Bringing home chicks a few weeks ago wasn’t exactly part of the plan… but we’ve done this before.
Four tiny peeps.
So much fun. So much anticipation.
Before we knew it, our fluffy little chicks had put on their big girl feathers and were ready for the “big” pen.
Despite careful construction… a raccoon found his way in.
And just like that—without warning—we had one.
Just one.
It was one of those hard, matter-of-fact moments that life on a ranch doesn’t shield you from.
If you’ve lived this life for any length of time, you know…
There is so much beauty here.
The kind that builds work ethic.
Teaches responsibility.
Gives you a deep appreciation for where your food comes from and what it takes to raise it.
But there’s another side too.
The part that teaches loss.
The part that doesn’t wait for a “better week”
(yes… the raccoon came on a rough week).
The part that shows up right in the middle of everything else and reminds you—
This life… this good life… isn’t always easy.
I cried — a lot.
The boys were upset about the chicks…
but maybe even more so because it broke Mom’s heart.
Those lessons are just as real as any other.
In ranch life, you don’t just learn how to work—
You learn how to nurture.
You learn how to protect.
You learn that life—whether it’s the hay pasture, the herd, the horses, or even the tiniest chick—matters.
In the days after the incident…
Our little chick got a promotion.
Princess.
Princess Peep, to be exact.
And did she peep.
She had plenty to say about that terrible night.
Stick around for more Adventures of Princess Peep…
Because she’s about to have some thoughts on welcoming 15 new chicks to the coop—
(or the palace… if we’re being honest).
And if Kevin asks…
we’ll just say it’s “a few.” 😄