The Growing Family

The couple, Stephen and Morgan, talk about their newest animal -- a baby lamb they named Ramchop, also affectionately called "Ba" by their kids.

Guest Speaker Jessica Hinton from The Hidden Paradise Farms speaks to Morgan and Stephen about how agritourism is helping their farm and family thrive! Support Hidden Paradise by booking a stay or buying products here: https://thehiddenparadisefarms.comHow to enter to 50th episode giveaway:​ Send 3 friends your favorite podcast episode​ Screenshot the message you sent out to friends (you can blot out their name at the top of the screenshot)​ Email the images to [email protected]​ Drawing ends Friday 3/22/25 at midnight, winner will be revealed next podcast!

Have you ever considered homeschooling? Or are you currently homeschooling your young kids and are looking for more information? Morgan and Stephen have been homeschooling two toddlers for the past year. They share their experiences with local homeschool co-ops, homeschool library, curriculum ideas for preschool age and more!Busy Toddler Curriculum: https://shop.busytoddler.com/product/playing-preschool-complete-program/Other resources: https://www.readingfoundation.org/readyforkindergartenhttps://www.readingfoundation.org/resources/hub

Stephen recently tested out 3 different methods to make lard from his Kune Kune pigs. In this episode, the couple discusses their favorite method and why.

I’m 2024, Stephen and Morgan added Kune Kune pigs to their farm. Discover what they have learned about this breed the past four months.

Stephen and Morgan talk about 2024 -- all of the projects, planned and unplanned, as well as accomplishments that happened throughout the year! Stay tuned for what's next for the Growing Family in 2025...

Stephen and Morgan talk about parenting their two children, who are different genders but are both toddlers.

Stephen and Morgan are excited to chat about the growing farm, including the kids, the animals and the garden!! This is a longer episode with lots of information about the couple's farm and family life.

The Growing Family hosts, Stephen and Morgan, go over the ways they have been forgiving in their yard and some ideas of what you can be on the lookout for as well!

Stephen and Morgan are back to share about the animals they are raising on their homestead.

It's Father's Day, so Morgan decided to record a short episode about Stephen and what she appreciates about him. Stephen had no idea about this episode as he was outside with the kids in the garden!

Morgan learned all about making goat milk soap in a recent class. She shares some of the main tips she unearthed from the class at Copper Chick Soapery in Crossville, TN. Links: https://www.copperchicksoapery.com/ www.quarteracrefarms.com Send us your shirt ideas at [email protected]

Morgan and Stephen talk about Mother's Day and have two surprise guests on today's episode.

Stephen and Morgan, hosts of the Growing Family podcast, list their goals in a 40 day challenge to get closer to each other in their marriage. This challenge is called Producing Partnerships. Listen now and join in with some goal making of your own.

Stephen and Morgan go over what they think their individual and collective parenting styles are and why.

Morgan, Stephen and the kids packed up the car for a roadtrip to the KY Sustainable Living Fair in Bowling Green. It was an amazing experience the family would recommend to anyone interested in pursuing or continuing a homesteading lifestyle. Links: KY Sustainable Living Fair Living Free in Tennessee Permapastures Holler Roast Coffee Hidden Cycle Apothecary Hickory Ridge Soaps Two Old Crows Homestead Food Plant Nursery, Brookville IN

We tried to stay focused but we covered many topics including our new Swedish Flower Hens and much much more!

The Growing Family shares the process of building a dog kennel and the estimate of how much a basic structure may cost.

Stephen and Morgan are back and discuss 2024 goals for the new farm.

Today Morgan interviews her 2 year old, Gideon. This is a short, fun episode focusing on parenting and gives an inside look of the Growing Family.

The Growing Family, Stephen & Morgan, bought a new homestead in Tennessee this week! They share their experience in this podcast as well as give a positive outlook on the home buying process.

Stephen and Morgan are back this week to share ways they are managing the pantry to store food for the future in a simple way.

Stephen and Morgan discuss their child's eating habits and ways they are combating his picky eating tendencies while introducing plants from the garden.

Shout out to Liz and Jordan for building the chicken coop discussed in today's episode! Today Morgan and Stephen talk about what you can do in order to make sure your farm is well cared for while you're away from your homestead. Mentions: -Most Like An Arch This Marriage by John Ciardi

The Growing Family is moving South to Tennessee very soon! Listen to this episode while Stephen and Morgan discuss what they have been experiencing while searching for a house a few states away.

Stephen and Morgan share why they look at "failing" in a positive light and what they have gleaned from past failures on their homestead.

Stephen and Morgan discuss three ways to make your rabbitry profitable.

Stephen and Morgan went camping in Tenessee over the weekend. This couple shares what they discovered while camping with two kids under the age of 3 and two cattle dogs. Links mentioned in this episode: Spacious Skies Campgrounds Belle Ridge - https://spaciousskiescampgrounds.com/belle-ridge/ Kids Toddler Camping/Beach Chair - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NQQWNZD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details Hello Bello Mineral Sunscreen - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2BF74PC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AJNZMY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Stephen and Morgan give an update about their garden and how it's growing. Resources mentioned: How To Make A Forest Garden by Patrick Whitefield Midwest Medicinal Plants by Lisa M Rose

Stephen & Morgan open up about their experiences in raising their son and daughter.

Stephen and Morgan want to say Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there, including their blue heeler named Chili. Today they discuss their upcoming litter of puppies, as well as some various farm updates. To enter today's special episode giveaways: Like us on Facebook! Share the episode link on Facebook and tag a friend in our post of this episode www.facebook.com/qacrefarms If you don't have social media, email us at [email protected] https://materiamedicaspa.com https://www.facebook.com/maplecreations/

Morgan and Stephen discuss what it was like to farm on a quarter acre in the middle of a neighborhood near downtown Indianapolis.

Stephen and Morgan continue their conversation with Lizbeth from Gentle Beginnings. This time they are diving deeper into lifestyle choices to positively influence the health of your entire family. Some of the resources mentioned in this episode are: https://harvestpartners.farm https://www.juiceplus.com/us/en https://materiamedicaspa.com https://gentle-beginnings.mailchimpsites.com

Join Stephen and Morgan as they talk with Lizbeth Barajas, founder of Gentle Beginnings. Lizbeth describes the birth of her business and what she offers to moms in the Indianapolis area. Gentle beginnings website:https://gentle-beginnings.mailchimpsites.com/ @GentleBeginnings on Instagram and Facebook

Resources:

Stephen shares about his experience at vineyards he worked at in California and Indiana, as well as considerations if you want to get started with planting your own vineyard in your backyard. Resources and Mentions: E&J Gallows Sugar Creek Vineyard White Horse Winery AA Vineyards www.winefolly.com

Morgan explains her experience with anxiety, both before and after having children. Have you ever struggled with anxiety? Share your thoughts about this episode with The Growing Family - email the hosts at [email protected] Resources from this episode: @Leafandlearn on instagram @Dudedad on Facebook and instagram

Stephen and Morgan talk about gardening projects they have for this season. Their projects involve building raised bed planter boxes that are accessible to everyone and starting seeds with their 1 year old son, Gideon.

Every farm starts somewhere...this is the origin story of Quarter Acre Farms. You will also learn about easter egger chicken layers and their painted eggs in this episode.

One of the Growing Family's listeners sent in some gardening questions that Stephen addresses in this episode. Send your questions or future episode ideas to us by emailing [email protected]

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month! Morgan and Stephen's nephew, Layden, was diagnosed with autism in 2012. Today they interview their sister, Rachelle, to share Layden's story and the changes that have happened in his life as he enters his teenage years. There is a surprise visit from Layden and his brother Cooper at the end of the episode you won't want to miss! Rachelle is a digital artist and designed two phone screen savers for free download to use this month. We encourage everyone to talk about those they know and love with autism, and also to share Layden's story with the world. Lock Screen Downloads for your phone: https://www.quarteracrefarms.com/autism

Meet the newest member of the growing family! Morgan and Stephen welcomed their baby daughter on March 9th at 12:29 a.m. This episode is about their daughter's birth and how it went for Morgan's second unmedicated birth experience. Ina Mae Gaskin Books: Spiritual Midwifery Birth Matters Ina Mae documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUTKmk9fozs

Our guest, Seth Athialy from Abe Family Farms, gives insight on how to start beekeeping at your homestead. To buy honey from Abe's Family Farm in North Salem, Indiana, reach out via email to: [email protected] Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/abesfamilyfarm

Join Morgan and Stephen on today's episode about minimalism. The couple talks about why they have goals to minimize and live tiny, even while they are expanding their family and farm. Blog Link: https://atozenlife.com/minimalist-person/ Podcast Recommendation: https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/

Stephen welcomes our guests Ethan Young and Carol Yoder to discuss ideas on what to plant in your spring garden this year. Connect with Ethan through these links: @Organic Ethan Ready Life Co-Op Well Watered Gardens of Johnson County Facebook [email protected]

This week Stephen and Morgan share the Raken House concept where chickens and rabbits can be the best roommates! Learn how to create a space where chickens and rabbits can live harmoniously together in a creative and functional way. Raken House video example: https://youtu.be/MK5TH_VaC6o Contact Stephen with any questions or ideas you have here: https://www.quarteracrefarms.com/contact

Karen Burr, Licensed Esthetician, Vitalist Health Coach, Herbalist, and co-owner of Materia Medica joins Morgan and Stephen as a guest on today's episode. Karen discusses the topic of Pediatric Herbalism, which explains how we can raise healthy children and build their innate immunity by using what we can grow in our gardens as medicine. How to connect with Karen: Materia Medica Herbal Blending Bar & Spa Indy Holistic Living (Facebook group) The Homesteading Herbalist Collective (Facebook group) Books Karen recommends: Nourishing Traditions Cookbook for Children Nourishing Traditions Wild Remedies Podcast Karen recommends: Herb Rally

The Growing Family shares from start to finish the birth story of their son. Get ready to dive deep into the nitty gritty details of an unmedicated birth. Morgan will explain what she experienced before, during and after.

Today Morgan and Stephen discuss their previous property and the edible landscape they created in just a quarter acre backyard.