The Farm Wife Sagas

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  • Living the Life I Once Prayed for!

    Living the Life I Once Prayed for!

    Have you ever stopped in the middle of an ordinary moment and thought, “Wow…this is the life I once prayed for”?

    That happened to me today, sitting on the beach with sand between my toes and the sound of waves crashing in the background. I looked up from my chair to see my husband bent over in the sand, helping our daughter dig a hole as big as she was, and it hit me—this is it. This is the life I used to only imagine.

    When I was younger, I spent a lot of time thinking about my future. I wondered where I’d end up, who I’d spend my life with, and what kind of family I might have. My dreams were simple, but they mattered more to me than anything: a safe and loving home, a husband who truly cared for me, and children who would grow up knowing what love looks like. Those were the things I whispered in my prayers, the things my heart longed for.

    And now, here I am, living them out.

    It’s not glamorous or over-the-top. It’s in the little things. The kiss my husband gives me before heading off to play in the sand. The giggles of my daughter when the ocean rushes up and splashes her toes. The contentment of knowing I don’t need more—because what I have is already everything I once dreamed of.

    One of the most beautiful parts of this season of life is knowing that my daughter is growing up with a front-row seat to see what love, respect, and commitment look like. Her dad has set the standard high, not through grand gestures, but in the everyday ways he shows up for us. That thought makes me proud and thankful all at once.

    If you had asked me years ago what “success” looked like, I might have described career goals, financial milestones, or big plans for the future. But now? Now I see success in the simplest form: waking up each day surrounded by love, living a life that feels full, and noticing the beauty in front of me.

    And the best part? Realizing that sometimes, the biggest answered prayer is the one you’re already living.

    Maybe that’s the reminder we all need—to slow down and notice the little moments, the ones that slip by so easily, and recognize them for what they are. Because more often than not, those ordinary moments are the extraordinary life you once hoped for.

    As George Strait once sang, “Life’s not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.”

  • Don’t Expect You From Other People

    Don’t Expect You From Other People

    There’s a saying I’ve been holding onto lately: “Don’t expect you from other people.”

    Simple words, but wow they’ve been sitting heavy on my heart these past few weeks.

    Life has been full of changes recently, and with changes come new situations, new challenges, and sometimes new disappointments. What’s really caught me off guard, though, is realizing just how differently people handle things compared to how I would. It shocks me sometimes like, wait, that’s how you’re choosing to deal with this? Because in my head, I would have done things completely differently.

    But here’s the thing: that’s me. That’s how I would react.

    And then someone very prominent in my life gently reminded me: “You can’t expect people to handle things the way you would.” Isn’t that the truth?

    We all filter life through our own experiences, personalities, and values. The way I might confront an issue head-on, someone else might choose to avoid. The way I might extend grace, someone else might hold a grudge. The way I might overthink every detail, another person might let it roll off without a second thought.

    At first, those differences can feel frustrating. But when I step back, I realize those differences don’t mean one of us is right and the other is wrong…they just mean we’re wired differently.

    And maybe that’s the beauty of it.

    Because if everyone thought and acted exactly like me, we’d miss out on so many perspectives. We’d miss out on the balance that comes from people approaching life in their own unique ways.

    So, I’m learning to loosen my grip on expectations. To stop assuming others will show up, react, or handle things the way I would. And honestly? It’s a lot more freeing.

    If you’ve been struggling with unmet expectations, maybe this reminder is for you too: Don’t expect you from other people. Let them be who they are, while you stay grounded in who you are.

  • The Great Zoo Playdate: Where Kids Run and Moms Reconnect

    The Great Zoo Playdate: Where Kids Run and Moms Reconnect

    You know that one question that sneaks up on you out of nowhere? The one that makes you stop mid-laundry fold or in the middle of aisle nine at the grocery store?

    For me, it’s always: How has so much time gone by without seeing friends I used to see all the time? Seriously, what kind of time warp are we living in? And more importantly, why is it so hard to keep up?

    Life just has a sneaky way of filling up every spare second. Between kids, work, family, farm chores (and, let’s be honest, the occasional Netflix binge), it’s no wonder we blink and suddenly months have passed.

    That’s why I’m extra thankful for friendships that “get it.” The ones that don’t keep score or send you a passive-aggressive text like, “Well, I guess you forgot about me.” Nope. These friends understand that sometimes coordinating schedules feels like trying to land a rocket on the moon.

    But every once in a while, the stars align. This past week, I had one of those rare gems of a day. It may have been a blazing hot morning at the NC Zoo (note to self: vents in the desert exhibit floor after trekking the African safari were heavenly, ifykyk), but it was exactly what my heart needed.

    There’s just something about watching our littles giggle and run wild together while we moms attempt to carry on a conversation between snack requests, water breaks, and of course the occasional “MOM, LOOK!” at the zebras or any animal the kids swore they could bring home or sneak into the exhibit with.

    By the end of the day, my feet were tired, my hair was frizzy, I probably smelled so bad (sorry, dance studio), but my heart? Completely full. Sometimes all it takes is a little sunshine, some animal sightings, and a good catch-up session with a long-lost friend to remind you that the best friendships are the ones that pick up right where they left off no matter how much time has passed.

    So here’s your sign: send that text, set that date, or make that phone call. Even if it’s just coffee on the porch or a sweaty zoo walk, your heart will thank you for it. 💕

  • The Woman I Was vs. The Woman I Am Becoming

    The Woman I Was vs. The Woman I Am Becoming

    Have you ever stopped to think about how the decisions you make today ripple into tomorrow? Or how the choices you made ten years ago somehow landed you right here? I know there’s a plan, His plan, but let’s be honest…sometimes I wonder if God looks at me and thinks, “Girl, that was NOT on the itinerary.”

    I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately about who I am and who I’m becoming. By nature, I’m a social butterfly, always talking to strangers in the store (sorry, introverts), chasing new adventures, or picking up random skills just to say I can. Looking back, I see how those little choices and random moments of bravery have shaped me. Truth be told, the person I am today looks nothing like the girl I was even six months ago.

    These days, I’m stronger, more independent (well…depending on the situation), and constantly living in the fast lane. My brain is always running, sometimes like a NASCAR race, sometimes like a squirrel on espresso. Do I probably need to be medicated for ADHD? Maybe. Do I secretly think it’s just my superpower in disguise? Absolutely. That chaos fuels my creativity, my drive, and my ability to keep going even when life gets messy.

    But through all the whirlwind, I’ve learned some important things. I’ve learned that drama is a no-go. I’ve learned that my circle is better small and loyal than wide and shallow. I’ve learned actions always speak louder than words, because “I’m going to change or do better” doesn’t mean a thing without the follow-through.

    The old me had this giant comfort zone. She was a people-pleaser, desperate to be liked, worried about fitting in. But in the process, she kept shrinking herself smaller and smaller. The woman I am now is not afraid to say no, set boundaries, or walk away when something isn’t right. She knows who she is, even if that means she’s not everyone’s cup of sweet tea (and honestly, that’s fine, sweet tea isn’t for everyone either).

    And maybe that’s the most freeing part of all. Because six months from now, I’ll probably look back at this version of myself and laugh at how much I’ve changed again. And that’s the beauty of it, life is growth, stretching, becoming. Every decision, big or small, is shaping me into the woman God created me to be.

    So here’s to the choices, the chaos, the growth, and the grace in between. Because even when I get off track, I know God is still guiding my steps.

    If you’re in the trenches of change or feeling weighed down because others don’t understand or accept the changes in you, know this: it’s only a chapter, not your whole story. And maybe this chapter is the one that reveals the shallows in your life so you can find the deeper waters where you’re meant to thrive.

    “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” —Proverbs 16:9

  • The Kind of Spouse I’m Learning to Be

    The Kind of Spouse I’m Learning to Be

    Are you the one who helps with the farm work, even though you’ve got a mile-long to-do list of your own, just so you can get some quality time and maybe learn something new?

    Are you the one who complains that dinner is cold because that “last task” outside took way longer than he said it would?

    Or are you the one who has a perfectly tidy house but doesn’t really know what’s going on outside of it?

    If I’m honest, I think most of us want to be a mix of all of these. I know I do.

    I’d love to have a spotless house, my to-do list checked off, and some extra time beside my guy working the farm. But life just doesn’t work that way. There’s never enough time in the day and never enough of either of us to get it all done.

    This week at church, the sermon was on marriage and it hit home for me.

    I find myself in the complaining or frustrated stage more often than I’d like. Especially when I’m trying to keep the house clean, be present with VJ, help Colton on the farm, and still have dinner on the table… not even counting the things I do outside of farm life.

    Sometimes I’m envious of Colton when he’s outside working on a piece of equipment while I’m folding laundry. Sure, we’re both doing something that needs to be done, but his task just seems more fun. And if we swapped, I know I’d probably be envious of him being inside in the A/C while I was sweating those 20 pounds I need to lose off.

    The sermon talked about how a wife is designed to be a helper. That’s God’s design. “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18)

    It made me stop and think… when I complain about dinner being cold, or when I don’t know enough about the farm to handle a problem on my own while he’s on shift, am I really helping? Or am I adding stress to the relationship without even realizing it?

    Here’s what I’m learning: being a helper doesn’t always mean we’re side by side doing the same job. Sometimes it means holding down the fort so they can focus on theirs. Sometimes it means learning something new so we can take that load off their plate. And sometimes it’s as simple as offering grace instead of a complaint.

    Helping isn’t just what I do, it’s how I do it. Am I folding laundry with a bitter heart, or with the mindset that it’s one less thing for him to worry about? Am I cooking dinner while replaying how late he is, or am I cooking because I love my family and want to serve them well?

    Marriage isn’t about keeping score on whose work is harder, dirtier, or more glamorous, it’s about showing up for each other in the ways that matter most that day. Some days, that means boots in the dirt together. Other days, it’s me keeping the house and kid running so he can focus on what he’s doing. And sometimes, it’s just choosing to bite my tongue and smile instead of sighing about the cold dinner.

    God didn’t design marriage for perfection. He designed it for growth, learning, adjusting, and loving better as we go. And that means I can be both the helper in the field and the helper at home, as long as my heart is in the right place.

    “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” — Ephesians 5:33

  • Small Wins, Big Growth

    Small Wins, Big Growth

    If you know me (like really know me) you know I have some fears, some restrictions, and just a touch of stubbornness that keep me from doing certain things.

    One of the big ones? Chickens. I am deathly afraid of them. Panic attack level afraid. When Colton and I were dating, his brother would wait until I came over to let his chickens roam… and then, just for fun, he’d shake the feed bag right as I pulled in. I’d sit in my car like it was a chicken-proof bunker until it was “safe.”

    The fear goes way back to my childhood, when we had a rooster named Bob. Bob was straight-up mean like, he woke up every morning and chose violence. He’d chase me around the farm, jump on the four-wheeler while I was driving, and even chased my truck when I first got my license. Ever since Bob, I just don’t do birds.

    Now, despite living on a farm all my life, I’ll admit I’ve been spoiled in certain areas. Backing trailers? Driving a stick shift? I always had Dad, Mom, Stumpy, or now Colton to do it. Why learn when someone else could do it for me? Plus, I get anxious when someone’s hovering or giving instructions faster than my brain can process.

    But this weekend? Your girl did it.

    I backed the stock trailer (loaded with our bull and a heifer) all the way up to the gate. ALL. BY. MYSELF. And I nailed it! I was so proud I just had to gloat a little. I called Colton and said “Guess what your wife just did?” He was on shift and I know the poor thing never knows what I’m going to say when he pick up one of my calls. But this time I got a laugh and a “I’m proud of you!”

    Now, am I saying driving a stick shift is next?

    Absolutely not. I have to keep some of my stubbornness intact and besides, we don’t even have one on the farm right now, so technically it’s not a “must.”

    But here’s the thing, life has a funny way of stretching us in ways we don’t expect. Even if it’s something small, like backing a trailer, each little victory builds confidence for the next challenge. Fear, stubbornness, and old habits might slow us down, but they don’t have to stop us.

    We can always adapt. We can always learn. And sometimes, the best growth happens when we surprise ourselves.

  • Making Time for Us… Before We Forget Who ‘Us’ Is

    Making Time for Us… Before We Forget Who ‘Us’ Is

    ⸻

    Do you ever feel like you’re always in motion…constantly heading to and from an event, a trip, or just running errands that somehow turn into an all-day adventure? You blink, look at the clock, and think, “If I had just one more hour, I could… probably still not get it all done.”

    That’s exactly how summer feels for us. Between hay season, vacations, VJ’s activities, my many jobs, and trying to squeeze every ounce of fun into three short months, our weekends are jam-packed. It’s a blur of doing and going and somewhere in all that busy, it’s easy to let us get lost.

    That’s why those rare moments (a quiet trail ride, an unhurried dinner without VJ) feel like winning the relationship lottery. It’s not about the ride or the food (though if there’s chips and salsa involved, I’m not complaining). It’s about pressing pause on the chaos, looking at each other, and remembering that before all the current titles… we were us.

    It’s so easy to fall into the routine of high-fiving in passing, counting a “quick bite” between work and chores as a date, or pretending scrolling next to each other on the couch is quality time. But the truth is, your marriage deserves more than a quick check-in and shared Wi-Fi.

    So here’s your reminder: make the time. Even if it’s an hour. Even if it’s just takeout in the truck. Even if you have to schedule it like a dentist appointment. Because at the end of the day, your marriage is the home that all the other parts of life live in and it deserves more than just the crumbs.

    Need ideas? They don’t have to be fancy or expensive:

    • Sunset drive down the backroads with your favorite snacks.

    • Game night for two—cards, dominos, or a board game you haven’t touched in years.

    • Picnic in the pasture (bonus points if the animals crash the date).

    • Porch Swing Mornings or Afternoons—phones down, just talking (or sitting in happy silence).

    Cook dinner together—something new, or breakfast-for-dinner in pajamas

    At-home movie night/Start a TV Series—make popcorn, dim the lights, and pretend you’re at the theater

    Because sometimes the best dates aren’t the ones that cost the most: they’re the ones where you feel most like you.

  • Finding Fullness in an Imperfect Day

    Finding Fullness in an Imperfect Day

    Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person?

    Do you expect the best—but still plan for the worst?

    When I worked in senior living, I was the hopeful one with backup plans A through Z, just in case things didn’t go how we hoped. I was a mix of “everything’s going to be fine” and “let’s prepare for a Category 5 disaster just in case.”

    Now? My days are… less predictable. The backup plans have taken a back seat, and sometimes the only “plan” is switching from outside play to inside chaos because of a summer storm. Or choosing to teach tap instead of tumble because my tiny dancers are bouncing off the walls and I don’t have the energy to fight gravity and toddler energy.

    But here’s what I’ve learned:

    I’ve chosen to look at my glass on the half-full side.

    I’ve chosen to see joy instead of frustration,

    memories instead of messes,

    and to let the day unfold—without trying to wrestle it into a perfect plan.

    And if lately you’ve found yourself looking at the negative—if it feels like your glass is always half empty—I encourage you to pause.

    Breathe.

    Look around.

    Start small.

    ✨ Zoom out a little 

    Instead of asking, “What else could go wrong today?”

    Try asking, “What surprised me in a good way today?”

    Maybe your coffee stayed warm. Maybe your toddler napped a little longer. Maybe the dogs didn’t dig a hole in the yard today. That’s a win.

    📝 Start a Gratitude Habit

    No fancy journal needed. A sticky note, the back of a bill, or a note on your phone will do.

    Write down three things you’re thankful for.

    Or—just choose a word to sum up your day.

    Monday’s word for me?

    Love—because I got to be a mom, a travel planner, a dance teacher, and a cow cuddler all in one day. That’s a life I love.

    🌻 Let Go of the Guilt

    It’s okay not to have it all together.

    It’s okay to let the laundry wait.

    It’s okay to not have a backup plan.

    Life with kids, chaos, farm animals, and messy houses is never predictable—and that’s okay.

    Your peace is worth more than perfection.

    🤍 Give Yourself Grace

    Half-full or half-empty…

    you still have a glass.

    And that means there’s still room for more—

    more laughter, more peace, more tiny, beautiful moments that sneak in when we stop trying to control every detail.

    So whether you’re in your planner girl era or just trying to find matching socks…

    Lean into the good when you can.

    The hard stuff will always be there.

    But so will the moments that make it all worth it.

    You just have to be willing to see them.

    🫶 So friend—how’s your glass today?

  • The Time of Our Lives

    The Time of Our Lives

    Nine years ago, I was convinced that 21 was going to be the time of our lives. I mean, come on—freedom! Legally drinking! No curfews, no chaperones, and responsibilities still felt like optional side quests. Life was all about late nights, bottom-shelf liquor, fast food at 2 a.m., and the bold belief that we really had it all figured out.

    Spoiler alert: we absolutely did not have it figured out.

    Then came our first big “grown-up” move—buying a house. Suddenly, we were arguing over paint swatches, trying to figure out what a breaker box actually does, and learning (the hard way) that doing a DIY project while he’s on shift is not fun… or easy to explain when something goes wrong. But it was ours. That little patch of home was where real life began.

    Then came the wedding bells. The day was a blur of happy tears, awkward dance moves, and cake in places it shouldn’t be. The newlywed phase? Pure magic. Even the arguments had a sparkle to them. (Like the time we fought over more dogs—which, looking back, may have been a sign we were becoming real adults.)

    And then came the big one: VJ.

    Nothing—and I mean nothing—prepares you for parenthood. One minute you’re picking out nursery themes and folding onesies the size of your palm, the next you’re surviving on 90-minute naps and Googling, “Can a baby live off puffs and milk alone?” Somehow, we made it through that first year—mostly on love, grace, and caffeine. (Heavy on the caffeine.)

    That was my 20s: falling in love, building a life, bringing new life into the world, and figuring out—sometimes by trial, lots of error, and a few late-night breakdowns—how to balance it all.

    And now here I am, sitting in a cozy cabin in the North Carolina mountains, surrounded by some of our closest friends and the man who still makes my heart do that weird fluttery thing (mostly when I watch how sweetly he loves our family). I look around and just laugh.

    Because wow, has the scene changed.

    Once upon a time, this group would’ve been up all night taking shots, dancing in the living room, and playing drinking games with rules we made up as we went. Now? The Monopoly board is the main event. Our drinks of choice are water and Dr. Pepper in insulated tumblers. Half of us are in bed by 10. And someone definitely brought electrolytes and ibuprofen—not for hangovers, but for the lower back pain and “I slept wrong” stiffness.

    And honestly? That might sound boring to someone else.

    But to me? It’s everything I ever hoped for. And more.

    Because this is the time of our lives.

    It’s not loud. It’s not wild. It’s not about staying out all night or chasing the next big thrill. It’s about feeling at home in your own skin. Knowing who your people are. Embracing the quiet joy of shared meals, late-night laughs, inside jokes, and slow mornings.

    It’s realizing that the best memories don’t always come from chaos—but from comfort.

    So here’s to 30.

    To knowing what matters. To dancing in the kitchen more than on tables. To choosing peace over chaos, presence over perfection, and good company over good cocktails. (Though let’s be honest—there’s always room for a good cocktail.)

    If 21 was about freedom, then 30 is about fullness.

    Full hearts. Full hands. Full calendars.

    And if we’re lucky—full fridges and full-circle moments.

    Bring it on, 30. I’m ready for you.

  • You’re Worth is Priceless

    You’re Worth is Priceless

    Have you ever really stopped to think about what it means to know your value? To truly understand your worth—not just in one area, but in every aspect of your life?

    We tend to ask the question when applying for a job: What am I worth per hour? What should my salary be? But our worth runs so much deeper than a paycheck. What are you worth to your family? Your friends? And maybe most importantly—what are you worth to yourself?

    The concept of worth has lingered in the back of my mind for years. I first started wrestling with it in college, when it felt like my GPA determined everything. My academic worth kept me going, even when I was running on fumes.

    Then came my first job as a recreational therapist—where my value to others grew daily, but my paycheck didn’t. And that’s when I learned something powerful:

    Sometimes your worth isn’t measured in dollars—it’s measured in the difference you make.

    Even though I wasn’t making much, the experiences I gained, the people I served, and the lessons I learned were worth more than any paycheck ever could be. That job taught me that true worth isn’t always seen, celebrated, or rewarded. Sometimes, it’s something you have to know for yourself—even when no one else sees it.

    In a world where essential roles like teaching, nursing, caregiving, and small business ownership are constantly undervalued, it’s easy to feel unseen. But the people in those roles? They don’t do it for the money or recognition. They do it because it’s in their heart to serve.

    And now, in this season of life, I find my value in toddler “I love you’s,” glitter-filled celebrations, and the joy of teaching first positions and pliés. I’ve come to really learn what it means to know your worth.

    There’s no salary that could ever reflect the work I pour into my life, my family, my calling.

    And I’m okay with that.

    Because my worth isn’t tied to a number—it’s tied to purpose.

    In a world where minimum wage and entitlement keep rising while self-respect and responsibility seem to be fading… knowing your worth is more important than ever. But so is understanding this: Not everyone will see it.

    And that’s okay.

    Because when you know who you are—and Whose you are—the world doesn’t get to decide your value.

    You were created with intention, purpose, and a worth that can’t be measured by titles, salaries, or applause. Whether you’re in the spotlight or working behind the scenes, your value remains.

    So show up.

    Give your heart.

    Serve with passion.

    But never let the world define what God has already declared:

    You are enough. You are valuable. You are worthy.

    Even when others don’t see it.

    Even when the paycheck doesn’t reflect it.

    Even when you’re exhausted and unsure.

    Your worth was never up for debate—it was already written in the heart of the One who made you.

    So when you start to question your value, come back to this truth:

    The world may try to price you, but God already proved your worth—on the cross.

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