Hey! I’m Bonnie and I live in the sweltering desert of Arizona, where I raise my 9 kids alongside my ridiculously patient husband, Luke.
I’m glad you’re here!
I’m really passionate about inspiring women to find beauty and joy in life…this post about why you’re a GREAT mom pretty much sums up why this blog is here and why this little space is called “Bonnie & Blithe”.
“Bonnie” is another word for beautiful (thanks, Mom!) and “blithe” means joyous, two words that I really hope describe our lives, in one way or another. (Coincidentally, blithe also means “showing a casual and cheerful indifference” which often describes my personal brand of motherhood- sarcasm intended).
I also believe that as women, we are inherently creators and that we are the happiest when we’re making something! I purposely make room in my poopy-diaper-filled life to create things that fill me with joy. You can check out some of my sewing inspiration posts here. I’m a sucker for DIY women’s fashion!
If you’re also into fashion but of the store-bought variety, check out these posts for tips on a wearable, budget-friendly wardrobe.
In 2019, I also opened Novalie, a colorfully bold brand of women’s clothes that aims to inspire women to live life with confidence and joy.
I also co-host a podcast with Audrey, another mom of 9 children (yes, I’m not alone in my insanity!) called Outnumbered the Podcast. We explore all sorts of parenting topics as we aim to help other moms learn to parent with intention (and humor).
Some other fun tidbits about me and our family:
1. We homeschool all our kids and have since our oldest was little. It simultaneously brings me so much joy and so much insanity every. single. day. Read about our daily homeschooling schedule here.
2. I’ve experienced a variety of adventurous birth experiences, including an emergency c-section, vaginal twin birth, home waterbirth, induced medicated birth, placental abruption, you name it! You can read some of my tips and experiences in this series on birth.
3. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My faith is the basis of how I live my life, so thanks for letting me sometimes blog about inspiring things. Read my post on what you need to know about our religion here!
Thanks for reading!
XOXO
Bonnie
I’d love to answer any other questions or take ideas for blog posts… shoot me an email! hello@bonnieandblithe.com
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14 Comments
Angela
December 4, 2016 at 7:41 pmUm. I literally do not know how you do all of that described above!! I’m amazed! I’m also an LDS blogger with only 3 kids and I find it difficult to balance everything- and i don’t even home school!! You’re amazing lady!
Bonnie
December 4, 2016 at 9:53 pmAw, thanks Angela! I’m usually dropping balls all over the place, don’t worry 🙂 Blogging is what keeps me sane, most days!
Jean
May 29, 2017 at 6:57 amBonnie, I just have to thank you for the Small Spaces Sewing Area that you put together. After my husband I became separated I had to give up my sewing room which I so loved. Now I am moving to an apartment and was so depressed about my sewing room challenge . . . until I found your blog! Thank you, thank you!!! I will put together a “corner” in my new place, using many of your ideas.
God bless you and your family.
Bonnie
May 29, 2017 at 9:34 pmThat makes me so happy to hear, Jean! We can’t let a lack of perfect space get in the way of our creating, right?? Sorry to hear about your separation. Keep your head up and your machine humming! XO
Sol
November 7, 2019 at 5:32 amQue lindo me encantas mis cariños y bendiciones desde Chile.
Que ganas de poder hacer lo que tú haces 🙂
Bonnie
November 7, 2019 at 8:45 pmPues muchas gracias! XO
Anita Lopez
April 11, 2018 at 3:00 pmJust came here casually, im kinda tired of everything i gonna star read you need inspo and you yust give me a bit of that ! :*
Bonnie
April 13, 2018 at 7:55 amThanks Anita! I’m glad you’re here!
Jess
April 17, 2018 at 7:28 amJust found this! Wow, amazing job you are doing. I am a mom of 7, 16 years down to 2 and my youngest happens to be Alice Catherine Juliet. You have a beautiful family!
Bonnie
April 17, 2018 at 9:29 amWhy thanks so much, Jess! That means a lot. Aren’t big families the best?? I love your baby’s name! (obviously 🙂
Sue
May 28, 2018 at 4:41 pmHi Bonnie:
Thanks for sharing. You do have a beautiful family. I do not have children but come from a family of twelve. Big families are a lot of work but if everyone helps it makes it easier. A big family is a lot of fun, and you sound like a great Mother. Keep up the good work! The rewards are great and will last a life time. So happy you are bringing them up in a Christian home.
Love you All
Shirley
Bonnie
June 4, 2018 at 9:20 amAw, thanks so much Shirley! Families really are worth it!
Laurel Dismukes
October 20, 2018 at 6:53 pmHey Bonnie, just saw your latest IG pic.. #9?!?! Im trying to figure out why you fascinate me. im not LDS and I’m certainly old enough to be your Mom. But I so enjoy your stories and for the life of me can’t figure out how you seem to keep it together. I had 4 kids in a step family and if my hubby and I hadn’t been able to go into our room and laugh at ourselves, we’d never survived. 34 years, baby! Anyway, cudos to you and keep sharing.. we must be sisters from a different mother cuz we have little in common.. okay, maybe Jesus… and maybe a sense of humor. love ya darlin!! laurel at Laurelsquill on IG❤️
Bonnie
October 20, 2018 at 10:19 pmAw, Laurel – you’re so sweet! Thanks for the comment. I’m not sure how any of us moms make it through the day to day but we all deserve lots of chocolate. Ha! Appreciate you!