One of the questions we get asked often is "How do you do it all?"

Well that answer is easy....we don't always have it all together and get everything done! As farmers, we know that even with well-intentioned plans, things don't always play out in a perfect schedule. We are far from perfect! Some days we get so much accomplished, and other days we are looking for our phone while holding it.

Being the creators behind Sparrow Soaps is a very important facet in both of our lives, but we also have other obligations that we need to factor into our typical 16-18 hour day. Sue has nine grandchildren, four of whom she helps care for throughout the week. She is the children's ministry leader at her church, which requires planning lessons as well as overseeing the classroom instructions. She also is the architectural draftsman for her husband's very busy construction company, Barry Builders Inc. And if that wasn't enough, Sue helps out with the gardening duties for the family's beautiful farmstand where they offer all the fresh produce they grow, along with unique vintage finds, homemade wares and of course, our soaps.

Michelle, mama to four, homeschools her daughter, Nevaeh, and also helps her with her natural product business, Just A Farm Girl. Learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship is such a valuable lesson that is incorporated into her curriculum every day. Michelle is also her elderly father's caretaker all while juggling her ever-growing farm offerings. Trending *goat yoga* and various learning workshops are now on the calendar each week for Kingdom Kids Farm. {Speaking of a calendar, there is a "Flower Crowns & Tutus" calendar in the works for 2018, featuring adorable baby goats.} There also is a new little store on her property where folks can shop for local honey, syrup, jams/jellies as well as handcrafted wares from New England artisans. Keeping small business alive and well is one of the missions behind this adorable 100 square foot shop.

So that is our little snapshot of what else goes on along with the daily farm duties of raising beautiful dairy goats. Waking up early to get the goats milked and fed, cleaning barns and stalls, and sneaking in as many goat snuggles as we can, all in between making 500+ bars of soap each week. We also schedule in soap deliveries to our retailers, impromptu business meetings/phone calls and squeezing in grocery shopping, laundry and housework. Thank the Lord for His grace and mercy in the house cleaning dept. ;)

So when life throws a curveball such as a family emergency, an unexpected goat issue, or just the normal "not-enough-hours-in-the-day" situation; we take a deep breath and remember we can only do what we can do. We need to take time also to refuel when life starts to feel overwhelming. There is a great quote from Eleanor Brown that reminds us- "Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel."

With that in mind, we are so thankful that our customers understand when orders are not fulfilled in an "Amazon-Prime" timeframe, it is not because we do not value your business and support. We just might be tending to something with our families or farms and need a day or two to regroup/recharge. And as soon as we get back into the soap studios, orders will be packed up and on their way! We pride ourselves with our customer satisfaction and always include extras if there was any delay.

So when life feels like it's whirling too fast for you, remember that quote we shared. Take time for yourself and don't miss out on the small things that truly, are the most important things.

Blessings-
Sue & Michelle

A Day in the Life...