150. You Only Get 18 Summers: Why We’re Prioritizing Family Memories

Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! In this fun, start of summer episode, Jena and Mary Pat dive into the reality of balancing busy farm seasons with making intentional family memories. From summer travel plans and farm-life logistics to parenting reflections, boundaries around time off, and the bittersweet realization that we only get so many summers with our kids, this episode feels like a front porch conversation with friends who just get it.Jena shares details about an upcoming family trip to the Black Hills and why she’s become more intentional about booking vacations—even during busy seasons—while Mary Pat reflects on family systems, summer rhythms, and protecting time for what matters most. Together, they talk honestly about farm guilt, marriage dynamics, saying no to overcommitment, and creating meaningful summers without adding pressure.📌 What We Cover in This Episode:✅ The “18 Summers” Perspective: Why the reminder that we only get so many summers with our kids feels both motivating and emotional—and how it’s shaping their priorities as moms.✅ Farm Life + Family Vacations: Can farm families really leave during busy seasons?✅ Summer Travel Plans & Family Adventures✅ Why Boundaries Matter on Family Farms✅ Saying “No” to Make Room for What Matters✅ Summer Joy in the Small Things✅ Family, Grief & Making Memories While We Can✅ Making Time for Yourself in Busy Seasons💡 Key Takeaways:✨ You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” time to make family memories. In farm life, there will always be one more thing to do—sometimes you just have to book the trip.✨ The farm will still be there when you get back. Taking time away isn’t selfish—it’s often exactly what your family (and marriage) needs.✨ Boundaries reduce resentment. Whether it’s scheduled time off, protected family time, or saying no to overcommitment, structure can create freedom.✨ The little moments matter most. Campfires, bike rides, fishing trips, camp weeks, gardening, and spontaneous lake days often become the memories kids remember forever.✨ You only get so many summers with your kids at home. Don’t wait for a tragedy or milestone to prioritize togetherness—create the memories now.✨ Summer doesn’t have to look Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes joy is found in slowing down, saying no, and protecting what matters most.We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation beyond the podcast. Send us a voice message and tell us what topics you’d love to hear next!🙌 Join the Conversation!What does summer look like for your family? Are you planning a trip, protecting slower rhythms, or creating special traditions with your kids? We’d love to hear what intentional summer looks like in your home. You can connect with us and share your thoughts by tagging Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_. And don't forget to leave us a message on our new voicemail line! Leave us a Voice Message!We love hearing from you and continuing the conversation off the podcast. Click here to leave us a voice note!Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Fieldview. Both Jena and MP have used Fieldview on their farms for the past several years and it's been an integral data and decision making tool for their operations. Check them out here