We invite you to “come on in” and check out what we’re all about. Like the construction of a new house takes time, so “Forti-fy” is in the beginning stages of construction. So far, we have have some basic tools for use, the foundation laid, and the frame up.
As construction continues, we will be adding lots of deep cupboards, and walk-in closets, so that you can open them up and use what you need to get forti-fy’d!
The conception for this website – moms fortifying moms – actually occurred about 2 years ago. I really wanted to launch this site on the celebration of the 5 (now 7) year anniversary of our daughter being seizure-free. (You can read that story here). However, I found that timing did not work well with the ‘Mom season” I was in, so I hit the pause button until now. We were only able to find healing for our daughter because people came along and fortified us to get the help we needed. The goal of Forti-fy is to offer that same kind of help on a variety topics to the Fort Wayne and surrounding area, communities.
I also have another new launch on the way – a new grandchild due November 1! Some in the community may know that my 29-year-old son, Kyle, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Kenya on March 3, 2019. He and his wife, Hope had just found out she was pregnant with their second child, right before he left on his trip. I will be sharing our journey through this trial on a future series Forti-fy will be doing on “Losing a Child.” However, this event has also been the catalyst for re-launching the site, as I have been fortified by so many during this intense trial.
Kyle, Hope and Max
Now, every house in a neighborhood greatly benefits from resourceful neighbors. That’s where you come in. The team here at Forti-fy would love to have your help in adding your resources to make Forti-fy a well-stocked, and well- crafted home that everyone in the neighborhood can come on over, chat a bit, find refreshment and get Forti-fy’d! So please join us as we travel down the streets, hills and valleys of our community, walking along life’s way.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Recent Articles
Living After Your Child Dies – Trish’s Story of Samuel
One of the things that was very helpful for me after Kyle’s death was to be able to reach out and talk with other moms who knew what it felt like to be walk down the road that was now in front of me – and help me to look for the light in the dark moments
My friend, Trish Richhart, was one of those moms. She lost her 8 year-old son, Samuel, after a 3 year battle with cancer.
In having 38 kids combined, we share a thing or two we’ve learned throughout the years about building relationships with adult kids – starting first when they are young.
Why There Must Be Choice
There is only one reason I write on vaccines, and that is in regard to overall vaccine policy. It is my hope that each person reading this will always have the right to be allowed to make medical decisions that are in alignment with their conscience and that takes into consideration their own personal health history.
This is a great podcast to share with your kids!
Reviewing the Mounting Covid-19 Vaccine Adverse Reactions, The Dilemma of Mandates, and Building Trust
How do we move to a place of trust?
A Large Sampling of Yum and Fun to Give – and Receive – As You Help the Livelihood of Local Businesses!
Wow! Wow! Wow! We provided quite a list in our recent podcast episode on so many local places – and people – that you will enjoy checking out, for gift ideas for family, friends – or yourself!
Radical Biblical Hospitality
Everyone can do something!
A Journey of Adoption
If you have any interest in adoption, but think your circumstances might prevent you from doing so, listen in as Ashley Kellogg tells her family’s story on adopting 5 special need children, when the odds were stacked against them!
To the Mom of Young Children: Take Off the Pressure of Perfection!
In this podcast, and in this blog post, Kelsey shares about life with 5 kids under the age of 7. We talk about the “mess” inside ourselves and how our kids help us get “cleaned up!” We also discuss the beauty and freedom of creating our own “family culture”, and not being bound to looking like anyone else.
What Small Steps Can You Take to Live in Harmony with Your Habitat?
Honestly, although we throw our trash in the can and haul it to the curb, there is no magical place where trash goes “away”.
Is it possible for you to reduce your waste? Yes! With just a few small changes we can make a big difference in the world we live.
Are You Stuck? How To Start Moving Forward
In this podcast episode Donna and Ann discuss how to move forward, when – for whatever reason – we are in a place of being stuck, that may be in regards to current life circumstances, weight loss, relationships, exercise or in just trying to get things done every day. As usual, Donna brings some great tips to help us move forward!
Down 220 Pounds: Small Steps, Huge Strides!
Listen in to hear Donna and Ray’s journey to losing 220 pounds – and get some great weight-loss tips!
Our Walk With Covid and How It May Help You
In this podcast episode, Rachel and Ann talk about their recent – not so great – experiences with Covid-19, the challenges they faced within the health care system, and thoughts on the future of medical choice freedom.
Are You Aware of Sex Offenders Living in Your Area?
On this episode of the Forti-fy podcast, Heather and Ann sat down with Detective Michael Smothermon who heads up the Sex and Violent Offender Registry in Allen County.
Do The Twist! You Will Love It!
Get to know this neighborhood business that serves up yum and fun!
Area Homeschool Co-ops and Classes
Today, I am starting a series on the homeschool co-ops and classes offered in the Fort Wayne and surrounding areas
How 13 Kids and 8 Miscarriages Led to a Passion for Health, Nutrition and Training for Marathons!
So much helpful information packed in this podcast!
Join us as we gather around Donna’s kitchen table and walk through our years of homeschooling days to answer the question, “What would you tell a new homeschooling mom?”
How Will This Information Change You?
What will your response be after you read this?
Is God Sexist?
At some point in their lives, this is probably a question many women ask.
Trish gives us a good reminder here.
Dandelions: Weed, Flower, Herb or…Coffee Alternative?
A annoying weed or a cheerful bouquet of health?
So engaging!
Salting Your Way to Health?
“What I found was astounding; there is little data to support low-salt diets being effective at treating hypertension for the vast majority of people.”
What Are You Thinking?
Donna shares on how our thoughts can completely revolutionize our actions.
This prayer of Christ’s holds special significance for me. As my own son was barely clinging to life in a hospital ICU, I was also begging God in prayer.
“Having fun with our grandkids is great! But, that’s not the best part of grandparenting. The best part is having the amazing privilege of passing the baton of faith.”
On Birth Days, Life, Death and Thanks
I wish I could have said, “Thank You”, one more time.
Do Your Vitamins Contain Folate or Folic Acid? And Why Does it Matter?
Why it is important to know about folate and what type of folate is in your vitamin.
Trisch’s Tips
Trisch gives some great tips for setting REALISTIC goals for the new year!
I wrote this for Kyle.
I want to remotivate and encourage myself, and you, in the subject of praying for our grandchildren.
“Anyone who runs to sugar for comfort or a reward, who eats mindlessly or out of boredom, who feels physically and spiritually lethargic, or who struggles with self-control will discover here not only freedom from their cravings but an entirely new appetite for the good things God has for us.” Wendy Speake
Addressing the hard questions of Christianity.
The Perfect Gift for Family, Friends and Pets!
Such wonderful natural products!
I can tell you for certain this one does!
Fact or Feeling? Clarity or Confusion?
People aren’t denying truth exists, they simply don’t care.
Trisch’s Transformation
If I had to give a label to the way I eat, I would call it gentle changes or “Small Steps to Success”.
Donna’s Transformation
Whenever I think of Forti-fy team member, Donna Reish, there is one thought that always comes into my mind: “The Energizer Bunny”
Wake to the Wonder
Awaken to the wonder of now – the wonder of the small. Staying awake to this one wild and beautiful life.
Heather’s Transformation
Heather and I have always shared a passion for all things health and wellness.
Reviewing the Vaccine Controversy
The goal is a safe, pro-informed consent vaccine policy, which upholds constitutional freedoms.
From Fort Wayne, New Haven and Auburn, to Waterloo and Angola – there are an abundance of activities to enjoy this weekend!
Fire And Light Productions – Where Kids Thrive and the Stage Shines!
I wish everyone knew that this kind of family entertainment was right here, in their own backyard.
What Am I?
The answer to this question has huge implications.
Mommas – Don’t Let the “HURRY” Hurt, Today.
Momma, Do you see yourself in these words?
Who Gets Wine Headaches? Me!!!
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BRAVAS – Have you heard of it?
Heather introduces us to @bravasfood amazing caramel apple burger – with a gluten free bun to boot!
Lots of different activities happening around the area this weekend to forti-fy you and your family!
Hugh’s Bakery and Coffeehouse
You just want to go here!
Supporting Families in Crisis
Have you ever desired to help out families in crisis in your community but didn’t really know how to do that? Or you liked the idea of serving, but thought you might not have the time?
Human Library
At this event you will be able to meet and talk with those whose life’s story may be very different than yours.
Lots of different activities happening around the area this weekend to forti-fy you and your family!
Mountain Biking in Fort Wayne
Indiana’s mountain bike trails are better than most people realize or expect!
FREE Knitting Classes Starting Soon for Adults and Kids!
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13 Kids Keeps Me Running
Primarily it keeps me running around all day in the car! However, in order to keep me somewhat out of Looneyville, I try to rise early every morning, slip on my shoes and head out for my daily run.
Photo Books to Bridge the Distance
It’s a small investment of time and money that has helped us bridge the distance!
Keeping It Simple!
Each family thrives differently, you have the joy and the freedom to figure out what makes you and yours do just that…thrive!
Long-Distance Grandparenting
And recently, I read a book about what matters most as grandparents—the salvation and spiritual growth of our grandchildren.
Rethinking Global Aid and Poverty
“You‘ll never look at poverty and the Third World the same again.”
Helping Local Refugees
Volunteering does help those in our community, but I have also found that it impacts those of us who are doing the serving, as well.
Rethinking Sexuality
“I know of no greater failure among Christians than in presenting a persuasive approach to sexuality.”
Killer Bread with a Prison History
I don’t eat much bread, so I am not familiar with many different brands, but I am sharing this here because I thought the conception of this product was so intriguing.
Character Ink Classes
They teach so many subjects! And your students will enjoy learning from two teachers that really enjoy teaching!
Have You Considered Music Therapy?
There are so many areas where music therapy can really make a difference!
Volunteer to Help Fort Wayne Pregnant Moms & Dads
All you need to start helping at A Hope Center right now is …
Fudgy Grain-Free Yum!
They are so incredibly fudgy!
Volunteer to Help The Underserved
By the gospel, Matthew 25 Health And Dental Clinic fills a critical need in our community, providing free medical, dental, and vision services to uninsured, low-income residents of Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.
Local Volleyball Anyone?
Fort Wayne, perhaps surprisingly, is full of opportunities to be involved in volleyball–at whatever level you play.
Kroeker HomeSchool Academy
“Wow, how do they teach ALL that in one class?!”
What Is Intermittent Fasting and How Does It Help You?
Donna is the Intermittent Fasting guru on our team! She gives you all the basics here.
Cycling Events & Races
Are you a wee bit competitive? Do you enjoy challenging yourself to be fitter and faster?
NEIC Mountain Bike Team
The North East Indiana Composite (NEIC) mountain bike team is a local team for middle and high school students in northeast Indiana who want to get involved in mountain biking.
Clever Chore Charts, and Steadfast Playful Moms
Each week we’d like to take a moment out and share a few snippets of moms in our area – doing what they do best – fortifying their families!
Fort 4 Fitness Spring Cycle
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Your Kids Really Need This.
Sometimes it is so important NOT to teach, but rather just to listen and affirm.
Looking for inexpensive college credits…
Considering that the average cost is $300 per 1 college credit hour, if any of your kids are college bound, it may be a good idea for the budget to take advantage of any opportunity to reduce the cost.
Downtown Auburn, Coming Up!
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Launching a Community
Welcome to the launch of Forti-fy!
Keto Joy!
Everything we know about the Ketogenic diet for Epilepsy, can be found here!
SCD Basics
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Vegan Basics
Vegan basics: There are 3 main groups of vegetarians; those that eat milk and eggs (lacto-ova), those that eat milk, but no eggs (lacto), and those that avoid all animal products (vegan).
Raw Food Basics
Raw Food basics: Eating only uncooked food, primarily fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains, seeds, nuts and nut milks.
Keto Basics
It’s all fat, baby! High fat, low carb and moderate protein.
Donna’s Sugar-Free, Flour-Free Recipes!
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Trim Healthy Mama Basics
The THM basics: The fundamental rule of THM is separating carbs from fats in every meal, but always include protein.
The ABC’s of Prioritizing
Donna shares her 2 simple rules.
Is Your Food Making You Sick?
One morning over breakfast, Robyn O’brien’s life changed as she watched her daughter’s face swell shut after eating the average breakfast of Eggo waffles, yogurt and eggs.
Paleo Basics
The basics of the paleo diet is one that consists mainly of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits nuts and seeds.
GAPS Basics
The GAPS diet has been instrumental in helping MANY people find good health – both physical and psychological.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Gardens
One of my favorite places is the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Gardens.
This is Insanity
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Greenmarch Farm
Horse riding opportunities for all ages and skill level!
Vitamix
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Restoring Civility
In a world torn apart by religious extremism on the one side and a strident secularism on the other, no question is more urgent than how we live with our deepest differences.