A Large Family's Journey through Homeschooling, Homesteading, and Loss
Life After Mike Began
Finding strength in God and family as we navigate a new life
keeper of too many hens
Hey, I'm Nicole
I am a mother of 15 children walking through a season of mourning after losing my husband. Finding daily strength in God and family as we navigate this new chapter together. On our homestead, we homeschool while tending to our sheep, geese, and chickens, growing our own food, and preserving each harvest. This space is a reflection of our journey—crafting herbal medicines, creating homemade soaps, and gathering around a crowded table to witness how God sustains and nourishes us through it all.
here for the slow, the seasonal, the homemade
Homeschool, Homestead, Family
We share recipes, projects, and our daily life as a big family.
From the Journal
What You'll Find Here
Recipes
From scratch recipes, designed for large families
Garden & Homestead
Growing food and tending our animals—from Babydoll sheep to chickens and Sebastopol geese
Slow Living
Cultivating daily homeschool rhythms, intentional living, and shared family meals on our small piece of land
Work With Me
I love partnering with brands and makers who share our roots. Here’s a few of the ways we can work together.
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Loved by Readers & Brands
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Reader · Devon
Brand Partner
Workshop Guest
Questions & Answers
We’re on a little acre and a half homestead, raising as much of our food as possible. Tending to our animals and
Always. Every recipe on the journal is free to read and make. Seasonal collections and printables are shared with our letter subscribers first.
I’d love to. I partner with a small handful of aligned brands each season — head to the contact form and tell me a little about what you’re making.
A new journal post lands most weeks, plus a longer letter twice a month. Seasons set the pace around here rather than a strict schedule.
Follow Along @LifeAftermikebegan
Let's Talk
Questions, collaborations, or just a note about your own garden — I read every message and would love to hear from you.
Email kfamilyof17@gmail.com
Find me Instagram @lifeaftermike