Enjoy reading these posts on life, family, faith, and friends!
One Year Later
been a little over a year since I was diagnosed with diabetes and embarked on one of the hardest and scariest journeys I have ever been on. Read on to see how it’s going, where I’m at, and what I still hope to accomplish.
Homeschool 2021-2022
What we’re doing this year, what we’ve changed, and what we’ve added This year’s plan… This year, I have a sophomore, freshman, 7th grader, and 2nd grader (excuse me a minute, while I go cry into my coffee. When did my babies get so big??). I feel like we had a pretty good groove last…
Taco Soup
This spicy soup embodies the flavor of your favorite tacos and enchiladas. Make it spicier by substituting Rotel tomatoes for the plain diced tomatoes. Make it unique by using your own blend of taco seasoning! Ingredients: 1 lb cooked ground beef 1 onion chopped 1 cup water 1 cup beef broth 1 package green chile…
Must-Have Items for a Great Homeschool
Today’s post is just a list of items that I think every homeschool classroom needs to function well. Basics Everything from planners to paper… A good master planner (Plum Paper is my favorite) Student planners for middle school and high school students Pencils Pens for grading/correcting work Notebooks (buy at least 5 more than you…
Eggplant Parmesan with Penne and Italian Sausage
This fun and yummy meal is super versatile! You can change or omit the pasta and meat, and add different seasoning or veggies for a unique flavor! Ingredients: 1/2 c flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 c bread crumbs 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese 2 eggs 1 eggplant, sliced olive oil cooking spray…
Run, Crystal, Run!
So I have this sweet picture book for my son and it’s all about bees and how awesome they are. It’s titled “I’m giving bees a chance” and it’s about a little boy trying to love bees since they are so important for the environment. It’s really cute how willing the boy is to learn…
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This homey meal tastes and feels like warmth and love in bowl. It’s low carb, especially if you don’t serve it over noodles. Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped 4 stalks celery, sliced 4 carrots, peeled & sliced 2 bay leaves 1/2 tbsp parsley 2.5 lbs chicken thighs or leg quarters 2 cans Cream of Chicken soup…
Low Carb Yogurt for the Win
I love yogurt. That’s not always been the case though. I used to hate it. I used to think it was gross because it was made with bacteria and who wants to eat bacteria? Not me, obviously.
But then, when I was pregnant with my first child, I was hospitalized as the doctors and nurses…
Breathe
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be…
Planning and Organizing Your Homeschool
The best way to have a successful homeschool year is to plan it out and then organize it well so you can execute the plan. That’s easier said than done, though, right? By nature, I’m pretty organized and I’m a planner. A few years ago, my husband and I took the Myers-Brigg personality tests for…
Steak & Gravy with Biscuits
These two easy homemade dishes go perfectly together to bring a sense of downhome goodness! Warning – the biscuits are carb and saturated fat heavy – you may have to plan your day to fit them into your diet! Steak with Gravy Ingredients: 2.5 lbs round steak 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 envelop…
Progress is Hard
The month of March sucked. No lie. I started running using the couch to 5k app. Running completely kicked my butt. I randomly stopped drinking as much coffee No particular reason. I can’t even give you one. My husband says it was his idea, but I really don’t remember that. My yoga practice was pretty…
Chicken Pot Pie
This delicious crockpot take on a classic southern staple is perfect for busy moms on the go! It cooks for just 4 hours in the slow cooker and then bakes for an extra 20 just before dinner.
Halo Top – Low Calorie, Low Carb Deliciousness
I don’t know about you, but I grew up in an era of diet foods tasting like garbage. If it was low calorie or sugar-free, it tasted like cardboard. I don’t remember low carb being a thing back then, until the Atkin’s diet came out and even then, I don’t remember seeing things that were…
It is Finished
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the…
Happy Easter!
We have spent this week on Spring Break and have taken time to relax, explore, and enjoy our time together. This evening, we will attend our church’s tenebrae service for Good Friday and will celebrate the resurrection of our risen Savior on Sunday. I wish you many blessings on this day and if you do…
One Pot Pasta
This easy pasta dish is a favorite of ours. It combines simplicity with a spicy flavor that is irresistible! Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti 1 package andouille 1 onion, chopped 3 c grape tomatoes, cut in half 41/2 c water 2 c fresh basil or 2 tbsp dried basil 4 cloves of pressed garlic 1 c…
April Yoga Calendar
I have found that the best way to ensure that I make it to the mat every single day is to have a plan. When I first started doing yoga, I just did the same two or three videos over and over. While it helped build strength and confidence, it got boring and it was…
Strawberry Carrot Smoothie
Before you say, “EWWW! Carrot juice!” give this smoothie a try! It blends carrot juice with strawberries, pineapples, and orange juice for a delicious & healthy drink to start your day! Ingredients: 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup frozen pineapples 1 cup carrot juice 1 cup orange juice 1 cup Carbmaster yogurt 3 tbsp flaxseed…
Holiday Meal Planning
By now, you’ve probably decided what you’re going to be cooking for Easter dinner. Odds are, it’s a traditional meal that you cook every year. It’s possible though that this is your first year making a big dinner on your own. Or maybe you’ve decided to make something new. Maybe you’ve always cooked the holiday…
Jesus Parade
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you,…
April Homeschooling
April is National Poetry Month and Earth Day is April 22. So I thought these would be great things to add to our homeschool schedule. Keep reading for a free download of a poetry unity and an Earth Day unit!
Crockpot Frito Burritos
These tasty burritos are reminiscent of Taco Bell’s old Frito burritos from the 90s and early 2000s. These were a favorite of mine back in the day and I’m so glad I figured out how to make them on my own! Plus, they’re super easy!
Yoga for Weight Loss & Gut Health
I talk a lot about my weight and my a1c and trying to improve those, but I want to take some time to talk about the other changes in my body. The first one is flexibility & strength. I can do little things that I couldn’t do before, like getting up from the floor without…
Chicken Salad
This is a fan favorite that I make and bring to various church events and parties. Double it up to serve a bigger crowd.
Eating Well…
If you’re like me, you probably get some cravings either leading up to or during your period. Those cravings can make it really difficult to eat well for the week you are on your period which can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and an overall feeling of crappiness, not to mention the guilt…
Jesus’s Riddle
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world…
Homeschool Week #28
We’re wrapping up our 3rd quarter which means a lot of reviews, tests, and assessments are happening. That doesn’t mean we aren’t having fun, too! And though we are having fun while learning, we are also feeling pretty tired and ready for a break so it’s gotten harder to get started in the morning and…
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This healthy dinner may not be “quick” but it is definitely easy! It is also packed with flavor for a healthy and delicious meal.
Yoga + Christianity
Even before I practiced yoga, I heard people say that Christians can’t or shouldn’t do yoga. The biggest reason is that ancient yoga comes from Hinduism and Christians cannot perform any religious practice that comes from another religion. Y’all, I really love you, but I’m trying super hard to not eyeroll right now. I’ll go…
Lemon-Blueberry Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup
These light and fluffy pancakes taste like sunshine and spring – they are perfect for warm mornings or cold and gray days when you need a pick-me-up!
Top 10 Crockpot Recipes
I use my crockpot every Monday, but sometimes also for Taco Tuesday. My crockpot makes cooking easy and it’s perfect for Mondays when I don’t feel like doing anything by the time dinner rolls around. My favorite crockpot meals are those that don’t require any extra work after the initial dumping everything into the pot,…
God’s Report Cards
We live in a world that is full of judgement, don’t we? It’s report card season for many kids and we get graded or judged by our teachers. Our parents may judge us based on those report cards. If our grades are bad, that might mean we don’t get to play with friends or watch…
Discipline & Homeschool
One of the hardest parts about transitioning from public school to homeschool was learning to be both mom and teacher. This means the way I discipline had to suddenly included discipline for school performance (I don’t necessarily mean grades, but attitude & behavior). Unlike public school, I couldn’t just send the kid to the principal’s…
Crockpot Chili
This classic spicy chili is a crowd favorite and so easy to make! We’ve even frozen the cooked chili and taken it camping with us- just threw it on the fire in a cast iron Dutch oven when we were to eat!
Yoga with Pre-Teens & Teens
Yoga is great for all ages, even teens & pre-teens! I’ll say that again. Yoga is great for all ages, even teens and pre-teens! I don’t know about you, but if it doesn’t involve reading or video games, my kids are not into it. If it involves physical exertion, they are really not into it.…
Lemon Chicken with Orzo
This fresh tasting meal is both low carb and packed with flavor. Your kids will love it and so will your waistline!
Breakfast Favorites
Breakfast is probably my favorite meal of the day. There are so many options from just a simple bowl of cereal to a full course meal. In this post, you’ll find some of my family’s favorites (not including cereal!). Where possible, I am including links. Note: not all of these meals are carb-friendly, but can…
God’s Good Laws
And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in…
Overcoming the Mid-Semester Slump
Honestly, I wish I truly had the answer to this. Every year, we encounter the same problem – mid to late February and early March just drag. We all want a break. The cold weather gets us down. The fresh, warm weather makes us want to play. We haven’t had a break since Christmas. Our…
Broccoli, Rice, & Sausage
This one pot meal is reminiscent of a red beans & rice meal. Also, according to my husband, it pairs great with sour cream & hot sauce.
Yoga with Small Children
Yoga helps create a love of physical movement. Children today tend to sit for long periods of time. Either at school or at home, learning or playing video games, our culture has created a pretty sedentary lifestyle. Physical therapists will tell you — movement throughout the day keeps you from getting stiff, creates more energy,…
Pot Roast
This traditional roast is a family favorite and it’s the first thing I cooked for my husband after we got married over 15 years ago. It takes just a few minutes of prep time before you can leave it to cook all day.
Teaching Kids Healthy Eating Habits
This is something that has concerned me for quite some time, actually. Even before I was on my own health journey to combat type 2 diabetes, I made sure to provide healthy, well-rounded meals. We have never been a family to keep snacks or junk food lying around and although we eat out occasionally, it’s…
March Homeschooling
Homeschooling through March can be a pain! See what our plan is for the month and grab a free download for Holy Week!
Roasted Vegetable Strata
This is a wonderful make ahead meal that can be frozen to cook later. It does have to be chilled for 6 hours or overnight, though, so remember to make it at least the night before! Ingredients: 3 zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 3/4 inch slices 1 each medium red, yellow, and orange peppers,…
Yoga Update
Just a quick update about where I am with yoga… This month, rather than following the February calendar from Yoga with Adriene, I created my own. I made a playlist on YouTube, put the calendar in my bullet journal, and got up each and every morning (so far, lol, the month isn’t quite over yet).…
Fried Tacos
This fried twist on traditional tacos is a little more difficult that I expected! I honestly will probably not make them again, but here’s the recipe in case you want to give them a try!
Health Update
So I have officially been doing this healthy living thing for more than 6 months. I had new bloodwork drawn to check my a1c. This shows whether or not my hard work has paid off. If you know me IRL, then you already know, but for those of you who don’t or who maybe missed…
God Keeps His Promises
So, maybe you have noticed, but when I come here to chat with you guys about scripture, I try to share some good news with you. I do that because Jesus tells us to go out and share the good news, but sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what that means. The stories…
Homeschool Week #24
This week started with a major case of “I don’t wanna”. Blame it on the cold or the ice and snow or the mid-February blues. Either way, no one wanted to do any kind of learning this week. But we hit the books anyway. President’s Day We’re continuing with the plan in this post. All…
Orange Juice Smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to start the day! Try this bright flavorful drink to kickstart your morning!
Getting Healthy for Lent
For those of us who are Christian, today marks the start of the Lenten season. This is period of 40 days (plus Sundays) leading up to Easter and it is meant to remind us of Jesus’s 40 days in the desert. This time was a time of fasting for Jesus as he prepared for his…
Apple Pie Pancakes
Tired of plain buttermilk pancakes? Love apple pie? This pancake recipe takes the deliciousness of apple pie filling and combines it with your favorite pancakes!
Apps to Keep Your Health on Track
There are so many great apps to use to track your health and fitness. Here, I will share the three I use, the one I quit using, and the one I want to use.
Transfiguration Sunday: A Children’s Sermon
Today is Transfiguration Sunday. It’s a day when we remember the time that Jesus went up on a mountain with his friends and they saw him for who he really was. They saw him as the Son of God. Today, I want to focus on God’s words to Jesus’s friends in this passage. Did you…
100 Days of Homeschooling
Kentucky state law requires homeschoolers to school for 1062 hours in no less than 170 days, which means we have less than 70 days of school left! It’s at this point in the semester that I begin to worry – have we done enough? This year seems to be especially worrisome. We didn’t have co-op…
Crunchy French Toast
This crunchy twist on a breakfast favorite has a higher egg-to-milk ratio lowering the carbs to just a little more than what is found in your slice of bread. A quick note, though, adding extra yumminess with syrup will increase the carb count.
Review: Yoga Blocks
So, first, a disclaimer: I have only been doing yoga for a hot minute so I definitely do not know all there is to know. As always, with my posts, these thoughts and opinions are my own. Feel free to disagree. Oh, and I don’t make any money from this. What I have… I bought…
Curbing Carb Cravings
First of all, let me say that there is no quick fix to curbing those cravings. I don’t recommend taking supplements or medications to stop your cravings. If that is what you are looking for, this isn’t the post for you. Sorry, friend. This is about how to handle the cravings, what to eat, and…
Jesus: Full of Compassion
Today’s scripture is all about compassion. This is one of many times that Jesus brings a dead child back to life and this time, he does it because his heart overflows with compassion.
But what is compassion?
Homeschooling this Week — PLUS a free spelling resource!
This week of homeschooling marked the beginning of Black History Month. While we try to incorporate Black history every day that we study history, I wanted to give a focus to specific Black historical figures. Additionally, we continued to work through our various curriculums and foster a love of learning outside of “school” time. I…
Basalmic Chicken & Roasted Tomatoes
This chicken recipe has a sweet & tangy taste thanks to the balsamic glaze and baked tomatoes!
Breath 30 Day Journey Recap
Throughout the 30 days of breath, I checked in with a Twitter friend daily – we held each other accountable as we journeyed through this together. First of all, if you don’t have a Twitter friend, get yourself one. I love my friends and family, but the people I have met only on Twitter are…
Tools Every Kitchen Needs
Just like every mechanic needs the proper tools in their garage, cooks need the proper tools in their kitchen. Today we’ll talk about the things that you absolutely have to have and other things that are just nice to have.
What on earth is baptism? … a children’s sermon
One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”…
February Homeschooling
Planning for Black History Month Last year was our first year homeschooling and I went into the month of February with a couple of Valentine’s coloring pages for my kindergartener and nothing for President’s Day or Black History Month. Can you say #EpicMomFail? I quickly threw some things together that we worked on those last…
Lemon Raspberry Pancakes
These lemon flavored pancakes with raspberries taste fresh and sweet while still being only 10 grams of carbs each!
Yoga for Health
This is a week when I really need the reminder that health is more than just a number on a scale and muscle weighs more than fat. While I know both of these things to be true, they often feel trite and do very little to assuage my disheartened spirit. I have been sitting at…
Shredded Beef Sandwiches
This is a delicious meat that can be reused for leftovers for days afterwards. Ingredients: 3 lb chuck roast 1 large onion, chopped 3 bay leaves 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp cloves 1/3 c vinegar French rolls, ciabatta, toast, or similar sandwich bread Directions: Place meat and onion in cooker. Add…
What Do I Serve for Lunch?
“What’s for lunch?”I dread this question even more than “What’s for dinner?”. Are you the same? Then this list is for you! These lunch ideas are all less than 60 g of carb each (provided you follow serving suggestions give on food containers). They are all easily made by you or an older child and…
Finding Jesus
In our scripture for today, Jesus’s family had travelled to Jerusalem. They would have travelled with all their friends and family and neighbors and they would have taken with them a donkey probably and some clothes and food and water. Jesus as a 12 year old, probably would have been walking with his siblings, cousins,…
Homeschooling Week #20
Langauge Arts This week, my 1st grader worked on his editing skills. I love this curriculum for many reasons, but one of them is because this skill is taught so early. My 8th grader is working on his fictional story while my 9th grader is working on his literary analysis. I hear other parents complaining…
Shredded Pork Tacos
The meat from this crockpot can be used to make sandwiches, or with the addition of salsa, for tacos! Ingredients: 3 lb pork roast 8 cloves garlic, pressed 2 tsp coriander 2 tsp cumin 2 tsp oregano 1 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 cup beef broth flour tortillas 3/4 c…
Yoga Must-Haves
I started taking dance lessons at a local dance studio when I was 5 years old. I remember going to the specialty store to pick out leotards, tights, ballet slippers, tap shoes, and a dance bag. Over the 13 years that I took dance lessons, my grandmother probably spent thousands of dollars on dance clothes…
Simple Pasta
This pasta recipe can be made unique by adding bell peppers & tomatoes, changing the noodles, or adding extra seasonings!
Diabetic Eating & How to Measure Ingredients
If you have been following my journey, then you know I have been following a diabetic meal plan since August when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Today, I want to detail what that means and include a quick tutorial about how to measure ingredients and portions. Let me begin by saying each person…
In Times of Trouble
In today’s scripture, we learn that an angel appeared to Joseph again and told him they could return to Israel since King Herod died and was no longer king. As they were finally travelling home (Jesus was probably about 4 years old by this time), Joseph learned who the new king was. This man was…
This week in homeschooling…
As we ease back into school after a long winter break, we took it slow to avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. We kept to our regular schedule, but allowed ourselves to go take more time than normal. I will be totally honest that I struggled with having patience and my 1st grader struggled with staying…
Spinach & Feta Burgers
This is a new recipe for us, but we love spinach and we love burgers, so I’m sure it will quickly become a family favorite!
Sinking Sand
As I walk this journey towards health, I often contemplate how I am able to do it this time when so many other times I failed. In 2011, the only way I could lose weight was by basically starving myself because I hadn’t yet learned how to eat a low calorie count that was filling.…
Vegetable Beef Soup
This is a traditional soup recipe that is perfect for those chilly fall and winter days! Not only that, it is very low in carbs and calories, so it is perfect for diabetics or just anyone watching their carbs.
The Importance of Menu Planning
Why should I bother? How do I do it? Meal planning, in my family of 6 is more than just important, it’s vital. If I don’t have a workable menu plan each week, meals don’t get cooked, groceries don’t get purchased, and our whole diet* falls apart. However, I can remember being a twenty-something newlywed…
God Protects Us
After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” That night Joseph left…
Spring Semester 2021
Homeschooling after a long break Let me tell you, we learned the hard way last year that diving back into school after a long holiday break is no easy task. As I look ahead to what the next few weeks hold, I am trying to remind myself to have grace, take breaks, and go slow.…
Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
This easy one pot meal is great for large families or for entertaining guests! It has a unique flavor while still being healthy!
Blackberry Smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to start your day and add fruit to your diet! In general, smoothies need to include ice first, then fruit or veggies, liquid (equal to the ice), and add-ins. If you are using frozen fruit, omit the ice and double the liquid. Fruit & veggies should equal the amount of…
Five Months Later
Five months ago, I was heartbroken, mad at myself, and depressed. I had let myself gain 25 lbs during the pandemic and that’s not including the weight I had put since my gallbladder surgery (now 4 years ago). I was up to a weight I had never thought I’d see on a scale.
New Year, New Recipes
I bought myself a new cookbook for Christmas this year and over the next month I will be trying as many of the recipes from it as possible. I hope they are as good (and kid-friendly!) as they sound because finding a good cookbook that caters to diabetics is hard. Favorite aspect of this cookbook?…
Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes
This recipe is one of our favorites and an easy go-to for busy days! Ingredients: 1 lbs red potatoes, quartered 1 lb bag of baby carrots 1 small onion, coarsely chopped 1 clove garlic, pressed 3-4 lbs chicken pieces 1 c chicken broth 3 tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp thyme (or rosemary!) 1 tsp salt 1/4…
Epiphany Sunday
Have you ever watched a cartoon or read a comic book and one of the characters has an idea? A lot of times, the character appears with a lightbulb that shines over their head. My gran called these “lightbulb moments”, but the technical term for that is “epiphany”. If you have ever had one of…
Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
This is one of our favorite recipes, though it is a little complex. Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1 large cooking apple, peeled if desired, cored, and chopped ⅓ cup chopped onion 2 teaspoons snipped fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, crushed 2 tablespoons shredded white cheddar cheese 4 pork rib chops, pork…
Omelets
Ingredients: eggs milk salt pepper 1 tomato, diced 1 onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 package diced ham Mexican blend shredded cheese Preheat a 10 inch cast iron skillet and coat with cooking spray. Mix 2-3 eggs with a splash of milk, a dash of salt and a dash of pepper. Pour egg…
God Keeps His Promises
After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great. But Abram said, “Lord God, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram continued,…
God is Love
For those of us who call ourselves Christian, we are a people of LOVE. We are not a people called to hate of any kind, not even against our enemies (see the verse from Luke above). Regardless of who you voted for, it is time now to do the work of loving our neighbors, loving…
Who is the Church?
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 When I was a little girl, even though I didn’t grow…
Life Update
So it’s been a bit since I sat down to write just about life in general. We have been in our new appointment for 4 months now. It has not been an easy 4 months. That’s not to say that our new church hasn’t been welcoming and loving — they have!! But with the pandemic…
Momma's Musings 