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My transition from ranch wife to ranch mom hasn't been an easy one.

I love helping out on the ranch AND I love being the Mom. But in all honesty, the struggle has been a real journey of ups and downs. I struggled with accepting my new role (even though I loved it) because I also knew when I was missing out on as the former right hand helper to my rancher.

Maybe you can relate?

👉🏻 I was always better at cleaning the barn than I was at cleaning the house.

👉🏻 I felt uncomfortable standing outside the corral panels with a baby on my hip while someone else helps my husband load cows.

👉🏻 It drove me bonkers going to a branding and not having a job, even it it was just a small one.

👉🏻 I've had a hard time being the person who writes down numbers while working cows when I know I could be helping run the alley or load the chute.

👉🏻 There were many days were I longed to ride my horse again or do something besides just stare out the front window.

Even though motherhood came very natural to me in a lot of ways, I felt lost for quite a while because I didn't really know what my role on the ranch was anymore.

Not being able to help my husband out at the drop of a hat when he really needs it most, caused me to stumble.

It made me feel like I wasn't "enough" anymore. Is there such a thing as "ranch mom guilt"? Because if so, I had it!

But do you know what's even more important than being a rancher and working on the ranch daily?

👉🏻 Raising the next generation

Raising our three little ones to love and respect the land, livestock, legacy and the lifestyle just like the 5 generations of Thompsons before them.

Maybe you've felt the same way at some point? Lost and struggling with what your role is on the ranch or farm...

If that's the case, I just want you to know that you're not alone. It took a while for me to let go of who I once was so that I could fully embrace the new version that God had created me to be.

To make this mindset shift, it took learning to wholeheartedly embrace this season of just being Mama.

It's knowing in your heart that as Christian moms and wives, there is no greater calling than serving the ones we love most in life.

It's finding joy in the journey and gratitude even in the trenches.

(And this is the part where I'm going to encourage you to take them with you)

Now that my primary job most days is being the Mom, when I do get out to help him on the ranch, it almost feels like a form of self-care to me. Stepping into the role that's even better than I imagined, rancher + Mom and this time with my 3 kids tagging along, leaves me refreshed, energized, empowered, proud and joyful with a feeling of accomplishment.

Being the person who gets to train them up to work alongside multiple generations - Now, that's the real work.

And a HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!

I've written this email as a reminder to you that you're not alone in your struggles, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, this season truly does fly by, and as a farm or ranch mom, you should be very proud of yourself.

I've created the new "In My Mom Era" t-shirts for exactly this reason - to CELEBRATE the Mom's in Agriculture wearing all the hats and doing all the things 🙌🏻

🤠 For 3 days ONLY (4/22-4/24), you can preorder the “In My Mom Era” tees for Mother’s Day delivery! These are being offered at a limited time discounted price for the launch so don’t delay ~ you deserve this! 🤠

🌻 You Grow Girl ~ Jesse

Beyond the Fencelines is dedicated to empowering and uniting farm and ranch women who embody strong family values and faith.
Through unique, original graphic tees and a commitment to honesty about the joys and challenges of ranch life,
we aim to create a community where women feel confident, valued, joyful, and irreplaceable.
We strive to support and uplift these women as they embrace one of the most important roles on the farm and ranch,
offering not just clothing but also coaching services to connect and empower them in raising the next generation of farmers and ranchers.