Working on #Wellness

It is not easy to change from a life of unwell to a life of wellness.

I have had signs for YEARS that my body was revolting against my lack of health-minded habits. I was diagnosed with arthritis at 16, 16! While there is arthritis in the family, it had always been late onset. At that time, we did not have any answers as to why I had developed arthritis. The diagnosis came after I had weeks of extreme cramping and pain in my hands.

When I was 22 I had to have my gallbladder removed after my second pregnancy. It was ugly and there was no saving it. The organ had been inflamed the entire pregnancy and sent me to the emergency room when the baby was only 6 weeks old. Two weeks later I had it removed and my digestive system has never recovered.

From the time I was about 14 I had an occasional migraine every couple months, after my gallbladder came out the migraines increased to 14-20 days a month with one.

Doctors were unsure of why, but gave me prescriptions. Some helped, some didn't, some gave me some really bad side effects. I stopped taking them after one gave me a bad reaction. I decided I would just deal with it, and I did until I went to college.

Functioning through day to day tasks aren't horrid when you know what is coming. Learning and thinking changes from day to day especially with the increased tasks. At this point, I started watching what caused the migraines. I noticed that sometimes the migraines and arthritic flares would coincide.

Migraine wise I have three different ones.

1. Triggered by hormones (Thank you, Aunt Flo)
2. Triggered by barometric pressure (Thank you mother earth)
3. Triggered by certain food additives (Thank you, Uncle Sam)

The first two I decided I would leave be while I focused on the third. Interesting thing is that when the third one started getting under control, the other two did too.

Food determines a lot of our health, it truly is garbage in, garbage out.  I have to work at keeping the bad stuff out of my system. I am not there yet. 

So what is it that my system has issues with? MonoSodium Glutamate, Dairy Products, Red 40 food color, Yellow 5 and 6 food color, Carmel Color, High Fructose Corn Syrup, ANY artificial/processed sweetener,  nightshade family (many spices, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, white potatoes, etc)

Every time I cheat it takes a while to get back on the train. Wellness is about a lifestyle, not just diet. While food is the foundation stone to your physical life, exercise is important. The sedentary lifestyle that many have picked up from their work schedules is not good. If nothing else on your break walk around the parking lot for 15 minutes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

How do you work on your wellness?

• I am working on a recipe book for our family that is "safe" for all of us. (Our youngest has several food sensitivities too.) 
• Planning a few fall hikes for the family. We live in an area perfect for a nice hike.
• Teaching the kids how to cook also. This will not only help in the day to day but also prepare them for being an adult.

REVIEW: Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate

This product, Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate, I purchased after I was in a discussion about healthy joints. This brand and this exact product were recommended multiple times.

A little bit of my history. I fell on concrete (about a 2-foot drop) several years ago. Both of my knees were injured badly. As a mom, I did not feel that I had time to stop and get myself to the doctor so there was never a diagnosis. B3's physical therapist did look at the worse of the knees and questioned if I broke my knee cap. Again, I did not seek medical treatment. At the time I took glucosamine chondroitin. After about 2 weeks I seemed to be okay.

In the last 5 years, age has caught up and the aches and pains with it. I have also developed an allergy to some shellfish and glucosamine chondroitin is off the table to help my joints. This is why the healthy joints discussion caught my attention.

I have purchased three containers of the Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate in the last three months. That said, it is obvious I believe this product is helpful. I mix 2 tablespoons in my coffee in the morning along with Dr. Bronners Coconut Oil. The product helps my joints.

Some things to note. Drinking the appropriate amount of water for your body is essential for joint health. As well as eating a well-rounded diet. Avoid foods and beverages that increase inflammation.

Since using  Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate, I do no have as much joint pain. I have also noticed that my skin is not as dry and my hair is getting healthier. I do take other supplements so I am unable to say my skin and hair are from the Collagen. I have noticed the decreased joint inflammation since starting to use it. This really says a lot because the fall tends to be pain season.

An additional benefit is that this is protein. For me, this is a great advantage because my glucose levels are irregular in the morning since I have a hard time eating breakfast. By adding it to my coffee, it helps level out.

To also note, while I have used it in my coffee (religiously), it can also be dissolved in room temperature beverages too.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. We were not compensated for this review.

REVIEW: Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Dietary Supplement

We are always looking for ways to improve our health and in doing so, love to share with others.

The Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Dietary Supplement was recommended to me after I researched magnesium supplements. My doctor had suggested taking magnesium to combat leg cramps and insomnia. I started using Epsom salts to soak my feet in or even take a bath in the evenings and it helped.

*Epsom salt is Magnesium Citrate

As time went on, stopping every day to do an Epsom salt soak became bothersome. We have a busy schedule and can get caught up. Plus, we were going through a lot of Epsom salt between me and B3. (Epsom salt soaks are amazing for kids with sensory issues.)

We tried magnesium butter. Which I believe we received the most benefit from as you are putting the magnesium on your skin and it absorbs. The problem with magnesium butter is it can be expensive. Not to put a price on health, but it is a consideration.

So, a magnesium supplement was recommended. The guidelines are that it needs to have a high absorption rate. I ordered Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Dietary Supplement.

The first thing I noticed was the tablets are large and dosage is 2. It took a couple days to get used to taking them. The do not have a coating so they will dissolve some. They are not too horrible as my 11-year-old can take them with no problem.

Since I started taking them, I get better sleep. Plus, I don't feel drugged like I have with other homeopathic or prescription alternatives.  (Note* I take the magnesium in the morning) In addition, the leg cramps I was having that were quite painful have minimalized. At worst now I will feel a tight muscle and rubbing it out with some fractionated coconut oil and lemongrass essential oil takes care of it in minutes.

My 11-year-old also takes these tablets and his sensory issues are at the level that taking an Epsom salt bath daily were. He is also seeing a reduction in migraine headaches since taking them.

To focus on this brand, I feel that we get a good absorption rate. It is nice to have alternatives. I will continue to purchase these supplements. If you are interested in the oils that we use, please email me at faith(at)heaveninourhearts.com

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links to help support the site. We have NOT been compensated for this review.

Fall Break is dwindling down

Our boys love fall break. They enjoy some downtime for school so that they can reset their minds and start fresh.

B3 was able to attend the Jr. Ranger Camp for special needs kids at MBSP. All three boys were able to spend some time with Nana and Papa too. Plus, there was time spent together just as a family.

For mom and dad, the end of fall break is a relief. It is a struggle to make sure the kids are taken care of while we work to provide. We also have the reminder of how things are different from when we ourselves were growing up. Both of us at the age of 13 or 14 would have been allowed to play outside or even go to a friend's house while our parents were at work. It just isn't safe to do that now unless there are arrangements made prior.

The boys did have a LOT of fun playing Apples to Apples with G1 and her guy when they came over on Sunday. It was a very joyous and loud game. Makes my heart melt when the grown come back for family night.

B1 and B2 are excited to be going back to school on Monday. For friends or for education, it matters not. They enjoy going to school. B3 is having difficulty. School causes a lot of anxiety for him.

To end our weekend, we have a plan to go hiking.

Disclaimer: We do use affiliate links on this site. They help support the site and keep it running.

REVIEW: Wool Dryer Balls 6 Pack-XL.

In seeking healthier methods to take care of my family and also save money, I purchased Wool Dryer Balls 6 Pack-XL by Feeling Fluffy. I was not too sure how my family would  respond to having "fluffy balls" in their laundry.

The first person to adjust was Hubby. He wanted his dryer sheets. His argument was that the dryer sheets didn't really cost that much and added a nice fragrance to the laundry. The answer to cost is that while the dryer balls are an expense at the beginning, after a month or two (3-4 for average sized families), the balls are cheaper.

The next person to complain was G3, the college student. Her complaint was that the balls get stuck in her laundry, specifically her sheets and blankets. But, she did notice that the laundry dried quicker.

What I have noticed since purchasing in November 2015:

1. My dryer runs a lot less = lower electricity usage
2. Our clothes seem to be softer.
3. We now have fewer chemicals in our lives, I don't purchase fabric softener at all .

Tricks we learned to make everybody happy:

1. I put a drop or two of essential oil on each ball about once a week.
2. I don't over dry my clothes to prevent static.
3. I use at least 6 per load (we ended up buying another set)

The only true problem we have run into is that if the laundry sits, the balls get misplaced in the basket. So we have to stay on top of the laundry, which is good practice anyway with this brood.

As I am finishing this up, The bed set (comforter, mattress pad, fitted sheet, and flat sheet) that I put in the dryer 20 minutes ago is done. That used to take at least 45 minutes and rearranging to get dry before.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. We were not compensated for this review.

October Already? Fall, Autumn, Color, Crisp Air

It is hard to believe that time has brought us to the month of October already. The kids have completed the 1st 9 weeks of the 2016-2017 school year.

There have been a couple hiccups. B1 exploring being in the High School and joining Raiders with the JROTC. Learning that being responsible is not just a nice thing, but sort of required in life. He is doing well with his academics and is enjoying the competition.

B2 is enjoying being an "upperclassman" in the middle school. Good grades, enjoying choir and growing like a weed. He is looking to try out new things to find just who it is that he wants to be. Being the musically creative one, he also wants to see what other things spark his interest. He says singing isn't going to create video games so he has to find something that will.

It appears to be the one having the hardest time adjusting this year is B3. 6th grade is a hard adjustment. He has never adjusted to change easily,  With his special needs, anxiety is becoming a major issue. We are attempting to work with his teachers but it does take time. We are thankful that we have essential oils to support him while his issues are coming under control.

The amazing part of the season is that the air is turning crisp, the colors are vivid in the foliage and it is perfect chili weather. I can not wait until we have a bonfire and hot dog roast. (It is one thing the entire family loves.)

One of the must-haves when it comes to the change of seasons is our essential oils. The protective blend of essential oils is a must have. I love diffusing it in the diffusers at home to give the air a fresh fall scent. The blend has wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

Back to School

It has been a while, hasn't it?

Today is the first day of school for our brood. We are down to just the boys still living at home. The two oldest girls have spread their wings and moved along while our youngest daughter is in college. Seems like just yesterday they were in kindergarten.

It is bittersweet for the boys today. They are growing up and new experiences are coming. B1 is now a freshman in high school. The journey to adulthood is upon him.

 His year will be spent discovering exactly what he wants to do with his life. (The age old question that some adults do not have an answer to.)

He will be experiencing Visual Art, Principles of Mechatronics, Principles of Law, and JROTC. In addition to his core classes.

Currently, B1 is contemplating going into law enforcement. He has relatives already there and would like to serve the community. JROTC and Principles of Law both will enlighten him on that career.

He also loves drawing and figuring out what makes things work. Visual art and Principles of Mechatronics will feed that curiosity.

We fully anticipate this will be a major personal growth year for B1.

B2 and B3 are at the middle school. 8th grade and 6th grade. Major changes for them too.

B2 is in 8th grade and ready to enjoy being at the top of the food chain. He is anticipating choir again this year. He is also excited about being the responsible big brother that keeps an eye on B3.

B3 has a touch of apprehension going on this morning. He doesn't like change, doesn't care to experience the unknown. New school, new teachers, news expectations.

When we went to Open House for the middle school B3 was quite excited about the computer lab and the classrooms that have computers in them. He is our high tech boy.

All in all, it appears the school year is off to a good start. Now for mom and dad to get it together during the day. Ha!

Mom has picked up substitute teaching in addition to adjunct to help with things. We feel it is important to know what is going on at the schools and until a full time position opens up in higher ed, supplementing with substitute teaching will be an added bonus.

Back to School fun!

Good bye 2014... hello 2015

2014 is not a year that was amazing for us. It was a good year when lumped together, although we had many challenges. We choose to focus on the positives though.

Mom started her graduate program at APSU in Communications. Working as a graduate assistant. Not a dull moment at all.

Dad has been down a medical road that we do not want to accept. After 2 ½ years of pain, the doctors finally sent him for tests. His back is pretty messed up. We've been told it is a miracle that he can walk and move around as freely as he does. We are still seeking answers. There has to be more than just throwing medication at the pain. (Although, essential oils have helped noticeably.) Right now, he is off work to see if rest and recovery help. Our blessing is that he can walk and we are getting answers, no matter how slow it is going.

G1 has moved out, graduated cosmetology school, and in the workforce. Things aren't easy but they are getting there. She has grown up a lot this year and we are proud of her.

G2 is pressing on as life comes. Her grades in school are doing well and she is pursuing her love of drawing.

G3 is half way through her senior year in high school as Command Sergeant Major of the JROTC, student representative to the school board, working, and maintaining all As.

B1 is doing well with A/B grades and working on the ability to do extra-curricular activities. (We have high standards with grades and behavior.)

B2 is adjusting to middle school and has had a little rough patch with his grades. He is discovering who he is as a friend to others. His compassionate heart is a blessing when it comes to kids that are different, but it also opens him up for bullying.

B3 has grown incredibly this past year. (Visit Benji’s Broken Heart for his year in review.)

We have welcomed in a new fur-baby into the family. Just like her fur-siblings, she is a rescue. Beautiful Angel, white husky mix with blue eyes. Hikari, our heeler mix, and the cats have grown to love her too.

For the New Year we are looking forward to graduations, new jobs, and progress. We have decided that we need to be more proactive in our spiritual health as well as our physical health.

What are your goals or resolutions for the New Year?

Was 2014 a good year for you?

Are you looking forward to a new chapter as we start 2015?

Growth milestone!

I am so very proud of B1.

For years, when B1 would go to the dentist it was an absolute nightmare. He did not like going to the dentist and would fight every inch of the way.

See, B1's first dentist was all business and he was young with some dental issues. A simple dental cleaning was very painful for him and never ended well. About eight years ago we changed dentists. This was the best thing we could have done. The new dentist is a pediatric dentist, which I highly encourage parents to take their children to, that also is good with children with special needs.

B1 is not a special needs child, but from prior trauma at the dentist it would take a loving hand to convince him that everything would be okay. Our dentist has worked with B1 through cleanings, sealants, and cavities. It has not been an easy journey.

Typically, B1 would have to have the "loopy juice" for anything more than a cleaning. He even had a difficult time staying still for cleanings.

But now, this past week when B1 went to the dentist to have a cavity taken care of he only had to have the local anesthesia and he stayed still. This is a huge step for our soon to be teen boy.

We are not contributing this milestone to any one thing. B1 has matured quite a bit recently, especially since being in middle school. We also diffuse oils pretty much 24/7 in the house. (Balance, doTERRA's grounding blend) Plus we put God first and have made a few positive changes in regard to the kids putting God first too.

What have your kids done lately that you are proud of?

How do you teach your kids to put God first?

Wellness is a way of life

As we have ventured through many trials and tribulations in this life, we have regularly seen the best way to do things. (This usually happens after all hell breaks loose and we realize we should have done X to begin with.)

Since our youngest was born almost ten years ago, our eyes were opened about food and medications (OTC and prescription). Our youngest was born with medical issues, but to exasperate them he also was born with food allergies and sensitivities. One of our older kids had a dairy issue, so we weren't caught completely off guard when his allergies started showing up. Our first example was if I would have dairy products within an hour of nursing him, he would throw up. So I quit eating and drinking dairy. Not only did it help him, it also helped me.

For some people dairy products wreck the digestive track. I found out i was one of those people and started feeling amazing being dairy free. What we didn't know yet was that a lot of people with dairy issues also have a problem with soy. We found that out when we went on a family trip. Little man can't do soy either.

As this journey has progressed, we have research and learned that what we eat determines our health more than anything.

Processed food is killing us all. Cancer, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, etc.. are increased because of the adulteration of the food and the overuse of the soil the food is grown in.

Simply, our youngest can not have dairy, soy, artificial sweeteners including corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup and the others, food coloring (red 40, yellow 5,6, blue 33, etc). These are what we know of, there are a couple other suspects.

Removing the crap from our diet enables our bodies to repair themselves. Then if you add pure supplements and exercise in addition to organic, natural, unprocessed food, you support your body to heal.

Our family avoids processed foods as much as possible. We limit our intake of meat and try to go with organic and natural foods. We also use essential oils to supplement our body's natural instinct to repair.

How do you promote a wellness lifestyle?

Finding smiles and joy while battling the storm

If a person is determined to be miserable, there is not a whole lot that anybody can do. But, if a person hates being miserable, they will find joy somehow. - Faith Tilley Johnson

We have a lot going on. If you read the last post, you can understand that. Hubby is going through a tough time right now. This past Monday he started physical therapy. If you have ever gone through the rigors of physical therapy then you know that often times you feel worse before you feel better. The muscles and ligaments didn't just get tied up in knots over night, it took time. And it will take time to get them back how they are suppose to be. We are seeing improvement.

We are struggling with the financial aspects. By the time medications and therapy is figured in on top of the doctor visit we are running about $200-$250 a month. That is with insurance. God has and will provide, just focusing on Him through the tough times.

If only hubby was the only one going through these trials.

I didn't cover it in the last post because B3 has his own blog and his trials are usually covered there. However, B3's most recent struggle is not in the physical sense and I haven't posted about it. Benji is on disability with his heart condition and all of the compounding issues. Unfortunately, the cut backs in the government, they are trying to clear the disability roles. We have been fighting for two years and Tuesday is our hearing. I have to find the money to pay our lawyer and pray.

(I will not go into all the ins and outs of B3's disability here. We have followed all the rules and have been truthful and honest from the get go in this situation. We trust in God.)

However! With all this craziness going on. We are blessed to help out my niece and watch her kids while she works. It is a load of joy with everybody playing and enjoying summer. It doesn't matter if we stay home or go off to the splash pad or lake. It is the simple things.

I get to surprise them tomorrow night with a movie night! We will watch the Lego Movie and have some popcorn.

We find joy in the good times. We find peace in the tough times. And we find laughter at all times. We do ask for prayer. Our family can always use some prayer.

Change, seems that is the only given

In the midst of chaos, one's focus turns inward. - Faith Tilley Johnson

We have been going through many changes within our family the last several months. Those changes have brought about a different outlook on life and have pulled us in to God more than ever. (We are not perfect though. We have a lot of work to do.)

Hubby has had the most radical changes. Let me give you some back story.

Hubby has had pain issues off and on since he was a teen due to a moped accident. There have been other accidents that contributed to his pain, but he was always able to heal and move on. Then three years ago we were in a bad wreck where he hit the windshield. Ever since, his pain has been a predominate part of our lives.

The neurologist he has been seeing decided to send him to another doctor after seeing that the pain medication and dietary changes were not relieving his pain. When the neuro sent him, she told us that she believed he had fibromyalgia. So we went to the specialist. Hubby had 12 of the 18 points and he also scored high on the inventory checklist. Without doubt he has fibromyalgia. But the specialist surprised us, he ordered an MRI on hubby's neck, pack, and hips. What we discovered has been both a relief and a shock. Hubby has arthritis in his neck and several bulging disks throughout his spine. One of the discs has a tear and there is mild stenosis on the spinal cord.

Many think that having a diagnosis and tests to prove that the pain is not all in your head would be relieving. To a degree, the information is a relief. Except, we have searched for answers for three years. An MRI had not been preformed until now. The only other tests ran was a head CT and then a spinal x-ray. It is exasperating to know that the pain has a founded structural reason and nobody considered it until now. Please do not misunderstand; I do not fault our doctors. Our doctors were acting on what the hospital told them. The hospital that only did a head CT, the hospital that did not send him to trauma even though he had a head injury, the hospital that left him on a gurney in the hallway with no privacy.

The good thing is that we now know what is wrong. We are holding on to the promise of healing from God. Right now, medication has changed and the specialist is working to relieve the pain. There has been some progress. Next week, hubby will be starting physical therapy.

Hubby needs prayer. After being convinced that the pain was all in his head, this is a huge change. By accepting that there is structural damage, the mind is changed. The manifestation of the level of pain and the ability to function can be overwhelming. Hubby is still working. I wonder how at times when he drags himself in the door and collapses on the recliner in the evenings.

I wish we were only going through one trial but alas, we are not. However, we are holding on to the promises of God.

Oh the weather outside’s been frightful…

The weather the last few days has been rather frigid for Tennessee. We haven’t gotten down in the single digits since the mid-90s prior to this past Monday. And boy, Mother Nature made sure it was registered.

We have been very grateful that we got our fireplace installed last month. It was very pleasant to sit in front of it and warm up while watching movies with the family.

Thankfully, we have not had any property damage this go around with the snow and ice. In December we lost quite a few branches out of our two large willow trees. To that we are just hoping they recover from the severe pruning they received.

For the most part the kids have enjoyed the extended winter break. Since we celebrate Little Christmas, or Twelfth Night, they were able to enjoy playing with their gifts before going back to school unlike usual.

Speaking of Little Christmas, the one gift that seemed to be the biggest hit was dad’s. Dad got a tabletop Foosball game. He of course has not yet played it because the kids have commandeered it. Love seeing happy faces.

All and all, we are starting the New Year off well.

New Year Celebration!

2013 was quite a year for us. We had two significant graduations with G1 graduating high school in May and Faith graduating college with her B.A. in December. B1 started middle school.

G3 got her driver’s license. And she has managed to get part-time work as a babysitter during downtime from school.

G2 has finally found a niche that she loves in drawing.

B2 and B3 are all about b’daman and video games.

We truly enjoyed a year that was rather calm and limited the exciting moments.

For the upcoming year we expect some changes, but our focus is on becoming a stronger family and focusing on God being the center of the family.

We also intend to focus on our blessings. Focusing on what God has given us is more important than what the world has taken away.

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours, we pray you have a blessed holiday.

As we celebrate this special time of the year in which we choose to honor our Savior's birth, we have in our prayers those who are mourning and have sick family members.

May the Lord bless you all!

Saint Nicholas Eve...

I woke with a start as I looked at the clock, the calendar on the wall with the date circled in red... Tomorrow is Saint Nicholas day!

What does that mean for this family?

Long story short? Because of the outside influences on our family and the heavy commercialism in society, we do not have Santa Claus involved in our Christmas traditions. However, in order to keep the younger kids from feeling like they are missing out on their childhood we looked into the truth behind the jolly old elf. And thus became the acknowledgement of Saint Nicholas Day.

St. Nicholas was a young man that had been orphaned and raised by monks. (long story short) He had quite a bit of money, but the custom of being a monk was to forgo all worldly possessions. In doing so, Nicholas gave his money to the poor that needed in, but he did it secretly. He did not want attention for his actions. (This is how the Secret Santa tradition got its start.)

For our family what we do is on Saint Nicholas day, December 6, we have a devotion about giving or servitude and talk about who Nicholas was and most importantly why he did what he did. The reason St. Nicholas lived the way he did was because he was a Christian and he followed Jesus.

All of that said. I know a large group of people in the Google+ Community that have grasped the true Christmas spirit and they are trying to bring Christmas about for a lot of people that could use some help. +Secret Santa is doing a great job. They have over 1000 wish lists and everybody is participating by those that can afford to buy, doing so and those that can not by helping some other way. 

We do have our wishlist listed.  You can find it here : http://amzn.com/w/2458W1BJ2234L 

Or, if you would like to send Christmas Cards (We love Christmas Cards and if you give us your address we will send one to you too)

The Johnson Famiy

P.O. Box 241

White Bluff, TN 37187 

Ready for Some Hoops?

Our kids are excited this morning, actually they have been excited all week. One of our neighbors gave us their basketball goal since their kids have grown up and no longer live at home. It has been sitting in our driveway all week with them staring at it longingly.

It was awesome that all we had to do was bust off the old concrete and buy a bag of new concrete to install it. Less than five dollars and the kids are set! Let's shoot some hoops!

Mind you, only G3 has ever played on a basketball team. That is okay though, playing basketball will bring many family memories and will be great exercise. As a whole we have been trying to instill traditions that involve exercise and fun with the entire family. This just adds to it.

Just since we have given the okay for the kids to play, the boys have been all about shooting hoops. Mom and Dad are going to have to get out there are teach them some games to play.

What are things your family does to keep active in the fall? What are some things you do to encourage family bonding?

Driving Along in My Auto Mobile

 Last week G3 earned her learner’s permit after hours of diligently studying the Tennessee Drivers’ Handbook along with meeting the requirements that we have at home for such a privilege. Once she earned it, she shared with many of her friends on Facebook and Twitter and they were very excited for her.

Then it hit. ADULTS started asking if her sister(s) had also gotten her’s. I will admit, this bothered me. 

If you follow our Facebook Page, you might remember a status that was posted referencing knowing your own child and that just because a child is sixteen it does not mean that they are ready to get behind the wheel of a car. I will explain. G3 is the youngest of our girls and she turned fifteen at the beginning of August. G2 is also fifteen and will be sixteen in February. G1 will be eighteen in November. Each of our children has different maturity and responsibility levels, to say they are all the same would be to deny their individuality. This is a common thread that any parent with more than one child can see. This is also why many professionals warn parents to not compare children with the peers too much because the grow differently and milestones are merely indicators.

With our girls, we have had the discussion about driving and the requirements. G2 has said multiple times that she is not interested in driving. This has been exasperated especially so since our wreck last year, she is terrified to drive.  This is understandable as horrible as the wreck was and how bad it could have turned out. G1 is interested; however, her free and creative spirit does not like to comply with requirements set forth. 

Now everybody wants to know what these stringent requirements are, I am sure. Well here it is. After the wreck last summer, we had said there was no way we were going to let any of the kids drive. It was a knee jerk reaction and after we calmed down, we realized that was wrong. This past spring we said the requirements for learners’ permit/ drivers’ license would be that they had to be doing well in school (turning homework in on time, etc), doing their chores consistently, be respectful, show responsibility and maturity. If they did that then they could learn how to drive our Geo Metro.  G1 balked at the idea and G3 jumped at it. Our reasoning behind which vehicle is two fold. The first and most important is that our Expedition is the people mover and the vehicle we rely on the most. The second reason is that the Metro is a manual transmission and we believe that it is best to learn to drive a manual so that the skill is there to fall back on in the future.

Considering that we, my husband and I, look at having a driver’s license as a privilege I am surprised that I am writing about this; yet, maybe there are other parents that have the same issue. Maybe you have a younger child that has proven itself and you are afraid of what others would say if you allow them the privilege and not the older. It is my opinion that privileges are earned, they are not a right.

For Information About the Tennessee Graduated Driver License Program (http://www.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/gdl.shtml)

Remembering When 9/11

 We seem to forget about things until the anniversary of the event and then it strikes us. Depending how it affected us usually depends on how we remember. Happy couples gladly remember their wedding anniversary. Parents remember children’s birthdays. What about the unhappy things though?

Today, many of us are remembering where we were eleven years ago. For most of us, it left us with a sense of dread. We did not know what was coming next. We were unsure when the attacks would stop and how our government would retaliate.

That is not what goes through my mind on this anniversary though. When I think back to 9/11/2001, I think of a life that was just shattered. A month prior, I found myself moving into my parents’ house with my two daughters separated from my ex-husband. Divorce papers were filed two weeks before that fateful day.

For me, 9/11 was a wakeup call. I could keep living in a pity-party state of mind, or I could get out there and live. It was not an instant wakeup call, but it was a wakeup call. My resolve formed that I wanted better for myself and for my children. I wanted my girls to have a strong mother that sought God.

Eleven years later, we are still a work in progress. Our family has tripled in size from my remarriage nine years ago and having babies. We are not perfect. I am a much stronger woman of God than I was eleven years ago.

How did 9/11 affect you? 

Returning to Routine

August... the month of hustle and bustle. Back to school shopping. Returning to school for the kids.

It's easy to get lost in it all.

New schedules, new routine, meeting new teachers, new situations, new activities, new everything.

Peace be Still

As we are getting this new "routine" under our belts and returning to sanity (if that is possible), the yearning to just BE STILL is born from within.

Looking back through the years, I used to just think that it was because the fall brought on the sports and we were busy. Now, I believe that the yearning is because we get caught up in stuff we forget about what is important.

With back to school and football and band and all the other stuff that goes on in the fall (and any other time of year) we as young families tend to let life navigate us instead of us navigate life.

If we are always reacting to what is thrown at us, then we can never be PROactive. Reacting is letting life dictate what we do. Being PROactive is being in charge of life. Sometimes being proactive means not being involved in so many activities. It means that you take into account how insane the schedule is if all of your children are doing a sport or if all of them are doing multiple sports. Or academic clubs or band.

Get control of your life so you have peace in your home. A big part of being PROactive with us is having God first and foremost. We notice big time when we put God on the bench. Things get crazy quick. He's not just a pinch hitter, he's a starter that plays the whole game.