I can remember the summer before our oldest went to preschool. I continued to second guess myself in the weeks leading up to his first day of the twice weekly class he would be going to for a combined 5 hours a week. Were we making the right choice? Would he be ok? Would I be ok? And many more anxiety filled questions that were very similar. And here is a little spoiler alert for all you parents with little babies. These questions, at least in my experience, continue to happen for each new milestone. I don't think you can really understand this emotional roller coaster if you aren't a parent. At the time I was just 6 months out of counseling for postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth to our daughter. During the second week of preschool, I entered a room of 30 women+ women who I had never met to attend a weekly bible study that was held at the church where my child attended school. Clutching my Bible, I felt scared, my anxiety was choking me, but I knew I needed to be … [Read more...]
2018 East Valley Family Fun Summer Guide (That Won’t Break The Bank)
Local blog readers, last year I did a post that contained free or inexpensive activities around the East Valley. It was one of the more popular posts on the blog last year and I thought I would bring it back for 2018. I have lived in this area for 27 years and I feel I have a pretty good idea of the local spots that are fun, free/inexpensive, or air conditioned to hit up during the summer months. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but this is a list of things that our kids enjoy or we think they will enjoy this summer, we enjoy doing with them, and also do not cost much money. Without further delay here is the updated list for 2018! EAST VALLEY SPLASH PARKS Our community has so many splash parks! Many master planned neighborhoods are featuring these in the parks surrounding new homes. I know there are probably many more that I could have included in this list. CHANDLER Spray pads operated by the city run 9am-7pm May through August and 10am-6pm September through … [Read more...]
The MUTU System Program Review
This is not a sponsored review. I purchased the MUTU System Program with my own money and have not been compensated for this post. I highly recommend this program and because I loved it so much I became an affiliate. This means that if you purchase this product from my links I will earn a small commission Thank you for helping to support this blog and our family. Several weeks ago my kids asked me to come and jump on the trampoline with them in the backyard. This is something I do occasionally and actually enjoy doing. On this beautiful Arizona breezy afternoon I was showing my kids a few of my cool moves, in reality I was only jumping and attempting to do the splits in the air, when I landed I realized that my pants were slightly damp. Not really thinking anything of it I continued to bounce with childlike abandon and as I did my bladder continued to slowly release itself. I knew then it was time to call it quits when my son asked what had happened to my grey leggings … [Read more...]
What I Learned About Church From Reading The Bible
This past summer I read an article that talked about how gyms and other secular communities are starting to fill spiritual and social needs for many nonreligious people. And this really got me thinking... What Is The Purpose & Definition of Church? And why can't I make my hobby or activity my own personal worship service? If my intentions and thoughts are God honoring while participating in an activity can I skip church on the weekend? What if I am listening to a sermon? Which led me back to my Bible. Here is what the Bible says about the church and how it is recognized: Teaching and preaching the Word of God. (Colossians 3:15) Providing fellowship and accountability. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Communion and baptisms. (Acts 2:42) Biblical leadership. (Ephesians 4:11-13, Titus 1:5-9) Sharing the gospel mission and discipleship. (Matthew 28:19-20) The word church comes from two separate greek words. Ekklesia --> gathering of citizens called out from home into a public … [Read more...]
30 Minute Treadmill & Upper Body Workout
Last week I programmed this 30 minute workout for my personal training clients. We finished up the session with some mobility work and foam rolling. You could also repeat this if you are wanting a 60 minute workout. I rarely, if ever, anymore workout for 60 minutes ;). But the option is there if you want it. When you get to the upper body section you will do the first and second exercise listed and then repeat both before moving on. Thanks for reading! And I always love to know what you think if you try a workout from this blog. … [Read more...]
How Family Discipleship Works in Our Home
For the last 6 months our family has been reading, studying, and memorizing scripture together, and using a shorter catechism. Josh and myself did not grow up in homes where this was modeled. So if we can do this anyone can. I know I am always so thankful to read examples of what this looks like in other families and thought that I would offer out a very basic outline of what we are doing. First and foremost, if you as the parent aren't committing to read your Bible it will be hard, to nearly impossible, to make a habit of family discipleship with your kids. In order for this to work you have to be in God's word yourself. This year I am reading a chronological version of the Bible. Josh is using The Bible Project reading plan. Second, pick a time of day that works for your family and be consistent. But also be aware that leading your children to follow Christ should be happening throughout the day. For our family breakfast time Monday - Friday is what has been working best. I … [Read more...]
