The Farm Wife Sagas

Because if you know me at all, you know I’ve been blessed with the sassiest, most opinionated, wildly independent little girl…one who walks into a room like she owns it… and honestly? She kind of does. She rules her own little world, and somehow she’s the center of everyone else’s, too.

The other day I was catching up with friends we don’t get to see very often. We were laughing and swapping stories when they said, “We just love seeing VJ’s style. That girl has a personality that fills the whole room!” And I couldn’t help but laugh, because whew… do I know it. My girl moves through life with confidence, grit, and a flair that is entirely her own. She’s independent until she’s not, and she keeps me on my toes every single day.

I always joke that I’m already praying for the person she ends up with. I pray they’re kind, patient, understanding, and willing to let her bold, wild spirit stay exactly as it is, because that spark is what makes her her.

It’s a joke… but not really.

Because my girl is a leader. A firecracker. A force. And sometimes, when I look at her, I swear I can see a glimpse of the future. She’s leading something big. What’s never clear is whether she’ll be leading a movement that changes the world or a group in jail. And honestly, with VJ, it could go either way. I wouldn’t trade her fierce little soul for anything.

But I’m also the parent who is never surprised when a teacher, friend, or random bystander tells me what she’s done or said. This week alone she has been pregnant and had a c-section at preschool, and she has also sung “Jesus Loves Me” for over 45 minutes without stopping. So like I said, we could go in any direction over here.

So if you’re in the trenches like I am, raising a tiny firecracker with a personality big enough to power a small town, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way. These reminders make the sassy days easier, the stubborn moments softer, and the wild seasons a little sweeter, because one day we really will miss them.

I’ve learned to choose my battles carefully. Some things simply aren’t worth the argument, and sometimes letting her express herself is better than forcing a fight. I’ve learned that giving simple choices goes a long way, because feeling in control helps her settle faster. I’ve learned that staying calm works better than matching her energy, even when the dramatic moments tempt me otherwise. I’ve learned to celebrate the bright, sweet moments with extra enthusiasm, because they deserve to shine just as loudly as the tough ones. And I’ve learned to pray for her fire, her softness, and the patience I need to guide both.

Most of all, I’ve learned that strong-willed children love with everything they have. Their emotions are big because their hearts are big. Even on the hardest days, that fierce love makes every bit of chaos worth it.