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Don't Trust the Process // Gratitude & Disappointment

3 min read

Don't Trust the Process // Gratitude & Disappointment

God is interested in who we are becoming, so we must press on with wounded hearts and open hands, trusting the Creator more than the process

Image by Devin Avery

coffee and food education with heart.

creating waves of good.

coffee and food education with heart.

creating waves of good.

sourdough class banner.png

Hi! We are the

Vital Family!

We are a family on mission for the Gospel, living in Bucerias Mexico, and we happen to have a lot of hobbies;

Abbie is an author, illustrator, and chef,

Stephen roasts amazing craft coffee,

Esther is an artist and budding chef,

Oliver is a baby barista in training.

But mostly, we are just a family trying to live a joyful and purposeful life, following Christ's calls, wherever that takes us.

what's cooking...

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Protein Packed Vegetarian Breakfast Bowl

A Liturgy for Sourdough Baking

follow along with all of the in betweens @thevitalfam

Easy Jobs to Give Little Hands in The Kitchen 🍋‍🟩✨
👇
Delegating tasks to your little ones while cooking takes a little extra patience, but the more often they help the easier it gets in the long run. For more benefits to why you should involve your kids in mealtimes skip to the end of the caption!
👇
For now, here are some practical easy jobs to save for your kids next time you cook!!

-Peel Garlic Cloves
-Grind Spices
-Wash Produce
-Pluck Leafy Herbs Off Their Stem
-Rinse Rice/legumes
-Fetch Ingredients/Put Ingredients Away
-Cut/Mash Soft Ingredients (bananas, avocados, etc)
-Throw Things Away/Compost/Recycle as Needed

This list isn’t comprehensive, but they are some of my favorites I use frequently.

All of these tasks are building blocks to being able to completely delegate whole parts of the meal preparation to your children!

I’ve been involving my daughter in meal prep since she could stand and now all I have to say is “Esther, can you make the guacamole?” And it’s done!

What are some of your favorite ways to get your kids involved?? Tell me below!!

As for some of the benefits for involving your children in meal preparation here are some I’ve seen and experienced in my own family, and have seen in other families that approach meals this way too;

-Reduced Screentime
-More peaceful afternoons (Children with purpose and responsibility are often more focused and happier than children being shooed away!)
-Our kids eat more! (eating the Guac YOU made is way more fun than the squishy green dip mom made.) Instilling pride and experimenting at a young age helps combat pickiness!
-Creates an eye for need in our kids. (When I’m consistently involving my kids in meal prep, and housework, they begin to jump in to help without prompting and direction.)
-Allows us as the caregivers to see more of our children’s natural abilities and preferences. (The tasks my son enjoys doing and does well are so different from my daughters! Allowing them to have real responsibilities shows me far more of their personalities than I expected!)
-Teaches them life skills.
-Allows more space for bonding.
&
-It grows in us more patience!

#kidactivities #montessoriactivities

Easy Jobs to Give Little Hands in The Kitchen 🍋‍🟩✨
👇
Delegating tasks to your little ones while cooking takes a little extra patience, but the more often they help the easier it gets in the long run. For more benefits to why you should involve your kids in mealtimes skip to the end of the caption!
👇
For now, here are some practical easy jobs to save for your kids next time you cook!!

-Peel Garlic Cloves
-Grind Spices
-Wash Produce
-Pluck Leafy Herbs Off Their Stem
-Rinse Rice/legumes
-Fetch Ingredients/Put Ingredients Away
-Cut/Mash Soft Ingredients (bananas, avocados, etc)
-Throw Things Away/Compost/Recycle as Needed

This list isn’t comprehensive, but they are some of my favorites I use frequently.

All of these tasks are building blocks to being able to completely delegate whole parts of the meal preparation to your children!

I’ve been involving my daughter in meal prep since she could stand and now all I have to say is “Esther, can you make the guacamole?” And it’s done!

What are some of your favorite ways to get your kids involved?? Tell me below!!

As for some of the benefits for involving your children in meal preparation here are some I’ve seen and experienced in my own family, and have seen in other families that approach meals this way too;

-Reduced Screentime
-More peaceful afternoons (Children with purpose and responsibility are often more focused and happier than children being shooed away!)
-Our kids eat more! (eating the Guac YOU made is way more fun than the squishy green dip mom made.) Instilling pride and experimenting at a young age helps combat pickiness!
-Creates an eye for need in our kids. (When I’m consistently involving my kids in meal prep, and housework, they begin to jump in to help without prompting and direction.)
-Allows us as the caregivers to see more of our children’s natural abilities and preferences. (The tasks my son enjoys doing and does well are so different from my daughters! Allowing them to have real responsibilities shows me far more of their personalities than I expected!)
-Teaches them life skills.
-Allows more space for bonding.
&
-It grows in us more patience!

#kidactivities #montessoriactivities

The number one obstacle towards cooking nourishing meals that I’ve heard expressed, is that for some reason we find mealtimes stressful. 😣💢

Whether it feels like we don’t have time, or patience, save this for later & read on for some simple shifts you can make to change the mindset around mealtimes, especially if you have little ones around. 🌱🧅🍋‍🟩

Nourishing food is so important for us, and our kids, it’s worth pushing through the discomfort of getting started and making these shifts to allow nourishing food to become a rhythm and a joy instead of an inconvenience and a stressor.
🥬👇🥘

Ways You Can Make Mealtimes Less Stressful;

✨Involve // delegating the small, but important, meal prep tasks to the kids not only helps keep them occupied, but it also takes items off your to do list, even if they don’t fully complete the task… (often they don’t) a little bit of help goes a long way to have fresh ingredients ready to go in your meal!
🌱For a list of jobs that kids can easily help with in the kitchen look at the post directly following this one!)

✨Trust // When you delegate a job during meal prep, trust the other person to complete the task. Trust that you will eat a delicious dinner soon, that you will have plenty to enjoy, & to share generously.
Trust takes the stress out of mealtimes. When we try to control everything, not only are we heaping stress on ourselves but we’re projecting that onto others. Breathe, trust, use plenty of salt, everything will be okay.

✨Plan // Having a general meal plan, or ready to go ingredients, not only takes one less decision off your plate (literally) but ensures that a nourishing meal is never too far away.
My favorite things to always plan to have on hand; 🍅canned tomatos 🧄preserved garlic cloves 🫘soaked beans 🧅bone broth
Even a tentative plan will make your mealtimes easier!

✨Save // Save EVERYTHING! Veg scraps can be frozen and saved for adding flavor and nutrients to broth, save that braise, etc. everything can be used as the base to another meal!

✨Enjoy // listen to good music, laugh, give yourself plenty of time, cook in that tiny patch of sunlight. Use fresh citrus. Flaky salt. Let joy in.

The number one obstacle towards cooking nourishing meals that I’ve heard expressed, is that for some reason we find mealtimes stressful. 😣💢

Whether it feels like we don’t have time, or patience, save this for later & read on for some simple shifts you can make to change the mindset around mealtimes, especially if you have little ones around. 🌱🧅🍋‍🟩

Nourishing food is so important for us, and our kids, it’s worth pushing through the discomfort of getting started and making these shifts to allow nourishing food to become a rhythm and a joy instead of an inconvenience and a stressor.
🥬👇🥘

Ways You Can Make Mealtimes Less Stressful;

✨Involve // delegating the small, but important, meal prep tasks to the kids not only helps keep them occupied, but it also takes items off your to do list, even if they don’t fully complete the task… (often they don’t) a little bit of help goes a long way to have fresh ingredients ready to go in your meal!
🌱For a list of jobs that kids can easily help with in the kitchen look at the post directly following this one!)

✨Trust // When you delegate a job during meal prep, trust the other person to complete the task. Trust that you will eat a delicious dinner soon, that you will have plenty to enjoy, & to share generously.
Trust takes the stress out of mealtimes. When we try to control everything, not only are we heaping stress on ourselves but we’re projecting that onto others. Breathe, trust, use plenty of salt, everything will be okay.

✨Plan // Having a general meal plan, or ready to go ingredients, not only takes one less decision off your plate (literally) but ensures that a nourishing meal is never too far away.
My favorite things to always plan to have on hand; 🍅canned tomatos 🧄preserved garlic cloves 🫘soaked beans 🧅bone broth
Even a tentative plan will make your mealtimes easier!

✨Save // Save EVERYTHING! Veg scraps can be frozen and saved for adding flavor and nutrients to broth, save that braise, etc. everything can be used as the base to another meal!

✨Enjoy // listen to good music, laugh, give yourself plenty of time, cook in that tiny patch of sunlight. Use fresh citrus. Flaky salt. Let joy in.

Enjoying all Nayarit has to offer 🌞✨🧅🍋‍🟩🥬
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•
#nayaritmexico #retreatchef #mealinspiration #balancedmeal #chefderetiro #sayulitachef

Enjoying all Nayarit has to offer 🌞✨🧅🍋‍🟩🥬
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•
•
#nayaritmexico #retreatchef #mealinspiration #balancedmeal #chefderetiro #sayulitachef

Life lately has felt like a breathe of fresh air and a deep breath of seawater at the same time.

Initially, the chaos and emotions that comes with moving, was amplified by the lack of understanding for the language.

I quite literally felt like I got pummeled by a wave.

Then I woke up, felt the sun on my face and went for a walk. Walking towards our favorite cafe with intention, no google maps needed. Along the way greeted by shop owners and new friends who recognize me and address me with “buen día güera! Como estas?” being recognized, even with the blondie label, brings me comfort.

What a deep breath in, and exhale the sun and the breeze and new relationships has been bringing us.
What a fresh and exciting adventure we are on.

It’s a little scary too. Often being out at sea is scary; and full of unknowns even when you’ve already begun the journey. Unknown beauties, unknown people, unknown hardships, unknown purpose.

Unknown isn’t bad, it just is new.

Life lately has been a lot of new, it’s held a lot of joy, a lot of confusion, a lot of sunshine and a lot of sea.
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Going to post a blog post later giving a more in depth update on life for us in Mexico, if you follow along with our blog, what do you want me to include on the post?

Life lately has felt like a breathe of fresh air and a deep breath of seawater at the same time.

Initially, the chaos and emotions that comes with moving, was amplified by the lack of understanding for the language.

I quite literally felt like I got pummeled by a wave.

Then I woke up, felt the sun on my face and went for a walk. Walking towards our favorite cafe with intention, no google maps needed. Along the way greeted by shop owners and new friends who recognize me and address me with “buen día güera! Como estas?” being recognized, even with the blondie label, brings me comfort.

What a deep breath in, and exhale the sun and the breeze and new relationships has been bringing us.
What a fresh and exciting adventure we are on.

It’s a little scary too. Often being out at sea is scary; and full of unknowns even when you’ve already begun the journey. Unknown beauties, unknown people, unknown hardships, unknown purpose.

Unknown isn’t bad, it just is new.

Life lately has been a lot of new, it’s held a lot of joy, a lot of confusion, a lot of sunshine and a lot of sea.
•
•
•
Going to post a blog post later giving a more in depth update on life for us in Mexico, if you follow along with our blog, what do you want me to include on the post?

Sourdough is one of those topics that experts like to make sound really complicated, when in reality it’s actually really simple. 😅🍞

Once you learn the basics of how it works, and make a loaf for yourself, you’ll see it just take a little bit of time and planning ahead, but the hands on time is minimal. 👏

So let me do you a favor, I will teach you a simplified approach to sourdough baking, then in a year you use that $2000 you’ve saved to go somewhere fun 🏝️🌞🌇

The sourdough basics class is LIVE now, DM, comment below, or check our story for the link; and to celebrate, I’m offering an exclusive deal on the course; a 24hr launch day discount when you use the code “launchday” 🍞✨

So if you want to take the first step towards baking your own bread, for only the cost of a couple of loaves, let me be your guide! 🤍#sourdoughbaking

Sourdough is one of those topics that experts like to make sound really complicated, when in reality it’s actually really simple. 😅🍞

Once you learn the basics of how it works, and make a loaf for yourself, you’ll see it just take a little bit of time and planning ahead, but the hands on time is minimal. 👏

So let me do you a favor, I will teach you a simplified approach to sourdough baking, then in a year you use that $2000 you’ve saved to go somewhere fun 🏝️🌞🌇

The sourdough basics class is LIVE now, DM, comment below, or check our story for the link; and to celebrate, I’m offering an exclusive deal on the course; a 24hr launch day discount when you use the code “launchday” 🍞✨

So if you want to take the first step towards baking your own bread, for only the cost of a couple of loaves, let me be your guide! 🤍#sourdoughbaking

in a moment. A moment of learning; something I didn’t enjoy. A moment of discomfort; waking up early before work to put in the effort. A moment of commitment; taking my families food into my own hands. A moment of trust; putting myself out there to teach others. Now here I am, sitting in a moment of gratitude; for how far this little sourdough starter has taken my family. Gratitude to Jesus; who has truly provided for my family through this thing, sourdough baking, that I still don’t feel expert in. In a moment.
•••
If you’d like to learn how to bake your own sourdough bread, I’m launching a sourdough course on Saturday that covers all of the basics, it’s sourdough baking simplified, and is full of resources and recipes and instruction to get you started. Please comment below or DM me for more information and to secure launch day discounted pricing.
In a moment, it can change a lot for you too. 🍞✨🤍
#sourdough #sourdoughbaking #sourdoughschool

in a moment. A moment of learning; something I didn’t enjoy. A moment of discomfort; waking up early before work to put in the effort. A moment of commitment; taking my families food into my own hands. A moment of trust; putting myself out there to teach others. Now here I am, sitting in a moment of gratitude; for how far this little sourdough starter has taken my family. Gratitude to Jesus; who has truly provided for my family through this thing, sourdough baking, that I still don’t feel expert in. In a moment.
•••
If you’d like to learn how to bake your own sourdough bread, I’m launching a sourdough course on Saturday that covers all of the basics, it’s sourdough baking simplified, and is full of resources and recipes and instruction to get you started. Please comment below or DM me for more information and to secure launch day discounted pricing.
In a moment, it can change a lot for you too. 🍞✨🤍
#sourdough #sourdoughbaking #sourdoughschool

if growing up means more of this, of loving my family and loving others with the hands and talents I’ve been given, of celebrating others and their wins and uniqueness, of celebrating my wins without insecurity, if growing up means more cheerleading and more dancing and more cooking, sign me up. I’m here for it. ✨🤍

if growing up means more of this, of loving my family and loving others with the hands and talents I’ve been given, of celebrating others and their wins and uniqueness, of celebrating my wins without insecurity, if growing up means more cheerleading and more dancing and more cooking, sign me up. I’m here for it. ✨🤍

One of my favorite things I did this summer was cooking for two camps as a private chef. Camp cooking quality meals for a large group with varying dietary restrictions is definitely a challenge, but with a sharp knife and a little creativity I accomplished it ❤️✨🔪
An average day catering an event like this looks like a whole lot of chopping and washing, prepping healthy snacks for in between meals, and often having a buffet style lunch or dinner so everyone’s dietary needs are met.
Enjoy this little look into the beauty and uniqueness of being a camp chef! ❤️

One of my favorite things I did this summer was cooking for two camps as a private chef. Camp cooking quality meals for a large group with varying dietary restrictions is definitely a challenge, but with a sharp knife and a little creativity I accomplished it ❤️✨🔪
An average day catering an event like this looks like a whole lot of chopping and washing, prepping healthy snacks for in between meals, and often having a buffet style lunch or dinner so everyone’s dietary needs are met.
Enjoy this little look into the beauty and uniqueness of being a camp chef! ❤�️

The ABCs of Coffee book is MAJORLY on SALE! ✨

Help us clear out some inventory before our move, and stock up on the perfect little gift for baby baristas to be, your coffee connoisseur friend, or the perfect addition to your coffee table or bookshelf.

Now only $9, while supplies last!!

Link to purchase is on our story or just head over to our shop over on TheVitalFam.com ! ✨📚☕️

The ABCs of Coffee book is MAJORLY on SALE! ✨

Help us clear out some inventory before our move, and stock up on the perfect little gift for baby baristas to be, your coffee connoisseur friend, or the perfect addition to your coffee table or bookshelf.

Now only $9, while supplies last!!

Link to purchase is on our story or just head over to our shop over on TheVitalFam.com ! ✨📚☕️

2024 was full of plane rides and goodbyes, adventures and dancing, laughter and tears, cooking and baking and coffee drinking. There was so much life packed into this year. So much change, so much growth.
We are beyond grateful for 2024. We look back in awe and gratitude. We look back in grief and joy. We look forward in excitement, holding the lessons and experiences that this year held for us. ❤️

2024 was full of plane rides and goodbyes, adventures and dancing, laughter and tears, cooking and baking and coffee drinking. There was so much life packed into this year. So much change, so much growth.
We are beyond grateful for 2024. We look back in awe and gratitude. We look back in grief and joy. We look forward in excitement, holding the lessons and experiences that this year held for us. ❤️

girl math+crunchy mom+instagram and this is what happens 🍫✨
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#crunchymomlife #frenchhotchocolate #hotchocolate #crunchymom #christmascozy

girl math+crunchy mom+instagram and this is what happens 🍫✨
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#crunchymomlife #frenchhotchocolate #hotchocolate #crunchymom #christmascozy

markets hit different when you’re not slinging espresso & actually get to talk with people! ✨🎄Though we miss our days doing The Stand, this was something so fun and different. Huge thanks to everyone who cleared out all of our sourdough goodies, and stocked up on coffee or little handmade gifts. Your support means the world!
Until next time market life 🥹🫡❤️✨☕️🍞
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#marketbooth #christmasmarket #vendorlife #sourdoughbaking #craftcoffee #smallbatch

markets hit different when you’re not slinging espresso & actually get to talk with people! ✨🎄Though we miss our days doing The Stand, this was something so fun and different. Huge thanks to everyone who cleared out all of our sourdough goodies, and stocked up on coffee or little handmade gifts. Your support means the world!
Until next time market life 🥹🫡❤️✨☕️🍞
•
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•
#marketbooth #christmasmarket #vendorlife #sourdoughbaking #craftcoffee #smallbatch

I’ve had quite the love hate relationship with baking my whole life. Love eating baked goods, hated all of the steps that come before that.

But alas, as we continue in life, we often become good and knowledgeable even of things we don’t like doing. (I.E. changing diapers, filing taxes, folding laundry, disciplining our children, getting up early for work, I think you get the point.)

For myself, with baking, I began out of desire for fresh baked goods, and pushed through the tedious sticky nature of baking for that perfect cookie or muffin ahead.

Then for sourdough baking, I began out of necessity. We were suddenly thousands deep in debt and we needed to cut spending everywhere we could, then steps in sourdough baking. I spent all my time home with the kids, so I decided that for 3 months while we were pulling ourselves out of our debt hole, I wouldn’t spend a dime on all bread products and would make them all from scratch. This commitment was quickly overwhelming because I had never baked bread before in my life. But, as I pushed through baking bread, making pasta and tortillas for each of our meals, I got into a groove of planning ahead and having fresh, healthy, bread products for us to enjoy daily. After 3 months passed, I was so used to baking all of our bread that I stuck to it.

All of this being said, I wasn’t good or fond of baking when I began. But this skill has been a huge blessing to our family, it’s enabled us to save money and eat healthier, and I learned as I went.

Now, I’m living in NE Arizona and have noticed a huge gap between the standard of healthy eating here versus the PNW. So I started baking loaves for some neighbors, and those who desire to eat cleaner but don’t have as much access to healthy real food at our local stores. But now as we are getting closer to our departure date to Mexico, I want to equip YOU to bake your own bread.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

So if you want to learn how to bake sourdough goods for your family and neighbors, I’d love to share with you everything I’ve learned! Sign up on our website now, registration is limited 🥖✨

I’ve had quite the love hate relationship with baking my whole life. Love eating baked goods, hated all of the steps that come before that.

But alas, as we continue in life, we often become good and knowledgeable even of things we don’t like doing. (I.E. changing diapers, filing taxes, folding laundry, disciplining our children, getting up early for work, I think you get the point.)

For myself, with baking, I began out of desire for fresh baked goods, and pushed through the tedious sticky nature of baking for that perfect cookie or muffin ahead.

Then for sourdough baking, I began out of necessity. We were suddenly thousands deep in debt and we needed to cut spending everywhere we could, then steps in sourdough baking. I spent all my time home with the kids, so I decided that for 3 months while we were pulling ourselves out of our debt hole, I wouldn’t spend a dime on all bread products and would make them all from scratch. This commitment was quickly overwhelming because I had never baked bread before in my life. But, as I pushed through baking bread, making pasta and tortillas for each of our meals, I got into a groove of planning ahead and having fresh, healthy, bread products for us to enjoy daily. After 3 months passed, I was so used to baking all of our bread that I stuck to it.

All of this being said, I wasn’t good or fond of baking when I began. But this skill has been a huge blessing to our family, it’s enabled us to save money and eat healthier, and I learned as I went.

Now, I’m living in NE Arizona and have noticed a huge gap between the standard of healthy eating here versus the PNW. So I started baking loaves for some neighbors, and those who desire to eat cleaner but don’t have as much access to healthy real food at our local stores. But now as we are getting closer to our departure date to Mexico, I want to equip YOU to bake your own bread.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

So if you want to learn how to bake sourdough goods for your family and neighbors, I’d love to share with you everything I’ve learned! Sign up on our website now, registration is limited 🥖✨

what goes through my head when packing an order for you ✨💭💕 THANK you for shopping small this holiday season and for trusting us with your gifts, your morning cup of coffee, and helping us create waves of good with all we’ve been given.

what goes through my head when packing an order for you ✨💭💕 THANK you for shopping small this holiday season and for trusting us with your gifts, your morning cup of coffee, and helping us create waves of good with all we’ve been given.

a lot of life happens in front of a cup of coffee.

sweet coffee dates with your growing kids, late night homework sessions, early morning wakeups, quiet times with God, and loud times at events. Coffee is a primer for conversation, devoted work time, morning rituals and evening treats.

But do we ever pause to think about the life behind that cup of coffee?

I’m talking the roaster who sourced the coffee, saw the potential and took the time to bring out what makes it special.
The hands that harvested the ripe coffee cherries at their prime and methodically freed them of their crimson fruit to unearth the green gem ready for its roasting debut.
What about the farmer who carefully decided, here, I will plant this tree, a legacy for my family to carry on for generations to come.

All of this sacred sappy coffee talk is just to get us all thinking, everything we consume in front of us, from coffee to crops, clothes, and everything in between, has a legacy behind it, a story, a person.

This holiday season as everyone is telling you what you should buy and why, I encourage you to think of what’s behind the beautiful thing in front of you.

Unfortunately life is complicated, fortunately that’s what makes it beautiful.

a lot of life happens in front of a cup of coffee.

sweet coffee dates with your growing kids, late night homework sessions, early morning wakeups, quiet times with God, and loud times at events. Coffee is a primer for conversation, devoted work time, morning rituals and evening treats.

But do we ever pause to think about the life behind that cup of coffee?

I’m talking the roaster who sourced the coffee, saw the potential and took the time to bring out what makes it special.
The hands that harvested the ripe coffee cherries at their prime and methodically freed them of their crimson fruit to unearth the green gem ready for its roasting debut.
What about the farmer who carefully decided, here, I will plant this tree, a legacy for my family to carry on for generations to come.

All of this sacred sappy coffee talk is just to get us all thinking, everything we consume in front of us, from coffee to crops, clothes, and everything in between, has a legacy behind it, a story, a person.

This holiday season as everyone is telling you what you should buy and why, I encourage you to think of what’s behind the beautiful thing in front of you.

Unfortunately life is complicated, fortunately that’s what makes it beautiful.

I’ve been trying to reminisce on everything that God has done for us; the growing of a family, The Stand, 2 large moves, the most incredible friendships, a published book, multiple cross cultural adventures, and the provision to get us this far on our massive leap of faith ahead. All of these things are undeserved treasures in my heart, especially because the backdrop for all of these blessings were multiple lost jobs, a miscarriage, family trouble, a pandemic, debt, food bank trips, tears, loss, prayer. The hardships that were had behind these joys makes Gods tender hand caring for, and loving us, even more prominent in my memory. We were never without what we needed, and have always given abundantly more than we deserved.
Today, as we’re in a season of waiting, I am finding joy in the things God has done, to give me faith for the things not yet.
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#seasonofwaiting #waiting #godsgrace #faith #hope

I’ve been trying to reminisce on everything that God has done for us; the growing of a family, The Stand, 2 large moves, the most incredible friendships, a published book, multiple cross cultural adventures, and the provision to get us this far on our massive leap of faith ahead. All of these things are undeserved treasures in my heart, especially because the backdrop for all of these blessings were multiple lost jobs, a miscarriage, family trouble, a pandemic, debt, food bank trips, tears, loss, prayer. The hardships that were had behind these joys makes Gods tender hand caring for, and loving us, even more prominent in my memory. We were never without what we needed, and have always given abundantly more than we deserved.
Today, as we’re in a season of waiting, I am finding joy in the things God has done, to give me faith for the things not yet.
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#seasonofwaiting #waiting #godsgrace #faith #hope

the perfect Friday on Friday Harbor ✨💕🌊
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This place is such a gem these are only a few of the spots we love. For a full list of places to not miss when visiting San Juan Island, save this post & see below 👇👏

Food & coffee:
-Tenth House 🍝🧆🍳☕️ @tenthhousesji
-Bakery San Juan 🍕🍰☕️ @bakerysanjuan @third.house.coffee
-Medio ☕️🌯🥮 @medio_cafe
-Oyster Tale @oystertale
-Salty Fox 🌯🥐☕️ @saltyfoxcoffee
-Friday Harbor House Restaurant 🍳🥘🍽️ @fridayharborhouse

🛍️Retail:
-Pebble @iheartpebble
-Deer Hazel @deer_hazel
-San Juan Salt Company (GET THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!) @sanjuanislandseasalt
-Consignment Treasures
-print shop NW @printshopnorthwest

🌊Views:
-Lime Kiln National Park (westside)
-Dead Man’s Cove (westside)
-Westside preserve
-The Cape/South Beach
-Jackles Lagoon (nice forested flat hike)
-Roche Harbor (north side)
-Jackson’s Beach (near town, easy to access beach w picnic tables)

👀Must Sees:
-Saturdays farmers market at brickworks (be sure to try inspired earths teas/good/chocolate!!!) @sjifarmersmarket
-Sunset on the west side of the island
-Breakfast outside @ the Friday harbor house (the view is incredible!)
-Wildlife boat tour w @sanjuansafaris

Im 100% sure I missed some places that are totally worth it too, but this is a great spring board for your perfect fall day in Friday Harbor! And If you’re able to, definitely stop by some of the farms.
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#sanjuanislands #fridayharbor #daytrips #pnwtravel #pnwlife

the perfect Friday on Friday Harbor ✨💕🌊
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This place is such a gem these are only a few of the spots we love. For a full list of places to not miss when visiting San Juan Island, save this post & see below 👇👏

Food & coffee:
-Tenth House 🍝🧆🍳☕️ @tenthhousesji
-Bakery San Juan 🍕🍰☕️ @bakerysanjuan @third.house.coffee
-Medio ☕️🌯🥮 @medio_cafe
-Oyster Tale @oystertale
-Salty Fox 🌯🥐☕️ @saltyfoxcoffee
-Friday Harbor House Restaurant 🍳🥘🍽️ @fridayharborhouse

🛍️Retail:
-Pebble @iheartpebble
-Deer Hazel @deer_hazel
-San Juan Salt Company (GET THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!) @sanjuanislandseasalt
-Consignment Treasures
-print shop NW @printshopnorthwest

🌊Views:
-Lime Kiln National Park (westside)
-Dead Man’s Cove (westside)
-Westside preserve
-The Cape/South Beach
-Jackles Lagoon (nice forested flat hike)
-Roche Harbor (north side)
-Jackson’s Beach (near town, easy to access beach w picnic tables)

👀Must Sees:
-Saturdays farmers market at brickworks (be sure to try inspired earths teas/good/chocolate!!!) @sjifarmersmarket
-Sunset on the west side of the island
-Breakfast outside @ the Friday harbor house (the view is incredible!)
-Wildlife boat tour w @sanjuansafaris

Im 100% sure I missed some places that are totally worth it too, but this is a great spring board for your perfect fall day in Friday Harbor! And If you’re able to, definitely stop by some of the farms.
•
•
#sanjuanislands #fridayharbor #daytrips #pnwtravel #pnwlife

Exactly what I have in mind when the doctor asks how often I exercise 💪☕️✨

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#barista #latteart #pours #fitness #coffeecontent #coffeewithheart

Exactly what I have in mind when the doctor asks how often I exercise 💪☕️✨

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#barista #latteart #pours #fitness #coffeecontent #coffeewithheart

life lately has been zooming by, but we have some life updates I want to share with you;

- In case you missed it, we are moving to Mexico! Read all about our crazy step of obedience on our blog. Link in the bio!
- We got denied for said visa to move to Mexico, but we found out that we are eligible for citizenship 🤯 and our appointment is on October 8th!
- This last summer we celebrated 5 years being married, Esther’s 4th birthday, and Oliver’s 2nd birthday!
- Stephen has been a coffee roasting machine, if you want to try some of his craft small batch roasts head over to @buenas.olas.coffee
- We have a clear vision and mission for our coffee shop that we are going to open after a year or so in Mexico and that feels really good.
- I am working on a DONA doula certification and am a birth doula now, more on that over @sand.clay.doula !
- I’ve also been picking up a lot of design work over on @upwork , so if you need any design work, HMU.

That’s kinda it in a nutshell, we’ve been keeping busy and leaning into all of our gifting to kinda try them all on while in this season of transition.

If you’re the praying type, here’s some things we’d love prayer for;

- Favor at our citizenship appointment on the 8th
- For a place to live in Mexico, we’ve seen tons online that would be great but we don’t want to jump into anything site unseen, for safety reasons.
- Provision for our move; financially, spiritually, language learning, and for friends and a solid church.

Thanks for following along with our wild adventure!
If you want to contribute financially to our move, head to our website shop, or order some craft coffee from @buenas.olas.coffee ! If you want to order a copy of the ABCs of coffee & a bag of coffee beans, DM me instead to order and I’ll hook you up with a bundle discount.

If you read it this far, you’re a real one.

☕️✨💕

life lately has been zooming by, but we have some life updates I want to share with you;

- In case you missed it, we are moving to Mexico! Read all about our crazy step of obedience on our blog. Link in the bio!
- We got denied for said visa to move to Mexico, but we found out that we are eligible for citizenship 🤯 and our appointment is on October 8th!
- This last summer we celebrated 5 years being married, Esther’s 4th birthday, and Oliver’s 2nd birthday!
- Stephen has been a coffee roasting machine, if you want to try some of his craft small batch roasts head over to @buenas.olas.coffee
- We have a clear vision and mission for our coffee shop that we are going to open after a year or so in Mexico and that feels really good.
- I am working on a DONA doula certification and am a birth doula now, more on that over @sand.clay.doula !
- I’ve also been picking up a lot of design work over on @upwork , so if you need any design work, HMU.

That’s kinda it in a nutshell, we’ve been keeping busy and leaning into all of our gifting to kinda try them all on while in this season of transition.

If you’re the praying type, here’s some things we’d love prayer for;

- Favor at our citizenship appointment on the 8th
- For a place to live in Mexico, we’ve seen tons online that would be great but we don’t want to jump into anything site unseen, for safety reasons.
- Provision for our move; financially, spiritually, language learning, and for friends and a solid church.

Thanks for following along with our wild adventure!
If you want to contribute financially to our move, head to our website shop, or order some craft coffee from @buenas.olas.coffee ! If you want to order a copy of the ABCs of coffee & a bag of coffee beans, DM me instead to order and I’ll hook you up with a bundle discount.

If you read it this far, you’re a real one.

☕️✨💕

introducing �🌞BUENAS OLAS coffee co🌞
Small batch craft coffee, roasted with care, for only $12 a bag. Head over to @buenas.olas.coffee to check it out or to order!

Oh also,
Free shipping for the month of July ✨

introducing 🌞BUENAS OLAS coffee co🌞
Small batch craft coffee, roasted with care, for only $12 a bag. Head over to @buenas.olas.coffee to check it out or to order!

Oh also,
Free shipping for the month of July ✨

happiest of Father’s Day to all of you coffee dads out there! And our biggest happy Father’s Day to our favorite Barista & coffee roaster @stephenvital3!

We also know that today isn’t as straightforward and happy for a lot of you out there, but we pray that today holds a special joy for each of your celebrations, and plenty of space to grieve what today is lacking. We hope there is good coffee and laughter amongst everything that today holds.

If you want to grab some specialty coffee from the very best for your next celebration, request to follow @buenas.olas.coffee for the secret coffee hookup ☕️✨
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#fathersday #specialtycoffee #thebaristaleague #TBL #coffeedad

happiest of Father’s Day to all of you coffee dads out there! And our biggest happy Father’s Day to our favorite Barista & coffee roaster @stephenvital3!

We also know that today isn’t as straightforward and happy for a lot of you out there, but we pray that today holds a special joy for each of your celebrations, and plenty of space to grieve what today is lacking. We hope there is good coffee and laughter amongst everything that today holds.

If you want to grab some specialty coffee from the very best for your next celebration, request to follow @buenas.olas.coffee for the secret coffee hookup ☕️✨
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#fathersday #specialtycoffee #thebaristaleague #TBL #coffeedad

my new favorite mug. 🥹💛🪩

my new favorite mug. 🥹💛🪩

pretty sure that’s what the lyrics are, right? 👀

•

To read more of the ABCs of Coffee book, for kids and adults alike, check out the link in my bio or comment “coffee” below for a link to check out the book!!!

pretty sure that’s what the lyrics are, right? 👀

•

To read more of the ABCs of Coffee book, for kids and adults alike, check out the link in my bio or comment “coffee” below for a link to check out the book!!!

The Stand is 3 years old today ✨💕☕️ Business looks a lot different than we planned, but there’s beauty and fun even in the chaos of changed plans.

Now we aren’t slinging coffee the way we used to, but we have a kids book teaching kids the love of coffee so hopefully the next generation of baristas upholds the art of speciality coffee.
&
Although we aren’t having early mornings setting up at the farmers market anymore, we have an e course equipping those who ARE, to do it well.

Yes, things look different, and we miss all that we used to do.
Yet, we look forward and back, grateful for it all. ✨💕

Thank you to all of you who have followed along with our crazy ride, and it’s only going to get more crazy so hold on 🤠☕️🌞
•
Also as a celebration of year 3, we are doing a birthday sale for everything on our website!! See our story soon for details.

(& we have 200g bags of coffee for $10 in stock, DM us if you want a bag!)

✨🍰☕️🎉💕

The Stand is 3 years old today ✨💕☕️ Business looks a lot different than we planned, but there’s beauty and fun even in the chaos of changed plans.

Now we aren’t slinging coffee the way we used to, but we have a kids book teaching kids the love of coffee so hopefully the next generation of baristas upholds the art of speciality coffee.
&
Although we aren’t having early mornings setting up at the farmers market anymore, we have an e course equipping those who ARE, to do it well.

Yes, things look different, and we miss all that we used to do.
Yet, we look forward and back, grateful for it all. ✨💕

Thank you to all of you who have followed along with our crazy ride, and it’s only going to get more crazy so hold on 🤠☕️🌞
•
Also as a celebration of year 3, we are doing a birthday sale for everything on our website!! See our story soon for details.

(& we have 200g bags of coffee for $10 in stock, DM us if you want a bag!)

✨🍰☕️🎉💕

✨🌱 happy earth day 🌱✨ what’s one way that you help keep our earth healthy & beautiful? Tell me below!!👇

My favorite way is reducing waste by getting my coffee for here, not to go 😜☕️

•
#earthdayeveryday #earthday2024 #reducewaste #latteart

✨🌱 happy earth day 🌱✨ what’s one way that you help keep our earth healthy & beautiful? Tell me below!!👇

My favorite way is reducing waste by getting my coffee for here, not to go 😜☕️

•
#earthdayeveryday #earthday2024 #reducewaste #latteart

screenshot or save this for later! 📸🛟☕️ your morning coffee will thank you 💕
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Coffee equipment used, no affiliation just love;
🖤@fellowproducts Ode Grinder (setting 3)
🌙@hario_official 02 ceramic v60 & glass pitcher
⚖️ Random scale from Amazon that’s done us well
🫖@fabulettahome Gooseneck Kettle wtemp control
💕@lafayetteavenueceramics pinch mug
☕️ @paso_paso_coffee beans we snagged @nordiccoffeefest

screenshot or save this for later! 📸🛟☕️ your morning coffee will thank you 💕
•
•
•
Coffee equipment used, no affiliation just love;
🖤@fellowproducts Ode Grinder (setting 3)
🌙@hario_official 02 ceramic v60 & glass pitcher
⚖️ Random scale from Amazon that’s done us well
🫖@fabulettahome Gooseneck Kettle wtemp control
💕@lafayetteavenueceramics pinch mug
☕️ @paso_paso_coffee beans we snagged @nordiccoffeefest

Finally there’s a kids book that belongs on the coffee table, a coffee book that kids and baristas alike can vibe with, a pretty book that’s factual, a coffee table book that’s fun to read, the list goes on. ✨💕

Available now for wholesale, the ABCs of Coffee makes the perfect gift for babies and baristas alike.☕️👶

Some shops you will see this book on shelves soon are;
@iheartpebble 💕
@saltyfoxcoffee 🦊
@talkingcrowcoffeeroasters ☕️
@thefoxmercantile 🌞
& of course, our website! ✨

Where else do you want to see the book? Comment below!

Finally there’s a kids book that belongs on the coffee table, a coffee book that kids and baristas alike can vibe with, a pretty book that’s factual, a coffee table book that’s fun to read, the list goes on. ✨💕

Available now for wholesale, the ABCs of Coffee makes the perfect gift for babies and baristas alike.☕️👶

Some shops you will see this book on shelves soon are;
@iheartpebble 💕
@saltyfoxcoffee 🦊
@talkingcrowcoffeeroasters ☕️
@thefoxmercantile 🌞
& of course, our website! ✨

Where else do you want to see the book? Comment below!

itttttsss HERE!✨☕️🎉
The ABCs of Coffee is officially OUT NOW!
☕️👏🏃
You can purchase your book on our website, or if you’re a Washington State local, you can hang tight and wait for details of where we will be doing little book reading pop ups! (Friday Harbor crew- we will be on SJI doing a little sale & reading in the next couple of weeks!)

We are beyond excited to be here. It took a lot of people, patience, and support to get here, and for that we are so grateful. To those who helped, you know who you are and THANK YOU. To those who have purchased and will purchase this book, THANK YOU. And to those who have always stood behind us pushing us to pursue crazy little dreams, THANK YOU!

Also a special thanks to our printing company @mcrlprint!!! MCRL is awesome, they are supportive & the company plants trees with every purchase which is right up our alley.
@mcrlprint packed all these books up so thoughtfully, & it got here like it didn’t travel for weeks through multiple countries & climates 😏👏 I highly recommend them for any custom printing needs, and if you DM me id love to refer you to them & get YOU started with your dreams whether big or small.

Anyways, this is my very long winded way of saying THANK YOU & ENJOY The ABCs of Coffee!! ☕️💕

itttttsss HERE!✨☕️🎉
The ABCs of Coffee is officially OUT NOW!
☕️👏🏃
You can purchase your book on our website, or if you’re a Washington State local, you can hang tight and wait for details of where we will be doing little book reading pop ups! (Friday Harbor crew- we will be on SJI doing a little sale & reading in the next couple of weeks!)

We are beyond excited to be here. It took a lot of people, patience, and support to get here, and for that we are so grateful. To those who helped, you know who you are and THANK YOU. To those who have purchased and will purchase this book, THANK YOU. And to those who have always stood behind us pushing us to pursue crazy little dreams, THANK YOU!

Also a special thanks to our printing company @mcrlprint!!! MCRL is awesome, they are supportive & the company plants trees with every purchase which is right up our alley.
@mcrlprint packed all these books up so thoughtfully, & it got here like it didn’t travel for weeks through multiple countries & climates 😏👏 I highly recommend them for any custom printing needs, and if you DM me id love to refer you to them & get YOU started with your dreams whether big or small.

Anyways, this is my very long winded way of saying THANK YOU & ENJOY The ABCs of Coffee!! ☕️💕

they (@thebaristaleague ) said “coffee puns encouraged” we said “🫡”

they (@thebaristaleague ) said “coffee puns encouraged” we said “🫡”

Raise your hand if you’ve been feeling stuck lately 🙋‍♀️ It’s easy for me, especially in the winter, to feel like my dreams are silly, my relationships are stale, my life is just a repeat pattern of days. Especially when you are in the throws of a small startup business, it can feel like your dreams will remain just that forever.

So I hope you take some comfort in this like I do, that though I hold the illusion of control, there’s God who wants to do more than I could ask or think with my life through surrender in the little everyday moments, and with the big shifts. Just trying to stay open minded and present so I don’t miss those better moments in store for me. 💕

Raise your hand if you’ve been feeling stuck lately 🙋‍♀️ It’s easy for me, especially in the winter, to feel like my dreams are silly, my relationships are stale, my life is just a repeat pattern of days. Especially when you are in the throws of a small startup business, it can feel like your dreams will remain just that forever.

So I hope you take some comfort in this like I do, that though I hold the illusion of control, there’s God who wants to do more than I could ask or think with my life through surrender in the little everyday moments, and with the big shifts. Just trying to stay open minded and present so I don’t miss those better moments in store for me. 💕

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