Yellow Cottage Living

05/25/2026

As I turned the page into my 50th year on this earth, I’ve found myself reflecting and dreaming of what the future holds.

More than ever, I want my home to “hug” those who enter.

I want it to be safe.
I want it to be welcoming.
I want my friends and family to know they can walk in my door and be themselves.
I want this to be a place where no one has to pretend.

The key to the hug, though, is a home that is simple, free of visual clutter, and inviting to those who enter in.

Here’s to doing the hard, but necessary work required to live simple lives!

Image via Imperfectly Simple

05/16/2026

Today marks the final Armed Forces day our family celebrates as an Active Duty family.

Several years ago, I wrote this post just documenting our journey to becoming a part of the US Army.

Soon I’ll have to write another detailing all God has done to orchestrate the transition from Active to Retired in ways we never imagined possible.

If you’re curious or new here, I’d love for you to take a few minutes to hop over to the blog and read our story. It likely can use some updating, but…

And remember to thank your active duty friends and family for their service to this great nation.

The tale of how an ordinary family crossed from civilian life to military life.

05/05/2026

Summer is upon us!

Time to start getting your paper goods stocked and organized for all those summer parties and get together you’re going to be hosting!

affiliate link in comments.

05/03/2026

I don’t know about you, but more than ever, I’m craving a simple and quiet life.

As we go through all the transitions of jobs and school and just life - I want nothing more than to be at home with my people, in a home that doesn’t constantly remind me of work I should be doing.

Here’s to simple days ahead!

Image via becoming minimalist

05/02/2026

May has arrived!

This is a big month.

In a few weeks I turn the big 5-0!

This is our last month as an active duty Army family.

Before the end of the month, I will be free of life as a remote accountant! Praise Jesus!

And all of the kids will be out of school for the summer.

As I’ve pondered all that happens in our family over the next few weeks, I have just been overwhelmed with God’s faithfulness to us.

These maps on my hallway wall not only tell the story of where our family has lived, they also remind me just how near and relentless God has been to us through so many ups and downs and knowns and unknowns.

As we enter one of the busiest months of the years for all of us, let us never forget just how faithful and good God is to us even in the chaos!

04/12/2026

Who else is ready to kick survival mode to the curb?

Image: The Simplicity Habit

04/11/2026

My house has been neglected for 4.5 years, minus a few spurts where I’ve done some rage decluttering and cleaning.

Now that I’m on the verge of getting my life back, I’m determined to minimizing every closet and crevice of my house.

I’m posting a link in the comments to a blog post I wrote a few years ago about some different ways to attack clutter in our homes.

I’ll be taking the “pretend you’re moving” approach.

If I wouldn’t take it to my next house, I don’t want it in my current home!

04/10/2026

Tis almost the season for back porch swinging…

Need a week or two to clean this yellow dust off all the things first!

What are you most looking forward to about sunshine and warmer days?

*LTK link to products used on our swinging porch or similar to these is in the comments.*

04/09/2026

I told someone today that I still can’t figure out how I made or found the time to do this makeover to our upstairs loft.

Thank goodness this was completed prior to having the flu at the end of February. After that, life took some sharp turns and fast downhills.

I think the downhill began to plateau today, though!

Back to this loft area - The change some paint, artwork and a good rug makes to a space really is impressive and doable by pretty much anyone.

After getting my paint roller out for this makeover, I’m looking at every wall in my house and picking out colors!

Kitchen walls beware!

04/08/2026

Big changes coming soon for the Wades!

The first one happens today, which leads to next Monday!

Today is my last day working full time for IDA. It’s been a long time coming!

Next Monday I start a new part time position at my favorite organization in Auburn, Our House.

Was fun to see this on their master calendar while I was there cooking breakfast on Saturday!

This was totally a God ordained and timed happening. One day, I’ll share more!

I’ll keep working very part time at IDA until the end of May, but am looking forward to getting my life back and maybe having more time and energy to devote to this space, the blog and my own house! 🤪

Anything fun happening where you are?