Coming Home to Dixie

We have a new addition to the family—one with tiny hooves and a surprisingly big personality. Her name is Amelia, a 7-week-old baby mini piglet (she was actually born on my birthday!), and she has completely captured all of our hearts – even the dogs – they gaze at her adoringly and follow her around everywhere. We hadn’t originally planned on bringing her home, but life, in its unpredictable way, had other plans. The little piglet we had reserved sadly broke her leg and needed more time at the farm to heal. Amelia, with her jet-black fur, white-stocking legs, and a pink spot on her nose, was waiting for us instead. And now, I can’t imagine it any other way.

She’s a lot like a newborn baby—needy, expressive, and even cries when she wants to be held. She drinks a milk formula several times a day that I carefully measure and warm. She’s quickly become attached to me (and me to her), which means she gets upset if I’m not holding her—which also means breaks are rare. Still, as she snoozes in my arms or snuggles under her blanket, I remind myself what a gift she is. These early bonding moments are fleeting and precious.

A Day at Tiny Cows Farm

We picked up Amelia last weekend from Tiny Cows Farm, a hidden gem nestled in the countryside about two hours away. The drive was peaceful—open skies and quiet roads that seemed to stretch forever—and the fall weather was just perfect. The family who owns the farm welcomed us like old friends. They walked us around to meet their miniature cows and babydoll sheep, sharing stories and laughter as we explored.

It’s breeding season for the sheep, and we’re already dreaming about adding a little ewe lamb—Dolly—to our own growing flock next spring. The farm also has a pottery studio where they handcraft beautiful clay dishes sold in stores across Mississippi. Before we left, they invited us to pick out a handmade coffee mug, and then gifted us two lovely serving dishes—a kind gesture that felt like a warm hug.

The Blessing of Simpler Healthcare

Earlier in the week, Jim established care at the local medical clinic, and we were both amazed by how quick and efficient the process was. In California, it could take weeks or even months to get an appointment, a referral, imaging, and treatment all lined up. But here? He was seen, x-rayed, and treated all in one visit. They even gave him the knee injection he needed that same day. The clinic was clean, cheerful, and the procedure room—lined with tidy cabinets and labeled drawers—was a dream for someone like me who loves order and details.

The procedure chair was plush and adjustable, making the whole experience comfortable for Jim. It was over before we knew it, and we left feeling so grateful. It’s these small moments that remind us how good this move has been for our family.

Cozying Up for the Cold

The temperatures dipped below freezing early last week, which caught us a little off guard. We don’t have a fireplace yet, so we picked up an electric one to tide us over. It’s actually very charming—it even has a mantel that will be perfect for our Christmas stockings in just a few weeks. I’ve already envisioned the girls hanging theirs while Amelia snuffles nearby in a cozy sweater (yes, I may have already picked one out for her).

Most mornings now begin with a steaming cup of coffee in my office, and all my fur babies nestled in their bed around the floor, now including a sleepy piglet nestled among them. The sunrise over the valley, the peaceful rhythm of farm life, the knowledge that we are finally exactly where we are supposed to be—it fills my heart with so much peace.

Even with the noise, the mess, and the never-ending to-do lists, this life is rich. It’s simple. And it is so, so sweet.