Our family

If you're just starting to read our blog or you've been with us for the last month of updates- we thank you. It takes a village to support local farms and it takes a village to help raise a family... today's blog post will introduce our family.

We have a rather large core family involved in our daily lives. Without them we wouldn't be the people we are today. Without their support this farm would have remained just a dream. To make things easy I'll start with the youngest member and go from there.

First on the list is Tobias Merle Rice, aka - "little Merle". This little red head made his appearance in June and has filled our hearts. Tobias loves all things mommy. He loves to cry just about the time his brother needs a nap, he has the sweetest smile and is such a joyful baby. Tobias means "God is Good" and Merle... well-he's named after Merle Haggard.

Next on the list is our two year old, Townes Micah Rice. Townes' name comes from Townes Van Zant, a country music singer/songwriter and Micah was chosen naming him after our dear friend Aaron, a bluegrass musician and forester. Townes has a farmers spirit- he never stops and loves all things with wheels and tracks. He can start any piece of equipment we own, so we hide the keys. He has to ride on everything, making it impossible for Tyler to work outside while he's home. Townes has my looks and sense of humor- from Tyler he inherited his attention to detail and the Rice temper--- I'll leave it at that (as all the Rice women reading shake their head). He's so loving- he's especially fond of his grandparents- more on them in a bit.

Tyler and I met on the Kingwood Pike in Joe's basement. Joe's son Gavin had sent me and many others Facebook messages trying to recruit a fiddle player for their new country band. I'm the only one who responded, and I can't play fiddle. Oh - but it was love at first sight- I stood beside a long legged guitar pickin man and that was it... thank you Johnny and June. We played in several bluegrass and country bands in the following years. Tyler proposed on stage at the Ryman Auditorium, where the Grand Ole Opry was held for many years- a country fans dream! We married the following June at Jerry Run Summer Theatre, Webster County, WV. After playing this venue for many years- we loved the story of the building and its kind-hearted owners Dusty and Renee Anderson. I've included some pictures from that beautiful day below.

We struggled for the following year. I was working way too many hours- stressed and emotionally distant. I gave up on my home and husband while trying to keep up with the pace and have a successful career. If not for the wise council of Aaron and Uncle Eric - helping to hold Tyler together and for his Aunt Sarah - who showed me grace and love when I didn't deserve it - I'm not sure I'd be here to write these updates.

We made our focus less on the things of this world - and more on Christ. We worked on having a more intimate relationship with our Savior and in turn He drew our marriage relationship closer. We're not perfect- my tongue is sharp and his temper quick- but we never give up on each other- Ever.

Our Siblings- my brother, Uncle Nick - is currently flying into a hurricane as I write this post-it's his job, yes we worry. We tell Townes every plane in the sky is Uncle Nick.

And Tyler's sister, Aunt Lindsay- if you ever wonder why the boys wear so many shirts that say "My Aunt is Awesome", it's because she is. Lindsay shows them so much love- and we are thankful for it.

And there is "Uncle" Neal- oh wait.... anyways, we love him too.

Lastly for this post, our parents - or should we say; Mawmaw, Pawpaw, Grandma and Pappy. You'll being seeing more posts about these wonderful people as they are in our lives daily. My mother- Anita, Mawmaw- FaceTimes us every single day. Townes tries to hug the phone when she calls and give her food. She listens to how tired I am, how our day is going- and is always there when I need her. My father- Doug, Pawpaw- is our on call mechanic and advisor. He shows his love for us and the boys by helping us out with manual labor on the farm and giving bear hugs. Tyler's mother- Patty, Grandma- my right hand, without her we would never make doctor appointments, be able to work on the farm or ever have a date night. She always makes sure Townes is fed and us too most of the time. And finally Tyler's Father- Tim, Pappy- I walk through our house and am reminded daily of the sacrifice and time he spent on these walls, floors, cabinets- everything. He loves his new role of Pappy and is quick to show you pictures or videos of the boys on his phone.

There are many other grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins- I'll save them for another day.

All is well on the farm, except for Big Red Fred (our Rhode Island Red  Rooster)- he went to freezer land today, a few weeks early, after charging Tyler. Remember my comment above on the Rice temper? Fred met his match.