I recognize reading the Bible like this together may be second nature for many of you, if you grew up in a church-going, Christian family. But these are brand new roads that the Lord is paving for my husband and our family. We’ve gotten this far only by the grace of God. Hence my publication name: “Life, From Scratch”

You don’t need a fancy kids devotional or bible curriculum to teach your children God’s word.

If you have a Bible, eyes to see, ears to hear, know how to read, and the Holy Spirit living within you, you have all you need.

Now, are there tons of incredible resources out there, meant to help you guide your children to grow through learning scripture? Absolutely. I have several favorites that we love and use.

But are they a necessity? Nope.

Rather than tell you why, let me try to paint this picture for you and let it speak for itself.

This morning around 5am my husband left for his shift at the fire station (he’ll be at work for 3 days and return mid-morning of the 4th day). I didn’t sleep well with our 5 month old (coincidentally, the 2 year old also doesn’t happen to care much about mama’s sleep needs).

My 8 and 5 year old boys were up and making breakfast already. After the outside animal chores were done, the big boys came inside and finished their morning responsibilities while I made coffee, changed two diapers and nursed the baby.

I easily could’ve used the excuse of being tired or having a slow start to the morning as to why we didn’t get into our Bibles that day. But this would be giving the enemy a win. Distraction, avoidance, idleness and excuses are Satan’s play ground.

I don’t know about you, but I want to prepare myself and my children for the daily war in which we are in, by equipping them with their armor and sword of the Spirit. If you’re a Christian and don’t view each day as a battle for your soul, a rude awakening awaits you.

Bibles in hand, we all sat on the couch together, rather than at the kitchen table like usual. Both my 8 and 5 year old have their own ESV bibles to read along and mark up with highlighters how they want to. We gift them a “real” Bible of their own when they can read confidently and treat it respectfully. This has been anywhere from 4-5 age range for us. Our third boy will likely receive his own “real” Bible sometime next year.

Without a plan in mind, I opened my Bible and landed in Philippians 4. I said a quiet prayer in my mind for the Lord to guide me in teaching and speaking with my children, to reveal Himself through His word. I prayed for understanding and wisdom.

I am always sure to use my physical Bible in front of my boys, because it holds a lot more significance in their eyes than an electronic device. I do use the Bible app on my phone now and then, but only for quick references or if we’re out and about and I don’t have my Bible with me.

I asked them to open their Bibles to Philippians. I ask them, “Does anyone know if Philippians is in the New Testament or the Old?”

“NEW!!!” they both shouted.

“…NEW!” echoed the excited to be alive two year old.

“That’s right!!”

It’s always so cute to hear them humming the “66 Books of the Bible” song under their breath as they flip through their Bibles, to remember which books come before or after the one they’re looking for.

The song was a random one I found on Spotify, there are many. It just goes through all 66 books to a recognizable tune. It’s on our “learning playlist” that I made years ago, along with others like “Days of the Week,” “Months of the Year,” Oceans of the World,” “Fifty Nifty United States,” etc.

Once they’ve found the book, I tell them we’re looking for chapter 4, and remind my five year old it’s the “big number 4.” Philippians is small, so it was a quick find. Then, I tell them we’re looking for verse 4, again reminding that this means the tiny number 4.

I usually alternate having one of them read the verses out loud for us. (Our five year old has been fluently reading chapter books for a few months now — he spontaneously began reading on his own the week he turned four. Gifted in words, that boy)

We read the verse in it’s entirety and I begin to break it down. First, open up for discussion right away.

“Do you know what this verse is talking about here?”
”What do we know about the Philippians?”
”Who wrote this and why?”

A few examples of some leading questions. I don’t spend too much time getting into the weeds of historical context or anything, but focus on these words specifically and their intended contextual meaning.

We talked about what it means to rejoice. I let them come up with their own examples of times they may have felt rejoiced over something. We talked about how this is an encouragement from Paul, who was writing from a jail cell, to rejoice! We briefly discussed the significance of rejoicing through something difficult — because of Jesus.

I feel like I glossed over verse 5, zooming onto verse 6 so this one we’ll revisit probably many times over in the future.

We talked about what it means to feel anxious. I shared times I may have felt anxious, they did the same. Then pointed out what it means when Paul says “in anything.” That doesn’t mean “be anxious sometimes, be anxious a little, no. It says DO NOT be anxious about ANYTHING! Whaaaaat?”

I get as fired up as they do when we are picking apart these verses word by word. Don’t be anxious about anything?! You don’t know my life, Paul! Well, easy for us to say — from our comfortable couch living room, while again, being reminded Paul is writing this from a prison cell. Briefly discussed whether or not prison is a nice place to be.

We then went on to elaborate on “IN EVERY SITUATION.” So again, he is calling attention to finality of his word. We talked about the words “anything” and “every.” Paul is being very direct and clear on purpose.

We then talked about prayer, how we do it, why. They chimed in with their own input and we talked about the importance of having relationship and talking with God.

I looked up the exact definition of petition and read it aloud to them. We discussed what these prayers look like, with an underlying tone of thanksgiving. What does is mean to pray with thanksgiving? Why are we to be thankful? And discussed what Jesus has already done for us.

We then talked about presenting requests to God. The difference between using Him like a genie in a bottle that will solve all our problems, or a loving Heavenly Father that knows our deepest desires, our sin, our bad attitudes, our talents, all the hairs on our heads, He stitched us in our mothers womb… — and He wants relationship with us.

We talked about some of the ways loving parents keep their children safe and also allow them to have good things, while protecting them from danger. We briefly touched on the ways we encourage the boys to be direct with their words and desires, not passive or whiny. We must always examine our root desire.

Do we pray to have lots of toys? Or do we pray for God to grow us in the fruits of the Spirit, to be content and grateful for what we have? Do we pray for our problems to disappear? Or do we pray with thanksgiving that Jesus never leaves us alone in our struggles?

They brought up some great personal examples of self centered materialism versus growing in the Spirit, so our desires begin to line up with God’s.

I have been bringing up words like “sanctification” with them, talking about what it means and always reminding them that ALL Christians are on a sanctification journey, with a purpose for their life, and none of us ever reach perfection until heaven. Whether you’re five or eighty years old, we all need Jesus just the same.

And then end it with the exciting and happy promise that the almighty God will GUARD your hearts and minds, with a peace that transcends all understanding. (I pray this line over them every single night!) I talk about this with awe in my voice, showing them how incredible these words are.

These aren’t just boring words on a page. The Bible is the LIVING Word of God, alive and active. The Holy Spirit bringing words to life, so we may gain understanding. Anything we come to know about the Lord through His Word is the work of the Holy Spirit.

We praise His name for this glorious piece of truth brought to us through Paul, an incredible apostle of Christ.

We underlined and highlighted a few key things in there we talked about, and added a little date next to the verse in their Bibles, so they can remember when we had this conversation.

And then followed with reading aloud verses 8-9 which they have memorized. It was fun for them to see it in context.

To close, I thanked God for my boys and prayed that we would all glorify Him in the way we spoke and treated one another, that He would continue to grow and shape us to be like Christ, and grow our faith and wisdom as we learn to listen and obey His voice in our lives.

And there you have it. A fruitful, 20 minute Bible discussion with littles. Your children don’t have to 100% grasp everything you’re saying in order for Bible time to be worth it. You’ll be interrupted, conversations will get off topic, it’s less about perfection and more about habit and relationship growth. Being genuine and appropriately vulnerable with your children to allow them to see your “humanness.”

My children are young (albeit, sheltered) and have yet to go through any type of significant life struggle. I know those days are coming for them. I can only pray they hold these discussions in their heart and remember what Mama and Dada have taught them. Older moms I know promise me that they will.

This is simply the way we do our “open and go” Bible times. We also read through Psalms together, we have a few devotionals we enjoy doing together, they do catechisms and we memorize scripture as a family. Right now we’re doing Ephesians chapter 6 in it’s entirety. Bible Trivia is something new we’ve been wanting to start, which I am super excited about!

Anyway, I hope this was a practical encouragement for you mamas out there feeling a little overwhelmed. I’ve been there before. Then God showed me it’s not that big of a deal. He’s got them. He’s got us. We can do all things through Christ. Really, though.

I hope this message reached you the way it was intended. May God have the glory, and thank you so much for reading.

Ashley

It is the best, most fulfilling and beautiful, heart-wrenching thing we’ll ever do — to be a mother. Hopefully most of you’d agree it is worth every ounce of sweat and tears. I don’t claim to have it all figured out, I am very much in the “throes” as they say. Alas, that is all the more reason I believe my mid-chaos perspective could be helpful. I’m right there, learning and being sanctified with you.

Friends, to be completely transparent with you, I have been busting at the seams to bring the words in my brain to “life.” I have about six drafts in progress right now, and twenty more waiting in my mind.

But by the time I sit down to write, the baby needs to be nursed again, somebody needs to be wiped, a book reading request, a boo-boo needs kissed, another diaper change, a math question, a spilled drink, or a discipline issue needs to be addressed. Put all these things on repeat with some laundry and dishes mixed in between, and that’s my day!

Sound familiar?

If so, this series is meant for you. Along the way I’ll share biblically based books and resources that have helped me a ton in my motherhood journey to excellence.

Writing has always been something that has come naturally to me, an outlet that I enjoy, but at the same time — it takes effort that can also feel like pressure to perform as my flesh wrestles with my Spirit. My writing is ultimately to bring glory to God, but pride has a way of trying to self sabotage. This creates a cycle of procrastination, simply because of the amount of mental work it takes to form my complex thoughts into cohesive sentences.

I have begun to recognize that it seems like every time my relationship with the Lord is deepening, as I lean into His leading on my life, the pressure to WRITE begins to feel like I am ignoring a duty. Like a child turning their head at a responsibility or expectation that awaits them.

Has this happened to you — the Holy Spirit practically screaming at you?

So, here it is — an act of biblical obedience, to put words to the page. I pray He is glorified and that my words would reach who they were meant to. Please remember that my story is not yours, and the Lord is leading YOU and your family towards Himself in unique ways. I pray for increased faith and understanding in the power of Christ in our lives, that we may walk in strengths and gifts He has given us, each of us made in the image of God Himself.

Weary mothers of littles, I understand you. I am you. We may not have the same backgrounds or experiences, but we share the same gospel hope in our Lord Jesus.

For context, I am a non denominational Christian that believes the Bible is the only authority and Word of God, the canon is closed, and there is no such thing as modern prophets. Here is an excerpt from my own church’s belief page that sums it up well.

“We affirm that the doctrines of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, His bodily resurrection, His atoning work on the cross, His imminent return and salvation by grace through faith in Christ make up the essential, distinctive nature of Christianity. In regard to these essential doctrines, there can be no conflicting opinions among those who call themselves true followers of Christ. However, we do acknowledge that there are peripheral or non-essential doctrines that are important, but not critical to the follower of Christ as it relates to salvation. These doctrines include:

• the relationship between God’s election and our free will in salvation

• the exact timing and order of End-Times events

• the nature of God’s relationship with ethnic Israel after the birth of the Church

• the specific functions of women in ministry

• the extent and use of certain gifts of the Spirit

While our church will be diligent to establish positions relating to these issues, we will not allow any peripheral doctrines to cause division within the church. We will accept into our body those who have differing views on non-essentials, but we will not allow those differences of opinion to fracture the church.”

I take this same stance to my writing here. We can discuss secondary and tertiary topics openly without being disrespectful, and without allowing opinion to “fracture” us as the body of Christ. We are to conform together, as believers in Christ, each with unique giftings and perspectives.

I have experienced the darkest depths of postpartum depression, the boiling rage that attempts to hijack our minds and actions, the anxious thoughts that lead to erratic behavior, the off-the-wall mood swings that leave our husband’s wondering if we’ve actually lost our minds this time… Okay, not really. But maybe close to it.

(Fun fact: I’ve been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for almost 9 years straight, including tandem nursing my baby and toddler for 18 months)

My husband and I have been together fifteen, married ten years and have walked through p*rn addiction and emotional infidelity. God has restored what seemed broken beyond repair into something more tender and beautiful than we ever could’ve imagined. We walked that difficult journey with toddlers and infants in tow.

We live 1400+ miles away from family, but God has given us a family of believers through our church. Something my husband and I prayed for, and are so blessed to receive open handedly.

I’ve got a past (before motherhood) with prescription antipsychotic and antidepressant meds, substance abuse, and alcohol. My teenage brother took his own life when I was 21 years old. Left to my own devices I have an anxious, impulsive, addictive personality type. Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Aspergers, OCD, have all been mentioned in counselor and psych appointments.

I share these things to give a little context into my background. None of them define me now. They are simply facts I’ve come to learn about myself, that the Lord has used for His glory.

I’ve met mature Christians that are turned off to bringing too much attention to the sins of our past lives. Understandably, as we are no longer living that life as a new creation in Him. However, I believe it is necessary to discuss for two reasons:

1. provide a sense of relativity and encouragement to a currently suffering audience (Think: if they made it through that, so can I)

2. What is brought to the light can no longer live in darkness. Jesus, born as the light of the world, bore our sin on the cross, blotted out our transgressions, and gifted us salvation through His eternal plan of redemption. There is no fear in darkness because of Christ that lives in us. Our pasts don’t threaten us, they empower us because we can point and say “Only by God’s grace am I here today.”

I take zero credit for the transformation done in mine and my husband’s life, it is only by His grace we are a healthy, loving, Christ-honoring family. By His stripes we are healed. Set free from the power and penalty of sin, guilt, shame, and death itself. We can STAND FIRM in that mighty power, friends!

Forewarning, in case you didn’t already know: The freedom we have to truly walk in the Spirit of Christ while living in such a depraved and wicked world? It does not come without challenge. He promises it.

Mothers, I’m talking to you.

The enemy loves nothing more than to kick us while we’re down. It is not an ironic coincidence that we tend to cut Bible time out of our lives when things get busy, tiring, taxing, draining, and whatever other adjectives you want to use to describe the incredibly beautiful yet sometimes hard process of growing, giving birth to, and raising tiny humans. It is an attack on our homes and our hearts, straight from the pit of hell.

The Bible tells us that the enemy constantly prowls around the earth day and night, seeking someone to devour. He loves to use tactics like distraction, doubt, and idleness. Like a lion, he waits for a moment of weakness before he pounces. If the Enemy can convince us to stay out of the Word, he’s already won half the battle.

Like a warrior going to war without his armor, we are vulnerable and exposed to attacks from the enemy and even our own sin, which constantly seeks to self serve. Our hearts prone to wander, if we aren’t purposely and intentionally sitting before the Lord in His Word each day, writing the Sword of the Spirit on our hearts, what are we even doing? I know my tone might seem harsh, stick with me.

It is in these tender, hormone driven, sleep deprived, hungry, physically and mentally drained seasons of life that we most desperately NEED the Lord the most. Yet we’re too busy to sit down with our Bible for ten minutes?

What, because we can’t focus?

We have time to scroll pointless videos on our phones at some point in the day, right? Have you checked the “screen time” stats on your phone lately that tell you how many hours you’ve spent on it per day? …I know, I’m disgusted at myself too. We all need a dose of reality sometimes. You’re welcome. The short term dopamine from screens is literally draining our culture of their attention spans.

Don’t pass up the glorious, eternal weight of the job you’ve been given, mother. Raising brand new souls for the Kingdom of Heaven — there’s nothing more important. I don’t say this lightly. Yes, raising the next generation of humans may bear immense responsibility, but we do not carry it alone. See verse above.

It was around the time I was about three years into motherhood, with a 3 year old and 12 month old, that I saw the light. We had moved not 3, not 4, but 5 times within a 12 month time frame with an infant and toddler. I was suffering with severe undiagnosed pelvic organ prolapse symptoms with on going depression.

The haze of numbness began to lift when we moved into our rental home (that we just moved out of after five long, happy years there), and I began intentionally seeking hobbies for myself outside of changing diapers. There was a creative part of me that needed to merge alongside my motherhood, a new role I had yet to fully comprehend.

With one baby, it was pretty simple to set aside time with the Lord. I would keep my Bible out on the table and would study as he napped or played at my feet. But alas, the more little lives we are blessed with, the more inevitably complicated (and incredibly fulfilling!!) life becomes.

Would you be surprised if I told you I am now a mother of four boys — 8, 5, 2, and 4 months — all of which are by my side nearly 24/7? A homeschooling, first responder family with one vehicle, I spend 90% of my time at home with my boys. Yet somehow find the time to have a garden, raise chickens, bake sourdough, crochet, paint, draw, journal, and yes… Spend time with the Lord.

Again — this information is given to you with purpose, not to brag. I can do all of these things (imperfectly, and not all at the same time!!) because God is our provider.

Many times other moms witness my life now and verbally comment that I must have easy, calm children that don’t require discipline. Or lots of behind the scenes help. Or an endless screen time habit. Or a baby that sleeps all night. All of which are completely false assumptions that ultimately soothe their own perceived shortcomings. Notice I said perceived. Not actual shortcomings. We all aren’t meant to be doing the same things!

It is unfortunate, the comparison game we immediately play when talking with other moms. To be honest I’ve never been deeply affected by this experience, mostly because I feel prayerfully secure in the choices we make as a family, but I know it is a common one shared by many mothers alike. My children and marriage are not yours, and vice versa. We can trust the Lord with our families, moms. Guilt isn’t the same as conviction.

It was in the mess that I learned how to set time aside for the Lord, despite the challenges.

I also learned how to optimize my time and energy, to give my best to my family first.

I learned how to find joy in creating things for fun, using my mental energy for more than just toddler talk.

I learned to prioritize my marriage and step back to let my husband be the leader he was meant to be.

I learned to find joy in my motherhood, the way the Lord meant it, to steward these souls toward Him not begrudgingly but with hope.

He has used that short season of my life even now, proving His abundant faithfulness over and over again with each new responsibility He’s gifted us.

I didn’t learn any of those things on my own. It took intentionality and obedience on my part, but it is the Lord’s work in my cynical heart to slowly sanctify and grow me closer to Himself. It is the slow stripping away of my flesh, to reveal things that the enemy intended for evil but God used for good.

I am not living perfectly. I am five months postpartum, discipling a toddler and two older children. I still struggle with feelings of depression and anger. Sleep evades me, even with a peacefully sleeping baby next to me. Nightmares of demonic nature often torment me. I often wake up exhausted before the day has started. I snap at my kids with a harsh tone. I cry for reasons I’m not even sure of. I struggle with anger and have to step away for moment of peace.

The Lord convicts me and leads me back to Himself every time. He never changes, never leaves, though I do. It is the Holy Spirit that brings scripture to mind, as I desperately seek Him in my darkest moments. He shows me His love through the way my husband gently cares for me when I can’t. He is evident in the way I function with patience, even when I feel like I can’t. He is there in the encouraging words from older mothers that have walked before me. We can truly do nothing apart from Him.

My children aren’t perfect either. But we apologize, A LOT. We forgive, A LOT. We talk about Jesus, A LOT. We pray together, A LOT. We memorize scripture… You guessed it, A LOT.

In this new weekly series of articles, I’m going to share more practical glimpses of how the Lord has worked in my motherhood, and how He has led me to a place of peace and freedom (while still being a work in progress!). As usual, filled with scripture, my own experience, and hopefully a fresh perspective that you can pray about.

(And I’ll try to keep them shorter than this read!)

You can look forward to these topics and more in my first ever biblical “Mothering Littles” series:

• chronic illness

• finding “quiet time” as a burnt out mom

• rhythms of the home

• learning the Bible with our children

• screen time boundaries

• praying for our children

• acknowledging hard without wallowing

• homeschooling with an infant

• staying connected to family from afar

• excellence in motherhood

• making mom friends

• the problem with christians and mental health

• caring for the home as a family

• hobbies that bring joy

I hope this message reached you the way it was intended. I am both prayerful and hopeful this new commitment to writing to you, will be fruitful for many of us. May God have the glory, and thank you so much for reading.

Ashley

I know, I know. Your house is in disarray, laundry is piling up, the dirty diapers you tossed on the floor last night are multiplying, you’re not 100% sure what day it is, you can’t remember which side the baby nursed last, and you aren’t sure whether that’s a milk, sweat or urine stain on the top you’ve worn the past 2 days. Probably some of each to be honest. You’ve got unanswered texts and a growing list of “thank you” cards to write.

You probably need a shower and could use a brush through the rat nest on your head. What about your teeth? Flossing, what’s that? Oh, are you drinking enough water? No. You aren’t. Never enough water. Electrolytes are bonus points. What about your supplements?? For goodness sake, please don’t skip those.

If you’re new here I’m Ashley, but my friends call me Ash. I am a crafty, sourdough baking, gardening, Christian homeschooling mom, married to my best friend of 14 years, breaking generational chains and raising our four boys for God’s kingdom. Here I share bits of what the Holy Spirit has put on my heart — mostly musings on motherhood, marriage and homeschooling as a mother of 4 boys under 7.

Despite the hazy mess of what feels like non-stop diaper changes and feedings while also trying to remain a functioning human (maybe on top of caring for other children), may I encourage you dear mother — these days are extremely short in the grand scheme of your lifetime.

The newborn noises & smells, the warm cuddles, the milk drunk eye ball rolls, the teeny tiny clothes, the startles, the way their hands get tangled in your hair, the hiccups that sound like a squeaky dog toy, the coos and grunts, and yes, even the (not so little) poots.

I know you’re excited to get “back to normal” and you may even have some mom guilt for being away from your other children, or wondering how they’re going to cope with this big change… (they will be okay!)

I am currently writing this 11 days into my fourth and final postpartum season (prayerfully not our last newborn, though #fostercare #adoption). I knew pretty well what to expect going into it, despite it being my fourth baby but first planned c-section. My husband did too, and he planned it well. He took sick-leave from work weeks ahead of time so I wouldn’t go into preterm labor, with plenty to spare for recovery time after baby arrived. (My body does this awesome thing where I have daily prodromal labor starting around 30 weeks) He’s made sure I’ve showered regularly, taken my vitamins and medicine on time, and taken care of quite literally all of the household chores (with the older boys’ help), while I focus on recovering and bonding with baby.

The older boys have handled the shift phenomenally. Babies are a true blessing in our eyes, and their attitudes reflect it. They are all eager to “pet,” love, hold, and help with the newest addition to the boy gang.

As I watch their eyes light up with joy at the sight of their baby brother, their six small chubby hands reaching and gently trying to take turns touching his little head — the weight hits me repeatedly like a ton of bricks.

This is where I’ll go when I’m 80. Holding all of my precious children in my arms, covered in their kisses and affections as they stroke my own hair and tell me “You look boo-iful mama” even though I know I look like a wretched troll that lives under a bridge. One particular boy of mine will just stare lovingly into my eyes with his warm hands on mine, communicating the purest love through his hazel gaze. Ugh. Heart explosion x1000.

In 80 years, I won’t care to remember the trash can piling up, the crumbs at the baseboards, the questionable leftovers in the fridge, the scattered items in every room of the house, the endless laundry, the stain on the couch, the sticky table, the cluttered counters… Nope.

You know how I know that? Because already, when I reminisce on my first born who turns 8 this summer, all I distinctly remember are his soft skin, chubby rolls, and the way he felt so heavy in my arms. Barely 8 years ago and I’ve already forgotten the chaotic MESS we were living in then? (We were, there is no doubt, but it matters none to me now)

And somehow, at some point, each of them were this tiny in my arms. Each of them once a heart beat on a screen and a tiny blob on an ultrasound photo. A miracle I prayed would sustain and grow, Lord willing. Through all the appointments, all the waiting, all the planning, all the hullaboo that goes on to prepare for a new baby, and now… All four rest happily on our couch. Each with their own unique story and calling on their lives. Each created with a God-given purpose. What a blessing to steward these souls towards Heaven.

Fourth time going through this and all that to say — The mess can wait. The kitchen can wait. The well meaning visitors can wait. Despite what it feels like, EVERYTHING can wait. Your baby’s tiny body is growing a mile a minute. The next six to eight weeks are going to fly by. And after that, you’ll be in a brand new stage together, you and your baby. I don’t want to be a downer, but it’s true. Time is a thief.

So don’t rush healing. Don’t rush the chores. Don’t rush the feedings. Don’t rush the cuddles. Don’t rush the bed times.

Remember, rest can be worship too.

Pull your family close. Love them with your whole heart. Linger in the hugs. Memorize your baby’s tiny features. Rest in the Lord’s timing. Don’t let clutter and mess steal your joy. Your joy comes from the Lord alone and these blessings He’s given.

Everything else can wait.

This is where you’ll go when you’re 80.

As someone that has had to work very hard at learning how to rest (oxymoron?), this post is as much for me as it is to whoever else that needs it too. With each baby I’ve grown more laid back, more “okay” with adjusting my standards, more likely to let a mess go, more quick to listen to my husband’s suggestion of “go take a bath, I’ve got this,” more likely to just sit and enjoy holding my baby, more confident in saying “no, we aren’t having visitors yet but I’ll let you know when we do!”

I’m certainly not perfect at it, and overwhelm attempts to hijack my joy. Unsuccessfully.

These days, I may be a lot more likely to have a messy home… But my heart is overflowing. And my children are happy. And my husband is my best friend. And my home is my safe haven from the outside world. And the Lord is good today, yesterday and tomorrow.

And how I wish the sleeping baby in my arms could stay this way just a little while longer. For now, everything else can wait.

With love,

Ash

Written February 21, 2026

I am currently on maternity leave expecting our fourth mystery baby in less than two weeks — my first scheduled c-section. It’s strange to know the date and time you’ll go in to meet your little one, assuming all goes to plan. Not quite sure if it’s worse or better? We are living in a limbo full of excitement, hope, and some nerves. I think I prefer the spontaneity of labor & birth, but no matter, the Lord is so good, all the time!

By the time you read this, our fourth baby will have been born. Prayerfully, healthy and into our arms without complication.

(Thank you so much to those of you that have reached out in my absence with prayers and well wishes for our family. I’ve never felt so surrounded by the Holy Spirit from all sides, being especially exemplified in the body of Christ, even here on the messy internet. I carry your kind words in my heart!)

Yesterday I was hit with this sobering dose of encouragement that I know a younger version of myself would’ve appreciated very much. I’ll do my best to keep this short and sweet. (Because ya’ll know how good I am at that. :)

If you’re a mother expecting to grow her family and wondering about the dynamic of a new baby changing everything — take heart! Your family will be blessed.

*PLEASE NOTE: If you are a family in a season of waiting, I’d prayerfully ask you’d approach my sentiments with an open heart, trusting in the Lord’s plan for your family. I am in no way trying to diminish the blessing that an only child can bring to a home. More children do NOT equal more holy, more blessed, more “Christian.” Whatever that means. Social media can make large families seem like the ultimate goal, but a single child is just as much a full time blessing as five or ten. Whatever the Lord’s plans, He is good.

My husband took the oldest (7) and youngest (2) of our three sons on a quick errand to the store yesterday, and left my (very pregnant) self and our second son (5) at home. The two introverts of the family, happily left to enjoy the quiet with one another. We played Uno, I crocheted and watched him shoot his sling shot, he raked leaves and built a fire in the front yard fire pit. It was peaceful. I think he was enjoying the silence as much as I was.

As I watched him contentedly playing in the driveway with his cars, I began to feel the absence of his two energetic, talkative, silly brothers. I imagined what it might be like if this was our reality all the time. No talking non stop, no constant laughing and squealing, no bickering, no injuries from accidental collisions, less toys to clean, less food to make, less messes… Less joy. Less love. Less laughter. Less togetherness.

Though much quieter and easier to manage — it deeply saddened my heart to think of him being without the siblings he’d been blessed with. The multiple children that filled our home with so much life.

I felt a wave of incredible gratitude for being the vessel for such joyful, sweet souls. The fact I’m getting to unexpectedly experience it all over again for a fourth time still seems unfathomable.

I had a knot in my throat, overwhelmed with love for the life I’d been given, raising these precious children.

I have zero doubt in my mind that though it will be challenging in new ways, adding a fourth baby to our family is undoubtedly going to bless all of us immensely.

I have zero fear about the changes in family dynamic, though watching your youngest lose their spot as the “baby” is always a little heart wrenching.

However much it hurts a mama heart when your baby starts to say “lemonade” instead of “lemlemade” or “Chick-Fil-A” instead of “Chicka-Flay,” nothing compares to the joy of watching these little humans grow into their own thoughts, ideas, and humor that keeps us on our toes.

To hear your own child pray a heartfelt prayer, share their input on a section of Bible reading, wrestle with thought provoking conversation, ask questions that you never thought of, and grow you towards the Lord in your own walk… It’s hard to put into words!

Their relationships with one another are enough to make your heart burst. In our experience, at least. I recently told a new mother that was worried her older child may feel put on the back burner when new baby arrives, that actually it would be HER put on the back burner. :) In the best way possible, your children will love and care for each other more fiercely than you could ever think possible.

I don’t dread the days ahead, because the Lord has been faithful to show me already that the future is brighter than we could ever imagine. Even amongst heartbreak and unimaginable grief, His love is enough. For the first time, I don’t fear the future because I know He is in it.

I haven’t always felt this way, though.

(Don’t read me wrong, I still have normal human emotions that try to sway me on this — but my heart knows the truth)

I’d grown up with a perspective of: babies = cute, teenagers = hard, and once kids grow into adults, they aren’t babies anymore and that = super sad. It was work for me to dismantle this viewpoint, and reshape my view around children into more of an eternal mindset. To read family stories and wisdom from other mothers before me like Abbie Halberstadt, , Angie Tolpin, Leslie Burris, and , helped greatly to influence my walk in motherhood in a positive light!

I did know personally how impactful sibling relationships were, growing up with my younger brother as a built-in best friend and then having a little sister join us a short time later. We had so many funny memories together, just us three.

When my sister and I unexpectedly lost our 18 year old brother in 2016 it shattered our worlds. We value our relationship as sisters even more so now. The fact her husband is now also a firefighter and they have two little boys of their own, is some sort of beautiful miracle. We may grieve our irreplaceable brother and family’s only namesake, but the Lord has blessed our family with little boys in abundance.

Remember these things, mother —

First of all, the Lord is trustworthy and sovereign over all. We can rest in that.

Secondly, babies will undoubtedly make life harder. In the best way possible. They are the only eternal gift we’ll ever receive. Their souls, the only things that can come with us to heaven. Our most important life’s work.

To watch your babies love each other, encourage one another, care for one another, is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. To just be a silent audience to the little persons that love each other so deeply and immensely feels like the biggest honor of all. There is a comfort in knowing their relationships will grow into something that lasts beyond our own years; built in forever friends.

Prioritizing sibling relationships and the FAMILY unit far beyond outside influence will always be worth the effort. We’re living that out right now. Though it is against the culture and hard to do even in “family friendly” environments, let the Lord lead your family in this area. Outside relationships come second to household, always.

To love multiple children isn’t to be spread so thin you can’t do it all, it’s to GROW in your capacity to give and receive. It’s about growing beyond what we ever knew to be possible, because our trust is not in our own ability but in HIS. The argument for two kids being plenty because you “have one baby for each arm” is ridiculous and downright untrue.

(All of your children aren’t babies at the same time, by the way. Having a capable five year old with a newborn versus a two year old with a newborn are WILDLY different experiences!!)

God does not haphazardly create and sustain life inside the womb. He knit each of us together with purpose. Purpose that we likely will never fully grasp, earth side.

To live with an eternal perspective is to wrestle with our human thoughts and emotions with a confidence and peace that surpasses understanding. It is not able to be explained fully, other than reading and writing His Word on your heart. He will make His ways known to you, as you grow in your walk with Him.

Dear mother, don’t fight the position He’s put you in. Embrace it, wrestle with it, ask Him the hard questions and listen for His answers. Sometimes it won’t be what we hope for. But it will always be what we need. That we can trust.

Thank you so much for reading. I pray this reaches who it was meant for.

All Glory to the Good, Good Father.

— Ash

Christian parents, we all know the challenge it is to raise children in a world that is anything but biblical. If you’re anything like our family, you agree that us parents have the privilege and duty of being the gatekeepers of our homes. In other words, it is up to us to take responsibility for what is allowed inside; this includes not only people, but the media we consume like tv shows, movies, music, and yes, books.

We aim to provide our children with living books that have purpose or meaning other than just pure entertainment. While allowing them to enjoy some of today’s popular culture (to an extent) we truly focus more on the establishing a love of literary language and vocabulary beyond what we possess ourselves. It is a joy to be challenged, and there’s also nothing wrong with enjoying a more simple story.

Family Read Alouds with Toddlers

Long before our children could read on their own, we’ve been doing chapter book family read alouds. I’ll include some of our favorites in a list down below. This helped to shape their capacity for listening and comprehending auditory stories from a young age, something I’ve always struggled with.

When they were toddlers I’d often read to them after mealtimes while they played quietly on the floor with instrumental hymns on in the background. After lunch is our family’s designated quiet/nap time, so getting them cozy with blankets and pillows on the living room floor or couch and reading aloud to them almost always made for a smooth nap transition. After I’d read to them, if they weren’t asleep they’re allowed to look at their own picture books quietly until quiet time is over.

This is also when I pick up my own book and sip my coffee. (If you want to raise readers, being an example and letting them see you YOU read is just as important, parents!) This is still very much our practice today, except the bigger boys read their own chapter books for at least 30 minutes and then are free to go play outside while the younger finishes his nap.

Some of our favorite family read alouds —

• Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

• Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

• Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

• Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

• Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey and Little Pilgrim’s Progress versions, still working on the original unabridged with them)

• My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

• Swiss Family Robinson (Great Illustrated Classics) by Johann Wyss

• Call of the Wild (Great Illustrated Classics) by Jack London

• Black Beauty (Great Illustrated Classics) by Anna Sewell

• Wild Robot by Peter Brown

• The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson

• Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

• Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

• The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Spear

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

• My Side of the Mountain by Jean George

Our House Rule with Free Reads

Growing up with a love of reading myself, the one thing majorly lacking in my own experience was guidance or boundaries in material. I was allowed to read pretty much anything I could get my hands on, and I certainly didn’t have to recall any of it to anyone. Because of this, 90% of the books I once held near to my heart that shaped my first chapter book experiences are ones we’d never allow in our home today. Though this saddens my heart, I’m very grateful for another chance at shaping my reading palate alongside my children, learning about the wholesome and classic books we should all enjoy at some point or another. It is never to late for us, parents! (Here is the book review journal my husband and I both use!)

The two part rule we have established in our home in regard to free reads is this — you must run it by Mama and Dada first, and you must have completed the book review for your prior read before starting a new book. I’ve gone through our shelves and marked with washi tape the chapter books that they can grab off the shelf and read anytime, without asking. These are books we’ve either read together before or I know without a doubt are okay in content.

We have very sensitive and empathetic boys, so content that may not make another child even blink, could be a bit heavy on their hearts. I want to be aware of these possibilities and help guide them through conversation when necessary. (Like Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows, for example).

Book Review Journals for Kids

I wanted to find a way not only to better track our family read alouds together, but also have something concrete that the boys could use to reflect on their reads for a time rather than just burning through book by book at lightning speed without taking time to digest. They do naturally narrate back to me about their daily free time readings, which helps to keep us involved in what they’re enjoying.

At the end of 2024, when our oldest began reading his own chapter books shortly after turning six, I found these simple kids book review journals on Amazon for $4. They’ve tripled in price unfortunately since then, but we still enjoy them. Our second son (5) is only about a year behind our oldest (7) in his reading ability, so they can both independently enjoy their own books and write their own book reviews now.

Our oldest ended 2025 with 40 books in his book review journal, and our second son has 14, though he joined us about half way through the year. What a joy it has been to witness their growth in retelling ability, drawing, writing, and reflection over the months. They love spending time looking through their journals at past books, too. I hope one day they can revisit these books many times, like saying hello to an old friend.

A few of our 7 & 5 year old’s favorite independent reads —

• Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

• House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne

• Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

• The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon (7 year old read the first three but we’ve indefinitely paused these for now)

• Thunder from the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London

• Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss

• The Oregon Trail Series by Jesse Wiley

• Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

• Hidden Scrolls series by M.J. Thomas

• The Sugar Creek Gang series by Paul Hutchens

• Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

  

Great resources to FIND good books for your children:

• Ambleside Online book lists

• Sonlight book lists

• Read Aloud Revival (on Instagram)

• Good Book Mom (on Instagram)

• Library 4 Kiddos (on Instagram)

• Treehouse Schoolhouse (on Instagram)

I hope these lists and some of our own experiences have given you a place to start. Not all encompassing of course, but none the less valuable.

Last Note on Fiction for Mom

I’m always on the hunt for captivating, clean and wholesome “for fun" reads for parents, too. I had gotten myself into a slump when it came to reading early in my motherhood, because I’d felt there was simply too many good parenting books I should immerse myself in, rather than just enjoying a fiction story for what it is.

I changed this way of thinking three years ago, and began searching for classics and current historical fiction that I could actually enjoy amongst my theology and mother culture readings. Probably my favorite from the last few years has been The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel, which was VERY slow to start but ends beautifully. Lantern in Her Hand will always be a favorite of mine as well. The ever popular Kristin Hannah is a hit or miss for me, I either love it or hate it. Anne of Green Gables is one I’m retrying this year after forcing myself to get through it for the second or third time recently. I’d love to finish the entire series. Patricia St. John’s Rainbow Garden is a fond one from my childhood which I would love to find a copy of and read again. I want to read more of her works. C.S. Lewis is another I’m diving into deeper this year.

I’m currently reading:

• Raising Boys to Men by Durenda Wilson (rest in peace)

• Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James and David Thomas

• Signposts by A.W. Tozer

• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek* by Kim Michele Richardson

*The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek has a fantastic story line and historically accurate, but unfortunately has several instances of SA and medical abuse. I will finish it, but I simply will not let any books live on my shelves that contain any sort of graphic abuse or adult content. If it’s not something I’d let my children watch or read, it doesn’t belong in my mind or on our shelves either.

Adult fiction is a topic for another day! There’s a few thoughts off the top of my head.

Be blessed, friends. Thank you so much for reading.

Ash

A few of my other posts regarding reading/books:
”Mama’s Voice & a Good Book”
”Fruitful Bible Time with Young Children”
”Our Favorite Wholesome Shows & How We Manage Screen Time”
”Raising Readers — Bookworms Don’t Happen By Accident”

Some of these are behind the paywall because of their personal nature, and some have simply expired over the one year mark and are considered part of the “archive.” They are all accessible through my $5/month option.

I say “truthful” encouragement because it can be easy for us to receive feel good messages like “You’ve got this!” or “You can do all things!” or “Let’s make 2026 our year!” Not that there’s anything wrong with any of these, but often times they’re focused on self. Any person off the street can spout these superficial words without any depth. But to the Christian, we know that anything done of our own strength only leads us astray.

We can always expect an overthrow when we attempt to white knuckle our way through life. Let’s face it, we all do it. And sometimes our pride fools us into thinking we’re actually successfully doing “the thing” when actually, it inevitably leads to burn out in the end. Though always a defeat of mercy, bringing with it a humility that we hopefully accept with open arms. However some of us require a bit more “breaking down” for God’s purpose than others. (You too?)

We must remember that suffering for Christ’s sake (which scripture shows us over and over) and suffering at the hands of our own sin are two completely different things. We must continually rely on our daily personal relationship with the Lord to open the eyes of our hearts to His truth, and to not only hear it but to listen and obey eagerly.

When we are able to grasp and understand that our suffering for the faith is a universal calling and shared experience for believers of all walks, we can more deeply rest in the sovereignty and freedom found only in Christ.

Through unexpected adversity and trials:

• endurance is strengthened

• character tested

• faith refined

• hope built up

• self reliance torn down

  
  all for the purpose of deepening our dependence on the one and only Savior we actually need.

Why are we, as Christians, able to suffer willingly and even joyfully? Simple:

Eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

There is a level of faith in the unseen we must continually remind ourselves of. Bringing thoughts captive to Christ as our logical, human minds tempt to thwart us with the worries of the day at hand. Though these “light and momentary afflictions” may actually feel excruciating and unbearable, we lay them at His feet and press on because of the promises placed in our heart by the Creator of the universe.

He who made the world and everything in it, isn’t meant to be understood on this side of heaven. The mystery and sovereignty of Christ is a safety; a mercy that we simply cannot comprehend. We could exhaust ourselves with the “why?” of our circumstances, but truly all that matters is knowing the Lord has you in His right hand. (This article from last year was me wrestling with this question after a series of heart breaking tragedies)

Another point, let us also be soberly reminded of what He has already delivered us from. Undoubtedly on some level (if we’re honest) we can look back in an area of our life where His merciful grace on us just didn’t make sense. Something He brought us out of or transformed, however painful it was at the time. Our hindsight is 20/20 when we look back to see what God has actually done, and not by our own accord.

Again, there is a level of humble honesty that is required to be able to witness God’s goodness in the days gone by. Acknowledging that it is nothing we’ve done to earn His grace or salvation in our lives, but truly a gift to be received.

We must stop trying to make ourselves presentable and lovable, and simply receive His great love for what it is while recognizing our unworthiness. It is His rich mercy and gentle grace poured out to us, even while we were dead in our sin.

Yet, even our faith is a gift from God. We cannot believe this until Jesus has done a prior work in our hearts, through the Spirit gifted to us. God cannot repent and believe on our own account, but we are enabled to do so BECAUSE He loved us first.

The caveat on looking back at our past?

Don’t get stuck there.

“Christians are to be reminded what they have been delivered from, as well as what they have been lifted into. They must be led to look down again into the pit, into the grave, from which grace called them out and set them free.” — Charlie Moule

Because we are made alive in Christ, we cannot tolerate our own sin the way we once did before we knew Him. There was an analogy I came across recently in a Bible study with my mentor that went something like this — while a dead man is comfortable in his own coffin, a breathing person would feel suffocated and uncomfortable.

Isn’t that a beautiful, sobering picture of the reality of Christ’s work in us? How many things in your life did you used to do comfortably, but now can no longer stand to take part in? The list is endless for me. Media consumption, dishonoring behaviors, drinking/drugs, attitudes, clothing choices, everything! God truly does change your heart inwardly. And your “good works” are an evidence, an outpouring, of the established and growing faith.

This will look different for everyone, whether you’re an infant Christian, adolescent, mature, or age old. (not in age, but in the Christian walk! We all begin as baby Christians, no matter our actual age. This is why we must not judge someone’s God-given wisdom based on their own life experience alone — God can use ANYONE at any point in time)

Remember, it is in our pride and sin that we respond to Satan’s prompts and temptations. As the accuser, the father of lies and lion prowling around for an outlier to devour — it is VITAL to our spiritual health that we are soberly aware of the Enemy’s strategic workings in our lives while also walking boldly in the power of Christ in us.

Let us not give Satan more power than he actually has. Fear and worry, though normal human emotions, have no place in our lives! We must be obedient to bring these thoughts captive to Him, like a quick muscle response that will develop into habit over time. Ruminating does nothing at all for the development of our hearts.

Let me phrase this another way.

While we may walk in freedom today from the chains that once held us, let us also not fall victim to the Enemy’s relentless pursuit of our minds. We have no need to fear of losing our salvation, but rather should be encouraged to desperately preach the gospel to ourselves each and every day. While we still live in our weak flesh, tempted towards sin and distraction, we also harness the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us.

Such is the non-linear journey of what is sanctification. Though Satan may use the unbeliever’s sin to his advantage, God uses and displays His power within the believer all the more. We were by nature children of wrath, deserving of God’s justice, which He poured out onto His own Son who chose to share in our death SO THAT we could share in His resurrection life.

Read that again. Jesus died for you, so you could live.

May we earnestly keep these truths at the forefront of our minds as we walk into the new year. Reflecting on the work He’s done, excited for whatever is to come. Despite whatever hardships are to come, we can rest in the freedom of His rich mercy, lavished upon us. We can memorize His Word; the Sword of the Spirit, the only piece of the Armor of God used for both defense and offense.

I pray this message encourages and equips you, friends. May you feel His presence all the more. And when you don’t, know that He has never left you and never will. Ask Him, and you shall receive.

Thank you so much for reading.

Ashley

Hello dear reader,

By the time this is posted the day after Christmas, I figured this week we could use a more light-hearted post. This one won’t be applicable to those of you without an interest in crochet, but maybe you’ll enjoy it anyway. Maybe it’ll inspire you to pick back up something unfinished, or try something new just for the fun of it. Either way, we all should have something regulating for our bodies that we enjoy doing in our down time. Flexing our creative muscles can be a challenge as tired mothers, but so worth it.

In this crochet review post I’ll include photos, pattern links and videos, and a few thoughts on each piece.

But First, a Little History

When I was about ten years old in 2004-2005, my mom and I attempted to learn how to crochet together. Her mom, my Mamaw June, apparently was very good at it back in the day. I own a Native American doll she made many years ago (We have long family lines of Creek and Chickasaw). I remember learning how to make a simple chain stitch with my mom and thought I was a crochet mastermind. We used a very 90’s multi colored acrylic, muted teal, coral and cream colored yarn. Super similar and maybe even the same kind as what this doll’s dress is made of. I began a few wonky rags/blankets with a single crochet stitch, but anything beyond that was quite frustrating and I didn’t have much patience for it. I never finished any projects and neither did my mom, but I remember she was enthralled with shell type stitches.

About ten years later in 2015, when my now husband and I got our first apartment together, I picked up crochet again. My memories of early adulthood are very fuzzy for several reasons, so I really don’t remember my motivations or how I learned again. But I began to make a zig-zag, double crochet, striped blanket for the NFL Seattle Seahawks’ number one fan, my then fiance. I got about 15% done until it took up a semi-permanent residence inside a space saver bag that moved around with us over the years.

One of the reasons I stopped crocheting was my hands. I’ve struggled with joint pain and inflammation in my body since I can remember. As a child, I’d been to countless doctors that all showed clean blood work but no real reason for my pain. Crocheting was another thing that just didn’t agree with my body. Or so I thought.

Fast forward ten more years, and a few lifestyle changes later — I opened the door to crochet again. (fibromyalgia diagnosis, overactive nervous system, gut issues with chronic inflammation and major nutrient/mineral depletion all contributed to my struggle with lifelong chronic pain — now that I had answers, I was able to largely improve symptoms and quality of life!)

In November 2024 and now a mother to three boys (ages 6, 4, 1), another homeschool mom friend of mine helped to re-introduce me to crochet when I expressed an interest to attempt my first granny square blanket. The idea of creating small, individual squares and then stitching them together seemed a lot more manageable!

She was so kind to take her time walking through our agreed upon pattern as we sat together in a downtown used-book shop, learning the stitches for the pattern alongside one another. Our first granny squares were quite wonky but we both got the hang of it and enjoyed restocking our yarn with trips to Joann’s together, with occasional crochet sessions in the parking lot of our local library or cozy used book store.

We completed our blankets in January of 2025, and I haven’t stopped since.

I will say, there were several times in the early stages of this blanket that I wanted to rage quit. Figuring out how to do a magic ring was MADDENING. Just when I thought I had it, I’d forget and have to watch the tutorial 5 more thousand times. But, all in all, 70 something squares later, this beautiful blanket was worth it. My boys love admiring it and were so proud of me when it was finally done. It truly felt like a family effort!

PATTERN: Daisy Blanket Pattern ($ ETSY)
BORDER PATTERN: Lace Blanket Border (Free YouTube)

Fun fact: This year I began wearing an Oura smart ring. You know, that trendy smart ring that tracks your sleep, exercise, stress levels, etc. It helped so much in becoming aware of patterns in my body and offered valuable insight on how my day-to-day was affecting my stress levels. One thing I found, the ONLY way I could put my body into a “restful” state, other than taking a nap and literally falling asleep, was crochet. I could be sitting in the midst of my rambunctious, playful boys but if I was crocheting with my hands, my mind and body would immediately enter a restful state. As someone who’s natural state of being is chronically near the fight or flight zone even when I’m “feeling calm” this was a huge breakthrough for my health!

So, because I’ve learned techniques on how to hold the yarn and use crochet hooks well suited for my hands, I no longer struggle with hand pain alongside a daily crochet habit. Now, if I were sick in bed or on a road trip and tried to pull a crochet-for-hours-straight kind of thing, that’s another story. :)

All in all, crochet is something I truly enjoy that positively impacts my mental and physical health, and allows me to create heirloom gifts for my loved ones. Another thing, I decided when I began I’d never turn it into a business. I’ve done that with so many of my creative hobbies in the past, and this is one I wasn’t willing to sacrifice for money. No, this is a hobby that will be just for me and those closest to me. Glory to God for giving us useful hands and creative minds!

Without further ado, here’s a few (but not all!) of the things I made in 2025.

2025 Crochet Projects & Pattern Links

Keep in mind, you can often find FREE patterns on blogs (riddled with ads) and on Youtube Tutorials! It’s not always necessary to purchase a pattern unless you want to have it saved for personal use later on, or need specific size instructions for a wearable.

After completing the Daisy blanket, I began practicing lots of types of granny squares and began planning Christmas stockings. I also followed a free YouTube tutorial for a few neck warmers in a hurry for our spontaneous snow day. (Texas in January 2025)

BUT FIRST: My biggest projects of the year were two custom granny square blankets I made for my oldest boys. They by far took the most effort and planning of anything through the year. I’ve decided I’ll do a themed blanket like this for each of our children, once they’re around 4-5 years old and have established their own interests.

My oldest LOVES space. He spends hours looking through his astronomy books and can tell you all about specific planets and facts. He was very involved in helping me to plan out his blanket. I learned SO much making these blankets, different stitches and hook sizes — it was a wonderful exercise to grow my crochet abilities quickly. Many of the squares took multiple tries to get right. This was a trial and error type of thing, some of the squares I made up, pieced it together with random tutorials and different “applique” patterns! (Some of which linked below)

PATTERN: Random Space applique bundle ($ Etsy), I used some of these as examples but didn’t follow them all to a tee.
PATTERN: Crochet Alphabet Applique (Free YouTube) I used this person’s letter tutorials for the squares with their initials on them. (LH on the space blanket)
PATTERN: Moon/Star Granny Square (Free Pinterest image)
PATTERN: Textured Blanket Border (Free YouTube)

Squares like the American flag, the galaxy, the rocket, the core showing layers of the earth, and various planets — I just made up as a went.
It was so much fun to make, he loves it, and so do I!

NEXT UP: Our second son’s custom blanket is “Davy Crockett” themed.
Again, similar to the space blanket, I made up some of these as I went, and with others I loosely followed tutorials or patterns. I will link what I can find down below the photos. I love the way this one turned out, and most of all, he loves it too. He helped me decide and pick which things I should add, including Davy Crockett’s rifle named “Betsy” and his trademark coonskin cap.

Included in the squares that I made up as I went are the Alamo battle flags and the Alamo structure itself. The cabin, the state of Texas, the mountain scene, the cannon and cannon balls, the rattlesnake, the deer head, the bow and arrow, the compass, the deer and bear foot prints, machete, Indian hatchet, the Indian teepee and a few others, were also all made up without a pattern.

PATTERN: Fishing pole & Fish Applique ($ Etsy)
PATTERN: Rifle Applique ($ Etsy)
PATTERN: Boot Applique ($ Etsy)
PATTERN: Ax Applique ($ Etsy)
PATTERN: Campfire Applique ($ Etsy)
PATTERN: Evergreen Tree Applique ($ Etsy)
PATTERN: Mushroom Granny Square (Free YouTube)
PATTERN: Horse Head Granny Square (Free YouTube)

I pray they cherish these for many years to come. It is such a blessing to be able to gift them something that represents themselves at this current sweet little boy stage of life. Alright, onto the other projects!

I made a few Christmas hexagon coasters and gifted them to family. :)

I ultimately decided not to go with this hexagon pattern (blue/white) for our Christmas stockings, it was a bit too small and the squares were just too tedious. I didn’t enjoy making it as much as I thought I would, and stitching them together was not an easy feat. My project for summer 2026 will be finishing up these mosaic style Christmas stockings for our family of six. Much larger, but going to be sooo cute when complete! I’ll be using all four of this shop’s different stocking patterns. Well written and easy to follow!

PATTERN: Hexagon Christmas Stocking ($ Etsy)
PATTERN: Mosaic Style (red/green in photo) Stocking ($ Etsy)

I made these little sunflower satchels for my mom and my sister, I didn’t follow a pattern — just made a granny square for each side then connected them with a slip stitch, added a few rows to the top for security, and crocheted a handle using single crochet. I followed a random, free YouTube tutorial on how to attach buttons to crochet bags.

I also made a few random squares for more practice, and a large sunflower potholder for my parents that got lost in the mail. :( There are lots of free tutorials online for these types of squares. Have fun experimenting!

These chicken coasters are my FAVORITE! I sent a few to my sister and my Mamaw June. They are precious and have held up so well. There are a lot of free video tutorials online, I followed one similar to the one linked below.

PATTERN: Chicken Coaster (Free YouTube)
PATTERN: Sunflower Granny Square (Free YouTube)

I made several doilies for gifts, and sent a few to my mom and my sister. I didn’t keep any for myself and I didn’t even take photos of them all complete. The one pictured is only halfway done. I followed random blog post tutorials for them. Just search “crochet doily pattern free” on Pinterest or Youtube until you find one you like. These work up SO fast and are super fun to make!!

This granny square at the top right is a “Willow” granny square pattern I believe, again another random blog post pattern I followed. This square is still sitting on my bedside table as a coaster for my Stanley cup. I used a soft, floppy acrylic yarn. It was pretty challenging but turned out so cute!

The heart garland was a random Valentines Day find, and I actually never finished it.

PATTERN: Crochet Lace Doily (Free YouTube)
PATTERN: Willow Granny Square (Free blog)
PATTERN: Heart Garland (Free YouTube)

These knights costumes for my boys were a MAJOR hit this year, and I’m super proud of them. For the chain mail knight’s coif I followed an adult pattern but customized it to my boy’s head sizes by having them try it on while I was making it. They whipped up super quick. The tunics were a labor of love and completely made up, but came together really well! Again, I kept holding against their bodies as I went along, to try and get the sizing the best I could. I aimed for a bit oversized so they can easily slip it on and off for play. The coat of arms on the front were custom requested by each boy, and while I made up the shape of shield, I followed a pattern for the cross applique emblem, but I only looked at an example for the dragon. I need to make another one of these for our third son who now wants to take part in the knight battles!!

PATTERN: Chainmail Knight’s Coif ($ KoFi)
PATTERN: Cross Applique (Free YouTube)
COPIED THIS EXAMPLE: Dragon Applique (Free YouTube)

For fun I gifted these two items to my parents for their dog babies! My dad has a huge German Shepard named Beau, comparable in size to our Great Pyrenees/Lab mix, Sadie. She modeled it for me. The little sweater is for Eevee the Chihuahua. I followed free tutorials for both, searchable on Youtube. I did a ribbed, foldable neck on Eevee’s sweater.

My first ever crochet wearable! This sweater for our 5 year old son I did not follow a pattern for. I’d seen a graphic on Pinterest showing how to make an easy granny square cardigan, so I thought I’d try. It was definitely not as straightforward as it seemed and took quite a bit of adding and changing up to get it right. Ultimately, the arms were too long and it’s a bit boxy. But he loves it and thats all that matters.

These are a few things I made for myself, no pattern for the tote bags. I made those up as I went. I’ll link some similar below. The one in the top left I use as my “yarn bag” and tote it all over the place with me and whatever current project I’m working on! It’s worked wonderfully for exactly what I needed it for. The top right is my Bible study bag, it carries all my notebooks and Bible study materials to my weekly discipleship meetings. The bottom left is much smaller than it appears, and is a perfect little cross body that holds my phone and wallet. The scarf was super simple and I love wearing it when it’s chilly!

PATTERN: Bernat Yarn Scarf (Free YouTube)
PATTERN: Similar Crochet Granny Square Tote Bag (Free YouTube)

This was my first adult size crochet wearable. I loosely followed a tutorial on YouTube, and learned a lot from this process. It’s not perfect, it’s longer than I intended and a bit scratchy due to poor yarn choice. But, I’m proud of it and I still wear it sometimes. It was super simple to workup! There’s tons of tutorials on this, search around to find one you like.

PATTERN: Granny Stitch Hexagon Cardigan (FREE YouTube)

I made this little toddler size granny stitch hexagon cardigan for our youngest son recently. While I would’ve done a few things differently, I learned a lot for next time! It still turned out so cute. This is the same pattern as above, but customized for a child. I’ll make more of these for my other sons in the near future!

PATTERN: Granny Stitch Hexagon Cardigan (Free YouTube)

This is definitely one of my favorite things I’ve made so far. It is super soft and cozy, I hope it lasts a long time. I customized it to make the sleeves more oversized while keeping the torso short. The perfect spring/summer cardi!

I love MJ’s Off The Hook patterns, because not only is she very in depth along with Youtube tutorials to match the PDF patterns, but there is a Facebook community group that is super helpful if you have a question. I’d recommend searching the group for the name of the pattern you’re working on, because it’s likely someone else already had a similar question and there’s answers there waiting for you. Super helpful!

PATTERN: V Stitch Summer Cardi ($Etsy)
SAME PATTERN: V Stitch Summer Cardi (Free YouTube)

Gifts for my precious Florida nephews! As I type this, my little sister will be 40 weeks tomorrow (!!!!) as she awaits the birth of her second baby boy. (If you’re reading this real time, say a prayer for a smooth birth and healthy baby/mama, please? <3) I made these sweet little cow loveys out of regular baby yarn, rather than the Bernat yarn it called for. They turned out SO adorable. I need to make some for my own boys. I’m not going to lie, these guys definitely made my hands hurt and were not the easiest. I was so glad to finish them!
As for the sweaters, also for my nephews (sizes 0-3m and 12-18m), they worked up super quickly. I definitely want to make more of these for our boys. Highly recommend if you’re wanting a beginner pattern!

PATTERN: Cow Lovey ($Etsy)
PATTERN: Granny Stitch Kids Sweater ($Etsy)

I made both my mom and my dad their own blankets for Mother’s and Father’s Day this year. Quite the task, but I’m so glad I did it! They loved them. For my mom, I found a beautiful blanket stitch that wouldn’t be too hot, and also reminded me of the shell stitch she loved so much when I was little. I decided on these colors that would hopefully blend in with her white Chihuahua’s fur, and also added in little random stripes of happy colors that reminded me of her. I was aiming for autumn colors.
For my dad, I did a vibrant granny square stitch with colors that remind me of him. I wanted lots of contrast and sort of 80’s vibes. I only wish I made it a little bit larger! Both turned out wonderfully. For my dad’s, I just made oversized granny squares and bordered them with a mixture of half double and single crochet.

PATTERN: Iris Stitch Blanket (Free Youtube)

More gifts! This baby bonnet worked up super fast and was very simple to follow. I’ll definitely be making more! The baby blanket on the right is a simple granny stitch bordered with single crochet, I’ll link one similar below. The pink blanket is made with a lovely sedge stitch, which you can find tutorials for almost anywhere. Super satisfying to work up!

PATTERN: Baby Bonnet ($Etsy)
PATTERN: Sedge Blanket Stitch (Free YouTube)
PATTERN: Granny Square Baby Blanket (Free YouTube)

Many of you have kept up with my Christmas Tree skirt journey — I didn’t complete it, but it’s sitting very nicely currently 80% done under our Christmas tree! It has been such a fun project, I’m glad I did it. It used up all of my random white scrap yarn!
When I first began crocheting, during or right after my first blanket, I began making a few of these cute little stuffed chickens. Some for our boys and for friends. Super adorable.

PATTERN: Christmas Tree Skirt ($Etsy)
PATTERN: Chunky Bernat Chicken (Free YouTube)

More sister gifts. I made her this table runner/chair decor for her birthday, along with a hair bandana. I used the same lace border on this that I used on my Daisy blanket. I didn’t follow a pattern, I just looked at a few examples of flower granny squares and had fun experimenting with it. It’s not perfect as I didn’t follow any sort of pattern, but it was fun to make! It looks so beautiful in her home. The hair bandana tutorials are a dime a dozen on YouTube.

This adorable tic tac toe board is for my boys. I’ll say it was pretty tedious to make, but the result was awesome!! We’ve lost a few of the pieces and admittedly haven’t used it a ton. It would make a great homemade gift.

PATTERN: Tic Tac Toe Game ($Etsy)

Hacky sacks for my boys! These came as a requested item after they lost their originals. I followed a simple YouTube tutorial, although the tiny stitches definitely had my hands hurting by the end. I used an old toddler sock filled with beans for the stuffing. They have had them for a few months and still love them just as much!

PATTERN: Hacky sack (YouTube Video)

This was a special restoration piece. We received this unfinished knitted afghan blanket from my husband’s grandmother when she moved across the country. We’ve had it for years, thinking maybe I’d be able to do something with it one day. It was a mess of loose string and coming apart in spots. I was so excited when I found it deep in our wooden chest of blankets, I knew I had to try and finish it. I examined her complex knitted stitches and realized I wouldn’t be able to replicate it with crochet. So, I took an afternoon or two weaving in all her loose ends and sealing in a few holes before stitching a border around the edge. Now, it sits nicely on the end of a bed or over the back of a chair. I’m so thankful to have been able to salvage all her hard work and turn it into something usable.

A few things for my boys. Little granny square satchels using some scrap yarn, 20% wool beanie and mittens, and Bernat yarn scarves (same as mine up above). Enjoyable projects they use and love! These were all really simple to make and follow. I used a random chunky yarn Youtube tutorial for the scarves.

PATTERN: Beginner Bulky Beanie & Mittens ($Etsy)

A few random squares for my upcoming scrap blanket!! My husband even taught himself how to crochet the firefighter emblem squares, in hopes of a blanket. Not sure that’s happening, but he enjoyed making a few on his own at no influence of mine! Crochet is super fun for anybody, truly!

PATTERN: Cross granny square ($Etsy)

I made several of these cross bookmarks for Christmas gifts this year, as well as this racetrack car rug for my boys. I can’t wait to gift it to them. Both were easy to follow and execute. Though the car road was super boring and took me a few days, I was relieved it was done. I also made this pair of impractical but cozy granny square slipper socks for myself. Super quick and pretty cozy!

PATTERN: Racetrack Car Rug ($Etsy — The listing I bought was removed!! Here is a similar one)
PATTERN: Cross Bookmark (Free YouTube)
PATTERN: Granny Stitch Socks (Free YouTube)

I made a few of these cute Christmas wreath coasters while we were on a camping trip. Worked up quick and were satisfying to make. They look so cute! Perfect gifts.

PATTERN: Christmas Wreath Coaster ($Etsy)

Made these super adorable santa/elf hats for my kiddos, they were extremely easy and fast to whip up. Highly recommend! They got compliments everywhere they wore them and are always proud to say “my mama made it.” :)

PATTERN: Santa/Elf Hats ($Etsy)

Annnnnd here’s some of my yarn stash before and after I cleaned it all out. The blanket shown in the top photo is one I’m making for myself. It’s been so enjoyable, I love the variety of the stitches. The pile at the bottom right of the photo above is scrap yarn, which I’m using to piece together a scrap granny square blanket. I am SO excited to finish it (pictured below). It feels better to have cleaned out my stash and have a clear picture of things I hope to work on in the future.

EDIT TO ADD: My husband got me this awesome bag for Christmas, perfect for using a center pull and keeping yarn nice and organized while you’re crocheting or knitting. I LOVE it so much! No more messy piles of yarn everywhere! Especially while I’m working on this random colored scrap blanket I’ve got going!

In the near future, on my to-do list is:

• sweaters/cardigans for all of my boys

• Woven Scottish tartan blanket for my red bearded, second generation Scottish husband

• Baby clothes/blanket for our last little baby due in March

• Baby blanket for my newest nephew

• Granny square blanket for my sister

Well, that’s not everything but it’s most of it! I hope you enjoyed reading and found something useful. If not, thank you so much anyway. I love hearing from you all in the comments. God bless you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

With love,

Ash

Now you may not agree with what it is I’m about to say, but maybe it’ll offer some food for thought. I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Here are a few things I’ve read using “slow living” as an example of what NOT to do.

• “We were made to create, build and achieve!”

• “We can’t build an entire lifestyle around doing the bare minimum and calling it peace.”

• “We are supposed to pour into our homes and communities with joy and diligence.”

It’s a paradox, because I agree with all of these statements while also standing by the term “slow living” as a whole. How? Again, the issue is in the definition of the phrase itself. We’re all arguing for the same thing here.

To my understanding, slow living is NOT:

• idleness

• laziness

• doing the bare minimum

• drinking coffee in silence

• lacking in determination or integrity

• having a quiet, aesthetic home

• having a messy, loud home

• not caring about responsibilities

• choosing the path of least resistance

But rather, to me slow living is:

• being intentional with time & energy

• saying no means being able to say yes to something else

• building life around rhythms, not rigid schedules

• not allowing to-do lists to run my home or emotions

• finding contentment in what I already have

• noticing the small things

• deepening my senses — pausing to smell, see, hear, touch, and speak life

• not finding identity in accomplishments

• pressing pause to read/play with my children

• writing letters

• baking bread

• creating just to create

• less consumption, more real life

You get the idea. The idea of living slowly isn’t about literally moving through life at a snail’s pace with no ambition. It’s a battle cry against today’s culture of “keeping up with the Joneses” if you will. In a world of needing the next best thing, constantly trying to stand out, having the most aesthetic home, filling schedules and running on fumes until we completely crash and burn — “slow living” is a peaceful release of expectations.

It is turning to the Lord with a heart posture of gratitude. Allowing HIM to fill our cups each moment of each day. Not our caffeine, not our workout regimen, not our diet, not our “likes” on social media, not our conversations between friends, but time spent with Him.

Jesus modeled this. He stepped away to worship His Father in the stillness. He sought refuge in quiet time with His heavenly Father, often.

To me, this is a lifestyle of living slowly. “Slow” enough to notice the inner workings of our heart. Slow enough to read our Bibles each day. Slow enough to hear when God speaks. Slow enough to seek Him and His Word for counsel, rather than gossip with a “friend.” Slow enough to notice when something is “off” and address it appropriately.

It’s so easy for us as humans to be swept up by what is right in front of us. Especially as busy mothers to children young and old. To-do lists, lessons, school, friends, appointments, meal times, shopping, you name it.

We can endlessly fill our days with tasks to be done. Oh! But don’t forget taking care of yourself too, mother. Buying the latest fashion items, getting nails and hair done, appearing like you have it all together… Comparison is the thief of joy, friends. Life is too short to waste it thinking you “need” anything to be worthy of God’s grace in your life.

Living slow is not only biblical, but it’s essential to our health. God didn’t create us to go, go, go all the time. Even the Creator of the universe took the 7th day and rested. We could dive deeply into the importance of the Sabbath, but that’s another conversation entirely.

Our children desperately need to know they are worthy of rest. This begins with intentional daily “quiet time” not just for peace and quiet in the house, but in our bodies. Breathing and feeling deeply don’t happen by accident. We are building generational legacies, not living with the current trends.

Basically, it takes zero effort to live with chronic stress. It chases us down and devours us if we let it. We can run ourselves into the ground and not even know why we’re doing it.

It takes courage, honesty, and intentionality to sit down at the feet of Jesus each day and worship there. Taking captive our thoughts and submitting all of our work to Him, knowing and believing He will provide exactly what we need on this very day. It means eagerly taking TIME for the relationships, people, and parts of life that truly build us up rather than slowly chip away at our beings.

For me, learning new hobbies, habits and rhythms to our home were a matter of health. Coming from living in a constant fight or flight mode, learning to “live slowly” actually FORCED my body and brain to slow down and regulate to the task at hand. Intentional, practical things like sitting down to write a letter, learning to bake sourdough, finally picking up that classic book you’ve always wanted to read, doing large puzzles as a family for fun… Things that take effort, time, and you guessed it… Patience and consistency.

In a world of instant messaging and groceries on our doorstep within the hour, these are just a few physical ways to slowww ourselves down in the midst of the daily rush.

Do not be deceived — I use Amazon (too much), convenient freezer meals, the occasional Door Dash, and I enjoy an overpriced coffee paired with a stroll through Target. But these things don’t dictate my life or my identity, and I certainly don’t rely on them for happiness or fulfillment. They’re simply conveniences amongst the chaos.

All I’m trying to say is — we can’t notice the gratitude in our hearts for the little things if we’re too busy running to our next check box. Stress is literally the silent killer.

The picture I want to leave my children with is this:

A mother than knew how to work hard for her family and community with joy and peace in her heart, while also knowing how to rest. A mother that prioritized showing up while also caring for her own well being and knowing how to say “no” or “not right now.” A mother that took her children to libraries, had picnics, read chapter books aloud, baked bread for neighbors, wrote letters to loved ones, and leisurely walked a used book store. A mother that was content to work with what we had, finding time to worship the Lord in her rest. A mother that modeled these things not just for herself but for everyone else around her, too.

I’m not perfect at this by any means. But the Lord has helped me and will continue to do so. Sanctification doesn’t come this side of heaven, but I’m definitely glad I’m not the person I was 5 years ago. And 5 years from now, I’ll look back and give glory to God for the woman and mother that He created in His image. He is faithful in every season.

There is no shame or guilt to be found in the Lord’s heart for us, mothers. Walk in who He made you to be. Not who you used to be or have been told that you are. Rejoice, you are who HE says you are.

May we all grow in our abilities to slow down and notice the small things. The fact is, we all make time for what is important to us. When someone says they don’t have time, it simply means “I don’t care about that right now.” Whether or not they can admit that to themselves is another story.

Slow living takes honesty, intentionality, hard work, prayer, and a whole lot of grace.

I pray this message reached you the way I intended. Thanks for reading, friends.

Ashley

Here is somewhat spontaneous post that I fully meant to write and share ahead of time that just didn’t happen. But alas, it’s never too late to try something new with your family, even in the days after Christmas has passed. Hopefully you’ll glean some ideas from this list, I’d absolutely love to hear about your family’s traditions in the comments!

Ricky and I did not grow up with these traditions I’m about to share with you, they are all things we’ve slowly picked up or developed on our own together over the past nearly 14 years. Our prayer is that our children would retain shared memories of our time spent together having fun and praising the Lord for the things He has done.

Being a first responder family often means daddy isn’t home on birthdays or holidays. Because of this, we celebrate either a few days early or later. When I’m home with the boys on the actual day, I often will do something small but spontaneous to make it special for them. A few things we’ve done in the past are:

• living room sleepovers

• breakfast picnics in the living room pretending it’s “mama’s cafe”

• baking something new together

• letting them build a fire in the fireplace or outside

• have a “book party” or “board game party”

A few of our Christmas Traditions —

1. “GoodKind” Advent Blocks with their devotional. These were gifted to us by GoodKind back in my Instagram days. They are sweet little wooden blocks with the date on one side, a relevant image with that day’s Bible story on another, and the back of each one contains a letter that reveals a “surprise message” that we turn to reveal on Christmas Day. We’ve used this Advent the last 4 years and still love it just as much!

2. Advent candles. This is a newer one for our family that we’ve done the past few years at home on our kitchen table. This year we invested in flickering battery powered candles rather than real wax that melts too quickly and makes a mess. While I do really love using genuine candles (and we still keep regular tea lights on the table), they aren’t the most practical with littles, and this way we can enjoy our advent candles longer. We talk about them every week we light a new one, and the boys have the habit of saying “God is light” any time we light a candle of any type. Pretty sure they picked this up a few years ago when I read it and shared about it in “Habits of the Household.”

   

3. The Nativity Scene mystery surprise!!
   This is SUCH a cool thing we are starting this year for the very first time! We were chosen as the surprise recipients last year by our friends/guitar teacher, and it was truly one of the best surprises we’ve ever received. It’s a family tradition they’ve done every year for many years! It goes like this:
   An unsuspecting family is chosen in secret to receive a daily surprise delivery left in their mailbox or doorstep, (identity of the gift giver is NOT revealed until the end!!) of a small strip of paper w/ Bible scripture along with a single character figurine from the nativity scene. The deliveries begin the week leading up to Christmas Day and basically tell the story of the coming baby King. Each nativity piece (wise men, angel, animals, etc.) is delivered with a piece of scripture that tells their part of the story, until the nativity scene is complete and the final piece of the manger is delivered in person with a knock on the door on Christmas Day.
   

   For Where Your Treasure Is is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

   With Ricky’s first responder schedule, one vehicle, and the fact he’s worked the last 6 Christmas holdiays, we’ll deliver ours whenever we can. But to wonder WHO on earth is dropping off these little nativity figurines, and finally receiving the baby Jesus at the end along with the manger to complete the whole scene, was such a fun, thoughtful, hands on, intentional experience. We have chosen our friends as recipients this year and can’t wait to experience the other side of the surprise.

   

4. Footprint/handprint crafts. I think I am a preschool teacher at heart. Long before I had children, I’ve loved crafting things out of paper, paint and specifically handprints. Every year since my oldest was a tiny newborn, I’ve made various hand/foot/fingerprint crafts. (Search for ideas on Pinterest!)
   Specifically for Christmas every year when they’re about 3 or under, we make handprint/footprint imprints into clay or homemade salt dough. I have such a large collection of hand/foot/fingerprint ornaments that they all can’t fit on our tree. Their tiny, chubby baby hands are definitely my favorite ones.

   
   (Funny story, before becoming a mother I used to work for a roofing company as an office admin. One year for Thanksgiving I gathered my art supplies and got dozens of our office workers and dirty ole construction guys of all ages to gather around our break room table to trace their own hands onto construction paper, cut them out, and write 5 things they were thankful for before taping their “grateful hand” onto a large paper mural of a turkey I’d put up on the wall at the entryway of the office. As the youngest employee in the office, it was heartwarming to see so many adults slow down and have some fun being creative together in the midst of their busy work days! Of course a lot of them thought it was silly and over the top, but eventually everyone joined in and we all admired our colorful, grateful turkey. I received many thanks for putting effort into something that cheered up our busy office.)

   

5. Building Gingerbread Houses. This is an “extra” one that we’ve had to plan ahead, since we haven’t always had the budget to purchase the make-your-own kits. Neither Ricky or I grew up doing this, its something we’ve enjoyed together since before we became parents! We like to try and purchase the kits ahead of time, as soon as they show up in stores, usually in November. It’s been a goal of mine to one day bake our own walls and roof pieces from gingerbread, maybe one day. :)

   

6. Driving around to look at Christmas lights, & gifting a special “award” to our favorites! A super easy (FREE) thing to do together as a family. We put on a traditional Christmas music playlist, pour some homemade hot (warm) cocoa into to-go cups, each kid brings a cozy blanket or robe, and cozy up in the car for some exploring around the town.

   BUT FIRST, I cut out 4-5 small pieces of paper and the boys help me write and decorate Christmas themed notes to put in the mailbox our on the doorstep of our favorite decorated houses. As we drive around, we all rate our favorites and agree unanimously on the ones that should receive a note! Just a small gesture of appreciation for a stranger’s Christmas spirit. We don’t sign it with our names or anything, just a “thank you” with some doodles and a Bible verse.

   

7. Nativity Scene Advent Puzzles. My husband got this kit from Sams a few years ago on a whim and we’ve loved it! It has a little 50 piece puzzle to complete each day, every single one a different version of the nativity scene. We each have our favorite and it’s exciting to see each day’s puzzle, when we actually remember to do them. Sometimes we’ll complete 2-3 in one evening together if we didn’t have time the day before.

8. Baking and decorating Gingerbread man/sugar cookies, gifting them to neighbors. We’ve done sugar cookies from scratch every year the past few years, but gingerbread cookies are a more recent add on and they’re a HUGE hit. We have a few different cookie cutters, and I found a good recipe in one of my vintage cookbooks that results in yummy gingerbread. Set up your kiddos with a little decorating station and let them have fun making a sticky, sugary mess. :) The key here is baking and decorating TOGETHER. <3

   

9. Decorating the tree/house together. I’m not one to place aesthetics extremely high on my list of priorities, especially when it comes to letting my kids enjoy their childhoods. So they are very much involved in the decorating of our tree, placement of ornaments (safely and within reason) and I usually involve them in deciding where to place our little collectible Christmas figurines among the shelves. They love having their own pack of $2 festive window clings to add to their bedroom window or the sliding glass door in the kitchen. Such a fun and simple way to help them feel involved in the season!

   

10. Watching Christmas movies together. This is one that we’ve been slow introduce just because we have super sensitive kiddos when it comes to shows, and we are selective with what we show them. Their favorite by far is the newest Grinch movie. This year we’re going to try It’s a Wonderful Life for the first time, neither Ricky or I have seen it. We’ve watched the original Frosty and Rudolph before, but it was a bit much. I grew up watching A Christmas Story every year, but that’s not one we’re going to show them anytime soon. Haha. We've watched The Chosen’s short Christmas episode of Jesus’ birth together which is pretty cool!

11. Attending the local Christmas parade/Christmas markets. There’s nothing quite like shivering through an overstimulating Christmas parade at 7pm on a Saturday night. :) But really, what little kid doesn’t love seeing all the big trucks, motorcycles, horses and other cool stuff that comes through a Christmas parade?? Top it off with a few oversized bags of popcorn and an old man dressed as Santa atop a giant wagon pulled by a team of 6 huge Clydesdale horses, and bam: lifelong memory made. (No, we don’t do Santa if you’re wondering!)
    
    We took part in our first Christmas market as a vendor in 2023, when I used to make and sell custom baby handprint/footprint/ultrasound embroideries. Now, I’ve been booked so far out in advance with my custom painted home/wedding platters that it wouldn’t have made sense for us to attend as a vendor this year. A blessing to have this problem! Ricky and I do have a few creative side projects we’re working on together for a possible 2026 market season. :)

12. Wandering used books stores together, gifting books to one another. This is something fairly new for the boys, as we’ve always gifted them their own books for Christmas time. But having them get to know each others tastes and pick things out for one another is such a joy! Books are a treasure in our home, so visiting the used book stores are one of our favorite things to do as a family.

13. Wildlife/Bird Live Cams. Okay this isn’t a Christmas one, but it’s something we do during the cold winter months! YouTube has so many awesome live feeder cams of different animals, we have a few favorites to revisit every year. Leaving this on the TV throughout the days at home is so much fun! We begin recognizing the same deer that visit the feeders, learn to identify new species of birds, laugh at the chubby raccoons and opossums, and gasp when a quick fox flashes across the field! Such a fun experience to be able to have inside our home, thanks to technology.

We don’t do any of these things rigidly, but just make time for them as the season allows simply because creating memories together are important to us. This togetherness takes priority over extra curricular outside-the-home events, though we try to fit in whatever we can, when we can, without being burned out. We have no problem saying “no” to something that extends us beyond capacity. Why stress ourselves out trying to keep up with the Joneses?

There are other things that we do individually — our boys’ various Trail Life events, caroling, Christmas parties, camping trips, music recitals/performances, church events, and meet ups with friends.

I can truly say I look forward to the Christmas season, not because we’re so busy, but because there’s just so much to be thankful for. If we don’t get to it all, that’s okay. Just being together under one roof fills my heart. I don’t pressure myself to go beyond what we can give, but rather find the joy in the moments we’re given. I pray this calm environment will be carried with our children into their own homes one day, as they develop their own Christmas traditions.

I’d love to hear from you guys in the comments! Thank you for reading. God bless you and Merry Christmas.

Ashley

We are finishing up our second official year of homeschooling. What a joy it’s been, and truly humbling to reflect on the growth the Lord has brought us through. I am so grateful for these precious years spent learning alongside my children, and it feels so exciting to know this is only the beginning.

I currently have Liam (6 yrs), Blake (4 yrs) and Forrest (19 months).

Here, I’m going to share a little about what we used curriculum-wise this past year, and in another post coming soon I’ll share what we’re using this coming year. (2nd grade and Kindergarten)

I recently shared the curriculum picks for our 2023-2024 Kindergarten + support toddler year, which included me being pregnant on bed rest, my first emergency c section and a newborn. At the time I felt like a train wreck, but looking back I am so grateful for the work we put in and the foundations we set for our first successful first grade year. Now, as we prepare for our first year with two official kiddos in 2nd and Kindergarten, I’ve never been more excited!

Schedule

We homeschool “year round” with taking some time off in October/November and March/April to prioritize time spent together. We get the most schooling done in our summer and winter months, and prioritize outside time and travel during the cooler spring and fall. This has worked well for us so far.

Because we are a first responder family and my husband has a rotating shift schedule, no two weeks ever look the same for us. The flexibility in our schedule has been a gift, as we spontaneously take a day trip for a family adventure or sit down together for board games and treats on a random Wednesday afternoon.

Being a one vehicle, first responder family also means the boys and I are grounded at home while he’s gone to work, sometimes 72+ hours at a time. Because of our inability to commit to regular weekly outings outside of the house like scheduled co-ops or classes, we’ve opted out of those commitments and this has been the best choice for us. Between church, music lessons, jiu jitsu classes and play dates, we are happily content with social engagement!

We do schoolwork typically 4-5 days per week, about 2-3 hours a day total. We rotate much of it and don’t do everything every day. The only things we do each “school day” are Morning Time, Math, and Reading. And something like history, art, music, geography or science usually makes its way in there. Despite being a type A personality, I am surprisingly “go with the flow” and always find something additional for us to do somehow, whether it be a craft, project or experiment.

I think our very kind, old fashioned neighbors think we are the typical barefoot, kinda weird homeschooling family. The boys are outside playing during morning break, and again about an hour later after they’ve completed their core work, and again in the afternoon when our reading quiet time is done. Usually barefoot, digging around for bugs, climbing trees, feeding chickens, or investigating the mushrooms that sprang up over night.

Funny story: I’ve heard one of our sweet older neighbors (bless his heart) say something like, “Hey buddy, no school today huh?” And my Liam cheerfully answers “nope!” Mind you he’s already made and cleaned his breakfast, done math and read multiple books that morning, but the only “school” that exists in his mind is Sunday school. :)

Teaching Load Between Parents

I take full responsibility for researching and choosing curriculum which I bring it to my husband, we discuss options and choices, and agree on the route together. I am very thankful to have a husband fully on board with our schooling journey since the beginning. We knew we wanted to homeschool long before we became parents, and he entrusts much of it to me. Though I’m making many of the decisions based on learning styles and our goals, Ricky is involved in all of it and takes a part in sharing the readings or helping with workbook material when he’s home. He is my number one confidant and we share much of it together, though I’m doing 90% on my own since he works outside the home.

Anyway, here’s a breakdown of what we did this year. I hope this list is helpful for you! Some of the links may be an affiliate and earn me a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for reading.

1st grade for Liam (6 yrs)

Liam turns seven in July and is a voracious reader. He consumes chapter books by the day. He consistently tests at a 3rd/4th grade level in reading/comprehension and is a gifted math student. It has truly been a tricky endeavor to keep our boys challenged while staying age appropriate. We learned a lot this year about what works and what doesn’t. We’ll make a few changes for 2nd grade which I’ll talk about in another post soon.

Reading/Writing: We’ve used The Good and The Beautiful Reading Booster Cards for years, and they’ve been wonderful. Liam is finishing up Booster Pack C. We don’t always pair with the recommended readings, but have enjoyed them when we do.

Explode the Code is a series I also used in Montessori school, and the boys have done wonderful with it. Liam began book 1 two years ago and just finished book number 5. We are big fans of this phonics book! We’re using a different LA curriculum for 2nd grade this year.

For copywork we use this Scripture copywork (by Pip and J Papery) notebook — I love the simplicity of this notebook, and have ordered a few more to keep on hand.

Liam requested to learn cursive and showed increasing interest, so I was thrilled to find this super affordable Traditional Cursive workbook. He’s completed the first few pages and likes signing his name in cursive. We’ll continue with this one.

Math: We found Horizons two years ago after trying multiple other math curriculums and have been pleased with it so far. He has completed the Level K and Level 1. I don’t purchase the Teachers workbook (yet).

We began using Beast Academy this year as an online math supplement challenge a few times a week. He has LOVED it, and I am impressed with the concepts taught! I highly recommend it if you have a “mathy” child that enjoys a challenge.

Pre/Kindergarten for Blake (4 yrs)

Blake is like his mama, in that he is an old soul in a tiny body. He joined us halfway through the year with his own formal work when he began reading on his own the week he turned four (October 2024). I have to admit, it was wild to not have to do any of the leg work for introducing letters and sounds, etc. He had been watching and listening to his older brother learn from the year prior, and it just clicked for him. (My younger brother did the same thing, we joke about his teacher calling my mom in astonishment when he was caught reading books to his peers as a four year old in preschool. Haha!)

Blake has a high drive to want to “do school” the same way his brother does, so I’ve supplied him with these materials at the level he could accomplish with ease on his own. But I did not force him to sit and finish a certain amount or anything like that. This has been purely experimental for him, and though he does get fatigued, he also has motivation to finish his own tasks. This coming year will be his official Kindergarten year, though he will technically begin first grade material before then. He and Liam have always been two peas in a pod, and do almost everything together!

Reading/Writing: He is almost done with The Good and the Beautiful Reading Booster A cards, and we will keep chugging along with these. Bob Books have been a gift to our family, I also used them to learn to read in Montessori school. Both boys have done well to learn with these.

He is working his way through Explode the Code 1 and will move onto number 2 this year.

I did not implemented any sort of copywork for him because he is so young, but he does write his own letters for Mail Monday by copying my writing from a whiteboard.

Math: He was absolutely thrilled to begin his own Horizons book. We’re working through level K. He also plays Beast Academy under Liam’s profile, in the Chapter 1 levels.

“Together” subjects

We do lots of chapter book read alouds which sometimes consist of biographies, historical fiction, or classic books. These spark further conversation about time periods, events in history, moral dilemmas, etc. I plan to make another post with a list of the chapter books we enjoyed most this year.

Mail Monday — I did not consistently keep up with this nearly as much as I’d like, but we’ll definitely be continuing this. The boys write letters/draw pictures and address their envelopes to a few friends and family each week on Monday. I keep a “mail basket” on our shelf with stationery, stamps, an address book and stickers.

We followed Ambleside Online’s Year 1 booklist loosely for readings this year, along with others on our shelves. Some favorites were Beatrix Potter, Paddle to the Sea, Swiss Family Robinson, Call of the Wild, Wild Robot, Boxcar Children, and the Hidden Scrolls series.

Social Studies/History/Geography: We have so many books in our collection on various historic events, all of which are picked up randomly throughout the year. I planned to follow Ambleside Online, but deviated from their schedule quite often for several reasons. This year, we ended up learning a lot on the topic of slavery through studying the Civil War with various books and podcasts. (post coming on those!) We also spent time reading about Christopher Columbus, Magellan, Abraham Lincoln, and the beginning of the United States. We ended the year with Benjamin Franklin and the constitution.

I plan to write another post with more links to the books and series that I found useful to add to our home library, but the Discovery of America series by Betsy and Giulio Maestro have consistently been a wonderful asset, we’re halfway through the second book.

I have a playlist on Spotify with the 50 Nifty United States song, Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and a few other traditional patriotic songs that we listen to on occasion in the car. It’s awesome to hear them sing all 50 states in alphabetical order on their own. This idea was inspired by my Montessori upbringing. Similarly, in Kindergarten we learn the continents and oceans songs.

I have a globe available and maps hung at their level in our dining room/school area and in their bedroom of both the world and the United States, so they can get familiar with the maps on their own time, and just for easy access when identifying places in our books.

Science: We have a science experiment kit similar to this one which was fun to use throughout the year. We did lots of baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, and a few other random Pinterest-inspired science experiments, mostly on a whim. Liam is very interested in astronomy, and over the year we picked up a lot of children’s science books at used book stores. (Would you like a list?)

We often go on family hikes, bike rides and enjoy bird watching together. Our boys can tell you the names of many types of trees, flowers, bugs and birds. They call themselves scientists. One of Liam’s favorite tools is his microscope.

Art/Music Study: Ambleside Online introduced me to the idea of picture and composer studies, so I used references from their website to compile our own versions of studies. I have memories of doing similar things in my elementary Montessori years. I purchased the Claude Monet pack from Simply Charlotte Mason. For the composers, we’d check out children’s biography books and DVDs from the library and listen to the pieces on Spotify. I’d also look up orchestra performances of the works to watch on Youtube.

Folk songs and hymns are part of the AO curriculum, which I also incorporated into our music listening. Though we found we were familiar with many of them already thanks to Ricky’s wide music taste and lots of time for car concerts together during family adventures, we also found lots of new music we enjoyed! I am especially fond of the hymns and enjoy plunking away at them on our piano with this book.

Outschool.com is an awesome online resource I’d like to utilize more this year! We’ve done a few “for fun” classes.

Morning Time

I aim to get up before the boys to eat my own breakfast, stretch, journal and read. Does this happen every day? Nope. This is the area I want to improve the most, since I am no longer waking up with a baby in the middle of the night. For the past almost seven years I was either pregnant or breastfeeding, so sleep and I are finally getting acquainted again! (Insomnia and weaning hormones are another beast altogether, though)

On the ideal day, I’d have our worship playlist on and begin reading our devotional for the day while they eat breakfast, which is usually either from this kid’s devo from Louie Giglio, or a page from Phylicia Masonheimer Kid’s Theology booklet. We look up the scripture referenced in their own bibles, highlight it and talk about it.

After that is catechisms from the Truth and Grace Memory book. We also work on whatever we’re memorizing at the moment and review older memorized passages such as Psalm 23, the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments. I usually end our morning time with a poem from one of our many poetry books. This one is our favorite right now.

Then is our morning break when they clean up breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, feed animals, and maybe a few minutes of play while I finish getting everything ready for the day. We jump into our school work and finish around lunch time, with breaks in between.

I try to set timers for our subjects, so we aren’t sitting on the same math page for 20 minutes. A visual timer like this helps to keep us all on task and motivated! I care more about quality than quantity.

Again, these are all things we did this past year (May 2024 - May 2025). I have lots of new goals and different choices for this year, and super excited to get started later this month. I am working on another post to share those things, as well as a book list of the readings we’ve enjoyed lately.

I pray this list can give you some ideas to implement in your own way, in your own homeschool. Remember no two families are the same. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and He will lead you in peace and understanding!

All my love,

Ash

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
— Romans 5:8

As a fellow sufferer, I’ve read countless posts and stories of the various grievances that is the human experience. Betrayal, heartbreak, death, jealousy, pride, mental illness, you name it. We’ve all had a brush with grief at some point or another, and if you haven’t yet, you will.

The sooner we can come to understand that suffering is part of the Christian life, the sooner we can get a grip on the reality of moving through life without our wounds tearing us down along the way.

This isn’t going to be a fluffy feel-good post, but it’s not going to be just doom and gloom either. Promise.

It can be a hard topic to navigate and try to comprehend, processing grief as a Christian. As a blunt, type A problem solver myself, I’ve wanted to seek immediate answers and clarity for many of the heartaches in my own life. However, the deeper we dig into our hearts of sin, the deeper we can fall away. Unforgiveness can take root quickly and it is a beast that continues to wreak havoc. The Bible warns us of this.

The answers we seek cannot be found in conversations, books, podcasts, or doctors offices. Not that those may not offer helpful insight, but they can also unnecessarily prolong your suffering. Why? Every single one of them is focused on SELF. We must pursue knowledge with wisdom, and both of these things only come from God.

As sinful creatures made new in Christ, we will still always seek to gratify our flesh first. It is our knee jerk reaction especially when in pain, physically or mentally. Struggling with sin doesn’t mean you aren’t a Christian, it means you’re a human. How you respond to the prompting of your flesh is what speaks to your character and depth of faith.

Our actions demonstrate our faith and the extent to which we understand God’s grace in our lives. When we realize how unworthy we are, yet Christ chose to die for us, we can pour out that love onto others. This is the Christian walk.

What we so often fail to recognize is this — when we focus our attention on “why is this happening to ME” or “what did I do to deserve THIS” or “why do they get away with it while I am left to pick up the pieces?” we completely miss the point.

The Lord didn’t say “Work through your grief, process it with as much time as you need, and THEN forgive them.” He said:

It was this verse, the first one I’d ever memorized, that got me through some of the darkest times in my life, in my marriage, and in navigating hurtful relationships during early adulthood and currently.

Christians often claim “church hurt” when their mentors or biblical counselors seemingly disregard whatever the issue is, just to advise them to forgive as Christ forgave. Of course while there is a level of tenderness and care required in Christian counseling, there is also a level of (sometimes brutal) honesty.

If we can’t be honest with ourselves and our pride, we cannot receive truth in love.

If you have these types of bold leaders in your church, willing to share the truth without strings — be thankful. Swallow their words with a grain of salt, pray together and alone, and allow the Holy Spirit to work on your heart. Hardening your heart against the truth of scripture will only prolong whatever it is you’re going through.

Jesus didn’t dance around the truth. He didn’t coddle emotions or pander to the feelings of the people. He shared the TRUTH. The only truth that matters. And He didn’t leave us there to figure it out on our own, either. You have the Holy Spirit living within you! (more on this in a second)

Do not give Satan a foothold on your life, friends. The mind is his playground. Unforgiveness is a doorway for him to whisper more lies. I speak from a place of experience and authority in illness and attacks of the mind, as someone who has walked through this particular darkness of many types.

I stubbornly wallowed and wasted many months and years, trying to find answers outside of God for the pain. Like a loving Father, He allows us consequences for our disobedience. But He also offers immense relief and comfort. That is why I am so passionate on this topic.

Peter didn’t go around preaching about his former life as a fisherman. Matthew didn’t go on and on about his former life as a tax man. Over and over again, God uses the unusable to reach the unreachable. If you think you’re too far gone for God’s grace, you’re utterly and incredibly wrong.

We are not to embrace what we used to be.

Christians, the pain you feel is real. Your rollercoaster emotions do not make you broken. I’m not saying your story doesn’t matter, it does. But it’s not applicable everywhere. It’s not the focus of your life. It is no longer your identity. We don’t have to repeatedly say “Look what he has done!” while airing our former grievances like a title. Rather, we can simply display Him in who He has made us to be today. Those who we need to share our story with, will hear it. When it’s meant to be spoken.

The Lord made you wonderfully, He knows every hair on your head. You are loved and cherished by the King of the Universe that calls you His. Let that fact alone empower you in your deepest suffering. You are never forgotten, no matter how much the enemy has tried to convince you in your isolation.

We are to forgive to the same degree in which we have been forgiven. In case you weren’t aware, it is infinite and unreachable. Does that mean we should not even try? Hardly! It is by His grace alone that we are equipped, dear friends!

We must be cognizant of Satans designs on us. This acute awareness can offer the clarity we seek. For our battle is not against flesh and blood. There is an enemy that never sleeps, that spends his days prowling and seeking to devour any that will bend him their ear. The doubts, fears, and ungodly thoughts leaking into your mind? Not from God.

We have a responsibility here, friends. We must NOT allow the enemy to seep into our minds. And when he attempts it (which he will, relentlessly), we are to stand firm in the faith. Our salvation is a free gift from God, but it is our obedience to the faith that grows us in our sanctification through the Holy Spirit that works in us.

I challenge you to read these verses over and over. Allow them to sink into your heart. Memorize it. This will change your walk, undoubtedly.

How are we to be obedient when our flesh is fighting against us in every way possible?

• Pray. He is listening. When you don’t know what to say, just “Thank you Jesus” or “Jesus is King” is enough to make the enemy flee.

• Memorize scripture. THIS is the only piece of the armor of God that is meant for offense — the “Sword of the Spirit,” the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17) THIS is how we fight the enemies attacks on the mind. It is as simple as reciting a verse repeatedly.

• Drown your entire home in worship music, constantly. Invite His presence into your home. Rest in His presence. He is with you, covering you and your family, no matter what’s going on in the outside world. Praising the Lord in song lifts the lowly spirit.

• Share your grievances with a trusted friend or mentor, ask them to pray for and with you. Prayer is our weapon! (Matthew 18:20)

Be encouraged! As believers in Christ, the same power that rose Jesus from the grave, lives in us. It is because of His perfect blood shed on the cross, that we can forgive the unforgivable. We can endure pain unimaginable. We can face suffering with a stature of hope, and even joy. Knowing none of it is in vain.

We suffer well, because He did. We accept truth not to wallow or solve our problems, but to rest in the freedom that is Christ. His ways are a mystery and many are not meant to be understood.

We are not called to be part of this world. When we try to live that way, we’ll only get hurt. Every time. Like dogs returning to their vomit, why would we put back on the rags we’ve been delivered from? He has clothed us in His righteousness and calls us His children.

Do our actions reflect the forgiveness we’ve received? Though our minds may wage war against us, it is our constant prayer and obedience to seek His truth that will calm our hearts and show to others our good works in Christ.

Our good works are therefore not part of earning salvation, but rather an outward display of the faith that has been established and growing within our hearts.

May we walk in His light as believers that are loved, encouraged, free, and forgiven. And may all those around us witness our faith without words, not to boast but to point only to the Lord. May we find comfort that the pain inflicted on our hearts both in secret and publicly are known by our Lord, the keeper of justice.

We have no need to explain ourselves repeatedly or share our stories of former iniquities in which we once walked — but rather, only to equip other believers in the truth of the gospel, obedient to the Holy Spirit at work in us. May we point to Him in all things, choosing our words carefully, that He may use them to reach the unreachable.

I am in this with you, doing it imperfectly right alongside you. He is carrying us.

May He be glorified,

Ashley

This post is in regard to our (then) 5 year old and support 3 year old, who often took part in whatever he could alongside us. The 3 year old taught himself to read using Bob Books by the time he turned 4, and is now 5 years old reading Boxcar Children and doing 1st grade material with very little guidance from me. Being diligent with your oldest children definitely rubs off on the others, no matter their complete opposite learning styles/personalities!

We’ve stuck with a few things and changed some others. I’m excited to share what our homeschool looks like this year, (LOADS of book recs coming to you!) and talk about what we used last year (1st grade/Pre K) in a curriculum review post.

This may be especially helpful for those of you with young children that are eager to do “book work,” and have trouble challenging their abilities to an appropriate level. Exceptionally gifted learners can be both a challenge and a gift — honing in their abilities in a way that allows them to flourish can take some fine tuning! Such is the beauty of homeschool — never being bored, developing a lifestyle of learning, pushing our own understanding beyond what we knew to be possible, and continually growing alongside our children.

My background: I’m the oldest of three, a second generation homeschooler, though my personal homeschool experience was just 3 years long (6-8th grade) and vastly different than how we’ve approached home learning. I attended Montessori school from PreK - 4th grade, a public charter school for 5th, graduated in the top 10% of my class from a public high school, earned a 2 year college degree and indefinitely pressed pause on my Bachelors from the University of Florida.
I do believe my wide variety of education types has helped me to hone in exactly how we’d like to teach our children. My husband, a lifelong public school graduate also has his own input and helps make decisions when it comes to curriculum but ultimately trusts me to make the final call. We are very much a team, though much of it falls to my own discretion. This is what works for us!

Do you attend a homeschool co-op?
A conversation for another post entirely — Long story short, we’ve tried many. None have fulfilled or kept us feeling the need to return. We do not feel attending a co-op is a requirement for a successful homeschool experience. More on this topic later.

May He equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
— Hebrews 13:21

Written July 2023, by Ashley Hunt

In general, it is recommended that formal education is not started until closer to six years old. This is also the age most states define some sort of formal schooling taking place. Ultimately, YOU are the expert on your child. You know what they’re ready for, yearning for, or would excel in. And if you don’t, you just try! There is no harm in trying something, stopping, changing course, or completely changing your thinking process. This is called GROWTH.

So far, our children are eager to “do school” from the time they can hold a pencil. We play letter, number, shape identification games from 2 years old onward. Bringing your toddlers in alongside your learning definitely helps incorporate them into the days when they get a bit older.

Your child is not mine, and mine is not yours. Take what you read here with a grain of salt — and pray. Pray the Lord would lead your heart and mind, replacing thoughts of fear, comparison or doubt with the reality of His sovereign faithfulness over your child’s life and education journey. He WILL equip you, and prayer is your greatest weapon against the enemy’s attacks, friend.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
— Ephesians 6:10-13

Most important during these early years — PLAY.
Time spent outside, making discoveries, encouraging their creativity and curiosity, playing games together, having conversations, asking and answering questions, emotional regulation, and learning who they are in Christ and what obedience + discipline means to your family.

I am writing an entire blog post on what “homeschooling preschoolers” looks like for us, and will expand on this topic in the future as I raise up our two younger children that are approaching this season.

In general, we aim for 20-60 minutes of schoolwork per day, 4-5 times per week. We don’t operate on a regular M-F schedule since Ricky is a first responder and works on a shift schedule. Every week looks different for us, so we are fluid and try using time blocks to keep us on track throughout the day.

Without further ado, here are our —

Kindergarten curriculum picks for 2023 - 2024:

I’ve made these binders to keep their work organized and sorted through the year, whatever isn’t already inside a workbook.

Core Subjects — These are subjects we aim to do every school day. We may not use every resource every day, but we aim to spend time in each of these subjects daily.

Bible & Morning Time (core)

A little disclaimer, Ricky and I did NOT grow up with these traditions or structure, especially around learning God’s Word as a family — we started completely from scratch and have figured it out along the way!

• We will continue catechisms and other memory work with the Truth and Grace Memory Book that we started when Liam was around 3.5 years old. It is truly amazing how much they soak in, so quickly! I’ll read a few words at a time as they repeat after me, and we introduce 3 new ones at a time once they memorize the first set. We’re currently in the 30s for memorizing catechisms. Wonderful discussions have stemmed from this memory work.

• We use Phylicia Masonheimer’s Kids Theology Handbook during our morning bible times. I am so grateful for this resource, where Phylicia answers some of children’s most common (and challenging!) questions about God, from multiple points of view, with scripture included. Simple, straightforward answers to guide us parents in the conversation. Many of these were questions I myself struggled with, long after childhood. Knowing we are approaching and equipping our children with these truths now is balm to my soul! This little handbook is a must for every Christian parent, in my opinion.

• We read a chapter from either the Spirit of God or Jesus Storybook Bible after two regular story books before bed every single night. We’ve done this since Liam was 2 years old. I think we’ve been through the entire Jesus Storybook Bible about three/four times now, which has given all of us a lovely base of discussion when we come home from church and talk about characters and stories he was already familiar with. New questions and further discussion has popped up as they’ve gotten older. God’s Word never returns void!

• We use the Ten Commandment Cards from Pip and J Papery on Etsy to teach the ten commandments. Both our boys had them memorized so quickly! I think this was the very first thing we ever memorized as a family together. Just by reading and repeating them every morning together. Ricky and I didn’t know them before this.

• After memorizing Galatians 5:22-23 forwards and backwards together as their bed time verse, (see how we memorize scripture in this IG reel) we got the Tiny Theologians Fruits of the Spirit Conversation Cards to further our learning. We’ve not been diligent about studying these consistently yet, but plan to incorporate this year.

• We’ll use our own (free in the shop) various printables for morning time work — not every single one every day, but usually focusing on one thing at a time every week or so. For example, we’ll work on the days of the week, then months of the year, then phone numbers/address, all spread out over a months time. And repeat or switch up as we see fit. We have fun with it!

• Days of the Week song on Spotify

• Months of the Year song on Spotify

• Books of the Bible song on Spotify

Language Arts (core)

• We are using Good and the Beautiful Level K Language Arts. We worked through about 3/4 of their Kindergarten Prep Set just to try it out over the spring/summer, and Liam loved it. Possibly a bit too simple for him, we’d often go through two lessons or more at a time. But at this early stage I’d rather build his confidence and master these early concepts than have him struggling with more of a challenge.

Reading/Phonics (core)

• We have slowly been taking our time going through Explode the Code Level 1 since January of this year. It was one of the first “real” formal education workbooks we ever purchased, and I’m so glad we did. It definitely challenges him and pushes him in a way that he enjoys. We took a few weeks break from it in the summer, and I’m planning to bring it back when we start in August. He’s grown so much in his mastery of phonics since then. I suspect we’ll end up working on the next, level 2, sometime within the year. (We got the Explode the Code Primer A workbook for our almost 3 year old, just so he could feel “big” with his own workbook, and it’s been a huge hit! He actually does the lessons.)

• Bob Books are an age old (okay not thaaat old) classic beginners reading books that come in many different levels. These are the same readers I grew up practicing on in Montessori school. We’ve already gone through a few of them and Liam bursts with joy whenever he finishes a new one, reading it “all by himself!!” It’s been awesome to see him explode in confidence and capability with just a few of these simple books. I can’t wait to grow our collection!

• We also send weekly letters to friends and family through snail mail! I keep a little basket full of our “mail box supplies” and recently bought an address book for us to keep everyones addresses in, that the boys will be able to use on their own one day. Addressing and decorating envelopes, placing the stamp, drawing pictures and writing little notes have become a fun part of our regular life! Receiving a letter back is always super exciting.

• Reading aloud — On days we’re at home and not running errands, we have “quiet time” usually after lunch time. It is initiated by either Ricky or I reading a chapter book aloud to them while we snuggle in mama and daddy’s bed. I’m 28 weeks pregnant while writing this in July of 2023, so this is just our current rhythm. I’m sure it’ll change as time goes on.
  Reading aloud is a big part of our family’s culture. We started when Liam was 9 months old or younger, and just never stopped. It’s one of our favorite times of the day.

Something that’s always been important to me is not just the fact we are reading regularly, but that the content of WHAT we’re reading is actually wholesome with a purpose.

You may have heard of the term “living books” before, which has many definitions. To me, a living book is one that inspires curiosity, where the reader can find themselves in the story, learning a lesson, growing with the character development, overcoming a moral dilemma or just an educational one that has rich narrative language and illustrations.

Reading to read isn’t the goal. But rather, filling our minds with rich and purposeful literature.

Math (core)

• This year we’ll be using Horizons Level K for math. We bought the first level Masterbooks earlier in the summer, to see how we liked it. But ultimately it didn’t fit his learning style very well. It was very simple and covered basics that he was bored with. The repetitive nature and story line did not keep his attention. On the other hand, Horizons has been a great success and is the perfect amount of technical without being too boring for him. We are excited to have found one that seems to match his skill and interest level! We will purchase the second workbook before the end of the year.

• We frequently talk about math in day to day situations, especially in the kitchen. Even when playing independently with blocks or animal toys, he will bring me a few and say something like “Hey mama, if I have two here, and I add three more, then I’ll have five!” Or if I’m giving him a snack, he’ll say something along the lines of “Hey mama, can you give me three crackers, but break them in half so then I have six?” Then I may further the questioning and switch up the situation to see if he can figure out a different problem. Stuff like that!

Enrichment

We will not do all of these every day, but usually choose one (or two, if requested) and rotate throughout the week. Piano and Spanish have priority.

• Piano lessons — Beginner Piano Book and Beginner Music Theory Book. (BOTH are necessary, if you want to do it yourself!) I took piano lessons from ages 6 - 13 years old. That knowledge has stuck with me, and I have chosen to use the same books with my children that I learned on, so many years ago. They are inexpensive, and truly, even if you don’t have a musical background, are a wonderful way to sit down and spend 5-10 minutes with your child and learn right alongside them! ANYONE can learn an instrument, and I promise, you can do it!

• Spanish — We are using the free app in the Apple store Duo Lingo for some basic guidance on Spanish this year, but I’m mostly doing it myself. My husband can communicate basics in Spanish, so that is helpful for practicing conversations.

• Art — We love following along with the videos on Art for Kids Hub on Youtube! These simple videos have grown Liam’s artistic confidence a ton. We also have a “how-to” drawing book similar to this one that he likes to use on his own. Art has been a daily part of our lives since they were itty bitty — growing our craft supplies and always having things like sketch paper, notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, washable paints, washable markers, watercolors, paint brushes, scissors, construction paper, etc. on hand and at the ready. There are so many simple and fun craft ideas to do with your little ones on Pinterest! Just search “toddler art activity” or something along those lines. The main thing: Focus on having fun rather than doing things '“correctly”

• Geography — Earlier this year I introduced a continent song that I learned in Montessori school, and we’ve printed off and colored their own world maps. We’ve learned about the 5 oceans with this song on Spotify, and found a few educational videos on Youtube. We have a full size vintage globe that I thrifted a while ago, a few United States wooden puzzles and also have maps hung low in their room and the dining room for visual familiarization. We’ve talked about the United States and the thirteen colonies as we’ve added the Fifty Nifty United States song to our car ride listening. And of course the Star Spangled Banner. Printing off and coloring various maps together has also been a fun activity. I’ve introduced a few of these basic things and we talk about them at least once a week, and if they request it. When reading, if a place is mentioned, we’ll find it on the globe or maps together.

• Science — Science is mostly us exploring outside together, spending time in the kitchen and cooking together, learning about different ingredients, having conversations about the trees and animals, and whatever else comes up in daily life. We talk often about our bodies and our microbiome using various life experiences and books like the ones linked there.

• History — History conversations have been sparked by listening to biblical history podcasts like this one, and traveling to historic sites or towns. We haven’t done any formal learning around history yet, but this year I do plan to talk about the Presidents of the US and more about American History in general.

I hope this gave you some helpful ideas and tools. I’d love to hear your feedback. Remember, your homeschool is so much more than just curriculum. If something isn’t working, CHANGE IT.

My heart is for you mothers, that you may be equipped and encouraged with the truth God has given you. May we run to Him before we pour an extra cup of coffee or close the bathroom door for a moment of silence. May we take the time to allow Him to speak to us and listen, as we soak in His Word each day — as vital for our souls as eating breakfast is for our physical bodies.

I am in this with you, doing it imperfectly right alongside you. He is carrying us.

May He be glorified,

Ashley

October 10, 2025.

Introduction

I woke up at 430am this morning and couldn’t sleep. I pulled up my Substack to work on a draft, and realized what better day to finally work on our never-before-shared birth story. Our third baby boy turns two years old today.

It has been two years since I woke up at 4am to my water breaking in my sleep, after 6 full weeks of daily prodromal labor. My first time ever going past 38 weeks, let alone nearly to 41. We’d expected him to come early based on prior experience, but his birth was anything but ordinary. I thought his pregnancy would never end.

We were so ready. Our home was the perfect sanctuary, we dreamed of where he might be born. Our bed? The floor? The shower? The living room? My dear husband had worked SO hard to keep everything clean & ready, daily, for weeks. Not the easiest task with precious two and five year old big brothers underfoot.

Forrest’s pregnancy and birth brought newfound strength and resilience to our marriage. We both look back in awe of how much the Lord has grown us from the people we once were.

God used every second of what should’ve been incredibly stressful, to fill us with His presence, for my husband to tirelessly comfort and lead me in prayer, and for us both to surrender to His plan together.

We sought His heart together through his pregnancy, birth and postpartum time, like we never had before.

I wrote this story in pieces during my fresh postpartum recovery. It was a difficult season in more ways than one. My mind has clouded a lot of it. Most of all, the Lord showed up faithfully. As He always does.

Some details are left out on purpose. I please ask that if you choose to respond, do so with care. I am not looking for advice, the purpose of this story being shared is simply to be known and of encouragement to others.

This experience opened my eyes fully to the fragility of life, the responsibility and vulnerability during birth, and the HUGE disconnect that exists in the holistic, “crunchy” home birth space.

Let’s get real for a second.

There’s a difference between lazy doctors, the cascade of interventions, cesareans being pushed on mothers and the reality of true birth emergencies that result in life saving cesareans.

Once upon a time and not very long ago, it was not rare for healthy and vibrant mothers to lose their lives during child birth. This isn’t fear mongering, it’s a simple truth.

Today we are too quick to place blame on the mother, as if she could’ve avoided a c-section if she’d only been more informed or educated or just said “no” to the big, bad doctor (this situation can very much be true too, but we shouldn’t be judging mothers here).

Birth is not a medical event, but it can quickly become life threatening. Knowing your choices, being educated on birth physiology, and most of all having a knowledgable provider that you trust whole heartedly, can make or break your experience.

If you know a mother that has had an emergency c section — No matter the events leading up to, please, please, withhold unsolicited comments. Hold her story and her emotions with tender and loving care. (We should do this for every single birth story regardless, but you get my drift.)

Not an ounce of “But did you try…?” or “Maybe you should’ve…” or “Sounds like…” will bring her anything of value.

I’ve had a wide array of experiences when it comes to birth. Induced hospital birth, out of hospital birth, a home birth turned emergency c section. Natural, medicated, failed epidural, no epidural, 3rd degree tear, no tearing, posterior baby, asynclitic baby, transverse breech baby… All that to say, I’ve received many opinions on my own experiences.

Safe to say, none of my births have been straight forward. Armed with knowledge, chiro care, body work, stretches, Spinning Babies techniques, you name it.

Nothing can thwart God’s plans for yours or your baby’s life. He alone is in control, and there is a beautiful freedom to be found there.

The unsolicited comments even from other birth “professionals” after sharing a brief version of my own stories — have been incredibly distasteful and disappointing. If I could say one thing, it would be home birth or “natural” birth is not superior to a healthy baby.

Even so, many families are blindly placing their lives in the hands of providers with no business serving mothers and babies. I’m talking about irresponsible midwives that play Russian roulette with their patients lives for the sake of staying “safe” at home.

I’ve witnessed this first hand, as has my husband (firefighter medic). Guys, the hospital is not the bad guy. If your midwife does not have a trusted network of medical professionals or at least a hospital she trusts, BIG red flag. It’s not supposed to be home-birth or bust. This is a foolish, dangerous way of thinking, and truly down-right ignorant. Don’t get me started on intentional “free birth.”

The pride, arrogance, and utter brokenness that we live in is the real enemy of our days. So let’s direct our energy towards being kind, truthful, and holding space for the families that have experienced something they never planned on.

Our bodies were made to birth, yes. But we were not meant for this broken world. If you’ve had a c section or lost a baby, it doesn’t mean your body is broken. There are consequences for the sin that entered into our world. Grief, death, evil, and brokenness exist. However if you’re a believer, this perspective of suffering shifts. We suffer well, we suffer with the hope of Christ. Death in this world only means eternity in paradise.

So yes, while our bodies were originally created for this, that doesn’t mean that birth is a sovereign experience.

If you’d like to read about how what should’ve been a highly traumatic situation became one of the most peace-filled and humbling experiences of a lifetime, keep reading.

written 11/09/2023 — one month postpartum

At exactly 12:30pm on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023, our precious Forrest made himself known to the world. We’d waited the entire pregnancy to find out if we were having another son or our first daughter.

In a whirlwind of events, he quickly entered the world by emergency cesarean section and stole our hearts immediately with his dark, expressive eyebrows. Calm and wide eyed, (and so much bigger than we expected!) cuddling all 9 lb 9 oz of him in our 7th floor hospital recovery room in Dallas, TX felt reminiscent of his oldest brother’s birth just five years prior, in my hometown of Clermont, FL… Except this time without all the “first time parent jitters.” We also had the two sweetest and VERY excited big brothers in tow.

Here is the story of how Forrest Brooks Hunt was born.

Breech pregnancy, big baby, prodromal labor + 40.5 weeks!

I began experiencing prodromal labor starting around 36 weeks. I had not experienced this with my prior pregnancies at all. This was much more intense than typical Braxton hicks. These contractions that were noticeable and sometimes I’d have to focus and breathe through, regularly on and off nearly every day. Sometimes they’d wake me from sleep and continue for hours before tapering off.

Most likely my body trying to move this baby into a better position for birth, since he’d been sitting breech the entire pregnancy, his head wasn’t putting any pressure on my cervix as my two previous head down babies.

This became my norm, as we expected this baby to come somewhere around 38 weeks just like his older brothers did. (Liam was an induction, Blake came spontaneously) My belly was measuring larger than previous too, so we assumed this baby would be ready sooner than later, even with polyhydramnios. (high amount of amniotic fluid)

Ricky took off work earlier than planned, because I was having a difficult time keeping up with the boys on my own for 48 hours at a time (first responder life).

Even just walking to our kitchen and back was enough to send me into a flurry of contractions.

Don’t get me started on trying to get on the ground to change and dress our almost three year old Blakey.

We wanted to do everything we could to keep this baby inside as long as we could. So, Ricky came home as I was 36 weeks and began using his traded shifts and saved up sick time to be home with me and take over dad duties while I was basically a lump in the bed. He is truly the most loving and patient super star husband and dad.

It was a frustrating and stretching time, wanting to participate in the life happening around me, but knowing it was best for me to just stay put, do my stretches and prepare my mind for the marathon ahead.

Daily stretching and relaxing exercises kept my core engaged and relaxed as I prepared for my home birth. I basically only left the house for bi weekly chiro appts. I think I went every 2 days for the last week or two. My midwife, also a trained body worker, worked to keep fascia loose and worked areas of tension so I could be as comfortable as possible. (She is truly an angel!!)

All my energy went to staying mentally ready for the “big moment” to happen any time. I switched back and forth between feeling ready and so exhausted that I’m not sure how I could have the strength to push a baby out of my body. Never fearful, just exhausted.

I spent lots of time in prayer and quiet stillness with the Lord as He quieted any lies from the enemy, and I prayed to be open handedly accepting of whatever He had in store for this baby.

I know this was the Lord preparing my heart for what was to come — I had packed a hospital bag for Ricky and I just in case, as I’d done in the past, and realistically prepared my mind for all possibilities. So many of the prayers written in my pregnancy journal reflect exactly this. I get teary, looking back and reading them now. Boy, did God show up… I’ve got to find them and share. He answered every single one.

Because this baby had been sitting breech since basically the very beginning, we had prepared and talked through a planned breech home birth with our midwife plus an additional breech trained midwife that would also attend, for the sake of safety and attention. We had our plan of action and trusted this baby and my body knew what was going on, even better than we did.

I’d read every resource I could get my hands on and spent lots of time watching and reading about positive breech home birth stories. I was so confident we could do this. I did not feel scared or anxious.

Though I knew this was a controversial topic for some, I kept the fact that my baby was breech to myself, and didn’t share it with very many. I didn’t want any unnecessary fear or anxiety spoken to me from others that may have their own opinions on the matter. I knew breech babies were just a variation of normal. I learned later that every woman in my family had birthed a breech baby at some point, either vaginal or cesarean! My grandmother, my aunt, my mother, and probably more! Genetic pelvis, anyone? (My younger sister gave birth to her first breech baby last year!)

So many dates had come and gone, I was beginning to really feel like I’d be pregnant forever. First September 17th passed, which was Ricky’s guess date. He really wanted them all to have “17th” birthdays (Our oldests are July 17 and October 17, not planned!). Then to our surprise, 38 weeks passed, then 39, then 40…

Ricky baked one of my favorite treats, a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, for celebrating reaching 40 weeks.

Rather than “I can’t believe we’re still pregnant…..”

We turned it into “I can’t believe we’re still pregnant!!!!”

It was super sweet and made me feel so loved and celebrated.

These weeks of waiting really tested our patience but it gave Ricky and I so much time together, where he loved on and cared for me so gently. He kept me feeling so encouraged. I will never forget it.

Spontaneous broken waters, again. 4:17am

On the eve of 40 weeks and 3 days, after the boys were tucked in, we snuggled into bed and had our regular night time scoop of cashew milk caramel ice cream. We’d watched an episode or two of The Office as usual, and then watched a comedian on YouTube. (I forget his name?) We laughed and laughed. I’d heard from a friend that laughing while watching a comedy show had put her into labor, so we were doing alllll the oxytocin boosting things. Ricky’s nightly hand and foot massages were the best. Goosebumps and strong contractions every time.

Later that night, laying still on my side in my sleep, I opened my eyes to the warmth of liquid running up my back. It surprised me for a second and I thought maybe I’d peed the bed? I wasn’t moving, just laying still — until I gained a moment of consciousness to realize that my water had broken! And it was gushing up my back and pooling around my thighs.

I glanced at the clock, 4:17am. I had to shake Ricky awake and tried as calmly as possible to say “My water broke. Baby, my water broke!” I didn’t want to startle him and I wanted the atmosphere to remain calm and as little adrenaline filled as possible. He got up and grabbed some puppy pads from the bin of birth supplies I had organized in our bedroom shelf, and helped me walk to the shower. I felt super tense and tight.

It was A LOT of water. Slightly tinged greenish/yellow. Meconium stained. That made me a little nervous. I wasn’t having contractions yet but knew they would come soon. So I cleaned up in the shower while Ricky lit my candles in the bedroom, texted our midwife pictures of my broken water on the pads, and he cleaned up our bed sheets. (I’d been sleeping with puppy pads underneath our fitted sheets for weeks, to protect our mattress. We did this last pregnancy too and it worked perfectly both times!!)

Read more

"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 - 18

November 11, 2025

Hello again, friends! Ahh, fall is finally upon us here in windy North Texas. This morning when my boys (ages 7, 5 and 2) brought in a collection of various rainbow colored leaves that had been blown all over our yard, I knew today was the day.

I had a few moments this afternoon to collect some of the books from our shelves, snap a few pics to share with you, and sit down to type this message of encouragement to you. I pray it is of use to you somehow. I love to hear from you in the comments!

If you’re new here, I am a bible believing Christian and follower of Jesus and write about things of the heart, motherhood experiences, and practical homeschool content. Please read my “About Me” section if you’d like to know more of my testimony. I have a heart to write for the mothers like me, that love to learn through others’ experiences and perspectives!

First I’ll talk a little about Thanksgiving and how we’ve taught our children more on the topic. At the bottom of this post, I’ve also included a list and photos of some of our favorite cozy fall time picture books that are great this time of year.

The topic of Thanksgiving history in America can be a touchy one, depending on your perspective or the narrative you grew up with. I didn’t always understand this, and young adult Ashley generally shied away from the topic all together. I truly wasn’t very educated on the history myself, and at the time didn’t really care to know.

Well, enter homeschool mom Ashley. Suddenly I have a newfound love of history, especially early American history, including Native Americans (considering my great grandmother was full blooded Crow Indian, along with many others). I’m very much learning all of this stuff right alongside my children.

It feels a bit embarrassing to admit that, but what a gift it is to have a second chance at not just seeing the world through our children’s eyes, but also experiencing the beauty of discovery WITH them! Humility and joy, parents. They go hand in hand.

Anyway, here’s a humbling story that might make you feel better if you haven’t put a lot of effort into learning about the history of Thanksgiving with your kids.

Last year during a group Trail Life meeting in a room with about fifteen other young boys and their parents, the leader asked the boys, “does anyone know why we celebrate Thanksgiving?” and my six year old shot his hand to the sky immediately and proclaimed “I DO,” then very confidently explained the story of The Last Supper. The group leader, though impressed with his explanation, encouraged him and with a little chuckle, “Mmmm not quite.”

Parents. I was mortified. As a mom that takes pride in having brave children that want to speak up and share their knowledge, I felt I had failed my boy. It was all my fault, here he was embarrassing himself in front of all his friends because his mom didn’t make sure he knew what the meaning of Thanksgiving was. He was six and I was being dramatic of course, but I knew we had to ramp it up so this would never happen again. Our children are a reflection of us and I took this experience deeply to the heart. Overreacting? Maybe. (But maybe not)

This is the same child who reads at a 4th grade level, does 3rd grade language arts, has better hand writing than most adults, and is exceptionally gifted in math. If a stranger finds out he’s homeschooled and asks what his favorite subject is, he says “I like space.” Thanks kid.

At this time (November 2024), we owned two picture books about Thanksgiving. We hadn’t read them very many times, and discussion was limited to this point, I didn’t put much effort into explaining much. Two of our boys have October birthdays, so November is usually coming down from the high of summer and then birthday season, so Thanksgiving education was swept by the way side. NOT ANYMORE, BROTHER!

Here’s what our collection looks like this year. Now, I very rarely purchase books brand new. I generally keep a running list in my head of things I’m on the look out for when shopping thrift stores or library sales and pick things up as I find them. I suppose this is why the Thanksgiving portion of our home library was lacking. So, most of these came from Amazon. I put little gold stars next to my personal favorites.

I like having a variety of perspectives and use of language around specific events, so we can broaden our ways of thinking and come to our own conclusions through research and discussion together. As a generally “black and white” thinker & type A personality, this is not my natural approach and was certainly not the perspective I grew up with. It is very much a learning exercise for myself as well, praise God!

Safe to say there’s no more “Last Supper Thanksgivings” for us. We especially love the Squanto’s Journey book, it has a lovely tone about it. I’m much more intentional now about getting out our current seasonal books and placing them in the visible wall shelves around the house. (IKEA spice racks make awesome tiny book shelves!)

I’ve found the boys with these books in hand many times, and they’re always so excited to share with me all they’re learning through their own reading enjoyment. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Creating a lifestyle of a love of learning? I feel so blessed to live this life. Glory be to God. Anyway.

This morning as I was considering this month’s themed nature study I was going to draw on our chalkboard, I remembered the “Three Sisters” method we’d read about in several of our books. It was a method that indigenous peoples used for hundreds of years. They taught this to the pilgrims when they arrived in America and had no clue how to grow their own food here. It is still widely used today.

To dig into the “why” was incredibly amazing, and fills me with admiration and gratitude for the people that learned to work this sacred land before us. It was such fun discussing and talking all about symbiotic relationships in nature with the kids this morning. I opened a few of our Thanksgiving books and underlined a few parts I saw that referenced this gardening method.

Three notes I’ll make about purchasing/researching books to add to your own home libraries:

• Try to find them at the library first. Pre reading is great, and you might find you love it, or not so much. Saved $$ and time!

• If they aren’t available in your library, try to visit your local Books a Million or Barnes and Nobles. Read in store before purchasing.

• If that’s not an option, Amazon is super easy when it comes to returns. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken a chance on a book, ordered it sight unseen and then decided it wasn’t what we wanted and returned it for a full refund!

Next, I’ll share a photo of some of our favorite cozy fall time picture books. Not all of these are specific to fall, but just seem to fit somehow. Again, I put gold stars next to our personal favorites.

I’d love to know some of your family’s favorite Thanksgiving books or cozy fall time reads! Please comment below to share!

I pray something in here serves you in some way. Or at least encouraged you. Please let me know in the comments below what you got out of this post. Your feedback is truly SO helpful. Words of affirmation girly over here. :)

My heart is for you mothers, that you may be equipped and encouraged with the truth God has given you. May we run to Him before we pour an extra cup of coffee or close the bathroom door for a moment of silence. May we take the time to allow Him to speak to us and listen, as we soak in His Word each day — as vital for our souls as eating breakfast is for our physical bodies.

I am in this with you, doing it imperfectly right alongside you. He is carrying us.

May He be glorified,

Ashley

I grew up being told by my mama that Jesus made me and He loves me, so there hasn’t ever really been a time I didn’t believe in Him. Over the years my faith has been galvanized through suffering and hardship both dealt by my own hand and the world.

Rewind nearly two decades ago, (that can’t be right?) as many teens and young adults do without proper guidance or discipleship, I began straying from the narrow path once hormones kicked in.

“Jesus loves me.”

“Jesus gets it.”

“Jesus knows my heart, they don’t.”

We hear these sentinements abundantly in modern country music, which also often center around topics like drinking, young love, partying and romance. (Not ironically, my favorite music genre as a teen).

While these three statements are absolutely true, they’re often spewed out like frivolous cover-ups to our own pride, arrogance, and ultimately, sin.

Is His grace a license to sin?

What does the Bible mean when we say “flesh?” It used to kind of gross me out when I read the Bible on my own when I was young. Flesh, like skin, bones and muscle? Ew. Immediately distracted my immature mind.

The Greek word for flesh is “sarx” which refers to the sinful nature of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to God.

If we are humans born in a state of sin, our own flesh works against us all the days of our lives. It is not us that seek Him or do any good ourselves, only the Holy Spirit that works within us (as believers).

Okay, here’s another to consider. I’m going to break this one down a bit more. Stay with me.

Denying ourselves is understanding the reality of what Christ has already done for us, and intentionally laying down personal dreams and goals as our primary focus and instead seeking His will for our lives. In both the little and the big things. Our journey of being sanctified in the Lord begins the day we surrender our lives to Him, this is going to look differently for everyone.

The Greek verb for “deny” (aparneomai) carries the sense of “disowning” or “renouncing” a person. To “deny himself” doesn’t mean erasing our personality, it essentially means a life centered around Christ. Do we trust Him as our creator and heavenly Father to carry out what He has planned for us?

“Take up his cross” was a visual image given of an accused person being forced to carry their wooden cross to their own execution, often after being beaten, spit on, and who knows what else. This is a small part of what Jesus already did for us. It represents a willingness to endure hardship, suffering and even death, for Christ.

This should humble us and offer perspective on the life we want to live, versus how we’re actually living. Are we willing to carry our own cross for Christ? Are we willing to walk away from what is comfortable, familiar, or even beneficial to us, to seek His heart and obey? Are we actually aware of the physical, emotional and psychological suffering Jesus endured on our behalf, while we were still enemies?

Let me ask you the same thing our pastor said recently. I’m paraphrasing here.
When was the last time you willingly endured suffering of any type for an enemy? Let alone prayed for them with your dying breaths? Another thought to pray on.

“Follow me” is such an understated command from our Lord Jesus. It sums it all up perfectly. Following Him doesn’t mean a life of happiness, comfort or riches in the name of being “blessed.” A life lived following Jesus is promised to be difficult. Not without hardship. Expect to endure suffering of all types. The encouragement? He who loses his life for Christ’s sake will FIND it.

Following Jesus means not following the world, our flesh or personal desires. When we intentionally say “no” to those things and instead “yes” to what God has for us, whatever that may look like, we can expect to receive push back. In fact, if you’re liked by everyone that knows you and never had confrontation or accusations against you, you probably should look a bit closer at who you’re really following.

But as we walk with Him, it is the Holy Spirit sanctifying our hearts and slowly bringing us closer, to break our hearts for what breaks His. Things of the former life will begin to disgust you, your past sin will tempt you to feel shame, the eyes of your heart will be opened more and more to His tenderness, you’ll feel increasingly out of place in a world where we are sojourners. Winning souls for Jesus becomes your focus, rather than winning arguments.

To “put off” our old self and “put on” our new self is a command I learned well during counseling in one of the hardest seasons of my life. My biblical counselor encouraged me through great suffering that I had to constantly take my thoughts captive to Him, and “put on” my new self.

Like getting dressed each morning and eating breakfast, filling our mind with His Word, memorizing scripture and praying to Him is just as vital for our mind as food is for our body. Without it, we’ll wallow in self pity, doubt, and will become faint in the spiritual battle for our souls. Satan can’t steal our salvation but he sure can use us as puppets for our own destruction.

Speaking memorized scripture out loud, a prayer from my husband, or simply speaking the name of Jesus are the ONLY things that can immediately calm down my own thoughts of destruction. I’ve suffered many years with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and what some would call OCD. Dark, demonic thoughts that usually strike me at night, ones I used to run from with mind numbing substance abuse. Now, I fight back with the only weapon that truly holds any strength at all.

Friends, when we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him, we no longer have to fear our flesh or anyone else’s. Nobody can take away what God has done for you. Our battle becomes a spiritual one — war wages within our soul because we live in a broken world so desperately in need of healing. In need of Jesus.

I pray you believe that and rest in that today. God bless you. Thanks for reading.

Ash

Happy 28th birthday to my little brother in heaven. He took his own life at 18 years old, almost 10 years ago. He believed in and loved Jesus very much as a young boy — singing “Joy, joy, joy, down in my heart” at the top of his lungs, praying the sweetest prayers out loud, crying for those that suffered injustice, giving away his most precious toys to kids at school that had none, and spending hours reading the same Children’s Bible my own boys read today. He had a servant’s heart for Jesus. And he was persecuted relentlessly by bullies at school. Attack after attack, the evil that even children can emit is truly astounding.

My brother got lost and isolated along the way. As was I, at the time of his death. But we had grown up as best friends. My own life and self interests had distracted me from the people I loved most. Losing him saved my life. Afterward, for a short time, I ran far away from the “Jesus” I thought I knew. But He called me back to Him in only the way that He can. Then I got married and became a mother to a little boy of my own. And again. And again. We’re expecting a fourth baby next year, gender unknown. My parents that lost their only son, now have five precious grandsons between my sister and I, in addition to the sixth mystery baby.

Though my brother’s life could never be replaced, God has redeemed in ten fold what the enemy tried to steal from our family. On a path of self righteousness, destruction, and likely more lives lost, it took losing Will to open the eyes of once hardened hearts. I don’t doubt I’ll see my brother again in eternity. And it’s only because of Jesus. How could we not live for Him, when He’s given everything for us?

Today I’ll be making Will’s favorite, an upside down pineapple cake. We’ll continue to talk about him and speak his name as if he never left. His life still very much celebrated and memories held dear to our hearts. My boys will always know the blessing that Uncle Will was to those around him.

To those suffering or grieving someone gone too soon, my heart is with you. But most of all, He is there. Holding you close and offering you a peace that only He can give. Rest in that.

I, alongside my husband and our three boys ages 7, 5 and 2 sitting inside a loud, crowded Chick-Fil-A sharing lunch together before heading to play mini golf to celebrate our middle son’s 5th birthday.

An older gentleman on his way out the door passed by our table, leaned toward my husband and with what looked like tears in his smiling eyes and with a hand over his heart, shared this sentiment as he again glanced around to each of our boy’s chewing, crumb-filled faces before quickly leaving.

After he walked away, Ricky and I quickly looked at each other with tender smiles. The kind of smile when you hear or see something that really pulls your heart. I said “Oh my goodness, that makes me want to cry!” (My husband’s eyes get twinkly when he has a moment of emotion or when expressing something dear to him.) With his twinkly blue eyes, he looked away and chuckled, lovingly patting our oldest boy on the back. We finished our meal with an extra dose of gratitude.

To be as humbly truthful as possible, this type of kind comment, especially from the older generation is not uncommon for us to receive. Actually it happens nearly every time we’re out shopping or eating together as a family. Usually it’s along the lines of “You guys are doing a great job” or “You have a nice looking family there, dad!” or “What good boys you guys have there.”

I share that not to brag but to say that we have experience receiving all sorts of kind words, smiles and gestures from strangers when it comes to having our young family out in public. Each one leaves the same feeling of unspoken gratitude for the gifts God has bestowed on us in our children, and the work we’ve put into raising polite human beings. Don’t get me wrong parents, we all have our moments. It’s our response to their misbehavior that speaks volumes.

That said, this gentleman phrased his comment differently than most we’ve heard.

He shared his heartfelt words with a deep reflection and emotion that instantly made me picture what his young family may have looked like, where they are now — and what ours will look like in a few decades. The heart breaking yet beautiful transition of being empty nesters and hopefully one day into grandparents.

It wasn’t simply an encouragement directed at or about us, it was spoken with a heartfelt longing for the “good old days” of his past, in which he apparently had received a tiny glimpse. What an honor.

I was reading in 2 Thessalonians earlier this week, and Paul encourages us to our calling by which we were made through the grace of our Lord Jesus. This scripture immediately came to mind as I began typing this post to share with you all.

It can be so easy for us to walk through life with our heads down, keeping to ourselves, obsessed with our own little worlds and checking the boxes of what we think living like a Christian looks like. Is this truly living by the Spirit?

The spontaneous comments of encouragement we’ve received from strangers over the years has truly been balm to our tired hearts, my husband and I. These strangers have no idea the sacrifices we’ve made to get where we are today. They have no idea that we started over from scratch four years ago, moving to a new state with no job and no income. They have no idea that for a time in our lives, we had very little outside support or encouragement. They have no idea the chains we’ve broken to get where we are today. All in the name of the Lord.

Sometimes, kind words from a stranger are more powerful than we could ever expect. As believers, that’s the kind of love we too should be spreading.

Often time because of these strangers’ bold encouragement, I too feel motivated and more likely to offer the same when I notice something worthy of praise. Like a “pay it forward” mentality in a drive through line where each car is paying for the one behind it. But someone has to start it.

Though speaking to a random stranger doesn’t come very naturally to me, smiling and offering a word, received or not, always leaves a rush of adrenaline and gratitude in my heart.

Paul encourages us to stand firm (1 Corinthians 15) in our faith, and it is only because God first loved us and gave us an eternal comfort, that we are to also pour out to others. He is the one that comforts and establishes us in our good work. It is because of Him and through Him that we can do things that scare us.

We were saved BY Him, FOR Him, to glorify Him in all we aim to do.

This is the same power we can walk in when we also live in a world among strangers. When you find yourself in a moment where God brings a memory to your heart or you just notice something about someone nearby — use your voice to speak life.

You never know how that family will hold your words in their heart, a reminder especially on the hard days, for a lifetime to come.

May He be glorified,

Ashley

October 14, 2025

Hello, internet friends. It has been quite a while since I’ve written. You’ve all been on my mind these last few weeks, as I have about 30 saved drafts in the works right now. My aim is for one published article a week, but I’ll be realistic and say probably two a month. As always, I want my writing to be useful and insightful, inspired by the Holy Spirit to serve you well.

If you’re new here, I am a bible believing Christian and follower of Jesus and write about things of the heart, motherhood experiences, and practical homeschool content. Please read my “About Me” section if you’d like to know more of my testimony.

Anyway, I’m writing this one to you real time this week for two reasons:

The draft I have saved on this topic from this time last year (with a first grader, pre-k and one year old) is drastically different than what it looks like now. I’m still going to polish that one and share more about that season of life because I do think it would be helpful, but this perspective is fresh and current.

Number two, I’d love to remember as much as I can about the details of these days in the future. I do daily journaling, but my carpal tunnel prone hands can type about three times as much as we could ever hand write — so, this is also just kind of a time capsule for myself. I may even print it and stick it into our family journal.

…Wait, there’s a third reason. I absolutely love reading and learning from other mothers about how they structure their days. And I don’t mean “survival tips” or “here’s another glass of wine” kind of advice. I mean the kind where we practically explain how we do what works, and hopefully glean just one small tidbit to inspire something within our own families.

As a mother that started from scratch when it came to homeschool structure or even just basic life structure (aka not living on a whim), 90% of what I’ve learned about running a functioning home has come from books, podcasts, and online resources. Majority of them more seasoned mothers generous with their wisdom from decades prior, or other moms like myself that are doing exactly this, sharing what their goals and ideal days are and how they hope to accomplish them.

Please note: Always observe the fruit of those you’re learning from. Some of the things I take notice of first from those I’m listening to are: worldly versus biblical perspective, attitude toward children, devotion to the gospel, parenting style, relationships with adult children/parents, to name a few. Of course no family is perfect, but if I’m spending time learning from someone, I want it to be worth my while! We all have something to teach/learn. Take it with a grain of salt and always, always, bring it to the Lord in prayer.

Each family, home, parent, marriage, and child(ren) are made to function beautifully unique from one another. No dynamic is the same, so please never expect anyone’s homemaking equation to yield the same results in your own home.

However, when we use the wisdom given to us through the Holy Spirit to witness others’ success, we can bring our own version into our family’s lives and continually accommodate to match our changing seasons.

DISCLAIMER: Do all of our days go this way? Of course not. This specific routine is actually still somewhat new to us and I expect it to change again by the New Year. But when it works, it works. That’s why I’m sharing it with you today.

Morning Time

5-6am — I aim to wake up about an hour before the boys. This has always been a struggle for me as a lifetime sufferer of insomnia, even more so during pregnancy. A warm epsom salt bath, magnesium, 5HTP, Valerian root, and a book before bed have proven to be the most helpful combo for going to sleep and staying asleep. Again, this is still something I’m always working on. Some days are better than others.

Lately NOT been happening, but when I do… Boy, those days go so much smoother. Have grace with yourselves mothers, sometimes sleep takes priority.

Right away I make my bed & get dressed while practicing my current memory verse which is a sticky note taped on my wall. (Philippians 4:8 right now)

I’d LOVE to be able to fit in a 20 minute treadmill walk in the mornings, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’ll sometimes do this after school during their play time, and we often do family walks/bike rides in the evening.

I sit down with my Bible + a 20g protein yogurt smoothie, One Line a Day Journal, prayer journal and book. Right now it’s Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund (I read this one annually!). Usually on my screened back porch, enjoying the sunrise and songbirds in the last quiet moment of the morning before the little pitter patter of feet meet me in the kitchen.

I have used this planner for three years now and LOVE it. I think homeschool planning definitely deserves it’s own post, so I’ll leave this here for now. I will say that it works best if I plan our days one at a time, using our previous week for reference.

7-9am — The boys have a cheese stick snack if breakfast isn’t ready by the time they’re up, sometimes they'll make waffles, muffins or toast themselves. This morning I made them French Toast for the first time ever and it was a hit!

While the boys eat breakfast, we do our Bible time and I read a few “for fun” picture books or our current chapter book read aloud, along with our poem of the day. Usually from Christian Mother Goose Rhymes or A Child’s Garden of Verses.

Our Bible time is different every day. I’ll make another post on this sometime. Mostly, it involves me opening our family Bible, circling or highlighting the scripture that goes along with what we’re discussing and the boys do the same as they follow along in their own Bibles. Discussion and prayer follows. I wrote this post last year if you’re looking for a starting point with littles. Our routine looks different now but I stand by these resources listed!

Sometimes during their breakfast time I’ll play one of our song playlists. We have folk songs, hymns and memorization songs we go through weekly, often times in the car when driving back and forth from jiu jitsu or guitar lessons. (Playing something for them to listen to while they eat can help them to focus on eating rather than being silly)

After Bible, we clean up breakfast together and the boys do their “morning posters” which is a little list of their morning responsibilities with checkmarks & magnets that I made to help give them independence rather than relying on me telling them what to do each day. Things like make bed, brush teeth, animal waters, collect eggs, unload dishwasher, etc.

During this time I’ll make my coffee, clean up the kitchen and get our books together for the day. I also use our bluetooth speaker to play quiet instrumental hymns throughout the school work day. Occasionally switching to a jammin out type song if we need to get some wiggles out or lift the mood.

School Day, Core Subjects

Once our morning responsibilities are done which takes anywhere from 15-30 min, we begin our school day around 9am. Lately we’ve been doing school sitting out on our porch, it’s so peaceful with the morning sunlight peering through and birds on the feeders

I made each of them these laminated checklists that they can keep track of their day with. This is not everything we do each day, but it contains the core things I KNOW we will get done that day regardless of our other scheduled readings or subjects. Basically this is our bare minimum.

I also keep my written planner for myself with more details of our day written inside. This helps me a TON, to not have clutter in my mind.

I’ve been alternating the boys’ core subjects and that seems to work really well for us. Rather than both of them trying to talk math or grammar at the same time.

I set up my Kindergartener with Beast Academy Online on the laptop next to me, and he works quietly on that by himself while I do Language Arts with my 7 year old.

I’ll have another post soon on our curriculum picks for this year.

Whoever finishes first gets a “brain break” to play or read something quietly while the other one finishes. Brain breaks aren’t longer than 5-10 min, so we don’t lose the day. If my oldest takes longer to finish his LA, then my Kinder student will begin working on his reading/phonics.

Usually though, they both finish closely to each other and we switch. My oldest does his math lesson online, while I do a reading lesson and language arts with my younger guy. My oldest likes to wear headphones while he does his math, to help him focus and drown out our voices.

All the while, our 2 year old (24 months) is usually playing at our feet with monster trucks or climbing in and out of my lap.

He generally stays well occupied, but occasionally will use mom’s moment of distraction to get into something like soap, or toothpaste, or lotion, or you know, the toilet water. Thankfully those moments of chaotic choices are happening way less. Thank God. Seriously.

Once our core subjects are out of the way (Bible, math, reading, LA), I break up the day with our readings. Usually 2-3 books and I alternate geography, history and science each day, leaning more heavily on the history right now.

We have quite a library of second hand books, (over 1200) it’s been my priority to collect quality books from many perspectives on many events in history. Introducing them to topics like the Boston Tea Party, Civil Rights, the American Revolution, the Civil War, etc. when they are young is important to me since this has always been an area I’ve severely lacked knowledge in. This is a conversation for another day. :)

We sometimes listen to a relevant podcast or audiobook story, and I have them narrate after each reading or listening. Narration is something I learned about through Ambleside Online last year. Right now it’s mostly verbal, but once a week I have them draw it out in their story journals and help them write something to go along with it.

After Lunch

If we didn’t get to our readings before lunch time then I’ll sit and do them while they eat, or set them up with a podcast. Otherwise they have a brain break (mom included) and we enjoy a quiet moment or a picnic outside. I usually let them play for a few minutes outdoors while I gather whatever materials we need next, or scarf down my own food.

We alternate mail Monday, composer study, artist study and nature study days. This is what I consider our “riches” and I switch these up depending on what I feel like that day, except mail Monday. Writing a letter to a friend counts as copy work, so I don’t have them do much handwriting in our school work on this day.

I try to space out our artist study and nature study because both are heavy on art. While I particularly love drawing/painting, I don’t want to burn them out on the same thing over and over each day.

The composer study is a great break up to our week. I’d like to get more books on composers, but we usually check out a library book and/or watch a Youtube biography about whoever we’re learning about that day. Through the weeks we listen to their music on a playlist and I find orchestra videos on Youtube to put on our TV, which they love to sit and admire. We only study 3 composers per year, taking our time to familiarize ourselves with their music and learning what we can about their lives.

I’ll talk more about how we do each of these things in our curriculum picks post coming soon.

Wrapping it Up

We finish our school day about 12:30-1pm. Then it’s silent reading time while the youngest takes a nap. When I’m pregnant, napping is also almost always part of my day. So the two big boys and I will cozy up in my room with our books for a little resting time.

My 5 year old lays next to me and usually ends up falling asleep, while my oldest reads in the corner chair. He’ll go outside in the backyard for some quiet alone time after reading. He also practices his guitar before we have free play time after naps. I’ve been doing some piano lessons with our 5 year old midday as well.

The Rest of the Day

We’ll undoubtedly read more books together later in the day, sometimes another podcast if requested, or watch something from one of our favorite Youtube channels. I may get out some of our craft stuff for them to experiment with themselves, or we play board games.

I use the rest of the day to catch up on my own chores — laundry, tidying, animal care, answering calls/texts, writing letters, and last but not least painting that week’s platter orders. (Did yall know I have an Etsy shop and sell custom painted plates and platters?)

I allow them to have their freedom right after school work and rest time because truly nothing is more important in childhood than unhindered, independent play. (safely!)

Our boys spend hours outside in our backyard climbing trees, digging in the dirt, making mud pits, smashing rocks and goodness knows what else. Pretty sure our neighbors think they’re feral. They kinda are. We like them that way.

Sometimes I like to surprise them by switching it up, and letting them play for a little longer outside in the morning before we get started with school. Or we bake something yummy together. Or do a random Pinterest science experiment. Or have a random board game tournament. Or just read our favorite books all day.

That is the joy of homeschooling, and the little years. Just being with each other. Learning and living life alongside each other.

Faith of a Mustard Seed

Building habits and routines can be challenging. I’m still learning new things every day in this area. Some days go super smooth, some are so hard you’re questioning all of your life decisions. But each day is fleeting, and each morning is a new gift.

Having GRACE with ourselves and our children is key to enjoying our days. Children are unpredictable, life is unpredictable. But He who gives life, sustains us. He strengthens us when we are weak, and He gives patience when we have none. He is the ultimate comforter and we can rest in His heart. He holds our children and our hands as we guide them toward our Savior and His truths.

Of course this entire rhythm is subject to change when we’re sick or have lessons or errands to run — this is just a zoomed in perspective of what I’d love all of our school days to look like. We miss the target more often than not but also that’s how we find new ways of doing things!

I am encouraged by more experienced homeschooling mothers that share their wisdom with hope. Many of them have shared how they rely on the Lord to faithfully show up for whatever they need that day, and how there’s no true benefit to worrying what life will be a year from now. Chances are, we have no clue anyway. There’s wisdom in living in the right NOW. Trusting Him for our tomorrows, and obediently stewarding what He’s gifted us with in this moment. So, that’s all I’m trying to do here.

I pray something in here serves you in some way. Or at least encouraged you. Please let me know in the comments below what you got out of this post. Your feedback is truly SO helpful. (Words of affirmation girly over here)

My heart is for you mothers, that you may be equipped and encouraged with the truth God has given you. May we run to Him before we pour an extra cup of coffee or close the bathroom door for a moment of silence. May we take the time to allow Him to speak to us and listen, as we soak in His Word each day — as vital for our souls as eating breakfast is for our physical bodies.

I am in this with you, doing it imperfectly right alongside you. He is carrying us.

May He be glorified,

Ashley

How many times now have I subconsciously placed blame on myself for not having it all together? Or figuring out how to get one piece of life running smoothly, so I turn my attention to another spinning plate, only to drop the other. And repeat. It all came down to me and my shortcomings. I just need to try harder and balance better. Right?

How often are we working from our own strength, blaming ourselves when things go wrong? Because well, who else could it be? Mother, wife, home-keeper, maker of meals, planner of school, changer of diapers, emotional safe place. If she’s not responsible for the house being messy, laundry being undone, or children bickering, then who?

Well, of course there is a level of responsibility (and always room for improvement and learning!). But there is a difference in shaming ourselves into acceptance of our shortcomings, versus being aware of our strengths and weakness and relying on the power of Christ amidst the trials and triumphs. (Notice we should praise on the mountain and in the valley, but often times, we only do one or the other.) Humbly changing tactics when things aren’t working and prayerfully seeking His heart is often the answer to my own stagnant suffering.

Friends, we can work endlessly to do the hard work of breaking chains. It can feel exhausting and discouraging at times. But I’ve come to find, this work will simply never be done. It’ll never be complete this side of heaven. Rather, the fruit of our daily efforts will prayerfully be reaped in our children’s and grand children’s lives. We likely won’t get to see the true results of our blood, sweat and tears — doing our best to raise a new family from scratch in Christ.

But we do it because of what He already did. Obedience follows trust. A laying down of will. Seeking His heart above all else.

It would be easy to have a clean home with no children in it. But that defeats the point, now doesn’t it? I recently heard something like this on a podcast — If we were to achieve everything we set out to do, yet lose just one of our children, all of it would be dust in comparison.

We can easily lose focus in the moment, don’t we?

Man, is He kind. He is SO kind in His never ending patience. We are fooling ourselves every day if we think we can do anything at all apart from Him. The second we place our to-do list over quiet time in the Word and in prayer with Him, we’ve failed. We will undoubtedly spiral. White knuckling our way through life isn’t good for our own spirits (or the little ones we’re raising up for that matter). Preaching to the choir here.

I do believe most of us have been here. New moms, please don’t be fearful of the future. It is hard. It will be hard. You will have moments of weakness, even darkness. But my goodness if the Lord isn’t over abundant in His mercy towards us. I promise, the trying times are just that. Trying on our tired bodies and minds, but so temporary. I’m just now beginning to see the light, and I have three boys, six and under.

His gentle goodness is so vivid in our lives when we take the time to look. In the eyes of our babies, the warm breeze, the flowers in the garden, the joy felt with a familiar friend. He is everywhere, all the time. And He knows your heart.

When you feel fragile, remember His love for you is not.

May He be glorified in your efforts, dear tired mama. Nothing done for Him is ever wasted.

Wiser, more experienced moms… Maybe you’re nodding along with me. Maybe you’ve been there more times than you count, or maybe those days are a distant memory and now by His grace you’ve managed to truly find a groove of walking with Him in a way that is sustainable, regardless of what life throws. That’s what I aim for — To be so connected to Christ that He is the constant tether. Unbreakable. Knowing and trusting in my heart that when I am weak, He is strong. We can believe Him and rest in that. What a glorious freedom. Only through the King of Kings.

I am personally plagued by my own mind. Whether I don’t take my supplements each day, (which at this point are like medication for my mental health) spend adequate time in honest prayer with Him, watch one too many shows at bed time, or just distract myself from what’s going on in my heart… I have self sabotaging tendencies that can quickly derail the plans He has for me. Or at least it feels that way in the moment. Pride is a deceitful thing, friends. And we all have it. It’s at the root of so many of our deeper heart issues.

Don’t get me wrong, the enemy is real and he prowls like a lion, waiting to devour anyone that strays. I do not discount the reality of demonic forces in this existence. But also - God graciously allows us to feel the consequences of our own actions as well. Because if He didn’t, what kind of parent would that be? We run to Him for safety because He is trustworthy. Not because He is a pushover that says “don’t worry, it’s okay, I forgive you” after you’ve unashamedly sinned again and again with no correction.

We are but toddlers, wanting and wishing for our own way and then pouting when we don’t get it. We want to act innocent in the matter, but that’s not always the case. Life is plenty hard enough by itself, we live in a broken world after all. But that doesn’t mean we should wallow in the suffering.

Nope, He calls us to holiness, dear friends. He calls us up and out of our fleshly state. We are righteous and precious in His sight, new creations. Why do we continue to put on the rags that he removed? (Or like our pastor often says — “Like a dog returning to it’s own vomit.” Great visual I know. Thanks for that Garner!) Jesus offers a way out of the torture that plagues our fleshly minds. We don’t have to have it all together, and we never will. Only because He is enough, we can do whatever He calls us to.

Does that mean we have a license to sin, or no reason to try at all?

The opposite. We work as unto the Lord because He loves us. Because of His overwhelming grace in our lives. It’s the least we could do but to love and obey Him.

A contrite heart. Repentant of our unbelief and pride. Honest about our heart posture. Taking our thoughts captive as He reveals who He is, not whatever our feelings say that day.

May we have the faith of children. May we find hope and heart healing in His presence alone, as He is the one that fills our cup daily, when we have nothing left to give.

The truth is, we may never have physical healing or answers to devastation in this world on this side of heaven. But we serve an almighty God that still works miracles. He has the power to change hearts, including our own. Nothing is impossible with Him, and all He asks is the faith of a mustard seed.

Jesus Christ didn’t die so we could throw pity parties for ourselves. His perfect blood poured out for you, so that your healing waters could flow as you lean into the Father that created you and holds your life in His hands. Because of Him, you woke up today. Do you believe that?

What a blessing it is.

We will suffer hardships, fellow Christians. But we can do so with a posture of righteousness.

Can I share something personal with you? Right now, I am selfishly praying for sleep. I’ve suffered vivid and grotesque nightmares of all sorts for weeks on weeks now. No medication, not induced by anything of my doing. It seems like a cruel joke, to finally have all three of my young boys sleeping in their own rooms after nearly 7 years of cosleeping — and now, my mind attacks me at my most vulnerable. Sometimes gory, truly demonic images. Things I’ve never seen or done in my life. Have any of you ever experienced this? I am praying to be delivered from this and find rest in sleep. It’s affecting every area of my life at this point. I have an appointment this week. Pray for me, will you? Thank you.

Love to you all. I am so thankful and excited for the things God is doing — I hope you are too. Be well.

With love,

Ashley

As an introvert and deep thinker (otherwise classified as a chronic over-thinker, but ya know, tomato tomahto), I am naturally more prone to a depressive state of mind with anxious undertones. As a child, my relaxed, excited, mad and happy face all looked about the same.

Now, as an adult I’ve learned that expression is a huge part of communication and unless I want everyone around me asking “are you okay? You look upset” a thousand times over in a single conversation, I instead raise my eyebrows and focus on smiling or making some other appropriate physical response to whatever the tone of the conversation is.

It’s a lot of mental work, honestly. Which is another reason I much prefer deep conversation with people who take time to understand that my facial expression often does not equal my current emotion, rather than a lightweight chit chat with an acquaintance that may assume my own feelings or judgements simply because I forgot to “smile with my eyes” during our brief interaction. Not everyone communicates the same way! To me that is beautiful.

Do you know what I mean? I know some of you do.

One of my sons is so much like me in this way. His brutally honest little self, direct tone with his serious yet joyful face all in one… Makes my heart burst.

I’m getting off track here.

What I came to talk with you about today is how to curate wonder in yours and your children’s lives. It is this habit of finding the wonder in our every day that helps to keep my depressive moods a bit… Lighter.

Our Thoughts are Not His Thoughts

It takes discipline, to turn to Christ rather than our feelings. To stop our own minds in their tracks, take our thoughts obedient to Christ, and instead pick up our cross and carry it. We can rest knowing Jesus has already won the battle and this isn’t one we have to fight alone. And we refocus.

This is something I have to do many, many times a day, some more than others. It’s an everyday exercise that happens privately and exclusively within our heart. A silent, on going conversation with the God of the universe, who’s Spirit dwells in us.

Alert: Being prone to anxiety or depression or any other mental health issue does not define your level of faith or belief — don’t trust the lies or shame that come with that blasphemy. Shut that down immediately. Your Father knew what He was doing when He fearfully and wonderfully made you in His image. This world doesn’t get to define that. Getting closer to Him leads to a natural sanctification and many of us will not receive healing until heaven. Keep working for His glory, your life is not your own!

Do I do this right all the time? Absolutely not. Honestly, I fail more than I’d like to admit. I lose my temper, I have internal panic attacks, I have intrusive thoughts and a racing pulse that sometimes feels out of control. But like strengthening a muscle, we keep going back to Him. We don’t let our failures define us but rather, He who already has. We are righteous in His sight and He is the one in charge of our lives. Do we live like we actually believe it?

If we allow ourselves to be out of control and leading life with our emotions… Then, the atmosphere of our house will also be out of control.

Honest Responsibility

As mothers, we have the humbling and powerful privilege of setting the tone within our homes. Our children feel when we are upset. Their world crumbles internally when we are having adult temper tantrums, even if we think they can’t or don’t see it.

So what can we do in those moments after we’ve finally laid it at His feet and prayed? Well firstly, we can apologize directly to our family as well if we’ve acted or said anything that may have been hurtful or unnecessary. Pray for and with your children and involve them in memorizing applicable scripture.

Let them see you have a repentant heart.

Let them hear your words of apology and prayers to the Lord, releasing any shame and accepting the gift given to you by Christ.

These hard moments can be turned from our “failures” into fruitful moments of discipleship as a family, if we’re willing to lay down our pride. My heart yearns for more of this, you too?

We must be able to be honest with ourselves. And in turn, with those around us. This may be harder for some to grasp and act out. But may we not just DO the right things, but actually act them out with an authentic heart. May we not be like the Pharisees that followed the rules yet inwardly were wasting away.

Children can smell a hypocrite a mile away. This is equally encouraging and terrifying. None of us actually want our children to realize the sinful and broken people we really are deep inside — but it’s imperative that they come to see us as regular and sinful humans just like themselves.

^^^ And if they don’t — one day they’ll grow up to find they can never measure up to unrealistic expectations that literally don’t exist, and you, parent, will be nothing but a falsehood and hypocrite for everything they thought they ever knew, then they’ll be left to pick up the pieces of a life riddled with shame and insecurity they could never undo on their own.

Harsh? No. This is a responsibility of parenthood.

Be appropriately honest and vulnerable with your children. Lead them and love them, but don’t forsake them to a lie built on your own pride. Christ is the only answer to what our hearts desperately long for.

After an honest and genuine yet brief conversation, find the wonder together. Connect while wondering at God’s marvelousness. Applicable for any age, adjust as needed. My oldest is nearly 7 years old, so bear with me.

Wonder at the Regular

Look outside, notice the leaves in the breeze. Verbalize to your children how thankful you are to live in a place that has such beautiful trees or nature. What kind of tree is it? How old do you think it is? Who planted it here, or did the seed naturally sprout? Does it lose its leaves in the winter? What would you name this tree? Are there birds that enjoy resting on its branches? What kinds? Do they migrate here or stay year round? What about bugs that live in this tree? Maybe snakes or lizards? How many animals do you think have made this tree their home since its been here? 20? 50? 400? Imagine if you could build a treehouse at the top and live in it. What would you name your treehouse?

This is just one example of the thought process on a simple subject like a tree. I could go on and on. This can feel overwhelming if you aren’t used to allowing your mind to explore a simple idea verbally with your children. I encourage you to open that door, their input can be surprising, funny, and so memorable. (write things down, parents!) You’ll find them begin to naturally have more thought-provoking ideas, the more you take time to slow down and wonder about things together.

If that feels like a lot, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Do whatever feels natural. But verbalize it. Awkwardly or not, together.

Smiling

I started another impactful habit a few years ago that I believe I’d read in a Sally Clarkson book — smiling at your children and making eye contact with them first thing in the morning, and sharing something like “It makes me so happy to wake up to you” or “Good morning, I’m happy to see you! How did you sleep?” Said with a warm smile and maybe a hug.

So often, us moms, especially with babies and toddlers, can either be distracted or exhausted after a long night of night wakings. We aren’t exactly a spot of sunshine in the mornings. (hello, me) But this simple habit of being more aware of what my face looks like to my children, especially when they first wake up, sets their own tone and confidence for the day.

“Mom really is happy to see me” is such a powerful statement in your child’s mind. No matter what they face that day, they can trust in your warm and loving embrace, despite not being the perfect parent (none of us are).

It is our job to point them to Christ, mothers. Not to ourselves. We are not their savior. But we lead them to the one who is. And trust that He is doing a good work in them, (and us!) as we do our jobs diligently and with joy.

Another note: Don’t tempt to compare yourself with another mother, please. Your home and your marriage and your children are just that. Yours. Not Susie’s down the block or Karen’s at church. The Lord leads your family as you trust in His guidance. We are not all meant to look the same, however we ARE meant to bring Him glory in the way we run our households and love one another.

So take those sweet babies hands into your own, no matter how old they are, look them in the eye, and take time to wonder with them. “I am so thankful God made you, and that we have hands to hold. Spending time with you gives me so much joy.”

Can you imagine the most important adult in your life taking the time to do that for you? Maybe someone already has? Powerful. Even more so for that sweet, innocent child you’re raising. Teenagers, too!! Especially the angsty and misunderstood teens.

My heart is for you mothers, that you may be equipped and encouraged with the truth God has given you. May we run to Him before we pour an extra cup of coffee or close the bathroom door for a moment of silence. May we take the time to allow Him to speak to us and listen, as we soak in His Word each day — as vital for our souls as eating breakfast is for our physical bodies.

I am in this with you, doing it imperfectly right alongside you. He is carrying us.

May He be glorified,

Ashley

Hello, dear reader. I’m coming at you from my driveway as I sit inside our idling car, heat on blast, stiff fingers slowly thawing out as I haphazardly try to form words with the keys, the three tiny car seats in the backseat are empty apart for the myriad of crumbs, books, toys and small pieces of trash scattered throughout, and my husband’s empty energy drink can1 is still sitting in the cup holder next to my warm coffee in a to-go mug.2

My blessed husband is inside with our three boys, ages 6, 4 and 1. He got home at 8am this morning from a 4 day shift at the fire station. Otherwise simply referred to as “a 96.” His usual shifts are only 2 days at a time, so this felt like an eternity but somehow passed by so quickly. Thankfully he had a “good night” which means he actually slept. A rare blessing, especially the night before he comes home.

I usually leave the day he comes home as a buffer day, nothing set in stone, aiming for productive undertones but okay to put everything on the back burner for the sake of rest and recuperation (for all of us, mentally + physically). Wives and mothers, please know this didn’t always come naturally to me and took a lot of effort on my part to adjust to the lifestyle of a first responder family. If you’re newer at it, have grace. With yourself, your spouse and your children. When in doubt, put on some soft instrumental music and read a good book aloud to your family. 10/10 helps reset tension.

Why am I in the car in the driveway of my home? To put it simply, I cannot form sentences very well with children afoot. So I usually enjoy writing after they go to bed. Even in the day during nap/quiet time, the flow is often interrupted. Just the chance they may need something and my ear is still listening, is too much for my ADD to bear. I’ve accepted this affliction and rather than fight it, found ways to work around it.

I’m not bitter about this like I used to be, my children and home are my greatest joy and most important work. But I know that if I want to sit and try to form my thoughts into something worth reading, I need uninterrupted quiet.

My conundrum is this: At the end of the day, I often have to choose between writing or alone time with my husband.3 In seasons of higher stress, I write less. If you hadn’t noticed. I don’t like schedules and aim for more arbitrary goals, like once a week. Although when your husband’s work schedule is all over the place, I take time with him wherever I can get it. When he’s gone to work and I’m alone at night, I’m often too exhausted and mentally tapped out from days of solo parenting. Writing takes mental energy, and at this point in life, I’m not willing to sacrifice my sacred sleep for it. Insomnia steals enough from me.

However, there are sometimes beautiful resolutions and perfect storms, like today. After four days of little to no adult contact, my brain is bursting with words and conversation, my husband (thankfully) is actually rested, the boys crave time with dada, and mama craves a moment of silence.

So, the answer to this is: Mama gets to go sit in silence and type some words, the boys have quality dada time, and tonight I get to give my husband my whole attention as we just sit in silence together, reflecting on the gratitude for the life we’ve been given.

Okay, and we’ll probably play a card game like cribbage. And we’ve been rewatching The Chosen, in preparation for the new season. And snacks. Always snacks. Truly, every night is “date night” in our cozy cave together. It’s a lifestyle we’ve fought for, yet also been blessed to attain naturally through our deep friendship.

As a one vehicle household, thankfully on the dreary and frigid winter days, being cooped up inside a cozy house wiht no way to leave feels like a huge blessing. I’ve taken advantage of my fifth “real” winter4 here in snowy Texas, and picked up crocheting. And baking. And board games, lots of board games. And candles. And blankets. And movies. And books! Piles and piles of books. In other words, all my energy is spent romanticizing our home during the winter time to avoid the inevitable seasonal depression that hits me like a ton of bricks, usually right about now.5

In this moment of silence I’m also am able to gather my thoughts and catch up on messages and emails I’ve not had a chance to respond to. “Thank you” texts and the rescheduling of play dates and appointments from the flu that hit our house hard and without mercy for two solid weeks in a row.

When it rains it pours, right friends? That seems to be the motto of life sometimes. Well, it is for me.

So much of life’s tragedies and afflictions seem to just pile on all at once, one after another. And just when you have a moment to breathe, something else crashes in and changes everything. Such is the way of life, living in a fallen world.

We are allowed to acknowledge the existence of the Enemy’s presence in our life, (after all he is a believer too) without obsessing over it and falling into the literal pit of self pity. To be soberly aware both of attacks on our life and direction from the Spirit is a gift.

Thankfully, we hold the key to Hope. I could say so much about how life is so much more than simply keeping our heads above water, but that’s for another day.

No is an answer from God too. Not everything working against you in your life is an attack, btw.

Which leads me into my next thought. I initially sat down to write this letter to you:

”when people are (sin)ical.

"Those who do not think about their own sins make up for it by thinking incessantly about the sins of others." - CS Lewis”

So know that one will be coming. As will this one:

“not every opposition in your life is from the Enemy...

When things are going our way, it's God's will. When they aren't, it's a spiritual attack and we have to stand firm. Said the ill-informed, lukewarm Christian.”

On another silent moment day. Hopefully sometime soon. As always, I pray when writing on sensitive topics, the Spirit would lead my words and be truly helpful or insightful to someone reading.

A few more life joys to share with you, in light of the heaviness that also exists:

• Our 6 year old is flying through chapter books. He has a book in his hands every chance he gets, and often comes to me in tears over the ending. He is a deep, feeling soul and has such a big, empathetic heart for emotions of any kind. Wonder where he gets it????? I got him this sweet Book Review book to document and reflect on his reading. It’s been so much fun to fill out with him!

• Our eight backyard chickens are laying eggs in abundance, despite the freezing rain and 30 degree temperatures. Do they know that we’re having a national egg shortage and decided to be generous or is spring really around the corner? They’re smart girls, after all.

• Our 4 year old is reading Bob Books fluently. He has always yearned to “do school” and I’ve kept him reined in as long as I could, for the sake of his own still-developing mind. He figured out how to read on his own. He is a quiet, stoic, observant, problem solver that wants to do things independently. So, our little leftie sits happily writing in his level 1 Explode the Code and working addition problems in his kindergarten math workbook. His personality reminds me so much of my own, it’s both healing and humbling to be able to honor and shape his God-given qualities. I pray his will-power to “do good” can be used for the glory of God.

• Our 16 month old is saying the sweetest little words in the sweetest little voice, running circles around his brothers (often screaming) and is definitely the most rambunctious of all three. Our Forrest Brooks gives me a run for my money most days — he is teaching his mama so much. The way he puts his gentle, tiny, sticky hand on your cheek for just a second, immediately melts away the day’s frustrations — and one of the reasons I yearn to have a million babies forever and ever. Thus, I’ve come to accept he is likely our last biological child due to medical reasons, so I can savor these moments in my heart forever.

• I’m finishing up this crochet project I started two months ago, as requested from our oldest boy. A “space blanket.” Some are patterns I loosely followed, some I made up as I went. I’m not sure how I’ll piece it together yet but that is the beauty of crochet. Once you understand the basics, you can create anything.

• My husband and I have been reading through Romans alongside a RC Sproul commentary which has been challenging, rewarding and wonderful! I definitely didn’t expect God to move in the ways He has, with this simple practice.

• I’ve had so much fun surprising my family with little crocheted treasures. I just ordered the softest, sweetest pink yarn for a blanket I’m stitching for our new baby niece.

• After I finish The Space Blanket, the next big project will be a “frontiersman/cowboy/indian” type granny square blanket in similar style for our middle son. He is obsessed with Davy Crocket, Daniel Boone, Pa from Little House, Robin Hood, and of the like. So imagine nature/deer/smoking pipes/weapons, etc. I am pretty excited/scared.

• My husband being the loving/devoted father he is, singing on the worship team at church and leading a Bible study with firefighters he works with has been incredibly fulfilling to my heart. Watching him step into the person God made him to be, agh. Our life together has been a huge leap from the handsome guy I fell in love with while working at Petco nearly thirteen years ago. God has redeemed so much. If anything, our lives are the only reminder I need of His immense faithfulness. Distraught disaster and grief turned into hope. We can face anything now.

• My dad is coming to visit next week!!! To say the boys are elated is an understatement. I think the love their Papaw more than me. (almost) Why did nobody tell me watching your serious dad turn into a mushy Papaw would be one of life’s biggest gifts??

  For Where Your Treasure Is is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

  

  I just really wanted to pop in and give you a glimpse of life these days. I may not be writing as much as I desire, but one day I will. And I wont regret carving special time for it here and there when I can, while prioritizing the eternal souls in my home. Have grace, this looks different for everyone, dear mother writer. You think you know your own capacity, but better yet, your Heavenly Father does.

Alright, well, I’ve been out here for over an hour typing this letter to you all. I’m beginning to miss them. My fingers are warmed up now, but my toes are a bit chilly despite my wool socks and slippers. Our car’s air system is messed up and doesn’t blow at our feet for some reason. But hey, my coffee is still warm! IYKYK.

And hey, if anyone wants to try crocheting, in the words of Shia LaBeouf, JUST DO IT. Search one of the millions of beginner tutorial videos on Youtube, get a crochet hook (a good one, I believe with what they call a tulip tip, like this one) And a skein of plain ole acrylic yarn in a nice color, and start. You’ll have moments you want to scream and rage quit. It’ll pass, I promise.

You can now visualize that I’m slowly turning and walking away from you, going back to my car as we mutter our last goodbyes, like we moms do. “Okay, you too! Yes, me too! Oh, did you ever do that thing? Okay cool! Bye! Love you! *waves again* Hey, see you Wednesday?? Okay us too! See you then! Love you too, bye!!!”

Thanks so much for being here dear friends. Have a blessed week and may the Lord cover you in His mercies. Remember, His love for you is not fragile or fleeting.

To God be all the glory.

Ash

^^^ PS Isn’t it sad how our American Christian culture has marketed these popular pieces of scripture onto keychains, t shirts, etc, to the point we’ve all seen and heard them a million times to the point we forget their meaning? And when someone quotes it or shares it with us, our minds automatically pass it by like “yep heard that before, moving on” rather than really sitting and resonating with it?
I myself have taken the time lately to read these ever popular Bible verses that are turned into cheesy Hobby Lobby decor, as brand new to my eyes. And how the Lord speaks through His Word. Don’t become hardened to His truths, friends. Read it and feel it. He is there.