Homestead Wife Life

We interrupt our usual posting schedule to say a HUGE “I told you so” to my husband.

We have argued for years about the burn pile. For those of you who don’t live in a rural area, let me explain.

When you live in a city, garbage pickup is just part of life. When you live out in the country, garbage services are… precious. Each homeowner has to arrange their own private pickup.

And that is how we ended up with a FIRE today at the homestead.

Did I forget to lead with that?
THERE WAS A FIRE TODAY ON THE HOMESTEAD.

(I have photos. Don’t worry. I need proof of this mess for future debates.)

Even when you hire a garbage service out here, they do not pick up boxes or large items — only basic household bagged trash. This creates the need for what country people call the burn pile.

Sigh.

Future homesteaders: be warned.

For the record, I have always hated the burn pile. It is scary. Period. My husband has always acted like it’s no big deal and that I’m being dramatic. I would rather drag trash to the dump. Everyone laughs at me when I suggest this — neighbors in three states have laughed at me.

Then the dump posted a sign saying they don’t take boxes, even flattened. I was officially overruled. My husband used that sign to give me the “I told you so.” Mama was not happy… but I shut my face.

Until today.

My husband told the kids to burn the boxes. I didn’t know he had asked them. And of course they picked TODAY to do what they were told without needing a reminder — which almost never happens.

For the record, my kids are 23 and 16.

They went past the barnyard to the pasture where we burn. I didn’t know they were out there. I was inside working on a video to share with you all.

That’s when the screaming started.

Not the kids — THE GEESE.

The geese told on my kids. I love those geese.

I looked out the window and saw a fire RUNNING across the pasture — my kids trying to stop it with a hose and a 5-gallon bucket.

HOLY CRAP.

How did it get so out of hand so fast?

It’s winter. And it’s dry as a bone.

Most of the hoses on the farm are turned off this time of year to prevent blowouts. Common farm detail. I ran outside and realized the fire had already turned the corner — I couldn’t even see the edge anymore.

Now, you may have noticed I am not built for speed anymore (I used to be 🫣).

I ran to the front to see where the fire line was — and thank God for rural neighbors. One of ours was already driving into our driveway with a massive hose to help.

That’s when I saw it clearly.

Nope. We needed the fire department.

The fire was spreading in three directions. Everything was so dry. I called 911. It took so long for the phone to even ring that I dialed three times.

When the call finally went through, I talked fast. I gave the address and said we needed a fire truck.

The operator had no sense of urgency.

She asked questions. Lots of them.
“Can you send the truck first?” I asked.

Nope.

I realized she wasn’t going to change the order of the conversation, so I answered as fast as I could. Finally, she said they were dispatched.

I ran back outside.

The fire was heading toward the woods. One neighbor was trying to stop that side, my kids were trying to protect the barnyard, and I was stomping flames near the beehives.

This was insanity.

My shoes were melting. The bees knew something was wrong. The geese were screaming. The rooster was moving his ladies. The pig just watched. The ducks were terrified.

It took the fire department 40 minutes to arrive.

By then, the fire was out — thanks to four exhausted humans, neighbors, buckets, hoses, and a whole lot of panic.

The firemen were wonderful. I was… emotional. I may have used language I’m not proud of. I delivered the biggest “I told you so” of my life when my husband got home.

I’m calm now.

The bees have returned. The pasture is black. The treeline is scorched. Some fencing melted. The fire department soaked the area to prevent hotspots.

No one was hurt.

I took photos.

And yes — I owe a few extra prayers for my language. I’ll start now. This may take a while.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 192

Homestead Wife Life

✨ Welcome, 2026 ✨

As the new year begins, I just want to pause and say thank you — for being here, for watching, for learning alongside me, and for making this little corner of the internet feel like a true gathering place.

I’m stepping into 2026 with so much hope and excitement. This year feels like one of building — building skills, confidence, gardens, kitchens, pantries, and rhythms that support real life. Not perfection. Not hustle. Just steady, meaningful progress.

Here at Homestead Wife Life, we’ll keep focusing on what truly matters:
• learning old skills and making them work in modern life
• investing thoughtfully, one piece at a time
• growing where we’re planted — in our homes, our gardens, and ourselves
• and finding beauty in doing ordinary things well

Whether you’re tending acres or a windowsill, baking weekly or just getting started, I hope this space continues to feel welcoming, encouraging, and useful to you.

I’m so looking forward to the homestead adventures ahead — growing together, learning together, and blooming right where we are.

Here’s to a gentle, abundant, and deeply satisfying 2026. 🌱
I’m so glad you’re here.

Warmly,
Tamatha
Homestead Wife Life ❤️

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 153

Homestead Wife Life

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being so welcoming to me. The fear of starting this channel was nearly overwhelming, and your kindness has meant more than you know.

Sharing our handmade way of life is a true joy. I honestly have the best job in the world — I get to do things I love, with new friends joining me along the way.

I wish you a holiday surrounded by people you love who love you right back, a table laden with wonderful food to make memories around, and the blessing of good health for all.

We’ll return with a new video on Sunday, December 28th at 9:15am.

Warmly,
Tamatha
Homestead Wife Life

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 64

Homestead Wife Life

🥧 Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few homemade appetizers ready to go at a moment’s notice?

I thought so too! 😉

This Sunday I’m sharing 2 make-ahead savory tartlets that freeze beautifully — perfect for unexpected guests or cozy nights in.

👉 Tap the 🔔 on my channel so you don’t miss it!

1 month ago | [YT] | 23

Homestead Wife Life

I was able to find the website I purchased the roll out cookie board I used in the roll out cookie video!!!!

I am so excited!!! I spoke with the owner of the company. This is NOT a sponsored post. I bought my board years ago and have used it every year since.

This is a family run company which makes this even better.

If you decide to pick up one of these boards I’d love to know how you like it?

Click here:
threesweetchicks.com/

1 month ago | [YT] | 13

Homestead Wife Life

The Stove Saga: Final Chapter 🔥
A few weeks ago, I shared the story about the stove that identified as a paperweight. After an absurd amount of back and forth with Whirlpool (they own KitchenAid), they actually did the right thing — they bought the stove back at the price we paid.

While the experience was unpleasant to say the least, in the end they kept their word. We bought a new range that we really like, and it’s working beautifully.

Thank you all for caring about me and my shenanigans. A new, working range just in time for the holidays! ❤️🎄

1 month ago | [YT] | 40