Spice Girl

The Montessori spice sensory play as a tot really paid off.  Our kitchen was never just the heart of our home--it was a vibrant space for natural aromas and audio stories.  Ella has always been my go-to in the kitchen, the one who can tell me exactly which spice is missing from a dish I'm preparing.  So, let me introduce you to our spice girl and her very own creation: Ella B's Blend.

It's not only a tasteful blend--it's a little powerhouse.  This seasoning supports digestion, helps with blood sugar, fights inflammation, supports gut health and nutrient absorption...and even lends a hand with blood pressure. Along the way it brings proteins, minerals (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus), and antioxidants to the dish.  

The inspiration came from a Christmas gift we received a couple of years ago from our holistic friend, Nancy.  Ella took that spark and made it her own.  Watching her carefully mix, taste, and tweak until it felt just right has been one of those quiet parenting moments that stays with you.  Now, the jars are labeled, corked and ready--complete with their little wooden spoons and Fiddlin' Around Farm stamp of approval (thanks Gina for the label inspiration).  

Don't be surprised if one shows up in your Christmas stocking this year!  Or better yet, stop by and grab one!

#thanksmomanddad

Star Clan

This sweet mama went to sleep forever today. It was a bittersweet goodbye and a hard, but full-of-love kind of day.  Mama was part of the herd when we bought the farm in 2018.  We didn’t know a thing about goats back then, but it didn't take long for us to fall completely in love with every single one of them.  

Lately, we noticed she's been having difficulty digesting her cud.  Our vet made a few farm visits in the hopes of helping her recover.  This morning, I found her snuggled between her two grown kids in a very tender moment.  Her desire was still there, but her body was failing her.  I knew it was time to say goodbye.   

To our sweet old mama goat:  

Thank you…for the joy you filled our days with, the tiny baby goats you brought into the world, and letting our Ella grow up beside you.  

Even though today feels sad, we are so grateful you were a part of our story.  Run free and eat all the best leaves in goat heaven.  

R.I.P. Star Clan  

Recording Studio

Ella B joined Robert Herridge in the studio for the second time. This time, she recorded the fiddle part to a song he wrote called, “The Broussard Cajun Bounce." Who better to record that part than the Broussard teenager he spent the last ten years teaching to fiddle;). 

Ella B joins Little Joe and The Southern Brown Band

Ella B's next big adventure began June 6th, 2026! 

Sweet girl, watching you grow from that determined little Suzuki violinist at three years old to this confident young fiddler at 16, brings pure joy to our hearts.  You worked so hard through the years, stayed humble, and kept that spark that draws people to you. 

"Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most." Keep making the middle beautiful. This milestone is just the beginning of so many more adventures ahead. 

Dad and I are incredibly proud of you and love you bigger than the Texas sky! 

Fiddle on...

Blinn College Tour

Our girl finishes 10th grade next week. Yesterday, we took a campus tour of Blinn College in Brenham for some local  Jr/Sr dual credit opportunities. 

Inspiration Lab:  Helmet Made By Student 

Daddy/Daughter Shenanigans

Sweet 16

Happy 16th Birthday our sweet Ella B!

With over 8 BILLION people in this world, God gave us YOU...the most perfect daughter for US!  Sixteen marks the beginning of some remarkable freedoms. We're confident you will embrace those freedoms with joy, grace and discipline.  As your world continues to unfold, always stay true to you and nurture the spark that makes you shine.  And, as you figure out who you are, what your future holds, and chase your dreams, know that we're right here cheering louder than anyone. Always remember sweet girl...you are already enough, deeply loved by God, and forever cherished by us.

Your smile is our light, your laughter is our happiness, and your love is our everything.  

We thank God every day for blessing us with a daughter as wonderful as you.  

Enjoy your special day!  

We love you always and forever, Mom and Dad  

P.S.  Your crown was made for you with love by mom using clothes you had outgrown as a tot.  It's been a part of our Montessori/Waldorf birthday tradition through the years.  This crown isn's just for the party, but for the memory box;)  The birthday ring and annual photos mark the passage of time...walks around the sun.  

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8263750636378117994/7400661431880695069 

"Hope Floats"

Love historic dancehalls and how they serve as the heart of communities.  Many movie fans might remember one treasured dancehall (Watterson Hall in Red Rock) from the 1998 film, Hope Floats, staring Harry Conic Jr. and Sandra Bullock.

Last weekend, we followed long, windy roads and discovered this sweet hall nestled far back in the woods. Lights illuminated the dance floor like a blanket of stars, and sweet sights of folks--young and old--shared the same love of live music and dance.  It was a joy to watch, participate, and see our girl fiddlin' and singin' on this historic dancehall stage.  

If you've never seen the movie, I will leave you with this mother/daughter interaction:

• Bernice Pruitt: My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life. But, I think he's wrong. I think my mom's right. She says that...
• [Bernice's voice fades as Birdee takes over]
• Birdee Pruitt: [laughing] Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. 
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• Ella B, don't ever forget what it means to shine and remember to always "give hope a chance to float."

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