Thank you to Allform for sponsoring! Visit the link below or go to allform.com/minimalmom for 20% off any sofa of your choice! We hope you have a great weekend!! - Dawn & Tom

@kallaul9728

2 жыл бұрын

I love your couch and would love to order one but I live in Canada. I can't wait for Allform to ship up here!

@henryscoot9805

2 жыл бұрын

@@kallaul9728 hello 👋 Kallau how are you doing....??

@jillmartin8195

2 жыл бұрын

You are wise, Dawn, to talk less about it. Fostering that is. It is a sensitive subject that evokes a LOT of personal feelings people carry inside. Over the years we have learned to say less and less, and not really even share pics or "semi-inclusive" pics that show the kids sideways in the background. It's a wise and healthy choice for your family.

Serving as respite care for foster parents and child/children is wonderful! Not only do the foster parents have a rest period, but the child’s circle of safe, dependable adults is expanded. ❤️

@eviewesner6231

2 жыл бұрын

Respite care is so important!!!!

@valeriebraun6566

2 жыл бұрын

I believe there’s a special place in heaven, (and well I must at least make the argument that if you believe that heaven in fact truly does exists which I guess making by default hell just as real; the yin and yang theory of conceptual thinkingat those that provide safe, healthy, positive, supportive, loving and caring environment even if it is only to allow the “family of origin &/or the family/couple” to reconnect as their own personal unit since (especially in the U.S and even that varies from state to state which is why there’s such- in my own personal opinion and from my own personal experience) so many times quite a few of these “cases” end up BACK in the same place they were removed from (or a close 87 year old grandparent that is barely making it and could use intervention themselves, and they just return the “once, twice, 20th time in the last 6 months innocent victim(s) back to ground zero and the reason why the entire process started to begin with.” This is the time to cry out and to also include those that are far more an “innocent victim of the No Justice, No Peace” chants and rally cries those poor babies (that were carried out to delivery and given life that is still a choice as of this time in more states than not again AS of RIGHT NOW) or the elderly that still have full access to those wonderful memories, those stories of priceless blessings that may have the hidden treasure key to start hearing their true truth that was perhaps silenced by fear, hate, or repression, or just forgotten about because they were wrote down in a private and secret journal knowing fully that the true honest way to keep secrets is to keep them 100% fully to yourself that was decided get angry at “No Justice, No Peace!”

@beccismith4454

2 жыл бұрын

I think that’s amazing, too. You’re brightening the days of a number of people all at the same time… Including your own family, and your kids… Sharing the love! Have a great time!

@simplecountryliving7555

2 жыл бұрын

I think sharing about your journey with foster care can inspire others. Even if some people aren’t called to foster care because of many reasons it still can be very interesting to hear your story. Thank you for sharing.

@raileyc2547

2 жыл бұрын

Everything that Ellen said is 💯 As a foster parent who was unable to get respite during an 18 month placement I know how important it is for all involved. Respite is a great way to provide support and not have to commit to full time foster parenting but really commit to relationship with a few kids and their foster families!!! We need more respite families!!!

I started decluttering and took your course and it's changed my life! I now have the courage to look for a job out of state and not have to worry about moving all my stuff. It was literally holding me back. Thank you so much Dawn!

@TheMinimalMom

2 жыл бұрын

Wow! This is so cool to hear!!! ❤️

@michelleprice5945

2 жыл бұрын

💪💪💪 good for you!! Good luck on your move.

@stephanielovesshane

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds fun. Which course?

@laceyakridge

2 жыл бұрын

What an amazing testimonial! God bless you on your new adventure!

Dawn, several times in the last few weeks someone has complimented me on my home being very neat and uncluttered and peaceful (one even used the word "minimalist"! I was so flattered.). And I've realized the last few times we've had people over we haven't needed to clean up almost at all beforehand, and this is with three kids under 3! Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. :) Whenever someone tells me how overwhelmed they feel by their home I find myself saying, "You need to watch my bff, Dawn!"

@tgayer1

2 жыл бұрын

That’s great! My brother stayed with me recently, and it was a lot easier to clean my house, but I still end up putting in extra time to clean because I don’t do it as often as I should. It would be less work if I would just keep up on the cleaning on a regular basis. New goal for me!

@lintb6030

2 жыл бұрын

@@tgayer1 maybe the flylady system could work for you. I find myself ending up editing al lot of steps. But some routine will always help you. And it is really easier to keep up with your cleaning when you do a little bit every day. It feels to me that I'm spending less time cleaning now that the systems are in place. ( and I hated routines 😅) good luck with finding your way🍀👍

@TheMinimalMom

2 жыл бұрын

This is SO awesome to hear!!!! Way to go and thank you!!!!!!!

@tgayer1

2 жыл бұрын

@@lintb6030 Thanks! Great suggestions!

Dawn, When you were talking so lovingly about resurrecting the tomato plants, I couldn't help but notice the same thing could be said about the children you foster and the caregivers you provide respite care for. Given the right growing conditions with loving care and refreshing 'watering', they too can grow healthier and happier in 'good soil'. What a loving environment for these children to be welcomed into, even for short weekend visits. You and Tom are doing a very good thing!! ❤

@newtonphillips8888

2 жыл бұрын

This is so precious, I also have found that I have such a blessed day when I'm helping those in need. Even though my health is really bad, those are my best days. The Lord really let's me feel so much better when I'm helping someone in need. I tell my elderly friend that she needs to the Dr. More often so I can have a better day. She always laughs at me when I say that. May your family be greatly for all you do for others. I do ask for prayers for my and my Husband's health. Thanks so much. Rhonda from Georgia

How could anyone give you even a BIT of pushback about fostering? We are ALL called to take care of the least of these. Bless you, Dawn, for anything you do to help anyone in need. Share away!

@becca377

2 жыл бұрын

Shocking that anyone could not be anything but positive about this!

@Lizzy43645

2 жыл бұрын

This!!!!!

@eviewesner6231

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, Dawn!

@LieseSemans

2 жыл бұрын

Don’t be surprised by pushback. They gave it to Jesus too.

@beckywebb1916

2 жыл бұрын

Keep doing what your hearts tell you to do. You’re doing it right! The naysayers have nothing better to do than criticize.

I'm an adoptive mom to 5 kids who all spent time in foster care. I'm SO grateful to the wonderful foster families who loved them unconditionally and opened their homes and hearts to them. They made a huge positive impact on my kids' lives. Thank you thank you thank you for what you are doing ❤️

@vickyfisher-bz4jj

2 жыл бұрын

Oh bless the five children they must have so much trauma from it all it must be very difficult for them do they have any contact with her first family at all it’s not always easy for children

@debbiepalmer1094

2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful positive difference you are making in the world. xx

I love that you refer to the girls you do respite care for as guests. I think that is so telling of your passion for foster care and helping kids. I think too many people see foster and respite care as a burden. Thank you for speaking about it in such a positive way!

The world needs more Dawns.......kind....big heart....genuine....just a truly beautiful person inside and out.💜

The room for the girls is beautiful. Any foster child that gets to spend even an hour with your family is truly blessed. Share away Dawn, love, support and blessings from the UK. X❤️

@beccismith4454

2 жыл бұрын

I agree! A blessing on so many levels to so many people… have a wonderful time!

@bethanydawnbarron4548

2 жыл бұрын

Yes definitely!❤️❤️❤️

Anyone else start scouring the comment section for the wisdom on pumpkin flowers? 🤣 I was struggling with the same thing! I did happen to notice as many pointed out that the female flowers came much later. Thank you for asking for the rest of us, Dawn!!

Only a very negative and critical person would give pushback against someone providing foster care. I think you are awesome. Thank you for spreading kindness.

I just want to say doing respite is such a huge blessing. When we first got our kiddos they were 2 weeks, 1, and 2. We had no clue what we were doing and burnt out quickly. We have a great family support system but we were desperate for just a day or a few hours to collect ourselves, and there were no resources available for respite. You have no idea how helpful it is for foster families!

Dawn, thank you so much for being a foster family.❤️ My husband and his brother were in and out of foster care because their mom had addictions and their dad was an alcoholic. When they were 13 and 14, they were finally placed permanently with a wonderful Christian family who loved them and modeled what good relationships are. My husband will be turning 50 this month, and they are every bit his family as if he were born to them. Because of them, he and his brother learned to be good, strong men who cherish their own families. We've been married for 25 years, and his little brother is also happily married for close to 30 years now. I know you hear the horror stories about foster care, but here is one of love and success, with of course a few little bumps here and there, like any family. Thank you so much, and may God bless your family and those lives that you are touching.🙏❤️💐

@cherylreed4377

2 жыл бұрын

I got goosebumps when I read your story/ testimony!! Thanks so much for sharing👍💜

@heatherj3030

2 жыл бұрын

@@cherylreed4377 Thanks Cheryl. 😊

@audreybretz4213

2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful story.

I love seeing the chickens come over to you when you were weeding. "Treats? Do you have food for us?" 🤣

As a current foster parent, THANK YOU!! We are so grateful for our respite family. It’s a relief to know our boys will go to someone we trust (that are believers) and that they’ll have fun while we take a break. I know the family you provide respite for must feel the same. Also, I loved the chickens hanging out with you while you were weeding!

Respite is an awesome way to help with foster care. After adopting our son, we did respite for awhile and met some amazing families. What you're doing is a HUGE blessing to others.

Hi Dawn, my 1st comment. This is a suggestion for future weeding. Water the bed 1st and it make weeding soooo much easier. But good job this time. I've done a lot of weeding over time. 😀💚

Thank you for opening your home and heart to foster kids. We need more Dawns and Tom’s in all our lives.

@lisarosebud6404

2 жыл бұрын

My parent’s had over sixty foster babies. I think it’s such a blessing how big your hearts are! My sister adopted a child from Korea. How we love her. Our last child we adopted and she was chosen from the Lord’s heart to ours. ♥️✝️

@lisarosebud6404

2 жыл бұрын

Love hearing about your garden n seeing you making it so nice. It’s been a funny year for my garden. Late harvest n I’m in California

I am a foster mom and respite care is SO important. We have a family that watches our foster son every other month or so and it has been the perfect reset for us. Thank you so much! I hope the weekend with both sisters go well. 💛💛

I was in foster care for a year and a half and thankfully had a great foster family. The kids you've been helping out are lucky to share your home and have you in their lives. I still do certain things my foster mom taught me almost 20 years ago, like how to fold towels properly lol

@NdnUrbanCat

2 жыл бұрын

The good memories last forever!

@garyesue323

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you wearing gloves.

@kariw788

2 жыл бұрын

❤️

Your comment on blessing others reminded me of Marmee's remark about Aunt March: "Her blessings became a burden because she didn't share them with anyone else" My own mother always says that what we own should be held with an open hand. That way, anyone who needs can share and God can replenish. If we hold on tight to what we have, it's like holding on to something tight-fisted. No one can take it, but we also shut ourselves off to anything new and better.

@juliesanders4468

2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful ❤️

@Romans828girl

2 жыл бұрын

Such a wonderful book!

My mom always said “once begun, half done!” Your efforts in the garden really showed how quick progress can be if we just start!! Thanks for another inspiring video!

Dawn, the birds were sounding beautiful! You did great on the weeding! Your sermon was so spot on! Life is meant to help and share! If not, it is so empty! Dawn, when you went in from weeding, and were sitting on the couch all cleaned and refreshed, you reminded me of BARBIE! Slight tan, blue eyes and the pink shirt combo! That shade of pink with your eye colour! Soft, pretty!

Not a clue why you would get pushback about foster care. There is such a huge need in this country for foster families and the fact that you're willing is awesome! Keep doing what your heart wants.

Your garden looks great! If you prune off the end of the pumpkin vines to keep them from spreading out farther it should help them to produce female flowers. Good luck!

@donotneedtoknow7541

2 жыл бұрын

Great tip! Thank you! Maybe my butternuts will produce better if I do this. 🤔

@emilykelly2815

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! Prune the ends of the vines then they will start producing fruit instead of just vine.

@heidihenninger6253

2 жыл бұрын

You can also prune the ends after you have some fruit started to help the plants focus on growing and ripening the fruit, especially in the season half of the growing season.

@TheMinimalMom

2 жыл бұрын

That’s helpful! Thank you!!!!

We have fostered children and ended up adopting one child. It has taught our family so much. Don't listen to others do what your heart and spirit guide you. You all we be blessed even through the challenges. I pray for you often. Your garden looks Amazing, here is a way to pull weeds easier, either pull weeds after a hard rain or soak the ground first. It is not perfect but way easier.

Great video, Dawn. Growing up our Dad would get us up at 5:30 a.m. in the summer to work in the garden. I hated it, but appreciated it when the heat of the day would hit & we would be done for the day. The garden looks great after you were done.

It was cute seeing the chickens want to explore your newly opened soil. I give my chickens the pulled weeds and they go crazy searching through the weeds for goodies.

I have thought about you pursuing foster care often. I can't remember if I've ever commented about it but I sure didn't want to be a discouragement to you. My husband and I started providing care when we were about 34. We had 3 miracle children and in part it was from gratitude that we had birth children after being told we couldn't (my husband had a nasty cancer when he was 21). We were open to foster/adoption. We completed the adoption of our first foster son (age 4, special needs; at age 32 we are still his guardian) the same month we discovered that my husband had cancer again. We had a couple of kids placed with us during the treatment time. We adopted the fifth foster child also, and over the next 10 years had 45 more for varying lengths of time, including several respite situations which are particularly fun because they are easier (sort of like being grandparents, which actually as I write this I am babysitting 3 sleeping grandsons and 1 awake grandson. Easy peasy.). But, over the years fostering had some truly rough spots. We had lots of different situations, and being in a small county meant that our calling needed to extend to the parents and other family members. We had good support from church folk (who saw the kids when they were all clean and behaved, haha) and less from neighbors (who were convinced they were "bad"). We had a dad who called from jail, visited a mom at her alcohol treatment facility, got an unexpected drop in visit on Christmas day, got lice from one of the moms, etc. For 30 cents an hour it was quite a ride. We don't have regrets but we do understand why some, like my parents, expressed dismay when we kept accepting children. They worried about us, and realistically, the worry was valid. The biggest thing was how it would affect our family. It did affect us, and years later the jury is still out about the whole thing. A couple of weeks ago I found out one foster daughter died at age 25, leaving children behind. I think it was drugs. I also found out a different foster son's son was the "kid on a bike" that has been hanging around and getting into some troubles. He's only 8 years old. We want and pray that the care we provide will dramatically change the trajectory of their lives. Sometimes we don't see the whole story, or sometimes it isn't great. Again, I don't want what we've experienced to be seen as non-supportive. I do support you, absolutely. I do feel like you've been called to do this. But, I will never underplay how life changing and intense it can be. I have a little quote I remember sometimes: "Hard is not always bad. Good is not always easy." I hope that when you look back on these years that you feel blessed, and know that you were a blessing too. Thank you for answering the call. (ps. That sounded a bit more "hard" than "blessing". Would it help if I said that my two adopted kids are the (only) ones that send me mother's day cards and gifts, and say words like "wonderful" and "best" in the cards? It's a little over the top for their embarrassed mom, but it puts a smile on my face.)

Just spent six hours helping my daughter and husband get ready to move. I love decluttering and pitching stuff so I was in my happy place🤗🤗🤗. The garden looks👌👌❤️❤️❤️

Hate that you got pushback from anyone over foster care. We know several couples here who fostered then adopted and it was such a blessing for them and the kids as well as for me to see the kids with them and get to know them! You are right we all need to be helping in whatever way we can. Respite care sounds wonderful for you guys! Hope the girls have a great time with you. I know they will!

@lindarandall7025

2 жыл бұрын

I find it unkind of those who put you and Tom down for doing foster care.I was a foster care kid from the age of 8 till I got married. Their were relatives who made me sit on the back steps and not come in their house. So for the lucky kids who come to you are so LUCKY. 🥰

I love to give back as well, my job is an elderly caregiver,glad that you picked what is right for you.I truly believe the old saying goes , half of your life is collecting stuff the other half is getting rid of it.

I have worked in the foster care system for over25 years as a social worker.I would suggest you take emergency placements for a while before doing a longer placement. Getting too attached and then letting the child return to its bio parent can be very difficult for you and your family. Foster care can be very rewarding in many situations. Good luck and God bless!

I love that you’re doing respite/foster care!!!! As a former foster kid myself I always appreciate anyone who does anything (big or small) to help kids in the foster system!!! We are a respite home for one specific family in the area that we know and wish we could do more!!!

I have a wild yard. Each year, I just beat back the invasive vines so that they don't kill the plants/trees underneath. I used to hate yard work. But a few years ago, I started thinking of it as yard decluttering. It changed everything. I love yard decluttering! (Well, more than yard work.😉)

CUCUMBERS: i learned several things about growing them this year! 1) self pollinate them like you were talking about with the pumpkins and 2) be sure to pick the cucumbers BEFORE they grow to full size! The more frequently, the better. Bc as soon as ONE cucumber gets to full maturity size, the plant will stop producing more! Gah! I wish I learned this tip sooner! Oh, also I've heard that cucumber and tomato plants dont like each other so don't plant them near each other. Oh, and be sure to prune the cucumber vine of all unnecessary off sprouts! Better luck next year for me! lol

I so appreciate you, Dawn. Thank you for your vulnerability, your support and your care for others. I so look forward to your videos. Have a great weekend

I worked with many foster kids in the past. It was heartbreaking at times, but I've said many times, the best foster parents thought of it as a mission. They were rare. Poor kids get passed around in and out of foster homes. Good luck! Good foster parents are a godsend for the children.

The guest bedroom is very sweet and colorful.

@ElmosMum8

2 жыл бұрын

It's cute but not gender specific so refreshing for any child to rest up in!

I love the bedding that you chose for both of the beds in the guest room! Adorable! Thank you for being a foster mom❤️

@daisyr.bontrager9556

2 жыл бұрын

Waterproof mattress cover will save some issues with visitors and lots of change. 👍

@bunnylady80

2 жыл бұрын

I have been trying desperately to find the video where she says where they carne from!

We just spent time with my sis in love and learned about respite care for foster families!! She cared for a young man while we were in town. It's such a blessing! Keep doing what the Lord puts before you. He told my husband and I long ago that "adoption" doesn't just look the way we think. It is loving those that he puts before us and "adopting" them into our home for...a few hours, days, etc.

I grew pumpkins last year and it took a really long time but female flowers did eventually show up. I only got 3 pumpkins from 2 plants. If you haven't fertilized I would do that every 2 weeks. I'm still waiting on my cucumbers this year too, last year they were my first producers. Every year is just different and you learn so much. Thanks for the motivation! We are taking a large donation to goodwill tomorrow, getting ready for school clothes shopping.

@pamelavonruden5993

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, the first blossoms will all be male to attract pollinators to the area so that when the female flowers bloom the pollinators will be there. And yes only expect a 1-2 pumpkins per vine unless they are small ones. Jack o lantern size 1-2.

i COMPLETELY understand, we are foster parents and there is so much push back from family, friends and even people I barely know at church. It's one of the reasons we got rid of most of our clutter, so that we could have more space in our extra room! I love your mindset!

What a sweet inviting space for your little friends 🥰 Thank you for sharing what you have been blessed with with others. The world would be such a better place if we all thought of ways to help and encourage others. Hugs to you, Tom and your kiddos 🥰

I have a huge paper clutter problem. So just last week I started going one pile or one file a day to get rid of anything that is an easy yes and then I mark a tally on my calendar for each item. I have been amazed at how much I have been able to get rid of. And even though I can't really see a difference just by looking in my office I can see by the tally marks that I've gotten rid of over 300 pieces of paper (I found a whole envelope full of receipts one day that counted toward that).

Great mindset of seeing who you personally can help, and what fits with what you can do. The best part of it is that you're thinking of others. That's what we all need to be doing more of!

I work in the behavioral health field, and I've seen respite make a huge difference for adults and kids alike! The room looks beautiful!

Luke from MIgardener says don't worry about rotating your raised beds. As long as you're properly amending the soil from year to year. Great garden KZread channel to follow well studied Master Gardener and a great personality. Thanks for another great video 🤗

Pink t-shirt: yay!

Senior care is where my heart is. We each have our gifts.

Pink looks very nice on you

You are doing great with fostering, you have the heart for it ( all of you)

Love how the chickens are fascinated with what you're doing 😄

You have to listen to your own hearts. What people out here think doesn't really matter. If you do what you feel right about you will be good at it. If you do what other people think you should do, you will not be good at it. If fostering is your thing, thank you and keep going for it. We all know good foster homes are needed.

@tgayer1

2 жыл бұрын

Usually when people push back against something it’s because they don’t understand it, or they wish they had the courage to do it, etc. it’s usually more about the person doing the criticizing than it is about the person making the choice to do something challenging or out of the norm.

My mother in-law cooked her extra zucchini like a soup and froze it. When she moved she blessed us with it all and we used it as a soup base all winter long!

Oh Dawn, I could tell how much intention and care you put into making that bed and adding that stuffed animal. So sweet. What a wonderful thing to help children. I admire you for many reasons.

I love R&R and Jess’s book!! We grow a ton of food and it really is so rewarding. It’s also a lot of work. This time of year is very busy. My kitchen is a mess, filled with tomatoes at the moment, but having it already decluttered makes things so much easier!!

It was great watching your chickens moving with you as you pulled the weeds. I wish my zucchini did that good..don’t know why ours have not gotten good produce. Enjoy your garden and guests! You have a great heart!

@jbo5915

2 жыл бұрын

Zucchini need a lot of water. Do you water them every day?

Love the video! The room is adorable and love how much you put into foster care. Thank you for blessing others with your gifts. Look into trimming your pumpkin vines and limit the amount on pumpkin on a vine.

@FrogeniusW.G.

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, limiting is key! Only if they are few they can grow strong enough. And fertilizing.

It is so weird how people react to fostering! We have fostered for 2+ years now and it's such important work! As Christians we really should be serving this population!

I’m so glad you shared with us about your passion for foster care and serving. I’ve had it on my heart to be a foster parent for many years, but we’ve had to put it on the back burner for one reason or another. I never thought of starting out doing respite care. Your video sparked a conversation with my husband to set a goal/plan in motion so we can step out and serve where we are passionate ❤️

I’m so sorry to hear that people are pushing back against foster care. One of my closest friends became a mum through foster care and it’s such a beautiful thing. Both for her and her son. So glad you’re treading the path you feel called for, despite some negativity 💕

Love your gardening! Sometimes, it needs a big effort, but most days progress not perfection is my goal. Most evenings after dinner, I take about 1/2 hr to care for my garden. Balmy evenings, neighbors walking by, pulling weeds, deadheading and watering. It’s a wonderful part of my day

Companion planting will help withwhere to plant each year. Also, I LOVE when you share about foster care! Please don't stop!

Love it Dawn 😀 thanks for sharing your mindset of one spot. Was considering tackling the whole garage, again! But we will do one section at a time fie my sone and husband sake. My teen has ADD and my husband a brain injury so chaos bothers them and long work sessions aren't good for my husband's temperament 🤷‍♀️ You are following God's lead on the fostering 🙏 praying for your time with them! Always a blessing 🙌

Thank you Dawn. You have helped me so much with the inside of my home, and along the way I began to think about the outside of my home. I just didn't know how to get started but this video has been so helpful and encouraging. I feel inspired to get outside and do a bit of gardening now. Also love how the chicken(s) seemed interested while you were working. Once again, thank you so much for all that you do. It is life changing.

I’m so grateful that you’re serving in an area you feel called to! Thank you for being you! I’ve gotten so much from your channel :)

The garden looks great. I am working on my gardens every morning. It is surprising how much I can accomplish with a daily schedule. The mornings are a good time to do it because it is not too hot outside yet. As well, I am always most motivated in the morning, so I have not yet missed a day. After a week, the weeds are mostly gone, and I have even transplanted a few plants which where not doing well in their original spots. This is an excellent video of encouragement for me to stay calm and keep on gardening. Many thanks!

You are an inspiration, and I thank you for the "sermon" because you are so right. Giving and helping is what helps our lives have real purpose, and I dont have kids, but I think setting that example for them is what makes good humans. And we need that. God bless you and thank you for being here for all of us. I listen when I'm down and depressed, and you always lift me up. Your natural laughter and the obvious love in your family is such a blessing to watch. Thank you so much.

Cucumbers!!! Also. I had never heard of respite care until you.. so you have educated me and probably more ppl! You continue to do you.. please feel free to share if you are comfortable with it, outreach is great too

I definitely relate to the overwhelm that comes with big projects. I have two weeks to clean and organize my classroom and also find time to plan and prep for the first couple of weeks of school. I don’t feel like there is enough time and I’m feeling overwhelmed, but I’m going to just tackle it one day at a time and that is all I can do. If I don’t get to everything, I’ll just have to keep working on smaller chunks after the school year starts and that is okay. My room doesn’t have to be perfect the first day. It just needs to be presentable and somewhat functional. Thank you for always being so vulnerable and relatable. It’s always inspiring. 😊

@henryscoot9805

2 жыл бұрын

Hello 👋 Kristianne how are you doing....??

This is my first year gardening myself, but I've found that the youtube channel "Epic Gardening" to be really helpful (especially with different ways to support tomatoes). Instead of building a permanent A frame trellis, you could do the Florida weave or basket weave with t-posts and string. Or use canes/sticks like you have in the one bed and make sure to keep tying the plant to the sticks and pruning more heavily

What an amazing before and after! That must feel so good! I love watching the chickens check on you as you worked. 😊

Thank you Dawn for your consistent encouragement and inspiration! I've been making some huge progress in my decluttering journey and it feels awesome and freeing:)

Amazing job, Dawn! I have been putting off my flower garden 😝. Funny how your chickens kept coming over to check out what you were up to!

@tgayer1

2 жыл бұрын

I thought the same thing about the chickens! Usually it’s her kids coming around to be with her!

@avedaa

2 жыл бұрын

They wanted to eat those weeds and grass! Why not throw some over to them?

@carlyanders8758

2 жыл бұрын

@@avedaa Yes! I identified one of the weeds Dawn pulled as one our rabbit loves!

Loved this Dawn. Full of love for your fostering respite journey and your garden ♥️

There is such a need for foster parents. We talked about it at one point, but, life went on. Now, we are early 60s, our 3 boys are grown and have their own families. We are starting the process to foster!

We have been fostering for 3 years…. Just finished our first adoption….We still get crap from family and friends about it. You just have to silence the noise … to the point where we don’t associate with some of them as much anymore. Love watching your videos!! Thanks for sharing!

@tgayer1

2 жыл бұрын

I think people are critical of things the don’t understand, or the things they themselves don’t have the courage to do.

@sarahsunshine78

2 жыл бұрын

I will never understand why people give others crap for helping others if they’re called to it. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to do it, but why not still be cheerleaders for those that ARE doing it? Bless you for opening your home to kids who need love and stability.

Been gardening heavily for 12 years and I am STILL learning as I go. We did therapeutic foster care for a number of years. Adopted two of our kiddos and then were given three more, all with Down syndrome. Ignore the naysayers because the children need loving caregivers. You receive far more from each child than you will ever give!!

I’d love to hear more about fostering. On a lesser note: that coral comforter is so pretty & I’d like to know where you got it!

Love your transparency! I guess a 5:00 a.m. start would have been more prudent in that weather! I would need a gardener even for a container garden if I had one lol

I always look forward to Tuesdays and Fridays :)

@davidandamandaboots

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

Dawn, thank you. You've encouraged me to do a bit more today. It's Friday and it's better to be done and enjoy the weekend!

Thank you! I know God uses you for the foster kids, the families and your viewers. You said just what I needed today. I feel very overwhelmed with big projects. Right now it’s with painting my daughter’s room and the mess that has caused for 3 weeks along with the huge project of redoing my classroom from decor to organization with a big room move. Thank you Dawn for putting yourself out there and helping others.

Love that you are doing respite! We don't have very many families that are willing to provide respite. It's such a huge blessing. Talk and share, the need is huge and if you feel led its such a blessing to the kids and your family. ❤️

I try to water a day or 2 before weeding because it makes the pulling so much easier! It can be overwhelming, weeds are always so easy to grow 😂🤪

@bonessam9618

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. I was going to suggest that to Dawn too.

It really hit me today watching this video just how far you have come. We’ve watched your family grow now for a couple of years. What a lovely life you are creating for your beautiful family ❤️ You are such an inspiration ❤️

Great job and love your heart for kids in foster care. ❤️ I agree with all you say about serving others. One small caution you may already know - many commercial mulches contain chemicals, dyes, insecticides and/or herbicides. Grass clippings or dead leaves are good alternatives also many tree companies will allow you to pick up their mulch for free.❤️

Love seeing your garden. I'll be heading out to water and harvest after dinner. It is SO satisfying to bring that basket of fresh food inside each time. I'm about to do some more planting for another round of beans and then I plan to do some fall planting next month. This year is also the year I decided to invest my time and energy in the garden!

Thank you for talking about foster care. I was contacted by a foster child we had in our home over 20 years ago. He said that he didn’t know life could really be like he experienced in our home. He is now a productive citizen and a great daddy!!! Foster care works when loving families do it. Our children had no ill effects from us fostering. It was a positive experience for all.

You are just lovely. Thank you for sharing so much with us!! I think it's wonderful that you and your family are helping with respite/foster care. I'm sure the girls will have a blast with you guys! And I loved the chat while watching your progress in the garden. I need to get some done also 😅 Don't feel at all bad about the zucchini- the chickens are in heaven!! Lol it's always good to share anyways 🤗🥰

Thank you so much Dawn on the honest talk about helping others ... and it being okay to find a way that works for you.

Highly, highly recommend the Root Slayer Nomad shovel! Great size for women and lives up to its name! Get the straight handle version, not the circle handle.

I love the comparison of weeding to decluttering, genius! I like that you covered the bare bed which help with better soil due to decomposition. You having a giving heart and soul to help children, mine is for seniors and veterans. TFS 👍🌱🙏🥰

Dawn, I like you so much. Thank you for all of your videos...and for your life that speaks louder than words.☆ Like you always say, I wish we could be friends.^^ You're a little cooler than I am, but you seem humble enough that I think it could be possible! 😎 lol I'm from Michigan, raised in Wisconsin, and taught a few years in Missouri before moving to South Korea. While teaching here I met & married my Korean husband. I do miss 'home' in the U.S. while also loving my life in Korea, so your vlogs and family life are a 'taste of home' for me.😊 Love your family's Midwest-style...all the way down to your casseroles and accent.♡ I am a sentimental saver. Your minimalist thinking has helped me learn how to declutter! I work at it often...still have more stuff (storage containers) than necessary. And it does feel overwhelming at times, especially before a move (which I have moved often!). I was determined to declutter in my classes this week. I had boxes & files of paperwork from the past 6 years (or more) than needed to be gone through. It was hard to get enough motivation/energy to start. But after praying for energy (which God provided!🙌 ...along with an Americano and another iced latte...😅), your talks kept going through my head: "time will tell", "less inventory to manage", "if you haven't used it in over a year it's okay to let it go", "don't feel guilty even if you spent money on it...it served its purpose for a time", "you can replace it later if you really need to", etc. So much of decluttering is mental work. But you have helped me with making decisions and not getting my emotions too involved. I was able to recycle quite a bit and trash some...I also have a small donation box. My classroom feels better and I'm not even done yet!👍🎉 THANK YOU!!♡ Also...your & Tom's heart for foster care...for mission work...it's such a blessing. My husband & I use our current teaching business to support 100 Compassion children around the world. We live in a more affluent area on the outskirts of Seoul, so we're able to make a good income by teaching ESL. We also try to share the Gospel with our students as God gives us opportunities.🙏 You're absolutely right~ if we're not helping others, then we can't really enjoy life.💯 *Earth is short, Heaven is long* Blessings to you & yours from a Christian sister in Korea!🇰🇷💙🇺🇲

I love that the chickens are following you up and down the fence while you work.

@CopingwithGrattitude

2 жыл бұрын

Chickens go CRAZY over freshly disturbed dirt. They are dying to cross the fence line!🤣 They bathe in it.

You did a LOT in that heat. 😎 I loved how the chickens watched what you were doing 😎 and I wondered what happened Re the foster care - glad you are offering respite care - it’s so needed! Good for you guys!

SO appreciate this sermon haha. My heart is called to immigrants! Married one, work for one, and hope to be of service to them more. Love the peachy pinks on you/the bed.

@tgayer1

2 жыл бұрын

My parents had a heart for immigrants. Our church and our family helped a Laotian family to settle here in 1978. They were refugees. They are very close to us and we think of them as family. My dad was the baptism sponsor for one of the girls. In later years we had lots of Somalian and Burmese immigrants come to our city, and my parents worked with them to facilitate English classes for the parents and then my mom and I would work with the kids while their parents were in English class. We also held vacation Bible school for them and had a party at Christmas and a celebration of Easter and also did weekly after school homework help to help the kids on their assignments.

@amychen2504

2 жыл бұрын

@@tgayer1 That's wonderful! I have done so much less than that!

I needed some motivation to have a productive weekend...I have some tasks that are taunting me & I need to get after it! Thanks, Dawn!