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
There comes a moment in every mom’s life when she wonders: Is there a cooler way to get from point A to point B while carrying three children, snacks, a water bottle I’ll forget, and a questionable collection of rocks someone insisted we bring home from the park? For me, that moment arrived with the … Continue reading My Minivan Has Two Wheels and an E-Motor: Meet the Specialized Haul LT
If you’ve ever wished Circle Time could be simple, meaningful, and actually doable in a homeschool setting—this is for you. I just finished creating a yearlong Preschool & Kindergarten Circle Time Curriculum designed for homeschool families who want structure without the overwhelm. Whether you’re teaching one kid or wrangling a toddler while a 2nd grader reads aloud … Continue reading A Full Year of Preschool & Kindergarten Circle Time – Created for Real-Life Homeschoolers
We knew the day we bought our house that the kitchen needed some love. Built in 1980, it had stayed mostly untouched ever since. That’s not that old—older than us—but it showed. The bones were solid, but the space had been designed for an older gentleman who lived here until he was over 100 (which is impressive … Continue reading Designing Our Dream Kitchen: Part 1 of Our Remodel Journey
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!).
We said one last goodbye to the cows, packed up the truck, and made our way to the tiniest airport known to man. We stopped for burgers and a playground pit stop, then hopped on our mini-plane to Denver. All three kids fell asleep on the flight. I sat there looking at their tired little … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 8: Goodbye Cows
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
So, “roads.” I use that term loosely. These were more like ideas of roads. After a good rain, they turned into slip-and-slide obstacle courses. We woke up to gray skies and goopy trails, but also a good excuse for art projects and extra coffee. We knocked out some morning chores and then broke out the … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 4: Sloppy Roads
Our oldest officially caught the farm bug. She fed guineas, checked on gardens, took out the trash like it was her life’s calling, and even harvested some veggies. She was in her element, walking around like she’d been hired on as farmhand-in-chief. It was honestly beautiful to watch—there’s nothing like seeing your child fall in … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 3: Farm Chore Day
Planes, trains, and boats—okay, just planes and a boat, but still. Sunday morning, we headed to small town church. It was sweet and simple, and even if the kids missed the lights and theatrics of home, I loved watching them experience something new. There’s something grounding about a room full of people who’ve known each … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 2: The Boat
It was just me, the kids, and my two neighbors—who, at this point, I’ve fully adopted as my brother and sister. It's easier than explaining that they're technically just my neighbors. Hubs was off in Kansas racing Unbound (for what I think is his 7th year?), and while he was battling gravel roads and saddle … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 1: The Flight
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
I found my first gray hair this week. Mid-vacation.... Of course, it wasn’t just one. It was three. Does that mean I’m officially over the hill? Or is it just one gray hair per kid at this point? Either way, I guess it’s time to face the music: I’m not defying aging. Not even close. … Continue reading Gray Hair and Bucket lists
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 6 took us to the Wild Animal Park, and we were all incredibly excited to be there. It’s one of those places that promises adventure and unique animal encounters. But, I’ll admit, I should’ve planned this a little better. The size of the park was definitely overwhelming for my kids, and while the adults … Continue reading Vacation Day 6: Wild Animal Park – A Beautiful Day, But Maybe a Bit Too Much
Day 5 at LEGOland was magical, with minimal crowds, allowing for quick access to ALL the rides.
Run Teach Bike 