoyable, and sometimes tuff.
Yet, it is still the life for my kids I adore
I don’t see how else they could’ve grown more.
So onto each new day we arrive
To see what antics or mishaps mix with our lives
I’ll not beleaguer the show with more
For I believe there’s others to adore
So I declare my part is through
And bid you all adieu!
Again, I would just like to thank Nicole for being to willing to share her poem with me and by extension, all of you! What did you all think of the poem? Please let me know in the comments below! Happy homesteading!
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How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
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Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
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Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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