Gathered thoughts

Gathered Thoughts

This is a good reminder for me today . I often want to hurry and get through moments or schedules but I am realizing that every moment is part of my story .The in between schedules , the late nights or the days when everything comes undone. These are the moments that build or tear down and my prayer this 2025 new year , is there will be more building then tearing down. That my story will be one that shows grace, forgiveness,kindness,humbleness and fun .
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What about you? Have you ever looked at your life as a story? Not just the Instagram moments but all the moments? What do you want your story to show ? Share below ⬇️ .. I would love to hear and cheer you on ❤️

Book, history, Review

The Librarian Spy ~Book Review

If you want a great WW2 read that is inspired by actual events then this is a must read. I could not put it down! I fell in love with the characters and loved all the historical references. There were some really tough moments with the characters in this book that honestly I had never considered in all my years of WW2 study that could have potentially happened. So hard to imagine what each person had to do and choose during this war. The author did a terrific job at bringing each of these characters to life as well as bringing the story full circle . I would love to know if you read this and your thoughts so send me a message or comment ⬇️

Gathered thoughts

Happy Friday ❤️

Happy Friday❤️

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Here’s to a weekend of adventure and memories made

Book, history, Review

Italian Ballerina ~ Book Review

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron gives a rare look into the Nazi occupation of Rome and the fake Syndrome K of WW2 . Based on actual historical events it leaves you wanting to go back in history to reread events you may have missed. She gives the reader a wonderful story of the beauty even in the war from the London ballet stage and the allies storming the beaches of Salerno to the one moment that forever changed a soldier and a little girls life and those that got swept into life changing moments alongside them . The book bridges the beauty in how God can use each of us in a mighty way and create family where there is none.
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As the story unfolds I couldn’t help but think of the holocaust museum in Washington DC and the moment where I stood in the hallway and countless photographs were hung of those who were missing or killed in the war. Families that stepped from this world to eternity . It made me wonder and think about how their pictures ended up there . I’m sure there is a story in all of it and this book reminded me of that . However, they did, I’m so thankful they did so that they could be remembered❤️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

American Girl Doll, homeschooling

Tea in Paris

Grace Thomas Tea Party complete with macarons the girls made and ofcourse our passport to Paris and travel luggage for their dolls filled with strawberry pretzels.. yumm! Tea Party day is my fav❤️

Book, reading, Review

Currently Reading

Here’s what I am currently reading so be watching for reviews.. I already posted the Lady Unrivaled..so good!

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What are you reading? I gather most of my must read books from others recommendation so I would love to hear what you are loving right now. Post in comments❤️

Family activity, gardening, homemaking, homesteading, library

Just in time for Spring… A Seed Library

Have you ever seen a Seed Library? We were so excited to see this when we popped into a library . What a wonderful treat!!
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We were able to pick several seeds to plant and it helped to minimize our cost in buying seeds.
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Plus it gave the littles an opportunity to pick things that we would not normally buy like a quinoa plant and a few others.
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We are so happy to see this back in some of the libraries this spring! Have you seen one at your local library?

Affiliate, faith, Gathered thoughts, Review

Adjust your Crown

Anyone else have those days where you need to be reminded that you are a daughter of the King?

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We are in the home stretch of the school year coming to a close, but there is still so much to do. This year a little harder then most with our oldest graduating. So much good and yet my heart aches to slow down the time and rewind to when he was younger and enjoy those moments more.

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Life is moving so fast and these moments with our littles are fleeting. Enjoy. Every. Moment . And in the tough moments, remember you get to do this .. school, sports , momlife .. whatever it may be .. and adjust your attitude and straighten your crown . You are a daughter of the most high King ! ❤️

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#ad I love this tumbler by @dwell.apparel . Not only is it beautifully made but throughout the day it draws me back to who I am ❤️ To order your own and save 15% off ..click the link below ⬇️

Gathered thoughts, homemaking, homesteading

National Sourdough Bread Day

Happy April and National Sourdough Bread Day … and ofcourse April Fools Day!
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I am still trying to master the beauty of making Sourdough but I haven’t given up . That’s progress right? And we have managed keeping our starter alive so another victory! Yay!
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There is something wonderful to the whole process so I keep trying and every time I make it I get a little bit better. What about you? Have you tried a sourdough starter before? Love it or leave it?
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sourdoughbread #sourdough #homemaking #homemaker #redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures #nationalsourdoughbreadday #bread #breadmaking #instaworthy #ınstaphoto #diy #selfreliance #faith #blogger #influencer #foodblogger

Family activity, family adventures, pnw, Review

Spring Bloom at Knutson Farms

We started our Easter Weekend by going to Knutson Farms for their Spring Bloom. It is happening now through May 5 🌷Tickets are $15 per person on the weekend and $12 during the week . It includes all the rides , games , animal barn , Easter Egg Hunt ( limited to March 29/30) , and all the fun photo ops that are throughout the farm.Check out all the fun things we did that were included in the admission ⬇️

Photo props – There are so many unique photo props scattered throughout the farm. We loved exploring and getting pics with them all especially the Jeep ❤️

Beautiful #instaworthy photo spot

Animal Barn – Who doesn’t love visiting the animals on the farm? This is one of our family’s favorites! The sheep were super friendly, the goats were so cute fighting each other and the miniature donkeys were braying at us and showing off their teeth . The chickens were on full display and we even saw a Bob Ross imposter duck … 😂

Ready for a pic

Cow Train & Hay Ride – These were both so fun! They also have a Grain Train you can ride that looks like mining buckets .

Games – sandboxes, jumping pillow , tricycle races , and so much more!

You can also purchase some additional items like the mining experience ⬇️ .. this was so much fun for all my littles! They all got a great assortment of gems and the whole experience was great.

Another extra you can add on is the the U Pick tulips ⬇️ We all enjoyed picking out just the right ones to take home , and loved learning after the flower dies we can save the bulb to replant 🌷


Oh and can we add the Coffee Cart drinks were amazing! We ordered a few drinks …Berry Bloom Italian sodas and an Iced Lavender Haze ☕️ The lavender haze was so good!! The drinks were also at great price points .

Another #instaworthy photo spot but also a great place to catch up with friends

Lots of Food Options – and affordably priced!


There is also a super cute store and flower shop . There are all kinds of gift options inside .. cards, gardening, candles , stationery and lots more. We enjoyed picking out some flowers for friends we are meeting this weekend 🌷

Video clip of the adorable store


There is something here for everyone! I was surprised how long we stayed enjoying all of the fun..over 3 hours! This is definitely something you want to add to your plans.It is a great way to support Local Farms in your area❤️

Here is a fun reel of our day at the Spring Bloom ⬇️