April's Notebook - March 2025

favorite things, my book stack, what I'm making, book updates, and what's happening in my kitchen right now

😁Welcome to April’s Notebook!

This post is a monthly peek into my world—what I’m reading, making, baking, and loving lately. Think of it as a letter from my farmhouse, filled with favorite things, creative projects, and small joys from my everyday life.

At heart, I’m a ridiculously practical person. I believe in sharing ideas that are actually useful—tips you can apply this week to your beautifully imperfect life. My weekly Tuesday posts will continue to focus on avoiding overwhelm, lifelong learning, and personal growth. But this newsletter? It’s a way to slow down, connect, and invite you into what’s inspiring me right now.

So, grab a cozy drink, and let’s dive in!

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Notes from Right Now

A snapshot of what’s unfolding in this season:

In our homeschool group lessons Lara, Kyle and I are working through American History in the World War II era. I have enjoyed reading aloud, researching for helpful materials, and finding ways to bring clarity to this complicated time period. We recently saw the play “Diary of Anne Frank” and that brought to life her story and experience.

I have also enjoyed doing some of my own extra reading focusing on historical fiction novels based in that time period. I have discovered that I enjoy “side-quest” type books and movies about war. I do not like the combat focused stories, but the ones about spies, battle intelligence, people supporting the war, and those working against the tragedy unfolding around them.

One of the things I love about homeschooling is that I get to enjoy learning alongside my kids. I fully embrace being a fellow student in a few areas each year and I round out my own education while I guide them in their learning.

Honest Struggles & Frustrations:

I have been struggling with keeping up with all the housework lately. I have been busy with finishing book edits and creating a PDF book guide to offer at book launch. So my afternoons have gotten away from me and I have not kept the house as clean as I would like it to be. The kids have also been busy and weekly chores have not been a priority in our schedule.

It has rained off and on this past 2 weeks (which I love) but it means muddy puppy paw prints all over the kitchen floor. Little Bella has also decided to start shredding her toys and thus leaving toy shrapnel throughout the house. If any of you have suggestions for dog toys for teething puppies it would be appreciated!

Having the windows open has been lovely but it has also created layers of dust on every surface. I am doing my best to remind myself that this is a busy season.

I have also found that if there is a certain area bothering me just taking a few minutes to wipe it down or clean up the mess is helpful for my mental load. I somehow think it will be a bigger job than it actually is.

There’s also been a lot happening behind the scenes in my family, and my role has expanded to include more caregiving and support for those around me. My kids also spent most of spring break sick. (I was the last one standing until Saturday then the flu hit me hard.)

My days have been stretched with added responsibilities, unexpected turns, and the constant juggle of it all.

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I have enjoyed changing up our meals lately from hearty winter recipes to more lighter spring meals. I’m trying to buy more seasonal produce and be creative with our meals.

Here are a few that we have enjoyed lately:

• Easy Sourdough Ham and Cheese Rolls

• Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwiches (inspired by this post)

• A quick meal: Costco Potstickers with rice and stir-fry veggies

• Fajitas on the grill with chips and fresh guac

  • avocados are in season and delicious right now

• BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw

• Beef Stroganoff with roasted seasonal veggies

• Frozen pizza nights with WWII movies we watch as a family

Also, some of my kids have been sick lately so I have made noodles for my homemade chicken noodle soup using my sourdough starter and homemade bone broth.

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🖋️My new favorite pens are these: Mr. Pen- Retractable Gel Pens, 12 Pack, Black Ink, Soft Pastel. I like the muted color pallet and the Fine Point 0.5mm. 🤓

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After years of avoiding clothing shopping and feeling frustrated in the wrong stores, I found some clothing I am excited about. With the help of a dear friend, I now have some nicer shirts and pants that fit correctly. It’s amazing how this small thing can make such a difference.

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I have found so much joy in taking the time to read Substack posts written by thoughtful people. I find myself spending less time on other social platforms and more time here, reading long form posts. It has been good for me in many ways.

Some posts I enjoyed lately:

• This article on dealing with the noise of a large family by

  Middling was so relatable.

• A Day in the Life (ish) by Annelise Roberts was written from such a honest perspective.

• My writer friend Ruth E. Stitt has joined Substack and I am excited to see her content.

• If sharing your work feels hard, let's make it easier - How to move past the mental roadblocks that keep you from sharing by Dan Blank

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🚙We also enjoyed the beautiful weather and went off-roading in our Jeeps with family to a spot at the back of Saguaro Lake in late February. It was a beautiful day!

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Lara and I have had fun sharing writing ideas and doing a bit of Substack collaboration. Last week we went to lunch and discussed post ideas, laid out the basics of my PDF book guide, and talked about writing. I am excited to share my creative life with her in a new way.

You can check out her new Substack here: Pencil & Daydreams

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I’ve been stretched in my writing as I push toward completing my book project. Lately, my writing life has been a whirlwind of finishing book edits, creating a PDF book guide for the launch, and mapping out what’s next. With book launch events on the horizon, I’ve been deep in planning mode, making sure everything comes together in a way that feels meaningful and celebratory. (I’ve had to push my launch date back to late April.)

One of the most encouraging parts of this process? Receiving blurbs from incredible writers, counselors, and leaders who took the time to read my book and share their thoughts. Their words have been a gift—fueling my excitement to finally bring this book into the world.

As I look ahead to the next year of writing, I’m already dreaming up new projects and ideas. But for now, I’m trying not to rush the final stretch before launch day!

I just have to lay everything out and look at all of it at once to get the big picture.

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Before I go, here is a recap of the posts and resources I offer here on my Embracing Home Substack.

Here is what to expect:

• Tuesday Posts: a personal story, practical tips focused on a topic, and reflection questions (+ free printables)

• April's Notebook - My Monthly Newsletter: a closer look at my creative life, my reading stack, and seasonal changes in my home

• Notes: Shared stories, posts I have enjoyed, and random thoughts that didn't quite make it to a full post 😜

• The Subtle Resistance Podcast: a closer look at the ideas in my book and how I have healed from burnout.

• Book Updates: where I’m at in the publishing process, about my writing life, and free resources related to my book

  • Subtle Resistance - Practical Tips to Live Deliberately & Avoid Overwhelm

  • I have already started the draft to my next book!

    Intellectually Alive – Embrace Life-Long Learning & A Vibrant Adulthood (working title)

Reflection Question:

What has been unique about this last month for you?

⬇️please share in the comments!

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Wishing you the best!