This summer has presented its share of trials for Ree Drummond and her loved ones, yet amidst the demanding ranch work and physical tolls, family milestones shine brightly. The Food Network icon, known as the Pioneer Woman, recently shared heartfelt reflections on her blog, detailing the arduous summer her husband, Ladd Drummond, has experienced on their Oklahoma ranch.
In a candid blog post on The Pioneer Woman website, Ree opened up about the relentless nature of ranch work and its impact on Ladd. “Ladd has had…a busy, slightly rough summer. I think I say this ever [sic] year, but the work, the early mornings, the unrelenting grind, the exhaustion…it has been a little much,” she admitted to her readers. Ree clarified that these were her observations, as Ladd himself would likely downplay the hardships, attributing it simply to his way of life.
The sheer intensity of the work this season led Ree to contemplate the sustainability of their demanding lifestyle. “A couple of weeks ago, after watching him limp inside, covered in dust and blood after a particularly long day, I actually said the words, ‘I don’t think we can do this anymore.’ It was partly in jest, but also maybe a little bit not,” she confessed, revealing a moment of concern for Ladd’s well-being. This glimpse into their private struggles offers a raw and relatable perspective on the realities of ranch life, reminding fans that even the seemingly idyllic Pioneer Woman lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges.
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Ree and Ladd Drummond navigate the demanding ranch life together, facing both hardships and joyous occasions.
Ree further elaborated on her concerns, stating, “How much harder can you work, how much longer can you do this, are you okay, is what I was really thinking.” Her words resonate with anyone who has witnessed loved ones pushing their limits, highlighting the universal worry for the well-being of family members.
However, Ree’s blog post, primarily a joyous recap of her daughter Paige’s surprise engagement, also underscored the importance of family celebrations in weathering life’s storms. She reflected on how these moments of happiness provide solace and perspective amidst трудные times. “So to see him smiling and walking around and enjoying the celebration of his second child and the man she’s gonna marry…well, it made me feel a little better about things. 😂” she shared, adding a touch of her signature humor. “And summer will be over soon!” This sentiment emphasizes the cyclical nature of life on a ranch, with periods of intense labor balanced by moments of family joy and the promise of changing seasons.
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Celebrating daughter Paige’s engagement brought joy to Ree and Ladd Drummond, highlighting family bonds amidst life’s challenges.
Paige’s engagement on August 4th to David Andersen marked a significant family milestone. Recalling past family events, Ree alluded to a previous health scare Ladd experienced around the time of their eldest daughter Alex’s wedding. Ladd was involved in a truck collision with his nephew Caleb while responding to a fire, resulting in a broken neck. This serious accident required Ladd to wear a neck brace at Alex’s wedding, a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of ranch work and the fragility of life.
Currently, Ladd receives valuable assistance on the ranch from Paige, who returned home to work full-time in January. Ree expressed her delight in having Paige back during a June interview, noting, “It’s really great to have her home.” Paige’s return to the ranch signifies a continuation of the family legacy and provides crucial support to Ladd.
Ree clarified that Paige resides in the former home of Ree’s in-laws, Chuck (who passed away in 2022) and Nan (who passed in 2018). This detail adds a layer of family history and continuity to Paige’s return. While Ree acknowledges the uncertain duration of Paige’s stay, she cherishes her presence, stating, “I love that she’s here. She’s the first of our kids to really come back and work on the ranch full time.”
In a May blog post, Ree humorously described Paige’s initiation into ranch work as “getting banged up, scratched, bruised, and clobbered.” Despite the physical demands, Ree proudly told PEOPLE that Paige is thriving. “She’s very strong, not just physically, but she’s got a pretty strong heart and personality, so it’s fun to watch her kind of jump in and learn the ropes — not as Ladd’s kid, but as one of the cowboys basically. Cowgirls, I should say,” Ree laughed, celebrating Paige’s resilience and integration into the ranch workforce. This narrative of Paige’s hard work and determination further emphasizes the Drummond family’s strong work ethic and commitment to their ranching heritage.
