This entire school year I have been wanting to do a day in the life of homeschool post. Mainly I wanted to document this journey for myself so I have it to look back on in the years to come. This year has been so amazing in so many ways, but this mama is tired at the end of day. Once the kids are asleep, I am usually fighting sleep myself on the sofa at 8:30 p.m.. I was determined to get a day in the homeschool life post done before the end of the school year. And I got as far getting the morning somewhat documented. But I am totally ok with that. The year hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows and some days have been really hard trying to figure out how to mom, teach, clean, cook, etc.. Homeschooling has taught me to have more patience and to also be more flexible. This year has been a new learning curve for me in many ways but I would 100% do it all over again if given the choice. It has been a joy and privilege to watch my kids learn and to help in that process. 5:45 … [Read more...]
Total Conditioning Xtreme Workout
When I worked at Lifetime Fitness, almost eight years ago, they offered a class called TCX (Total Conditioning Xtreme). TCX was my favorite class to teach and take. It was the perfect blend of strength and cardio for 60 minutes. I like to go through my old workouts from time to time and came across this workout from when I was teaching group fitness at Lifetime. If you don't have a step you do all the exercises on level ground. The only other thing you will need is a set of heavy and medium weights. The workout features six different sets of exercises. For set 1 do the pushups, sit-ups, and burpees, and then rest for 30 seconds before doing another round. Once you have finished all three rounds rest for 60 seconds before starting the next set. This entire workout should take an 45 minutes to an hour to complete. If you only have 20 or 30 minutes pick several sets for a modified version of this workout. If you really want to challenge yourself perform each round at a … [Read more...]
My 8 Year Old Son’s Favorite Book Series
I am fortunate that my son Caden enjoys reading but it can be tricky sometimes finding the right books for your kid. Which is why I am always excited when I come across a book series that we both truly enjoy. These book series are mom approved and don't have much bathroom humor in them. I am looking at you Captain Underpants. Without anymore chitchat, that will be at the end of the post, here is what my 8 year old says are his favorite book series. Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol Each book contains ten mysteries, and not only does Encyclopedia have a chance to solve them, but the reader is given all the clues as well. Caden read a few of these to me and they were challenging. Not going to lie, there was a few that I couldn't figure out right away. I think he is currently on book 5 in this series and still enjoying them. The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls by M.J Thomas The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, … [Read more...]
Using Our America The Beautiful Pass In The Tonto National Forest
Last week we ordered our America the Beautiful Pass from the Tonto National Forest. Right now because of COVID you can't buy your pass in person but you can order over the phone. I spoke with Kyle who was super helpful from the Mesa Ranger District. I ordered our pass and he had it in the mail to us that day and it arrived the next morning. If you are unfamiliar with the America The Beautiful Pass it is a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass that allows the public to access some fee areas without additional charge. This is a very cost effective way to see multiple sites across the United States. We purchased our pass mainly for use in the Tonto National Forest when we go paddle boarding. In hindsight we should have bought a yearly pass over the summer because we spent $8 on a day pass each time we went to the river and lake. Had we bought one at that time it would have well over already paid for itself. Tonto National Forest only allows you to use this … [Read more...]
Highlights From The First Days Of 2021
Happy 2021! Here are a few of our highlights from the first days of 2021. I hope you had yours have had a nice ease in to the new year also. Fireworks Our neighbors did not disappoint. We didn't even have to go outside to see fireworks and could stay warm and cozy inside the house and enjoy the show. Bible Reading Plan I started my new Bible reading plan this weekend. While I enjoyed the one I did last year I didn't finish it as it was written. So I decided this year I needed to go with something not as structured. I am doing The Legacy Plan this year. This plan allows you to read at your own pace and each month lists what books of the Bible to read. For January I am reading Genesis and Exodus, 1 chapter of Proverbs daily, and 3 chapters of Psalms a week. PS...I am loving these nail polish strips from Dashing Diva. I have had these on since before Christmas and they are still going strong. Walks and Talks Josh worked on New Years Eve and had a super … [Read more...]
What Was Good In 2020
2020. So much could be said about you. What a year. Ugh. Getting to Christmas this year felt like a victory to me. We made it to Christmas. Everyone was healthy and even though it was just the six of us at home it was perfect. I actually loved not running around to multiple houses and just being home all day with Josh and kids. While there is so much that could be said about how awful 2020 was I am going to focus my last post of the year on what was good. My Anxiety My anxiety crippled me after Maisie was born and I am just so thankful I put the work in when I did at that time. Because I honestly don't know how I would have coped this year. I still had cry in the shower moments and I am sure I will have more going forward, so please don't take this as everything was great. But mentally I am so much better. Thank you Jesus for your goodness and grace. Please know it is ok to not be ok and there is nothing wrong with you if you need counseling or medication for … [Read more...]
