Are you getting started with essential oils? Or overwhelmed about essential oils? Scenario: you’ve heard about essential oils and think you might actually be ready to give it a try. You have a particular issue you want to try to fix, or you just want to avoid another household full of sickness. However, there are so many opinions and companies and different kinds of oils, where do you begin with getting started with essential oils? How do you go into the world of essential oils without getting lost and spending a fortune? I get a lot of requests from friends, family, and readers asking me where they should ...Read More
Foods Homemade, Healthy Apple Cider Fruit Snacks
With summer right around the corner, homemade Apple Cider Fruit Snacks are an easy go-to when my kids are hungry in the middle of the day. They're simple, healthy, and as an added bonus, I don't have to turn on the oven to make them! Since becoming a mom a few years ago, it's been my goal to fill my kiddos' tummies with the healthiest foods available. And even though they're an American favorite, fruit snacks were never on my list. Looking for gluten-free recipes and resources? This Everything Gluten Free page is a library of everything gluten free we’ve worked on. Just one look at the back of the box and it ...Read More
Homeschooling No-Fail Strategies: Writing Your College-Bound Homeschooler’s Transcript
We started homeschooling our kids when they were very young. Some friends and family didn't like the idea, but overall we didn't face a lot of flak. As our kids get older, as their subjects get more advanced, we hear more comments like, "So, do you think you can keep going with this homeschool thing?" "Are you really preparing your kids for college?" "How will they get into college without a high school transcript?!" Of course, these are all valid questions. But yes—you can prepare your child for college, and they can get into college with a well-prepared college transcript (and even earn scholarships too). I am, ...Read More
The Hidden Cause of Chronic Fatigue in over 300,000 Americans Yearly
My friend inquired, "Have you been tested for Lyme Disease?" "No. I don't have that." (Famous last words.) "Are you sure? You've not been tested." "I haven't been bitten by a tick. I haven't ever noticed a bulls-eye rash. And Lyme isn't really in Michigan anyhow. Yeah, I'm sure I don't have Lyme Disease." I didn't really think much about that conversation until 4 other people asked me if I'd been tested for Lyme Disease. I probably wouldn't have thought much about it had it not kept coming up. The CDC, who is thought by many in the Lyme community to offer a very conservative estimate, reports "...the ...Read More
Chronic Fatigue is Bogus. Why Are You Really Tired?
"I'm sorry, there isn't anything I can for you. I can refer you to someone who can diagnose you with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," the doctor stated matter-of-factly. The words rang hollow in my ears. "No, no thank you," I mumbled limply. I felt like crying. Why didn't anyone have answers? After checking out, I made my way to my car. I put my head on the steering wheel as I felt the hot tears running down my cheeks. Frustrated, I wondered what I would do next. I waited 4½ months to get into this specialist. I'd been hoping and praying she'd have the answer or at least some ideas to pursue. Nobody ...Read More
Ending Mealtime Battles: A Guide to Peaceful Family Meals
Are you ready to end mealtime battles? You know the ones. Kids not staying in their seats. Complaints over what you made to eat. Whining voices asking, "Do I have to eat ______?" And what's with the children screaming like wild banshees at the dinner table anyhow? Whose children are these? Maybe we're the only family who has kids who turn into crazies at the dinner table. But my guess is there we're not alone. (At least, I hope we're not.) Do you have a Picky Patty? Or a Tantrum Timmy? Fidgety Fred? Or maybe you have a Defiant Dan. Why can't mealtimes be more peaceful? Or maybe the better question is, how can ...Read More
Bedtime Battles: Strategies for Putting Them to Rest
The endless stream of bedtime requests from our two sweet, loving, albeit manipulative 3-year old boys were never-ending. Ridiculous excuses to get out of bed went on for hours—yes, multiple hours. Folks, this has been a big-time struggle in our family. I am so excited to share what has finally worked to get these wiggle worms to rest! I need to go potty. My finger hurts. Can I have a drink? My foot needs a kiss. Can I have a band aid? I have to go potty again! Kiss my tummy. ...and the list of excuses goes on and on! Night after night this weary mama gave in to kisses on fingers and toes and extra trips ...Read More
Parenting Battles: The Christian Parent’s Secret Weapon
Brevity is not one of my talents. I am often quick to speak and slow to listen. I use two words where only one will do. Kind people (like my wife, sometimes) might call me prolific. Unkind people (like my wife, sometimes) might call me a blabber mouth. The same is true when it comes to correcting my children. In the moment of disobedience, defiance, complaining, or argument, I default to strong words, loud words, or many words to rein them in. In my worst moments, I rely on the strength of my voice, not the strength of what I'm saying, to get the point across to my kids. If only there was a book out there to help ...Read More
