By the time we unlock the door at the feed store, I’ve already been up for hours. My coffee has long gone cold and there’s probably still a mountain of chores or boxes waiting from the day before… orders that came in late, inventory that totally didn't match what we thought we were getting (how does that happen???) and a running list in my head of what needs to be handled before anyone ever walks in. Most days we turn the lights on, straighten what we can and just… breathe.
I know I don't have to pretend I've got it all together. And as I welcome all of you for who you are – and who you are still becoming – you continue to embrace me with the same loving grace. I am so thankful!!!
Whitt’s has never been just a store. It’s not just helping someone find the right feed or hardware or the right pair of boots (pairs of boots I should say– because who doesn't need multiples!). To me, it's self-defining. This is who we ARE. Some days things go right. A lot of days it seems like they don’t. Every day, we remember that we have each other and that's what matters most.
The month of May is an important month for us. Whitt Michael Martin was born on May 8, 2007. I hope you'll stop by and enjoy some special cupcakes I plan to be giving away in his honor! He would've been a senior in high school, turning 19.
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. All month long, we'll be raffling off items throughout both stores and proceeds will go to the Whitt Michael Martin Memorial Fund. So far, since 2024, we've been able to donate nearly $60,000 to various causes and organizations in Whitt's name! Thank you all so much for continuing to support our mission by honoring our boy and helping us carry out the Lord's work.
As you know, May 10th is also Mother’s Day and as I reflect back over the last 20 years, I think about all the meals that I have cooked for my children and what a privilege and a blessing it has been to do that. And not just for my own children but for all the people we call family – all the ranch hands that come out to the ranch and work for Justin, all the friends of Whitt’s and Gracie’s and Jaedyn’s growing up, all the kids from all the slumber parties – everybody knows that if you come to Momma Jacie’s house, you’re gonna eat good the whole time. Happy faces. Big, full bellies. Just seeing what it means to all those babies to enjoy a beautiful meal filled with all the love I have to give… that’s the biggest and best Mother’s Day gift I could ever ask for.
Because cooking at my house is not a small thing. My children have always known that when you eat at Momma’s house you eat BIIIIIIG. As in not just a box of Hamburger Helper… you're gettin’ soul food here, friends… that southern, down-home, good-for-your-soul food. That's what we do.
Actually, cooking has always been a big part of who I am and who the kids are and who we are as a family. I've cooked with Whitt and Gracie since they were itty bitty, practically raising them in the kitchen. Because they were mostly homeschooled, they were always around, so they could see what it meant to cook for love, not just for fuel.
I was a baker once upon a time. I baked for a restaurant out in far, far, far West Texas, so the kids used to bake with me all the time growing up. Rolling pie crust and making our own fresh buttercream icing, we did pastries and pies and a few wedding cakes and such… Jaedyn especially loves baking! I first got Jaedyn when she was about six years old, she was a pretty picky little eater. She only liked chicken, pickles, and corndogs. It took about six months running with Whitt and Gracie at chow time around our house and now that girl likes most everything! She'll lap a lip on some good grub!
One thing I’m most proud of is that even though there are ups and downs, my kids always know that no matter what time of day or night it is, they’re gonna come in and mom’s always gonna have some made-with-love, soul-food waiting! It’s always been a blessing and a privilege to do it for them.
This Mother’s Day at Whitt’s, we'll be celebrating all you moms out there with 15% off all in-store jewelry. Of course gift certificates always make the perfect gift, just in case you can't decide. Or ask me, I’ll be glad to help… as long as I’m not too busy cooking!
