We have always lived in the "country", but didn't have animals other than domestic pets. When I resigned from my public school teaching job in order to spend more time with our three children and homeschool our nine year old son, we decided to get some sheep to eat down the grass on our two acres. We fell in love with the breed of sheep we had purchased and decided to get a few more. This is our third year breeding and learning about our Jacob Sheep. Everyone in the family loves this life. We now have a Pyrenees Mountain Dog to guard the flock as well as four geese and some laying hens. Our children have learned compassion for animals, some responsibility and the fun of educating and sharing with others about our sheep. My husband is getting into felting the wool fibers and our eventual goal is to create and market products from the wool. It is a lot of work, and yes, plenty of dirt! However, we would not trade this life for the old one. One thing that really helped the first two years was connecting with others with sheep experience. There is a large learning curve when it comes to caring for farm animals, especially ruminants as they have special biological needs and problems. It is very expensive in the beginning with ranch vet calls more frequent, but as you learn routine prevention and care and if you are willing to give vaccinations yourself, the vet will only need to come out for emergencies. Best Wishes on your venture! Family Farms make the world a better place*U* Robin

My son Skyler who just turned 16 attends East Nicolaus High School. I think there are quite a few transfers from Yuba City at his school. We are in Elverta, not too far from Arco Arena. I can relate to the gaps and tears. Dawson was barely functioning in PS second grade before I took him out. After being homeschooled for a few months, he looked at me one day and said, "Does this mean I'm smart now?" It just about broke my heart. This year however, he is beginning to realize just how much he has learned and is starting to feel some self pride in accomplishment. *U* We have a small farm and I just can't wait for the flies to go away! I guess we will need some cool weather and maybe some rain for that! Yes a fire in the fireplace would be nice too Thanks for the howdy

Hi Everyone, I'm from a small rural area just north of Sacramento. This is my second year homeschooling my son Dawson (9). He is starting to show noticeable improvement academically as well as socially. If I can just get his "I can't do it/don't want to do it" attitude under control- things will be great! I hope the temps cool off soon. I'm ready to close down that swimming pool! Robinhttp://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue_smilie.gif

Hot is especially hot when you have an ancient home without air conditioning!:tongue_smilie: