Happy Friday,
It’s been awhile since I gave a little life/chicken update.
All our chickens have sadly bit the dust. We started with 8 and little by little they have gotten taken by hawks (more on the hawks later in the P.S.) and then we lost a war with the fat raccoon that lives around us.
My kids were very discouraged and wanted to give up after having to bag up the last chicken, but you know, I am not.
Nobody learns without some hiccups. We can’t learn to take care of chickens well without taking care of chickens and also failing some.
I was discouraged at first! So much work is gone.
And my kids and husband loved the chickens so much!
But I just felt this feeling inside me rise up — “We have to be more gritty than that!” I told them.
Let’s learn from our mistakes and try again. So we tore down our coop that had some major flaws. We plan to build another one and try again with chicks soon.
Life can sometimes feel like you’ve lost all of your chickens and make you want to give up or make you think there is something wrong with you.
I truly believe there are really only two options: we either succeed or we learn. That is, if we take our failures and move forward from them.
Just finished wrapping ALL (well, I’m waiting on 3 little aprons I got the girls) the kid’s gifts! It felt so good to stop being a procrastinator on gifts!
Here are some ideas for gifts in different price ranges to help you finish up your shopping if you aren’t done!
IDEAS FOR INTENTIONALITY:
Under $25
- Baseball Card Binder: If you have a kid into baseball cards or pokemon cards, getting them a binder is a great way to keep cards from taking over your house!
- Headphones: We have gotten a couple pairs of these, they aren’t perfect but they get the job done at a great price. And these are perfect to plug into the Yoto!
- Cooking Apron: My kids love to jump in and help in the kitchen. I like wearing an apron when I can because it saves my clothes and is like a built-in kitchen rag, so they like to match me.
- Watercolor with Me Books: My daughter used hers just today! They are a great non-toy kind of gift that spurs on creativity! This watercolor tin is a great pairing!
- Girl’s Bike Baskets: How cute are these? I can’t wait to see them on the girls’ bikes!
Under $50
- Glitter Princess Heels: I got these for my daughter’s 5th birthday and she is obsessed, and they are actually great quality!
- Corelle Baby Doll: My girls have always loved these!
- Watercolor Tin: My daughter loves this set, and it goes perfectly with the Watercolor with Me books!
Under $100
- RipStik Board: Got this for my 9 year old after lots of recommendations from friends.
- PicassoTiles Magnetic Marble Run: Excited for my kids to try this out since they love their magnatiles.
- Kid’s First Camera: My daughter really wanted to get a camera, so after reading lots of reviews I went with this one.
Under $300
- Ninja Course: This set is seriously endless fun to keep them outside more.
- Arcade Basketball Game: I got this as a big gift for my boys and thought it would be fun when their friends come over too!
- Jeep for the Backyard: This is a big gift for my girls. I am all about keeping outside the main show and I can’t wait to see them riding around in this!
NEW ON YOUTUBE
Christmastime DIY Decorations – I love decorating for Christmas with crafts we do as a family. It feels so intentional and it cultivates togetherness with my family. Join us as we decorate!

We Can Stop Waiting for “Easy” Motherhood – This simple shift made a HUGE difference in the way I see life and I really believe it can for you too! The world sells the lie that when we buy this or that, or when our kids get to this age or that, THEN life will be easy. But what about life right now? The only thing that is real is the present.

ON THE BLOG
Whipped Cream – This is a fan favorite that is so simple and quick, I bet you already have all the ingredients on hand!


Sending love,
Lana
P.S. In a twist of irony, the hawk was gotten by the Great Horned Owl we keep hearing in our backyard at night! I never knew they hunt hawks, but apparently they do!
Pregnant P.S. Ok I sprung for a couple of new pregnancy pieces and they have been a lifesaver with this big ole belly! These yoga pants are great, these workout shorts fit perfectly and this new workout top helps sooo much with getting up and continuing to move my body. I wish I didn’t wait so long!
