A Little Farm, A Bigger Story

Every holiday reminds us that food has a way of bringing people together.

For the past nine years, our family has packed up our campers and headed just a few miles down the road to my sister's house for our Fourth of July tradition. We've finally reached that stage where it all feels less chaotic and more like a rhythm we've grown into. The kids know exactly what to expect, everyone has a role, and the meals have become just as much a part of the tradition as the fireworks.

This year, the big Holiday meal centered around a slow-cooked boneless pork shoulder roast that turned into piles of shredded pulled pork. Another night was homemade pizzas on the Blackstone, topped with thin-sliced pepperoni. And you can’t forget the big morning feast, that always comes with our sizzling hickory-smoked bacon and pork sausage links.

Real food. Shared around picnic tables. Kids running barefoot, and sounds of laughter long after dark.

We did miss Nate and Lou Ann this year on the actual Holiday. They joined us for fireworks one evening, but on the Fourth they broke tradition for something pretty special.

They traveled to celebrate the wedding of one of our own.

Many of you know Isaiah from our farmers markets. He's been part of our farm for years now, ever since he was a young boy who walked across the street to the Logan Square Farmers Market and asked if he could help. My mom happily put him to work, and he never really left.

Over the years, he's become much more than an employee. He's become family.

The wedding was held in a beautiful forest preserve, and despite the occasional rain, everything about the day reflected Isaiah and Andrea's hearts.

The meal featured our grass-fed beef kabobs, pastured chicken, all grilled over a huge stone grill right in front of the guests by Flock & Forage. There was fresh elote, incredible sides like our pastured ground pork meatballs prepared by Flour Power, and a table covered with a mountain of honeycomb alongside whipped cheeses for everyone to enjoy.

At one point, my mom sent me a text.

She had noticed Isaiah—the groom himself—standing behind the serving table, cutting pieces of honeycomb and serving his guests.

She simply wrote,

"Serving."

Serving people isn't something Isaiah turns on when he comes to work. It's simply who he is.

Nick and I wished we could have been there, but our own little crew was counting on another year of camping together. Hearing the stories afterward—and seeing photos of Isaiah, Andrea, our Chicago market team, his family, and friends all gathered around the table—reminded me how much bigger this farm has become than the acres we own.

Somehow, this little family farm has become a place where people from so many different backgrounds find connection.

Customers.

Employees.

Friends.

Families.

Neighbors.

While we chatted about the beloved wedding, sharing pictures with me, it brought tears to my mother’s eyes to think about those wonderful men pictured. She said she looked around and just couldn’t help but think - wow - we have a big responsibility, and are truly blessed with some of the best people to share life with.

That responsibility can feel quite heavy at times, but we must remind ourselves, that this isn’t happening because of anything extraordinary we’ve done, but because of the power of our good Lord and Savior. He’s in control, and He’s got a plan for our family, farm, and future.

We're humbled by that.

We’re honored by that.

And grateful to have a small part in something much bigger than ourselves.

Thank you for allowing our family to be part of your tables, your celebrations, and your traditions. Whether it's a holiday weekend, a Tuesday night dinner, or breakfast before heading out the door, it means so much more to us than you'll ever know.