Homeschooling, Running & Biking Adventures
Last weekend we packed up the camper van and headed out for a few days with some friends. It had been a while since our last trip, but the moment we pulled in and set up camp, I remembered why I love it so much—spending all day outdoors. I love our camper van, quirks and all. And … Continue reading The Closest Thing to an Off Switch
A little life update on what we’re reading, what bedtime looks like with three kids, and how we’re settling back into our rhythm after a much-needed break (and a finished kitchen remodel!).
No big events, just slow living. Chores. Tractor rides. Planting corn. Feeding cows. Throwing rocks. The kind of day where time moves slow enough for you to notice it. We sipped coffee on the porch and just watched the kids blow bubbles and draw with chalk. The oldest walked around the farm like she owned … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 7: Farm Day
Shhh—it was grandparent anniversary day! 60 years. SIXTY. My neighbor/sister pulled off a beautiful surprise party for her parents (whom we call grandparents—because love is thicker than blood). The look on their faces when they walked in? Worth every whispered phone call and backroom plan my neighbor had to do for the last few months. … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 6: A Second Surprise
Our girl turned 7! (Technically not yet, but we surprised her early.) She woke up to banners, a unicorn cake, and one very special present—earrings. That’s right, it was EARS PIERCING DAY. She was so brave. One earring in and she didn’t even realize it happened. “Wait, what was that part?” she asked, blinking in … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 5: Birthday Surprise
I knew the remodel would be disruptive. I knew we’d basically lose access to our upstairs — the main living area and our bedroom. I knew it would be dusty and loud and a lot of work. I designed the whole kitchen and bathrooms myself, so even before construction started, it was a mental marathon. … Continue reading How We’re Adjusting Homeschooling During a Remodel
Growing up, my mom had a sign in our bathroom that said, 'Our home is clean enough to be healthy and messy enough to be happy.' That phrase has stuck with me, and it’s a pretty good description of what I’m aiming for now. I would love to embrace more of a minimalist lifestyle, but … Continue reading Our Attempt at Minimalism
In our homeschool, English is a blend of structured curriculum and organic learning moments throughout the day. We use The Good and the Beautiful for both English and handwriting. I love the simplicity and depth of these programs, and they work well for my kids. Alongside this, I’ve created my own copy work practice that … Continue reading Our English Curriculum
It started with a Christmas promise: a trip to LEGOland and the Wild Animal Park (okay, Safari Park—but I’ll always call it the Wild Animal Park). We decided to wrap it around my husband’s big bike race, the Belgium Waffle Ride—yes, there were waffles, no, it wasn’t in Belgium—and turn it into a full-blown family … Continue reading Our First Big “theme park” Family Vacation: Nine Days, One Van, Zero Regrets
Day 5 at LEGOland was magical, with minimal crowds, allowing for quick access to ALL the rides.
In December, we planned a trip to LEGOland, coinciding with my husband's bike race. We invited our neighbors and both sets of grandparents, making it our kids first major vacation that wasn't camping related. After a 12-hour drive, we arrived at our Airbnb, which exceeded expectations, and our adventure was just beginning. Day 2 awaits ahead.
With the help of some AI, I thought it would be funny to create a Job Posting for being a Stay at Home mom. Here is what I and the lovely intelligence of the inter webs came up with... Position: Full-Time (24/7) | Location: Your House | Compensation: Emotionally rich, financially...complicated About the Role We … Continue reading Job Posting: Chief Mom Officer (CMO)
How we embrace technology intentionally, balancing tech use with unplugged activities. We utilize audiobooks, texting for typing practice, and educational platforms like PBS Kids and Khan Academy. The kids engage in creative projects, such as vlogging, blending learning with fun. Technology serves as a valuable tool, enhancing our homeschooling experience.
Reflecting on our homeschooling journey, transitioning from a rigid structure to a focus on connection and curiosity. Initially striving for perfection, we learned that spontaneity, relationships, and mastery are more valuable than adherence to a schedule. Homeschooling has evolved into a lifestyle prioritizing wonder, rest, and lifelong learning.
Homeschooling has allowed our family to align our learning with the seasons, highlighting nature as our primary curriculum. Spring brings discovery, summer emphasizes immersion in play, fall craves structure, and winter invites stillness. This approach fosters curiosity and connection, demonstrating that learning often occurs in unstructured, everyday moments, embracing the world's rhythms.
The author reflects on their four-year homeschooling journey, detailing trials with various curricula. They explored options during the 2023-2024 school year, testing Blossom and Root, Singapore Math, Pandia Press, Sonlight, and ultimately finding The Good and the Beautiful as the best fit for their family, promoting strong morals and an effective learning experience.
Every April, we load up the bikes, kids, and snacks (so many snacks) and head to our favorite event of the year: the Sea Otter Classic. It’s where our cycling story continues, where we got engaged (sort of), and now it’s become a family tradition we look forward to every spring. From racing memories to wrangling three kids solo through a bike expo, this post is full of stories, tips, gear favorites, and heart.
Ah, screen time. That never-ending uphill trail that I swear will get easier, but somehow, I’m always winded and questioning my life choices halfway up. Managing my own screen time is like thinking I’ll take an easy recovery ride and then somehow ending up climbing the steepest hill in town. I tell myself, "Just one … Continue reading Managing Screen Time: A Reality Check
Laundry. Why? Why is there always so much laundry? I swear, we wear the same three outfits on repeat, yet somehow the laundry multiplies like it’s the one training for a marathon. Now, I try to stay on top of it. I really do. Our laundry system—like everything else in my life—is scheduled down to … Continue reading Laundry: Why Is There So Much of It?
Transcribed by mommy during bedtime. Hi. Welcome to bugs corner. Today I found a slug! It was on a sunflower, a flower that mom had thrown off the deck from her flower vase. The slug needs soil to survive. My sister and I, we knew that a slug needed soil so we put rocks and … Continue reading Bug’s Diary #1
Run Teach Bike 