Desert Bliss Adventures

A cactus grows needles not to harm, but to protect what's alive inside.

Boundaries can do the same-for our time, our families, and our homes.

And those boundaries don’t look the same in every season.

Some seasons call for openness.
Others require more protection.

Families.
Childhood.
Simplicity.
Calm.

These are worth protecting so they can continue to grow strong, steady, and rooted.

By 9:30, the school day is already moving fast.

Ours looks a little different.

We’re choosing slow, curious, unhurried days and trusting that learning happens there too.

One of the unexpected gifts of homeschooling has been the ability to slow our mornings down.

I have never been a morning person. Growing up, I quite literally rolled out of bed for school most days. Homeschooling has allowed us to start gently… no alarm clocks, no rush out the door, no bells to beat, no pressure to begin the day already behind.

We ease into learning. Some morning that starts at 8, other days it’s 10:30. The flexibility is priceless.

Over time, I’ve realized these slower mornings didn’t come from doing more. They came from intentionally choosing less.

I’ve been reflecting on the things we don’t buy and don’t add to our homeschool… and why that’s mattered more than I expected.

I’ll be sharing more soon 🤍

We're a little different.🤷‍♀️

When remote work became the norm in 2020, we were given an unexpected opportunity. One that felt a little crazy at the time... to spend extended time in Michigan. A year later, we sold our home, went tiny, and began living between two states.

We don’t live this way because it’s easier or cheaper.
We live this way because it gives us margin and allows us to spend half the year with family, out of the scorching desert heat.

Being a one-car family…
Living between AZ and MI…
Saying no to travel sports…
Not owning a TV…
Living in 400 square feet…

None of it is about restriction.
It’s about choosing what fits our family in this season and letting go of what doesn’t.

Most of the Northern Hemisphere is in the heart of winter… short days, quiet mornings, and a natural pause.

Even though we enjoy beautiful winter weather here in AZ, we want to embrace “wintering”… slowing down, resting, and letting this season set the pace. Waiting until March to set big goals isn’t just realistic, it’s natural.

We’re notoriously bad at keeping New Year’s resolutions. So much so that there’s a National Quitters Day, observed on the second Friday in January... just nine days in! Choosing small intentions and focusing on one new thing at a time can be far more successful during winter than lofty goals.

Here's to a slower, calmer rhythm this year!

As this year comes to a close, maybe the most meaningful thing we can do is let go.

Let go of the extra stuff that quietly adds stress.
Let go of the pressure to keep up.
Let go of the idea that more equals better.
Let go of unrealistic expectations.

Fewer things can mean calmer mornings.
Simpler spaces can make room for connection.

Before we set new goals and intentions, let’s pause and do some pruning... and make space for what truly matters.




🌱

This space has been quiet, but our life hasn’t been.

Living "tiny" taught us to stop adding and start choosing. Not just in our home, but in how we homeschool too. Fewer purchases. Fewer plans. More presence.

I haven’t kept up with posting here the way I hoped, but as this new year begins, I want to share more of our journey... our travels, our minimalist rhythms, and how we homeschool simply.

If you’ve been craving slower, simpler days and a bit of inspiration, you're in the right place!

Exploring Nature with Children resumes next week, and we couldn’t be more excited to be back outside learning, creating, and wandering together.

January themes include winter skies, the moon, trees, and a pond study all wrapped in nature walks, art, poetry, and exploration.🌵

📅 Fridays | 9:30–10:30 AM
📍 Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
🔗 Registration link in bio

Spots are limited! We can’t wait to welcome new and returning families back into the rhythm of nature. 🌿

Bucket list NP & hike!

Discover the wonders of nature with your curious explorer! Our “Exploring Nature with Children” class is designed for kids ages 6-12 to engage in outdoor nature art, learn about local wildlife and plants, and spark a lifelong passion for the environment. We’re now accepting ESA payment, and March registration is open. Secure your spot today—link in bio!

Measuring helps us make sense of the world around us. Using non-standard tools is a fantastic way to introduce kids to measurement concepts and integrate them into fun, playful learning experiences.


Join us on Wednesday for songs, circle time, play-based stations, a story and warm herbal tea! Registration required. Link in bio! 🔗