Remember 2020 by Creating a Family Time Capsule + GIVEAWAY

* I received a complimentary 2020 Family Time Capsule Kit 

from Circa Legacy. All views and opinions shared are my own. *

2020 has been quite the year and will be one for the record books!  So that is why I was so excited when Keesia of Circa Legacy reached out to me about her 2020 Family Time Capsule Kit.

12 Ways to Spread Joy During the Holidays

The holiday season has officially arrived and this year we are focusing on the gift of giving with our kids. Spreading kindness through random acts of kindness and paying it forward is something I personally love doing and I'm excited to see my kids and others experience that joy!

7 Tips for the Perfect Pie + Recipes

I am proud to call myself my family's resident pie-maker and I enjoy making pie for the holidays, celebrating birthdays, for the county fair and my church's ice cream social.  Making pies really is a simple process, but there is a lot of fear in doing it right.  So I'm here to share my 7 tips to help you make the perfect pie!

10 products you need to buy at Kwik Star other than fuel

*I am a Kwik Star Ambassador.

All views and opinions shared are my own.*

When Kwik Star entered my life five years ago I never knew I'd become such a faithful shopper for everything from fuel for my vehicle, to bananas for my daily breakfast, to kitchen staples like milk, eggs and butter.  It has been fun to see the growth and expansion of Kwik Stars across Iowa and sharing with family and friends when they get a new store close to them what deals they should look for and what my family's favorite products are.

6 Week Holiday Checklist + FREE Printable

The holiday season is full of fun, laughter and good times with family and friends.  And if you let it, the holidays can be full of stress too.  I have always been a planner, and I like to think that my family and friends appreciate that.  So I'm sharing my 6 Week Holiday Checklist that helps me stay organized and enjoy the holidays!

Download a FREE Printable of my 6 Week Holiday Checklist

to help you stay organized and enjoy the holiday season

Realizing I don't have to do it all

 Anyone else have a hard time asking for help?  Do you know what, we don't have to do it all!

Thank You Coronavirus

 Dear Coronavirus,

Camping at Sheffield, Iowa's SafeT Home

* I received a complimentary stay provided by the City of Sheffield, Iowa.

All views and opinions shared are my own. *

If you are looking for a unique, camping experience in the Midwest, you should check out Galvin Memorial Park's SafeT Home, a grain bin esque structure built by Sheffield, Iowa business Sukup Manufacturing.

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

As soon as the kids get off the bus, they're ready for a snack!  So build an After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board with all of their favorites!

We couldn't have asked for a better dog

We came to the end of an era on our farm.  Bailey, our old faithful dog, passed away after over 12 1/2 years of companionship.  We got her as a wedding gift from one of my sisters and she has been a special part of our family and farm ever since.

How to Create Your Own Family Adventure

From camping in the backyard, to hiking at different state parks, to exploring our "backyard", our family is always up for an adventure and this summer has made a point of planning an adventure each week.  Here are some tips and ideas to help you and your family to make your own fun and go on an adventure of your own: 

Knee High by the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our country's independence, show off your patriotism, spend time with family and friends, shoot off fireworks and check crops.  It's been tradition for decades that farmers check their crops, especially corn, to see if it is "Knee High by the 4th of July."  Now while knee high isn't the benchmark for farmers anymore due to hybridization and improved genetics, it is still a fun tradition for our family to benchmark our corn (and family's) growth every year (see 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012).

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Sweet Treats in Jewell, Iowa

We wrapped up our 7th Annual Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip by stopping at Sweet Treats in Jewell, Iowa.  This seasonal ice cream stand serves homemade ice cream every night during the summer and is popular at area events in their ice cream truck, as well as a long time vendor at the Des Moines Farmers Market.

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at WW Homestead Dairy

Week Three of our Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip brought us to Waukon, Iowa, home of WW Homestead Dairy.  WW Homestead Dairy is owned by two multi-generation dairy families that produce a variety of farm-fresh dairy products including over 30 flavors of homemade ice cream!

3 Weekly Habits for Every Mom

One of the best ways for a busy Mom to stay organized and improve her mindset is to create routines and helpful habits.  The three weekly habits will help you get yourself focused and prepared for the week ahead.

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Dan & Debbie's Creamery in Ely, Iowa

Week Two of our 2020 Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip brought us to the small town of Ely, Iowa, home to Dan & Debbie's Creamery, who sell farm-fresh, wholesome dairy products including over a dozen small batch ice creams.

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Bristow Ice Cream Shack

For the last seven years our family has went on an Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip every June in recognition of National Dairy Month.  To start off this year's road trip we stayed fairly close to home and checked out the Bristow Ice Cream Shack, serving up soft serve ice cream treats during the summer at Memorial Park next to the town's Splash Pad.

North Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour

Our family loves a good road trip and one of our family's traditions is to visit the different county Iowa Freedom Rocks across the state.  By the end of 2020, all 99 counties will have unique painted murals, showcasing local heroes and stories honoring area veterans painted by Iowa artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II.  Here is a look at all of the county Freedom Rocks located in North Central Iowa.

2020 Family Summer Bucket List + FREE Printable

2020 has turned into quite a year!  There is still some unknown for the upcoming days, weeks and even months, but our family didn't want the coronavirus to stop us from having some summer fun!  So the kids and I sat down earlier this week and made our annual Summer Bucket List!

Create your own Summer Bucket List with my FREE Printable

As a to-do list fan I love the bullet notes and calendar space so you can think how to schedule everything 😉

Authentic Enchiladas Verdes

This winter I was excited to sign up for my local Hispanic cultural center, La Luz Centro Cultural's monthly cooking class series.  The first class was held in February and featured Authentic Enchiladas Verdes.  Today I'm going to be sharing with you a modification of the recipe they shared with us in honor of Cindo de Mayo coming up next week, because couldn't we all use a little celebration and delicious Mexican food in our life!

Comfort Food Classic - Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Anyone else craving comfort food these days? I will admit, it has been a little crazy around here lately between having the kids at home and getting ready for spring planting and it has all added up to me wanting a simple, carb loaded, cheesy dish to end my day with.  Let me introduce you to my go to Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole recipe!

7 Daily Habits for Every Mom

A little over nine years ago I got the best job that I had always dreamed about... I became a Mom.  And then a couple years after that I got to become a Mom again, and a couple years later a Mom again and a year later a Mom again.  I feel so lucky to be a Mom of four kids and I am always learning and growing how to be a better Mom.  Over my years of motherhood I have picked up some daily habits that not only help me personally, but help my family too.

30 Ideas for When School is Closed

It is always exciting when you first hear that school is closed to think about how you can sleep in and relax, but after the initial day you may be looking for some things to do to combat boredom for your kids and yourself.  Today was Day 1 of a four-week period that my kids will be home due to our school being closed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  During this time at home, my kids decided we should make a bucket list of things to do, so I thought I'd share our ideas with you!