About Us

The How and Why:

     Our family started the journey to homesteading in 2004. It began with an idea and a question: “Why not?” Our family has always had a self-reliant attitude. If we can do it ourselves, why shouldn’t we? So, when it came to producing our own food, the decision was natural. Of course, we can! However, the journey to self-sufficiency was not without its trials.

     As we planted our first tomato seeds and struggled to see them grow in clay-hardened soil, we quickly realized how much there is to learn. Each new day spent in the homesteading lifestyle brought new possibilities, new ideas, and new learning curves. New problems created new solutions, and because of this, we grew stronger as individuals, and as a family. Perhaps the greatest joy of homesteading is the experience of overcoming difficulties and finding your own solutions. Realizing that, no matter what anyone says, you can do it your own way.

     The feeling of breaking free from the system is one of true independence. Freedom from reliance on mega-corporations for basic necessities such as toothpaste, soap, and food, allows peace of mind. For us, a journey that began with six garden rows, and a cranky, lopsided milk goat has become an enterprise. Our farm has grown from three, to fifteen acres. Our garden has expanded to eight-thousand square feet and feeds us throughout the year. Our herd now includes ADGA Nigerian Dwarf goats, and our flock of chickens now provides us with a consistent source of meat and eggs.

Who:

     We are the Dennis Family. Ruthann, John, Heather, and Rachel. We are a homeschooling family focused on preserving traditional American culture and values.

     Ruthann is a mother, a teacher, a quilter, and she has a background in the Amish/Mennonite cultures. Her passion is learning. Ruthann also holds an Associate Degree in Computer Science.

     Heather is the eldest daughter and the manager of OQH. She has graduated from Wallace State Community College with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. She is a Cadet Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force Auxiliary. She held the position of Cadet Aerospace Officer.  Her background in Aerospace earned her a scholarship to Space Camp at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. when she was 16 years old for skills in microscope work, hypothesizing possible uses for cyanobacteria on Mars. She attended Space Camp 4 times including Elite Space Camp (by invitation only). She spent time with NASA assisting in research during their solar eclipse observations in TN. Heather has also worked as a Space Camp crew trainer, teaching children about space science and NASA history. Heather also has a passion for animal husbandry. She loves raising chickens and goats. She enjoys hiking, beekeeping, her Nigerian goat herd, her chicken yard, restoring vintage sewing machines, and reading classical literature. 

     John is the middle-child. He is the joy and comedy to our lives! He has also recently graduated from Wallace State Community College with his Associate Degree in Science and is currently attending WSCC Flight School.  John is also a Cadet Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force Auxiliary. His accomplishments include drill sergeant, flight commander, and awards in leadership. John’s passions include mathematics and science. He enjoys gardening, working with our cows, fishing, archery, marksmanship, and music. He is a talented pianist and guitarist.

     Rachel is our youngest. She has graduated high school. Rachel is an accomplished quilter and has been sewing since she was five years old. She has won several blue ribbons at the Cullman County Fair for her quilts and excels in dress making/ sewing.  She is not only an accomplished quilter, but Rachel also runs our greenhouses, rose beds, fruit trees and gardens. God has given her a gift of healing others through food, and she loves to be in the kitchen. Rachel loves Irish dance, and she is studying the Irish tin whistle. She aspires to be an entrepreneur and earn a business degree, but also has an interest in health and nutrition. Her passion is for her three rescued cats.  She also loves working with the baby animals here on OQH.

 

Where:

    Our Quilted Homestead is located in Hayden, Alabama.

What:

    Our homestead offers:

• Registered Nigerian Dwarf goats

• Bresse Chickens 

• Mentoring in homesteading and homeschooling

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