Over the last 15 years of being a mother, I have learned that we are surrounded by toxins. I have gradually been decreasing the amount of toxins in our home ever since. It all started with denying vaccines for our children. Then I learned about food coloring contributing to hyperactivity. So I made up my mind to teach our boys to love water not juices, sodas or Kool-Aid.
I always knew organic foods are best but have not always been able to afford it. I buy organic when I can to limit the number of pesticides we ingest.
I have been making my own deodorant, toothpaste and face wash for a while now. I also have been trying to stop using plastics for our food storage. Avoiding the microwave as much as possible and drinking more herbal teas and tinctures for natural healing.
Decreasing the amount of chemicals that I absorb in my skin by using the most natural shampoo & conditioner and soap for my hair and body. I also bought a chemical free laundry soap.
As the mother of my children and primary meal provider it is my responsibility to offer our children the most healthy options. If one of my boys get cancer I want to have a clear conscience knowing I did the best I could do to protect them.
Years ago I determined to avoid bug sprays and sun blocks also. I have gradually been finishing the make up I have and replacing it with more natural and organic make up products.
I always try organic medicines and home remedies when we get sick before we go to the doctor ONLY as a last resort.
I learned about 10 years ago that garlic is a natural antibiotic so when they get ear aches I put a couple drops of garlic oil in the ear and they don't have any more pain.
Trying to avoid antibiotics at all costs.
If you did the research on all the chemicals in your home you would be SHOCKED at how many are CANCER causing TOXINS!
Devastating Distractions
There are so many things in this world that can become distracting. Our phones, computers, tv's.....
We forget what is most important in life when we get sucked in to social media, video games, movies, and more.
Its only when someone we love has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, we are acutely aware of the value of life. Our perspective changes immediately in every area of our lives.
Why can't we live every day like it was our last, appreciating the little things, Enjoying our children, loving our family with every part of our beings.
" Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:14
We must remember not to let the idols of this world distract us from the most important people in our lives. No matter how many things in this world we acquire we cannot take any of it with us when we die.
Trying to be like everyone one else and keep up with the "Jones's" does not have any eternal value or purpose. We should do everything with consideration for eternity.
I am not saying this because I am perfect at it. But I am saying this because I am the least materialistic person you will ever meet. I prefer to buy used and have no desire to compete with anyone. COMPARISON IS A TRAP FROM THE DEVIL!
How devastating would it be if we missed our child's first steps because we were watching TV or playing a video game. I wonder how many have died because of distracted drivers playing or texting on cell phones.
Often times we get offended by something that is said and we let it ruin our day or week thinking about it and focusing on that one thing. How silly in the grander scheme of things. How childish to allow one persons opinions or comments to control our feelings.
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians 3:13
We have to remember this is a spiritual battle. The greek word for offense is "skandalon" which means the part of an animal trap where the food is hung. Traps are set by the devil to distract us from what really matters.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" 1 Peter 5:8
We need to learn to how to ignore the naysayers and trust in the Lord.
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165
Keep your eyes on the main goal of telling others about Jesus!
We forget what is most important in life when we get sucked in to social media, video games, movies, and more.
Its only when someone we love has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, we are acutely aware of the value of life. Our perspective changes immediately in every area of our lives.
Why can't we live every day like it was our last, appreciating the little things, Enjoying our children, loving our family with every part of our beings.
" Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:14
We must remember not to let the idols of this world distract us from the most important people in our lives. No matter how many things in this world we acquire we cannot take any of it with us when we die.
Trying to be like everyone one else and keep up with the "Jones's" does not have any eternal value or purpose. We should do everything with consideration for eternity.
I am not saying this because I am perfect at it. But I am saying this because I am the least materialistic person you will ever meet. I prefer to buy used and have no desire to compete with anyone. COMPARISON IS A TRAP FROM THE DEVIL!
How devastating would it be if we missed our child's first steps because we were watching TV or playing a video game. I wonder how many have died because of distracted drivers playing or texting on cell phones.
Often times we get offended by something that is said and we let it ruin our day or week thinking about it and focusing on that one thing. How silly in the grander scheme of things. How childish to allow one persons opinions or comments to control our feelings.
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians 3:13
We have to remember this is a spiritual battle. The greek word for offense is "skandalon" which means the part of an animal trap where the food is hung. Traps are set by the devil to distract us from what really matters.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" 1 Peter 5:8
We need to learn to how to ignore the naysayers and trust in the Lord.
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165
Keep your eyes on the main goal of telling others about Jesus!
Most Vulnerable person in Church
Everyone who goes to church can be helped or hurt while they are there. No matter who they are, saint, sinner, preacher, old timer, newcomer or child. Everyone is vulnerable and should be treated respectfully.
The pastors wife is not excluded from this and yet many churches treat her as an (unpaid) employee. She is almost always a reliable helper as well as under appreciated. You might not think so but she is the most vulnerable person in the building.
She is the most likely person to be the victim of gossip, impossible expectations and pastoral frustrations. The pastors wife can be hurt in so many ways-attacks on her husband, her children and herself. Her pain is magnified but one HUGE reality: She cannot fight back. She cannot tell them how she feels when they criticize her husband or children.
She has to take it in silence, most of the time. It takes the best Christian in the church to be a pastors wife and that's the problem: she's really just like everyone else. When the enemy attacks it hurts her too.
The pastors wife holds no position and was not voted on by the church. And yet, no one person is more influential in making the pastor a success of failure. She is expected to dress modestly but not too ornate. She is expected to be the perfect mother with well behaved children, her husbands biggest supporter, prayer warrior, attending all church functions and of course a great cook.
She is expected to understand he husband could be called away at all hours of the day. If she complains about him being on call 24/7 she can expect no sympathy from the members. If she does say anything they will only remind her this is why they pay him a big salary. "Well you married a preacher what did you expect?" The pastors children usually suffer in silence as they share their daddy with all the church members and can do little about it.
How can you help your pastors wife?
-Allow her to be herself and to serve where she is gifted. Don't tell her how to raise her kids. Do not try to get to her husband through her with your helpful suggestions.
-Show her love and appreciation.
-Pray for her and the pressures inside the pastors family. Pray for her as she supports her husband. Pray for protection against the adversary, their health and safety.
-Offer help with her children or extra funds for a family vacation.
-Sometimes she just needs a friend to take her side. She will be criticized and to some she can't do anything right. Be the voice of appreciation. Most people won't say anything when someone is criticizing the pastors wife, but you can speak up for her.
Most wives to pastors feel inadequate. They want to be supportive, keep a clean house and have perfect children. But there are only so many hours in a day and she is not superwoman. They feel guilty for being tired and worry what others think about them.
Be an encourager. Find the good things in others and pray for the rest. Remember how hard it is to change yourself before you start trying to change others.
This is a spiritual battle we are in and we cannot allow the devil to steal our JOY!
The pastors wife is not excluded from this and yet many churches treat her as an (unpaid) employee. She is almost always a reliable helper as well as under appreciated. You might not think so but she is the most vulnerable person in the building.
She is the most likely person to be the victim of gossip, impossible expectations and pastoral frustrations. The pastors wife can be hurt in so many ways-attacks on her husband, her children and herself. Her pain is magnified but one HUGE reality: She cannot fight back. She cannot tell them how she feels when they criticize her husband or children.
She has to take it in silence, most of the time. It takes the best Christian in the church to be a pastors wife and that's the problem: she's really just like everyone else. When the enemy attacks it hurts her too.
The pastors wife holds no position and was not voted on by the church. And yet, no one person is more influential in making the pastor a success of failure. She is expected to dress modestly but not too ornate. She is expected to be the perfect mother with well behaved children, her husbands biggest supporter, prayer warrior, attending all church functions and of course a great cook.
She is expected to understand he husband could be called away at all hours of the day. If she complains about him being on call 24/7 she can expect no sympathy from the members. If she does say anything they will only remind her this is why they pay him a big salary. "Well you married a preacher what did you expect?" The pastors children usually suffer in silence as they share their daddy with all the church members and can do little about it.
How can you help your pastors wife?
-Allow her to be herself and to serve where she is gifted. Don't tell her how to raise her kids. Do not try to get to her husband through her with your helpful suggestions.
-Show her love and appreciation.
-Pray for her and the pressures inside the pastors family. Pray for her as she supports her husband. Pray for protection against the adversary, their health and safety.
-Offer help with her children or extra funds for a family vacation.
-Sometimes she just needs a friend to take her side. She will be criticized and to some she can't do anything right. Be the voice of appreciation. Most people won't say anything when someone is criticizing the pastors wife, but you can speak up for her.
Most wives to pastors feel inadequate. They want to be supportive, keep a clean house and have perfect children. But there are only so many hours in a day and she is not superwoman. They feel guilty for being tired and worry what others think about them.
Be an encourager. Find the good things in others and pray for the rest. Remember how hard it is to change yourself before you start trying to change others.
This is a spiritual battle we are in and we cannot allow the devil to steal our JOY!
When life gets too hard...
I have been trying so hard to not be a negative person. I really want to focus on the the positive things in life and not allow the devil to steal my joy.
Although, when all six of us got the flu last month, I would be lying if I said it was easy. I found it really hard to see the good in that week. Trying to figure out what God was trying to teach me was not easy.
I really just wanted to cry every day and prayed we could just get some sleep without coughing ALL NIGHT.
Being sleep deprived, without an appetite, and very little energy is depressing. I tried so hard to think of anything good that might come out of this.
After lots of thought I came up with this.....
We saved money on groceries...no one had an appetite.
I did not have to cook every night.
We did not do school that week.
So many things were not happening because we were all sick.
I wanted to find JOY in this very difficult time.
God has been SO good to our family.
Through all of our struggles...
Financially....
Emotionally....
Spiritually....
HE HAS PROVIDED!!!
I have NO COMPLAINTS!
I want to try and acknowledge the good parts and ignore the bad times. I don't like to give the devil credit for all his works. I try to recognize difficult things happen and they didn't come to stay....
"THEY COME TO PASS"
So when life gets hard.....CHOOSE JOY!!!!
To many people miss the silver lining because they are looking for gold.
Find the beauty that God gives us BECAUSE of our circumstances.
Focus on living the best life with what you have in the moment.
Although, when all six of us got the flu last month, I would be lying if I said it was easy. I found it really hard to see the good in that week. Trying to figure out what God was trying to teach me was not easy.
I really just wanted to cry every day and prayed we could just get some sleep without coughing ALL NIGHT.
Being sleep deprived, without an appetite, and very little energy is depressing. I tried so hard to think of anything good that might come out of this.
After lots of thought I came up with this.....
We saved money on groceries...no one had an appetite.
I did not have to cook every night.
We did not do school that week.
So many things were not happening because we were all sick.
I wanted to find JOY in this very difficult time.
God has been SO good to our family.
Through all of our struggles...
Financially....
Emotionally....
Spiritually....
HE HAS PROVIDED!!!
I have NO COMPLAINTS!
I want to try and acknowledge the good parts and ignore the bad times. I don't like to give the devil credit for all his works. I try to recognize difficult things happen and they didn't come to stay....
"THEY COME TO PASS"
So when life gets hard.....CHOOSE JOY!!!!
To many people miss the silver lining because they are looking for gold.
Find the beauty that God gives us BECAUSE of our circumstances.
Focus on living the best life with what you have in the moment.
1st Day of School
I am so proud of our boys and how they are growing and learning.
Bone Graft Surgery~ The full story
Jaron and I flew up to Boston Wednesday July 20th.
He had a speech study on Thursday. They put barium in his nose and had him repeat sentences all while watching his soft palate move in the X-ray machine. We wanted to see if air is escaping out the nose when he talks, resulting in a more nasal voice. It is a little short but no rush to do a pflap surgery. It's optional.
Being silly while we waited
Therapy dog came to the hospital to visit the kids.
Friday we had pre op visits at the hospital
Then I decided to take him to Lego Discovery center Friday afternoon. Knowing he was about to go through something very uncomfortable I was trying to make this weekend before, as fun as possible.
After a couple hours we were looking around in the gift shop and one of the managers asked me if we needed any help. I proceeded to tell him what Jaron wanted me to buy but I could not afford it. Then I told him we were here in Boston for his surgery. He asked me if we got free tickets from the hospital to get in that day. I told him no, I had to pay full price. He asked me to give him a receipt so he could refund my money.
It was $35 admission. When we walked out the door Jaron said "mommy this is the best day ever!"
Saturday and Sunday we relaxed in the hotel room chowing down on all his favorite snacks before surgery Monday morning
We did go outside to the hospital garden a few times and got out of the room as much as possible.
We will be staying in town for a few post op visits before we fly back home to South Dakota.
Preparing for Surgery
Its just going to be Jaron and I going for 13 days total. July 20-Aug. 2. He has a speech study and pre-op before surgery. We also have to stay in town a week after surgery for post op visits. So it's not going to be cheap. Staying at a hotel in Boston is expensive and we definitely cannot afford 6 plane tickets for the whole family to go or a hotel room for all of us to sleep comfortably.
It would be about $6000 for all of us to go.
This will be the first time I have been away from my kids that long. I think Jonah is going to have the hardest time with it. Jaron has never been away from his brothers that long either. They are all so close because we homeschool they are like best friends. Its going to be very hard emotionally. I think having family there would be good moral support for us. Chris has to take off work to stay home with the others. I wish there was a way we could all be together as a family.
After surgery he will not be able to chew anything for 6 weeks! We will have to find a store before surgery to buy him some soft/puree foods that he can eat post op. I will also be bringing my mini blender with me. We are just praying God provides all our needs for this trip. I have applied for Miracle Flights to get mine and Jaron's ticket. (they only cover the patient and one parent)
I also applied for assistance with hotel and meals with Children's Craniofacial Association.
I am really trying not to worry about the money. This is a necessary surgery and I am taking Jaron to the best doctors in the country. This is his face, his smile, his future. People judge us by our appearance. First impressions mean a lot in getting a job, making friends and one day finding a wife. I just want Jaron to live a normal life and not feel different or like an outcast. I want him to also be able to chew his food properly and getting this bone graft is going to enable the doctors to make room for more teeth and proceed with the next step in aligning his teeth.
If you would like to donate to help out with our travel expenses just click on the link below.
Dental dilemmas....
When we left Georgia all 4 boys had a cleaning at the dentist and Justus did not have any cavities. Then we moved out here to South Dakota and he started getting a black spot on one of his teeth and saying it was hurting. So I took him to the local dentist in Chamberlain and he said he had several cavities but did not feel comfortable working on a 5 year old so he referred me to nearest pediatric dentist in Pierre (1.5 hrs away)
So we drove out there in April and they did X-rays then informed me Justus had 7 cavities and needed 5 silver crowns!!! I was in tears feeling like the worst mom ever! They would not fill the one that was hurting him that day. She scheduled to have him put to sleep and fix them all at once.
(First Available is June 24th!!!) we left that day with no relief!
So while we waited for his upcoming "surgery", Jacob started having pain in his jaws in the back like his wisdom teeth. So I found a regular family dentist in Mitchell (1 hour away) to get Jacob checked out. We liked him so I asked if they were willing to work on a 5 year old. They were more than willing to try.
So I scheduled Justus an appointment with him to try and do a filling and avoid getting put to sleep. Last week we took Justus to his first appointment and he was a little nervous but the laughing gas helped out a lot and he was able to fill the biggest cavity, so we made another appointment to do some more.
Yesterday we went back to Mitchell for Jaron's orthodontist appointment. Since he got the expander put in his mouth he has lost 2 baby teeth and its making the expansion nearly impossible. So he removed the expander for now and said we need to wait 6 months for him to lose the rest of his baby teeth and hopefully his permanent teeth will grown in for the ortho to anchor a new expander to them. Needless to say Jaron is very happy to have that annoying thing out of his mouth. After his orthodontist spoke to the surgeon in Boston they decided he still needs the bone graft surgery July 25th. Please pray for us as we try to prepare for this trip.
Next, I took Justus back in for another filling and he did even better this time. We also cancelled the "surgery" for the pediatric dentist in Pierre as I felt it was a little extreme and unnecessary. The dentist in Mitchell agreed with me that he didn't need 5 silver crowns.
I am not sure why his teeth are doing so poorly since we moved here. Maybe he's eating more candy, not likely, or maybe its something different in the water. All the boys drink is 99.9% water.
{I think its the water-it leaves spots on everything-evidence of sediment}
So we drove out there in April and they did X-rays then informed me Justus had 7 cavities and needed 5 silver crowns!!! I was in tears feeling like the worst mom ever! They would not fill the one that was hurting him that day. She scheduled to have him put to sleep and fix them all at once.
(First Available is June 24th!!!) we left that day with no relief!
So while we waited for his upcoming "surgery", Jacob started having pain in his jaws in the back like his wisdom teeth. So I found a regular family dentist in Mitchell (1 hour away) to get Jacob checked out. We liked him so I asked if they were willing to work on a 5 year old. They were more than willing to try.
So I scheduled Justus an appointment with him to try and do a filling and avoid getting put to sleep. Last week we took Justus to his first appointment and he was a little nervous but the laughing gas helped out a lot and he was able to fill the biggest cavity, so we made another appointment to do some more.
Yesterday we went back to Mitchell for Jaron's orthodontist appointment. Since he got the expander put in his mouth he has lost 2 baby teeth and its making the expansion nearly impossible. So he removed the expander for now and said we need to wait 6 months for him to lose the rest of his baby teeth and hopefully his permanent teeth will grown in for the ortho to anchor a new expander to them. Needless to say Jaron is very happy to have that annoying thing out of his mouth. After his orthodontist spoke to the surgeon in Boston they decided he still needs the bone graft surgery July 25th. Please pray for us as we try to prepare for this trip.
Next, I took Justus back in for another filling and he did even better this time. We also cancelled the "surgery" for the pediatric dentist in Pierre as I felt it was a little extreme and unnecessary. The dentist in Mitchell agreed with me that he didn't need 5 silver crowns.
I am not sure why his teeth are doing so poorly since we moved here. Maybe he's eating more candy, not likely, or maybe its something different in the water. All the boys drink is 99.9% water.
{I think its the water-it leaves spots on everything-evidence of sediment}
Florida Family Fun
Justus was practicing swimming with Pepe
Disappointments
The way we talk about other people is evidence of how we feel in our hearts. Constantly pointing out other peoples faults and all their past mistakes is not the way to make yourself look better.
We should try to find the good in everyone we meet. I want to befriend the one that everyone else shuns. I like to be friends with the people most would only talk about. I have a heart for those shy people or the outcasts. It breaks my heart to think of someone being left out. I never want to make someone feel like they are not good enough. I try to always put myself in the other persons shoes and how I would feel it I were in their situation.
The guilt I have when I do for myself is overwhelming at times. If I were a millionaire, I would probably give it all away. I cannot pass a homeless person without giving them something to eat. I cannot pass a crying child in the store without trying to cheer them up. When people come over I cannot let them leave unless I give them something. The feeling I get from doing for others is indescribable.
What is so disappointing is when I am not given the same respect.
{don't get me wrong I am NOT PERFECT by any means, just very compassionate}
I wish everyone would consider others before themselves.
I wish we could all learn to think before we speak and not say things if they aren't necessary.
Life is hard and talking bad about people will only make things harder.
Be an encourager. Make someone smile. Go the extra mile. Do unto others...
We should try to find the good in everyone we meet. I want to befriend the one that everyone else shuns. I like to be friends with the people most would only talk about. I have a heart for those shy people or the outcasts. It breaks my heart to think of someone being left out. I never want to make someone feel like they are not good enough. I try to always put myself in the other persons shoes and how I would feel it I were in their situation.
The guilt I have when I do for myself is overwhelming at times. If I were a millionaire, I would probably give it all away. I cannot pass a homeless person without giving them something to eat. I cannot pass a crying child in the store without trying to cheer them up. When people come over I cannot let them leave unless I give them something. The feeling I get from doing for others is indescribable.
What is so disappointing is when I am not given the same respect.
{don't get me wrong I am NOT PERFECT by any means, just very compassionate}
I wish everyone would consider others before themselves.
I wish we could all learn to think before we speak and not say things if they aren't necessary.
Life is hard and talking bad about people will only make things harder.
Be an encourager. Make someone smile. Go the extra mile. Do unto others...
Homemade Scented Play Dough
Our Favorite Healthy Granola Bars
In a large bowl combine
3 cups rice cereal
3 cups quick oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 pack of chia seeds (or more if you like)
Set aside...
In a small boiler combine 1 1/2 cups of honey
1/3 cup of coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
Bring it to a boil for 1 minute
Then I cut it into 24 bars. (3 rows of 8)
 | |||||||
| Last but not least, I wrap each bar individually with saran wrap to keep fresh. I store them in the fridge to retain their shape or they will get gooey and mushy if left out at room temperature. |
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