Recently, Headspace offered a Morning Wakeup asking, “How have you changed in the last two years?” The question has been lingering around in my mind since listening to it several weeks ago which indicated to me that it’s a question I needed to be reflect on. My Autoimmune System While I have always been fully aware that the medications I use to ensure I can get out of bed every day also make my immune system fragile, I never really took it to heart. I remember as talk of COVID started popping up in February 2020, many of my immune compromised friends shared their fears, but I was like, “I am ..read more

What are your best tips for living with arthritis ..read more

Izzy became our family 14 years ago. Little did I know that she would be one of my best RA treatments. She laid on my knees when swollen to care for me, pushed me to move each day, walked me through fears of RA, my dad’s death, my children’s childhood/teens, and much more. Somehow, she always knew when I hadn’t yet worked things out in my heart and mind and pushed me to walk further. For 14 years she has been integrated into my life from the time I woke up until we both were sound asleep. I loved hearing her breath at night and for years, when she needed me at night, she came to the side of m ..read more

Nature has a special way of providing us with the lessons we need, if we listen. While I practiced attachment parenting, I was in no way a helicopter parent. I felt my children needed to explore the world and gain independence while still under my wing of protection. As my teens began hanging out with friends, joining more activities, or working jobs, it felt like a gift was given to me to emotionally start the process of preparing for the day they are gone. My husband and I began spending more time together, I found other hobbies I enjoyed doing myself, and I began working full-time. Nature h ..read more

In a life before kids, I was a 5th grade teacher. I loved my job. I loved creating integrated lessons that inspired my students. However, when I began homeschooling my children, I wanted something different for them. I wanted to base their learning on interests they themselves had, something I had unsuccessfully tried in the classroom. While my 22 and 24 year old children would admit to some “holes” in their education, I am truly proud of the job I did as their educational guide. Their education was based on personal interests they each wanted to learn about. Yet, learning at our house was a f ..read more

Several months back, I was gifted with a set of walking poles from Urban Poling. The timing couldn’t have been better. In April, my left knee was in awful shape and I was using a cane to take short walks. While a gel injection in May helped tremendously and I feel back to my spunky self again, I loved that I was able to share this fact with my Urban Poling representative. By working with her, a different set of poles were recommended. In fact, my entire experience with Urban Poling has been great. After having time to experiment with my poles, my rep reached out to me to see how things were go ..read more

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In the spring, my son starts his senior year of college and next fall, he will start his student teaching. My daughter has decided to finish her associate’s degree and will move on to a degree in sociology. Visiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home I love watching my kiddos as they move through the world. I am so darn proud of them. They aren’t just smart, but they both have a true love of learning. Eavesdropping on the two of them in a deep controversial conversation is the best! They have facts to support their ideas, yet, they listen to the other one. They have open minded hearts. While they a ..read more

It’s difficult to look at a tree and not see it’s beauty. It might be it’s height, the beautiful leaves it produces, the refuge it provides for birds and other critters, the food it gives, or simply the calm it brings to our lives because of its permanence. Whatever the reason, it is easy to look at a tree and see it’s true magnificence and beauty. We are drawn to them. But let’s take a closer look at a tree you love. What do you see? If you are like me, you see a story. Unlike a young developing tree, a mature tree shows signs of the life it has led. A tree is a physical reminder of my own b ..read more

As Izzy hit 13.5 years old this year, I wanted to capture our time together. When I shared with my husband that our daughter was planning to take some photos, he said, “You have lots of pictures of Izzy.” It’s true. But not lots of pictures of me with her. I call Izzy #MyForeverToddler because as with any dog, she requires regular attention. But it is also because like a toddler, she is sincerely always happy to see me. Her love for me is unconditional. Besides being my sweet girl, Izzy has been my motivator and friend through some of my worst days. When she came into our life, my RA wa ..read more