Hey everyone! I just got back from a whirlwind trip that was equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. I traveled to see family and attend the special Homecoming services at my home church, First Pentecostal Church in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Let me tell you, it was so good to reconnect with friends and family. One of the highlights (or maybe the questionable choices) was going to the church crawfish boil, even though I’m allergic to seafood. And of course, I couldn’t leave without indulging in some homemade beignets that myfriends,BryanandMelanie Green, were in charge of making. They were both born and raised in Louisiana and definitely knew what they were doing. The beignets were so delicious! It was a fantastic time filled with laughter, memories, and a little bit of chaos. Especially when I had to dodge the seafood while still enjoying the fun. I missed my Sunday nap, which is basically a religious experience in itself. But honestly, being back home with my own bed made it all worth it. There’s truly no place like home, and I’m grateful for the moments, the mess, and the memories. Now, I’m ready to get back to business. But first, a good old Sunday rest that will have to be done on Monday!

Traveling with the Farmer is always an adventure and a real lesson in patience! He’s the most laid-back driver I’ve ever met, and he never gets mad when I ask to stop for a bathroom break, a drink, or a snack, even if we just left a rest area five minutes ago. If he’s annoyed, he never complains. No eye rolls, no sighs, just a calm, patient stare ahead as if he’s meditating on the Lord. But I know better. He’s secretly plotting our next stop, and trust me, he’s just as excited as I am, even if he doesn’t say it out loud. We always find ourselves seeing things along the road that make us say, “Next trip, we’re stopping there!” Whether it’s a quirky roadside attrac-tion, a breathtaking view, or a cow that looks suspiciously like a celebrity, we’re constantly planning for our next adventure. And let’s not forget the snacks! Oh, the snacks! The Farmer’s got the patience of a saint, especially when I’m rummaging through my bag for the perfect treat or making a pit stop for a candy bar. He’s the kind of guy who keeps his cool no matter how many times I ask, “Can we stop here?” or “What’s that?” It’s like riding shotgun on a never-ending road trip of surprises, snacks, and the promise of new sights. Honestly, traveling with him makes every trip memorable, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This week at McReynolds Farms will be nothing short of a comedy of errors and unexpected surprises! The guys are finishing up planting milo. Once it’s safely in the ground, they'll get everything spick and span and ready for wheat harvest, which is creeping up faster than we’d like. Seems like just yesterday they were planting, and now it’s almost time to reap the rewards! Definitely praying for a good outcome. Meanwhile, the cows and their adorable babies have been moved to greener pastures, and wouldn’t you know it, they’ve decided that jumping the fence isn’t necessary anymore. Nope, they’ve just adopted the “we’re too cool for fences” attitude, acting like a bunch of mischievous teenagers sneaking out after curfew. It’s like they’ve formed their own little cow clubhouse and are just chillin’ in the pasture, totally convinced fences are optional. Acting just like a bunch of crazy women on a shopping spree, doing whatever they want, whenever they want! With all these antics, the farm’s been a whirlwind of hard work, good laughs, and a few “what in the world” moments. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life on the farm is never dull!

Here's a delicious and easy S’mores Granola recipe that’s perfect for snacking, topping yogurt, or adding to ice cream.

S’mores Granola Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-10 graham crackers, crushed)

• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/3 cup coconut oil or melted butter

• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• Pinch of salt Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon (if using), and salt.

3. Make Wet Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey (or maple syrup) with coconut oil (or butter) and vanilla extract until everything is melted and well combined.

4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is coated evenly.

5. Bake: Spread the mix- ture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.

6. Add Marshmallows and Chocolate: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the warm granola. Gently press them in so they stick as the granola cools.

7. Cool and Store: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into clusters, if desired, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Well, folks, life at the farm is a wild, wonderful rollercoaster. Full of God’s grace, endless laundry piles that seem to magically multiply, and a never- ending list of chores that would make even the most dedicated housekeeper break out in a cold sweat. Between trying to keep up with cooking, housework, and the master bath redo that’s been in progress since last year (spoiler: it’s still a work in progress), I’m just over here loving life and laughing at the chaos. I’ve come to realize that naps are a sacred gift I need to cherish whenever I can sneak one in, and my secret weapon to survive the day is a steady diet of coffee and energy drinks. Because let’s face it, if I don’t stay caffeinated, I might just disappear into the laundry mountain or the sink full of dishes.

But through it all, I keep my heart full of love, my faith strong in God’s plan, and my humor intact. Because if you can’t laugh at the mess, you might as well just cry, right? So here’s to loving life, trusting the Lord to handle the big stuff, and taking those precious moments to breathe, nap, and sip a little more caffeine. After all, with God’s grace, a little humor, and a whole lot of coffee, I’ve got this. Messy house and all! Until next time, always remember Peace and Chicken Grease!