Modernfarmhousefamily

Usually I’m behind the camera doing silly dances and faces to coax natural smiles for pictures. But a couple weeks ago we booked an in-home photo session with another photographer and I’m SO thankful we did!! This is one of my favorites. And swipe for all the individuals with each child! We got the best pictures and I was able to just be a part of it all without running back and forth to the camera. We never really hire a photographer because we figure “Well, I have a camera…we can do it!” But I gotta tell ya, when we were done, Tim and I both agreed we need to do that more often! It’s not my normal photo style and that’s actually what I love about them. Something different than I would’ve done. I loved having someone else capture our pictures and already have a fun framing project happening for a wall in our house. Something I’ve wanted to do a long time and can’t wait to show you once we get it all printed and done! Shout out to all the amazing photographers out there capturing memories for people! 📸: @jbr__photography__

Still squeezing in a selfie square! Every night at the dinner table for the past year we’ve played “high, low, buffalo” after hearing the idea from a friend (was it you @m.is.for.mama ?). High from the day, low from the day and buffalo is something unexpected/surprising. I love hearing what the boys come up with. Beck rarely has a low but when he does- it’s that he has to take a nap 🤣. Crew’s high is often in the future like “when the pool opens”. But you know what is often a common theme? That the boys “high”, and ours too, is sitting around the dinner table together as a family each night. I don’t take it for granted. It doesn’t always happen (especially in different sports seasons like baseball starting soon) but it’s something that both Tim and I grew up with and it’s really important to us as often as we can. So we do our best each night and each week to make dinner and memories around the table happen. Most times those dinner conversations are my favorite!! In honor of our dinner time tradition- I’d love for you guys to share your high, low, and/or buffalo from the week. Share one or all 3! I’m going to pick a few of you from the comments to send a gift card treat too 🤍!!

March brought our sweet girl turning 1, baseball season starting, 100 day celebration and a concert, a quick getaway for just Tim and me, and LOTS of everyday sweetness. Counting my blessings in the big and little ways! Ready for April…

A true LABOR OF LOVE from the best Nana to us! 7 blankets specially knit for 7 grandkids! Swipe to see them all. It took me a few months to collect all these pictures between visits and remembering to do it. But this might be my newest, most treasured picture now! Isn’t it the best? I asked Nana and she said she learned to knit at age 9 in 4H. She knit off and on from then. Took a break for about 20 years while raising a family. Then started knitting again with a blanket for grandkids around 2013 when my sister asked her (this was after Jude was born)- but it wasn’t quite tradition at that point. Chase was the first blanket she knit for our kids. Then she offered for Crew, and again for Beck, and Griffy and Lucy!! In between babies being born, Jude and Hudson asked if she would be willing to make them one even though they were older. The rest is history. For the baby blankets- we always chose colors and patterns together. Since Jude and Hudson were older, they “designed” their own. I remember when Hudson said “can you knit my name in mine?” And Nana had never done that- but figured it out. I know I’ve shared it a lot, but Nana is just the best!! She is a blessing over and over again in so many ways seen and unseen to SO many people. She would say she is more introverted but truth is, she makes people feel the most special and encourages through cards, speaking life, counseling and praying constantly for others. If you know her you know! I can’t imagine life without her and I’m so grateful to be her daughter and have her as the best Nana to our kids! We love you Nana! I love you mom! Thank you for this gift!

One of the best gifts Tim and I hope to give our children is for them to know the forever impact of God’s endless mercy and grace in our lives. Nothing earned, all freely given for all who want it. Thank you Jesus! He is risen! Happy Resurrection Sunday! Happy Easter!

He adores her!! We all do. But each boy has a special bond with Lucy. Especially Griffy. Every morning when she wakes up, he comes running in saying “morning oo-ee” over and over while smothering her in kisses- to which she opens her mouth wide for and giggles as she gets them. This routine has been consistent since she was about 6 months old and I love it. I love that she leans her head back and looks to the door as she drinks her milk, expecting that any second her brothers will burst through the door. She even giggles in anticipation. And I love that the boys know they are her favorites and they happily come running to greet her when they realize she is awake. What a gift she has in them. And what a gift we have in her. And what a gift this whole journey is with our 7 kids. Nothing I ever expected and far better than I could’ve dreamed. Thank you Jesus! 📸: @jbr__photography__

Our first full lineup with Lucy in her spot (the last one we did - pic 2 - was last August and she was in my arms)! Before I know it these boys will likely be taller than me and Lucy will be standing! So many of you have been saying Hudson and Chase are looking so alike these days. I still think Jude and Hudson look a lot alike. And you also say that Lucy looks like Beck and Griffy. Who looks like who to you? And if you are a newer friend here- hi! We’re: Tim, Sarah, Jude, Hudson, Chase, Crew, Beck, Griffy, and Lucy 🩵🩷🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩷

We DID IT! 100 days of school is a milestone we all look forward to 🎉 and after 6 years I can tell you this: finding things to celebrate during the homeschooling year are worth the effort and time. We always make our traditional “100 days” cake and usually add in a few other fun activities. You guys have to swipe on the pictures to see how little Jude and Hudson were when we started these pictures + cake! Jude- I’m proud of you learning great time management and independence this year. You love math and are so fun for me to teach. Hudson- I’m proud of your diligence to get things done. You have been the first one to your desk and have worked hard even when it’s hard for you. You love math and creative writing and I love reading your stories. Chase- I’m proud of how much you love learning and are eager for it. You always ask for more and to get ahead. You love and thrive in math but I also love hearing you do poetry. Crew- I’m proud of your excitement to learn and how much fun you are to teach. Hearing you learn to read has been a joy and you love doing flashcards best! This is our first year with four boys in school together and I feel like we are getting a good rhythm now. I always have a lot to learn- but having you boys home is the biggest gift to me and I can’t imagine life any different!! Love, Mommy/teacher too 🧡

Just like that- in under 60 hours, we said hello and goodbye to Nashville and Franklin, TN! Tennessee- You guys have the kindest people. What a night! Thank you so much @KarenKingsbury for having us to the premier of your first movie! You are the most gifted storyteller and now that gift is on the big screen ready to make an impact on people’s lives. No Hollywood. Just an amazing team and story told. And the best part of it all is seeing God be glorified through you, everyone and this movie. I look up to you and honor you and your family for this accomplishment ♥️. Now everyone go see Someone Like You when it hits theaters April 2nd! And buy your tickets ahead to help keep it in theaters. **A few of the very few pictures we snapped this trip. Basically Tim and I take the same selfie every time in different clothes and different places 🤣. Who are my Tennessee friends here?? Say hi in the comments.

I feel like I say “hi” everyday in stories. But here’s a more permanent HELLO FRIEND! And a few fun facts about me/us you may or may not know: 1. I’m older than Tim by 16 months. 2. I don’t like chocolate or coffee (most of you know this…it’s a total taste thing 🤢). 3. If we meet, you will get a hug! 4. I’m extroverted but also find that I’m quite the homebody. 5. I don’t like lunch. LOVE breakfast and dinner. But struggle with lunch and finding things I like, so I have to remind myself to eat something. 6. I started playing in an adult women’s and coed volleyball league this year (I played in high school) and I’m HOOKED! Absolutely love it. 7. I played 3 sports in high school but went on to play Division 1 softball which was a longtime dream. Played two years and the environment was terrible so moved back home to pursue becoming a nurse! 8. I became a Registered Nurse but love being a stay at home mom. So glad I worked 3 years but don’t miss it a bit. 9. Being on instagram was an unexpected happening. I started an account for myself when I was struggling early in marriage and motherhood. It was an outlet for JOY! And wow it’s become more than I imagined but I still always hope people see JOY! 10. My favorite food group is fruit. Give me it all!! 11. If I got to pick my favorite meal it would be: Steak with chimichurri, potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, fresh fruit, bread and a yummy salad! 12. I’m trying to teach myself to like vegetables- my latest love is carrots. But only roasted. Not raw. 13. Tim is as amazing in person as he seems. The most genuine, friendly, smiles with his whole face welcoming person on the planet. Everyone is a friend to Tim. I want to be more like him! 14. In everything we do we aim to love like Jesus, serve and follow him, encourage others, live generously/hospitable and share our everyday life! Do we relate on any? I’d love for you to drop a hi and say what state or country you are here from!

✨CLOSED!!!✨ Congrats to @mariie5 you are the winner of the big box of Marshall’s goodies. Congrats to @sarahaustin3 and @kel.giedd you are the winners of $50 Marshall’s gift cards. And @three.little_wildlings you are our international winner! Please dm me everyone!! 🌿 G I F T A W A Y 🌿 We shopped, you voted in stories, and we sisters had a blast putting together this “you choose” giant gift for one of you to WIN! Everything in the bag (and there is a lot in there) and the weekender bag will go to ONE winner! And to sweeten the deal, we are gifting TWO OF YOU a $50 gift card to Marshalls/Homegoods/TJmaxx! And to sweeten it even more, we are giving ONE INTERNATIONAL FRIEND $50 to go shopping with. If you are international, please write that in at least one of your comments!! FOUR WINNERS TOTAL!! We can’t wait to bless some of you! Thanks for playing along. Want to win?? Entering is super fast and easy! 1. FOLLOW US @modernfarmhousefamily 2. LIKE this photo 3. For extra entries, tag your friends, one per line, no limit Giveaway ends on 3/14 at 11:59pm PST and winners will be announced under this post in comments. **Please be aware of scammers and copycat accounts and know we would never ask for any of your credit card or personal info. This is our only account!** This is in no way sponsored, endorsed, affiliated, and/or administered by Instagram or Marshalls (but maybe someday they will sponsor it 😆). Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Open worldwide pending what prize you win.

Lucy is 12 months old!! Had to do one more post to complete #ayearoflucywren - the cutest hashtag 💕 and I felt it was only fitting that she wore this sweater that she also wore at one month (see pic 2). From NB to now I’ve loved being able to document her growth this way! As with every month, this month brought more firsts! Not just a first birthday party (sharing all the details in stories soon) but also first actual crawling (just a little), first dress-up (given by her cousin Karis), and first time being sick (extra snuggles got us through)! So honored God trusted us to raise our little girl! So thankful for these first 12 months and excited for each one to come!! Wanted to take this moment to say a heartfelt thank you to you friends. Who’ve been here a long time and a short time. All of you are the kindest with your comments and messages celebrating each milestone. A community of women who aren’t the same yet have so much in common in different areas. Wish I could hug you all and say thank you in person. But until that day…please know how much you are valued by me. By us! Thanks for watching our girl grow and loving her well! 💕💕