Where have I been?

Raising babies. Gardening. Canning. Cooking. Grieving. Making Dreams Happen. 

It’s been a long time since I blogged over on All Things Fee. Life got full—four babies under the age of seven will do that to you. Some days I managed with grace; other days were pure survival mode.

When life feels overwhelming, I’ve learned to pause and ask: What am I juggling, and what can I set down? Back then, the ball that had to go was blogging. As much as I loved writing—sharing stories, projects, recipes, and slices of life—I knew my energy belonged to my kids and home in that season.

Those four little ones? They’re not so little anymore.

Now, they’re big kids finding their own way. They're kind, funny, and respectful young adults. They’re top-ten students, talented musicians, budding athletes, and even a few are tackling college courses while still in high school. I’m proud beyond words. They may not need me every second like they once did, but they still keep me on my toes—just in new and wonderful ways.

And now that I have a bit more breathing room, I’m finding my way back to writing. The stories never stopped—they’ve just been waiting for the right time to be told.

Even though I stepped away from blogging, I never stopped doing the things I love. Gardening and preserving stayed a part of my rhythm—canning as much as I can (pun intended) each garden season. Every year, I carved out a little more lawn for planting. On our 1/3-acre lot, I grow on nearly a quarter of it: front flower beds, a side-yard garden, raised beds, and even a greenhouse. The garden is my happy place. If the weather’s nice, that’s where you’ll find me.

But life hasn’t been all sunshine and soil. We’ve faced deep loss, too. My dad passed away from cancer. My husband lost both of his parents. Losing my dad was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured. No one prepares you for that kind of grief—it changes you in ways you can’t quite explain. Some of the lessons I’ve learned through loss have shaped me in ways I cannot describe.

My dad used to play the lottery and always told me, “When I win, I’m buying you a farm.” He never got the chance—but my husband did.

For years, my husband and I dreamed of more space. We’d often say, “We like our house—we just wish the neighbors were a little farther away.” And in 2023, that dream finally came true. We bought 13 acres—no house, no shed, no utilities—just raw land and endless potential.

From the moment it became ours, I started dreaming big. Our ultimate goal is to build our forever home there. But in the meantime, I’ve been imagining bees buzzing through the garden, chickens scratching in the grass, and rows of vegetables and flowers growing strong—a little homestead full of life.

Bit by bit, those dreams are becoming reality. And that’s where Harvest & Handmade comes in. I wanted to return to blogging to share this journey—the messy, meaningful, joy-filled process of building something from the ground up.