The Changes of Year 44

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Today was my birthday! And I have to say…my 44th year on this earth was remarkably different than ALL the others. Priorities shifted. Thoughts changed. Relationships deepened. It felt a bit like this planter…restful and content, with a bunch of new thoughts flowing out of my head! Here is a little walkthrough of what happened…

I stayed home. A LOT. And I liked it. Which felt super strange after spending the last 8 years in constant travel mode. Even with our home in constant construction, it’s still a cozy and peaceful haven. The farm and the surrounding land has a powerful calming effect…the combination of trees, nature, animals, and the distance from town makes it irresistible to me! It’s quite common that I go to town only once a week…which would have seemed intolerable just a few years ago!

In February, I decided to read through the entire Bible this year. And then later in August, I knew that I was to lead others in a New Testament study as well. Nothing has ever molded my faith and my life in this way. It was transformational. Because of this intense time of seeking Jesus, I let go of many things that were holding me back. Possessions, ideals, habits, and even people. It was sometimes a painful pruning…but I can’t imagine life any other way now. You cannot encounter Christ on a daily basis and walk away unchanged. I’m going to be leading a study of the entire Bible starting in January 2022…so be on the lookout for those details if the idea of that lights up your heart!

I came down with Covid in late May/early June…and while I didn’t know it at the time, it would dramatically slow down all the plans I had for the rest of the year. I’m still working through the after effects…aka “long covid”, with cardiological & neurological issues popping up occasionally, along with crazy fatigue if I overexert myself physically or mentally. I am working with a natural practitioner and finally feel like I’m turning a corner with it…but it’s been an interesting and humbling 6 months. Rest has never been high on my priority list, and this season has an element of forced rest that I’m learning to embrace and now enjoy.

During this resting time…we created a magnificent garden! It was exactly what I needed…healing to the soul and rewarding beyond my wildest dreams. I have MUCH to say about this process and I’m writing it all up in a different post for you. The gardens will play a big role in what we are creating here at the farm for years to come.

During my 44th year, I felt much like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. There was an unmistakable metamorphosis that took place. And while I may look the same on the outside, I have been truly transformed on the inside.

In my 45th year…all of these experiences and transformations will have words put them them here on my blog. I hope you’ll continue to come back and read about all of it…I’m excited to share it with you.

Glow Up Serum (Your New Favorite Thing)

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THIS right here friends…this is my favorite. I never knew how easy it was to create such a luxurious serum…I use this daily and it makes my skin feel SO good. These oils are coveted in the beauty industry…they smooth the skin, reduce inflammation, support cellular health, reduce redness, soothe acne, and increase moisture levels.

I have made this as a gift for many people that I love and they keep bringing me their empty bottles and asking for “MORE PLEASE!”…because it’s just that good.

And the best part? You can get Copaiba and Rose on dōTERRA’s BOGO sale starting today! If you already have an account…just grab that BOGO Box or wait for the daily deal.

If you have been wanting to get dōTERRA oils, but don’t have an account, shoot me a message and I’ll get you all set up with a FREE membership. This gets you 25% off retail with no strings attached! And I’ll plug you into my private customer education website…where we have ALL the fun! The oils you will receive can be used to make the serum…but are you can also use them for anxious feelings, muscle pain, sleep, and more! Multi-purpose is where it’s AT! And yes…I’ll personally teach you how to use them in all the ways!

P.S. I order my organic carrier oils on Amazon and have made a list for you of all my favorite oil goodies!

P.S.S. If I was a beauty blogger, I would have fancy time-lapse effects and all that jazz on my video…but you just get to see me, making my serum, in regular time. LOL! Enjoy!!

The Little Things | November (Weeks 1/2)

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“The Little Things” is my blog version of IG stories...these seemingly ordinary daily moments make up our beautiful life! *Click the images to enlarge.

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-Robert Breault

Bella The Climber: Do all teenagers sit on counters? I think so. Bella has recently fallen in love with rock climbing…and she is super focused on getting strong and climbing ALL the things, ALL the time. There is a climbing gym nearby that she has been going to…and making tons of new friends. I love seeing her so happy! She is on the adventure staff at Bible camp next year…so this will come in quite handy!

Nana and The Girls: Nana and Papa are visiting for the week! And playing cards is a favorite past-time! Does your family have a favorite game that you play? Tell me in the comments!

Fennel & Kale: I picked a big bouquet of fennel branches so that I can dry them and use the seeds. We have a jar of them harvested already and I’m loving them in tea with ginger & mint. The kale was for a green smoothie that I made…so delish and fresh.

Let there be BRICK: This week’s house project is the wood burning surround! Matt has the walls done and will start the herringbone hearth today. Hoping to have the stove in by Tuesday! We’ll be doing a German schmear technique to white wash it. Eeeeeep…can’t wait! This is one of the biggest things I missed last winter…the crackling warmth of a real fire. When it’s -20 and the wind sounds like a hurricane outside…it kind of seems like a requirement. I’ll do a separate post on the whole process!

Arrival: There is always MUCH excitement when Nana and Papa arrive…and the dogs love to get in on the action. Maggie loves to run down the driveway and lay in front of the car…such a warm welcome LOL!

Chili Time: Our first meal together was sweet potato chili + corn muffins. Perfect for a cool evening.

Mowing Mrs. Maple: She has finally gone completely to sleep for the winter…so bittersweet! See you in the spring!

Always a Campfire: This will probably be our last campfire of the season…it was verrrrrry cold! But we roasted marshmallows and had s’mores. It was delightful.

My sweetie: Do you pause often to take photos with your spouse? You should. Make sure you’re leaving future generations lots of evidence of your love for each other!

Dressing Up: Emma found a wig in storage and had fun playing with it this week.

Barn Clean Up: It was that time…time to scoop the poop! Our chickens sleep in a smaller contained area in the barn to keep them warm in the winter, and we use the deep litter method in there. It gets quite full…and we wanted to get it all out and start fresh. The girls worked hard and Daddy hauled to our compost pile!

Get Your Ducks in a Row: I love watching the ducks waddle around the farm at sunset…they are always the last into bed. This day was particularly dusty because they were harvesting the corn nearby, and that made for some lovely light!

It was a restful week…despite lots of work prepping the farm for winter and getting ready to settle in. Planning a weekend of cookie making and hot chocolate drinking! Don’t miss my other blog posts from the week:

The BEST Gluten Free Biscuits
They Will Grow Up
Release the Birds!
Frosty Morning