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Before we begin… Like many across the country, and especially here in Texas, we’ve been absolutely heartbroken watching the devastation caused by the recent floods in the Texas Hill Country. The loss of life, the families affected… it’s almost too much to hold.

As a mother (especially one with an eight-year-old daughter), the tragedy at Camp Mystic hit incredibly close. We’ve spent countless summer days in those rivers over the years. We could have easily considered sending our girls there one day. And now, so many families connected to people we love are grieving the unimaginable.

Please join us in prayer for every parent, every sibling, every friend who’s hurting right now. And if you feel led to give, here’s a foundation run by dear friends - people I trust completely to make sure every dollar goes directly to the families affected: 👉 Annie Louise Foundation Flood Relief

Thank you for praying with us.

—Tabitha

This past week in a minute:

🇺🇸 A quiet kind of Fourth
This year’s 4th of July looked a little different. Our extended family had to cancel due to sickness, so it ended up being just us - and honestly, it was kind of perfect.

We did all the classic things: hot dogs, corn, watermelon, sparklers. We grabbed quieter fireworks for the girls and drove up to the high point on our property. It started to rain, just a little, and we watched the surrounding fireworks from the golf cart, twirling around with sparklers while blaring a sweet 4th playlist.

No crowds. No big plans. Just us. And somehow, that made it even sweeter.

(And yes; all the animals stayed safe. The Great Pyrenees spent most of their night inside 😉.)

🎨 I finished my artwork for a new book!
This one won’t release until spring of next year, but y’all, I’m so proud.
It’s the most difficult book I’ve ever illustrated. I chipped away at it in 15–45 minute windows between nursing, pumping, nap juggling, and kinda raising three other kids.

Also… I have a 3-month-old who only wants one thing: a face.
She’s happiest when someone is directly in front of her, making eye contact, singing songs, telling her she’s amazing.
Anyone else have a baby like this???

Honestly, I think I’m going to dedicate this book to me.

💦 Why I’m the worst influencer:
Just a couple weeks after recommending a giant inflatable slide to you… ours split.
Like a pair of cheap pants mid-squat.

To be fair, it lasted 3–4 years and was a hand-me-down. (I did warn you.)

And yes — this was my first-ever product recommendation in the newsletter. Feeling real smart about that one.

So what did we do?
We doubled down.
We bought a new one — slightly bigger. Fingers crossed. We’ll report back. I’ll let you know if this one survives the month 😉.

🐓 On the farm:
We’re calling it “investing in the future.”

Right now we’re only getting 3–4 eggs a day… which feels wild considering we’ve got close to 30 chickens (plus ducks and geese).
But: 13 are still chicks, a few protective mamas aren’t laying, 2 hens are broody and refusing to be reasoned with, and the 5 roosters? Mostly just supervising… loudly.

So here we are, a full coop and still rationing eggs like it’s 2020 (or 2023… or 2024).

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

4 Simple Ways I’m Supporting My Nervous System

Over on Instagram, I shared a quick story about trying to give my nervous system some relief… and wow, so many of you responded! Some of you asked for more details, and others shared tips you’ve been loving, which I so appreciated.

So I thought I’d take a moment here to slow down and offer a few gentle things that have been helping me lately. Nothing fancy or overwhelming, just small shifts that bring a little more calm into the chaos.

1. Red Light Therapy
Especially in postpartum, when your hormones are all over the place and sleep is unpredictable at best, this has been such a centering practice. I sit in front of our red light panel for just 5–10 minutes every couple of days. It's like a mini reset — calming, quiet, and a chance to just be still. Read below for my recommended red light.

2. Grounding (Barefoot on the Earth)
This one sounds simple, and it is, but it really does help. When the weather cooperates (or even not), I try to go outside, shoes off, feet in the grass. Even just five minutes. If I’m holding the baby or my toddler is running around nearby, that’s fine… even when I’m tending the garden. I’ve found that something about reconnecting to the earth literally helps me feel more steady. Like, “okay, I’m here. I’m connected with the Lord.”

3. Deep Breathing
This is the one I return to most often, especially during nursing sessions, when I’d usually be tempted to scroll. Instead, I take a few minutes and focus on my breath. Two techniques I love:

• Box Breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. I imagine drawing a little square in my mind as I breathe.

• 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale slowly for 8. This one is so calming — I usually feel my shoulders drop by the second round.

Even 3–5 slow breaths can shift how I feel. And it’s something I can actually do in the moment, even with a baby in my arms or a toddler climbing on my back.

4. The Pranamat
Okay, it looks kind of like a brightly painted medieval torture device, but hear me out. It’s basically an acupressure mat covered in tiny plastic spikes (I know, I know). But once you get past the first few minutes, something shifts and your whole body kind of melts. Jordan and I both use it now, especially at night. I lie on it for 10–20 minutes before bed, sometimes while listening to worship music or a podcast. I sleep better, and I feel calmer. Highly recommend (with a little bravery at first!).

None of these are magic fixes, but when I remember to slow down and choose one or two of them in the day… it makes a difference. A few degrees of calm can shift the tone of the whole house (not just for me, but for the entire family).

Let me know if you try any of these… or if you have a go-to I should add to the list.

If you’ve been curious about red light therapy, this is the one I’d start with.

I’ve tried a few lower-end options in the past, but always kinda wondered if they were doing anything. Lumebox seems different to me… it’s well-made, backed by real research, and actually effective. I encourage you to read up on them if you're in the market.

Red light therapy can support healing, reduce inflammation, help with skin health, and even boost energy, which honestly sounds like a checklist of everything I’ve needed lately.

When Isla was born three months ago, she fractured her collarbone. A close friend (who’s a chiropractor) and an OT worked with her for several weeks and during that time, they let me borrow their Lumebox. I used it often for Isla and myself, and truly loved it.

Now I’m getting one of my own (this deal is too good to pass up). If you’ve been waiting to grab one, now is a great time. It is 45% Off! The sale ends tonight - if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time!
👉 Shop here or use code TABITHAPAIGEART on thelumebox.com