I haven’t stopped to just share just what we’ve been up to lately in a really long time! Between DIY projects, the most extreme of extreme temperatures, and just the normal life, I wanted to stop and just share just what’s up this Wednesday with the Kemper crew.
What We’ve Been Eating
Last week I couldn’t seem to get warm so it was a steady stream of soups in my house…
Yesterday, it was 70 degrees and sunny so it was time to break out the BBQ grill again and cook up two of my very favorites!


What I’m Loving
I am about to take 300 pieces of baby clothes, toys, books, games, and all the gadgets to be consigned with Rhea Lana tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more excited to make some money and GET. THEM. OUT! Don’t think there’s a person that loves purging more than me. 😉
What We’ve Been Up To
Jerod and I got to sneak away for a long weekend and visit Pheonix area with a couple of our friends last weekend! Traveling again…without kids…in 70 degree weather when it’s been negative temperatures here for weeks.
It could not have been more beautiful!


I’ll share a full rundown of our trip soon!
What I’m Working On
I’ve really loved moving Growing Up Kemper to a place of household DIY projects that make your house a true home. These past few weeks, I’ve shared a full tutorial on painting and stenciling old tile floors…

And last week, I shared how I took a Craiglist coffee table and turned it into a beautiful end of bed bench in my master for under $30.

I’ve loved the creativity I’m using to build something beautiful in my home, but I think I love sharing the ideas with YOU even more. Seeing followers send me their own take on the project, or to see the Pins that you’ve saved along with mine have been so gorgeous and have inspired me even more. I’d like to keep that going a little more around my slice of the internet…and I think I have just the project to tackle next…
In the GARDEN!
What I’m Excited About
Yeah guys, I’m excited about THAT. Warmer weather, digging in the dirt, growing something with my little ones, creating an easy DIY that you can do so easily, as well.
Wanting to try a garden in your own backyard this year? I have a whole slew of posts from a couple years ago to get you started. DIY Grow Lights, Planting Timelines, Mapping Your Garden Space, Companion Planting, and tips for all sorts of veggies and herbs this growing season.

Grab your kids, get some gloves, and just get dirty this year. I have never found a better way to relax than to garden, and Lord knows we all need a little more of that in our lives.

What I’m Reading
My February Book Review is coming out on Friday and I’ve had some VERY different books this month. Some good, some great, and one that I just couldn’t put down. Check back on Friday!
Missed my January Review? Still to this day I think back to some of the parts of Kathie Lee Gifford’s book and it instantly changes my perspective of a situation. I really, REALLY loved that book!

What I’m Wearing
Well, I’ve been two places this past month…
Kansas City where it was record cold temperature for the longest stretch in history, so I was wearing all the athleticwear and comfy sweaters I could find.

Then I traveled to Arizona where it was 70s and sunny, lounged by the pool, and visited the spa…

It’s really just the two extremes from this point forward, guys.
What I’m Looking Forward To
Every morning, seeing the numbers of cases and deaths go down.
Hearing more happy news and seeing more happy faces around.
Finding the joy in each and every day.
Easter Sunday.
Sunshine and warmer days.
Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope it’s your very best one yet. ❤
xx Rachel
I hope you enjoyed your time in Phoenix! I moved here over a year ago, and I love the weather here (besides the summer). Thanks for sharing! I love reading what everyone’s been up to.
It really is so beautiful there! It was my first time in Arizona and I was just mesmerized by the mountains. Such a great place to live!
I’m so looking forward to spring yard work and traveling again!
It’s been a loonnng winter, but we’re almost there! We can do it! 🙂