Welcome to Rustic Roots & Simple Living! I’m Roxanne Hoover, a high school science teacher with 30 years of experience. Alongside my husband, I embarked on a journey towards a simpler, more fulfilling life three years ago. This journey culminated in the design and construction of our dream log home, which is still a work in progress. Through this website, we aim to share our experiences and inspire others to embrace the joys of simple living.

Our Journey to Simplicity

Our adventure began with a shared desire to slow down and truly enjoy life. The hustle and bustle of daily routines left us longing for a deeper connection with nature and a simpler lifestyle. This longing sparked the idea of building a log home, a dream that became a reality after careful planning and hard work.

Our log home stands as a testament to our commitment to simplicity. Every beam and log tells a story of our dedication and passion for creating a cozy, welcoming space where we can savor life’s simple pleasures.

Embracing Simple Living

Living simply means finding joy in everyday activities. For us, this includes baking homemade bread, canning fresh produce, hunting for antiques, and raising chickens (upcoming project). My husband, a Wildlife Biologist, is passionate about upland bird hunting and restoring prairie habitat. These activities not only bring us immense satisfaction but also connect us with age-old traditions and skills.

Baking has become a therapeutic ritual, filling our home with delightful aromas and providing us with wholesome, homemade food. Canning allows us to preserve the bounty of each season, ensuring we have a pantry stocked with delicious, nutritious options year-round.

Thrifting and antique hunting are not just hobbies but ways to find unique items that add character to our home. Each piece we bring home has a story, a history that enriches our living space.

Lessons Learned

Through our journey, we’ve learned several valuable lessons about the beauty of simplicity:

• Slowing Down: Life’s pace doesn’t have to be relentless. Slowing down allows us to appreciate the little things and live more mindfully.

• Less is More: By decluttering and focusing on what truly matters, we’ve created a more peaceful and organized home environment.

• Self-Sufficiency: Engaging in activities like baking and canning has empowered us with the skills to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on store-bought goods.

Encouraging Others

We believe that anyone can start their journey towards a simpler life. Here are a few practical tips to help you begin:

• Start Small: Begin with small decluttering projects or simple living activities that interest you.

• Prioritize: Focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This could be anything from gardening to learning a new craft.

• Embrace the Journey: Simple living is a continuous journey, not a destination. Enjoy each step and celebrate your progress.

We hope our story and experiences inspire you to embrace simplicity and find joy in the everyday. Welcome to our cozy log home, where we share our projects, adventures, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Join us in celebrating the simple things in life and bringing them into your own home.