While we both work together on running the Ranch, we each have our individual jobs that take up the majority of our weekdays.

Sean’s main gig not only helps us “Fund the Fun” here on the Ranch, but it also allows him to work fully remote-giving us more time when he’s off and more flexibility if we need or want to travel. Outside of life on the Ranch, you can find him enjoying our weekly

date night, helping neighbors, enjoying all things outdoors and planning out our next project in detail. 

Jaime’s primary role is that of  homeschool mom two are remaining two at home, running our farm stays and overseeing all things social media for the ranch. In her downtime you can find her also enjoying our weekly date nights, scratch cooking, gardening and studying homeopathy!

The Laurel Ranch Story – How We Got Here

In 2017 we were living in a 3400 square foot home on less than half an acre. Exhausted, overworked, over committed and desperate for change. In fact, we nearly lost our marriage of 18.5 years. But God stepped in and restored us and made our marriage better than ever before. We knew we could not remain in the life we were living.

In May 2019, we sold the house and moved our family of 7 (at the time we just had 6 – our oldest had already graduated and moved out)  and 3 pets into a five wheel and purchased 21.5 acres an hour away. We wanted less house-more home, less stuff- more time, less obligation-more relationship. We had a friend create a floor plan for more ideas and set out to build a home. We built it as a family, with friends joining us from time to time. We did it nearly all ourselves, except for larger things like the roof, foundation, and drywall. We started framing in July and by early December, we were done and Laurel Ranch was born.

We wanted to create a life we didn’t need a vacation from. We wanted to be more self-sufficient. We wanted to know where our food came from and how it was grown and raised. We wanted to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, animals, gardening and knowing your neighbor. We wanted to show others there’s more to life than just stuff. Above all, we wanted others to know exactly how God can redeem ANY story and we wanted him to be glorified in all that we do.

As we had friends and family and neighbors visit, it became apparent they weren’t just curious about what we were doing, they actually wanted to learn. Little by little, as visitors came, we started showing them how we ran the ranch. It was suggested we offer a place to stay and maybe even a fire pit area for people to enjoy. 

In May 2020, we turned our RV into a rental and continued to grow the Farmstead. We were booked nearly all of 2020! We realized this was one way to help us keep the ranch running and allow us to continue sharing what we love doing

In May 2021, we signed papers to purchase an additional 11 acres, which goes further up the hill and will soon include hiking trails and one day, Lord willing, cabins with a view. We are blessed to continue the path God has laid on our hearts and look forward to sharing it with others as we go.