While working on the farm, we had the discussion of how we have changed since we began the this farming journey over six years ago. What do we do different was a question we have been pondering. There are lots of obvious answers: our eating habits, our knowledge of farming has expanded, our appreciation for the simple joys in life, or even our busy schedules. But, there had to be more in order to validate the craziness we call our life.

For Keith, we would have to say the "good enough" principle has had a major impact on his perception on how he does things. This once "Mr. Perfection" has lost his desire or ability to have everything perfect. A situation always comes to mind when I think about how he use to be. We once made a costume for our oldest when she was 4. The sunflower on her hat was an 1/8 of inch off center, Robin was fine with it, but not Keith, he had to redo the hat. You see the good enough principle was shared to Keith by Joel Salatin. Joel is the pasture based farming guru we have modeled our farm after. On a visit to Joel's farm he drilled into Keith's head that perfect appearances, perfect measurements, and perfect angles do not help chickens lay more eggs or gain weight. Good enough for the chickens is just fine. Robin had mastered this principle a long time ago and she is quite happy that Keith now shares her sentiments. There is a whole lot less frustration, not to mention the lower blood pressure and anger levels, when you give yourself permission not to be perfect. Your spouse may actually help you with the projects without you having to beg.

Usefulness- Never toss anything out because you may need it later. In other words, every farmer needs a junk pike or at least that was what Keith shared when we discussed the need to clean up some "piles" that we inherited from Robin's Dad. Robin replied, "Yes, I agreed it was ok to have a pile, but at least my dad could probably tell you every single item tossed in and when. But, we don't have a clue." Alas, Keith was right you do need them. From out of that pile, Keith and our oldest constructed our first brooder. It was a four sided  fiberglass square with no bottom are top. Just add an old wooden bottom, a screen top and a heat lap and we had our first brooder. This was our beginning into raising chickens.

Resourcefulness- This theory may go with the junk pile. We think it implies using an item for an unintended purpose. For a recent school science project, old campaign signs  became the wind break and top for three temporary chicken pens built. The great thing about picking up old campaign signs is it cleans up the roadside and provides rigid plastic that has multitudes of uses. We only pick up the loser's signs since once they get in office they keep running, running and running and will want their signs back. It saves them re-election dollars and is probably the only time in their political careers they are interested in saving money. Sorry for the detour. Anyway, an old pot became a temporary feeder for the birds. In days of past, we would have thought nothing about running to the store to purchase the items needed. Our entire mindset is different. This project is also another example of "good enough."  The houses are not fancy. But, they are cheap, serve the purpose, very functional and reusable.

Values: We have always been very old fashioned in the way we do things. We enjoy the benefits of hard work even after the vegetables are long gone. Having harvested tomatoes, peas or okra in the dead of winter is delicious. I am sorry but the Green Giant has nothing on the Willoughby's. I don't know if this method is cheaper than purchasing prepared food, but who cares. The taste far outweighs any extra cost.

Life skills: Our children are developing valuable skills they will be able to use all their life. They are learning that hard work can and does pay tangible dividends. To eat the food you help grow makes it even better. They understand the benefits of work does not come immediately,  but months down the road.   They are learning to understand the process and to predict the next step. Michaela, our ten year old, already understands many of the chore processes and can move from one task to the next with little instruction. Zachary our eight year old boy, well he is an eight year old boy, what can you say but one day he too will understand.

Outlook- We believe we look at situations a lot differently now. We try to always learn something from every experience. One example, Keith and Zachary were racing in the field, yes playing is part of the chore process, when Zachary kept looking back instead of forward. As a result, he ran through some fresh manure in the field. Remember, always look ahead in life, if you don't you may step in a lot of crap.