Hey, you. Wife that feels like she did more nagging than encouraging all day. 

Hey, you. Mom that feels like she did more correcting than praising for the good all day. 

I get you. 

You're a good wife. You're a good mom. 

Can we just come together? Let's be real that these days exist and encourage each other that tomorrow will be made new. We can press in and (by His power) choose not to be shaken by the weight of the day.

For now, I'll just be thankful for the sweet gift of forgiveness and the precious memory that ended our day. Nothing extravagant. Just a little fun with a water hose. I didn't want to just throw up some adorable pictures and leave out the real.

XOXO
Taylor

Fear of Loss

I cleaned out my car 3 days ago for the first time in who knows how long. While I have been laser focused in other areas of my life, cleaning and taking care of my home (and car) have been on the back burner (huge understatement). After being away last weekend, I left with conviction to change up some things. To realign my priorities.

Anyway, because of that I cleaned my car. I found cereal and french fries. I can't even remember the last time I ate either of the two. It was that bad. My car used to be my Momma's car. Her watch. The pictures she carried in her glove compartment. Dixie Chicks CD. Our shared love for Dixie Chicks could be a different post by itself. Her perfume.

You know those real friends whose words can be so full of encouragement, yet so full of truth? Well I have a friend that helped me realize last weekend that I have some tendencies in my actions that show a fear of loss.

Gulp.

So as I cleaned out my car 3 days ago, I just reflected on that idea a bit. Then I tossed the perfume. Perfume now gives me a major headache but I just never was ready to give up the scent that reminded me of her. I react on logic first and feelings later many times which can be a huge flaw. I know it can come across as insensitive sometimes.

BUT. I have been thinking about it ever since I dropped it into our trash bin.
Things like, "Oh, but what about when we have a daughter? I want her to know what her GG smelled like."
(I have no idea what she would like to be called but I'm convinced Grandma would NOT be it)

Long story short. I just asked Jake to dig it out of the trash. He did. Only because he's the best.

XOXO
Taylor

Bone Broth: Why and How

Let me just start with the irony of this post. If you would have told me that I would start a blog AND that my first blog post would be about bone broth, I would have laughed in your face. This whole wellness thing has been a journey and that's an understatement. I went from eating McDonald's on the regular, cereal in place of all 3 meals some days, and 4 medications chronically for 8 years, to a switch flipping in July of 2014. We'll save that story for later. But I will say my gut needed a lot of help. Insert bone broth. 

So WHY do I make it, use it in my recipes, and, when I'm feeling brave (gasp), drink it?! According to Dr. Axe, bone broth is the number 1 thing to consume to: 

1. Treat leaky gut syndrome

2. Overcome food intolerances and allergies

3. Improve joint health

4. Reduce cellulite

5. Boost immune system

Learn more about the power of bone broth here!

So what about HOW? Does the task seem daunting? Do you feel like you're just not domestic enough. Don't worry. I get you. If you don't yet have one, you need an Instant Pot! This thing is one of our most used kitchen items. We use it all the time! It's a busy mom's best friend. The recipe is so easy. You can even double the fun by making a whole chicken first, collecting the meat stock, and shredding the meet for tacos and salads! After that, just throw the carcass back in with some Apple Cider Vinegar, let it soak, and set the Instant Pot for 120 minutes. Get the full instructions with the recipe here! 

PSA: The strainer is a game changer and freezing the jars when they are completely cooled with the lids off is vital to keeping your broth from cracking the or overflowing the jar.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Taylor