Hi there! I’m Jess, and I’m thrilled you’ve found my blog. I’d love to take you on a recap of my life, filled with memories, dreams, and a whole lot of love. I will be taking y’all on a journey each step of the way, with our new adventure in Homesteading.
Growing Up in West Virginia
I grew up in a small town in West Virginia with my little sister and seven first cousins. Our Papaw’s garden was his pride and joy, and it fed us all, as well as anyone who stopped by to admire it. Papaw would always invite them in to go on a walk through the garden, ready to share the bounty. He would always have one of us run up to the house for a brown paper bag or two for them to fill and take home with them. Nana canned everything from the garden each year, ensuring we always had more than enough.
My childhood is full of beautiful memories—stringing beans with Nana, helping with our two tobacco fields, and just being a kid. Farm life has a special place in my heart, and it’s a connection that will always be a part of me.
Carrying the Torch
With my grandparents gone, I feel like it’s my turn to carry the torch. I became a mom at 17, and now my daughter is 27 with a 5-year-old daughter of her own. I was surprised at age 38 with another beautiful baby girl, who is now 6. While they may not have the large family I grew up with, I hope to instill in them a love for self-sufficiency and the joy of growing and preserving their own food.
Meet My Homesteading Family
I finally found my prince charming, Erick. We’ve been dating for a little over a year, and he’s already asked me to marry him. He’s never been married or engaged before, and he told me it was because he hadn’t met me yet. Erick is amazing—he calms my chaotic mind and lets me be my quirky weird self.
Then there’s my little spitfire, Piper. She’s in 1st grade and has a spunky personality. Like me, she loves Jesus, and He’s a big part of our home. Piper is thrilled about our new lifestyle, especially the chickens! We plan to have free range chickens first. She’s an animal lover and is excited to help care for them.
Our Big Move
This spring, we’re moving to the “country” where I grew up, onto a piece of land given to us by my parents. We’ll start in a 12×40 building and add on as we can without going into debt. Erick, a jack of all trades, will be building our home. It will take time and patience, but I’m determined to make it a place of comfort and love for our family.
Welcome to our journey—I hope you find inspiration and joy in our adventures as we go back to our roots!