Podcast Summary: Simple Farmhouse Life – Episode 289
Title: Expecting Baby #9! Farmhouse Build Delays, Family Rhythms, Sourdough Tips, More Q&A
Host: Lisa Bass
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 289 of Simple Farmhouse Life, Lisa Bass shares exciting personal news, delves into the ongoing challenges of building a new farmhouse, discusses family dynamics with a growing household, offers expert sourdough baking tips, and answers a variety of listener questions. This episode is a treasure trove for homemakers, homesteaders, and anyone interested in balancing family life with personal projects.
Expecting Baby #9
Lisa kicks off the episode with joyous news: she and her husband, Luke, are expecting their ninth child. Luke elaborates on the pregnancy announcement and the emotions surrounding it.
Notable Quote:
“We are expecting again and so that is super exciting. Later this summer, we'll be welcoming our next baby.”
— Luke [01:25]
Lisa reflects on the anticipation of expanding their large family and the adjustments that come with preparing for another little one.
Farmhouse Build Delays
A significant portion of the episode discusses the delays they're experiencing in building their new farmhouse. Lisa and Luke share candid insights into the complexities of constructing a custom home from scratch, highlighting unexpected challenges and the patience required in such endeavors.
Notable Quote:
“Everything with building is slower and more expensive than you expect. And so far, that has been very much our experience.”
— Lisa [03:15]
Luke provides a detailed account of selecting the perfect location on their property, decision-making processes for infrastructure like driveways, and the myriad of other critical choices that influence the building timeline.
Notable Quote:
“There are so many decisions to be made and so many things to find. And I thought it would be this very quick thing, but it's been very slow.”
— Luke [08:09]
They express a mix of frustration and appreciation for the learning curve, acknowledging that hands-on experience is invaluable in construction projects.
Family Rhythms and Hosting Large Gatherings
With a household of eight children and an impending ninth, Lisa discusses the dynamics of managing a busy home and hosting large family gatherings. She draws inspiration from her parents' approach to family meals and socializing, emphasizing simplicity and efficiency in meal preparations.
Notable Quote:
“She's making a big batch of something like stews or grilled meats, keeping the menu simple so she’s not stuck in the kitchen all day.”
— Lisa [24:45]
Lisa shares strategies for preparing meals for large groups, such as focusing on meat-and-potato dishes, utilizing pre-prepped ingredients, and maintaining a casual dining atmosphere to create lasting family memories.
Notable Quote:
“We focus on simplicity, like meat and potatoes and pulling out a salad. It’s not like you are standing in the kitchen all day long.”
— Lisa [37:00]
Sourdough Tips: Transitioning to Freshly Milled Grains
A segment of the podcast is dedicated to sourdough baking, where Lisa provides valuable advice on switching sourdough starters to freshly milled grains. She debunks the myth that transitioning requires a lengthy process, explaining that sourdough starters are adaptable to various flours.
Notable Quote:
“You don’t really have to do a transition. The yeast in the sourdough starter is ready to eat whatever flour you give it.”
— Lisa [33:50]
Lisa also shares her experience with different types of flours and how they impact the flavor and texture of the bread, encouraging listeners to experiment and embrace the unique qualities of freshly milled grains.
Listener Q&A
In the Q&A section, Lisa addresses a diverse array of questions from her audience, ranging from baby carriers and evening routines to managing house pets with young children.
Baby Carriers and Evening Routines
A listener inquires about the best baby carriers for different stages of a child's growth and managing evening routines with a co-sleeping baby.
Notable Quote:
“If you were to choose only one thing, it would be a woven wrap. They are the most versatile for front and back carrying.”
— Lisa [30:10]
Lisa emphasizes the versatility of woven wraps over structured carriers, highlighting their comfort and adaptability for both newborns and older infants.
Managing House Pets with Young Children
Another question addresses the challenges of keeping pets in a household with toddlers and infants.
Notable Quote:
“We keep our dog because he’s our beloved dog, but managing pet hair is a constant battle. The robot vacuum really helps.”
— Lisa [36:20]
Lisa offers practical solutions, such as using robot vacuums to manage pet hair, and discusses the importance of balancing pet ownership with family responsibilities.
Prenatal Nutrition and Freshly Milled Foods
A listener expresses concerns about maintaining adequate nutrition during pregnancy while consuming freshly milled flour and raw farm products.
Notable Quote:
“In a perfect world, you don’t stress about it. Focus on whole foods and consider a prenatal as an insurance policy.”
— Lisa [41:50]
Lisa advises prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods and suggests that while a balanced diet is crucial, supplements like prenatals can provide additional nutritional support.
Sourdough Baking Challenges Without an Oven
Questions also delve into sourdough baking without access to an oven, such as during house moves or temporary living situations.
Notable Quote:
“English muffins and sourdough tortillas are great alternatives that can be made on the stovetop.”
— Luke [39:15]
Luke recommends versatile stovetop baking options that allow for continued sourdough baking even without a conventional oven, ensuring that listeners can maintain their baking routines.
Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Lisa wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to submit their questions and stay engaged with the Simple Farmhouse Life community. She hints at future topics, including more in-depth discussions on farmhouse living and sustainable practices.
Notable Quote:
“This is a journey unfolding, and if you're ever going to build, maybe you'll be more prepared than I am.”
— Lisa [35:50]
Lisa expresses gratitude to her listeners for their support and reiterates her commitment to providing practical advice and heartfelt discussions on farming, family, and home life.
Key Takeaways:
- Family Growth: Managing an expanding family alongside large household projects requires patience, simplicity in routines, and effective planning.
- Home Building: Building a custom farmhouse is filled with unexpected delays and decisions, underscoring the importance of flexibility and hands-on learning.
- Meal Preparation: Simplifying meal preparations for large gatherings through pre-prepped, meat-focused menus can create enjoyable and memorable family experiences.
- Sourdough Baking: Transitioning to freshly milled grains in sourdough baking is straightforward, enhancing the nutritional and flavor profiles of homemade bread.
- Practical Solutions: Implementing practical solutions for baby care, pet management, and maintaining healthy routines can significantly ease the demands of a large household.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
“We are expecting again and so that is super exciting. Later this summer, we'll be welcoming our next baby.”
— Luke [01:25] -
“Everything with building is slower and more expensive than you expect. And so far, that has been very much our experience.”
— Lisa [03:15] -
“There are so many decisions to be made and so many things to find. And I thought it would be this very quick thing, but it's been very slow.”
— Luke [08:09] -
“She's making a big batch of something like stews or grilled meats, keeping the menu simple so she’s not stuck in the kitchen all day.”
— Lisa [24:45] -
“We focus on simplicity, like meat and potatoes and pulling out a salad. It’s not like you are standing in the kitchen all day long.”
— Lisa [37:00] -
“You don’t really have to do a transition. The yeast in the sourdough starter is ready to eat whatever flour you give it.”
— Lisa [33:50] -
“If you were to choose only one thing, it would be a woven wrap. They are the most versatile for front and back carrying.”
— Lisa [30:10] -
“We keep our dog because he’s our beloved dog, but managing pet hair is a constant battle. The robot vacuum really helps.”
— Lisa [36:20] -
“In a perfect world, you don’t stress about it. Focus on whole foods and consider a prenatal as an insurance policy.”
— Lisa [41:50] -
“English muffins and sourdough tortillas are great alternatives that can be made on the stovetop.”
— Luke [39:15] -
“This is a journey unfolding, and if you're ever going to build, maybe you'll be more prepared than I am.”
— Lisa [35:50]
Resources Mentioned:
- Instagram: Turner Farm – Follow for farmhouse build inspiration.
- YouTube: Simple Farmhouse Life channel – Watch episodes like the Parents Barn Makeover.
- Courses:
- Simple Sourdough and Simple Sewing Series – Available through Lisa’s website.
- YouTube Success Academy – Learn how to earn an income online.
- Links:
- Submit questions: bit.ly/SFLQuestions
- Find more resources at farmhouse.com
Stay Connected: For more insights and updates, visit Lisa Bass’s blog farmhouse.com and subscribe to the Simple Farmhouse Life podcast on your favorite platform. Engage with the community by submitting your questions and sharing your own farmhouse living experiences.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 289, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions on family growth, farmhouse building challenges, meal preparation for large families, sourdough baking tips, and practical solutions for everyday homemaking. Notable quotes with timestamps offer a glimpse into the personal and candid nature of Lisa and Luke’s conversations, making it a valuable resource for listeners and newcomers alike.