aprilspengler

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Christ follower. Wife. Mother of five beautiful kiddos ranging in age from 9 to infant. Living in south central Kansas and returning to our roots!

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Spengler Farm is on Instagram!
“Live in the world, but not of the world” has been my hope the majority of my adulthood. I haven’t seen myself as the type of person to want for material things, but do often crave experiences. Wondrous outdoor exploration for myself and my kiddos. We have always had big goals and dreams for our family. Raise a small farm again with an at home market, open a small on farm eatery, travel the world, live abroad, be a full time family. These are all massive goals that require a little bit of funds and a lot less things. I have spent the past year working to secure a stable income that will allow us to live debt free, travel nationally and internationally as a family, and to hopefully one day support my little eatery and market. Out of fear they might not come true, I’ve never openly said my goals to anyone other than my husband. I feel like we get too caught up in the money side of things. Pay bills, Pay bills, Pay bills, repeat. Let those bills be a stepping stone to your most important goals:: until one day there is so few you can count them on one hand. That my friends is the dream. We don’t need a car note. We don’t need the newest smart phones or the mind numbing television networks. No fancy house or an excess of clothing or things. We need real honest natural engaging feeling memorable experiences. Set big dreams. Let money influence your goals, but don’t let money influence your life. . . . School is in full swing. Swim Team has begun and we are pulled in all directions again. My current survival mode - keep it simple // pair down from Want to Do to only the Must Do and get through this final year of nursing school with happy hearts and filled spirits. In my home it is important that I always fill my children first before myself. I have never felt the need (or desire) to take a break from them. I know a lot of moms need that (which is perfectly fine). Thankfully, the five of them fill my cup and I need nothing else. . How often do you hear complaining about the responsibility of child rearing? When said child rearing is interfering with phone time or television time or social media? Motherhood is Motherhood - we have them home only a short period in our hopefully long lives. If you ask an empty nester what they wish they could change - the majority of them would say, “time with my kids”. Some women, unable to conceive, would want nothing more than to be roughly woken early by a toddler trying to snuggle up close in bed. :: If you have a child that you feel is difficult, I encourage you to observe yourself and figure out what could be in you that is leading to this feeling. :: Pour into them. Children are not a distraction from important (or unimportant) things. They ARE the important thing. :: If you know a momma who is struggling (especially mentally) please do not be afraid to put your arms around her. Bring meals. Help eliminate her distractions. If it is a momma with a new babe - assist in a way where she can sneak a quick and much needed nap! You know, just like kids, a tired mom is often a cranky mom. We are all working toward one goal: raising good humans. To do that it is our responsibility to put them ahead of our worldly desires. . I am busy with projects outside the home for the first time ever - Often reminding myself what is most important. Just like I did before with farming, preserving, or cooking, it helps me to involve them in my studies as much as possible. Nursing School is hard in itself. Nursing School with the busyness of five kiddos (who I want to give all my time to) is a completely different beast. The self shaming term, “Imposter Syndrome” is all over social media right now. I want to offer a word of encouragement to all my fellow ladies - You are NOT an imposter. Everyone is fearful when practicing something new or a task they might be uncomfortable with. Calling oneself an imposter will not help improve these feelings and does only harm. More often than not you are actually learning a new skill. Like I said prior, “do not be afraid to show every piece of who you are”. We are fully capable to try new things - wear new hats. You CAN do and be anything you want in this life. Above all - think happy thoughts, learn new skills, and give yourself love through self motivation with words of encouragement. You are not an imposter - You are strong, and smart, and capable. You are uniquely and perfectly YOU. Be kind. ❤️
Janie and Jack Sale on Now
Mauviel Cuprinox M150 M'Heritage 1.5mm 8-Piece Cookware Set - Cast Iron Handles