It finally happened! After years of dreaming, months of scheming, and lots of patience from my husband as we prepared our land to become a mini-farm, we brought home three of the cutest goats you’ve ever seen!
We picked them up on Good Friday, April 2. It was such an exciting day! As we got them settled in their pen, it felt surreal. My daughter said, “Mom, does this mean we live on a farm?”
“Yes,” I said. “It sure does!”
It has been a true gift to watch my kids and their friends enjoy all that we are building here. Children who have never seen a farm animal reach out in wonder as a doeling or buckling eat out of their hand or nibble on their shoelaces. Adults have called me out of the blue because they want to come play, and neighbors’ kids show up with big smiles because they were just out back with the animals.
“If you build it, they will come,” right?
God has big plans for this little farm. Plans that stretch beyond milk, vegetables, eggs and soap. Creation declares the glory of God, and I am seeing it happen here, in this place surrounded by trees, water, and blue sky. Here, where the roosters crow in the distance as cattle noisily greet the dawn from across the road. Here, where animals teach us how to get along, cats and dogs playing together as the goats learn to trust their new protector and the barnswallows fly about just overhead. It seems metaphors are leaping out all around me these days, and I believe God will give me much to share with you. So, without further adieu, I would love to introduce you to the goats of Arundelle Green…
From left to right-Dolly, Reba, and Kenny
We ARE in the country, y’all!
I snapped this fuzzy picture just before driving away with them.
The ride home was noisy, but not too stinky! Thankfully it was only fifteen minutes in the car.
They were struggling to stand in that plastic kennel!
Home at last, and safely separated from Curry until he learns the rules. (No chasing!) He is doing great, though. I work with him every day and he is learning quickly. 
Meet Dolly! (As in…Dolly Parton!) The biggest of the three, she is definitely in charge.
She is quick with a head butt and not too snuggly, but when I show up with a handful of grain she is suddenly my BFF.
Meet Kenny! (Yes, as in Kenny Rogers!) He is Dolly’s twin, but about half her size.
He is a little bitty guy who loves to snuggle and eats his weight in grass and hay, resulting in a fat rumen that keeps making me nervous.
But, as I get to know him, it is clear he is all belly with a sweet heart.
Last, but not least, meet Reba! (Yep, as in Reba McIntyre!) Aren’t her blue eyes striking?
She was a triplet and has a very mild-mannered personality. She seems to be warming up to Curry more quickly than the others
and will often approach me, putting her hooves on my legs because she wants me to pick her up.
She also gets most of Dolly’s head-butts, but is quickly learning to give it right back.
As if our goats weren’t enough to be excited about, work is well underway on our most incredible chicken coop! It is going to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will surely be the backdrop of many portraits and picnics. It is nearing completion and our hens will come home shortly after. I will be back to share photos when it is finished.
Have a wonderful day! If you need me, I’ll be out back with the goats.
Blessings, from Arundelle Green.
Arundelle Green 