I'm an animal hoarder, but in a good way..

*This post was first made to my daughter's original website on March 1st, 2023. Every post is being moved to this website in an effort to keep my daughter's identity private after she requested so.*

Dear Daughter,

Over my lifetime, I've brought home a lot of animals. When I was about 6 or 7, I caught a chipmunk at a neighbors house and carried it all the way home as I was riding my bike.

I walked into the house and my mom screamed. Obviously, the poor chipmunk got scared and actually bit me. He wouldn't let go! I still have a scar on my arm and your grandma is still traumatized from having a chipmunk running around the house.

This was the start of my animal hoarding, so to speak.

Ever since then, I'd bring home bunnies, baby birds, dogs, cats, quail, squirrels, ducks, baby deer and at one point Brandon and I actually purchased sugar gliders together. Their names were Boomer and Gordie. I've always been such animal lover and wonder if you are an animal lover too.

A few weeks ago I ordered a breed of chicken that I've wanted for a long time. They are called Black Copper Marans and they lay the most beautiful chocolate brown eggs. These chickens are VERY hard to come by! I got lucky and was able to purchase 8 of them! Here's the kicker - there was a minimum order requirement of at least 25 chickens. So I had to purchase an additional 17 chickens that I definitely didn't need. Ohh well! What's a few more?

I just got notified that these sweet little baby chicks are on their way which means they should be here tomorrow.

In the meantime, I've been reading up on how to start a beehive and also getting a dairy cow. When we moved to our little farm, it wasn't ever my intention to dive into so many things all at once, but I'm blessed to be able to have the time to do so. Providing food to our family is something that I love to do. Maybe someday you'll come to the homestead and be able to help milk a cow after eating some homemade bread with honey from our future bees. I long for that day that we get to meet again. I love you.

Much love,

Abby