holistic wellness, faith-filled parenting, simple living
My Latest Articles
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- Ash Wednesday journal
Celebrating the first day of Lent today (as an evangelical Christian) by making sourdough soft pretzels with the kids; I put ashes from our fireplace on their foreheads, and mine,… Read more: Ash Wednesday journal - My positive home birth after multiple cesarean birth story
I want to share my birth story to normalize VBAC (yes, even after 3 c-sections!), home birth and unmedicated birth, and so others can gain confidence in their own ability… Read more: My positive home birth after multiple cesarean birth story - Physiological birth
Birth without: Needles, scalpels, sterile metal tables. Bright lights, beeping machines, constant monitors. Restriction of food and water, restriction of movement. Strangers checking progress, changing shifts, unspoken time limits. Numbness,… Read more: Physiological birth - 3 practical ways to fight loneliness
If you’ve struggled with feeling lonely, you’re not alone. Here are three practical tips to stop loneliness and be truly connected instead. It’s something that affects all of us from… Read more: 3 practical ways to fight loneliness - The Freedom of ‘No’: Why Giving Up Toxins is a Trade-Up
Imagine this with me: what if you were guaranteed to have a better, easier time in all areas of life- relationships, career, fitness, mental health- if you never say a… Read more: The Freedom of ‘No’: Why Giving Up Toxins is a Trade-Up - Pregnancy and Goal Setting: Why Slow Growth is Worth the Wait
I’m already halfway through this pregnancy, believe it or not (I believe it, because I’ve been in it the whole time- first trimester fatigue, morning sickness, my body starting to… Read more: Pregnancy and Goal Setting: Why Slow Growth is Worth the Wait - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord
We went to the high school graduation last week, and for the first time ever I was interested in hearing what the speakers had to say. Guess I’m old now.… Read more: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord - The secret modern war on “be fruitful and multiply”
Sometimes a system or culture looks “normal” because it’s been slowly adding and accepting things- harmful things- over a long time so that society hardly notices. But taking a step… Read more: The secret modern war on “be fruitful and multiply” - Not even this compares to God’s glory
I always want all of our trips to be to the ocean. No other destination compares to the splendor of the sea. Revelation 21 says that in the new heaven… Read more: Not even this compares to God’s glory - Say yes to your children’s little invitations
I’ve been pretty intentional about saying yes and being present over the years but still find myself often making lame excuses when I just “don’t feel like it”. Here’s a… Read more: Say yes to your children’s little invitations - The most unexpected big goal you can have this year
“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 When there are unspeakable injustices or conspiracies, when anxiety… Read more: The most unexpected big goal you can have this year - Small changes with big impact for a healthier New Year
If you made health a part of your New Year’s resolutions, good for you! Health is not a trend, it is well-being, and it’s worth it! Depending on where you… Read more: Small changes with big impact for a healthier New Year - Nourishing, healthy hot cocoa recipe
For a few years now, we’ve been enjoying this hot chocolate almost every morning! It’s full of minerals and nutrients that make it a healthy, whole-food treat. (Benefits of each… Read more: Nourishing, healthy hot cocoa recipe - Questions and topics for family New Year meeting
The beginning of a new year is such a wonderful time for reflection and resolution. There seem to be lots of opinions about New Year’s resolutions; I’ve heard that they’re… Read more: Questions and topics for family New Year meeting - Don’t wait until New Years
New Year’s resolutions can be great, but if you have something you’re “saving” to begin January 1st, just do it today. Part of the reason resolutions fail is because of… Read more: Don’t wait until New Years - When life hands you lemons, take a Christmas-light drive
We were just getting home from a family Christmas party, tired, ready for bed. But when we opened the door of the house we were hit by a smell. You… Read more: When life hands you lemons, take a Christmas-light drive - Are you “in tune”?
Yesterday we had our piano tuned. I should back up- I’ve dreamed of having a piano for years but always thought of it as maybe a “someday” thing; well, recently… Read more: Are you “in tune”? - Each season is precious
This time around with a baby, I’ve been so aware, much more than ever before, of how each stage goes by so quickly. It’s so cliche- “it goes so fast”,… Read more: Each season is precious - Gifts to encourage creativity in kids of all ages
Creativity has been proven to increase problem solving skills and cognitive function, improve mental health and memory, reduce stress, boost neuroplasticity, and even improve the immune system and overall health!… Read more: Gifts to encourage creativity in kids of all ages - Stop squashing kids’ joy
“Settle down please”, I interrupted my conversation with an older couple, Ernie and Diane, at church to quiet my children. The kids’ volume and activity had been gradually escalating over… Read more: Stop squashing kids’ joy - Basic recipe for sourdough sweet bread (for rolls, challah, cinnamon rolls, and more!)
I’m still amazed at the amazing flavor that comes from just flour, water, and salt in a classic sourdough loaf, but sometimes you want to make more than a regular… Read more: Basic recipe for sourdough sweet bread (for rolls, challah, cinnamon rolls, and more!) - Journal 9/28/24
Today’s Saturday, which means we were up early doing chores before heading to the local farmer’s market. Late September in southern New Mexico still means 90° temps, so the whole… Read more: Journal 9/28/24 - Journal 9/19/24
We worked on some house projects today. My husband finished the electric for the schoolroom addition, and the kids and I started painting the house. Moments I loved: My daughter… Read more: Journal 9/19/24 - Start taking cold showers for your mental, physical, and spiritual health
One winter on a family road trip as a teenager, we were relaxing in the hotel hot tub when our dad dared my siblings and I to jump into the… Read more: Start taking cold showers for your mental, physical, and spiritual health - Tips for a simple, intentional, connecting bedtime routine with kids
When days seem to run together into one- when they feel exhaustingly long or way too short- bedtime routines can be grounding, connecting, collecting breaks to help end the days… Read more: Tips for a simple, intentional, connecting bedtime routine with kids - How to not be a fool
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” Ephesians 5:15 One nice thing about living in New Mexico is that you’re always near nature. We can… Read more: How to not be a fool - September day journal and God’s provision
I’m sitting on the couch with my nourishing cocoa (raw milk, raw cacao, raw honey), watching, listening to, and smelling the rain come down. It’s so kind of God to… Read more: September day journal and God’s provision - Don’t let labels be excuses
Labels can be so helpful. They can identify important aspects of our personalities and callings, making it easier to prioritize what’s important. Being an “intentional parent” will determine many decisions… Read more: Don’t let labels be excuses - Make your own simple toothpaste— non-toxic, easy, affordable, and super effective!
This 3 ingredient version cleans better than any other toothpaste I’ve ever used and without any harmful additives! - A prayer to fight selfishness
I know selfishness is wrong, but something we often fail to realize is that it doesn’t pay. The lie it tells is that it will serve somehow, give something good.… Read more: A prayer to fight selfishness - How to make “aged” paper (fun & simple homeschool craft)
Children’s love for learning never ceases to amaze me. Lately, Leo and Lyla, fourth and sixth grade, have been really into the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and US history in… Read more: How to make “aged” paper (fun & simple homeschool craft) - YOLO- The world’s perspective vs. Christianity’s perspective
“Lord, help me understand my end. What is the limit of my days? Let me know how fleeting I am.” Psalm 39:4 The psalmist here is not asking to be… Read more: YOLO- The world’s perspective vs. Christianity’s perspective - The animals on our little farm
We’ve been hoping for another barn kitten or two for a while, and the other day I spontaneously called on some listed on Craigslist. Sometimes things just work out so… Read more: The animals on our little farm - Journal- unexpected hospitalization & false accusation
Part 1 Wednesday evening I sat on the porch with Willa on my lap, watching the kids ride bikes and bat baseballs. I combed my fingers through Willa’s curls to… Read more: Journal- unexpected hospitalization & false accusation - Journal- unexpected hospitalization & false accusation
Part 2 As the day went on, first Justin and then I became increasingly aware that this seemed unjustified. Willa was medically cleared- the bone scans showed no other injuries,… Read more: Journal- unexpected hospitalization & false accusation - Acceptance and peace, and babies fighting sleep
When things don’t go my way, simply wishing for different circumstances or outcomes or wherever doesn’t do any good. Nor does trying to busy myself with distractions or becoming bitter… Read more: Acceptance and peace, and babies fighting sleep - Peace isn’t passive
“Do you want to really live?Would you love to live a long, happy life?Then make sure you don’t speak evil wordsor use deceptive speech! Turn away from evil and do… Read more: Peace isn’t passive - The joy of selflessness, and the line between generosity and overextension
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed… Read more: The joy of selflessness, and the line between generosity and overextension - Journal- The Sun Still Rises
I didn’t know what direction our room was facing until the sun blazed through the window after a couple hours of restless sleep. Again, we’re home now; God is amazing.… Read more: Journal- The Sun Still Rises - Journal- Secure Whether Home or Here
We’ve had a very difficult and traumatic past couple days. We’re all okay and home now; God has brought us through and provided His grace every step of the way.… Read more: Journal- Secure Whether Home or Here - Fun Non-Competitive Games to Play as a Family
I’ve been surprised to find that cooperative games are just as fun as competitive ones for our family to play together! Cooperative games build creative problem solving and communication skills… Read more: Fun Non-Competitive Games to Play as a Family - Pray Like it Depends on God, Work Like it Depends on You
There’s an old saying, “pray as if it depends on God; work as if it depends on you”. A more recent quote I’ve heard echoes this: “God is in control,… Read more: Pray Like it Depends on God, Work Like it Depends on You - Stop telling kids “don’t” (and do this instead!)
“Don’t stomp, it’s too loud!” I whisper-shout to my three-year old, knowing the thumping will likely wake the baby I just eased into bed for a nap. My jumping toddler… Read more: Stop telling kids “don’t” (and do this instead!) - Two Simple Daily Rhythms For Connection and Reflection
Having little routines and rituals as a family is so important for connection and attachment. These little things we may count as “too small to be important” but we don’t… Read more: Two Simple Daily Rhythms For Connection and Reflection - New to Homeschooling? Some Encouragement & What Homeschool Looks Like for Us
You don’t have to fit into a “category” for homeschooling- we sure don’t! Classical, Charlotte Mason, unschool, child-led, online, offline- there’s no “right” way except for whatever works for you… Read more: New to Homeschooling? Some Encouragement & What Homeschool Looks Like for Us - 2 Life-Changing Weekly Routines For Your Family
Habits, routines, traditions- they’re deeply formative. There’s a saying: “show me your habits, and I’ll show you your future”. The things we do regularly shape us. They also determine what… Read more: 2 Life-Changing Weekly Routines For Your Family - Its Not Too Late To Stop People-Pleasing
I saw a video by the hilarious Emily Vondy talking about the boldness of her little daughter that was wonderful and laughable- she told her daughter to hold her hand… Read more: Its Not Too Late To Stop People-Pleasing - The Most Important Thing In The Universe
In Stuart Little, which we recently finished together as a bedtime read-aloud, there’s a wise and adorable scene: Stuart, the school-teacher-for-the-day, says to his class, What are the important things?… Read more: The Most Important Thing In The Universe - Super simple Kitchenaid pasta noodle recipe
Though plain sourdough loaves are my go-to, sometimes I just get an urge to make some random other bread. Tortillas and bagels are pretty regular, but recently I started making… Read more: Super simple Kitchenaid pasta noodle recipe - 8 Small (And Free!) Changes To Make For A Healthier Home
It’s so wonderful that more people are recognizing the need to eliminate toxins in order to live healthier lives, but it can certainly be daunting when it seems toxins are… Read more: 8 Small (And Free!) Changes To Make For A Healthier Home - Create a Beautiful, Low-Tox Schoolroom on a Budget
Let’s face it- most new things are full of toxins. Clothes, cabinets, couches, carpets- all of them. Now, while we don’t need to become terrified hermits to avoid every possible… Read more: Create a Beautiful, Low-Tox Schoolroom on a Budget - God Has Everything You Need
Visiting the ocean, there’s really no way to miss God’s lavish abundance. Standing on the shore and looking out over the vast expanse– that’s really the only word that describes… Read more: God Has Everything You Need - Is Homeschooling Worth It?
Our new homeschool curriculum for this year is scheduled to get here today, and I’m so excited! I’ve always been a nerd, I guess- I remember being so excited to… Read more: Is Homeschooling Worth It? - If You’re Tired of Hearing That Everything is Bad For You, Read This
It seems that everywhere you look and read these days, there’s a new thing to be “informed” of- particularly all the things that are toxic and bad for us. I… Read more: If You’re Tired of Hearing That Everything is Bad For You, Read This - Life is a tradeoff
“Life is a trade off” my great aunt Wraye would say when we little girls would have to forego one “good” in order to have another, like choosing between a… Read more: Life is a tradeoff - Disturb Us, Lord
I came across this poem this week and think it’s so relevant to today, though it was written in 1577. Disturb us, Lord, whenWe are too well pleased with ourselves,When… Read more: Disturb Us, Lord - Mid-Year Reflection & Planning Ideas For Christian Families
This year is half over. And whether that feels like “already??!” or “finally!” to you, I want to encourage you to reflect on this year so far. It seems like… Read more: Mid-Year Reflection & Planning Ideas For Christian Families - Our Moldy Kitchen and The Worst Quality a Christian Can Have
We’ve coined the last couple months “smell-tastrophy” (or something to that effect; you’ll get different versions depending on which family member you ask). It started with the mold (which is… Read more: Our Moldy Kitchen and The Worst Quality a Christian Can Have - Learning is More Than School
Recently we had a lake-school day— that is, we went to the lake instead of our typical day at home during “school hours”. I feel both timidly defensive and passionately… Read more: Learning is More Than School - Season For Soft: Tips For Postpartum Intentionality
The morning Willa was born, after everyone had a few hours of rest, we all just lounged around. We would spend another night in the AirBnb and had the whole… Read more: Season For Soft: Tips For Postpartum Intentionality - 7 Tips For Gardening In A Hot And Dry Climate
The other day I was doing some research on growing flowers and came across a progress picture of a beautiful tulip farm- the “after” was long planter boxes full from… Read more: 7 Tips For Gardening In A Hot And Dry Climate - Does God Cause Suffering?
Here’s a big question- why would a loving God allow evil? And the big question that comes after considering that one for a while- does God cause suffering or only… Read more: Does God Cause Suffering? - What Does It Mean To Abide In Jesus?
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I… Read more: What Does It Mean To Abide In Jesus? - I never planned to homeschool
I never had any intentions to homeschool before having kids or when they were very young. Honestly I’d never given it the thought, I just assumed I’d do what “everyone… Read more: I never planned to homeschool - Endurance- How Trials Produce Strength
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its… Read more: Endurance- How Trials Produce Strength - My Home Birth After 3 C-sections
It seems crazy to me still, to be able to say that I had a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). After three c-sections I had really thought it was impossible.… Read more: My Home Birth After 3 C-sections - 71 Simple Family Advent Activities!
Advent is such a special season- looking forward to the birth of our Savior with joyful expectation and anticipation! It’s a wonderful time to slow down, focus on God and… Read more: 71 Simple Family Advent Activities! - Does The Bible Say To Be Thankful For The Bad?
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I’m a week late writing this, as last… Read more: Does The Bible Say To Be Thankful For The Bad? - What I’ve Learned After 3 C-sections (And Why I’m Having A Vaginal Birth For My Fourth!)
The information that led me to opt out of a repeat c-section after having had three, as well as resources and encouragement for anyone considering VBAC and/or natural birth. How… Read more: What I’ve Learned After 3 C-sections (And Why I’m Having A Vaginal Birth For My Fourth!) - Why I’m Choosing A Midwife Over An OBGYN For My VBA3C
I can’t quite believe how things have worked out, how God has worked things out, for this upcoming birth. From three c-sections and a tubal to a natural home birth… Read more: Why I’m Choosing A Midwife Over An OBGYN For My VBA3C - Simple Artisan Sourdough Instructions
No special equipment, gram measurements, or exact timing needed. I have to admit that I didn’t know there was anything different in how sourdough is made compared to any other… Read more: Simple Artisan Sourdough Instructions - Is Comparison the Thief of Joy?
“Comparison is the thief of joy” is the famous warning these days. It seems to be a new issue that’s arisen in the age of social media- for the first… Read more: Is Comparison the Thief of Joy? - Basic Triple Bunk Bed Instructions
When we sold our house in town and moved out to our 17 acre property two years ago, we didn’t have a house yet. Our family of five moved into… Read more: Basic Triple Bunk Bed Instructions - “I Regret Getting My Tubes Tied”
My story of tubal, regret, and reversal A Seed Planted The first time I thought about a tubal relating to myself was at a prenatal appointment when I was pregnant… Read more: “I Regret Getting My Tubes Tied” - Make Your Own Simple Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
First of all, please believe me that making your own laundry detergent is very effective and very easy. When it comes up in conversation that I make our own, people… Read more: Make Your Own Simple Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent - Why You Need To Share What God Has Done In Your Life- Even Though He’s Not Finished
“After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, ‘Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on… Read more: Why You Need To Share What God Has Done In Your Life- Even Though He’s Not Finished - A Goat Kidding Nightmare (With A Good Ending)
“Oh what peace we often forfeit / Oh what needless pain we bear / All because we do not carry / Everything to God in prayer” I’ve often forfeited the… Read more: A Goat Kidding Nightmare (With A Good Ending) - Why Our Family Of Five Moved Into An RV
In 2015 we bought our first house- a plain and simple little 3 bedroom. We loved it, made it our own, and did a lot of updates ourselves. Almost all… Read more: Why Our Family Of Five Moved Into An RV
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