A Happy Home Podcast: Christian Homemaking Homeschooling Homesteading | Family Home School & Biblical Discipleship | Keri Mae

  Many of us struggle with perfectionism: the effort to achieve an accomplishment that in no way can be improved upon. Unfortunately, this stems not from an effort to glorify God, but to either elevate our own selves to ourselves, to prove ourselves to other people, or perhaps to even bribe God (if I do […]

  It’s finally here! I am happy to release FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE to you all, and my only wish is that I could have tea WITH you all, AT my own kitchen table, in order to talk about the things of the Lord, and what He is teaching us through His Word. Watch the […]

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” Leonardo Da Vinci Recognizing and overcoming distractions in order to cultivate a simple and deliberate life is key for my happy home. I think it’s key for your happy home, too. […]

  As we long for balance in our lives, we really need to back up and begin with the question, “Is ‘balance’ the right frame of mind? Is ‘balance’ even possible?” Give a listen and join in on the conversation. And check out our new book club! Super happy to be giving you the notes […]

  Disruption in our lives is never purposeless or pointless, praise God. Despite the causes of said disruption, God is forming us more in Christlikeness through it. Our job is simply to trust His faithfulness and to keep our eyes open to His work. To see and hear the entire Downsizing series, click HERE. Blessings,

If you know anything about homesteading, or want to know anything about homesteading, then Jackie Clay is the woman you most want to meet. To say that I was so happy to talk to her is an understatement. Jackie has been homesteading for more than 50 years, and is currently living off grid on 160 […]

  Every year when the Muzak floats throughout the stores, I’m a little bit irritated by (1) the manipulation (make em happy so they’ll buy more) but (2) it seems that every store got their Muzak from the same source so we hear the same songs from the same artists from the same year over […]

  We were invited to join a congregation in our community for their Mission Sunday service and outreach. We initially thought, “No.”     But as we prayed and reflected, it was clear we had a message. It was clear we had readers and listeners. It was clear we had supporters and, above all, the […]

  Many people know that my husband is a principled chiropractor, and that I am a herbalist and have training and education in holistic nutrition. We depend on good lifestyle habits and nutrient-dense foods to keep us healthy. When illness comes, we use food and home remedies first, and, second, we use the team of […]

I’m thrilled to offer our latest book, PRACTICES, from my hands into yours! I can’t think of anything that has been more important to me in running my home and keeping my sanity other than keeping Practices throughout the years. Sure, they may have evolved or looked different in changing seasons, but they have always […]

  This was utterly frightening. Even so, it was not outside of God’s sovereign control and care. It just took us three years to wrap our heads around talking about it.   Hear the intro to Kelly’s Tornado (and more!) HERE You can listen to my small children memorizing Scripture HERE   Check out our […]

Well, here we are! PRACTICES is now available for free (at any level for the month of July 2018) when you join us on PATREON! Read on…or take a quick watch at the welcome video above (it’s hilarious) and com’on back. I’m so excited about this opportunity on so many levels: a real help to […]

And…Number 9’s Big Birth Story, and Getting Your Babies to Sleep It was an easy podcast to do, it was a difficult podcast to do (with a poor nod to A Tale of Two Cities…). Easy in the sense that spending time with my husband behind a microphone is super fun. Difficult in the sense […]

Do you ever think your Real Life will begin “Once we can (fill in the blank)” or “Once we are established (locale fill in the blank)”? Then, this is the podcast for you! Listen as we catch up with our Forgotten Way Lifestyle off-grid family. If you missed the first interview, you can listen to it […]

Nothing says “romance” like taking along podcast equipment to your 25th anniversary getaway!   I’m delighted to share my beautiful friend, Starre, with you all. You will not only be riveted by her story of overcoming drug abuse, but you will be encouraged by what Jesus can do with a broken, repentant, humble soul who […]

Welcome to our date night. We’re talking about spending time together, my first time in the South, health care, and voice fry. I can’t say we’ve ever invited this many people on one of our dates before!     I loved our trip to Atlanta!   Present (affiliate link) Vocal Fry with Faith Salie The […]

Father’s Day, soon after our move   Well, we moved. Again. And not by choice. But here we are now in our suburban neighborhood rental home and I still feel a bit discombobulated and unsure of what I’m supposed to be doing now in this season. A decade of pursuing a real homestead…to a couple […]

OR….Five Things You Already Know But Need To Hear (Again)     Well, it was pretty fun to ride my bicycle to our mobile library, climb aboard the bus, and *gasp* see MY BOOK ON THE SHELF!! I admit I took it off the shelf, looked at how many times it had been stamped (two), […]

  It’s amazing how the time fills in when space is made for other things. I miss blogging but I have yet to make the progress I want to in the other areas in my life. In many ways, staying here in this little cabin has helped to prune more areas than I was initially […]

I know. You’re in the thick of it. All of the plans you spent so much time on in July and August to plot your child’s homeschooling…and here we are at the start of Advent and maybe you’re *behind* already. Maybe you’re thinking of this as you cut out white squares for snowflake cutting. Maybe, […]

My husband is having way too much fun with this book launch. I’m currently on an island in the Pacific Northwest harvesting and drying seaweed for medicinal and culinary purposes (doesn’t that sound like I’M having way MORE fun?) so Tom’s been playing with Photoshop 🙂 I’m looking forward to watching the launch! Thank you […]

For this episode, Tom put ME in the hot seat for an interview about the book, Present. I had no idea what he was going to ask! But we once again put the kids outside to play and paused for passing Harleys so that we could do this recording. Sometimes, we sure miss our old […]

You never know what you’re going to find when you’re decluttering! Here is a talk that my husband gave to some men at our church, back when we were in the McMansion, a year and a half in…and waiting for baby #5. Very interesting to hear where we were at then compared to now…and I’m […]

The decluttering continues! Let me tell you, this is not a job for wimps, but if you can whimper your way through it (like me!), you might find yourself gaining energy and excitement as areas become cleaner, clearer and more conducive to pleasant living. I know that this is for certain happening for me and […]

You really never know what a day is going to bring when you wake up in the morning. Listen to Kelly’s amazing story of survival and faith, and be encouraged to get your physical AND spiritual house in order as well. Are you ready for YOUR storm to come?   utter and complete devastation, within 30 seconds […]

  Here is the long-awaited Poppy Podcast! Listen in as we talk about her birth, the trials, our responses, and our Hope.     Here is the story about Leo. Here is his gofundme page to bring Leo home. Welcome to Holland essay Mark’s blog post: No Accident–God’s Gift to Mark and Claudia Hall health […]

The big willow that broke and came down.   It was a big mess.   Thankful for friends with chainsaws. Join us for our last installment of this series on downsizing our home and upsizing our family (at the same time!).   This is the book that I referenced in the podcast. It is a […]

The adventures continue! This is half of the very large willow tree that gave our front yard such ample shade this last summer. It came down during the night during a wind storm, and we were all very, very thankful it didn’t fall upon the house. It did break another tree, however, one with really […]

Well, so much for my pretty scene at the pond! Tom and I heard the *crack crack….craaaaack…..* and then, enormous branches came crashing down, smashing the little maple I was so looking forward to watching blaze with autumnal colors. Other branches around the property have come down, too. Free firewood?     It’s starting to […]

Good-bye Big House Over a week later, I *finally* have internet. I must say, though, the world didn’t come to an end without a connection. This past week has been STRESSFUL..I suppose I will be glad I didn’t have the internet distraction to make it worse. Lots and lots of unpacking, finding where to put […]

Well, today’s the big MOVE! The big yellow rental van will be here in about two hours, along with a group of friends. Last night my husband and I recorded our last podcast in the primo studio, and talked about what we’re doing, and why. Hopefully you’ll get that we’re very real people, with mistakes, […]

  Rather than join the chorus to rant about Obamacare, I thought it might be more helpful to hear about an alternative. Join us as we talk with Jamie Pyles about Samaritan’s Ministries and hopefully answer any questions you may have about this organization.     If you decide to join, please let them know where […]

It’s great to get behind the microphones with my husband again! In this episode, I share about my new book, Present, coming out soon, and offer to you some encouragement regarding affliction. We’re not spared affliction in our lives, but in Christ, we are never alone within in it. I hope this episode is a […]

  I was very blessed to speak with Mona Lisa and Kip Harding.  They are the loving parents of ten children, and six of them have begun college coursework by the age of 12.  At the time I was struggling with issues like,  “Am I overloading the kids with academics? Chores? Are they getting enough […]

  So many families are dealing with unemployment that I just had to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Teves.  In the midst of looking for a job (and he’s still looking!), he not only considered the skill sets he had, he was open to trying new things that meant learning NEW skill sets.  His […]

  Ruby Mae is coming on five years old and we thought (with the encouragement of a reader–thank you!) that it was high time we did a podcast about her and Down Syndrome.  What follows is a our story.  It may be a bit (or more) of meandering but it was a late night and […]

“Knowledge, learning, talents are not necessarily connected with sound moral and political principles. And eminent abilities, accompanied with depravity of heart, render the possessor tenfold more dangerous in a community.” Noah Webster “Oxford did little to improve John’s spiritual life…”   Basil Miller, John Wesley Homeschoolers are out-of-the-box parents and educators.  There are many stripes […]

  Daniel and Abby Jo are joining us to share their off-grid experiences with living the Forgotten Way.  You’re sure to enjoy their story!     Daniel and Abby Jo are no longer blogging, but you can still find their website here.   The Grandpa Jakes Campfire Cooker can be found here.  Isn’t it a […]

How would you lead your barefoot son through a maze of bear traps?  What if he were blinded to them?  What if you were too busy doing other things to even notice he was embarking on that journey?  And what does “slipping and checking” have to do with any of that?   Listen in on […]

Meet my off-grid friend! Bugging out to live off the grid sounds very intriguing, especially in our current economy with our need to simplify and downsize.  But what is it really like?  Listen in on the conversation I had with a young mother, telling me a bit of how it really is.       […]

“We’re so busy….busy doing what?” Corey “What captures your attention controls your life”.  That quote still resonates with me along with my blog post, Narrowing.  How do I live a life, if not outside of, alongside of, a virtual world?  It’s ironic that we now can store our information, our documented lives and our work, […]

I had the opportunity to ask Sarah Gunning Moser two questions that have been on my mind: 1.  What’s the deal with teaching cursive first?  That is, why not teach ball and stick letters to my preschooler? and 2.  Is the current fascination with teaching Latin in homeschool circles a profitable endeavor?  Or is it […]

I’m very pleased to bring you this podcast regarding the state of literacy in our nation today and what we, as mothers and fathers can do about changing that tide beginning with our very own families.  This is not content just for homeschoolers!  Sarah Gunning Moser is a wealth of information and insight; I’m sure […]

Ever think about raising and butchering your own meat animals? Join me as I interview my friend Sonja to hear her experiences and advice. Warning: there may be some parts you might get "ick-ed" about!

I'm a mother with two c-sections and four unmedicated VBACs in between them, and I want to share with you my experiences and some very compelling reasons why I believe that yes, YOU *can* also have a natural childbirth. We are currently awaiting the arrival of our seventh baby, and this podcast is as much for me (I need reminders and encouragement, too!) as it is for you.

My friend Heather Bryant made the time to come share her story with you all. Here is a woman who lives out FEAR NOT in real, relevant, everyday ways. May you be encouraged! 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

I had the opportunity to interview the other four mothers from our little High Five Moms group and it was SO fun to hear their voices. I asked them about how they maintained peace in their homes during the holiday frenzy, and I took lots of notes! It sure was nice to hear the same threads I usually adhere to also, such as staying home, focusing on relationships/togetherness, simplicity, less is more, etc. I hope you will be blessed with our attempt to put five women (myself included!) on the same line. Grab something hot to drink and be challenged and encouraged.

Are you wondering how an author gets a book not only written, but published and marketed while raising small children at home? Join me to hear Elizabeth Byler Younts as she shares her heart and tips on how to make room for your own talents and interests while in the midst of motherhood. Elizabeth wanted to reassure her listeners that she hasn't arrived (I say, "who has?"), so here is a note she wanted to attach to her interview. "Please know that I am humbled by this opportunity to share these tips with you. I am no expert in making it all work. I often make mistakes and have to figure something new out. I have not arrived in the least...but I do hope that you are blessed by the interview and can find something that will helpful to you. God Bless." My husband left an *extra* at the end of the podcast, so be sure to stay tuned for the treat after "the credits"!

If you haven't taken the time to go see the movie Courageous, I hope you will rectify that soon. This movie is one that meets *real life*, and has the potential to call out and equip men to be the fathers that God has called them to be, regardless of past failures or fatherlessness. My husband took me to see this movie twice, and afterwards we had a chat about what we thought. This particular podcast was unscripted, so forgive us any rambling and we hope it will be useful to you.

I was pleased to agree to review the book Seasons, by Elizabeth Byler Younts, mainly because this was a young (and married) mother who somehow managed to run her household (moving 5 times in 7 years), birth another baby, and write an entire book! All of those reasons for reading fizzled though because the true story of her Amish grandmother's childhood through the Great Depression was enough to keep me totally engrossed. I am really pleased to offer you this interview with Elizabeth about her lovely book.

Do you have room for YOU in your family? If you are serving and nurturing everybody in your family except yourself, this one's for you.

In this podcast my husband and I share about how we raised and butchered our own meat hens. We didn't grow up farming, we're not experts, but with help from the internet and a "just do it" attitude, we did it and are so happy with the results. Believe me, if we can do this, you can too.

Meet my friend Cindy who is in the process of finding who she really is as she battles (and triumphs over!) obesity. She is an inspiration and I know you will be very blessed to hear her words. I'm so thankful to the Lord that I know this woman.

Are you waiting upon the Lord for provision or relief of some kind or another? Join me as we look back at some of the ways God has met my own family's needs, and let me encourage you to remember the times past He has met yours as well. Also, did you know that He IS always providing for you, always working things out for your good? Ponder some different ways of thinking about the time you may be in, and let us keep our eyes on Jesus.

It is very possible to heal dental cavities through the use of nutrition. In fact, decay is caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet. In this podcast, we'll challenge what *really* causes cavities, and question the current practices of treating them. Get ready to be armed to fight for the health of your family in a whole new way. Long podcast, but lots to ponder!

Parents, regardless of how equipped, ready or trained they feel, are responsible to God for the discipling of their children. And if the means by which children are being discipled are leading to bad fruit (take a good look around), then it is definitely wise and wholly appropriate to humbly go back and reconsider what, if anything, the Word of God has to say about the issue. Listen to a bit of our story of why we began to, and continue to, keep our children with us in church.

Have you ever had meal preparation time delayed? Or last minute unexpected visitors to feed? Listen in as we delve into the challenges, discover some new ideas of how to prepare for this inevitable hurdle in the kitchen, and what sorts of snacks and meals can be easily put together with just a few raw ingredients. You don't have to send people away from your home hungry!

“When enough families have voluntarily returned to the government system, it will be a relatively straightforward matter to recapture the rest by imposing mandatory homeschooling oversight regulations.” Are you a homeschooler involved with a public school program? Are you getting perks such as free curriculum, lessons, or even a check to deposit in the bank? Some are warning about the "shackles" of such programs. Are they right? Listen in as I interview DiAnna Brannan of Christian Homeschool Network, and consider her words.

I loved Sally Fallon's word for those who claim to *know it all* about proper politically correct foods: diet dictocrats. These are the same folks that say red meat is BAD, saturated fats are BAD, eggs are BAD, bread is BAD. So it was no surprise that my assumption about fish was: wild fish=good. Farmed fish=BAD. Then I met a solid Christian gentleman who, of all things, farmed fish. And he asked me point blank, "So....what do you think of farmed fish?" Listen in on our conversation and be ready to challenge your own assumptions in the process.

Confidence in reacting to the boo-boos of life is stoked by being prepared for them. I keep two first aid kits: one at home and one in the van. As usual, my focus is on natural remedies and a drugless approach to treating the everyday scrapes, bumps and tummy aches.

Well, if you have the space....why not? In this podcast I'll share about the benefits of whole, raw milk, share an interview I did with my cow-owning friend, and tell you about my own dairy goats. As usual, my husband pipes in at the end. If you can grow lettuce, you can milk an animal.

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Are the reasons to send a small child off to school valid? How important is it to utilize preschool and kindergarten programs? If you're wavering between sending your child off, or keeping him or her home, this is an important listen for you.

What's in the pantry matters! You do have control over the food you provide and prepare for your family. Learn to create a health-promoting, wholesome kitchen, learn to cook from scratch, and learn to take control of your families bodily AND financial health. It really matters!

Even in doing all the preventative measures talked about in Part One, moms still need to have a plan in treating illness when it occurs. It is our responsibility to watch over and encourage vibrant health in our families. Here are some thoughts in treating illness when it happens.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keeping our families as healthy as we can is ourresponsibility. The Lord has blessed us with amazing provisions to use in supporting our body's attempts to stay healthy. (We have access to clean water in this country, for starters...) Here are some thoughts regarding how to keep your family well, using the methods I've used for at least a dozen years.

"Where do you get the time?" In this podcast, I share how I organize my time so that I have the time to knit, sew, quilt, write, and do a host of other things that I enjoy doing. If you want to find the time, laying a foundation in ordering your day is key.

Toys don't need to be so hard to deal with. Here is how our family works out how to choose them and store them so that they are not only fun for the children, but lovely additions to our decor as well. My husband, Tom, pipes in on this episode to give his view on this issue as well.

There are lots of ways to diaper a tush. Here is one way a mother of six works it out!

Psalms 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Asking for help is key to conquering discouragement.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Sometimes it is really hard to take every thought captive (listen to Part One) or to get working on what is needed or required (listen to Part Two). Sometimes, our discouragement grows because we just are not as healthy as we could be...so we feel like we're physically and/or mentally dragging. Let's investigate various aspects of how taking better care of ourselves might bolster our courage.

Mothering and homemaking are hard work, so....work hard! The loudest voices either tell us that our work at home is not of value or that if we succeed at any of it, we’re just Type A perfectionists. Put away feminist thought AND work hard to serve your family. Learning something new and accomplishing your goals are smart weapons in battling discouragement.

Let's talk about discouragement, because it's been in far too plenty of a supply these days. Grab some tea, listen in on A Happy Home's first podcast*, and ponder changing the eyewear.