An early ‘retired’ high school teacher that has been homeschooling for over 16 years now with at least 12 more to go! It’s no wonder that Cheryl has a keen interest in getting back to basics. With a small army to feed and teach each day, you can usually find her in the kitchen, drinking a cold coffee or hanging laundry on the back deck. She loves to escape outside to enjoy the beauty of creation, the pleasures of gardening, growing herbs and flowers, hanging out with the goat girls and alpacas, or just taking inventory on supplies and livestock care. There’s always something new to learn, but that’s what we love doing around here!!! Eager to try anything new, Cheryl loves teaching and introducing folks to goats with her older girls at her side. Together Cheryl (aka Mama Bear) and her daughters are establishing a seasonal Farm and Forest School Program for children to attend and learn more about where their food comes from.  Specializing in encouraging mamas to connect with their children and balance a vast array of motherhood duties, she is an attentive listener and lover of life! Blessed with a loving husband who supports her wild ideas and a loving family of both little and big helpers, all credit and glory goes to the Lord Jesus Christ for His mercy and grace through all life’s mistakes.

Cheryl was recently featured in a Career Spotlight for virtual high school.  You can read this interesting interview HERE https://www.virtualhighschool.com/blog/

As the eldest child, Hudson has lived both lives. Growing up half his life in the small town, and the second half, here at Jireh Hills. It won’t take much to convince him which lifestyle he prefers. A natural with engines and anything else that makes loud noises, Hudson can throw a hammer, hang from rafters and design the latest chicken guillotine, all in a day’s work! Always willing to give us a hand, and he’s definitely a handy-guy, but it’s getting harder and harder to keep track of his busy schedule. A full-time student now at college with almost full-time hours working at a transport company, Hudson is switching gears to someday find his own patch of dirt to raise a family on. A blessing to us, and we know to all he meets, we plan to keep him around the homestead as long as he lets us!

Ava is definitely a right-hand helper, however, mama usually has to win a thumb war with daddy to get her assistance. She’s certainly an indispensable part of each aspect of our homestead. She keeps everything and everybody working hard and accomplishing their duty lists each day. She leads by example, and as the oldest sister, Ava is quick to set the example by working the hardest and sometimes, getting the dirtiest! Ava runs the milking parlour, and although she doesn’t easily give up her milking rights, she has begun to let her younger sisters take over the milking chores (occasionally). A studious high schooler now, Ava enjoys math and science, reading adventure books and tackling her own business in logo and sign-making. She has future goals of working as a veterinarian assistant (no surprise!) and she’s well on her way to all the hands-on learning she can get!

Ruthie is the leader of the younger girls, but she is often called upon as an extra hand on bigger projects outdoors. Ruth Anne takes care of our chickens daily, collecting eggs and helping mama plan and stock up the incubator each spring for new chicks. She’s an enthusiastic learner with a creative mind for writing and storytelling. Always looking for an adventure, it wouldn’t surprise us if she grows up to be the next Laura Ingalls Wilder or L.M. Montgomery. One thing is certain, growing up at Jireh Hills, she will have endless stories to tell and boundless ears to listen!

Even at a young age, we knew this girl was destined for outdoor adventures. Riding bare back on Champ Chickadee and carrying baby goats around the goat pen, Victoria has always loved animals that were bigger than her, plus the challenge of keeping up with her bigger sisters. Although still a big overwhelmed with emotions at times, Victoria is learning the positive end-results of hard work and cooperation. She’s like an energizer bunny that doesn’t quit until the sun goes down, but she still needs her mommy/daddy hugs and snuggles to keep her recharged. As parents, we foresee a future of goat wrangling and enthusiastic horse racing (gasp!).