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Every week has felt like a whirlwind, honestly. By the time I sit down to write these, I can’t even remember what happened last week without scrolling my phone for photos and notes. Time feels slippery in this season. Between catching up on life, running the business, and the constant swirl of kids and animals, I blink and another week is gone.

This past week in a minute:

🎉 Double birthday parties This weekend was full of cake and candles. First up: a sweet first birthday for a dear friend’s little one. Nothing like seeing a baby covered in frosting to remind you how quickly it all goes.

Then, barely catching my breath, I passed Lacey off to Jordan for a roller-skating party with her friends. I could practically smell the nostalgia before they even walked inside… popcorn scent wafting out the doors, old carpet that’s probably been there since the 80s, disco ball spinning, kids wobbling through the limbo and wiping out left and right.

Jordan even strapped on a pair of skates and got out there with Lacey. He sent me a video of them cruising around, and I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked like a pre-teen trying to impress me at the rink all over again. I’m just so grateful for a dad who isn’t afraid to look a little foolish if it means making memories with his daughter.

We are so blessed with this community of faithful friends and families who actually value being together. In a world that sometimes feels too busy and distracted, that feels like such a gift.

I was bummed to miss the party, but honestly, I was done after one. And truthfully, the lights and noise would have wrecked me anyway. I’m still running at what feels like 40% most days between postpartum recovery and the lingering effects of my head injury. It’s frustrating and I’m so ready to feel strong again. Please keep me in your prayers as I walk this journey toward healing.

🐓 On the farm Things are slowing down just a bit… which for us means we haven’t brought home a new animal in two whole weeks. (I know. Shocking.)

Our new kitty has been the purrfect addition. The girls treat her like a little baby doll, carrying her around in their arms, and it’s hilarious watching her dart across the yard chasing bugs, toads, and the dogs’ tails.

We also have five baby chicks running around now, adding to the chaos. And our geese and ducks? Basically full grown overnight. It’s crazy how fast they go from fluffy little dumplings to strutting adults.

Jordan has officially declared a pause on hatching more chicks… at least until he finishes building my duck house and the coop expansion. That’s fine by me. I’ve got my eye on the next season already, and I can wait him out with a smile. 😃

🛒 Products we love

Jordan has been rucking for several months now, and he’s noticed huge changes in his strength… both upper and lower body, and especially his back. Before this, he kept struggling to work out consistently. Nothing really stuck.

Rucking ended up being the perfect fit: it’s functional, simple, and practical for real life. He wanted something that would build strength for picking up and lifting Ducky, while also mixing in natural movement and a little cardio. And the best part? It fits into our lives. He gets to walk the property, soak up some sunshine, and still be close to home instead of disappearing into a gym for hours.

Sometimes he even adds what he calls the “double ruck” ☝️ … a ruck on his back and a kid strapped to the front. Basically farm-style CrossFit with extra giggles.

I’m excited to add this into my own routine in a few months too. The best part is you don’t need a fancy setup to start… you can hack together a backpack and weights if you want to try it out. But if you’re looking for something that lasts, we’ve loved the GORUCK products. It’s held up so well over the past year and has definitely earned a spot on our “worth it” list.

And here’s my own favorite “personal ruck sack” right now — my trusty Mabe baby carrier. Honestly, it’s been a lifesaver these past few months. Baby girl is getting heavy, and this carrier lets me strap her in snug and still move around the property with my hands free. It’s comfortable, supportive, and doesn’t leave me feeling like my back is breaking after ten minutes.

For now, this is more than enough of a workout for me. Carrying her through the pasture or while I do little chores around the farm feels like its own kind of functional fitness. Plus, she loves being up close where she can see everything… the animals, the trees, her big sisters running wild. It turns a simple walk into connection time, which makes it even sweeter.

 — Tabitha Paige, Author/ Illustrator, Speech Therapist & Mom

Sometimes I make books & other pretty things…