“When flowers bloom, so does hope.” - Lady Bird Johnson I’ve been trying my hand at amateur, small gardens ever since 2010, when Verity was a small baby. The first at-home garden I ever had was in small containers on our condo balcony. From there, it became bigger containers with more flower varieties and a
Nurturing Wonder & Awe in Your Kids
"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." - E.B. White. When my kids were just small toddlers, I was very intentional about helping them learn about and see God every day. We read stories, we said our prayers, and we talked about our Sunday School church lessons. But something was not just
Living with Ehlers-Danlos
May is Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month, so I wanted to share more about my life with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). While everyone’s journey is different, this is how EDS impacts me personally. I have joint weakness and instability. This causes me to dislocate and sublux not only major joints, but also smaller joints such as my fingers
Homeschool Curriculum 2020-2021 (Booklist and Resources)
Homeschooling can be QUITE the adventure. We've learned the organizational strategy that makes it work for us, as well as the homeschool curriculum that has made this a successful year for both me and my kids. And I want to share with you some of the resources that we've used along our journey. I love
Being Your Kids Best Teacher (My Homeschooling Tips)
There are so many things about motherhood that are "learn as you go" and "trial and error." There is also so much to learn about each child as they grow and adapt to their new personalities over the years. I don’t have homeschooling perfectly figured out (who really does?) But I want to share with
My Life With Dysautonomia
While I don't have the typically known dysautonomia, this is an accurate description of what my body experiences. When I’m pregnant, I am at my absolute healthiest. Pregnancy hormones result in an increased blood volume, which tricks my brain—and my body loves it. My digestive system slows and I also absorb more water from my diet. I
Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks
I’ve got you covered with spring cleaning tips and tricks, my recommended cleaning products, my favorite DIY cleaning product recipes, plus a few ideas to get your kids excited about helping with chores (really!).
Easter Lessons and Reminders
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 Holy Week is so powerful. Starting on Palm Sunday, it’s the most miraculous week, culminating with the resurrection. It’s so important to me to share in the power and miracles of
Easter Gift Ideas (For Kids of All Ages)
Easter is such a sweet and fun holiday to celebrate. Though it comes at a time of year when we’re welcoming spring, here in Montana we have snow probably 70% of the time on Easter! That means lots of in-door playtime for the kids, and lots of coming up with creative ways to keep them
10 Easter Crafts To Do With Your Kids
My kids love any chance to get creative and crafty. With Easter around the corner, I wanted to share ten oh-so-adorable, and fun, ideas for Easter crafts to do with your kids. I’ve included a variety of craft ideas for kids of all ages—many are crafts you can do with recycled materials you probably already
Celebrating Holidays From Home in 2021
I wanted to share my ideas on how to make holidays at home special for your kids, even when gathering with others outside your home isn’t possible.
Top 10 Books For Kids of All Ages
Do your kids like reading? Mine sure do! That's why I knew I had to share my top 10 books for kids of all ages. At my house, I have one child who would rather do crafts and crochet, one girl who can’t get a stack of library books big enough (she LOVES to read
Kids In The Kitchen, Independently
Baking with kids can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! As your kids spend more and more time with you in the kitchen, they will start to gain their confidence. When you let your kids cook real food or let your kids help you in the kitchen, it also leads to curiosity and
Kids in the Kitchen {beginners tips}
Having kids help in the kitchen is really messy. And for the first few attempt, make sure you are wearing airy clothing. Watching a 3-year-old learn to crack an egg will make you sweat. Ask them to use a whisk and you will be fanning yourself. I’m making it sound more stressful than it
Navigating Working From Home and Homeschooling in 2021 (How We Make It Work)
It's 2021 and we are all still navigating schooling and work and play in a new light. What a change! You are probably like me and UP to your elbows in trying to manage household chores, a job, and now your kids’ education! I’m not gonna lie, it’s not easy, but I
Quiet
2017 was about being strong. Being a warrior. Fighting for my health and for joy. 2017 was so much about holding on for dear life, praising The Lord for His goodness, trusting Him in fear and pain and weakness. But it was a BIG year. I hope to never repeat a year like 2017 (and
Finding JOY in the everyday mundane
My specialty is finding the joy in simple things. Some people are never given that kind of clarity or take the time to reflect on what is really really important and special. It really is a gift hidden deep in the muck and mire of illness. When others join in our life, I want them to go away feeling encouraged, hopeful, inspired, and strong.
7 Things I wish I knew before I started blogging
I started my blog back in 2011 when blogging was SO different. Pinterest had barely just come on the scene and they had a waitlist to join. Many things about blogging has changed, but there are certainly some important things that have stayed the same. In the last 6 years, I have watched my blog
Choosing not to fight my illness, is not the same as giving up
It’s been a really trying and hard 9 months. I first got sick (this time) in June 2016. When things were at their worst, I was unable to eat and lived on soup broth and half a chocolate milk shake each day. I was losing weight, spent most of my time sleeping, and a trip
I'm Thankful For.....
I made a few Thank You cards this week to send out to my friends and family who brought me meals, and treats, and coffee while I was recovering from surgery. I find that having a few Thank You cards on hand is always a good idea.