Seasons Change

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These 3 were so little! 😍

In this photo from 2017, they are 5, 10 & 15.

This makes me cringe a little though (I’ll get to that in a minute), because we had just left the cardiologist where the youngest here was dismissed as a patient after 5 years of frequent checkups, fully expecting she’d be going in for heart surgery. Her doctor had walked into the room, looking over her test results and his jaw dropped! He said he could not explain it, but she was HEALED! NO NEED FOR SURGERY!


I quickly told him I could explain, you see we serve a God who is still performing miracles and this is exactly what we, and so many of you my friends, had prayed for. 🙌

You guys… then we celebrated with McDonald’s!🤦‍♀️

I’m a firm believer in “do what you can in the season you’re in”, and I honestly didn’t know a whole lot better and didn’t understand nutrition and health at the level that I do now.

Now that I do I’m cringing at the fact that we celebrated a healthy heart with Happy Meals, a warm box of sugar/gluten-filled cookies, and ice cream sundaes.

I am looking back and giving myself grace, knowing what life was like going through what we were with her health, barely sleeping with an 8-month-old at home who had issues of his own, and navigating homeschooling a variety of ages while volunteering for everything I could because I still thought God loved me for what I *did* not because of whose I was.

Looking back at this I’m thinking of the momma who snapped this picture and the husband and the baby sitting next to her (me). I’m realizing that so many women, and men, are right where we were. I’m grateful that God has shown us a better way, and I get excited about being able to share that knowledge with others as the opportunity arises.

There are so many free tools when it comes to health care, and I’ll be highlighting those in future posts.

In that season we were in before we didn’t know about investing in our health and even if we had, we really couldn’t afford to. We just needed to start small with things like clean water, sunshine, and more time barefoot on the ground. Things that don’t require a financial obligation or take much time.

Quick Life Update: November 2022

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Surprise!

This summer I have been quieter here on the blog, yet making plenty of noise over on social media. Take a peek at our announcement on Facebook and a slightly different one over on Instagram.

The Lord has given my body the opportunity to carry another little one! After 2 years of intentionally and carefully healing my body from toxic burden/mold illness, and the grief we have been walking through with the loss of my nephew, this hardly seems real. There were days I felt like the “sun” may never shine upon our family again. Yet, the Son of God does. This doesn’t erase the hurt, but it does remind me that there are brighter days ahead and joy is still possible on this Earth.

While I am always able to see that God is still Good, maybe almost in an annoying way to some, there were days that I asked God, “what are we even doing here now?”

How do we move forward in a way that honors the Lord, and the life of my nephew? I’m not sure I have the answer to that, other than to take nothing for granted, love deeply, and keep pursuing Him.

I am so grateful for this gift of life growing within my womb.

Lord-willing we will be meeting this little one sometime in April of 2023.

That all said, I do know that this news may bring mixed emotions, maybe even sadness to some of you readers, due to your own losses or maybe because you are desperately longing to grow your family and God has you in a season of waiting. Please know I am not oblivious to your hurt.

Obviously, I understand tough seasons. I have so much compassion for where you are.

I remember walking the path of infertility while watching other families grow, some even dispising the position they were in, complaining that they were pregnant again, like it was something that just happened so easily and it was more of a burden than a blessing.

I had a Nurse Practitioner once tell me “Maybe this is just Mother Nature’s way of saying you shouldn’t have more children” as she looked at my children in the room with her nose turned up. Whether she meant that with ill intention or not, THAT comment stung for a lot of years.


For the past several months I’ve been meditating on Acts 1:7, which says:
Jesus said to them, “The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know.

May these words remind you, as much as they remind me, that the God we serve has a plan, and He is the authority when it comes to timing. He sees the things that we cannot. He knows what the years ahead will hold. He sees you and me both in the waiting, in the hurting, and in the healing.

Yes, for if we stay the course, there WILL be healing.

While my heart is filled with gratitude for this precious little babe, it is still grieving so dang hard for the way I feel about my incredible nephew not being here with us. I know he is in Heaven, I have zero doubts about that. When I think of him, I smile, because I LOVE that he is with Jesus. That’s my end game too; being with our Savior.

When I think of the rest of us here and what we feel in his absence, my heart hurts, and my eyes fill with tears. Please, take no pity on me over this, I just want you to know in your moments of gratefulness that may sometimes be intertwined with grief, you.are.not.alone.

I never understood the highs and lows of life at the depth that I do now. I am choosing to say: Thank you, God, for your comfort in trials, and for your refining process as I continue to learn and grow in your grace.

Remembering Lincoln Joseph McCormick

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Lincoln Joseph McCormick

My dear nephew, Lincoln Joseph McCormick, was the sweetest, smartest, kindest, bravest, 8-year-old boy to ever walk this Earth.

He was an amazing son, the most incredible brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and a compassionate friend and classmate. He was loved beyond measure and will continue to be celebrated daily by those of us that hold him close in our hearts.

Following a tragic accident at his home on the evening of May 29th, 2022 we trust that Lincoln is now in the arms of Jesus.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39ESV

I have such a deep gratitude in my heart for both this online community and our local community. I appreciate the way you all have shown up for our family while we have been begun this journey or grieving well.

After the celebration of Lincoln’s life on June 6th, 2022 our family and our community of friends all gathered outside on the church sidewalk hugging, crying, clinging to each other for comfort, and giving Lincoln one last shout of “Weeee looooove youuuuu!!” (A family tradition we do when we leave each other’s homes). Then his earthly body was driven away.

I stood back and looked at the crowd gathered across the front of the church. Incredible!

If you were there you may have seen me back up and snap a picture of all of you, our tribe, in the moment that we needed you most. Thank you for being there.

You haven’t seen that picture anywhere online, because I wanted that picture for us.

I printed it out and tucked it into an envelope to remind my brother and sister-in-law in the coming years that Lincoln’s life was grand and his impact was profound. Whenever we need that reminder, I know we can reach out to one of you in that photo.

Lincoln Joseph McCormick

You guys, my nephew was so incredible in so many ways! I have heard countless stories of how he touched people in this community and I can’t help but smile at how well he lived his life.

God blessed us with 8 1/2 years with Lincoln. As his aunt, would I have liked more? Absolutely! Yet, I am finding a way in my head and heart to trust God’s plan.

I know the story of his life and his good character will keep impacting this world. Our family will never forget his bravery, courage, and the way he got so amped up when telling a good story! Lincoln could captivate an audience just as his namesake/great-grandfather could.

I want to remind his parents (my brother and sister-in-law), and myself, of the way we felt loved and supported on our toughest days.

Over the past several weeks so many people in our community have shared stories that have touched my heart like never before. Some have been about Lincoln, some about their own grief and loss, and the memories and emotions they have been flooded with while watching us grieve.

Some friendly faces at the funeral and visitation hadn’t met Lincoln but were there this past week because they love one of us.

We love you, too. Thank you.

I pray that from this day forward we will all remember what it means to “just show up”.

Even when we feel awkward and don’t think we have the right words, showing up and being present matters. I can assure you I have forgotten many of the specific words that were said to me, but I remember the way people have made me feel.

I have a greater appreciation of what the word “community” truly means.

Life is precious and fragile. Please, be gentle with yourself and others. Live well, go do things that make you happy, and take more pictures.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Psalm 116:15 ESV

When you think of my nephew, Lincoln Joseph McCormick, I hope you envision him nestled safely in the arms of Jesus, smiling. I hope his name and any memory you have of him make YOU smile.

Review: JoyJolt 12 Piece Knife Set (Unboxing Video and Photos Included)

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I’ve been using JoyJolt Knives in my kitchen to see how they compare to my expensive Cutco knives that were purchased through a super helpful rep at a Home Show. I love my two Cutco knives (Hardy Slicer & Cheese Knife) so much that I literally donated every other knife in my kitchen a few years ago.

Since then I have tried a few different cheese knives because I’d like to add one more to our drawer for when we’re all in the kitchen prepping food together (it’s rarely used for cheese). They have ALL been sent back UNTIL JoyJolt showed up in my kitchen.

I found some real keepers here! You know it’s good if I allow it a permanent place in my home, as I am very particular about curating a minimalist home and avoiding clutter.

You guys, I expected to have all sorts of constructive criticism about this set, but it is actually super incredible. Out of the 6 knives, there is only one that I do not think our family would use, which is the Santoku. This is just a personal preference based on what we cut and dice up here. I didn’t think it was better or more unique than the other knives, so it isn’t necessary to have a duplicate that can do the same job another knife can do. I will give it another try before I decided if I’ll pass it along to another home.

The JoyJolt paring knife is the best I’ve used, anywhere, ever! So far this JoyJolt paring knife has perfomed better than my previously owned Cutco paring knife (which I sold, as I didn’t love it or feel confident using it).

I appreciate that this whole set of 6 knives is under $20 and that makes me feel a tad foolish that I spent about $100 on one single Cutco Cheese Knife (although it has served us well for 6 years and will keep getting used multiple times a day).

The JoyJolt set comes with sheaths, which I had to purchase separately for my other brand of knives AND pay shipping. Many knife companies don’t even offer this. Don’t underestimate this accessory. It helps protect YOU while you reach for the knife in the drawer, AND it preserves the life of the blade, keeping it sharper longer.

If you don’t love something in your kitchen (or anywhere in your home), seek out something better.

Every drawer and cupboard in your kitchen should be filled with things that serve you well and function just as you expect them to.

JoyJolt offers more than just knives, they have a beautiful line of glassware and more.

Wife + Momma

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There isn’t an easy way for me to adequately describe the depth of the joy and honor that I feel to be the wife and mother of this family. The love I have for this tribe is overwhelmingly beautiful, intense, and never-ending.

Gathering around the table for homemade apple pie (my grandma’s recipe) will always hold a special place in my heart.

I imagine the days ahead when my children might make this same treat for their families, and the heart behind the tradition continues to deepen with each generation.

I wonder how they will tell the stories of their childhood. Will they remember the love and dedication we all had for each other? Will they forget the little spats and disappointments?

Will they connect with their families over food, recreation, or something else? Will meals around the table be a priority for them, as we’ve made it here?

Will they willingly work with their hands to provide nourishment for themselves and the tribe around them?

When they fall in love, will it be forever?

I’m excited for the future, while still fully embracing the present moments that are here and now.



No matter how life goes on this side of heaven, I know this to be true, God is always good. 💕

Favorite Bible For Pre-Teen and Teen Boys

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If you are looking for a great bible for a pre-teen or teen, and really, boy or girl, I encourage you to check out The Action Bible. Our son, who is now 14, loves this book! When he first got it he was 10 years old and the graphic images were a little startling. It did not make a great bedtime story in that season!

We put it on a shelf and let him go to it when he was ready. As he got older it has been his go-to for free reading. He loves sharing it with his friends and has taken it to church on occasion to show the kids in his Confirmation class.

We also purchased the Audible Version of this title. My husband, Mr. Awesome, went through this whole book with the kids using the audiobook and physical book (almost TWICE!) to create a fun experience. The audiobook is VERY well done!

There is also a devotional in this series that we have, but that is totally optional. We’ve found that has spent more time on the bookshelf than in the hands of the owner.

We also have the Easter Story on Kindle from this series and it is equally engaging as God’s Redemptive Story!

Wishing Did Nothing: I Made Pizza

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It’s been about a year and a half since the beginning of the roughest patch of my life.

Both physically and mentally, I lost it all in October of 2020. I’ve come to grips with this. I wish it never had happened, but WISHING that did NOTHING in the way of healing from it.

The mental strength came back quicker, thanks to the prayers and support from family and friends, and multiple phone calls a day to my parents.

Putting in the hard work through counseling so I could to face the scary thoughts that filled my head in the middle of the night and every morning when my eyes opened and my heart began to race was hands down worth the time and effort.

The physical strength is still a work in progress. I don’t want to just be restored to where I was, I want to be stronger than before.

This will take time.

Getting food from the basement freezer and bringing it up to cook requires a break to catch my breath, and I hate that.

I still struggle to open jars (nothing new), cook a meal, eat the meal, and have energy to clean up. Most days I just can’t.

Yesterday I could though, and I will celebrate that.

I was able to make homemade gluten-free + dairy-free pizza for my tribe AND clean it up. I moved furniture with help from my teen son, read books, did a ton of other things, and snuggled with my youngest son at bedtime, something I haven’t done in 1.5 years.

Praise God for the simple and the victorious moments of life.

If you can’t run forward, crawl. If you can’t celebrate a huge win, celebrate the small ones.

In the end, it’s going to be okay.

My endgame is in the arms of Jesus.


#CelebrateAbsolutelyEverything

Tomato Free Salsa

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Let’s keep this simple! I love salsa, but consuming tomatoes make my feet so sore I can barely walk, and they put our little girl into tears for the same thing, sore feet. It hasn’t always been this way, yet it has intensified over time. Although, sometimes we can tolerate marinara sauce like in the form of pizza sauce.

It’s weird, I know. I’m done trying to figure it out, and I’m done feeling sorry for myself over food allergies and intolerances. I feel empowered and inspired by creating dishes that our whole family can eat. I love how we’ve unlocked what makes our bodies feel GOOD!

When it comes to quick dishes like this, that aren’t needing a certain sort of science and careful measurements to bake properly, I imagine my great-great-grandmothers just tossed foods together and didn’t think twice about measuring them. So that’s what I like to do too, a little of this, a little of that. Taste, adjust, repeat until it’s how you want it.

God created this one today, as my hands grabbed things and combined them that I never would’ve thought could go together.

Note that I diced each ingredient into tiny pieces, like super tiny. I first cut them into smaller chunks with a knife, then tossed them into my food chopper. If you don’t have a food chopper, no biggie, just keep chopping with your knife.

Homemakers, this is satisfying stuff. Grabbing different foods that came from the Earth and combining them into something edible can be such a beautiful art if you let it.

Alright, let’s get to it:

I started with carrots. I wasn’t sure if I would cook them first since they’re so firm, but I decided that if I cut them small enough they didn’t need the extra step of being cooked.

Then I added the handful of pineapple tidbits the kids had leftover from lunch, an onion, and diced green peppers from the freezer.

That’s it. No measurements, just work with it and taste it until you love it. I’m enjoying this right now with tortilla chips, but this could also be sprinkled over a salad, a bowl of rice, or scrambled/fried eggs.

Ordinary Moments Challenge: Kitchen

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If I were to invite you over to my home the first thing you’d see, no matter which door you enter through, is our kitchen.

It’s the heart of every home, right?

It’s the place I make meals, sometimes from scratch, other times from frozen. It’s where the kids sit at the counter for snacks.

It’s where we do messy science experiments and place papers and mail to be handled later.

It’s the place Chad and I sometimes find ourselves talking to each other after our kids have gone to bed for the evening.

This place needs a “quick tidy” multiple times a day, just ask my kids.

I have such a deep appreciation for the way this space serves us.

It is the place I have learned the most patience as a wife and mother.

It’s the place my little 9-year-old gluten-free girl has created and continues to create, her own recipes with pure joy. Never feeling left out, always empowered by the gift God has given her through her food intolerances. She loves the challenge of making meals and treats that everyone can enjoy.

Our kitchen is ordinary. The messes here are common. It’s the people and their activity that have made it what it is today. It gets messed up, it gets sticky, it gets cleaned again and again, and all the while it provides a space for ample amounts of love, lessons, safety, and entertainment.

If only these walls could talk.

Thank you, @amanda.volsen for helping me see this kitchen with renewed appreciation.
#ordinarymomentschallenge

Somavedic Medic

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We’re trying something new here! Eeek! In an effort do things SLIGHTLY BETTER for our health and home in 2022, we’re giving the @Somavedic Medic a try.

Neutralizing the harmful effects of 5G and EMFs is important to me, and that’s just what this little powerhouse of a unit is supposed to do.

Long story short, our power company installed a smart meter on our water heater many years ago (to save us money) and I instantly began having horrible headaches. A neighbor suggested it may be that new meter. We had it removed and just as quick as the headaches came, they left.

That’s when I first noticed I was sensitive to this, and have had other occurrences like this since.

Let’s face it, we live in a connected world. While we can limit our exposure to Wi-Fi, 4g, and 5g, we can’t fully avoid it. If I were to search for a Wi-Fi network on my phone right now I’m sure no less than 4 from outside of our home would appear.

What you can do:
First of all, whenever possible, disconnect from your phone. Keep it away from your body as much as you can. Carrying it in a purse is safer than a pants pocket.

When making calls, use speaker phone if appropriate.

Wired headphones are better than wireless in terms of EMFs.

Unplug anything electrical when it’s not in use (obviously not the fridge).

If your router is located near or in a bedroom, make it a priority to get it moved to a different location. Seriously.

What will you do to make your health and home ‘slightly better’ this year?

#selfcare #healthmatters #holisticlifestyle #liveinspired #healthyhappylife #cleanliving #wellnessadvocate #wellnesstips #nontoxicliving #SomavedicMedic #Somavedic #WiFi #5G

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