In this episode of More Than Before Marriage, Nathan and Willow Cook open up about the intentional shifts they’re making in their home, marriage, and parenting routines. From simplifying laundry and decluttering to honoring Sabbath rest and creating meaningful family worship rhythms, they’re challenging the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset.

💬 In this episode:

• Why traditions (like trimming a roast) need rethinking

• How letting go of stuff brought mental clarity

• Simple laundry hacks to reduce overwhelm

• Building routines around rest, not just responsibilities

• Finding your kids’ strengths and tailoring activities to them

• Prioritizing connection over perfection in marriage

🎯 Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands or ready to shake up your routines for deeper peace and purpose—this episode will help you reset your family rhythms for growth.

🔔 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend or couple who’s ready to break the status quo!

In this honest and hilarious episode, Nathan and Willow sit down to unpack a week packed with real-life parenting chaos, spiritual growth, and hard conversations about priorities in marriage. From navigating kids' gymnastics to revisiting Father’s Day traditions, this episode explores the power of sacrifice, stewarding your family well, and what it takes to align vision as a couple.

They also dive into big-picture thinking inspired by the book 10X Is Easier Than 2X, discussing what it really means to make space for your dreams—and each other—by letting go of distractions, clutter, and even...sourdough.

Whether you're juggling CE credits, dog decisions, or dinner plans—this one’s for the couple trying to grow together without losing themselves.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• 🎯 Parenting decisions that reveal your child’s unique giftings

• 🍼 Reflections on baby dedications and the role of spiritual stewardship

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Celebrating (and critiquing) Father’s Day in today’s culture

• 📚 Willow’s CE procrastination saga and the stress of deadlines

• 📖 Big takeaways from 10X Is Easier Than 2X—and why they matter in marriage

• 🧠 How to think bigger together as a couple

• 🍞 Nathan’s announcement about stepping back from sourdough

• 🐶 The (almost) decision to adopt two dogs and what it taught them

• 🧹 Decluttering life to make space for connection and growth

  
  

🔥 Episode Highlights & Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Word Vomit
Why they never know what day it is—and that’s okay.

03:00 – Kid Sports & Identity
Gymnastics, “said child,” and learning to evaluate your kids’ gifts with grace.

09:00 – Baby Dedication Reflections
Stewardship, fear, and surrendering your children to God.

13:30 – Father’s Day Feels
Why Nathan has mixed emotions about Father's Day—and the culture that shaped that.

20:20 – CE Crunch Time
Willow’s procrastination confession + how couples support each other during stress.

26:00 – 10X Is Easier Than 2X
How the book sparked vision conversations—and why sacrifice is key to growth.

35:00 – What Are You Willing to Give Up?
From sourdough to screen time, the couple talks about what they’re cutting for a better future.

43:00 – The Almost-Dog Decision
The heart vs. the vision—saying no for the sake of alignment.

50:00 – Marriage Mission Check
Staying on the same page, focusing your energy, and why "together" always wins.

Key Themes:

Marriage growth • Parenting choices • Stewardship • Sacrifice • Alignment in marriage • Vision • Family leadership • Minimalism • Humor

💬 Episode Summary:

This week, we’re ditching the usual bullet points and cozying up in our second living room (we think that’s what it is?) to talk real life. From late-night fears about hose water to unexpectedly powerful moments of family worship, we share the laughs, lessons, and lived experiences of parenting four young kids, balancing exhaustion, and giving ourselves grace.

You’ll hear about:

• Rylan leading worship with her siblings

• Why our kids can sit still (and what it cost us)

• How “Lorenzo the Strawberry Man” became a part of our story

• Crunchy mom spirals and social media stress

• The beauty of sitting in silence (even for 5 minutes)

• And why it’s okay if you don’t feel like you’re learning anything this week

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just surviving your week — this one’s for you. It's messy, hilarious, a little chaotic, and totally real.

00:00 – Intro from the Couch
Getting cozy, naming rooms, and podcasting in real life.

01:25 – Life Update: Juggling Work, Tiredness, and Worship
Trying to connect while being drained… and how we’re doing it anyway.

03:00 – The Microphone Obsession Begins
How three toy mics turned into spontaneous family worship.

05:00 – Bedtime Battles and Summer Chaos
Sunlight, sleep routines, and letting go of rigid schedules.

08:45 – Parenting Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
Each kid is different. So are the lessons. And yes, it's still hard.

10:10 – Teaching Kids to Sit Still (and Why It Matters)
Timeouts, self-control, and the surprising value of silence.

17:45 – Sitting in Silence as a Couple
Why quiet time together is underrated (and how we’re practicing it).

19:00 – Learning to Be Present in the Little Moments
Going to the pool, skipping dishes, and choosing connection.

28:30 – The Lorenzo Story
A fruit stand, a friendly farmer, and a personalized water bottle that brought tears.

32:55 – Final Thoughts + Why Real Conversations Matter
You’re not alone. Mess and all, we’re in this together.

🕰️ Chapters & Time Stamps

Have you had one of those tiny moments lately — the kind that made you laugh, cry, or feel like maybe you're doing okay after all? Share it with us! Leave a review or DM us on Instagram