Homeschool and Creative Family Culture (Podcast #41)

I don’t want my children to be simply entertained through life. I want them to show up for the purposes for which God has created them. I want them to do the things that only they can do. I want them to have the living conversations that can only come from their hearts and mouths….

Family Rhythms: Homeschool (Podcast #25)

When Randy and I first started homeschooling, it was because we wanted the flexibility of having our children with us. We imagined traveling, playing music, and bringing our children along… Life shifted as we had more children and we began to restructure our life within the comfort of home. As our children and family size…

Journaling and the Bridge to Peace (Podcast Episode #6)

You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. Today we are talking about one of my favorite subjects–the transformative practice of keeping a journal. Journaling is the intersection of my creative and spiritual life, it is where all my good ideas start, it is where I come to make peace…

Wake Up and Make Things

It is early morning. I stole away from the nursing baby and am sitting in my little quiet corner of the world, on my back-deck, surrounded by potted plants and birdsong. I am writing and contemplating my messy life. I am a homeschooling mother of seven children. My husband and I have a home business…

Creative Family Advent, 25 New Family Traditions for the Christmas Season

It is Christmastime!  I am always looking for ways to savor the season more before it slips away, truly wanting to create lasting memories with my children.  If you feel the same, this post is for you.  Here you will find 25 new family traditions for a creative Christmas season.  These are low stress, nearly-zero-prep,…

Big Announcement from The Chester Family!

Well, the day is here that I share something big that is happening to our family. After years of wrestling with a vision of a more creative life, showing up season by season to journal, write, make art, make music, encourage my husband in his incredible music, support our children through homeschool and giving them…

Creative Family Advent Printable Calendar

It’s almost December!  I made this Creative Family Advent Printable Calendar so that you can have a visual of the days ahead.  Print it out, stick it on the fridge, and stay inspired to connect with your family through art, music, brainstorming, creative writing, storytelling, and more.  If you want more details about each activity and…