Three months ago, I posted the photos of our finished office, which actually amounts to a fourth of the old building we’re renovating in our small town. We were so happy to get our family office space completed, and now that three months are under our belt, I thought I’d report in on how we’ve been using the space and whether or not we’re glad we did it.
The short answer is this: We use the office more than I ever thought we would! I think one of my lingering concerns along the way was whether, after putting in the time and resources to renovate and furnish the office, we wouldn’t use it as much as we should. But as it turns out, having a place—a headquarters, so to speak—in town was something we sorely needed. While the ranch is, of course, where our lives are based, there is so much that takes us to town throughout the week, especially now that the kids are getting older: football practice, soccer practice, church, meetings, grocery store, post office, etc. What the office has provided all of us (Tim, Missy, their kids, Marlboro Man, our kids, and I) is a place for us to land before (and in between) this, that, or the other thing. It has saved us many a round trip to the ranch.
It has provided a place for our ranch office. This has made a world of difference. There’s a place to put files and maps and folders and papers and all the crazy paperwork one might be surprised to know is necessary in running a ranching operation.
It has provided a place for Marlboro Man and Tim to meet, plan, and discuss the goings-on at the ranch—not just with each other, but with their dad and other people in the agricultural world with whom they do business. When they’re on the ranch, they’re on the horse or in their pickups or on a tractor or in a feed truck…and I think they’re really enjoying having an official meeting place where they can get together and talk business.
It has provided a great place for the kids to do schoolwork while waiting to go here or there.
It has provided a great place for us to have occasional get-togethers. We had an office-warming party when it was completed in August, and it was nice to have a gathering and not have to ask everyone to make the drive to the ranch. We had a reception for a friend a few evenings ago. It’s nice to have a spot in town that’s always ready. Makes me excited to complete the deli space downstairs! (I’ll give you an update on that soon.)
It has provided Marlboro Man a place to meet with his fellow football coaches and watch game film every week. Asking people to drive out to our house…well, it’s a lot to ask!
It has provided a place for me to work, though ironically…I’m probably the one that has used it the least! That’s because home is where my heart is, and I don’t like to leave it much.
(But it’s sure nice to know the office is there when I need it.)
Just thought I’d post a little follow-up about how we’re using the office, since I walked you through the process of getting it all done.
I’ll post more Building updates soon!
Ree Drummond is the founder of The Pioneer Woman and a lover of butter, basset hounds and life on the ranch! Ree started her blog in 2006, and now millions visit ThePioneerWoman.com every month for her trusted recipes and fun family stories. Here’s what she has been up to since it all began:
New York Times Bestselling Author
Ree has written two memoirs (Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, and Frontier Follies) plus nine bestselling cookbooks:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl (2009)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier (2012)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays (2013)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime (2015)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! (2017)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier (2019)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Super Easy (2021)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinner’s Ready! (2023)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes (2025)
Food Network Host
Since 2011, Ree has been sharing simple, family-friendly recipes—and the occasional kitchen prank!—on her award-winning show The Pioneer Woman, filmed right on Drummond Ranch. Ree is also a regular judge on Food Network competitions, including Christmas Cookie Challenge.
Founder, The Pioneer Woman Collection
Ree has been creating and selling kitchen and home products at Walmart since 2015 and she’s involved in designing every piece and pattern. The line now includes best-selling appliances (you have to see the floral blender!), plus hundreds of pieces of cookware, tableware, and more. Ree doesn’t like to play favorites but the Agatha print has a special place in her heart.
Restaurant and Hotel Owner
Together with her husband Ladd, Ree has opened several bustling businesses in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, including The Pioneer Woman Mercantile—a bakery, restaurant, and general store that draws visitors from across the country (many come for the biscuits alone!), P-Town Pizza, Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop, and The Boarding House, a charming hotel with eight different rooms decorated by Ree and Ladd.
Media Personality
Ree appears regularly on national TV shows like Today, Good Morning America and more—all while managing to keep flour off her shirt.
Wife, Mom and…Grandma!
Ree’s kids (daughters Alex and Paige and sons Bryce and Todd) are all grown up, and as of December 2024, Ree is the proud grandma of the cutest baby ever, Sofia Scott, born to Alex and her husband Mauricio. Ree still cooks for Ladd (and the kids when they’re home), and she also looks after a few mischievous ranch dogs.
