I adore your blog !

I love reading your blog! I had originally found you from ETST. But I love reading about your work, garden, pets, kids, everything. 🙂

I adore your blog and you! We are neighbors too! I bought your Montana Zip Hoodies for my bridesmaids! I love your work.

Congrats on the 8 years! Here’s to at least 80 more. 🙂

congrats on 8 years! I have learned so much from you over the years!

Congratulations on 8 years. It’s so enjoyable to look back through your blog and see how your life has changed.
Thank you for your inspiration.

Nici, i have read your blog for many years and I love it! I started reading it when i lived in New Mexico and now my family lives in Lander, Wyoming (I think we share garden zones now!). You have always been inspiring in your writing. Thank you.

I read your blog all the way back to the beginning when I discovered it. Love reading about you and your sweet family.

I have been loving and reading your every blog post for about 5 years now. Thank you for it. You are inspiring!

Sweeeeeet! Happy blog anniversary. I’m so thankful for your posts– you’ve been such an inspiration to me over the years. Here’s to many more — Cheers!

I’ve been following your blog for 7 years?! wow. I started reading in my first year of undergrad and i’m now halfway through my second master’s (in Speech-Language Pathology). time flies. I am still just as inspired by you and your words and your beautiful family as I was when I first started reading. Thanks so much for sharing what you do here. So much of what you say resonates with me and it’s a frequent source of internet joy.

Congratulations on 8 years! I enjoy reading your blog!

I too love your blog – your dedication to your family, to growing your own food, being home for your children in the years they need you most, and of course your words! I refer to you as one of my favorite people I don’t actually know. I actually grew three turnips last year, and *thought* a lot about growing more!

I love your blog!

Happy Anniversary!” and thank you for reminding us of the simple wonders of every day life.

I love your blog! I started reading probably about 4 years ago, I also have two daughters the same age as yours, I have since added two more 😉 We recently bought some land and I just planted my first for real garden! I love reading about your family, I can relate to so many of your stories and your posts are always motivational for me as a mom! Best of luck!

Love your blog! Congrats on 8 lovely years!

I found your blog so long ago I have no idea how but it could have been somehow thru Meg’s Whatever blog. I’ve been following since before Ruby! I enjoy reading about all you & your family do. Thank you! Your give away items are great! I especially love the Plum jam label! : )

Congrats on 8 years! I am so happy I discovered your blog! As a fellow Montana girl, I love learning more and more through your writings and being continually inspired. Thank you. 🙂

While at a Holiday Made Fair 4 1/2 years ago, I overheard some say to you, “I just love reading your blog!” I thought, “Hmmm, wonder what she blogs about?” I finally remembered to see for myself about a month later while on a trip home to SC. I’m so glad I did and enjoy your words and photos so much. Also, I keep meaning to tell you that every time I clean out the lint trap in my dryer, I think of you!

Oh Nici, I just adore you.

I found you through the ETST page, originally. The more I listened to your posts, the more I felt like I knew you. And when we became ‘friends’ on instagram? Fuggedaboutit. I was hooked.

The hoodie you made for my husband’s Christmas gift a few years ago, with the silhouette of our wonky-eared dog, is still hands down his most favourite piece of clothing.

I love the way you live your life, treasure your family, and share it with all of us. It makes me happy, and it makes me want to live more fully.

xo J.

So glad your blog has evolved as it has. I always look forward to new posts from you.

8 years!
What an inspiring journey – a constant inspiration to fellow scribes and mamas and papas alike. Thank you for sharing with us your adventures.

Just when I think your heart can’t be any bigger and your level of awesomeness can’t get any higher you turn it up another notch. Thank YOU, Nici, for your gift of words, insight and compassion that you share with so many through this wonderful space. XO

thank you for your blog. for eight years. thank you for sharing your beautiful life and your beautiful state! happy eight years and what a fantastic generous giveaway!

I’m doing well! My son turns three weeks on Friday, the same day my daughter turns three years! Today is our first full day with my husband back at work. We went to the library and then walked through our garden and checked on our hens.

I love your blog! I’ve been reading since Ruby was born. 🙂 I adore your writing and wish for another 8 years!

You and your family are so inspiring! I enjoy reading your blog and look forward to new posts. I am 31, and today I am working on my thesis for graduate school.. first draft do next Monday.. So my day is busy. Hoping to find time to hike with my dog.
I am sooo ready to have a family of my own. A family that includes babies, chickens and ducks. Perhaps a husband as well 🙂
I’ve been eyeing that utility apron for a while, its pretty sweet.

Sara

Love your blog! You are so sweet and kind, and your family is adorable!

Doing good. We are on Spring Break. The sun is shining. Hectic with three kids running around… But good.

Congratulations!! What an accomplishment!, Nici! I am quite wonderful, thank you for asking!
🙂 Tomorrow is my daughter’s first birthday and we hope to visit the botanical gardens and soak up the early days of Spring in Georgia! Congratulations again… and thank you for the very generous giveaway!

You have the sweetest giveaways! Congrats on eight years! That inspires me to do better at keeping mine up

I just ordered my first item from your shop and I am so excited to get it! I’ve been reading your blog for years and it is one of my absolute favorites. I always look forward to your writing and your pictures.

With gratitude to you too, Dig! I’ve followed a handful of blogs on and off for many years, but yours has been a constant. Your sure, strong voice, honesty, relatability, and wicked sense of humor have always made me feel right at home when I settle down to read. I love following your adventure. Happy 8th and here ‘s to many more!

Jenny V from MA

Your blog is my favorite! It’s always a treat to see a new post pop up in my feed. Thank you for sharing bits and pieces of life and being an inspiration. Cheers! 🙂

I’m a big fan of your blog, you, your family, and your chickens. Pick me because I just bought a little farm house and all of those things are calling me.

Congrats! And thanks for the chance at your cool give-aways!

I have loved watching your family and your blog for years now. You are a gift to us readers and so we should be thanking you. You are such a lovely warrior for living life out loud. Thank you sweet Nici.

My day has been crappy struggling with a strong willed 3 year old makes me exhausted. Thank you for always sharing your true gritty self with your followers.

Enjoying this beautiful spring-ish day with my not so baby, baby girl! Love your writing!

I’m am content! It is my favorite thing to be. I love following your blog because we both have children, chickens and a garden. You’re blog is like a friend that you love to sit down and visit with. Congratulations on 8 years!!

Absolutely love your blog and you! I started my first garden because of your pictures and words 🙂 My day is going great – had a two hour breakfast out with one of my closest friends and that is quite simply one of the best ways to start the week!

I was so happy when I stumbled upon this corner of the internet. I am happy currently because I got to read some more of your words which always bring clarity to my own heart and soul. Your sincerity comes through your writing and provides me the courage to be sincere as well. So thank you for providing those happy boosts. I always look forward to them.

Today I am not feeling my best and am quite ready to go home and take a nice bath and go to bed early. But I am quite happy with all the sunshine outside and that there are just 2 weeks left until spring break. I am looking forward to some time with my boys.

8 is great, and so are you! Thanks for keeping it real momma:)

I’m a Cali momma of 3 with dreams to someday be a Montana momma. My girls and I love looking at your pictures (especially the jump roping “school commute”). Keep on sharing your fresh air and fresh spirit through the interwebs

Nici,
Happy 8 years to you, friend. I’ve left posts here and there for seven of those eight years. One of the earliest posts I remember; you were wearing a winter coat and a baby during an Easter egg hunt. Bringing my family up in NY, I could relate to the snow and winter jackets in the spring. I admired the white onesies in the summer and the sweet little bonnets on Margot and Ruby. The dinosaur pajamas that Margot wore while she was helping with the chickens. Thank you for your pictures and words over the past 8 years. Pictures and words of raw, humble and real reality. Thank you for inspiring me and many, many others. You’ve done a beautiful thing here. Not just with this blog but with this life. Cheers to you! Hugs. -jessie

Congrats on 8 years- always love reading your blog. 🙂

Doing great today! Thanks for asking… what a lovely collection of items! I know someone who knows the author of that book personally! 🙂

I very much admire your brave writing, and am so glad that you show up here to share it. Happy 8 years to you. I’d love to win these pretty things.

We are all well! One little is napping, one is working on lessons, and I am having a peaceful quiet moment to myself! Right now the sun is shining over the last 8″ of our melting snow. The river in front of the house just broke free of ice this weekend and now with the freezing weather back, it is locked up in clear shining ice once again. So we’re back to patiently waiting for spring.

Your blog is like a gift, and the words and images you share of you life are so wonderful to read. Thank you for so many great posts and best wishes for many, many more years!

Your blog is such an inspiration to me as I navigate raising my two boys with love and humor. Congrats on 8 years!

Congratulations! That’s a big marker. And my day has been going well, thank you! The weather has been jumping between sun and pouring rain and I’m doing my best to enjoy whatever hits my face. 🙂

Congrats on 8 years and here’s to many more! I always enjoy your posts, much more so now that I have a baby of my own.

I have enjoyed your blog for many years and being an avid gardener myself, a mom, and lover of the outdoors I feel connected to the experiences you share and enjoy taking this journey with you!

Congrats on 8 years!! I have followed your blog for a while now, ever since being introduced to you by Kelle Hampton 🙂 I love reading everything you write as it is almost like being on the adventure with you.. Today is a Monday and I am back in cubie land. I would much rather be doing something else, but tomorrow is another day.

Wow 8 years, my daughter is 8 and it’s passing by so quickly! I love your writing and enjoy following the progress of your business and life. We’ve crossed paths a few times anonymously, but when I had the chance of finding and returning Margo’s MT hoodie and she brought me a cupcake, it made my day. Keep smiling and running, and writing, your words make an impact on many, myself included.

I have been reading your blog for five years. I even went back and got caught up on the ones you wrote before I found it. I hope you never stop sharing.

So glad you started and for all the breaths of fresh air you’ve brought to my days! Congrats on 8 years!

Your blog made me feel strong about having a home birth. It made me see that my life’s balance is its own and whatever I choose to make it. It has given me inspiration and confidence. Thank you.

I have loved reading your blog–been inspired by your words often!

Love your blog!!!!

Feeling good here… Leaving work to pick up the little ones! Nothing better than this time of day!

I so enjoy your blog and Instagram. I love the kinship of women no matter how far apart our lives are.

Nici–I don’t often comment here (is it a silly thing to feel awkward about commenting on the blog of someone you don’t know? ha!) but I have been reading for years now! I’m doing my PhD in Education (I taught first grade for 5 years) at the University of NC. I don’t have much extra time on my hands, but when I do, I read your blog. And follow your Instagram. I use your recipes and my nephew bobbles around in a onesie you made. I appreciate your words and your grounded nature. Your writing and view on the world reminds me so much of myself, and so much about the aliveness of living. Every time I read your words it feels like I’m talking to a long lost friend. 🙂 Isn’t life (and the internet!) funny! So thank you for sharing.

Oh! And! I’m good. It’s warm, sunny, and the birds are singing here in NC. so lovely.

Hi!
What a great time it has been! I’ve found your site when Ruby was just born. I was searching for something about gardening and just stumbled upon you. I have never looked back. What a great experience it’s been for me to learn from you (apricot-fig bars) and admire your fun loving attitude! I’ve bought your beautiful handmade wares for our little cousins, too. Even when you lost dear Alice, our dog, Daisy, was in the last month of her battle with cancer. I cried right along with you. Thank you for sharing with all of us all this time.

Much Love,
Ann

thanks for sharing your day with all of us

Love this – and YOU. Can’t wait until our paths cross in my home state of SD this fall. xoxo

I have loved following your blog and Instagram! Your outlook on life is beautiful and your children’s lives are full of joy and play. Thank you for the inspiration!

Assignment: my day is great! Got out of classes early and soaking up the spring sun.

I love following you, your family and chickens via your blog.

Your blog has been an amazing inspiration to me, just up the road from you, also sewing, gardening and raising my daughter under the big Montana sky 🙂

Congratulations! 8 years is quite a milestone!
I’ve loved reading your blog for the past couple of years – your writing is so free and heartfelt, it makes me feel more connected to our beautiful Missoula. As for my day – My fiance and I have now been homeowners for 72 wonderful hours, my shoulders ache from wallpaper removal, and I have a hot date at Sherwin Williams tonight to argue lovingly with my man over the perfect shade of taupe. I couldn’t be happier! (and I must say, my heart skipped a beat when i saw the tablecloth and napkins…) Congrats again, and I can’t wait to read your next chapter!

My day is going wonderfully thank you! Last night I cleaned the downstairs carpet and did the upstairs this morning. I am starting to get things organized for our upcoming trip to DisneyLand. I finally found a bathing suit that I love and actually fits correctly. And thank you for asking!
I hope you have a wonderful day too!

Happy Birthday to my favorite blog out there! Nici, I love this space you’ve created… it’s inspirational, beautiful, heartwarming, crass, observant, hilarious, and on and on. Thank you for sharing with us!

Wow, 8 years! Happy Birthday blog lady! I always find inspiration from the beauty you see in the world. Big or small you find it daily girl!

Hello! Enjoy your blog.

love everything about this!

I’m so glad you started blogging 8 years ago. I love your beautiful words
And have learned from your purposeful approach to life and especially parenting.

Recovering from a tonsillectomy so I can’t say it’s the best day ever. But your words provide a short reprieve! Love the linen tablecloth.

What a wonderful give-away! I’ve been lusting after the utility apron but due to finances put it out of my mind. ::Fingers Crossed::

And thank you so much for your photos, words and sincerity. I started reading your garden blog and would sneak peaks at your Bug blog and was so thankful when you merged them. I no longer had to feel like a voyager. You do wonderful work. Thank you.

Ack! My eyes. PEEK not peak.

Cheers to 8 Years! What an inspiration to watch you unfold into a bigger, more experienced person with each post.

Today is a beautiful day in the north east. Sunny skies and no sickness in the house! This is a glorious day!! Your items look lovely especially the tablecloth and napkins. I would be honored to be one of the eight winners.

I think I have been following your blog for close to all of those 8 years. I stumbled across it while googling gardening blogs, and have gotten so, so much more out of it since. As you had your children, soon after I had mine, and your writings became more meaningful and relevant to my life as well. New growth, in many different forms. Thank you for sharing! It is a bright spot in my week when I see a new post.

I’ve loved seeing your blog, family and business grow!

Spring break, engaged, cleaning out house stuff, working on wedding stuff, learning and growing in kindness and gentleness and space to actually think about how to do it better, all is right with the world.

Happy 8 years! I love your blog! You are truly one of my favorite writers. Keep on sharing and thank you!

You are in my zone! As I say “zone 8…isn’t it great?!”

Happy Anniversary to you! You are an inspiration and I so appreciate you being willing to share a little window into your world for us to all adore.

I love your writing. You have beautiful voice and commandment of words. When I see a new post by you it brightens my day. Thanks for bringing a piece of the Wild West to this urban city girl.

Your blog is one of three I follow. You inspire me each time I read. Thank you!

Not bad.
Love your blog!
=)

Cheers to you on your blog anniversary!! Keep it up!

Love your blog! I have been reading it for several years now!

Happy Anniversary! I am so glad you chose to start the blog…love your attitude about life & kids & the outdoors!

I am good. Thanks for asking.

I enjoy your love for the outdoors.

I’m having a Monday. But I still look forward to each new blog post and love your creativity.

I love your writing, Nici, and have followed you for about 6 of these 8 years. Thanks for sharing so much of your life here. I so appreciate your sensibilities and perspectives. I had a lovely day today which included meeting my mama (who lives 1.5 hours away) for lunch to celebrate my 42nd birthday!

Thank you for being authentic, all the time! I love that you are real about your messy life (you know, the real stuff about raising kids and having pets and keeping a house!!) while maintaining a very public life through your blog and online. Thank you for that. I enjoy your writing and handiwork and I am grateful that purchasing GEO supports your family and makes my peeps smile! Keep on!

congrats, nici! i remember the early days! my day is going well. lots of meetings, but i found out that i officially got tenure and promotion to full professor! so i’m freakin psyched!

Congratulations on 8 years! I love this space you have created. Dig on mama!

Congratulations Nici, your blog is my favorite! I’ve been following you for years, possibly even eight. I’m taking a gardening break myself at the moment– cleaning out raised beds, picking those first tender herb and arugula starts. Planting spinach, lettuce and peas and admiring all my little bulbs coming up. Thanks for the giveaway and thanks for sharing your little piece of paradise with your readers.

You are living the life I wish for :-). Instead, my son is now grown and I have worked in corporate America since before he was born. I long to live in the country, can my own food, bake bread and live a simpler life. I guess I’ll keep reading and enjoying those things through your words and pictures. Thank you for that!

I miss Montana. I wish we hadn’t moved away, even though I can see that in many ways it was a good move. Reading your blog reminds me of what Missoula is like, and on those days I get to carry a little Montana around with me in Minnesota, where it snowed yesterday.

I love reading your blog! You inspire me so much!

Long time reader, first time commenter. That shall change in this next year, I promise. I am counting my many blessings today – a slice of blue sky and warm rays through our overcast sky, the helping hands of my 3-year old as we stocked up on fruit and veggies at the market this morning, a few grace-filled hours of hot-coffee-in-hand free time, a lovely hand-written card from a favourite cousin symbolizing another year older and hopefully wiser. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words.

thank you, dear soul, for the HOPE. Thank you for sharing your life and wisdom with us all. Many, many, happy returns on your blog-a-birthday!

Congratulations! My first born just turned 7, so I am acutely aware of how 7 years (8 in your case) can seem like it has always been that way, but go by so fast that it makes your head spin! Cheers!

Hi Nici! Thank you so much for the chance to win such fabulous things!! I am doing very well and I’m having a great day decorating for Easter/spring and enjoying the sunshine (and no snow) here in Western PA. Love your blog!!!

I love reading your blog and especially love all the pictures you post. ❤️

I found you through ETST and have loved your blog since. I love the free spirited life you are giving to your girls and reading about the gardening and homesteading you guys do.

so glad I stumbled upon your blog a couple of years ago. I love your writing-your posts on Alice have stuck with me. Andrea

first time visiting your site and I’m in LOVE! ❤️

Love the goodies, the blog and the giveaway 🙂

I didn’t know I was the type of person to lose myself in a blog, like I did with yours right after I gave birth. I absorbed years of your life during those hours of early breastfeeding. I developed a strange lip allergy (?). I was dog-tired (SO TIRED). I got sick. My excema came back. Your blog soothed me. Thank you. I don’t know how I stumbled upon it but man did it help me. How am I today? Studying for yoga teacher training, mostly rested, waiting for my just turned one year old to wake up. Pretty damn good I would say. I LOVE the art. Thanks again.

I just adore your writing, photos and glimpses of everyday life on IG. Rough day today with my three little girls, but happy spring is on the way to Ohio and we can get outside again. Thanks for sharing your life with us!

Congrats on 8 years!

I’ve had a great day! Slept in and worked half a day, now home again snuggling with my babies. Not bad at all for a Monday!

I love your writing and the peek you give into the rhythm of your days. It always inspires me. Your photos are amazing. Thank you for sharing with us and please never stop! You are just what I need when I am frazzled and need perspective.

Happy Blog-iversary. Your blog is such a inspiration to me! I started following shortly after Ruby was born and I read every post. I don’t remember exactly how I found you but I think my favorite post to date was your one about gardening being made for writers. I’m starting my first vegetable garden this spring. It’s an exciting time!

I am a little stressed right now- I am trying to finish my first quilt (!!) but my sewing machine and I are at odds. It’s a garage sale find and is sometimes finicky about layers of fabric. I was getting frustrated so I took a blog break. Feeling much better now. 🙂

Congrats on eight years of blogging. I have found your entries lovely and personable. Its been nice to view in on your lovely family.

My day was spent playing with my three little grandsons….healing for my soul…one of the twins passed away 4 months ago. Tonight I am taking my girls to a Wine and Paint….looking forward to a little tipsy artistic outlet. I enjoy your blog…although I still can’t believe you didn’t buy back your butter dish!

My favorite blog post of your: when you took your girls camping solo. Gave yourself a fist high for starting the camp fire. It inspired me. I could do it. I could make those memories for my girls! And I did. It was an epic adventure just the 4 of us!
How and I doing ? I am on day off 11 of being sick… I have tried every remedy under the sun and tomorrow I am biting the bullet going go to see the dr! That makes me feel a wee bit nervous.
Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your life! Your writing and photos are always gorgeous and inspiring.

I love your blog! The gardening, canning and parenting. One of my favourite spaces to read. Congratulations!

I’m having a fantastic day, thanks for asking! A play date this morning with my mama group friends, followed by a long toddler nap, followed by a lazy evening. Doesn’t get much better. (And I’ve been coveting that Steal Like An Artist book!!)

Thank YOU, Nici! I love your blog…very insightful, inspiring and great recipes! My son loves his geo “state” t-shirts, too! xo

I love reading your blog. I look forward to reading about your adventrures, your parenting, your girls and family and seeing the beauty where you live!

Today I embraced the gloom! It felt good to feel sad.

Congrats on 8 years!! I have been a faithful reader for 6 years and am very grateful for this space. Your genuine approach to life has aided me in more ways that I can count. Thank you!

I am doing well today. The sun is shining and there is hope for the future. Plus, I always love reading your blog!

Your blog, like the items you create, is well made! Thank you, Nici, for all you’ve offered to us over the years.

Congratulations and thank you so much for the chance! I’ve been reading your blog for years, and look forward to your posts. Thanks for your beautiful writing, photos and sharing your wonderful family.

Happy Blog Anniversary! I used to read many blogs, but you should feel honored that yours is the ONLY one I still read. I adore your little writing space and feel motivated and empowered by your words at times. 😉

As for my comment assignment, I am doing great today! Sitting on my boys’ floor as they fall asleep.

Hot damn girl! I feel like I’m getting something for free every time I ready your posts. Thanks for all these lovely years, and the great giveaway.

My day was great. I spent it reflecting about the beautiful wedding I got to be a part of this past week 😉 hope yours was beautiful as well!

Your blog is so very inspiring in every way. Your decorations, gardening, parenting, and even just thrift store finds remind me to be as true to myself and my style as I can daily. Thank you!

I love your blog and have been reading it for years (although not commenting)! You are so inspiring! I’ve loved watching your girls growing up, just a few years ahead of my two. My oldest is a few months younger than Ruby. Congrats on 8 years!

I just love your blog and your little family. Nici you do things from your heart. The core of your being. With that I give thanks. For you. For your family. For your business. For your heart. And for sharing your heart with us all.

Congratulations on eight years! I am doing well. Struggling and often overworked in the rat race that is Silicon Valley, but I had a miraculous three hours off and wandered around in the sunshine and am planning a leek quiche for dinner. Trying to take it one day at a time. And despite my countless quick peeks at blogs or Instagram, yours is the one blog that I wait to read until I am curled up, relaxed, and ready for a dose of family comfort. Nici, your writing is perhaps one of my favorites ever. Short, poignant. Whether the blog continues to grow for the next eight months or eighteen years, I hope you always keep sharing your writing.

First day of spring break and my youngest has a cold….but all in all we’re good. It has been a nice chill day at home. Thanks for asking!!! Love your blog so much! Love your photos, your stories, your spirit, how you love your man and girls, your garden tips and your sink! I really love that sink.

Like so many others, Nici, you have managed to hit a spot in my world that makes me want to be more…creative, active, aware and just be. My day was fantastic, tiring, frustrating and hilarious as usual with my 2 boys at home. I am a part time nurse and some days I long to be surrounded by professionals and having real adult conversations, though I am not foolish and know these youngest years are too fleeting. I am constantly thinking about adding to our home with one more little one and can’t seem to figure out what is right yet. Anyway, congratulations on all your successes. You deserve every one of them.

I remember getting into your blog and reading all the back entries when I started at the school I’m teaching at five years ago. I was just an aide and spent a lot of time sitting in the back of a room, binge-reading your posts. Now I teach in that room, I have a husband, and I have a Ruby daughter of my own. Five years seems like yesterday!
I’m doing great- I spent my afternoon watching Ruby take her first steps across our family room!

Happy 8 years! My favorite blog! And today? Today was swell – but so cold still. I day drama a lot today. Waiting waiting waiting (not) so patiently for spring here in Maine. Dreaming of: a sunny run with inappropriate music blasting and the smell of thaw all around. And muddy kids. And feeling like there’s too much yard work. And sidewalk chalk. Windows down.

congrats on 8 years! I’ve been reading since late 2008 and it has been so lovely watching you and your family grow. The love, beauty and truth you share with us has inspired me through some incredibly difficult times and taught me so much (I won the parenting on the same team class a couple years ago and it was such an amazing perspective shift). Yours is the only blog I’ve stuck with over the years. Thank you so much for everything. <3

Your words have shears been among my favorites to read. I have loved watching you and your family grow over this time and look forward to more of your story and journey.

LOVE your blog!!!

Congrats on eight years! It’s been fun watching your life from the wings. You have a way of making the mundane seem extraordinary. <3

I am so so so happy that you started a blog–one of my favorites. 🙂
Happy Blog Anniversary!

-Cydnee

Today I saw your beautiful things in the UM bookstore and was thinking about you and the girls! Then I saw this post and had to comment to say congratulations on your 8 years! My day was a rough one in the trenches of graduate school. Your post and positivity was just what I needed to distract me from the madness! I love the pics you post of Margot and Ruby! They are priceless displays of authentic happiness.

Day is great – trying to soak up baby love on the last week of my maternity leave. Hope I win gift certificate to deck out said baby and big sis. Maren is growing out of her Dig gear!

Hey, hey. I love your idea of the giveaway and chance to win. Take care.
Kristin

I have been a fan of your space for years! The positivity and beauty in your words and photos are inspiring! Thank you and Happy 8th Anniversary!

My day is so much better now that I’ve worked out and stretched. I swear that it’s the best way to realign a body and a soul. Thanks for asking!

My best friend and I follow your blog and have thoughful discussions over your posts. We both agree that you remind us to focus on the very best details of life and of humanity. Thank you for being a beautiful soul.

-Jennifer

so great! Big congrats! Xo

Congrats on 8 years. Your blog has been a huge inspiration for me (and so many others). Thank you for contributing & curating all these years! (I am doing well, thanks! Loving the chirping spring birdies!)

Happy Monday. I chased work all day and the kids all evening. Fulfilling all the way around. Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment!

I started reading your blog in 2010 after coming across your onesies at Frayed Sew in Helena. I was buying them for my brand new first grandson who will turn 5 next week! I love what you write about and how you write about it. We raised our kids in a log cabin far from the city, and your young family reminds me so much of that wonderful time! Congratulations on eight successful years and I wish you many many more.

Congrats on 8 years mountain mama!!!

How am I? I’m tired and (simultaneously) excited. I’m consumed over the decision to public or home school (bah!). And I love your blog, of course. Started reading just before Ruby was born, then went back and read everything (I remember that first post! the line about leaving garden notes in the arugula row always stuck with me…) during Juniper’s midnight nursings. I love the perspective you have (thanks to your blog) brought to my own life as a mother. Thank you.

I’m feeling tired and lazy today. It snowed overnight here is Chicago, just when everyone was becoming optimistic that winter has bowed out to make way for spring. The light all day was silvery and pale and the day was long, because that is the kind of light that makes you want to stay in bed with a book. Which is what I’m doing this evening instead of going to the gym. Lazy lazy bones.

Thanks for asking, and happy blogiversary!

8 years! Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your world with us! I’ve been reading for a while and always seem to come away empowered and inspired. I appreciate very much how present and thoughtful you strive to be.

How am I today? Just reflecting, when I started reading your blog I was single, working too much, and living in an apartment with big windows but no outdoor space. And now, I’ve got a nice developing garden, I just got engaged and and there’s a grad school acceptance letter on the table. Life is constantly evolving.

Congratulations on 8 years of blogging! I love when I look at your recipes it takes me back to various posts at different points in your blogging history . Your words are fresh and candid – I feel like I can relate on so many levels. Thank you for sharing it! Please keep ’em coming.

Eight is great!
Heartfelt congratulations Dig… Here’s to many, many more creative, passionate and productive years ahead.

My day wasn’t the easiest, but only I forgot that we get to make our own definitions of rich and success, just like you wrote in this post. Funny how things feel a lot better when I remember that truth.

Wow, what a wonderful thing to celebrate! Happy 8 years and thank you for sharing this space with us. Love your pictures, your stories, your writing. They do a mama’s heart good after long days. And thank you for asking, “how are you?” Keeping my face to the sunshine, that’s how I am. Hope your day is lovely.

Oh Nici. Congratulations on 8 years. What a journey! Remember when you had dig and bug separate? G encouraged me to start a blog when I was at the end of my pregnancy with Avi bc you had encouraged her. Thank you for that. Much love to you and your beautiful family. xoxo

When I first found your site through kelles blog I immediately turned my daughter on to it. She had just started college in montana and was nannying girls that were the same ages as yours. We have enjoyed your stories together.

Well, spring is springing. The dang chickens are jumping TWO 8 foot fences and digging up the garden. Will have to continue that battle. The bees swarmed today while I worked. I am pretty sure they headed East, toward sunrise. Will have to go on a walkabout Wednesday. Meanwhile my babes sleep, and I wait for mamas to push their first babes onto Earth. Congrats on year 8! Year 9 is digging forth.

A nice giveaway and a beautiful blog!

8 years of wonderful you! Thank you for all that you share with the world. My day today was head down, working hard, taking a break only when the three year old invited me to his kitchen for imaginary coffee and wooden apples. Tough-stuff & magic mixed together… such is life these days! I recently packed away the Alaska shirts you made for my little guys… little brother wore both but has outgrown them. Soooo hoping to win the plum jam… yum!
Big hugs to you & congrats on your blogaversary!
xo
Kate

I love your shop. Adore. How am I today? Tired, hoping my children sleep all night and content.

proud to say ” I knew you when…” ❤️ love your blog, your work, and following your family. Dynamite stuff all the way around, Nici!

Happy 8 years! Love this special space you’ve created. Thanks for allowing us a peak at your rich life!

Your post about the loss of Alice really touched me, you have a wonderful way with words! Congratulations on 8 years of blogging 🙂

Today my day is… sun-filled on the outside but a little cloudy on the inside. Maybe I should take my inside outside, out into the sunny garden. And look at the lambs. Well, I’m already looking at the lambs but maybe I should look a little closer. At their short lives (no doubt they’re headed for the oven) and at the stumbly jumpy selves. At the clouds, at the luscious grass. At the sun, the huge ball of fire that still manages to warm us up, hotter than toast.

https://behaviouriscommunication.wordpress.com

happy 8 years! I love your blog. It’s my favorite in my bloglovin’ feed.

Happy 8th birthday to your blog! I’ve been reading for about half that time only, but I love your blog so much. Your words have resonated with me and touched me in many ways.
My day is going great thanks! The sun is shining in Ireland. I’m savouring my morning coffee while watching my kids play among the spring flowers dancing in the wind 🙂

Congratulations on 8 yrs! I love seeing your girls, garden and mountains!

awesomw blog! Congrats on 8 years, here’s to MANY more!

Your writing is so lovely, it is like the sigh at the end of a yoga class. Thank you for eight years of sharing.

My boy is 19 today. I don’t even know how the fuck that happened so fast.
I raked the dead grass off the garden the other day. He hung out and we talked. We do that often.
I love that kid so much. And the garden.
He’s the best guy I know.

Glad you wrote that first post. It’s been lovely.
Congrats!

-Angie

I am good & my day is going very well….drinking coffee with 1/2 & 1/2, reading my beautiful daughter’s blog and thinking about my lucky number, which is 8! Congratulations Burb on all that you do and will do….I love you very much!

xoxo, your #1 fan

I love reading your blog. It brightens my day. I love reading about your beautiful family and your love for your home state of Montana. I hope you continue for many years. Thank you for being an inspiration for enjoying life to the fullest. You’re writing is so amazing, genuine and heartfelt. Thank you so very much. Mandy

I am doing awesome!
Survey on our next home happens today…sew excited!
Love your blog have followed for years as my daughter recommended.
Wishing you an amazing gardening season with a bountiful harvest…..

Congrats on eight years! I love your blog, and look forward to seeing your sweet family each week.

Love seeing your garden and all the adventures you have with your girls! We wish for all that open space to explore!

I raise my bean martini, “Here’s to eight more!” XO

I love your blog. Keep writing. It keeps me hopeful about being an artist, a mom, and a wife.

I love your blog. Your writing touches something within. I check in your garden, the things you make for your girls, the art that you and your husband make….it all inspires me. Thank you for sharing with all of us 🙂

I love the photos from your blog. Not only is it a place with amazing written word, that hits straight to the heart, but the photos! Kudos on 8 years!!

i have enjoyed being along for the ride with you! I often think of your thoughtful parenting stories while I interact with my two young kids. thank you!

Each day of retirement is wonderful. It makes a lifetime of work seem worthwhile. Nici’s blog is a joy to read. Her photos are wonderful. She gets my vote for best best Montana lifestyle blog!!

Lovely! Best wishes to you on continued Blogging Fun!

I check your blog every day for updates… thank you so much for taking the time to share your beautiful stories and photography!

Blogs must be like children. . . a labor of love. Thank you for the love and time you put into it.

I found your blog a little over seven years ago. You have inspired me on so many different levels and I’m so glad we finally met on that tiny little San Juan Island last year. Thanks for all the recipes, garden tips, one-of-a-kind handmade wares and the gift of your words over the years. You are one special lady. Happy blog-aversary!

I love your blog. I love what you share. Thank you.

I’m doing pretty great today! I’m not so excited about the clouds and chilly weather, but I know we need the rain/snow.

I am inspired with every post I read. They give me pause to reflect on where Im at as a mother, wife, runner and person. Thank you for being YOU!

I tried to figure out how long I’ve been reading your blog for. It must be at least 7 years. Wow! Congratulations on 8 years. I love your writing, it always inspires me.

You make the cutest things. Love when you post family skiing adventures.

Hi Nici:

I am pretty good, thanks for asking! I am getting over a cold, enjoying a chilly, sunny morning from my small town law office in Minnesota.

I sure do love your blog! Thanks for all that you share with us. It is truly enjoyed.

Meghanssj

A few years ago I connected to your blog from Kelle Hampton’s blog….. A few weeks into to reading your blog I recognized a face – your Mother-in- law in a photo

I moved away from Missoula 15 years ago, but when someone sent me a link to your blog many years ago it quickly became a touchstone. I am so grateful for your willingness to share the tension between the many parts of a busy, happy life: time for art, time for family, time for self, time for the larger world. Thank you for letting us witness it with you, over the last eight years. Bravo.

I love your blog! You’ve inspired me to garden this year.

I love this space! Many of your recipes have made it into our family meal rotations.

Good morning and happy Tuesday to you and your beautiful family, Nici. I stumbled on your blog a few months ago and it has quickly become my favorite. As a now Grammy, your heartfelt beautiful posts speak to my earlier life with three full of life children and a loving husband / dad. I’ve shared your posts with some of my young mother friends. Thanks for your sharing…

Nici – Congratulations on 8 years of tending, evolving and nurturing your blog. thank you for continuing to share your story, your home and your family. you are truly an inspiration.

Your blog inspires me to slow down-enjoy my kids, nature, the tick of the clock; LOVE your work; we bought a hat for our nephew in AK from your shop! Hope your day is good! It’s a cold day here in INDIANA, welcome spring 🙂

Congratulations on your eight years. Funny, I just wrote about your blog in my own:https://theyukon40dotcom.wordpress.com/2015/03/18/relief/ Thank you.

I love everything that you make and share on your blog, and would be honored and humbled to own something you are giving away! I purchased a hoodie in the past as a gift, but nothing for myself. Your writing, photos, and lifestyle are truly inspiring.

Thanks for 8 great years! You rock. And my day is rich and full. Thanks for asking.

Well, know that you have given us, the readers, so much. We don’t even know each other and there is encouragement in your words, there is comfort in knowing someone else is there and going through it too, there is hope. Also, just in case, there is fantastic recipes for your garden tomotos!

Love your blog, I’ve been following you for about 5 years!

I’ve followed you for 5 years. I love your words and the impact they have on me – encouraging me to think deeper, feel more fully and be more aware of my world. I have appreciated having your voice to come to. (And the inspiration for my novice gardening attempts!) And now being a mother I love your words even more. Your writing is so honest and refreshing. You have created a wonderful space and I enjoy visiting so much. Thank you for that. I think there are a lot of voices out there and I am so glad yours is one. Congrats on 8 years!
Take care!
And PS your tomato pie recipe is a FAVORITE in my house!

Congrats on 8 years of blogging! I think back to what I was doing eight years ago, and my, things sure have changed. Thank you for sharing your lovely family with us.

P.S. Is it weird that I am most excited about that jar of jam?

Hello, hello! Congrats on your blog anniversary. I am abit new to it but am enjoying everything. My day is going along swimmingly, hopefully yours is as well!
Thanks, Kim

I love your blog! Can’t wait to read about your next 8 years!

Creeping up on a decade, lady, and I sure have enjoyed getting there with you. xo

Congratulations on ALL your fabulous achievements. Much as I enjoy your blog and pictures, you’ve actually made me appreciate my own things more, especially my kitchen. You radiate a special kind of happiness, and I thank you for sharing it!

I’ve read every word for 6 + years. Always eager for your next story, observation, life revelry.. so good. so appreciated. thank you. happy 8!
with love,
erin

I haven’t been reading your blog for all 8 years, and don’t remember how or when I added it to my reader, but am so glad that I did. I love your eloquence. Thank you!
(I like the frequency of your posts too 🙂 It’s just right!)

I’m doing well, thanks for asking :). Just celebrated my baby’s 2nd birthday with a party this morning and came to check your blog while she’s napping. Yours is one of only 2 blogs that I read faithfully – thanks for keeping it real!

This is such a lovely idea. I think I will do a give-away on my blog too. Thank you nici!

Wow, eight years! Congratulations. I have been reading your blog for maybe 4; since I have been in college and now I am about to graduate. Crazy. I enjoy your words more than most of the blogs I read; I love the rawness and love emitted through the words you write.

Today… Studying. Lots of studying. Studying about microbial physiology. Studying is rigorous but nice because it is learning and I love learning about microbes. A good day but a day of missing my family and waiting for a repairman to fix a hole in my ceiling.

I started reading your blog near the end of 2010. I was pregnant; a first time mom. You gave me so much inspiration, and still do!! This blog is the only blog I have really been drawn to, and the only one I have consistently followed. Thanks for doing what you do!

Doing great today. Finally got some rain here today.

Congrats on 8 years! I am so glad I found your blog, I really, really enjoy it!

Love your blog and the perspective it brings to my life.
How am I? I’m tired and challenged by a new phase of life. Working a temporary part-time job while the kids are at school and trying to figure out how to accomplish all those other things I used to do during the day and stay sane.
How are you?

Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself, with me. I often feel your outstretched hand, all the way in Tampa, FL, saying “we’re in this together.” Much love. -Jacquie

It’s a beautiful day here in the Northeast. Birds are singing and the sun is shining for the first time in awhile! I’m fairly new to your blog and have been enjoying it very much. Congrats on 8 years! Lovely items you are giving away especially the tablecloth and napkins.

Thank you for the blessing your blog has been to me. I stumbled onto “digthischick” from Pam Penick’s “Digging” blog about 7 years back. Like you, life has changed and stayed the same. Your thoughtful approach to your life and your family/relationships has opened my eyes and made me more grateful and more mindful. I am becoming a more fearless canner too!

I discovered your blog via Enjoying the Small Things, and I so enjoy your sweet perspective on life. It’s encouraging to me. Congratulations on lasting 8 years so far, your readers appreciate it 🙂

I have loved getting to know you and peeking into your beautiful life through this blog. Some days are just really hard raising kids and keeping all of the balls in the air, and your beautiful writing is a great reminder to focus on the here and now and appreciate the value of each moment. Congratulations on 8 years!

Today was an ordinary, beautiful, mundane and lovely day. All is right with the world, I have decided. I really appreciate the way you frame and paint your life. Thank you.

I love your blog. It makes me want chickens and a cozy cottage in the mountains. Today I am stressed. I’m in between a series of life changes and the “what if”s are suffocating. Thank you for the breath of fresh air.

Nici — I love your writing. Your pictures are gorgeous as is your spunk for life. Today was a trying day, but tomorrow should be better. Here’s to optimism!

Your blog is such a special place. I truly cherish it. Blog on, sistah!

I love your blog! I compost now, and am going to be growing tomatoes this summer….

I adore your blog, when I’m feeling low or unsure its life affirming. For that I’m incredibly grateful

I read your blog as inspiration. Inspiration for words, gardening, cooking, and mothering. Today is a new day and I will attempt to leave my anxious heart in yesterday and live today with happiness, peace, and whole lot of grace. I would love the jam, just love it.

you are fantastic. this blog is such a light, a total beacon – i’m super thankful for yer words! and (because you asked) today i am feeling: excited, impatient, accepting, so so grateful – i turn the big 3-0 on friday and am celebrating in a sacred, desert space with my dear ones and I CAN’T WAIT!!!!! thanks for all you do, ms. dig!!!

I’m fine today. Camping in my bedroom, making toast and coffee in the garage, because the rest of the house is piled in a corner downstairs so we can have a perfectly wonderful hardwood floor put in. Making our new home more us and less them requires paint and once again here I am planning where to build my garden space. I’ve had 4 gardens in my life and while starting from scratch is nice, it’s a lot of work and I really want to have an established garden space to play with in the spring.
Thanks for your blog, I enjoy reading it for inspiration and a Montana point of view
Have a nice day, Lee

Always love reading your blog/Instagram! Congrats on 8 years

I love coming here to check on your family, your life. It reminds me of what I love about my own family, and life. Congratulations on 8 years!

It’s pollen season here so everything is yellow. It seems my corner of the state skips spring. Winter-Pollen-Summer. And apparently being pregnant has caused me to develop spring allergies that I have never had in my 34 years…..so that’s annoying but overall things are good. 20 weeks done with a perfect pregnancy and found out that I’m having another baby girl. 🙂

doing great over here! would love to see some more posts on gardening.. I could learn so much from you. 😀

I am doing well today, thank you for asking!

I would love to read your birth story form Margot, do you have that posted somewhere?

Congratulations on 8 years! I love your style!

All my love ❤️

I have been following your blog since Ruby was born. Your words always motivate me to be better.

I don’t remember how I found your blog 2 years ago, but I’ve been a fervent fan since then. You are truly a wise woman and your pictures are spectacular.

I love your blog! When I cleaned my inbox of newsletters and such, you were one of the only ones I kept. Good stuff!!! Happy week. 🙂

Congratulations! I always enjoy reading your blog and especially enjoy your recipes. I’m just starting out in growing my own vegetables, your garden pictures always inspire me.

i am so happy i found your blog, cheers to your 8 years and to many more!

Today I spoke to my brother for the first time in two years. I’m a perfect mix of heartbroken, sad and at peace that I heard from him. He had actually left a little grocery bag of punch, brownies, bbq chips and Swiss rolls at my doorstep yesterday. I had peeked out the window when I heard the door knock but i didn’t answer it because I didn’t recognize the old pickup truck. My brother has never been kind to me. And a lot of pieces in my family have been broken for a long time. Once I saw what the bag contained, I knew in my heart who it was from. As silly as it sounds, punch and Swiss rolls and bbq chips are so “him.” I can’t get it out of my head… Picturing him buying each item at the little convient store across the street. And the way he perfectly placed it at my door step so the wind couldn’t blow it over. It was just so “him” to do that. I can see the kindness in his hard heart. So much of me loves him and forgives him but so much of me is scared too. I’m not sure if I can have a relationship with him anymore. He’s hurt me deeply. Which makes the punch, bbq chips, brownies and Swiss rolls all the more heartbreaking. I never thought I could look at a brownie and cry. Anyway, I decided to speak with sincerity. Thank you for asking, friend.

Your blog is lovely. Inspiration probably to many of us other than just myself. I get outside more with my littles and started a small garden for the last few years. Thank you for sharing your life, thoughts and experiences!

My day is good! Love the cozy low-key schedule we have before spring sports start! Loving your blog all the way from CT 🙂

8 is Gr8!

Happy Anniversary!

Your blog lets me breathe…. Your words remind me to keep going; through adversity, struggles, triumphs, challenges. That’s where the juiciness of life can be found. Relieved to have just found out that I am not dealing with cancer…. in celebration, my kiddos and I will start our seeds indoors tonight. We still have 3 feet of snow on the ground, but spring weather will be here before we know it!

Woohoo to 8 years! Your blog has truly influenced the way I parent my kids. My day is going well so far, after a 13 hour nursing clinical yesterday I enjoyed rocking my baby in the dark in the wee morning hours.

Thank you for sharing a little bit of you and your world with us. Happy Anniversary!

Nici-

You give me hope each time you write to enjoy the simple. 🙂

no prize necessary as I get the prize every time I read your post. Happy 37th to hubby and I can’t believe that the little ones now can ski off on their own when they were going down between your legs.

I find so much inspiration from reading your blog. From parenting to gardening to cooking to living. Thank you for your beautiful writing, pictures, and you!

Your blog is so inspiring! Thank you

I look forward to reading your blog and appreciate you sharing your life. So inspiring!
Thank you

Doing good here – less than 24 hours left before Spring Break! The sun was shining and it was noticeably warmer today – there’s hope yet for Spring!

Happy Blogaversary! I’ve enjoyed reading for the last five or so years and going back through the archives. Thank you for writing, your words have helped me to put things into perspective many times. I’ve had a lovely day. There’s snow on the mountains, but it’s warm enough to go out without a jacket.

It was busy, exhausting but overall a good day. Thanks for asking.We are still waiting for a spring at Midwest…
Thank You for this wonderful place! I would love to have a neighbor like you,drink coffee together from time to time, bake my famous pumpkin cheesecake for your family, and patiently wait you will share some kale with us at the end of the season!

Nici,

You’ve got a very special thing going here. Since the birth of my two daughters (one almost three and the other six months), I’ve made it a point to minimize screen time. But yours is a blog that I just can’t give up! Your perspective is refreshing, your pictures lovely and your energy inspiring. I love how you string words together and I love seeing a bit of your world through Dig. Thanks for sharing!

xoxo,
Katie

Happy 8th Birthday to my favorite blog! I came across digthischick years ago while up late with a sick babe and I went back to the beginning – the bugs blog gardening days – because I wanted the whole story. Totally fell in love with your soul and Montana. (Will be there in a few days!) What a joy it has been to watch your family grow. Cheers to more lovely years to come!

Love! Been following for nearly the whole 8 years and have been nothing but energized and inspired by this space of yours! Congrats!

Love your blog, the simplicity of it all. Need to re-visit Montana as it is my favorite place to visit
besides home.

8 years! It is so cool to see the evolution of life through this little space. Your writing is one of my favorite places to come with my morning cup of coffee. This morning, though, I’m here with a green smoothie after a quick, intense crossfit thing with a friend. I slept like crap last night, but started the day feeling powerful and strong. Ready to conquer the day, the world, whatever. And it’s Friday, so I’m doin’ all right. Thanks for the great giveaways, Nici. You’re simply wonderful.

I’m great – sure glad it is Friday! Have a great weekend!!!