Author: greenandgrateful2

Most importantly I'm a follower of Christ. After that I'm a wife and mother to 5 amazing kids. I also homeschool my kids, blog, craft, teach about essential oils and love all things green, holistic and thrifty. You can follow me or contact me on my blog www.greenandgrateful.com.

The Tenacity of Grief

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything about grief… In some ways I think I’ve been moving out of that season and into a new one. Or maybe the current season is so full that I haven’t had time to realize that my heart is struggling. I haven’t taken a moment to do a heart check. To sit. Think. Be. I thought I was doing OK.

But am I?

How is it that I’m going through my day seemingly fine. Everything is normal. Life is it’s new normal. And then “Bam” it hits you like a punch in the gut. Something I saw, something I read, a scripture that comes to mind, or a photograph. And the day is over. It’s all I can do to hold myself together. I want to cry and yell. I want to scream and craw in a dark space all by myself. All in the same moment. Continue reading “The Tenacity of Grief” →

Diaper Rash Revisited

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Since this post in June 2013 I’ve added two more babies to the crew! I don’t have a ton of new things to add, but I had a few minor changes to make. And I wanted to repost is for those who hadn’t seen the original post! I hope it’s helpful! Continue reading “Diaper Rash Revisited” →

Homeschool Retreat {Instillation #3}

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The final installation or summary of our mini homeschool retreat is in! I’ve been thinking about this one. There is so much on my mind and so much to say or not to say… Homeschooling in the hard times is the subject of this talk by Elsie Ludicello at the Portland Wild + Free.

We had our own hard times in 2015 and I’m not sure I homeschooled well. I know my kids survived, I know we did what we could, and I know we made it through. But I also know I didn’t really take time to stop and intentionally try to plant some routines that would serve us well and help us get through the tough times. We did slip into some routines that were helpful and did work and were successful. Were they the best options? I’m not sure. Was there something better we could have been doing? I’m sure there was. Continue reading “Homeschool Retreat {Instillation #3}” →

RC Sproul 1939 – 2017

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RC Sproul went to be with Jesus on December 14, 2017. There is much celebration in heaven at his arrival. This man was a renowned theologian in the Reformed world. He will be greatly missed by many. His way with people and teaching touched the hearts and souls of many. He had a way of presenting difficulty theological truths in a simple way that could be easily understood and convicting at the same time. Continue reading “RC Sproul 1939 – 2017” →

Broccoli and Carrot Salad

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A few days ago we needed a little something, preferably a green something added to dinner. This salad was created by adding a little of this and a little of that and it turned out quite nicely… in fact, it was even better the next night as the lime flavor marinate the veggies! Continue reading “Broccoli and Carrot Salad” →

Homeschool Retreat {Instillation #2}

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A continuation of our retreat, but really a different topic than the last post.

The following are questions from Terri Woods talk from Portland’s Wild + Free Conference:

Why are we homeschooling?

What is the end goal?

What is our family called to?

Such good questions to ask, and often questions I’ve asked and answered in the past, but shouldn’t I re-evaluated every year? Things change and our priorities change, or we start to change our schooling and wander from our goals. Both are normal, and can be the right changes, but sometimes asking these questions help provide clarity with what we are doing and why. Continue reading “Homeschool Retreat {Instillation #2}” →

Stomach Aches

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Stomach Aches revisited

This post was originally written in late 2011. As I was reviewing some of the older information on my blog I realized it needed some changing and I had more information and help to offer. I’ve grown a lot in my holistic treatment of “common” childhood illnesses and discomforts. So let me re-address this topic and hopefully provide more help! Continue reading “Stomach Aches” →

Homeschool Retreat {Instillation #1}

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This past weekend a friend of mine scheduled a homeschool retreat for herself and four other homeschooling mamas! I was one of them! It was a WONDERFUL time for conversation, fellowship, encouragement, sharing of ideas and learning of new ideas! Part of what made it so wonderful is that we all have a similar homeschool philosophy. We want our kids to have a love of learning, read lots of amazing books, enjoy being outside and learning about nature, be self motivated, hard working and responsible. Continue reading “Homeschool Retreat {Instillation #1}” →

Plugged ducts and Mastitis

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Here is another medical post I’ve been wanting to update. The original was in September 2013, and since I’ve been expanding my knowledge of homeopathics, essential oils and have been working in the birth world, I feel like I have much to add… so read on and hopefully you will find this info helpful!

So of course I had to jinx myself and mention plugged ducts and mastitis in my post on breastfeeding. All had been going well until a week ago. Continue reading “Plugged ducts and Mastitis” →

Be Real, Be Genuine

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Life is messy. I’m prideful. I want people to think I’m perfect, I have it all together and my house is always perfectly clean and organized! Is it true? Absolutely not! Why do I feel the need to put up a false front? I’m not being honest, I’m not being real. Honestly this is one of the reasons I don’t have a personal page on facebook. I know myself and posting photos of perfect family life and wonderful times with my kids is what I would post. Continue reading “Be Real, Be Genuine” →