Small, simple steps toward a bigger, fuller life

[ambertackles]

We have been a bit dog obsessed over here since we got our new border collie puppy, Summer. There has been lots of YouTube watching, book reading, and dog training going on. And it definitely feels like our other dog, Weld, is benefiting from having a playmate and from our dog training refresher. Tonight I started reading a book about the dog, Chaser, and her world record for knowing the most words. Her owner is a scientist who studied learning both in people and in animals. Turns out he is also a great writer. I am only 2 chapters in and I have already laughed, cried, and learned a lot. I should probably go to sleep now but I think I'll read just one more chapter...maybe two. #Chaser #learning #bordercollies You can find the book here -> http://amzn.to/2l2VlfQ #linkinprofile

[ambertackles]

The Black Star of Kingston by S.D. Smith. We are loving all 3 of his books! #rabbitswithswords @sdsmithereens @thegreenemberofficial @story_warren http://amzn.to/2kFMro2 #linkinprofile

[ambertackles]

"Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

[ambertackles]

It is not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted. - Mary Flannery O'Connor

[ambertackles]

First coat of primer? ✔

[ambertackles]

Moms need bedtime stories too. http://amzn.to/2jKvl82 #afflink #reading

[ambertackles]

We are all so excited about our newest read aloud. I have been hearing great things about this book PLUS we have pet rabbits that my kids adore, and my kids are totally into sword fighting right now. So, Ra bbits with swords is right up their alley. #rabbitswithswords @thegreenemberofficial The Kindle version is only $2.99 right now if you want to get yourself a copy! http://amzn.to/2jgcFk5 #afflink

[ambertackles]

I am currently working on finishing the sanding of my still unfinished book shelf. I have been trying to reclaim my house from the holidays, while getting back into our homeschool routine, so my poor shelf keeps getting put on the back burner but am hoping to get the first coat of paint on tonight! After doing some research my plan is to wipe all the sawdust off, put on light coats of paint, and lightly sand in between coats. Any other tips for getting a nice smooth finish on this!?

[ambertackles]

How many homeschooling mamas do I have out there? If you are homeschooling or looking to homeschool I feel like this is a MUST READ. It cuts right to the heart of the issues we mothers can have with anxiety about not only our homeschooling but our mothering in general, and the author, Sarah Mackenzie, gives not only encouraging words but practical advice. I totally love Sarah's @readaloudrevival writing and her narration of the audiobook. (Yes I have both, that is how much I love this book.) If anyone is reading this book or plans on reading it I would love to discuss your thoughts on it in my book club. Message me and I will get you added!

[ambertackles]

♩It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.♩

[ambertackles]

What shelling popcorn looks like at our house. 😄🌽😄 #lifewithkids

[ambertackles]

Well the dog is clean and fresh smelling at least (fresh being relative to originally smelling like cow manure.) So I am going to call this dog bath a success. #cowmanure #dontgototheneighborsfarm! #dogbath #nowineedabath #amberinreallife #dogtackler

[ambertackles]

Tonight's bedtime book - Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. #readaloud #bedtimebooks #raisingreaders

[ambertackles]

Baking cookies with the kids. The boys still need some egg cracking practice. #lifeismessy #lifeisgood #everydayadventures #nothingisordinary #presentnotperfect #handsfreerevolution #lifewithkids #amberinreallife #cookietackler #happytackling

[ambertackles]

Thinned carrots, harvested sunflowers, and now back out selling pumpkins again. #farmlife

[ambertackles]

My office view.

[ambertackles]