It’s been a fun month for the Dekkers — skating parties, basketball tournaments in the driveway, football games in our front yard, volleyball games, winter break, church activities, piano lessons, and lots of fun with cousins and neighbors.
We celebrated Simon’s 10th birthday (can you believe it!) and the kids are looking forward to celebrating Buster’s 1st birthday next week! Aren’t they a cute pair 🥰
FAVORITE MOMENT = Our New Photo Book
Our new family photo book arrived last month, and I just love how excited the kids get about looking through it.
We keep our photo books right off the kitchen because our kids look through them on a daily basis — I’m honestly surprised none of them have gotten ruined after so much use!
I get SOOOO many questions about our digital photo books each week that I’m planning to do an updated post about them. However, if you want to start making photo books but feel overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, my best suggestion would be to start with the CURRENT year.
Just start in January, pull a few of your favorite photos from each month, and slap them into a digital book (I’ve always used Blurb, but there are so many great programs out there these days).
Then in December, print it and see how you like it.
Continue moving forward with creating current-year books until you find your groove or your “system”. Then you can go back and start making books from previous years.
Don’t over-think it — they are just photos!
PAST FAVORITE = Gigantic Wheel Barrow
It’s (almost) mulch season — which means Dave and I (but mostly Dave) will spend a number of hours scooping, delivering, and spreading mulch throughout the various planting beds in our 1-acre lot.
It’s not our favorite spring chore, but the end results are more-than worth the hassle of a week or two of spreading mulch.
Plus, it smells amazing (and the kids love playing on the pile).
One of the tools that expedites the process is our gigantic 10-cubic, 4-wheel wheelbarrow.
It’s a beast to store (we keep it behind our shed) but wow, can it hold a lot of mulch (or whatever we need to haul).
Back in the day, we could easily fit all 4 kids inside and Dave would give them rides around the house… good times!
FAVORITE CLEANING TOOL = Cordless Vac
A few years ago, I purchased a cordless vacuum at the consistent persuasion of a few friends.
I had always deemed extra vacuums as “unnecessary” because I could clean my hard floors with a broom & dustpan just as well. Plus, I weirdly enjoy sweeping!
Then, my kids started asking to “help” with vacuuming, but they weren’t strong enough to push around our big vacuum… so I waited for a sale at Kohl’s, used some Kohl’s cash, and purchased this Shark model (note: I think I only paid around $75 for mine with the sale — so they may have gone up in price).
Honestly, I love the cordless vac!
It took me a while to admit it to myself, but it’s so much faster (and less dusty) than sweeping. Plus, the crevice tool is great for cleaning under the couch cushions and in our cars. And it works wonderfully on our carpeted stairs!
RELATED READING: My Favorite Cleaning Products
FAVORITE BOOK = The Mysterious Benedict Society
If you (or your middle schooler) are looking for a series of books that will draw you in and keep you thinking, try The Mysterious Benedict Society books.
I read the 5-book series straight through last year, and I just checked them out for Nora last week (I’m hoping she will enjoy them as much as I did).
You’ll find these books in the Tween Fiction, but don’t think they are just for kids — as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed, and was very entertained by, these books.
As a bonus, there’s no silly relationship drama, bad language, inappropriate behavior, weird sci-fi lingo, or fighting/battles/wars.
It did take me a bit to get into the first book, but once I was “in”, I didn’t want to put the books down.
Read more about these books here.
I recently checked out another book by the same author, The Secret Keepers, but haven’t officially started it yet, so I can’t say if it’s a winner or not (but I’d be shocked if I didn’t enjoy it).
FAVORITE MEDIA = FB Marketplace
Even though I haven’t posted on or scrolled through my Facebook account since 2020, I still use Facebook Marketplace almost every week to buy things for our home and family and sell things we no longer need or want.
I found the exact Nikes James wanted and the Crocs Clara wanted (for $5 each) and almost all of Simon’s birthday gifts came from Marketplace — he was thrilled to get exactly what he wanted and I was thrilled to only spend a few bucks versus hundreds.
We purchase furniture, yard tools, shoes, clothing, pool gadgets, athletic equipment, pet supplies, and more on Marketplace — it’s honestly the first place I go whenever we need or want anything.
I do think our area is very “active” on Marketplace, so there are always lots of new things for sale… but I can’t even begin to add up all the money I’ve saved by shopping used.
In fact, we rarely buy anything new these days (except undies, swimsuits, and mattresses!) Marketplace and thrift stores have been life savers for our budget!
RELATED READING: 6 Reasons We Buy Used
FAVORITE HOBBY = Splitting Perennials
It’s been a few years since I’ve split most of my perennials, and I’ve decided that this year is the year.
Many of our shrubs and trees are getting bigger, filling in more, so we don’t need as many perennials, and the ones we have are just getting too big and overgrown.
RELATED READING: Our Favorite Low-Maintenance Perennials
I will post many of my splittings on Facebook Marketplace, but if you’re local and would like some, just let me know and I’ll email you when they are ready!
FAVORITE RECIPE = BrocoSlaw
Looking for a tasty salad recipe that’s SUPER quick and easy to whip up, without spending hours chopping and mixing? Then try my BrocoSlaw!
If you can cut up a head of broccoli, you can make this simple 6-ingredient salad that tastes like spring!
Oh, and everyone will love it!
TRY THE RECIPE: Easy BrocoSlaw.
FAVORITE DREAM = Chickens!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a farmhouse WITH a farm — more like a hobby farm (1 cow, 2 pigs, a few goats, a handful of chickens, etc).
Obviously, I got the farmhouse… but thanks to Dave’s insistence on living in a neighborhood and being close to everything, I didn’t get the farm.
As I mentioned last month, I’m SOOOOOO grateful for Dave’s request as we absolutely love our current location — lots of great neighbors, right “in town”, close to everything with sidewalks and plow service and good drinking water!
But, I still dream about that hobby farm. (And no, puppies don’t count as a hobby farm.)
Interestingly enough, our city does allow backyard chickens (a few of our neighbors have them) and it’s been something we’ve talked about dozens of times over the years.
So far, we haven’t pursued actually purchasing chickens, but last fall, we made a space in our landscaping for a small chicken coop + run… now we just need to build it and get chicks. 🐥
I’m not sure if that will happen this spring yet, but someday… I’ll keep dreaming!
This is what I’d love for it to look like (on a slightly smaller scale). 🥰
I feel it’s worth mentioning that even though we likely won’t live on a farm or hobby farm any time soon, it can still be a fun “someday dream”.
I’m not discontent or unsatisfied with my current living situation, and I would almost certainly choose “the farmhouse in town” all over again — but I can still enjoy dreaming!
FAVORITE QUOTE = C.S. Lewis
I’ve been listening to some of C.S. Lewis’ books via the Hoopla and Libby apps — some of his “deeper thinking” books that would probably put me to sleep if I read them before bed!
Listening to these books reminded me of one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes — which is also very fitting, considering we’re right in the middle of Lent and Easter is just a few weeks away.
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” ~ C.S. Lewis
NOTE: The Most Reluctant Convert is a good movie about C.S. Lewis’ life.
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST
How Quickly We Forget: I wrote this post back in 2019, when my kids were 7, 5, 3, and 1 — about how much easier it felt to parent 4 “older” children versus “just” a toddler and baby like I had 5 years prior (back in 2014).
Now, 5 additional years later, life feels even easier.
Yes, we are well versed in working through friendship drama, bad attitudes, homework dilemmas, and the busyness of a few extracurricular activities — but it still feels easier for me, and it’s so much more fun.
Read the full posts here: How Quickly We Forget
There are times when I look through old photo albums and think “They are so cute, I wish I could go back” but then I remember how much more work they were physically back then.
There are pros and cons to every season… and in my opinion, things just keep getting more fun!
The moral of my story = look for the good in whatever season you are in, and look forward to whatever else is in store for you!
That’s all for this month.
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Leah says
Andrea, can I ask what you got or did for Simon’s 10th birthday? Trying to figure out my soon-to-be 10 year old son’s birthday gifts. Thank you!
Andrea says
We got Simon some Nike pants he wanted (from a thrift store) and a U of M football calendar (also from a thrift store) so he could cut the pictures of football players out and use them as a poster. We got him some Crocs Jibbiz and candy too. But his “main gift” this year was to attend the Detroit Lion’s football camp this summer (it’s actually next week right here in our town!)
We spent about $10 total on all his gifts (outside of the footbal camp). He was THRILLED
I think candy or fun snacks and money are good gifts for kids — then you can go shopping together and let them pick something out (and then stop for lunch or dessert on the way home).
Donna Marie says
You really do a good job of living!!! And you spread it to your family and others!!!
Andrea says
thanks so much Donna — what a kind compliment 🙂
Marion Skinner says
Love getting your emails! I tried thr BrocoSlaw …. amazing…. thank you for sharing that recipe!
Andrea says
yay — I’m thrilled you enjoy the emails (and the BrocoSlaw) you’re welcome for the simple recipes!
Tamara Flick-Parker says
“look for the good in whatever season you are in, and look forward to whatever else is in store for you!” I really resonated with this statement. Living in Vancouver (Canada) our winters are generally VERY WET. In fact, we have a few nicknames like “The Wetcoast” or “Raincouver”. Looking at the other perspective of that statement, I have found myself reminiscing in my head about when my son (now 32) was little. We have photos on our walls and mantel of him at various ages – from 1 day old to late 20s. It’s been such a privilege to watch him become the man he is today. I long for grandchildren, but not sure if that’s in the cards. It’s not up to me. But I/we enjoy him and his partner and their dog.
It’s also been a joy to watch all of your kids are grow up. I think I started following you when Nora was just 4 years old. She’s nearly a young woman! I’ve always admired your life, although I enjoy mine most of the time. I strive to be as organized as you are, but for various reasons, I never will be.
Now I’m “look(ing) forward to whatever else is in store for you!” which is passing my graduate exam in June and moving on with my career as a counsellor and working in Palliative Care with young adults (ages 19-35ish).
Andrea says
Thanks for this perspective, Tamara — and what an accomplishment with your education and new career!! Many blessings to you and your family.
Sarah says
I just love your favorite things. So fun and so practical. Thank you for sharing.
Question about your mulch…what style of mulch do you get? Do you get thin or thicker style? Have you tried out a few different kinds?
Andrea says
Thanks Sarah!
I don’t know if our mulch is “thin or thick” — we don’t have that option, but it feels thick to me! We get color-treated (brown) b/c it lasts 2 years and stays looking great (doesn’t fade in the sun).
We always order from Best Bark and Stone as they are super close to us.
Sarah says
Thanks so much!
Debbie says
How fun to dream about having chicken and a nice chicken coop! The fresh eggs would be great to have every day. Our church is doing the 1 year Bible through our sermons and personal readings. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable it is to read when it’s chronological. The quote from CS Lewis is so good! I felt shocked when I recently read that some worship leaders, a couple famous song writers and worship leaders, fell out of their Christian faith. I don’t think I’ll ever understand it because once I’ve tasted the love and grace that came from God there’s nothing else in this world that makes better sense.
Andrea says
Yes, there are lots of progressive Christians who are moving away from Scripture and more into “whatever feels right and true to them”. And several famous people and influencers who are “deconstructing” their faith — a.k.a. turning away from the Bible. It’s sad because they are pulling lots of younger people with them via their online platforms.
And yes, you are one of many who have mentioned how enjoyable it has been to read the Bible chronologically! I’m currently reading The Story and it’s a Chronologically version of the Bible, written as more of a continuing story (no chapter headings or verse numbers). I’ve been enjying that a lot and I can just fly through it as I don’t get “distracted” by different notes or commentary.
Kerri says
A 2 part comment: First, how do you actually split perennials without killing the one that is staying in the ground or breaking the root off the one you are removing. Second, check with your city about the chickens. Here in Austin, they are offering a rebate for anyone that has backyard chickens.
Andrea says
Hi Kerri!
Splitting most perennials is SUPER easy. I usually just dig up the entire thing and then literally chop it in half (or in quarters) with a shovel. You can also use a heavy-duty knife to saw through the roots if that’s easier). Than I replant one chunk and transplant or sell the others.
As for the chickens — I’ll definitely look into that. Thanks!
Janice says
I always enjoy reading your posts and clicking on all the links to read your past posts! Do you still use the BERON Eco-Friendly Wash Ball Super Laundry Balls? I am thinking about ordering but wanted to be sure they are still working for you. Thanks!
Andrea says
Thanks Janice — I’m excited about possibly getting chickens 🙂
yes, we still love the laundry balls — although I did buy a 2nd set. They are good for a certain number of washes, so I just figured out that I did roughly 10 loads a week, so just over 500 per year, that helped me estimate when I needed to replace the balls.
Olivia says
Hi Andrea! I read your blog every time you post, and find it joyous and inspirational!
Yes, you should get chickens! My husband just built us that kind of chicken coop/run that you can [just about] move from one bit of grass to the next (we have a scrubby field), and our 15 chickens are starting to lay well – 11 eggs in a day is their record so far. It is so incredibly fun for kids to collect eggs, give them to neighbours and friends, and of course cook and eat them themselves!
Nancy says
Our neighbor has 5 chickens and lets them out a few hours a day. They race to my yard for the sprinklings from our bird feeders and I love it. I’ve named them all and enjoy watching them scratch around and squabble. The neighbor gives us some eggs every now and then. I do love having these chickens in my life without any responsibility for them.
Andrea says
This is so fun — I know our kids (and neighbors) will also enjoy being with the chickens. And I know I’ll love the eggs!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Olivia! Yes, we’d love to get chickens — I just need to get my butt in gear and build that coop!
We’ll definitely keep you posted!
Janice Pohlman says
My husband would say your kids are at the perfect age. No diaper bag now and no driver license yet.
You have a lovely family and I enjoy reading your blog!
Janice
Andrea says
I agree 100% with your husband! I read a book a few years back, “When your kids are 6-12” and they call this age the “middle age” of kids — and it’s SO sweet. Everyone is self-sufficient and sleeps through the night, but we don’t have tons of outside influences or activities yet, no drivers, no late nights, they still think we are pretty cool and ask our advice for almost everything. It’s great!
Connie says
An added note of encouragement as your kiddos grow: I had people tell me for years how horrible their kid’s teen years were. They’d say, “ Just wait!” and roll their eyes and shake their head or cringe. Not true for us. My 2 daughters teen years were my very favorite seasons of their childhood! Busy but they were so much fun. So you have more to look forward to.
Nancy says
I agree with you. My daughter was challenging from 12-16 y/o but you can see how hard the changes in their life is for them and how can you get mad at that? She’s my best dearest friend now. My son had his moments but also navigating a big new world with no experience isn’t easy. My daughter had to learn everything the hard way, my son was anxious for advice, they’re so different. I wanted 4 children but that didn’t work out. I am so grateful to God that I have my children.
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing this Nancy!
Andrea says
yes, I’ve heard nay-sayers for EVERY age level, and for me, it just keeps getting better and sweeter. I have lots of friends who swear the teen years are the BEST — so I’ll just wait and see!
Tamara Flick-Parker says
I agree with you about teen years. There are so many ways kids can be influenced by the outside world, especially as social media takes hold even more than 15 years ago when our son was a teen (now 32). But even then, being bullied (which my son was), drugs, gangs etc. can lead young people down a bad path. It depends on the relationship you build with them from day 1. Fortunately, our son discovered theatre at an early age and I truly believe that got him through the “rough teen years”. A big part of that were the relationships he built with his peers. Not that he was/is a perfect child, but the bumps we had were minor compared to the problems that some parents have to deal with and sometimes include heartbreak. I feel that the important part of raising a child is to listen to even the small stuff and be approachable so that they come to you about the really big decisions and problems they face as they grow up. I wouldn’t have traded ANY of it for anything.