About
I am 30, born in 1980. I am married to Brad (since 2002) and have two boys J and O (6 and 4). We'll have more, but that is what we have for now. I graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Spanish and a love of Spanish and English literature. I love the sounds of language, I have studied Japanese, Italian, French and German as well...just a little though. I grew up in Spain, and am therefore blessed by being bilingual since way before I can remember.
I love Jesus and try as hard as I can to follow him daily, while fully knowing I can give nothing and must rely on grace. I am a backyard chicken farmer and really like all types of animals (as long as they have feathers or fur) and would like to own a farm someday. I love photography, painting, drawing and have recently really gotten into knitting, quilting and embroidery. I ran all through highschool, we were good....but it was because we trained like insanity. Now all the physical activity that I do is fun, I play with my kids, run around, be silly and that takes more energy than I have! 
I also can't get enough of rock climbing...more bouldering since I am afraid of heights. We are 'at home vegetarians' - yeah, I made that up It means that we don't cook or eat any meat at our home, but we eat whatever is served elsewhere, we even order meat at restaurants! (I have to go organic and local for sure though)
Do you have any questions for me?? Ask away!
this is (B) my sweet husband
(J) my oldest child, who is 6 now. Quite precocious and artistic.
(O) my baby (for now), he is 4. sweet and very intense little one for sure.
The Latest Posts:
- Our Schoolhouse: Kindergarten and First Grade Classical Education Curricula
- A Journey in Simplicity: Why We’ll Never Be Content With What We Have
- The Last War
- A Journey in Simplicity: Breaking Bad Habits
- A Journey In Simplicity: Moment of Truth
- A Journey in Simplicity: Fasting for Simplification and To Be Re-Sensitized
- A Journey in Simplicity: Starting Out
- Foreign Flicks Review: Some Good, Some Great.
Books In My Lap Now
I (adoringly) HEART—>
Read in 2010 (so far)
November 10th, 2009 - 12:43
What are doing with your Spanish degree that allows you to stay home with your kids?
I am 20 and have a two year associates degree in Biology. I would like to finish school, but I am really trying to figure out just what it is that I am meant to do. I hope to have children some day and a job that will allow me to have the time teach my kids and care for them myself, instead of sending them off to daycare. Where you are in your life seems so wonderful and I can’t wait to accomplish some of the same goals!
I feel we have a lot of the same interests… a connection, even though I hardly know you.
I know that God has a plan for me, but sometimes I feel a little lost.
November 10th, 2009 - 16:10
I am actually not doing anything with my Spanish degree. I was working on translations but I haven’t done that for over 3 years. Mostly we just decided to simplify as a family and not need to live off of two incomes. My husband has a decent job and we want to only live off of that because we believe in spending time together and really there is no way I would be sane if I had to work and truck the boys around and be in charge of our home too.
Of course this does mean financial sacrifices.We have two old cars, we live in a smaller home, we shop around when buying stuff. We have a budget, but we trust God that this is what he has for us and so we run with it. I think that is the biggest part, knowing that we are right were we should be.
I would certainly be willing to answer any of your questions. You can also send me an email if you want bethany(dot)canfield(at)gmail.com
It is really hard to make the choice of simplicity. We have made it for our family and we notice we have to constantly re-make and re-institute it since it is just embedded so deeply in our society to be busy all the time. There is a book that you should read which we loved: ‘Tis a Gift To Be Simple (Embracing the Freedom of Living With Less) by Barbara De Grote-Sorensen. But more than anything, you have to seek God’s will for your life, and just fall more in love with Him.
I am so glad you contacted me, life is hard but God holds it in his hands easily.
December 16th, 2009 - 07:12
It was a pure pleasure to read your blog and tell about your devotion to God. Not many people are comfortable enough to say anything about their relationship with God. As strong as my belief is, I still have trouble at times, but it is getting easier.
I am an avid photographer myself and came across your web page when trying to find out how to take pictures of strangers. Who would of guessed the easiest way is to “ask” lol
Definitely bookmarked this page to keep in touch.
Hope You and yours have a Very Merry Christ filled Christmas.
November 10th, 2009 - 13:52
Not to mention I would like to finish school and stay close to my boyfriend of 2 years.
I don’t mean to bombard you with my life’s situations. I just want to take the right steps into having a life with a family in mind.
I would love to here any thoughts, feelings, personal experiences, or advice that you can give.
Thanks for listening. : )
December 8th, 2009 - 10:47
I think you are one of the neatest, freshest, individuals I’ve “met” online in a while. Our paths may be a bit different, but I’m looking forward to reading your blog
December 9th, 2009 - 17:12
Awe, and YOU just completely MADE MY DAY!!! thank you.
December 9th, 2009 - 09:19
Hi. I was looking online for some books for my sister and niece for Christmas. They’ve got a trip planned to Spain in March. They are both big readers and I thought it would be cool to get them books that would get them educated/fired up for their trip. I did some digging and read some reviews…and started wondering if the content would be appropriate, especially for my 13 year old niece. Then, I came across your reviews and saw that not only are you a Spanish guru, but that you love Jesus. Knowing that, could you give me your opinion on whether or not these books would be appropriate? For myself, I may need to read ‘Tis a Gift to be Simple. I’ve always stayed home with my 3 kids and now my oldest is a jr. in high school—can’t believe it! I do feel like we’re spinning with busyness and so appreciated your comment that life is hard but God holds it in his hands easily. I will take it to heart today…
December 9th, 2009 - 17:15
I will have to think about that. I have read really good books about Spain, but none that I would particularly recommend to a 13 year-old. I know that there are some though, I’ll get back to you on that.
Oh, I absolutely LOVE ‘Tis a Gift to be Simple, we are doing Christmas simple this year. Trying to really focus on family time versus store bought gifts…..it is SO much more fun this way.
Thanks for your question, I’ll get back to you.
December 9th, 2009 - 09:20
Oops–forgot to notify myself of comments via e-mail
December 15th, 2009 - 13:58
hi just wanted to say i like what you have done here it is beautiful its nice to see somone enjoying every moment your boys are lovely remind me of my two
well just wanted to say that realy have a good christmas & new year
sarahalexandria x
February 23rd, 2010 - 01:10
ur blog is fantastic!:D i like the topics and the fact that it’s about sth real – life. I wish u and ur family all the best
ana
March 1st, 2010 - 11:39
Hi! I just came across your blog while researching dreadlock schtuff, as I am starting my dreads this week! I have enjoyed reading the little bit I’ve come across so far, and I’ll be coming back for more!
Hope you are well today!
April 9th, 2010 - 17:32
Hey I really love your drealocks and I thought you may be interested in reading and article about them..
Dreadlocks dangle from the car door, sweep the floor in nightclubs and are measured in years, not lengths
http://www.nzhairdressers.co.nz/kiwis-dreadlocks-dreadcool.html
April 23rd, 2010 - 19:40
I believe I just found your blog by divine appointment. The things you’ve shared here have just dumped bucketloads of blessing on me! Keep on sharing, please! Love love LOVE the dreads. I had some about 5 years ago, they were fun and I miss them sometimes. I am SO glad you and your family are sharing your stories of life and love and Jesus with a world that really needs refreshing, organic, genuine, loving people!
Y’all are rockstars, keep it up!
Caitlin from NY
May 27th, 2010 - 22:10
You so blessed me by your comment, way more than you could ever know. Thank you for sharing with me and for bringing me encouragement, I SO need it. I hope to see you again!!
May 27th, 2010 - 18:00
beautiful family. i paint too… have one little boy. so nice to meet you.
May 27th, 2010 - 22:08
Thank you!!! So glad you enjoyed yourself here, it is always great getting to know more people!! Thanks for taking the time to visit with me