For a variety of reasons, this has been a difficult post for me to write. I keep thinking the words will come easily and that I’ll be super eager to share, but in reality, they don’t. And I’m not. But I will - because I think it’s important, especially as a blogger, that we maintain some factor of ‘realness’. My friends, even for a farm-lovin’ Mama with a fantastic husband and a quiver of … [Read more...]
My friend Rachel is a minimalist. Every time I read one of her posts, I'm inspired to do the same. (Let's just pretend like my junky bathroom closet doesn't exist. And let's forget about the slew of old wrapping paper, gigantic travel bags, loner socks, and need-to-be-retired work boots that are shoved under our bed. Oh, and let's also not open up my pantry. Ever. Ok?) Though, in … [Read more...]
It was a small instance that triggered my emotions this morning. As I drove up the road to my friend Lauren's house to drop the kids off for a few hours (as I've done a dozen times), my view caught the street sign - 'Dana'. If one were to drive down Dana, then take a quick left on Jefferson, they'd quickly find themselves at my high-school boyfriend's house. I spent many an hour there with … [Read more...]
Sometimes, I've just got to take a step back and admit "I'm not that woman." As much as I'd like to be, I'm just not. This time of year, I'm aware of it all the more. While other Mom's are setting up tablescapes and decorating sugar cookies like turkeys, I'm just keepin' my head above water. Perhaps I should be coordinating my children's holiday clothing or something important like … [Read more...]
For those who are new, this 'Why We Homestead' series is being written by my delicious husband Stuart. To catch part one of the series, read Why We Homestead, Part One. Why We Homestead, Part Two: Scratching An Itch On a Spring morning, the light from the sun’s rays separate as they crest Jump-off Ridge. Brilliant fingers of golden light begin to reach out and touch the soil. They … [Read more...]
A quick note: Most of you know about my insanely handsome and wonderful husband, Stuart. He may not make an appearance on the blog as often as beard-loving-women would hope, but know he's always behind the scenes encouraging, advising, and working on the homestead. I've asked him to do a short series of posts with me answering the question: WHY. Why do we do what we do. Why have we … [Read more...]
I use a lot of essential oils. Like. A lot of them. And I love them. Let's just all remember that as we continue on in this post, shall we? As many of you know, I sell and promote doTERRA oils and am happy to do so. I love the company. I love the product. Did I mention I love oils yet? ... that being said... ...(you always know it's about to go down when someone says 'that being … [Read more...]
I can't do it all. Surprising, I know. But still I get emails and messages from readers each day asking me 'How do you do it all?' Short answer: I don't. Each new phase of life that we've moved into has caused us to reassess, reevaluate, and reprioritize. And that's good. I'd even venture to say that's healthy. Here's a prime example: those who have followed me for years know that … [Read more...]
Did I remember to put pants on? Seriously. Please tell me I'm wearing pants right now. Yes, my friends, this thought actually went through my head as I was driving the minivan full of rascals into town this past week. Amongst the chaos of sippy cups, car seats, school uniforms, backpacks, snacks, feedings, diapers, wipes, cell phones, lists, checks to deposit at the bank, and milk jars set for … [Read more...]
I can only assume that the Lord wanted me to retell this story in a different way because the 'Publish' button I struck earlier today resulted in a completely lost birthing story that was approximately 1,592,492 words long. Let's pretend like I totally kept my cool and didn't slam the laptop shut and shuffle off (hey, I can't walk very well yet!) to the bathroom to weep and weep and weep. It … [Read more...]
