The Ordinary Family

#50: Covenant, Not Commitment: How the Clapp Family Built a Marriage Worth Staying In

What does intentional family life actually look like after 32 years of marriage, six kids, two international adoptions, and a whole lot of earned wisdom? In this episode, we sit down with Rick and Laura Clapp — coaches, parents, and longtime mentors to the Housefield family — for one of the most substantive conversations yet on the podcast. Rick is a faith-driven executive coach and strategic retreat leader. Laura is an assessment coach who spent years as a full-time mom before channeling her seminary training and life experience into coaching individuals and couples. Together, they’ve built a family and a marriage that is honest, intentional, and deeply rooted — and they hold nothing back here. They open up about what it took to keep their marriage strong through the chaos of six kids under ten, how they navigated two adoptions from Eswatini, Africa, and why the teenage years nearly broke Laura’s perfectly structured systems — in the best possible way. They get into the real differences between a commitment and a covenant, why laughter has been one of their most underrated marriage tools, and what it felt like when their adult kids came back with feedback they didn’t ask for but needed to hear. If you’re a parent who’s ever thought I know I’m going to hear about this someday, or a spouse who’s wondered whether you’re actually building something that will last — this one is for you. One of our favorite quotes from the interview was this (regarding parenting): You can plant and water but you don’t control the fruit. In this episode: * Why Rick and Laura agreed early on to remove the “eject button” from their marriage — and what that covenant actually looks like in hard seasons * How Laura thrived with toddlers and nearly tapped out with teenagers (and what changed) * The color-coded plate system, the laminated chore charts, and the senior year “living allowance” — practical family systems that actually scaled across six kids * Rick’s three tools for getting out of the “Valley of Suck” after hard parenting moments * What 32 years of pursuing their kids — and each other — has taught them about control, grace, and letting go * Why parenting is not a formula, and what it looks like to trust the process even when you can’t see the fruit yet If you’re curious to learn more about Rick and Laura’s coaching and family you can head over to this website → http://beyondsurvival.org [http://beyondsurvival.org] You can also find Rick on Linkedin → Rick On Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickclapp/] Have a question or comment to share? We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com [https://colemanhousefield.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#49: The Check-In: One Simple Habit That Keeps the Geary Marriage Connected

What does a thriving marriage actually look like after 16 years, two adopted daughters, and lots of travel? In this episode, Coleman and Abby sit down with Tommy and Brenda Geary — coaches, adventurers, and parents of two — for one of the most honest and warm conversations we’ve had on the show. Tommy is a men’s life coach and adventure guide, and Brenda works in health and wellness at a university. Together, they’ve built a life that looks a little different from most: no living room furniture, no TV, a woods trail behind their house, and a marriage they both genuinely want to be in. They open up about what it was really like to discover they couldn’t have biological children, how four months of travel in Central America shaped their relationship, and why parenting — not marriage — turned out to be the harder road. They also get into the adoption-specific challenges most parenting books don’t cover, how Dr. Becky Kennedy’s work completely changed the way they show up for their strong-willed eight-year-old, and the simple five-minute check-in practice that keeps them connected even when life gets loud. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing marriage or parenting differently than everyone around you — and wondered if that’s okay — this episode is for you. In this episode: * The “check-in” practice Tommy uses with couples and why Brenda is usually the one to ask for it * Why both Tommy and Brenda say marriage has been the easy part * What adoption taught them about grief, big emotions, and holding two truths at once * How they keep play alive between backpacking trips and bedtime shark games * What they’d each tell their younger selves about marriage and parenting If you’re curious to learn more about Tommy’s coaching and awesome adventure trips you can head over to this website → https://www.tommygcoaching.com/ Have a question or comment to share? We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com [https://colemanhousefield.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#48: Stop Waiting for the Weekend: How to Recharge in the Micro Moments

These micro moves can turn your depleted days into energized ones—plus a surprising insight into self-care. It’s not about trying to cram more productivity into every hour; it’s about understanding where our energy actually goes—and how to create more of it. The core insight? We can minimize our drains, but we’ll never fully eliminate them (and you don’t want to, trust me). Instead, the real magic is in managing our energy by adding micro gains—tiny, strategic moments that refill our tank before it hits zero. In this episode, we talk about three camps people fall into when it comes to energy management: those who don’t know what energizes them, those who only associate gains with big, time-consuming acts, and those who mistake entertainment or indulgence for recovery—like binge-watching TV or doom-scrolling. We give you the key to recognizing the difference between relief and recovery. Relief is numbing pain temporarily, but recovery restores us physically, emotionally, and mentally. And here’s something that might surprise you: the most effective gains don’t have to cost a thing. A ten-minute walk, a slow kitchen prep, a focused conversation with someone you love—these micro-moves matter more than we think. They help us stay connected, grounded, and resilient throughout our week. What’s vital, though, is becoming self-aware. Do we know what drains us, or are we just reacting to obligation, culture, or comparison? For example, Abby shared how she realized late-night social media browsing only made her feel more scattered. Once we can name these things, we can start to intentionally design our days, adding short, restorative micro gains and managing inevitable drains. It’s also about language—learning to dig a little deeper than “I feel tired” or “I’m overwhelmed.” Are you overstimulated? Mentally cluttered? Bored? Sometimes, a simple shift in words exposes what our body and mind are actually asking for—movement, rest, or connection. Self-awareness, frankly, is the secret to living intentionally without burning out. Because when we operate from a place of energy—rather than depletion—we show up better for those who matter most in our lives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of overhaul, start small. Look at your schedule—what’s draining you most? What micro gains can you build in? And plan ahead—if you know a big drain is coming, like a tough meeting or social event, prep yourself with some refueling points. Your body knows what it needs. Your job is to listen, name, and honor it. We wouldd love to hear—what micro gains are you planning to add this week? Or which drain are you working to manage better? Have a great weekend! Coleman + Abby Have a question or comment to share? We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com [https://colemanhousefield.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#47: The Over-scheduled Family

Most families aren’t overwhelmed because they’re doing the wrong things. They’re overwhelmed because they’re doing too many good things—stacked on top of each other with no margin. In this episode, we talk about how over-scheduling quietly drains connection, why your family’s capacity matters more than you think, and how doing less might actually lead to a more meaningful, connected life at home. Are you ready to stop rushing from one thing to the next and feeling disconnected from the people you love the most? I got you! Book a FREE call with me and I'll help you make a plan that feels good and feels like something you can accomplish accounting for your specific and unique family dynamics. Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find Helen and Rick online: Website: https://www.frownies.com/ Instagram: helenkmorrison Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com [https://colemanhousefield.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#46: Your Happiness Is an Inside Job: Marriage, Identity, and Personal Growth with Helen and Rick Morrison

Starting in 2026 we will be interviewing parents who’ve struggled, stayed in the arena and kept fighting for their family and marriage. These aren’t people who have it all together, these are parents who’ve done the work to build a life they love together. Our first interview is with Abby and my longtime friends, Rick and Helen Morrison. We can’t wait to bring you more interviews this year to encourage and inspire you as you build a life that you love with your family. Summary Rick and Helen Morrison share their journey from struggle to harmony in family life. Parenting can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences in life. Many couples find themselves struggling to balance their roles, especially when one partner’s career demands their attention away from home. In this episode, we’ll explore our conversation with Rick and Helen Morrison, who bravely shared their journey through the trials of parenting while managing a demanding career. You’ll learn about their struggles, the changes they made, and how they found a healthier family dynamic. Rick and Helen Morrison are entrepreneurs and partners in both life and business. Together, they own and operate several businesses, helping brands grow through marketing and strategic development. They also play a key role in leading Helen’s family business, Frownies, a legacy skincare company founded in 1889. They work from home while raising their two children, Maverick and Sunny, and are passionate about building businesses, creating meaningful experiences, and fostering community. Outside of work, they love to travel, spend time outdoors, and enjoy great food with family and friends. Rick and Helen Morrison’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing family and communication in parenting. Their journey shows that with courage and commitment, couples can overcome the challenges of balancing career demands with family life. If you’re struggling in a similar situation, remember: you are not alone, and you can do this. Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find Helen and Rick online: Website: https://www.frownies.com/ Instagram: helenkmorrison Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com [https://colemanhousefield.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]