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
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
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
After a solid stretch of “I should really get back into it,” I joined our town’s new Club Pilates. Back in my teaching days, I did a few years of mat Pilates — just me, a yoga mat, and some deep breathing. But Club Pilates? Whole different thing. There’s this contraption called a reformer (basically … Continue reading Club Pilates, Core Muscles, and the 5 AM Life
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 5 at LEGOland was magical, with minimal crowds, allowing for quick access to ALL the rides.
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)
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.
Sharing my personal experiences of cycling during three pregnancies, emphasizing the importance of comfort and individual choice. Each pregnancy brought unique challenges, from biking comfort to towing toddlers. Practical tips include using an eBike, indoor riding, and listening to one's body. Ultimately, enjoyment and safety should guide decisions while biking during pregnancy.
The recent shift in homeschooling involves using text messaging as a practical learning tool for typing, spelling, and communication. A safe messaging system allows Bug to interact with a trusted group, enhancing her skills in a low-pressure environment. This approach has notably improved her spelling confidence, keyboard awareness, and overall communication abilities.
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.
Pretty sure moms are the worst when it comes to mom shamming. Why?
When we climb hills now on our bike, chances are I have a least one kid in a trailer with me. Maybe one riding the Shot-Gun and the other with the tow rope. But how did we get there? How did we start riding with a baby?
Run Teach Bike 