Blending a family isn’t for the faint of heart—and we’re not here to sugarcoat it. In this episode of Beyond the Fence, we open up about the messy, beautiful, often awkward journey of bringing two families together under one roof. From the emotional landmines to the small wins that made it all worth it, we’re sharing what it really looked like behind closed doors.

We talk about how we’ve been perceived, how we’ve grown, and the lessons we learned the hard way. Plus, stick around for a rapid-fire Q&A where Jess gets put on the spot by Eric—with a few laughs guaranteed.

This one’s for anyone building something new from pieces of the past. You’re not alone—and yes, your family can thrive.

Episode Title: From Scratch to Market — Our McMinnville Story

Description:
In this episode of Beyond the Fence, Jess and Eric share the heartwarming (and slightly chaotic) story of their first season at the McMinnville Farmers Market. From nervous beginnings to building relationships that feel like home, they reflect on how the local community showed up in ways they never expected. Tune in for behind-the-scenes moments, what it’s like to run a farm stand with six kids in tow, and a rapid fire round of fun questions to wrap it all up.

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own booth or just love a good story about grit, gratitude, and goat milk soap — this one's for you.

Follow along:
Instagram: @oakcreekfamilyfarm
Farm Stand Info: Fridays, 10-9 | 16005 Hwy 47, Yamhill, OR

Canning class partner is crime:

Kim with Archie Hills Family Farm

We’re back with Part 2 of our deep dive into raising teens—and this time, we’re getting into the messier side of things. Jess and Eric talk about the real challenges of raising free thinkers: letting go of control, watching your kids make their own choices (and mistakes), and learning to guide without hovering. We also answer rapid fire questions for each other and share more behind-the-scenes moments from life on the farm that shape our parenting journey. It’s honest, it’s unfiltered, and it’s full of heart—just like raising teenagers.