A Note from Elise – Why we started Little Log Cabin Nature School

Hi, I’m Elise. And this is our crew: myself, Mike, Wes (6), Ruthie (3.5) and Nico (1).

As a mom, I judge the day’s success by how much time we spent outdoors. The more fresh air we get, the better the day. Our mornings are almost always filled with time outside. When we miss the mark or stay indoors too long, I can feel it! And can see it affect my kids. We start each day by throwing open the back door, taking a gulp of air, and determining what kind of day it is. We take as many meals as possible outside. My oldest takes his rest time (story, snack, and books) on the deck. If we can take a task outside (laundry, reading, meal prep), we do. And we believe every/any weather is beach weather!

The story of starting Little Log Cabin begins, begins with Wes. As my oldest, we’ve experienced lots of learning curves together, from how to take care of this precious new life, all the way to how to approach his education. He tracks young. “Earnest” is the word we use for him most often. He’s sweet and helpful and curious and awesome. And I have to give a quick shout-out to our neighboring Cottage Forest School. If you live in Southwest Michigan and are inclined toward nature schooling, you’ve likely heard of Cottage Forest School. When I initially stumbled upon them, I cried. Thanks to a perfect storm of pregnancy insomnia and pre-move anxiety, I was Google searching options and fretting about our transition. It was 2 a.m. I was spiraling. But then it appeared: A forest school. A dream program, just a few minutes from my house! A program that respected children’s pace, that focused on maintaining innocence, that was founded in faith, that wouldn’t squelch the spirit of my innocent, earnest son. I enrolled Wes for that Fall. But, as I listened to his needs (a new five-year-old at the time) and as we navigated what was best for our family, it became clear that a truer homeschool model was a better fit for us.

I believe that Little Log Cabin is the hybrid; The best of both worlds in a way. It’s build on the forest school principals that serve as the foundation for outdoor-education programs around the world, but also allows for homeschool families to spend the majority of the week together. The hours were so important to me, and I think a twice-a-week, three hour commitment is just right. As parents with youngsters, my husband (Mike!) and I feel how precious these years are. We want to prioritize our family and togetherness when the kids are little, and do our very best to be fully present to them.

While Wes’s needs were certainly a catalyst for creating Little Log Cabin, my sisters also get a lot of the credit. When our nuclear family changed states, we left a lot behind, including and especially, our beloved extended family and cousin crew. With nine kiddos under six, we had a default co-op, and I quickly realized how much I’d taken it for granted. We were a community. We trusted one another to parent and love each kiddo. We shared principles - screen-free, sugar-free, . We shared a desire to have our kids outside, a commitment to keeping their childhoods pure, and a foundation of faith. I missed our easy meet-ups where we’d set our kids loose in a park of forest preserve.

So, when my sisters started talking about a new program my nieces and nephews were attending – an outdoor, free play homeschool program that met twice a week, I missed our little co-op even more. And the mom guilt kicked in. Hard. “Look at this amazing thing the cousins are doing. Am I doing right by my kids? Would they thrive there? I can’t possibly provide the free play with peers that this place affords.” Each time they’d talk about it, I’d have a physical reaction, a surge of jealousy so big I could feel it. Eventually, I had a realization: I could continue to feel this way, let that jealousy gnaw a wound in my brain … or I could do something about it. I could start our own…

Once the seed was planted, it was hard to turn away. And turns out, replacing jealousy with action was just the antidote! By God’s grace we had the land. The timing proved perfect. And each time I started to doubt if we should move forward or our ability to pull it off, God was there again, with an open door or unexpected gift.

We’re blessed with a lot of wind at our backs, support from our families and from the community. My parents own NOEL Farms, the 60-acre farm where Little Log Cabin will be held. As a seasoned entrepreneur, my dad has endless advice. My mom is a unique blend of art major and workhorse. I can’t wait to see the nature crafts she helps dream up. My older brother is a landscape architect (and a fellow dreamer!) and has helped get our grounds in order and been a steady sounding board as this concept came to life. My younger brother, a missionary, is our prayer warrior. My younger sister excels at her best friend duties. And the web of support seems to constantly be expanding – with offers from the community to help, volunteer, and share their time, talent, and resources. It’s exciting and encouraging.

It’s also funny to feel so serendipitously “exactly where I should be” when founding a nature school was never on my radar. My career history includes a Creative Brand Strategist at an experiential agency, a wedding photographer, and most recently, a freelance ghost writer. But maybe I should have known this was coming, because undoubtedly the best job I’ve ever had was … a nanny.

I loved that gig. And will forever love that family. I won the job while teaching swim lessons to two-year-old Katie, the second youngest in a six-sibling set. I adored those six little siblings; my little ducklings. I loved looking in the rearview and seeing shining faces, delighted by whatever song or story we’d share next. I loved their energy and wonder and joy as we tackled basic tasks like the grocery store. I loved holding little hands and navigating the day with a toddler on my hip. I felt at ease in their imaginary worlds – coloring the driveway with chalk and inventing games and chasing them around the pool. I loved assembling a plates at lunchtime and laying them out in a row. I loved coaxing shy Colin out of his shell, rocking baby Mikey to sleep, matching wild Katie’s goofy energy and witnessing big brother Ryan lead them all.

I loved those nanny years, but never imagined the multiplying effect I’d feel when I got to have that same job, but with my own kids. I feel privileged beyond measure that I get to be their mom, and that I’ve been blessed with creative, remote work that lets me give my days fully to them. Our family is so excited for this next chapter, and to see what Little Log Cabin becomes.

Mike and I hope that Little Log Cabin will build a community of families. And if you’ve read this far, maybe you’re one of them! Thank you for being here!