322. Why We Chose a Big Family, Sourdough Troubleshooting, Baby/Toddler Sleep, and More Q&A — Simple Farmhouse Life

So many of the questions we carry as mothers aren’t about doing more, but about knowing what actually matters. In this Q&A-style episode, I’m answering a wide range of listener questions on motherhood, homemaking, sourdough, sleep, budgeting, and family culture. We talk through pursuing big dreams later in life, simplifying from-scratch cooking without burnout, navigating intense toddler phases, and why flexibility often serves families better than precision. If you’ve been craving reassurance, perspective, and practical encouragement for everyday family life, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

Why it’s never “too late” to pursue land, homesteading, or long-term family dreams and how thinking generationally reframes the pressure to accomplish all your dreams right now
A practical starting point for moms learning to cook from scratch without feeling overwhelmed
Navigating the intense “only mom will do” phase with toddlers and why not every hard season needs fixing
Thoughts on daily vitamins during postpartum and nursing, plus the role of consistency over perfection
Babywearing realities, newborn neck chafing, and simple ways to keep sensitive skin comfortable and healing
Helping preschoolers learn to fall asleep independently after extended co-sleeping without turning bedtime into a nightly battle
A straightforward approach to budgeting and saving later in life by simply making spending visible
Why measuring sourdough starter isn’t as critical as many think and how I approach baking with a relaxed, flexible mindset
Diving into our open-handed approach to having a large family, cultural pressure, and how much planning really belongs in family size conversations
Breastfeeding around older children, modesty at home, and why this has become a non-issue over time
Setting boundaries with nearby grandparents when frequent visits start shaping daily habits and family culture
Using sourdough starter straight from the fridge, reducing waste, and simplifying feeding rhythms
Choosing in-person church even when it disrupts naps and why long-term habits matter more than short-term inconvenience

View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out my friend Abbie’s podcast episode on Christians and fertility

Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course

Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series

Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook

CONNECT

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