I am thankful for a full week of giving thanks. It was our first year to host Thanksgiving at the farm after celebrating the last 20 years in Carthage at Grandmommy’s house. Change is hard. Our family likes SAME. Same foods, same traditions, same, same, SAME. So all the different was a little scary. But I think Justin said it best, “I’m thankful that traditions have more to do with who you’re with than where you are.” It was a great week of family time and prep for the festivities. And a beautiful, perfect Thanksgiving day for old and new traditions: the coronation of the Pumpkin Queen, Pu ..read more

I am thankful: ~ for a family first. The kids and I worked individually and together to put together a table for a local holiday craft fair. The girls baked and painted and drew. I did my wood round ornaments. Sawyer had an amazingly creative idea to make Lego snow globes, and had the best time with his creations. It was an absolute ton of work, and we made the world’s most giant messes, but we had a ball. We made a few sales, and raised a portion for our charity of choice – Gold Network of East Texas of course. We all had a blast, and the kids can’t wait to do it again next year. ~ for cra ..read more

I am thankful: ~ for a beautiful fall. Texas isn’t known for colorful autumn foliage, but I think it’s splendid around here myself! These views just don’t get old. ~ for rain. I really love the rain, especially listening to it on the metal casita roof. ~ for a fun night for the girls at their first Homecoming Barn Dance. Aren’t they lovely? ~ for a productive Gold Network ETX Board meeting. The men and women on our Board are truly a gift to me, each one bringing unique perspective and talent to the table. So thankful for friends who share the vision! ~ for my hardworking kids. I’m so proud ..read more

I am thankful: ~ for the spicy sweet smell of cinnamon spice waffles. ~ for our sweet Sprinkles who surprised us with 7 darling bantam chicks. She’s such a good little mama. And Tatum K is the proudest Grandma. ~ for growth emerging on my baby rose bushes. Looking pretty good for Day 19. Day 1Day 19 ~ for hot, buttery homemade JoJo’s Biscuits to go with our tasty farm fresh eggs. ~ for the beauty of the the intricate lacework of frost glittering on a cold autumn morning. ~ for the tedious task of carefully covering all our garden plants to protect from said frost. We’ve never done this befo ..read more

Somehow it has already been 6 months, and time for Sawyer’s Clinic visit. I am thankful. Sawyer leapt out of bed, eager as always. He loves Clinic day. Loves spending the day with Aunt Gina. Loves the focused one-on-one time. Loves that he gets to see his people and gets to choose a toy from the prize closet. I think his FAVORITE part, certainly what seems to always be at the forefront of his mind throughout the day, is that he has the coveted privilege of choosing ALL the day’s food choices. It is officially Sawyer the Warrior Day, and he 100% knows it. It always amazes me that after all he ..read more

I am thankful. ~ for a special birthday for my favorite 19 year old! How is my little Coopy 19??? So proud of the young man he has become, and excited to see what doors God will open for his future. We celebrated with his tasty menu of choice: an elaborate build-your-own burrito bar and banana pudding. ~ for a Jucy’s hamburger salad piled high with a seasoned patty, chopped bacon, pickles, and zesty jalapeño ranch. ~ for the riotous chorus of clucking/honking/quacking/crowing in the garden. I’m so used to it I don’t always even notice. Until I’m on the phone in the garden and the person on t ..read more

Today we closed another chapter. Since November 2020, raising puppies has been a huge part of our life. We love our Bear Boy and Birdie Girl so much, and we knew their puppies would bring joy to so many other families. And they have. Over the past three years, (how can I only have been three years!?) Birdie has had five healthy litters of puppies. A grand total of 46 to be exact. What a ride. From awkwardly hilarious dogs in panties to the awkwardly AWKWARD health/reproductive “teaching opportunities” with our kids. From weeks sleeping on the floor and round the clock bottle-feeding newborn ..read more

I am thankful. For peace in the garden. Every morning, i slip away. All my people are sleeping the house is quiet. First, to the goat pen. The boys with their gentle eyes stretch their legs and tumble out of their little barn, nuzzling noses pushing one another aside to compete for the first morning back rub. Then the birds. The roosters burst from the coop, with the ladies more cautiously following suit. Clarence emerges from the roost he shares with his unlikely roommates, and waddles and whistles his way to the pond, ever teetering on the line between chicken and duck. Then the geese and ..read more

I am thankful: ~ for more and more gold! Individuals, local businesses, schools, and across the nation, CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS IS SPREADING! This truly means the world to kids and their families, to see that their fight MATTERS. ~ for several sweet pups finding their families. Even though it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, we are so excited to see the joy these babies bring to their new owners. And this time, a puppy went home to one of our own! So I will get to see my GrandPuppy! Pups still available – please share! This sweet couple loved the first puppy they got from us so much, t ..read more

I am thankful. Thanks for giving thanks with me. “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭13‬) “The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.” (Psalms‬ ‭85‬:‭12 ..read more