Hi There! I’m Ericka Campbell, a stay at home Mom, cowboy’s wife, chicken farmer and garden enthusiast. If you like gardening, farming, yummy recipes, crafts, and bits and pieces of mom life then you’re in the right place! This blog was created to help people like YOU get inspired to create your OWN little homestead!
I was raised in the small town of Wilton, California. My parents still live in the home my Dad built when I was 1 years old. I grew up playing prairie, building mini forts for my Barbies, camping, and racing go-carts with my sisters (middle child represent!) My parents raised us to appreciate the outdoors, to be kind, to love God, and to work hard.
Twenty seven years later after high school, after graduating college with a Business degree, after starting what I thought was my dream job with the state, I met a cowboy at the local bar in Wilton called The Wrangler. We quickly became inseparable. He somehow convinced me to quit my job with the State (just kidding, there wasn’t much convincing. It went like “Quit your job and be a stay at home.” “OK!!”) We got engaged 10 months later, got pregnant the same night as our engagement (whoopsies), had our baby boy 9 months later, and got married 3 months after that. Two years later we brought our sweet and sassy Cassie Quinn into the world, better known as “sissy.”
My family and I live in Lodi, CA on 60 acres. When I entered adulthood I found myself longing to be like my Mom, the Green Thumb Queen! I grew up around luscious gardens and farm animals (4-H for Life!) and always found such a peaceful feeling surrounding me. I decided I wanted my own home to have that feeling. I’ve been gardening for 7 years now and no matter where I live, I will always find a way to grow my own food! (For real – We lived in a city area once and grew everything in pots!) Our new home has a lot more space for gardening, so I’m excited for all the new varieties of veggies I was able to plant this season!
Aside from gardening, we are officially… this feels strange to say, but…CHICKEN FARMERS! I grew up around chickens my whole life. I remember dressing them up in costumes at the county fair (my husband laughs at me for that), and watching tv while holding my little Old English hen in my lap. Fresh eggs from home has always been something I’ve strived for, and I’ve always imagined my kids running around with chickens just like I did!
I asked my husband for 4 laying hens. He came come with 18, and ordered 150 MORE, including a rooster for each variety…. Go big or go home? The man’s INSANE y’all. After having a slight panic attack as to where we’re going to put them, I became overwhelmed with JOY! We found the perfect space behind the olive trees where they’ll be under a huge, beautiful oak tree. Farmer’s Market, here we come!
Most of our days are spent in the garden, playing with chicks and the horses, crafting something new, or going out on adventures.Whatever we’re doing, we’re doing it together. I believe gardening feeds the soul and I truly believe no matter where you live, you can create that peaceful homestead feeling. There’s nothing better than watching a tiny seed grow into something you can harvest and put on your plate after a hard days work. I hope these little peeks into our life will inspire you to live a life outdoors and cherish every moment with your family. Follow along for tips on the farm and garden life, with the occasional mom post (posts of my son raising havoc). Ok, a lot of mom posts! Thank you for following our homestead journey, we hope you enjoy!
Meet the FAM
The Cowboy
Meet the man of the farm, Joey. Project Manager/Builder by day, diaper changer by night. He’s the rawest cowboy I’ve ever met, and most talented with a saw, drill, and truck full of wood. He probably hears “Can you..” or “Help me with..” at least 10 times a day. A go getter, smarty pants, horse ridin’ son of a gun. The farm and garden wouldn’t exist without Rodeo Joe!
The Hell Raiser
Better known as Cowboy Cade, or Cade the Cowboy. At almost 2 years he’s already learned to catch chickens without killing them (halleluyah), lope a horse, and spin out on the quad (all with Dad’s help of course). In all truth, he’s the sweetest, cutest, coolest, best kid around. He IS my pride and joy. Teaching him about farming and gardening is my biggest excitement!
The Newest Addition
Our sweet baby girl was born December 30, 2020. A picture will be posted soon!
The Fur Children
**To all our other fur kids: Even though your picture isn’t on here, we love you long time!
Fun Facts:
Joey was a professional bull rider growing up and won Rookie of the World when he was 19.
Ericka is obsessed with taking pictures. Most of the photos you see were taken on her iphone because she can’t figure out how to work her Nikon camera (that she begged her husband to get her) properly.
About the Author: Ericka Campbell
Ericka is a 34 year old blogger living in Lodi, CA with her cowboys (husband and son), sweet little girl and ridiculous amount of animals. When she’s not blogging she’s in the garden fighting weeds, hanging with her girls (which means her chickens), taking pictures of flowers, or chasing Cowboy Cade around so he doesn’t destroy her plants. Whatever she’s doing at the moment, she probably has a glass of red wine in hand. She’s from California, but she sure as heck says “y’all.”