Tell us about your homestead. What made you decide to take on this adventure?
Lillian: Necessity facilitated the move to homesteading. I grew up in a family that farmed, fished, hunted, and wildcrafted most of our food. It was a way of life. At the time, I wasn’t thankful for those lessons, but in hindsight, I am so thankful for that knowledge and know-how.
Most of our time as a family is spent together working on our little oasis. We purchased a property two years ago and have been steadily working to make it just perfect for us.
Over this period of time, we’ve often joked about God making our house the home for wayward animals. We’ve welcomed squirrels, turtles, peacocks, goats, chickens, and “boyfriend” a stray dog that our dog Maggie fell in love with. We’ve built our own fence around the property as a family project and a greenhouse together. It’s a lot of learning curves for all of us. Jesus didn’t make me a carpenter for sure, but also a lot of fun and wonderful moments that will be forever cherished memories.
What have been the best parts and most challenging?
Lillian: The best parts have been feeding my family, friends, and community when I can. Knowing that what we have comes straight from seed to table. Sharing not only the produce when it’s available but also the knowledge on how to do it. Now we have a community of people and different growers who can share what we have together! The challenge has been weather, pests, and time. We’re often pulled in so many directions that sometimes we flop with crops (like this summer) because life happens.
As a mom, homesteader, and entrepreneur, how do you prioritize filling your cup?
Lillian: Morning coffee with Jesus! The first thing I do every morning is have coffee and quiet time with him and the birds. Soaking in the first morning rays of the sun, feeling the wet dew between my toes, and feeling the vibrations of the day.
I am also incredibly blessed with a tribe FULL of women who are also on their own journey and speak life into me. These women are incredible powerhouses in all stages of life with so much wisdom. Spending time with them is so fulfilling.
Helping others with whatever they need also replenishes me. If you’re feeling stuck, go help someone and watch God work!
What is the most important lesson you have learned so far in your motherhood journey?
Lillian: That we only get our children for a little while. My oldest two boys have Crohn’s Disease and we nearly lost our oldest when he was 10 years old to it. This makes you re-evaluate what’s important in life. Make each day count. There’s always a last time for things and so many of which we take for granted. We don’t know when those last are so soak them all in.
As a boy mom, I’ve learned that they are so much deeper and emotional than I ever knew. Big hearts, big minds, big feelings! They may outgrow my lap but never my heart! They are the only ones who will ever know what my heart sounds like from the inside! I am so thankful I get the privilege of being their momma!
What’s your go-to “mom hack” that makes life much easier?
Lillian: Jesus take the wheel. I have no idea! Dinner made in advance. A slow cooker or instant pot is life-changing for days when it’s all so busy!
What is the most important lesson you hope to teach your children?
Lillian: To love people where they’re at! We’re all just walking each other home. Kindness is where it’s at!
I also want them to know that they are divinely and fiercely loved, created, and protected. That there is a calling on their life and they can do anything they set their minds and hearts too. I am their biggest fan! The greatest compliment I’ll ever get is that people come to know Jesus through our actions and see him in us.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- TV or Books? Books all day! We love the legacy bookstore in Foley! There is something for everyone!
- Favorite Holiday? Christmas! It’s a time when we slow way down and focus on what’s most important!
- Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise! By the time the sun sets, I’m ready for roosting like our chickens.
- Pizza or Tacos? Tacos for the win!
- One word to describe yourself? Resilient! Life is going to happen. What matters most is how we choose to respond and show up in life and for life!
Lillian Taylor is a mom of three uniquely created boys – ages 15, 13, and 5. She is the owner of Baldwin County Resources, LLC which assists small to medium-sized businesses to connect deeply with their community. She is passionate about all things Baldwin County and loves supporting small, local businesses in their endeavors.
