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Meet The Horace Greeley House.

Built in 1823, she was originally a lawyer’s office, horse bridle shop, and printing press…and now she’s our home 🥹💛.

The Northern Spectator, the newspaper in which two famous American journalists apprenticed, resided on our second story. Those two apprentices went on to found the New York Tribune and the New York Times.

When I say that this home felt like a lavish—honestly ridiculous—gift from the Lord I mean it. After touring the home in March, I vividly remember telling Nate “this feels beyond whatever I could’ve imagined.”

Moving 3,000 miles away as a family of six has been extremely difficult for a plethora of reasons, but whenever I hear our boys walk up our creaky two hundred years old stairs—where great Americans once walked—or watch them play in the creek in our backyard I feel so abundantly grateful to God for what He provided.

Meet The Horace Greeley House.

Built in 1823, she was originally a lawyer’s office, horse bridle shop, and printing press…and now she’s our home 🥹💛.

The Northern Spectator, the newspaper in which two famous American journalists apprenticed, resided on our second story. Those two apprentices went on to found the New York Tribune and the New York Times.

When I say that this home felt like a lavish—honestly ridiculous—gift from the Lord I mean it. After touring the home in March, I vividly remember telling Nate “this feels beyond whatever I could’ve imagined.”

Moving 3,000 miles away as a family of six has been extremely difficult for a plethora of reasons, but whenever I hear our boys walk up our creaky two hundred years old stairs—where great Americans once walked—or watch them play in the creek in our backyard I feel so abundantly grateful to God for what He provided.

Earlier today, Declan and I stood at the site of a massacre that took place 378 years ago, almost to the day.

The “sack of Cashel”, as it is known, resulted in the death of roughly 1,000 Irish Catholic soldiers, priests, men, women, and children. It is said that their bodies were stacked 5-6 people high across the churchyard.

The catalyst to such a horrific event? In a nutshell: differences in politics and religion.

It is surreal to be seas away while our homeland experiences immense shock, grief, and turmoil from the assassination of Charlie Kirk. And yet, this narrative—diversity leading to violence—isn’t new.

The green isle we’ve explored all week has been plagued for centuries by violence spurred on by religious and political division. We’ve seen blood stained cathedral floors, decapitated skulls of saints, and white washed (oh the irony) frescos all in the name of religious and political superiority.

The more I see the history of humanity repeat, the more my soul groans for Christ’s return. We cannot allow differences of opinion to justify murder.

Earlier today, Declan and I stood at the site of a massacre that took place 378 years ago, almost to the day.

The “sack of Cashel”, as it is known, resulted in the death of roughly 1,000 Irish Catholic soldiers, priests, men, women, and children. It is said that their bodies were stacked 5-6 people high across the churchyard.

The catalyst to such a horrific event? In a nutshell: differences in politics and religion.

It is surreal to be seas away while our homeland experiences immense shock, grief, and turmoil from the assassination of Charlie Kirk. And yet, this narrative—diversity leading to violence—isn’t new.

The green isle we’ve explored all week has been plagued for centuries by violence spurred on by religious and political division. We’ve seen blood stained cathedral floors, decapitated skulls of saints, and white washed (oh the irony) frescos all in the name of religious and political superiority.

The more I see the history of humanity repeat, the more my soul groans for Christ’s return. We cannot allow differences of opinion to justify murder.

Washington: Where we discovered our love of nature, friends became family, we raised chicks and ducklings, had our fourth baby at home, and learned to garden veggies & cut flowers.

When we moved to Washington six years ago we thought it was for forever and lived accordingly. We invested in so many wonderful communities, made each house our home, and established deep roots.

In the midst of this transition, the emotional uprooting has been heavy. It isn’t easy to leave a beautiful life behind; it isn’t a grief that’ll simply heal with time. Our Washington chapter has come to a close but it’ll always be a part of our story 💛.

“I don’t believe that grief passes away. It has its time and place forever. More time is added to it; it becomes a story within a story. But grief and griever alike endure.” -Wendell Berry

Washington: Where we discovered our love of nature, friends became family, we raised chicks and ducklings, had our fourth baby at home, and learned to garden veggies & cut flowers.

When we moved to Washington six years ago we thought it was for forever and lived accordingly. We invested in so many wonderful communities, made each house our home, and established deep roots.

In the midst of this transition, the emotional uprooting has been heavy. It isn’t easy to leave a beautiful life behind; it isn’t a grief that’ll simply heal with time. Our Washington chapter has come to a close but it’ll always be a part of our story 💛.

“I don’t believe that grief passes away. It has its time and place forever. More time is added to it; it becomes a story within a story. But grief and griever alike endure.” -Wendell Berry

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place that he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8

When we were engaged at 19, Nate and I adopted this verse as our own. At the time, we thought we’d be in South Sudan doing missions work after getting married. God closed that door abruptly and we’ve been in stateside vocational ministry ever since.

At 25, when God brought us to Western Washington, we clung to Hebrews 11:8 and obeyed. We expected to settle in and stay long term.

Now at 31, we are moving to rural Vermont to a new church community, new culture, and a home of our own. This transition is both heartbreaking and exciting. We are leaving behind so much: friends permanently made family, communities intentionally fostered from infancy, and all our PNW hopes and dreams. The grief is heavy.

And yet the excitement is real. We are entering into a community abounding in rich history and craftsmanship. Our 1823 home—with her iron latches and wide plank floors—and the church that Nate will be pastoring feel like an inheritance in and of itself. The blessings in obedience have been genuinely astounding.

Come mid-May, we’ll say farewell to Washington and Poultney Vermont will be home.

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place that he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8

When we were engaged at 19, Nate and I adopted this verse as our own. At the time, we thought we’d be in South Sudan doing missions work after getting married. God closed that door abruptly and we’ve been in stateside vocational ministry ever since.

At 25, when God brought us to Western Washington, we clung to Hebrews 11:8 and obeyed. We expected to settle in and stay long term.

Now at 31, we are moving to rural Vermont to a new church community, new culture, and a home of our own. This transition is both heartbreaking and exciting. We are leaving behind so much: friends permanently made family, communities intentionally fostered from infancy, and all our PNW hopes and dreams. The grief is heavy.

And yet the excitement is real. We are entering into a community abounding in rich history and craftsmanship. Our 1823 home—with her iron latches and wide plank floors—and the church that Nate will be pastoring feel like an inheritance in and of itself. The blessings in obedience have been genuinely astounding.

Come mid-May, we’ll say farewell to Washington and Poultney Vermont will be home.

Emmy Bear is two 🥹💛

Emmy Bear is two 🥹💛

It’s almost St. Lucia Day 🕯️

If you’d like to learn more about Sweden’s patron Saint and how to celebrate St. Lucia Day as a family, click my link in bio.

My new post details all things Saint Lucy including links with my favorite books, videos, and activities for littles. I even made a step by step tutorial so you can make your own felt crown!

It’s almost St. Lucia Day 🕯️

If you’d like to learn more about Sweden’s patron Saint and how to celebrate St. Lucia Day as a family, click my link in bio.

My new post details all things Saint Lucy including links with my favorite books, videos, and activities for littles. I even made a step by step tutorial so you can make your own felt crown!

Forever a baby gourd 🥹🥰👌🏻

Forever a baby gourd 🥹🥰👌🏻

Feeling extra grateful for these boys and homeschooling today as we jump back into our school rhythms💛.

Our school days are filled with time outdoors, good literature, deep conversation, and togetherness.

Homeschooling isn’t often easy, our house is frequently a mess, and it’s required great sacrifices but it is 100% worth it.

P.S. these clips, shot back in May, were directed & produced entirely by the boys after we finished Robbin Hood!

Feeling extra grateful for these boys and homeschooling today as we jump back into our school rhythms💛.

Our school days are filled with time outdoors, good literature, deep conversation, and togetherness.

Homeschooling isn�’t often easy, our house is frequently a mess, and it’s required great sacrifices but it is 100% worth it.

P.S. these clips, shot back in May, were directed & produced entirely by the boys after we finished Robbin Hood!

“When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”

-Wendell Berry, The Peace of Wild Things

“When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”

-Wendell Berry, The Peace of Wild Things

After the Israelites were exiled to the land of their enemies, Jeremiah encouraged them to “build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce” Jeremiah 29:5.

Essentially, get comfy because it’s going to be a long season of waiting. Do life with your enemies; do life in a land foreign to you. Make a home in the midst of the waiting.

We’ve been looking for a bigger space for quite some time (first as buyers, now as renters) and it’s been a discouraging process. As Emrys & I were collecting green beans from our garden this morning, I was reminded of this passage and encouraged by our life on this 7,000 square foot plot of land.

I don’t know how long this season of waiting will be. I don’t hold to the same promise God gave the Israelites in verse 11, outside of an eternity spent with Him. This side of heaven we may always be a family of six in a 2bed, 1bath rental making it work.

When I look back on our past 2.5 years in this sweet old cottage, I remember so much LIFE. We’ve hosted holidays, birthed a baby, raised ducklings, grown lush gardens and microgreens, gifted bouquets, and homeschooled all within these four walls we call home.

It’s that rich presence in the midst of the waiting that’s seen us through, even when it’s felt like the walls were closing in on us. And it’s that same presence—seen in abnormally chubby zucchinis and sky high sunflowers—that’s witnessing to my soul today.

Bloom where you are planted, friends. Even if you’re desperate for a second toilet 😉💛

After the Israelites were exiled to the land of their enemies, Jeremiah encouraged them to “build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce” Jeremiah 29:5.

Essentially, get comfy because it’s going to be a long season of waiting. Do life with your enemies; do life in a land foreign to you. Make a home in the midst of the waiting.

We’ve been looking for a bigger space for quite some time (first as buyers, now as renters) and it’s been a discouraging process. As Emrys & I were collecting green beans from our garden this morning, I was reminded of this passage and encouraged by our life on this 7,000 square foot plot of land.

I don’t know how long this season of waiting will be. I don’t hold to the same promise God gave the Israelites in verse 11, outside of an eternity spent with Him. This side of heaven we may always be a family of six in a 2bed, 1bath rental making it work.

When I look back on our past 2.5 years in this sweet old cottage, I remember so much LIFE. We’ve hosted holidays, birthed a baby, raised ducklings, grown lush gardens and microgreens, gifted bouquets, and homeschooled all within these four walls we call home.

It’s that rich presence in the midst of the waiting that’s seen us through, even when it’s felt like the walls were closing in on us. And it’s that same presence—seen in abnormally chubby zucchinis and sky high sunflowers—that’s witnessing to my soul today.

Bloom where you are planted, friends. Even if you’re desperate for a second toilet 😉💛

People either hate the taste or love it. It’s either soapy or the perfect herbal addition to your drink or baked good. It’s lavender and welp, I’m a big fan 💜

I’ve been growing English lavender for over four years now with the intention of harvesting it. I love having it in our herb garden for the pollinators and scent but the big winner, in my book, is multiple harvests & rounds of blooms throughout summer AND the ability to cook with it. Scones, lemonade, cakes—lavender can be used in a plethora of ways 🍰🍋☕️

This simple syrup recipe is my tried and true fav. I’ve played with additions over the years and think the sea salt with local honey complement the lavender *just* so 👌🏻

If you’re a fan of lavender, give this recipe a go and tell me what you think! Link is in my bio 🥰

People either hate the taste or love it. It’s either soapy or the perfect herbal addition to your drink or baked good. It’s lavender and welp, I’m a big fan 💜

I’ve been growing English lavender for over four years now with the intention of harvesting it. I love having it in our herb garden for the pollinators and scent but the big winner, in my book, is multiple harvests & rounds of blooms throughout summer AND the ability to cook with it. Scones, lemonade, cakes—lavender can be used in a plethora of ways 🍰🍋☕️

This simple syrup recipe is my tried and true fav. I’ve played with additions over the years and think the sea salt with local honey complement the lavender *just* so 👌🏻

If you’re a fan of lavender, give this recipe a go and tell me what you think! Link is in my bio 🥰

Last week my oldest three boys & I went on a quick two day trip to celebrate the end of a wonderful, stretching school year.

If you’re a fan of PNW family-friendly adventure, here’s where we went:

✨Mount St. Helens Interpretive Center: only 5 miles off the freeway & the perfect family pit stop. Be sure to ask about their Junior Ranger program and collect a badge at the end!

✨Lewis & Clark National Historical Park: Features Fort Clatsop, where the Corps of Discovery stayed during the winter from 1805-1806. Be sure to watch the short film on the winter from a Clatsop tribe member’s perspective & do their Junior Ranger program.

✨Cannon Beach: We stayed at Ecola Creek Lodge. If you’re in vocational ministry, they offer a discount! Sleeping Monk Coffee is a necessary stop. Avoid Fridays & Saturdays—it gets extremely busy—and expect to explore primarily on foot.

✨Hug Point: Go during low tide and explore sea caves, tide pools, and check out the falls. Go in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the breathtaking light as it rises through the trees.

✨Shipwreck of the Peter Iredale: Go during low tide to ensure you can get close to the ship. Accept that the unique and exceptionally soft black sand will get everywhere 😅🫣. EVERYWHERE.

This past week, since we’ve returned, has been filled with chatter detailing volcanic eruptions, exploration, and that one time we pretended we were on The Dawntreader. I wouldn’t have it any other way 💛.

So tell me, are any of these locations on your summer bucket list? Or have you explored these places before?

Last week my oldest three boys & I went on a quick two day trip to celebrate the end of a wonderful, stretching school year.

If you’re a fan of PNW family-friendly adventure, here’s where we went:

✨Mount St. Helens Interpretive Center: only 5 miles off the freeway & the perfect family pit stop. Be sure to ask about their Junior Ranger program and collect a badge at the end!

✨Lewis & Clark National Historical Park: Features Fort Clatsop, where the Corps of Discovery stayed during the winter from 1805-1806. Be sure to watch the short film on the winter from a Clatsop tribe member’s perspective & do their Junior Ranger program.

✨Cannon Beach: We stayed at Ecola Creek Lodge. If you’re in vocational ministry, they offer a discount! Sleeping Monk Coffee is a necessary stop. Avoid Fridays & Saturdays—it gets extremely busy—and expect to explore primarily on foot.

✨Hug Point: Go during low tide and explore sea caves, tide pools, and check out the falls. Go in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the breathtaking light as it rises through the trees.

✨Shipwreck of the Peter Iredale: Go during low tide to ensure you can get close to the ship. Accept that the unique and exceptionally soft black sand will get everywhere 😅🫣. EVERYWHERE.

This past week, since we’ve returned, has been filled with chatter detailing volcanic eruptions, exploration, and that one time we pretended we were on The Dawntreader. I wouldn’t have it any other way 💛.

So tell me, are any of these locations on your summer bucket list? Or have you explored these places before?

“Is there not some need for ‘mother culture’? But how is the state of things to be altered? So many mothers say, ‘I simply have no time for myself!’ ‘I never read a book!’ Or else, ‘I don’t think it is right to think of myself!’ They not only starve their minds, but they do it deliberately, and with a sense of self-sacrifice which seems to supply ample justification.”
-Charlotte Mason

One of my favorite components of Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy is her value of and encouragement to mothers and their education.

Eight years into motherhood, I wish I had read her volumes before even having children. It is far too easy as mom to lay aside personal desires and needs and play the martyr; to portray self neglect as righteousness.

Motherhood has required good, necessary sacrifice and will continue to until the day I die. But becoming a home educator has, to my surprise, encouraged me to seek space to continue to form my own education and skills.

Yes, I’m often with children. Yes, I’m often learning alongside them. Both of those things are beautiful & stretching in their own right. But so is learning to watercolor, delighting in Jane Eyre, and slowly reading through CM’s volumes all at the age of 30.

Choosing to homeschool doesn’t have to mean choosing to dedicate 100% to your children or your home. You’re education matters too 💛.

“Is there not some need for ‘mother culture’? But how is the state of things to be altered? So many mothers say, ‘I simply have no time for myself!’ ‘I never read a book!’ Or else, ‘I don’t think it is right to think of myself!’ They not only starve their minds, but they do it deliberately, and with a sense of self-sacrifice which seems to supply ample justification.”
-Charlotte Mason

One of my favorite components of Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy is her value of and encouragement to mothers and their education.

Eight years into motherhood, I wish I had read her volumes before even having children. It is far too easy as mom to lay aside personal desires and needs and play the martyr; to portray self neglect as righteousness.

Motherhood has required good, necessary sacrifice and will continue to until the day I die. But becoming a home educator has, to my surprise, encouraged me to seek space to continue to form my own education and skills.

Yes, I’m often with children. Yes, I’m often learning alongside them. Both of those things are beautiful & stretching in their own right. But so is learning to watercolor, delighting in Jane Eyre, and slowly reading through CM’s volumes all at the age of 30.

Choosing to homeschool doesn’t have to mean choosing to dedicate 100% to your children or your home. You’re education matters too 💛.

CLOSED | congratulations @kyndallbarcomb 😚 To celebrate 1k followers, @flowerandtoil and I teamed up to offer a Homemaker’s Favorite Things Giveaway! 🧺

As real life best friends, shop owners, and homemakers we’ve curated a collection of our favorite things & want to give it all away to one of you! ✨

The winner will receive:
•Handmade dish soap block & wooden scrubber
•Handmade pure beeswax pillar candle
•Calendula Salve
•Lotion Bar
•Calendula Soap Bar
•Lavender Soap Bar

•$75 Juniper Grove Gift Card: select your own journal size and style, and three inserts!
•Daily Rhythm Cards

To Enter:
•Like & save this post
•Follow both @flowerandtoil and @errynandco
•Tag friends and share in stories for additional entries (send a DM confirmation if your account is private).

Giveaway ends on May 29 at noon & will be announced in stories & caption 💛.

CLOSED | congratulations @kyndallbarcomb 😚 To celebrate 1k followers, @flowerandtoil and I teamed up to offer a Homemaker’s Favorite Things Giveaway! 🧺

As real life best friends, shop owners, and homemakers we’ve curated a collection of our favorite things & want to give it all away to one of you! ✨

The winner will receive:
•Handmade dish soap block & wooden scrubber
•Handmade pure beeswax pillar candle
•Calendula Salve
•Lotion Bar
•Calendula Soap Bar
•Lavender Soap Bar

•$75 Juniper Grove Gift Card: select your own journal size and style, and three inserts!
•Daily Rhythm Cards

To Enter:
•Like & save this post
•Follow both @flowerandtoil and @errynandco
•Tag friends and share in stories for additional entries (send a DM confirmation if your account is private).

Giveaway ends on May 29 at noon & will be announced in stories & caption 💛.

“We are all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.” -Charlotte Mason

We started The Life & Legacy of Beatrix Potter today and my boys are enraptured 🙌🏻

We’ve read about Beatrix’s childhood spent studying animals in the solitude of her nursery, sketching subjects with remarkable accuracy over and over again, and vacationing in Scotland & the Lake District 🐇

We’ve gone outdoors and taken intentional space to be curious about our surroundings 👀

We’ve observed and sketched an object to practice our drawing skills 🖋️

Next up: Section Two on Mushrooms! We’ll be starting our oyster mushroom grow kit Friday 🍄

“We are all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.” -Charlotte Mason

We started The Life & Legacy of Beatrix Potter today and my boys are enraptured 🙌🏻

We’ve read about Beatrix’s childhood spent studying animals in the solitude of her nursery, sketching subjects with remarkable accuracy over and over again, and vacationing in Scotland & the Lake District 🐇

We’ve gone outdoors and taken intentional space to be curious about our surroundings 👀

We’ve observed and sketched an object to practice our drawing skills 🖋️

Next up: Section Two on Mushrooms! We’ll be starting our oyster mushroom grow kit Friday 🍄

“You must do something to make the world more beautiful.” -Barbara Cooney, Miss Rumphius 💜

Today’s school looked like listening to Pilgrim’s Progress & Burgess Animals while we drove, completing handwriting & math with bakery treats, frolicking in a field of lupine, and returning home to nature journal & read on the couch.

Home education isn’t always this glorious but, when it is, we document 👌🏻✨

“You must do something to make the world more beautiful.” -Barbara Cooney, Miss Rumphius 💜

Today’s school looked like listening to Pilgrim’s Progress & Burgess Animals while we drove, completing handwriting & math with bakery treats, frolicking in a field of lupine, and returning home to nature journal & read on the couch.

Home education isn’t always this glorious but, when it is, we document 👌🏻✨

Now in my shop: The Life & Legacy of Beatrix Potter 👒 🐇 🖌️

After hours upon hours of research and execution, the study is finally here!

Dabble with brush drawing and watercolor, enjoy the outdoors with your children, and care for your favorite nature spot—all while learning more about this beloved author and illustrator.

My boys & I will begin the study starting next week. Purchase today to join us ✨. Link in bio 💛.

Now in my shop: The Life & Legacy of Beatrix Potter 👒 🐇 🖌️

After hours upon hours of research and execution, the study is finally here!

Dabble with brush drawing and watercolor, enjoy the outdoors with your children, and care for your favorite nature spot—all while learning more about this beloved author and illustrator.

My boys & I will begin the study starting next week. Purchase today to join us ✨. Link in bio 💛.

Come May 15, I’ll be releasing a study on the life and legacy of Beatrix Potter.

This four part, 8 lesson, study will include:

•Captivating literature that you & your children will be pulling off your bookshelves for years to come 📚

•Nature study & journaling prompts

•Brush drawing and watercolor lessons 🎨🐇

•A look at Beatrix Potter’s stewardship of the Lake District as well as a family conservation project 🌿

More to come!👒

Come May 15, I’ll be releasing a study on the life and legacy of Beatrix Potter.

This four part, 8 lesson, study will include:

•Captivating literature that you & your children will be pulling off your bookshelves for years to come 📚

•Nature study & journaling prompts

•Brush drawing and watercolor lessons 🎨🐇

•A look at Beatrix Potter’s stewardship of the Lake District as well as a family conservation project 🌿

More to come!👒

When we decided to homeschool, I determined what method we’d follow and content we’d use fairly quickly. Implementing that method & content in a day, though? With littles underfoot and a home to manage? I was at a loss 🧸🧺

Over the past three years I’ve researched and tested a plethora of different ways to organize our days at home. Loop subjects, strict time tables, child-led, etc. This year, however, we seem to have found a time table & rhythm balance that *chef’s kiss* works for us 🙌🏻

If you’ve ever wondered what a day of home education looks like, head over to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post! I’ve included our time table for the 2023-2024 school year and some tips for planning your own 💛

When we decided to homeschool, I determined what method we’d follow and content we’d use fairly quickly. Implementing that method & content in a day, though? With littles underfoot and a home to manage? I was at a loss 🧸🧺

Over the past three years I’ve researched and tested a plethora of different ways to organize our days at home. Loop subjects, strict time tables, child-led, etc. This year, however, we seem to have found a time table & rhythm balance that *chef’s kiss* works for us 🙌🏻

If you’ve ever wondered what a day of home education looks like, head over to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post! I’ve included our time table for the 2023-2024 school year and some tips for planning your own 💛

New on the blog: A post all about studying birds with children! 🦅🦜🦉

The blog post includes a resource list & an interview with our family’s very own ecologist, Savannah 🔎🌲, who is currently studying woodpeckers in Olympia’s forests!

Grab your kiddos & head to the blog to read all about Savannah’s bird expertise and see some fun photos. Link in bio 💛.

New on the blog: A post all about studying birds with children! 🦅🦜🦉

The blog post includes a resource list & an interview with our family’s very own ecologist, Savannah 🔎🌲, who is currently studying woodpeckers in Olympia’s forests!

Grab your kiddos & head to the blog to read all about Savannah’s bird expertise and see some fun photos. Link in bio 💛.

Happy vernal equinox 🌱🪺🌷🌧️

And happy 5th birthday to our sweet Cal Cal who I swear was just a squishy, beautiful baby 🥹💛. We’ll be celebrating him Callum style 🌋 (IYKYK) this weekend but, for today, we’ll be enjoying this last bit of unusually warm weather with hours spent outdoors.

Our email newsletter will be sent out this evening with all things spring. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time! Sign up link in bio ☺️.

Happy vernal equinox 🌱🪺🌷🌧️

And happy 5th birthday to our sweet Cal Cal who I swear was just a squishy, beautiful baby 🥹💛. We’ll be celebrating him Callum style 🌋 (IYKYK) this weekend but, for today, we’ll be enjoying this last bit of unusually warm weather with hours spent outdoors.

Our email newsletter will be sent out this evening with all things spring. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time! Sign up link in bio ☺️.

With Easter just a couple weeks away, I thought I’d share our tried & true Holy Week resources for children.

We like to keep any additives to Holy Week simple so our children are able to understand and process its emotional and theological complexity. It’s enough to read The Word to your children and embrace your community’s worship services but if you’d like a few aids at home, check out the list below:

•The Garden the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton: A pulled-back perspective from the fall of man to the promise of eternity with God’s sovereignty woven throughout.

•The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Hunt: An eloquently retold folktale that speaks to our innate desire to matter. Have tissues nearby.

•The Easter Storybook by Laura Richie: A family-friendly compilation of 40 stories that look at the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Images are ethnically accurate and each reading ends with a discussion question.

•Holy Week by Danielle Hitchen: An age-appropriate primer perfect for toddlers learning about their emotions, who Jesus is, and all that took place during Holy Week.

•Road to Redemption by Tiny Theologians: A collection of cards for each important day during Holy Week with scripture readings, a corresponding giant coloring sheet, description, and question.

With Easter just a couple weeks away, I thought I’d share our tried & true Holy Week resources for children.

We like to keep any additives to Holy Week simple so our children are able to understand and process its emotional and theological complexity. It’s enough to read The Word to your children and embrace your community’s worship services but if you’d like a few aids at home, check out the list below:

•The Garden the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton: A pulled-back perspective from the fall of man to the promise of eternity with God’s sovereignty woven throughout.

•The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Hunt: An eloquently retold folktale that speaks to our innate desire to matter. Have tissues nearby.

•The Easter Storybook by Laura Richie: A family-friendly compilation of 40 stories that look at the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Images are ethnically accurate and each reading ends with a discussion question.

•Holy Week by Danielle Hitchen: An age-appropriate primer perfect for toddlers learning about their emotions, who Jesus is, and all that took place during Holy Week.

•Road to Redemption by Tiny Theologians: A collection of cards for each important day during Holy Week with scripture readings, a corresponding giant coloring sheet, description, and question.

8 weeks of breastfeeding & then roughly 11 months of exclusively pumping. This was neither my ideal nor a narrative I wanted to repeat. But it did, we survived, and I’m darn proud of the work we put in to fight for something that would feel remotely like victory.

Truth be told, the sense of peace I was looking for in making the switch to pumping never fully came. After Emrys was born, postpartum anxiety reared its ugly head again, but this time it was different: more severe, more taxing, and I had more children watching it all unfold. Something had to change. When your biggest trigger has to happen every 2-3 hours, you make hard choices. Yet, the relief I anticipated was never fully realized. I counted ounces frantically and worried we’d run out even though we had a freezer full of milk downstairs. We made it past the self-glorified one year mark & yet something inside me still felt off.

I collected all of my pump parts and packed them away today. I daydreamed of taking a sledgehammer to them. Instead, I picked up my baby, squeezed the rolls that I made, and breathed him in. He was worth the trial. Easily.

This is the conclusion to a novel of heartache that, when we had our first 8 years ago, I never anticipated. I still don’t really understand why nursing is such an ordeal for me. I do, however, know what it’s like to walk through deep-seated fears, wrestle with The Lord over a fragile idol in a permanent death grip, and connect with women suffering similarly by whispering “I get it” between tears.

It isn’t the story I would’ve written, but I’ve accepted that it’s a part of what made me the mom I am today. Fed is best, your sanity matters, and mothers will always be more than their milk 💛.

8 weeks of breastfeeding & then roughly 11 months of exclusively pumping. This was neither my ideal nor a narrative I wanted to repeat. But it did, we survived, and I’m darn proud of the work we put in to fight for something that would feel remotely like victory.

Truth be told, the sense of peace I was looking for in making the switch to pumping never fully came. After Emrys was born, postpartum anxiety reared its ugly head again, but this time it was different: more severe, more taxing, and I had more children watching it all unfold. Something had to change. When your biggest trigger has to happen every 2-3 hours, you make hard choices. Yet, the relief I anticipated was never fully realized. I counted ounces frantically and worried we’d run out even though we had a freezer full of milk downstairs. We made it past the self-glorified one year mark & yet something inside me still felt off.

I collected all of my pump parts and packed them away today. I daydreamed of taking a sledgehammer to them. Instead, I picked up my baby, squeezed the rolls that I made, and breathed him in. He was worth the trial. Easily.

This is the conclusion to a novel of heartache that, when we had our first 8 years ago, I never anticipated. I still don’t really understand why nursing is such an ordeal for me. I do, however, know what it’s like to walk through deep-seated fears, wrestle with The Lord over a fragile idol in a permanent death grip, and connect with women suffering similarly by whispering “I get it” between tears.

It isn’t the story I would’ve written, but I’ve accepted that it’s a part of what made me the mom I am today. Fed is best, your sanity matters, and mothers will always be more than their milk 💛.

Spring is ten days away 🌱🪺🌷

If you’re looking for spring-themed picture & chapter books to peruse with you children, here are our favorites:

•Little Witch Hazel, Spring The Orphaned Egg by Phoebe Wahl
•Frog & Toad, Spring by Arnold Lobel
•Brambly Hedge, Spring Story by Jill Barklem
•Over & Under the Pond by Kate Messner
•A Nest is Noisy by Diana Huttd Aston & Sylvia Long
•Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak
•The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
•Worm Weather by Jean Taft
•The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
•The Tale of Peter Rabbit (and all his friends) by Beatrix Potter

Spring is ten days away 🌱🪺🌷

If you’re looking for spring-themed picture & chapter books to peruse with you children, here are our favorites:

•Little Witch Hazel, Spring The Orphaned Egg by Phoebe Wahl
•Frog & Toad, Spring by Arnold Lobel
•Brambly Hedge, Spring Story by Jill Barklem
•Over & Under the Pond by Kate Messner
•A Nest is Noisy by Diana Huttd Aston & Sylvia Long
•Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak
•The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
•Worm Weather by Jean Taft
•The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
•The Tale of Peter Rabbit (and all his friends) by Beatrix Potter

Welcome & nice to meet you 👋🏼 With almost 100 new followers from this past week, an introduction felt necessary.

My name is Erryn and this is my husband Nate. He’s a pastor, micro-greens farmer 🌱, and he’s always willing to discuss apologetics. I’m a nature-lover, deep conversationalist, and I’m always willing to discuss homeschooling.

We have four boys ages 13m to *almost* 8. We are Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, Wild & Free enthusiasts, and use Ambleside Online as our core curriculum.

I started Looking For Home as a blog a couple years ago. During a long postpartum break, and after reassessing our finances & desires as a single-income ministry family, we decided to add a shop to the blog filled with resources for homeschooling, homemaking, and homesteading—all things we’re passionate about in our own family.

Thank you for following along & all of the encouragement this past week! I’ve been genuinely surprised by the interest our Ireland study has prompted & am happy to have found the right side of the internet 💛.

Welcome & nice to meet you 👋🏼 With almost 100 new followers from this past week, an introduction felt necessary.

My name is Erryn and this is my husband Nate. He’s a pastor, micro-greens farmer 🌱, and he’s always willing to discuss apologetics. I’m a nature-lover, deep conversationalist, and I’m always willing to discuss homeschooling.

We have four boys ages 13m to *almost* 8. We are Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, Wild & Free enthusiasts, and use Ambleside Online as our core curriculum.

I started Looking For Home as a blog a couple years ago. During a long postpartum break, and after reassessing our finances & desires as a single-income ministry family, we decided to add a shop to the blog filled with resources for homeschooling, homemaking, and homesteading—all things we’re passionate about in our own family.

Thank you for following along & all of the encouragement this past week! I’ve been genuinely surprised by the interest our Ireland study has prompted & am happy to have found the right side of the internet 💛.

In the shop now: A study on Ireland & St. Patrick 🇮🇪

Created with family-style learning & Charlotte Mason’s methods in mind, this 15-lesson study will walk you & your children through the folklore, history, and culture of Ireland ☘️✨.

The study includes:
•Literature: a booklist compiled primarily from Irish authors 📖
•Geography: A map of Ireland with icons for your children to add as they progress through lessons 🗺️
•Art: four art projects unique to Ireland with video tutorials🖋️
•Creative Writing: Irish poems, proverbs, and blessings to read as a family 📜
•Music: folksongs, ballads, and more! 🎼
•Videos: Educational videos all compiled into easy access YouTube playlists 🎥
•For The Educator: an entire page dedicated to enrichment & education for YOU, the educator (because your love for learning matters too!) 👩‍🏫
•”Side-Tracked”: a page filled with additional resources for when a specific topic peaks your interest 🛤️

Shop link in bio to purchase 💚

In the shop now: A study on Ireland & St. Patrick 🇮🇪

Created with family-style learning & Charlotte Mason’s methods in mind, this 15-lesson study will walk you & your children through the folklore, history, and culture of Ireland ☘️✨.

The study includes:
•Literature: a booklist compiled primarily from Irish authors 📖
•Geography: A map of Ireland with icons for your children to add as they progress through lessons 🗺️
•Art: four art projects unique to Ireland with video tutorials🖋️
•Creative Writing: Irish poems, proverbs, and blessings to read as a family 📜
•Music: folksongs, ballads, and more! 🎼
•Videos: Educational videos all compiled into easy access YouTube playlists 🎥
•For The Educator: an entire page dedicated to enrichment & education for YOU, the educator (because your love for learning matters too!) 👩‍🏫
•”Side-Tracked”: a page filled with additional resources for when a specific topic peaks your interest 🛤️

Shop link in bio to purchase 💚

On March 1st, I’ll be releasing a 15-lesson study on Ireland & St. Patrick ☘️

The boys & I have spent the past three years studying the culture, history, and folklore of Ireland every March. It’s been a great source of joy in our homeschooling rhythms & we’ve learned so much about the land, people, and patron saint of Ireland.

If you’re a homeschooler who values:
•beautiful literature from Irish authors 📖 •handicrafts that have been practiced for centuries 🪢
•traditional folk music 🎵
•Celtic proverbs, prayers, and blessings 🙏🏼

This one’s for you 💚.

On March 1st, I’ll be releasing a 15-lesson study on Ireland & St. Patrick ☘️

The boys & I have spent the past three years studying the culture, history, and folklore of Ireland every March. It’s been a great source of joy in our homeschooling rhythms & we’ve learned so much about the land, people, and patron saint of Ireland.

If you’re a homeschooler who values:
•beautiful literature from Irish authors 📖 •handicrafts that have been practiced for centuries 🪢
•traditional folk music 🎵
•Celtic proverbs, prayers, and blessings 🙏🏼

This one’s for you 💚.

Need help organizing your day & getting everyone on board? 🗓️

I’ve searched for daily rhythm cards with a plethora of cards for years. Specifically ones that are not only helpful visual cues for my children, but also aesthetically pleasing for me ✨.

Now in the shop: 48 Daily Rhythm Cards with watercolor pictures & simple descriptions. These were designed with nature lovers, families with toddlers, and Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers in mind.

I hope you love them as much as I do 🥹💛. Shop link in bio!

Need help organizing your day & getting everyone on board? 🗓️

I’ve searched for daily rhythm cards with a plethora of cards for years. Specifically ones that are not only helpful visual cues for my children, but also aesthetically pleasing for me ✨.

Now in the shop: 48 Daily Rhythm Cards with watercolor pictures & simple descriptions. These were designed with nature lovers, families with toddlers, and Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers in mind.

I hope you love them as much as I do 🥹💛. Shop link in bio!

We’re big fans of nature puns around here and couldn’t leaf 🍃 Valentine’s Day card designs up to big box stores.

New on the blog: a little shop that’ll steadily be filled with resources on all things homeschooling, homesteading, and Homemaking.

Click the link in my bio to take a peak at our first product—Nature themed Valentine’s Day cards 💌. 24 printable cards that are sure to make you & your littles giggle ✨.

We’re big fans of nature puns around here and couldn’t leaf 🍃 Valentine’s Day card designs up to big box stores.

New on the blog: a little shop that’ll steadily be filled with resources on all things homeschooling, homesteading, and Homemaking.

Click the link in my bio to take a peak at our first product—Nature themed Valentine’s Day cards 💌. 24 printable cards that are sure to make you & your littles giggle ✨.

Our sweet Emmy boy is one today 💛.

This precious pudgy pudding has brought a lot of joy and comfort to a hard year. In the throes of postpartum anxiety, fears, and the heaviness of loss, his sweet disposition and warm cuddles have been a balm to my soul and many others.

He’s the caboose to an epic brotherhood, always down to shake his booty to some beats, and an old soul with knowing eyes.

Thank you for completing our family, Emrys Sorrel ☘️.

Our sweet Emmy boy is one today 💛.

This precious pudgy pudding has brought a lot of joy and comfort to a hard year. In the throes of postpartum anxiety, fears, and the heaviness of loss, his sweet disposition and warm cuddles have been a balm to my soul and many others.

He’s the caboose to an epic brotherhood, always down to shake his booty to some beats, and an old soul with knowing eyes.

Thank you for completing our family, Emrys Sorrel ☘️.

When spending the weekend at a farm cabin ends up being the best gift you’ve ever given to your pup 🥹💛.

When spending the weekend at a farm cabin ends up being the best gift you’ve ever given to your pup 🥹💛.

We are a few weeks into our third year of homeschooling✨.

Now that we’ve implemented our rhythms for this fall & gotten a taste of our curriculum choices for this school year, I decided to write out what we picked and why 📚🧮🖋️.

If you’re a homeschool nerd like me—or simply curious—check out my latest blog post detailing our homeschool curriculum picks for the 2023-2024 school year! Link in bio 💛.

We are a few weeks into our third year of homeschooling✨.

Now that we’ve implemented our rhythms for this fall & gotten a taste of our curriculum choices for this school year, I decided to write out what we picked and why 📚🧮🖋️.

If you’re a homeschool nerd like me—or simply curious—check out my latest blog post detailing our homeschool curriculum picks for the 2023-2024 school year! Link in bio 💛.

Happy Autumnal Equinox 🍁

To better understand and appreciate the beauty that each season brings, our family loves to read season specific books together.

While our home library has exploded with favorites in the past few years, I also enjoy putting picture books on hold at our local library ahead of the equinox or solstice to ensure we’ve got beautiful literature to enjoy once the new season is upon us. These books reside in a large basket in our living room for easy access throughout that particular season until it’s time to rotate them out.

If you’re on the hunt for autumn books, here’s a list of some of our favorites ✨

* Humongous Fungus by Lynne Boddy
* Hello, Harvest Moon by Ralph Fletcher
* Porcupine’s Pie by Laura Renauld
* The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade
* Goodbye Summer Hello Autumn by Kendra Pak
* Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
* The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
* Mushrooming with Confidence by Alexander Schwab
* The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
* Apple Cake by Dawn Casey
* Mushroom Rain by Laura K. Zimmerman
* Autumn by Gerda Miller

Happy Autumnal Equinox 🍁

To better understand and appreciate the beauty that each season brings, our family loves to read season specific books together.

While our home library has exploded with favorites in the past few years, I also enjoy putting picture books on hold at our local library ahead of the equinox or solstice to ensure we’ve got beautiful literature to enjoy once the new season is upon us. These books reside in a large basket in our living room for easy access throughout that particular season until it’s time to rotate them out.

If you’re on the hunt for autumn books, here’s a list of some of our favorites ✨

* Humongous Fungus by Lynne Boddy
* Hello, Harvest Moon by Ralph Fletcher
* Porcupine’s Pie by Laura Renauld
* The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade
* Goodbye Summer Hello Autumn by Kendra Pak
* Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
* The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
* Mushrooming with Confidence by Alexander Schwab
* The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
* Apple Cake by Dawn Casey
* Mushroom Rain by Laura K. Zimmerman
* Autumn by Gerda Miller

Today marks six months of loving on our Emrys 💛. So happy to be your home, sweet bubs.

Today marks six months of loving on our Emrys 💛. So happy to be your home, sweet bubs.

Introducing Thistle, Pepper, and Buckwheat, our Indian Runner ducks. These adorable bowling pins have already brought so much joy & laughter to our little urban homestead 💛

Introducing Thistle, Pepper, and Buckwheat, our Indian Runner ducks. These adorable bowling pins have already brought so much joy & laughter to our little urban homestead 💛

If there’s anything I know about anxiety, it’s that it isn’t ruled by logic.

No amount of reasoning or data will eradicate anxiety. Even talk therapy—a wonderful resource—can only go so far.

Like Minnie the owl (our family’s beloved bedtime story character), these past six weeks I’ve been living by this mantra: “sometimes being brave means doing things scared.”

I’m terrified of starving my baby. I’m terrified of history repeating itself. I’m terrified of feeling terrified. Diaper output, weight gain, and even these scrumptious dumpling rolls 🥟 all point towards beautiful growth but—again—anxiety isn’t ruled by logic.

But I’m doing it. We’re doing it. And I’m really proud of the hard work we’ve put into these past six weeks.

This isn’t a Nike ad. This isn’t another “pull yourself up by the bootstraps!” message or encouragement to ignore anxiety & listen to logic. This is solidarity.

If you find yourself in the throes of anxiety, you are not alone. You are not crazy, ridiculous, or a burden. And you are not your anxiety.

Whether you’re doing things scared or hesitating on the sidelines of life, I hope you know that you are so much more than your fears 💛.

If there’s anything I know about anxiety, it’s that it isn’t ruled by logic.

No amount of reasoning or data will eradicate anxiety. Even talk therapy—a wonderful resource—can only go so far.

Like Minnie the owl (our family’s beloved bedtime story character), these past six weeks I’ve been living by this mantra: “sometimes being brave means doing things scared.”

I’m terrified of starving my baby. I’m terrified of history repeating itself. I’m terrified of feeling terrified. Diaper output, weight gain, and even these scrumptious dumpling rolls 🥟 all point towards beautiful growth but—again—anxiety isn’t ruled by logic.

But I’m doing it. We’re doing it. And I’m really proud of the hard work we’ve put into these past six weeks.

This isn’t a Nike ad. This isn’t another “pull yourself up by the bootstraps!” message or encouragement to ignore anxiety & listen to logic. This is solidarity.

If you find yourself in the throes of anxiety, you are not alone. You are not crazy, ridiculous, or a burden. And you are not your anxiety.

Whether you’re doing things scared or hesitating on the sidelines of life, I hope you know that you are so much more than your fears 💛.

Introducing Emrys Sorrel Kowallis ☘️, born last Sunday evening in our cozy living room with his biggest brother & a wonderful support team as witness.

His name means “eternal joy” and completes our UK theme with a traditional Welsh name. We are very smitten with this special little guy 💛.

Introducing Emrys Sorrel Kowallis ☘️, born last Sunday evening in our cozy living room with his biggest brother & a wonderful support team as witness.

His name means “eternal joy” and completes our UK theme with a traditional Welsh name. We are very smitten with this special little guy 💛.

Ready whenever you are, baby boy 💛

Ready whenever you are, baby boy 💛

I believe that how mom is treated during labor, delivery, and postpartum hugely impacts how she’ll process the massive transition that is motherhood. The meals she eats, the time she takes to rest, and those who surround her during the fourth trimester are all pieces of a much larger puzzle. This is why I’m approaching postpartum so differently this time.

As a fourth time mom, I’ve studied the birthing methods, taken the classes, and prepped the labor snacks but I’ve never truly built a framework for how I’d like postpartum to go. It’s always felt like something that’s simply going to happen to me, rather than a process I could feel empowered through, even when circumstances may become unideal.

I’ve written a blog post (link in bio) detailing my previous postpartum experiences and how, in light of them, I’m being intentional in this next season 🤱. And I’d love to hear from you—what preparations were the most helpful for you? What would you do differently? Join the conversation below 💛.

I believe that how mom is treated during labor, delivery, and postpartum hugely impacts how she’ll process the massive transition that is motherhood. The meals she eats, the time she takes to rest, and those who surround her during the fourth trimester are all pieces of a much larger puzzle. This is why I’m approaching postpartum so differently this time.

As a fourth time mom, I’ve studied the birthing methods, taken the classes, and prepped the labor snacks but I’ve never truly built a framework for how I’d like postpartum to go. It’s always felt like something that’s simply going to happen to me, rather than a process I could feel empowered through, even when circumstances may become unideal.

I’ve written a blog post (link in bio) detailing my previous postpartum experiences and how, in light of them, I’m being intentional in this next season 🤱. And I’d love to hear from you—what preparations were the most helpful for you? What would you do differently? Join the conversation below 💛.

There was a season in which motherhood felt like a burden. I knew, intellectually & theologically, that my children were my primary ministry but the more limited motherhood made me, the harder it was to see the value of my newfound role.

Who was I if I wasn’t a small group leader in youth ministry? Who was I if I no longer had the margin to say yes to the church’s needs? Who was I if I no longer lived up to others’ expectations—especially as a pastor’s wife?

I had allowed my identity to become so enmeshed with what I did for The Lord that I no longer knew who I was in The Lord. It was there—in the midst of an identity crisis—that I realized I had no idea how to sit at Jesus’ table.

I knew how to serve His table; its what I had been doing for years. But raising children didn’t feel like proactive or fruitful service, it felt like cyclical chaos that took away from “real” ministry opportunities.

Six years into this parenting gig I’ve resolved that the best I have to offer will go to ministering to my family. And that, regardless of how I feel about it, this is the right decision for this season.

Fellow parents of littles, chronic hole fillers, and people-pleasers hear this: who you are in Christ is not defined by your productivity. Serving your local body of believers is a beautiful act of obedience. However, if you find yourself so stretched thin that you’ve forgotten who you are in Jesus, you have permission to take a step back. You have permission to take a seat at His table. I promise there’s room for you to rest 💛.

There was a season in which motherhood felt like a burden. I knew, intellectually & theologically, that my children were my primary ministry but the more limited motherhood made me, the harder it was to see the value of my newfound role.

Who was I if I wasn’t a small group leader in youth ministry? Who was I if I no longer had the margin to say yes to the church’s needs? Who was I if I no longer lived up to others’ expectations—especially as a pastor’s wife?

I had allowed my identity to become so enmeshed with what I did for The Lord that I no longer knew who I was in The Lord. It was there—in the midst of an identity crisis—that I realized I had no idea how to sit at Jesus’ table.

I knew how to serve His table; its what I had been doing for years. But raising children didn’t feel like proactive or fruitful service, it felt like cyclical chaos that took away from “real” ministry opportunities.

Six years into this parenting gig I’ve resolved that the best I have to offer will go to ministering to my family. And that, regardless of how I feel about it, this is the right decision for this season.

Fellow parents of littles, chronic hole fillers, and people-pleasers hear this: who you are in Christ is not defined by your productivity. Serving your local body of believers is a beautiful act of obedience. However, if you find yourself so stretched thin that you’ve forgotten who you are in Jesus, you have permission to take a step back. You have permission to take a seat at His table. I promise there’s room for you to rest 💛.

There’s sparkly ice on the lawn at dawn, evenings are spent by flaming hearths, and the holiday frenzy to do all.the.things. is in full swing. Any fellow moms feel the need to avoid commercials, mail advertisements, and malls this time of year? 🫣

In a season that’s meant to be reflective and hopeful, it’s all too easy as mom to become burdened with the circus that is gift giving. I’d be lying if I claimed to have the perfect gift-giving system or budget down. I don’t. But, after six Christmases of being mom, I have figured out what toys and gadgets last through multiple years and multiple children and well...what toys aren't worth the hype or headache.

If you’re looking to gift a child a beautiful, intentional gift that’ll bless their family (aka aesthetically pleasing, quiet, and stand the test of time), or on the hunt for small shops to support, I’ve got a gift guide just for you!

Click on the link in bio to see a list of our family’s favorite small shops & toys 🤍.

There’s sparkly ice on the lawn at dawn, evenings are spent by flaming hearths, and the holiday frenzy to do all.the.things. is in full swing. Any fellow moms feel the need to avoid commercials, mail advertisements, and malls this time of year? 🫣

In a season that’s meant to be reflective and hopeful, it’s all too easy as mom to become burdened with the circus that is gift giving. I’d be lying if I claimed to have the perfect gift-giving system or budget down. I don’t. But, after six Christmases of being mom, I have figured out what toys and gadgets last through multiple years and multiple children and well...what toys aren't worth the hype or headache.

If you’re looking to gift a child a beautiful, intentional gift that’ll bless their family (aka aesthetically pleasing, quiet, and stand the test of time), or on the hunt for small shops to support, I’ve got a gift guide just for you!

Click on the link in bio to see a list of our family’s favorite small shops & toys 🤍.

Well, isn’t this idyllic?

Truth be told we are currently snuggled up on our couch enjoying almond kringle & tea while watching The Elf.

Some days homeschooling looks like a perfectly curated morning basket time made complete with nature walks & life-giving literature.

Some days homeschooling looks like mom in pajamas, grumpy kids, an obnoxiously barky dog, and a slow crawl to lunch.

Actually, that’s what a lot of our days have looked like lately 😅.

At 7.5 months pregnant, I’m learning that this is the season for letting go of ideals & savoring what is. This is the season to opt for Costco pies instead of homemade, snuggles & laughs on the couch instead of sticking to the planner, and saying no to virtually everything… except help 😉.

Tis the season ✨

Well, isn’t this idyllic?

Truth be told we are currently snuggled up on our couch enjoying almond kringle & tea while watching The Elf.

Some days homeschooling looks like a perfectly curated morning basket time made complete with nature walks & life-giving literature.

Some days homeschooling looks like mom in pajamas, grumpy kids, an obnoxiously barky dog, and a slow crawl to lunch.

Actually, that’s what a lot of our days have looked like lately 😅.

At 7.5 months pregnant, I’m learning that this is the season for letting go of ideals & savoring what is. This is the season to opt for Costco pies instead of homemade, snuggles & laughs on the couch instead of sticking to the planner, and saying no to virtually everything… except help 😉.

Tis the season ✨

Have you ever wondered why someone would choose to birth with midwives instead of an OBGYN? Or birth at home…on purpose?! 🙋‍♀️

A new blog post is live on Looking For Home explaining my top five favorite things about midwifery care.

I've found that most people simply don't know much about midwifery care but are generally curious, even if they'd prefer a more typical birth set up.

If you happen to be one of the curious ones, the blog link is in my bio & I’ll be doing a Q&A on my IG stories later today 🤍.

Have you ever wondered why someone would choose to birth with midwives instead of an OBGYN? Or birth at home…on purpose?! 🙋‍♀️

A new blog post is live on Looking For Home explaining my top five favorite things about midwifery care.

I've found that most people simply don't know much about midwifery care but are generally curious, even if they'd prefer a more typical birth set up.

If you happen to be one of the curious ones, the blog link is in my bio & I’ll be doing a Q&A on my IG stories later today 🤍.

Baby boy Kowallis #4 coming January 2023 🥰

Baby boy Kowallis #4 coming January 2023 🥰

Our second year of homeschooling is just around the corner 🧪📖🧮🌱

While I’d love to deep dive 🌊 into all things homeschool on the blog, I figured I should start with the basics. Namely, how we came to homeschool in the first place.

Link in bio if you’d like to hear more about our family’s journey to homeschooling and how one kiddo (pictured here as a precious toddler 🥹) asked me to homeschool him before he even knew what homeschooling was 💛.

Our second year of homeschooling is just around the corner 🧪📖🧮🌱

While I’d love to deep dive 🌊 into all things homeschool on the blog, I figured I should start with the basics. Namely, how we came to homeschool in the first place.

Link in bio if you’d like to hear more about our family’s journey to homeschooling and how one kiddo (pictured here as a precious toddler 🥹) asked me to homeschool him before he even knew what homeschooling was 💛.

New on the blog: Nature Journaling for Beginners 🍃

If you’re looking to nature journal as a homeschool family, get back into drawing as an adult, or just simply curious—head over to the blog to read my top three tips! Link in bio.

New on the blog: Nature Journaling for Beginners 🍃

If you’re looking to nature journal as a homeschool family, get back into drawing as an adult, or just simply curious—head over to the blog to read my top three tips! Link in bio.

The best last minute road trip ✨

Link in bio for an overlook on our trip to Northern Idaho, including the sweetest bed & breakfast ❤️.

The best last minute road trip ✨

Link in bio for an overlook on our trip to Northern Idaho, including the sweetest bed & breakfast ❤️.

How our fam runs into summer ✨🙌🏻

June’s Newsletter will be entering inboxes this Wednesday!

Sign up on Looking For Home (link in bio) if you’d like to know our favorite family-friendly hiking locations, how we observe butterflies, and so much more ☺️❤️.

How our fam runs into summer ✨🙌🏻

June’s Newsletter will be entering inboxes this Wednesday!

Sign up on Looking For Home (link in bio) if you’d like to know our favorite family-friendly hiking locations, how we observe butterflies, and so much more ☺️❤️.

A while back I shared in IG stories about how I roast a whole chicken & then use the carcass to make bone broth for the week.

Since sharing this rhythm, I believe I’ve perfected 👩🏻‍🍳 *insert chefs kiss here* this herb lemon recipe.

Link in bio if you’re looking for a new dinner recipe that’s simple & delish 🐓.

A while back I shared in IG stories about how I roast a whole chicken & then use the carcass to make bone broth for the week.

Since sharing this rhythm, I believe I’ve perfected 👩🏻‍🍳 *insert chefs kiss here* this herb lemon recipe.

Link in bio if you’re looking for a new dinner recipe that’s simple & delish 🐓.

“There is a stark contrast between the way the world and the American church beholds beauty.

In today's world, it’s unheard of to suggest that certain forms of consuming another human are unhealthy. Through crude, possessive talk, porn addiction, and casual sex the world not only consumes people, but boldly boasts about it. Callousness has evolved into pride.

But perhaps you're wondering if taking notice of beauty is ever worth it when doing so frequently leads to sin. While conservative ethics have done a thorough job warning us of the dangers of beauty—either intentionally or by concession—they have often fostered an inability to behold beauty. “Purity culture,” as we call it, is a prime example. If our definition of purity is directly tied to virginity, sex is rarely discussed positively, and the female body is consistently criticized and covered, we will struggle to see beauty in God's design because we will be terrified to look.”

Excerpt from today’s blog post on Beholding Beauty.

Read more at the link in bio🌼

“There is a stark contrast between the way the world and the American church beholds beauty.

In today's world, it’s unheard of to suggest that certain forms of consuming another human are unhealthy. Through crude, possessive talk, porn addiction, and casual sex the world not only consumes people, but boldly boasts about it. Callousness has evolved into pride.

But perhaps you're wondering if taking notice of beauty is ever worth it when doing so frequently leads to sin. While conservative ethics have done a thorough job warning us of the dangers of beauty—either intentionally or by concession—they have often fostered an inability to behold beauty. “Purity culture,” as we call it, is a prime example. If our definition of purity is directly tied to virginity, sex is rarely discussed positively, and the female body is consistently criticized and covered, we will struggle to see beauty in God's design because we will be terrified to look.”

Excerpt from today’s blog post on Beholding Beauty.

Read more at the link in bio🌼

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