On the Blog

This mama is tired, and it has been a week! (And it’s only Wednesday!)

This time of year is a balancing act for our family. Gatherings and events increase, yet it’s a hard for our family because our adopted kids were removed between Christmas and New Years. Emotions can run strong, and some days I just want to hibernate…

A couple weeks ago we detoured from our normal hiking routine to check out the DeFries Calendar gardens, which a fellow hiking & homeschool mom had recommended to us. And even with the fall colors mostly gone, it did not disappoint.

In a recent blog post, Naomi discusses the challenges of adjusting to the end of daylight savings time, especially for families with children. She shares their experience of trying to maintain a normal schedule and keep her children's sleep patterns on track. She also highlight the importance of staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest during this adjustment period. Naomi recommends using Young Living's Vitality Drops and Calm Magnesium powder to help stay hydrated and prioritize sleep. She also suggest using oils like Stress Away, Bergamot, Orange, and Grapefruit to support a healthy stress response and promote relaxation. Naomi concludes by offering personalized suggestions through biofeedback scans for Young Living team members and encourages readers to find peace during this transitional period.

Discover the hidden gem of the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City, Indiana, a small zoo filled with well-loved animals. This city-run zoo offers a variety of animals, from lions and tigers and bears to capybaras and fennec foxes. The zoo prioritizes the enrichment of their inhabitants, allowing for interaction and creating a welcoming atmosphere. With its location along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, visitors can even squeeze in a beach trip during their visit.

Membership to the Washington Park Zoo not only provides free parking at the city park but also allows access to other accredited zoos around the United States through the ZAA program. This is perfect for those who want to explore both large and small zoos with shared goals. As the majority of the zoo is located outdoors, it can also contribute to spending time outside and counting towards the popular 1000 Hours Outside movement. If you ever find yourself near Michigan City or heading to the dunes for a hike, make sure to reserve some time to visit this lovely zoo. It's a true gem that the whole family will enjoy.

This blog post shares a personal perspective on behavior issues related to food scarcity experienced by a foster family. The author highlights the challenges faced by their adopted children, who were initially diagnosed with "failure to thrive." The article emphasizes the importance of having a reliable meal and snack schedule, offering familiar or comfort foods, feeding based on emotional age, and recognizing how food helps regulate children. The author hopes to raise awareness and encourage compassion and support for foster and adoptive families who work hard to ensure their children feel loved and cared for.