What inspired me about The Pioneer Woman

    This past spring break, Jeremiah and I helped get my parents settled in their new home in Oklahoma. One day we took a nice detour from moving boxes and headed an hour and a half away to The Pioneer Woman’s mercantile and lodge in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. This was such a special trip for my kids because they’ve basically grown up watching “The Pioneer Woman” on the Food Network channel — thanks to my mom who introduced me to Ree’s blog, recipes, books, photography and cooking show.
    When my babies were all 5 and under, you can imagine how evening time was — scrambling to get hungry bellies fed and managing multiple meltdowns. I often felt like pulling my hair out! While I cooked dinner, I’d often turn on “The Pioneer Woman,” and they were instantly captivated. I loved it because not only did they enjoy learning about life on the Drummond Ranch and watching Lad and Ree’s four kids, but they learned cooking skills too! Now they’re all 9 and under and have a true desire to be in the kitchen with me, and it’s so helpful.
    When we set foot at the mercantile and lodge, their little hearts beat with joy. What they’d seen on TV for so many years was now a reality. Naturally, they wanted every Charlie stuffed animal, book, toy and trinket in sight. When we arrived at the lodge, they ran and played to their heart’s content.
    There were many things I loved about our visit, but perhaps most of all, I was inspired how the Drummonds have opened up their lives, land, work, passions, talents and more for others to enjoy and benefit from. They have given themselves away in a sense through multiple avenues. They haven’t hoarded those gifts and talents they’ve been entrusted with but have used them to the fullest. Their hard work has paid off in so many ways.

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