Before getting chickens this year, everyone kept telling us what a hassle it is to keep the coop clean. I admit that was one of the things I was dreading about raising backyard chickens, but we're doing this " for the kids" (right?!?) and I figured it would be worth it in the end. Then, we heard about the Deep Litter Method. If you're thinking of raising a small flock or already have your small flock, the deep litter method is the way to go. Instead of doing lots of scooping out and ...
The 2021 One Beautiful Thing Challenge
It’s time to start laying down discontentment & replacing it with joy. So often at the start of a new year, we set goals and have an image of how our year is going to look. But, within a few weeks, it’s all completely different than we had imagined. How do we lay down the feeling of discontentment and replace it with joy all year long? I've got the answer - by finding One Beautiful Thing each day. A few years ago a friend reminded me, “Gratefulness is the key to seeing beauty in all ...
So Much Christmas at Gaylord Opryland {review}
It's no secret that we love spending time at Gaylord Opryland. We've been making memories there for over 13 years now and each year it just keeps getting better and better. Our favorite time to visit is during the Christmas season and this year, they did not disappoint with all the So Much Christmas festivities. 2020 has definitely been the year that looks different, hasn't it? But that doesn't mean we can't find joy and try to make things as normal as we possibly can. Which is what I love ...
Our Favorite Family Advent Books & Resources
Advent is just around the corner and it's one of the most special times for us as a family. Sure, the festive lights and Christmas goodies are fun, but the real meaning of Christmas is so special. It’s so easy to get busy with holiday parties, Christmas shopping, school programs, and baking that the real meaning of Christmas can get buried and forgotten about. There are so many Advent books to choose from, but which ones are really great and which ones will the entire family get something out ...
Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
I've found the best loaded potato soup recipe and I just had to share it with you all. This is the perfect soup to take to a friend during those chilly months or to put in the crockpot in the morning for a cozy dinner that evening. *Ingredients* 5 slices of bacon, diced3 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and chopped (I dice them)3.5 cups chicken stock1/2 onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1.5 tsp of minced garlic)2 sprigs fresh thyme (1-1.5 tsp dried thyme)1-2 tbsp unsalted ...
Little Beaver State Park in West Virginia {review}
Another camping trip is in the books and we loved our visit to Little Beaver State Park in Beaver, West Virginia. This West Virginia State Park is only 6.5 hours away from our home in Nashville, TN, and was such a great trip. Little Beaver State Park is settled on 562 acres which offers so much family fun no matter the season you plan to visit. I lived in West Virginia during some of my elementary years and the weather is wonderful no matter what time of year you visit. If you visit in the ...