The first Christmas after the loss of a spouse can be an overwhelming and bittersweet experience, especially when you are left with small children to care for. It is during this time of year, cherished for its joy and togetherness, that the absence of your beloved spouse is deeply felt. As someone who has walked this journey, I want to extend my heartfelt compassion and share some insights on how to navigate the emotions and find hope during this challenging time.
Read more...The first year.......
The first year after my husband’s passing, I was constantly bracing myself for all of the firsts that would happen.
First birthdays
First holidays
Mother’s Day
His birthday
Each milestone was met with trepidation and apprehension, as I had no idea what to expect. Would I be an emotional wreck? Would it be a hard day to get through? Would anyone remember this is the first time we are doing xyz without him? Some milestones went OK, others were very difficult, like his birthday and Father’s Day. I tried to make each of these days full of his memories for my kids, even if I was struggling.
My daughter turned 7 just nine days after Jon passed. Thankfully, we still had family around that were there for his funeral, so we celebrated with them. It was a good distraction after all the preparation and work that went into the services.
Read more...As a mom of two, I understand the challenge of simplifying and embracing a frugal lifestyle while also prioritizing the removal of toxins from our home. It would have been so much easier to stick to the familiar products I was used to, but deep down, I knew they weren't safe for my family. That's when I made the decision to take charge and make a change. I couldn't keep bringing harmful products into our home when I had the power to choose safer alternatives. Buying nontoxic cleaning products from the store would have been convenient, but it was also expensive, and as a widow, every penny counted. That's when I discovered the incredible versatility of white vinegar for cleaning. But I didn't stop there. I delved even further and found another amazing pantry staple that could also be used for cleaning.
Read more...My journey towards a healthier lifestyle began well before I had kids, but became much more urgent after my husband passed. I have always enjoyed healthy food and exercising, but I didn’t know that products I used every day could be harmful to our health. My desire to have less toxic cleaning ingredients actually began as a desire to simplify what I used and save money. Join me as I share my frugal and budget-friendly tips for making your own cleaning products, starting with something you probably have in your cupboard. It's incredible how one simple ingredient can clean almost your entire house without the worry of harmful side effects. Let's take this journey together towards a safer and healthier home!
Read more...Life can be overwhelming at times, especially around the holidays. There are expectations that we put on ourselves or others put on us, and it can be a lot.
Right after my husband passed away, I had to pull back from many things, as I didn’t have the capacity to handle very much. Life was overwhelming and exhausting, and we were in survival mode.
As time passed and the Lord has brought healing to my heart, I have added activities and events back in. But sometimes, I overestimate what I am able to do and truly enjoy. When I start feeling the stress build, and it begins affecting my heart and health, I know it’s time to step back.
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