Our Somewhat-Urban Homestead: Our Family!

Our Family!

Mom aka Sarah-Anne

Dad aka Chris

After meeting in Toronto in 2003 (where I, Sarah-Anne was born and raised), Chris and I moved back to his home town of Penetanguishene. Life in a small town with a total population of less than 10,000 has its challenges, but we are reaping the benefits of living simpler all the time.

Lucien, (our very own ham), Marcus, (our sensitive one), and Alexander (our youngest)

The small town atmosphere is also more conducive for raising a family, and is a great place for our sons; six-year old Lucien, three-year old Marcus, and three-month old Alexander to enjoy the outdoors safely.

We also have some furry children at the homestead: our dogs Lexxy, Norah, and Daisy, and our cats Azreii and Lorien. We also have a flock of 9 layer hens now; five Barred Rocks and four Rhode Island Reds.

Though chaotic at the best of times, our home is certainly never devoid of warmth and love!

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When my husband and I bought our first home our decision to dig up the side yard must have been met with looks of bewilderment from our family and neighbours. What were we doing?

Seventy years ago it would have been called a “victory garden" yet today such a term is not wildly used. However the idea remains the same: a small-ish garden planted in an urban setting to either sufficiently feed, or at least supplement, the diet of an individual family. Nowadays another name has cropped up – the urban homestead. Yet as we live in a small town opposed to a big city, we have chosen the term “somewhat-urban homestead” to describe our home.

For us, the decision to embark on a rather time intensive and physically exhausting way of living was a matter of sustainability and the ability to show our three sons where food truly comes from. So shovels in hand we made the decision to be a little more self-sufficient, and after four summers we’ve proven it to be a success.

Overall this has been a thoroughly enjoyable process. Though the work can be difficult, the taste of a freshly picked meal is beyond compare. I love that in the heart of winter I can still take out a preserve from the pantry or sliced vegetables from the freezer and know it was created by our hands. I love the look of pride in my husband’s eyes when he comes in at night, dirt-covered and sore yet satisfied in a job well done.

This has also been a positive experience for our children: It has taught them that very tangible rewards follow their tenacity and dedication. With any luck we’ve also taught them the importance of growing food free from pesticides and other chemicals, and how being as self-sufficient as possible is not crazy but good! And if they can take these lessons with them into adulthood, they’ll be the better for it.

Thank you for sharing in our journey!

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Our Family!