End-of-June Newsletter: A Season of Bounty

Here we are at the end of June—how did that go by so fast? Spring is by far my favorite season, but I have to admit, every time it rolls around, I feel a little twinge of dread. I know it’s going to pass in a blur, much faster than I’d like.

Spring always arrives with a long to-do list: planning the garden, picking out flowers, and of course, baby animals popping up everywhere. It’s exciting and full of life—but it can feel a little overwhelming, too. Still, it’s the season I most look forward to, and now that June has come to a close, I thought I’d share what this month looked like for us.

Bringing Back the Blog

This past Sunday, I was talking to a friend who was reminiscing about when she was raising her kids. This was back before social media took over our lives—the age of the blog. Remember the mommy blogger era? That’s how women stayed connected and shared ideas, recipes, home tips, and stories from everyday life.

She talked about how she’d follow her favorite blogs and wait in anticipation for the latest updates—almost like receiving a personal newsletter. Honestly, I love that idea. The nostalgic side of me remembers my own homeschool mom doing the same thing. One blogger in particular really stuck with her—a woman who lived on a farm and raised Great Pyrenees. Her blog was mainly about baking bread, which is what originally drew my mom in, but she ended up loving everything the woman posted. Through her writing, my mom felt like she knew her.

Isn’t that beautiful? That kind of personal connection is something I’d love to bring back. So, a new goal of mine is to share a little newsletter-style blog post at the end of each month—just a glimpse into what’s going on in our world. I hope it brings a bit of joy and connection to your day.

two little girls standing in a blueberry patching in June

What June Looked Like on the Farm

Well, June was a full month around here. To start, I planted my largest garden yet—and to my surprise, it’s thriving! I’ve had a few discouraging seasons in the past with plants dying on me, so I didn’t expect much this year. But the Lord has truly blessed it. Right now, I’m up to my elbows in cucumbers!

Meat Birds Have Arrived

Another exciting development: we’ve ventured into raising meat birds this year! Around mid-June, we got the call from the post office—our chicks had arrived. There’s nothing like that moment of going to pick them up and hearing all those tiny peeps. It’s chaotic and sweet all at once.

A Goose (Finally!)

And speaking of birds—we added a goose to the farm! I’ve wanted a goose for years, but my husband was always against the idea. He finally gave in, and I could not be more thrilled. Its name is still up in the air—Gretchen or Gus? We’ll see.

Piglets, Chicks, and Homeschool Fun

Miss Red Betty, one of our sows, blessed us with a beautiful litter of piglets—Burocs (a Duroc x Berkshire cross). They’re thriving, and we’re so thankful for another season of new life.

We also hatched out some chicks ourselves, which was a fun homeschool project to do during summer break. I’m planning to put together a homeschool guide for hatching your own chicks soon. I just need to carve out time in our busy days to sit down and write it. (😅)

A Season of Bounty In June

So to say our summer started with a bang would be an understatement. From the garden to the milk kefir to all the new life on the farm, we are in a season of bounty. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’re so thankful for God’s goodness and provision—for the land He’s given us, the animals in our care, and the joy that comes with working alongside our children in the dirt, the barn, and the kitchen.

In a world that feels so rushed, I’m thankful for these slower, grounded rhythms of farm and family life. It reminds me of the words in 1 Thessalonians 4:11:

“…aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.”

That verse captures so much of what I want for our home, our farm, and our children—simple, faithful living rooted in the work God has given us.

I can’t wait to see what the rest of summer holds and what new projects might be around the corner. Until next time, I hope you’re soaking up the season and finding beauty in the little things.

With gratitude,
Millie