Preparing the Nest: Waiting on New Life
A Weekly Journal From A-7 Farms (Lexington, Texas)
Opening Scene
This morning, we woke up to a shock: frost on the ground and a 28-degree temperature reading. It was a sharp reminder that winter has officially settled in here in Central Texas.
Inside the RV, the atmosphere hasn’t changed much physically—though the Christmas tree is up and the lights are glowing, so you can see the season shifting. But the energy? That has been chaotic. With four kids asking, "How many days until Christmas?" every few minutes (I seriously need to buy a countdown clock), the anticipation is high.
But the pace of the farm slowed down drastically this week. Between the end-of-year rush at my job and a cold bug that swept through the entire family, we were forced to hit the brakes.
The Work of Waiting
Theme: Slow, steady progress on the land.
Before the sickness took us out, we managed a solid win: we finished the third block of garden beds. The plan was to start on the fourth, but when the cold hit us, we had to press pause.
Knowing the freeze was coming, I did the unglamorous but necessary work of "tucking the farm in"—checking water bibs and draining lines where water wasn't needed.
Thursday was the first day I really felt the cold in my bones. I tried to push through and get a few things done, but I felt run down. by Friday, I had to admit defeat and stay in bed. Farmers are terrible at stopping, but sometimes your body makes the decision for you.
Kids, Chaos, & Christmas
Theme: The excitement inside the house.
Being cooped up in an RV with a family cold is… an experience. I’d love to say it was all board games and harmony, but the truth is there was plenty of bickering. Elijah and I tried to escape outside for fresh air when we could, and while we rely on toys (and yes, iPads) to survive, Emily and I mostly focused on survival and making shopping lists.
But there were sweet moments amidst the coughing. We made a big pot of venison chili—a holiday favorite—which always lifts spirits.
And the kids stepped up in their own ways. Emily has been a trooper, carrying our fifth baby while feeling sick, and the kids noticed. The boys helped with dishes and tidying up the RV. Lyla, usually in the background, helped where it counted. And Kyra? She has been our little nurse. Every time a coughing spell hit, she’d pat us and say, "You’re okay."
Preparing the Nest
Theme: Getting ready for the new arrival.
With baby #5 due in January, people ask about "nesting." Honestly? In our RV, nesting looks a lot like… well, laziness.
I hate to validate the stereotype that by the fifth kid you stop worrying, but it’s true. We aren't stressing about the things everyone else worries about. We know what matters. Emily is in resting mode, which she needs, because this little guy is destined to be a big one and he isn't making things comfortable for her.
My version of nesting happens in the quiet of the morning. I put my hand on Emily’s stomach to feel those little (but strong!) kicks. I sit there, say a little prayer, and just look forward to the adventures ahead with my new son.
Preparing for a baby is a lot like preparing the garden. You can get your ducks in a row, but you have to be willing to accept chaotic times. You can do everything right to get ready, and something new will still pop up. You never know what will happen next.
The Faith of Advent
Theme: Waiting well.
We are in the season of Advent, which literally means "arrival." And between the farm, the pregnancy, and Christmas, we are learning a lot about patience.
We accept that farm work is hard. We accept that this baby will be big (our boys always are). But the patience to wait for the result? That’s the lifelong lesson. We want the garden flourishing now. We want to meet the baby now. But we have to wait.
Two scriptures have been on my mind this week:
Romans 8:25: "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience..."
People ask if we are "ready." In short: No. How can you ever be fully ready for a new life? I was a Scout, so I believe in "Always Be Prepared," but 45 years of life have taught me that you can build a good base, but in the end, you have to go with the flow. You take it day by day and trust God to provide.
Closing Reflection
Theme: Looking back and looking forward.
If I had to pick the one small win that mattered most this week, it wasn't the garden beds. It was feeling the strength of those little kicks. I’m thankful we are recovering from the cold, but knowing that little guy is strong and healthy makes me happy.
Looking toward Christmas week, I want calm and quiet. I want my children to enjoy themselves. I hope a few chores get done, but I’m not looking to do too much. It is a time for rest, togetherness, and giving.
If I could freeze one image from this week, it would be that moment with the venison chili: A decorated Christmas tree, the family gathered around it with warm bowls in hand, safe and happy inside the RV while the frost settled outside.
A Holiday Note From the Farm
Before I sign off, I want to let you know that this will be the last journal entry for 2025. With Christmas and the New Year arriving, it has been getting harder to find the quiet time to sit down and write these updates properly. I want to be fully present with my family for these next few weeks.
I will pick this back up after the New Year to tell you our Christmas story and share what we did to ring in 2026.
Finally, I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read our blog this year. It really means a lot to me that you care about our progress, and I am so happy to share our story—mud, mistakes, and small wins included—with all of you.
Merry Christmas, and we will see you next year!
