Several years ago, a friend of mine was invited to be a guest speaker at a local Lutheran church. As a Christian teacher from a Jewish background he was asked to speak about the spotty history of Christian-Jewish relations. During his presentation, he made brief mention of some of the sayings of Martin Luther during the 16th century—how Luther taught Christians were to deal with the "insufferable devilish burden" of the Jews. Burn down their synagogues, destroy their homes, rob them of their prayer books, forbid their rabbis from teaching, and subject them to hard labor. Yes, Luther really wrote these ...Read More
Foods Grain-Free Apple Pie Muffins (no-added sugar)
We're neck deep in apples over here. Literally. So why not make some delicious grain-free apple pie muffins? We purchased a new home last year and were blessed with 8 healthy, fruitful apple tress. We've had the opportunity to make applesauce a-plenty. Besides that, we've made apple leather to pack in lunches for co-op days, dried apple slices for trail mix, freeze bags upon bags of sliced apples. Also, we got to try our hand at cider making, and we made all the apple goodies we can handle. And we still have plenty of apples to share! As you can see, my mind has been swirling with all things apple. Looking ...Read More
Before you leave the hospital: health decisions I’m making differently for baby #5
I'm having baby #5. You'd think I'd have this thing all figured out by now. But no. Here I am planning to make health decisions for my baby that are completely different than what I did with my first 4 boys. Because I am making what some would consider unconventional health decisions, I need a plan in place with everything laid out. It's important for my doctor to know what I'd like up-front. And it's important my husband is on the same page so he can advocate on behalf of my baby if I'm unable to. I want to make the absolute best health decisions I can for my baby given our unique circumstances. That ...Read More
Just say no! 5 Prenatal Practices I’m Refusing
When it came to prenatal practices, I used to always follow the doctor's orders. However, after I did lots of research, I decided that there were 5 prenatal practices that I just did not feel comfortable doing anymore. Here's why... Hi, I'm Trisha, and I'm a first-born, ISTJ, rule-follower. I was that obedient child who did what I was told...and did what I was supposed to do even when I wasn't told. I respect my authorities and do what they tell me. Well, until now... With my previous babies, I did what the doctors told me to do. Without question. If they made a recommendation or told me to get something done, I ...Read More
40 Delicious Make-Ahead Keto Freezer Meals
When I had my first baby, I didn't think much about preparing ahead. Sure, I wanted the nursery ready to go and painted just so. And I wanted my house clean and organized. But thinking through getting ahead meal prep wasn't even on my radar. Fast forward 13 years and we're now anticipating the arrival of baby #5. With this baby, I'm near frantic in my desire to get ahead. My how things change between baby #1 and baby #5! One of the things at the top of my list is food prep—more specifically, preparing make-ahead keto freezer meals for my family. Looking for more gluten-free recipes and resources? This Everything ...Read More
Easy, Grain-Free Pumpkin Pie
Perfectly spiced and easy to make, this grain-free pumpkin pie is a wonderfully delicious way to celebrate fall flavors! Looking for gluten-free recipes and resources? This Everything Gluten Free page is a library of everything gluten free we’ve worked on. Nothing quite says fall like a pie. Am I right? Of course I am. While my husband would be happy to eat gluten-free apple pie every day of the week, my favorite fall-flavored pie has always been homemade pumpkin. There's just something about the gooey, custardy filling and the perfect mix of my favorite spices that gets me every time. And it doesn't need to be ...Read More
Homeschooling Balance Amidst the Chaos: Tips for Homeschooling, Work-at-Home Parents
"Can't you kids leave me alone for a few minutes? I can't even think with you talking to me all the time." "I know you think that just because I'm home with you, I can play. But I can't. I'm working now." "I need make a phone call with a business partner, but you still aren't done with your math. Great. Now you're going to have to wait for me to check your work." Juggling homeschooling and working from home has been a big challenge for me personally. In fact, in some ways, I still consider myself a newbie to this pace of life. In one sense, I'm not really a newbie. Homeschooling is all my kids have ever known as ...Read More
Homemade Southwest Spicy Ranch Dressing
This homemade southwest spicy ranch dressing is the perfect finishing touch for your favorite fajita salad. Ranch. It's one of the standard condiments in every American's refrigerator. It makes sense. Creamy and delicious, ranch dressing is the perfect dipper for veggies (well, after my grandma's homemade dill dip, that is). I know dressing is just one of those things, most of us have been programmed to pick up at the store. But mama—homemade dressings are one of the easiest condiments to make yourself. They're so so so ridiculously easy to do yourself. You can whip up a batch of this southwest spicy ranch in ...Read More
