1 farm, 2 houses, 3 generations
We live here on the farm with my in-laws. That is something that many may not like but it has worked out well for us. Working in a family business together has kept us close over the years so living next door seems natural. Back when we were looking for land to build our house, Wayne's parents were looking too. Then we found this piece of property and decided to buy it together. Even though it is legally split into two pieces of property, it makes up one farm. We share a road, a veggie garden, a storm cellar, our water system, a tractor, and lunch every Saturday. The boys love having grandparents right next door. And she stocks cokes and candy to keep them coming by to visit often.
Their home is so cute painted in classic country blue. It's a one story, two bedroom but a little smaller than ours. Inside, it very traditional {unlike ours} but outside it's a perfect match to ours. My talented husband designed his parent's home in 3 hours. And then we contracted both houses together. As the workers finished on one, they moved next door. They have been there almost a year now and I don't think they miss their old house of 42 years at all.
Now three generations work together here on our little farm. And as the parents age and possibly need help, we will be right next door ~ all 128 feet away.
Their home is so cute painted in classic country blue. It's a one story, two bedroom but a little smaller than ours. Inside, it very traditional {unlike ours} but outside it's a perfect match to ours. My talented husband designed his parent's home in 3 hours. And then we contracted both houses together. As the workers finished on one, they moved next door. They have been there almost a year now and I don't think they miss their old house of 42 years at all.
Now three generations work together here on our little farm. And as the parents age and possibly need help, we will be right next door ~ all 128 feet away.
I think that's beautiful that your family remains so closely bound to one another. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, now, I want to see their house too. I too, think that's great to be so close. I know the kids have to love it!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your husband did a great job with their house too. I'm glad the closeness works for you.
ReplyDeleteI love that! I too have family who lives very close. We have 8 arces divided into 3 pieces. So my hubby and I have a VERY old farmhouse and some land and my 2 neighbors are my inlaws which I adore and so does my son:)He always points out the window saying papa and gram, he's 2:) And then my husbands brother and they're family live up the road. Some people tease that its a a little too close for there liking but I would much rather have family for my neighbors than a stranger!! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading the story of the blue house! My family seems to be moving all over the world..thank God for Skype and email and blogs and such like...through them...even snail mail..we are still close!!
ReplyDeleteOh how neat about the in-laws. I have followed you for some time and always wanted to tell you how neat your house and farm are, but it wasn't until recently that I could post in the embedded boxes like you have. Also, my hubby went and bought his chicks a red light like yours after I showed it to him. He just used regular bulbs in his hen house, but has the red one now thanks to you. And, he is getting a few more eggs since switching to the red one.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a blessing! It's nice to have family so close by.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI think its awesome that you share property! What a loving family environment for your children. Love the blue of their home. Stop by and say hi sometime!
xoxo
We share the farm also with my father-in-law. It's always been so nice to have family close, especially when our son was small. My mother-in-law (now deceased) helped to teach me many things about cooking, laundry, chickens and more! I was a young bride, who knew very little about farm life (grew up in town). I miss her so much. I love the blue house too. Your hubby did a wonderful design job! Thanks for sharing your story! I'm glad to see that having family as 'close neighbors' has worked out great for others as well :) -Tammy
ReplyDeleteI love it and love the country blue house. I would love a peak inside too. How wonderful to raise your boys on a farm with their grandparent next door. Doesn’t get any better than that.
ReplyDeleteHow great!
ReplyDeleteI just found you through Naturally Carol. I'm looking forward to browsing through your blog!
I just happened by and have thoroughly enjoyed looking around. Thanks for sharing. What a blessing to have your family around. And what a legacy you are leaving for your children. God Bless.
ReplyDelete"Choose Life ~ and make it Lovely."
Deut. 30:19
I think it's wonderful to have grandparents next door! We live close to grandparents, but not quite so close - wish we did! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSo I have to ask, whats involved in a relationship living that close to your in-laws?
ReplyDeleteA good relationship to start plus a good dose of grace and lunch every Saturday. It works for us.
ReplyDeleteI love all the house pictures! Thanks for the tour....inspiring ideas! We have so many things in common, I look forward to visiting here frequently!
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful to see in-laws and other family members so compatible that they can live relatively close. These families have learned to help each other out, they know about sacrifice and they listen to each other. Unfortunately, not all in-laws are the same way --- mine love staying away year after year, being uninterrupted in casinos and not really caring about what is going on back home. It was devastating for me to realize these things about my in-laws because my own family is so incredibly close. So, I do think it is so great for your kids to get the benefit of having both sets of parents (regular parents and grand-parents) at their disposal...they can only grow in wisdom by their presence. Such a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteLana
Redfarmhouse,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your site and was amazed how much it aligns with our family's blog - http://wholesteading.com We have 5 kids and 1 on the way and are hoping to begin building our house/homestead in September. We have divided our blog into Faith & Family, Homeschooling, Building our Dream, etc...not exactly like your blog but many similarities. My wife said your family is like the Oklahoma version of our Atlanta family ;-) Great blog! We may reach out to you if you don't mind if we need advice as we start moving forward with building. God Bless! Anthony