General - Our Family Experiement

Life is One Big Experiment: Our Goals for the Year

March 19, 2025

Life is one big experiment. We don’t always have the answers, and sometimes, it feels like we’re hoping our goals will pay off. At times, it’s overwhelming, right? You know those moments when the road ahead feels uncertain and the end goal is hard to see. But, we remind ourselves that this is all part of the journey. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what makes the process worthwhile.

This year, Matt and I have set some big goals for ourselves—both financially and physically. Saying it out loud feels intimidating, though. What if we fall short? What if things don’t work out? But even with those doubts, we’re putting ourselves out there. We’re taking a leap of faith—and we invite you to join us on this journey.

Financial Goals: One Step at a Time

Matt has been working tirelessly at his freelance writing, and his progress has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s dedicated time and energy, and we’re starting to see the rewards. By the end of this week, we should finally have our own car. After months of relying on old, worn-out vehicles, this feels like a major win.

Back in Montana, we had a paid-off van, but it was falling apart. We knew it couldn’t make the trip to Oklahoma, so we let it go. Now, we’re looking ahead to getting our financial ducks in a row—nothing huge, but some important steps that will set us up for the next phase.

Next, we plan to move into our own place by Thanksgiving. We’re all ready for our own space, especially after months of living with my parents. We are so grateful for their support, but there’s something about having our own place that brings peace of mind. We’re looking forward to it, and we believe it’s within reach.

Physical Goals: A Personal Push

Alongside financial goals, we’re focused on getting healthy. For me, this feels like a final push. I’ve struggled with my health and weight for years. Mentally, I know I can’t fail again. So, I made a decision: gastric bypass. I’m not taking this lightly. I have extreme determination to make lasting changes.

I’ve already started the process and attended the seminar. Now, I’m waiting for my appointment with the surgeon to begin the next steps. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m committed to doing the hard work and making the changes I need to improve my health. My blood sugar is dangerously close to type 2 diabetes, and I’m tired of feeling frustrated when I look in the mirror. I’m more than ready for my efforts this time to truly stick.

When Effort Doesn’t Match Results

I’m tired of taking my kids to the park and sitting on the sidelines because I’m too exhausted from walking from the parking lot to the playground. I watch as other parents play effortlessly, and it’s hard not to feel left out. Some may tell me to just get active—and I have.

Here’s the thing: I walked 5 miles a day for an entire summer. My muscles toned but I barely lost any weight. I was in a calorie deficit, and yet, nothing changed. I enjoyed walking, but for the weight I needed to lose, it shouldn’t have been so hard. Then winter hit, and the walking stopped. In just a couple of months, despite maintaining the same calorie deficit, I gained weight and lost the toning I had built. Something in my body is working against me, and I can’t keep fighting it alone anymore.

Taking the Leap

Sharing these goals publicly feels scary. But that’s the point, right? We’ve shared my weight loss journey before, so that’s not the hard part. What if we fail again? What if we fall short of what we’re working so hard to achieve? But maybe that’s why it matters. By putting these goals out there, we hold ourselves accountable, and we share this journey with others going through the same thing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or exhausted by your own goals, know that you’re not alone.

This year, we’re stepping into a season of growth—personally, financially, and physically. These goals also align with our faith. God calls us to care for ourselves and our families. If we fail at that, we miss something crucial. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready to face the challenges head-on. The road might be bumpy, but we’re determined to keep moving forward—one step at a time.

Join Us on This Journey

Life is full of unknowns. We don’t have all the answers, but we can take small steps toward our goals every day. Whether it’s achieving financial stability, getting healthy, or creating the life we want for our family, we’re taking it one day at a time.

We invite you to join us on this journey. We can’t do it alone, and neither can you. Let’s support each other as we work toward our dreams, face our fears, and celebrate every win along the way. It’s all part of the process—and together, we’ll make it through.

General

Join Us for New Adventures: Fox Friends and Podcast News

February 22, 2025

Hello, Friends! We’re thrilled to share some exciting adventures with you. We have updates on the Our Family Experiment podcast, as well as the launch of a new project that’s near and dear to our hearts—Fox Friends and Addison! As we continue to grow and navigate the many adventures of work, parenting, and creative projects, we are excited to bring you along on this journey with us.

New Adventures for the Podcast: A Fresh Bi-Weekly Schedule!

Life has been a whirlwind of adventures, and sometimes that means juggling a lot of different things. Between work, parenting, and our creative projects, we have found that the quality of our podcast episodes was starting to feel a bit stretched. We want to ensure we’re bringing you the best possible content. So after thoughtful consideration, we’ve decided to shift to a bi-weekly podcast schedule. This change will give us more space to focus on delivering the high-quality episodes you deserve, while balancing all the other exciting adventures in our lives. But don’t worry—the Our Family Experiment podcast isn’t going anywhere! We’re just adjusting our schedule to make sure we continue bringing you great content.

Addison’s Big Adventure: Fox Friends is Coming!

Now for the most exciting part: we’re embarking on a brand new adventure with the Fox Friends project! This has been a dream come true for Addison, who has always had a passion for creativity and storytelling. After years of dreaming about creating her own world of adventures, Addison is finally ready to share it with you. We are beyond proud of all the hard work Addison has put into bringing Fox Friends to life. We we can’t wait for you to join the adventure!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming soon:

A 14-Page Hand-Drawn Coloring Book: Featuring the lovable Fox Friends characters, this coloring book will bring the adventures of the foxes right into your hands!
Fox Friends and Addison: The Forest Adventure Storybook: Available in multiple reading levels, this storybook will take kids on an exciting adventure in the forest.
Fox Friends-Branded Merchandise: Bring the adventures of Fox Friends into your home with our soon-to-be-released merchandise.
A Fully Animated YouTube Series: Watch as the Fox Friends characters embark on even more adventures in an animated series that will bring the stories to life!

This is just the beginning of the Fox Friends adventure, and we’re so excited for what lies ahead. With Addison’s creativity and passion leading the way, we’re confident that there are many more adventures to come.

How You Can Support Addison’s Adventure

You can support Addison and her adventure by subscribing to the project.Your encouragement and support mean the world to us. We are so grateful for everything you’ve done to be part of this journey.

Stay Tuned for More Adventures!

We’ve got more adventures to share with you, and can’t wait for you to join us on this exciting ride. Thank you for being part of the Our Family Experiment family. Your support makes all of our adventures possible, and we hope that we continue to inspire, bless, and help you along the way.

With love,
Denise and Matt

Family Foundations

Creating Peace at Home: Turning Your House into a Sanctuary for Your Family

December 21, 2024

Introduction

Home should be more than just the place where we sleep, eat, and juggle the chaos of daily life—it should feel like a sanctuary. As parents, Matt and I know how challenging it can be to create peace at home, especially with kids, work, and an endless to-do list. But we’ve also learned that with a few intentional changes, it’s possible to build a space that feels calming, welcoming, and restorative for the whole family.

In this post, we’re sharing practical tips and insights from our own journey to make our home a place of peace. From managing the noise and clutter to creating moments of connection, these small changes can have a big impact on the way your family feels at home.

1. Start with Decluttering the Physical Space

It’s hard to feel peaceful when you’re surrounded by piles of stuff. One of the biggest things Matt and I have learned is that clutter isn’t just visual—it creates mental and emotional stress too.

We don’t have a Pinterest-perfect house by any means, but we’ve worked on minimizing the chaos by regularly decluttering. A great place to start is with the common areas: the kitchen, living room, and entryway. Once those spaces feel more open and organized, it’s amazing how much lighter the whole house feels.

💡 Practical Tip: Involve the kids in decluttering by turning it into a fun challenge. Who can fill a box of items to donate the fastest?

2. Prioritize Moments of Connection

Peace at home isn’t just about how a house looks—it’s about how it feels. And nothing creates a sense of calm like meaningful family connections. For us, this means carving out intentional time to connect with our kids, even if it’s just over dinner or playing video games with the kids after their schoolwork is completed.

Sometimes it’s as simple as turning off the TV and really listening to what the kids are saying. Other times, it’s planning a family movie night or taking a walk together. These small moments create a sense of belonging and stability that helps everyone feel more grounded.

3. Create Personal Spaces for Everyone

While we value togetherness, we’ve also learned that everyone needs a little personal space to recharge. For Matt, it’s his desk; for me, it’s a cozy corner with a comfy chair where I can game or work. The kids also have their own spaces where they can read, play, or unwind after a long day.

Having a designated spot for each family member to retreat to can work wonders for creating peace at home. It helps everyone recharge and prevents the whole family from getting overwhelmed by constant togetherness.

4. Add Calming Elements to Your Home

Sometimes, creating peace at home is as simple as changing the atmosphere. Adding soft lighting, calming scents, and cozy textures can completely transform the feel of a space.

We recently added a wax warmer to Matt’s desk that looks like a tiny fireplace, and it’s been such a simple but effective way to create a relaxing vibe. Whether it’s lighting a candle, playing soft background music, or investing in a fluffy throw blanket for the couch, these small touches make a big difference.

5. Establish a Routine That Works for Your Family

Chaos often sneaks into our home when there’s a lack of structure. While we’re not sticklers for a rigid schedule, having a flexible routine helps keep the day-to-day manageable and creates a sense of predictability for everyone.

For example, we’ve established simple morning and evening routines that help set the tone for the day and wind everyone down at night. Knowing what to expect takes the guesswork out of daily life and creates a foundation of peace.

💡 Practical Tip: Start small. Even a 5-minute family check-in at the end of the day can help everyone feel more connected and calm.

6. Model Peaceful Behavior

We’ve learned the hard way that our kids mirror what they see. If Matt and I are constantly stressed, snapping at each other, or rushing from one task to the next, that energy trickles down to the kids, fast.

Instead, we’ve been trying to model calm behavior (as much as possible). This means taking a breath before responding, using kind tones even when we’re frustrated, and showing the kids how we handle stress in healthy ways.

7. Celebrate the Small Wins

Creating peace at home is a process, not an overnight transformation. Celebrate the little victories along the way, whether it’s a decluttered corner, a smooth bedtime routine, or a day when everyone manages to stay calm and connected.

We’ve found that celebrating these small wins helps us stay motivated and reminds us why we’re making these changes in the first place—to create a home where everyone feels loved, supported, and at peace.

Conclusion: Building Peace at Home Takes Intention

Creating a home that feels like a sanctuary doesn’t mean having a perfectly decorated house or a stress-free life. It’s about making intentional choices that bring calm, connection, and joy into your space.

By decluttering, prioritizing family time, and adding little touches of calm, you can transform your house into a place where your family can recharge and grow together. Remember, peace at home isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, loved, and at ease.

What’s one step you can take today to create more peace at home? Let us know! And if you’re looking for more tips and insights, subscribe below to Our Family Experiment for updates and exclusive content.

Message us on Facebook and/or TikTok for more relatable parenting advice and ideas to bring more calm into your family life.

Family Foundations

What I Wish I Knew About Parenthood Before Becoming a Parent

December 19, 2024

Parenthood 101

Parenthood is a wild, beautiful, and often unpredictable journey. Before becoming a parent, I had plenty of expectations about what raising children would look like. Some of those expectations were accurate, but most were, well, completely off. Nothing fully prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster, the sleepless nights, or the indescribable joy that comes with the journey.

If I could go back in time and have a conversation with my pre-parent self, there’s so much I’d want to share—lessons learned through mistakes, unexpected triumphs, and the beautiful messiness of parenthood. While it’s true that no one gets it perfect, having some insights beforehand could have made the transition a little smoother.

Before writing this post, I sat down with Matt and asked him what he wished he had known before becoming a dad. Together, we reflected on the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In this post, I’m sharing what both Matt and I wish we had known about parenthood before becoming parents—from the sleepless nights to the everyday joys—and how this journey has shaped our lives in ways we never imagined.

1. Parenthood Redefines Exhaustion (and Joy)

When I asked Matt about the biggest adjustment to sleepless nights and long days, his answer was straightforward: “Having to provide for a kid who couldn’t do anything for himself.” For me, it was the constant worry that I was doing everything wrong or making all the wrong decisions. I quickly learned to trust my instincts when Ethan developed pyloric stenosis at just six weeks old—a moment that taught me the importance of listening to my gut as a parent.

The responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Knowing that someone is entirely dependent on you is both humbling and exhausting. But alongside the hard work comes moments of joy that make it all worthwhile. Watching your child grow, smile, and eventually give you a hug are the priceless moments that redefine what joy means in parenthood.

2. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

Matt thought he’d naturally be great at giving advice to his kids. Instead, he’s discovered that it’s something he’s still learning. “Kids don’t always want answers,” he admitted, “and sometimes, I’m not sure what the right advice is.”

We often tell our kids, “We’ve never been the parents of an 11-year-old and an 8-year-old before. Have patience with us as we figure it all out.” And that’s exactly how we came up with the name for our blog and podcast. Parenthood really is one big experiment—trial, and error, and everything in between. Sorry, kids!

Parenthood has shown us that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters is being present, listening, and showing your kids that you’re willing to learn and grow alongside them. And when we make mistakes… we have gotten pretty good at letting them know and when necessary, apologizing for making said mistakes.

We explore this topic in much greater detail in our eBook, Parenting Without a Playbook: Grace, Not Perfection. And the best part? We’re giving it away for free to our subscribers! Just enter your email below, hit subscribe, and we’ll send the PDF straight to your inbox shortly after.

3. The Little Things Matter the Most

When I asked Matt about moments that make him feel like he’s doing something right as a dad, his answer was simple: “When they come up and hug me, or I see Ethan open a door for somebody.” I’d have to agree with this one 100%! I love it when the kids come to sit next to me for cuddles or just to ask me how my day is going or how I’m feeling.

Those small acts of kindness and love are a testament to the values we’re instilling in our kids. Watching them demonstrate empathy and respect in their everyday lives is one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood. It’s a reminder that the little things—like modeling kindness and giving hugs—really do make a difference.

4. Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Like many parents, Matt admitted that he still compares himself to other dads. “I still do,” he said. And honestly, what parent doesn’t?

It’s easy to fall into this trap, especially when social media often highlights picture-perfect parenting moments. But parenthood isn’t a competition. It’s about doing what works best for your family and focusing on the values you want to instill in your kids. Letting go of comparison is an ongoing process, but it’s worth the effort for your peace of mind and your family’s happiness.

5. Your Identity Will Shift—and That’s Okay

When I asked Matt how becoming a dad changed him, his answer was straightforward and to the point: “More responsibilities.”

Parenthood shifts your identity in profound ways. For Matt, taking on the role of provider, protector, and mentor has brought a new level of accountability and purpose. While the added responsibilities can feel heavy at times, they’ve also given him a deeper sense of fulfillment and pride in being a dad.

For me, becoming a mom was something I had dreamed about since my early teenage years. I absolutely adored my sister’s girls and couldn’t wait for the day I’d have children of my own. I was the teenage girl who always wanted to help young moms with their babies and toddlers. Whether it was volunteering to teach or watching the kids during events, I jumped at the opportunity—not out of obligation, but because I genuinely loved spending time with them.

I laugh at that now, of course, because nothing fully prepares you for having kids of your own. Parenting is a whole different ballgame when you’re on call 24/7, managing the chaos, the mess, and the endless energy. Don’t get me wrong—I love my kids with all my heart, but I’ve also learned to love and appreciate the breaks. Those quiet moments when you can finally breathe and recharge are just as vital to being a good parent as the time spent pouring into your kids.

Parenthood is beautiful and challenging in equal measure. It changes you in ways you don’t expect, and while it’s everything I dreamed of, I’ve also learned the importance of finding balance and giving myself grace along the way.

6. Asking for Help is a Strength, Not a Weakness

One of Matt’s most honest—and funniest—reflections came when I asked if there was ever a time he realized he needed help as a parent. Without missing a beat, he took me back to the early days of parenthood and made me laugh: “We’re pregnant. What do we do now?”

Classic Matt. That single question perfectly summed up the mix of excitement and sheer panic we both felt in those early days. Asking for help during those uncertain times took humility (and a bit of bravery), but it also brought much-needed guidance and reassurance.

Parenthood is a team effort, and seeking support—whether it’s from family, friends, or professionals—doesn’t make you weak. It shows that you’re willing to put your family’s well-being first, even if it means admitting you don’t have all the answers. And let’s be honest—none of us do! Sometimes, all you can do is ask the question, take a deep breath, and figure it out one step at a time.

7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

One of Matt’s proudest moments as a dad is watching Ethan open doors for strangers. “We’ve often been complimented on it by people,” he shared.

Parenthood isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about celebrating the small wins. Seeing our kids display kindness and respect, even in seemingly minor ways, is a reminder that we’re making progress as parents. Those moments, no matter how small they seem, deserve to be celebrated.

Conclusion: What We’ve Learned About Parenthood

Parenthood has taught Matt and me more about patience, grace, and the art of not losing our minds than we ever thought possible. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s packed with moments that make the chaos and hard days worth it—like when the kids hug you for no reason… or finally remember to flush the toilet.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that parenthood is less about having it all figured out and more about figuring it out as you go. It’s messy, unpredictable, and humbling—like stepping on Legos at midnight—but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. And hey, if the kids end up in therapy one day, at least we can say we tried our best!

If you enjoyed reading about Matt’s perspective on parenthood, subscribe to Our Family Experiment for more real-life parenting stories and tips. Don’t forget to grab your FREE eBook, Parenting Without a Playbook: Grace, Not Perfection, when you sign up!

Family Foundations

Ideas for Building Resilient Kids: Strengthening Emotional Foundations for Your Family

December 17, 2024

Introduction

Raising emotionally strong kids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re searching for ideas for your family to build resilience, create stronger connections, and help your kids face life’s challenges with confidence, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll explore practical tips, real-life examples, and simple strategies to help your kids grow emotionally while strengthening your family bond. Because when kids learn to manage emotions and overcome obstacles, they don’t just bounce back—they thrive.

1. Creating a Safe Space for Emotions

Building emotional resilience starts with teaching your kids that their feelings are valid and welcome.

Listen First: Encourage your child to share what’s on their mind without jumping in to “fix” the problem. Sometimes, they just need to feel heard.
Model Emotional Awareness: When you’re frustrated, say things like, “I’m feeling upset right now, but I’m going to take a deep breath and calm down.” Kids learn resilience by watching us handle our own emotions.
Tools for Younger Kids: Consider a feelings chart for younger children to name their emotions, or perhaps a journal for older kids over the age of 7.

This is especially important in our household because our daughter Addison experiences a wide range of emotions on a regular basis. Every day, we’re learning a little more about how to help her regulate her feelings, process things that upset her, and prepare for situations that might trigger strong reactions.

Though she’s the loudest in our house and a constant chatterbox, Addison is also incredibly sensitive. She reacts strongly to certain noises, has specific preferences for clothing textures, and is very particular about the foods she eats. Understanding her unique needs has been a journey, but it’s teaching us so much about patience, empathy, and creating an environment where she feels supported.

2. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills

When life gets tough, kids need to know how to work through challenges rather than avoid them.

Encourage Independent Thinking: Next time your child has a problem, ask questions like, “What do you think we should do?” or “What are a couple of solutions you can try?”
Break It Down: Help kids tackle challenges step by step so they don’t feel overwhelmed.
Celebrate Effort Over Outcomes: Remind your kids that trying and failing is often how we grow the most.

✨ Practical Tip: Start a family mantra like “In this family, we try, learn, and try again!”

3. Prioritizing Connection in Your Family

Strong emotional bonds help kids feel secure enough to handle life’s ups and downs. In our family, we’ve found that creating these bonds doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s often the little moments of connection that make the biggest difference. Whether it’s sitting down together for a meal, laughing over a shared joke, or simply being present when emotions run high, these everyday interactions build a foundation of trust and love.

One way we’ve worked on strengthening these connections is by being intentional about how we spend time together. Activities like family game nights or taking time to really listen to what our kids are saying have become simple but meaningful ways to create stability and connection.

There are many ways to strengthen your family’s bonds, from creating special traditions to finding small ways to show support every day. These efforts, no matter how small, provide kids with the stability and security they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

These small, intentional efforts don’t just make kids feel loved—they give them the emotional security they need to face challenges with confidence.

Family Traditions Matter: Whether it’s weekly family game nights or bedtime chats, routines build connection and consistency.
Spend One-on-One Time: Even 10-15 minutes of focused time with each child can make a big difference. Ask about their day, dream with them, or simply share a laugh.

4. Teaching Healthy Coping Strategies

One of the best ideas for your family is helping your kids learn how to manage stress and disappointment in healthy ways.

Breathe Through It: Teach your kids simple deep breathing exercises to calm their minds.
Physical Outlets: Encourage activities like walking, biking, or playing outside when emotions run high.
Create a Calm-Down Space: Set up a cozy corner with soft blankets, books, and stress relief tools such as a box of sensory fidgets for kids who need a break.

In the end, even adults sometimes need a moment to cool down and breathe before reacting or engaging. In fact, I’d go a step further and suggest that those who are quick to react at the drop of a hat likely didn’t have someone teach them healthier ways to cope with their emotions growing up.

I’ll be honest—I struggle with reacting before I think, and I’ve noticed my kids have picked up on that habit too. But the fact that I can acknowledge it gives me hope—for their future and my own. After all, the first step to solving any problem is recognizing that it exists.

5. Practicing Gratitude as a Family

Gratitude shifts the focus from what’s missing to what’s already good in our lives—building a positive, resilient mindset.

Family Gratitude Jar: Have each family member write down one thing they’re grateful for each week and place it in the jar. At the end of the month, read them together.
Gratitude Journals: Encourage kids to list three “good things” each night before bed.
Model Thankfulness: Share your own moments of gratitude out loud.

✨ Reminder: Resilience grows when kids learn to look for the silver lining, even on tough days.

6. Celebrating Small Wins Together

Resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Celebrate the effort your kids put into growing, trying, and learning.

Call Out the Little Things: Did your child try something new, stick with a tough task, or handle a disappointment well? Celebrate it!
Create a Family Wins Jar: Write down victories big and small, from “finished my chores without complaining” to “I stayed calm when I felt frustrated.”

Matt and I created an eBook that dives deep into Celebrating the Wins (Big and Small) and is packed with great ideas to help you do just that. Want a copy? Subscribe to Our Family Experiment today, and we’ll send you the eBook for free! It’s our way of saying thank you for joining us on this journey.

Conclusion: Resilience Starts at Home

Fostering emotional resilience in your kids isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, offering grace, and creating space for them to learn, grow, and bounce back stronger. These ideas for your family can help you build a foundation of emotional strength that will carry your kids through the challenges life throws their way.

Remember, small efforts add up. Every time you connect with your kids, celebrate their progress, or model resilience in your own life, you’re equipping them with tools they’ll carry for a lifetime.

Want more ideas to help your family thrive?

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