St. Patrick's Day Fun Schooling

I must admit this is the first year we have had a St. Patricks Day celebration, but I decided it was high time we rectified my negligence with some special fun schooling. I'm always up for any opportunity to celebrate life and learn with my family. It seemed all the more important to celebrate St. Patricks Day this year, with all the upheaval that is currently going on with the Corona Virus and quarantines. I am doing my upmost best to keep my family's life as normal as possible. After all it isn't their fault that this is happening during their little lifetime.

Thankfully there are so many free and cheap resources out there to help celebrate nearly every occasion. All it takes is a little time and intentionally research. Planning fun activities with your children does NOT have to be complicated or costly. Pinterest and the Dollar Store are my go-to places when I'm trying to put together a family celebration. But, don't freak out and think if you can't go over the top that your family will Not enjoy your special surprise ~ they don't care about the details, they only care that YOU tried and made THEM a priority.

When every one went to bed, the night before St. Patrick's Day, I set the table with festive tableware and decorated with supplies found at the Dollar Store and dollar spot at Target.

We made dyed green, chocolate chip muffins for breakfast. 

I printed off some coloring sheets found at Teachers Pay Teachers as well as an interactive notebook so we could study more about St. Patrick and how the holiday is celebrated. We also watched some Irish dancing on YouTube. 

Our sensory box included little green pots, foam clovers, plastic gold coins, pinchers, and dyed green white beans. I also found two St. Patrick Day necklaces that I added after this picture was taken.

The littles made a rainbow craft. I cut out a cloud that they colored and then they glued rainbow strips of construction paper to the cloud.

We did a fun science experiment with Skittles. 

We placed Skittle candies on a plate in a repeating pattern and then poured hot water in the center. Just enough water until it touched the Skittles. The hot water melted the color of the candies creating a rainbow of water.

We were super stoked about this activity, because so many of our projects do not turn out; but this one turned out perfect!

Last we made Rainbow Snack Bars 

My family loved the snack as it was a fun variation of Rice Krispie Treats. 

RAINBOW SNACK BARS

3 Tbsp butter of margarine

10 oz package of miniature marshmallows 

6 cups rainbow round cereal

Spray 9x13 baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. Pour cereal into a large bowl. In a medium sized pot melt the marshmallows and butter, stir continuously. Pour melted marshmallow mixture into cereal and stir. Coat hands with nonstick spray (if necessary) to mix thoroughly and pour into pan. Lightly smash into pan, spreading evenly. Let completely cool and then cut into bars.

As you can see I didn't spend a whole lot of money and we didn't go overboard celebrating St. Patrick's Day. We enjoyed some quality family time and made some amazing memories. As I have mentioned many times before, yes it took a little bit of my time to put this together, but in reality it didn't take more than an hour, and it was well worth it to me. Even if there wasn't things going on outside of our control, requiring us to spend more time at home, making every day count and living it to our fullest should always be a top priority. Never waste a single moment God gives us to live ~ for our lives are a precious gift from the Lord.

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer

Creating Your Own HIIT Workouts

It's no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of HIIT (high intensity interval training). I found HIIT almost eight years ago and it radically changed my health and fitness pursuits. I started with a 'paid-for' program called Fit Yummy Mummy which totally whipped me into shape and helped me to lose 50 pounds in about 4 months. Then, a few years later I went to another program by Dr. Sara Solomon, which further refined my health and fitness level, AND led me to my beloved speed roping! While I LOVED using both of these programs, I no longer follow them for my exercise routines, but create my own each month.

Over the years I have come to realize the importance of regularly changing up my workouts so that I do not plateau in my fitness journey. Every month I create two new HIIT workouts. I design two, 15 minute HIIT sequences (that I call my 'A' and 'B' workouts). I rotate these workouts every other day ~ 6 days a week ~ Monday through Saturday. I take Sundays off as a day of rest. 

To create my own workouts I utilize the following three easy steps:

1. Determine my time sequence: The bases of a HIIT exercise routine is doing a set amount of exercises as fast and as hard as you can for a set amount of time and then resting and/or setting up your next exercise. Some commonly used times would be a 30/30 (30 seconds of exercise and 30 seconds of rest) or 50/10 (50 seconds of exercise and 10 seconds of rest). I use a 50/10 split. Also I decide how long I plan to do my HIIT. Typically they are 15 to 20 minutes long. Currently I do two, 15 minute HIIT workouts, six days a week.
2. Decide my cardio: I prefer my workouts to be full body workouts and for them to include both cardio and strength training. I plan for every other exercise to be cardio. These days I'm doing speed roping for my cardio. But, some other exercises for cardio could include: high knees, bunny hops, speed skaters, jumping jacks, etc. These can easily be altered for low impact.
3. Decide my strength: I'm a huge believer in strength training for everyone! I use dumbbells, weighted balls, kettle bells, and sometimes body weight is sufficient for some exercises. As I mentioned above I rotate between cardio and strength training exercises, for my strength exercises I might do something like curls, squats, or planks, but the list could go on and on; as long as I'm using appropriate weights and intentional to continue to add weights as I get stronger. 

To help find exercises to use in my HIIT workouts, I peruse Pinterest and Instagram. There are so many folks out there sharing free exercises. I never copy them, but I gain inspiration from what they share to create my own exercise sequences. 

HIIT has changed my life in an extremely positive way. In a season of life where I am needed at home and have a very limited time to exercise, HIIT has been a life saver ~ or rather healthy mom lifesaver! I am able to get a highly effective workout completed every day, in the comfort of my own home, for relatively free, and actually see continues results. Seriously, it doesn't get better much better than that. HIIT has worked so well for me I can't imagine ever using anything else to reach my personal fitness goals.

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer

Mama's Skin Care

 Today I'm going to share my face skin care regiment. I'm a firm believer that women should take care of their skin, especially their face. Well men should too, but good luck with that, lol. My choice of skin care products is ever changing, and what I'm sharing today just so happens to be the products I am currently using. I love experimenting with other brands and products in my pursuit to keep my skin healthy. 

I kick off my day with a good face wash with Raw African Black Soap. I know weird right, trust me it's the best, I love it! This soap can be drying so use it with a good moisturizer. To help make it last longer I cut it into chunks and put the smaller chunks in a soap saver and then keep the remaining soap in a plastic baggy. 

After I wash my face in the morning I use this eye gel to help with under eye puffiness and discoloring. I also use it at night before I put on my moisturizer.

I use the Awake Human Facial Moisturizer in the mornings. It's extremely light and works wonderful under makeup.

 Before bed I start taking my makeup off with Clinque's 'Take the Day Off Makeup Remover'. I've only purchased this a couple times. It really works well, but is kind of pricey. More often than not, I simply use olive oil to take my eye makeup off. But, I will say that this stuff is AMAZING at removing false eyelashes!

These two products are an extremely pricey splurge, but so worth it if you ask me! I start with the exfoliating face wash and then use the Purity Made Simple face wash to make sure my face is squeaky clean.

I use this Rose Water as a toner after I wash my face. I've never been a big fan of the rose scent, but this product smells so light and refreshing, I just love using each night.

Next I apply my vitamin C serum. The tree of life brand is the best, and if you purchase from them they will send you an offer for a free bottle in return for leaving a review.

I also use the Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

I finish off my nightly skin care with this vitamin C moisturizer. It's a bit thicker and leaves my face a tad bit tacky, which is why I use it in the evenings and not during the day. But, I like the extra moisturizing at night, so it works for my preferences. 

Every Sunday I do a face mask. It's a great opportunity for a facial detox and deep cleaning. This is the current mask I am using.

Just like I shared yesterday with vitamins and supplements, skin care is personal and unique to each individual. These are the products I'm currently using, but they will most likely change and evolve as my needs change or I when want to try new products. I do not think age has any relevance as to when to start a skincare regiment, I started my daughter (and sons, but they're not as diligent as my daughter) when she was 13. The sooner a woman starts taking care of her skin the better!

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer

Current Vitamin Regiment

Today I'm going to share a quick post sharing all about the supplements I am currently taking. I'm not sharing for folks to inform me of what I should be taking, as I know that there are always better supplements out there, or ones that work better together. I'm continuously tweaking my vitamin regiment; trying new brands and adding or subtracting from my arsenal. For now these are the ones that are working best for me.

I'm going to begin with the vitamins I take in the morning. As most probably know, not all vitamins are suitable to take with other vitamins. Meaning mostly that the body cannot absorb certain vitamins when they are mixed with other vitamins. I am still trying to settle on a folate vitamin brand that I like and that fits my budget. Solgar is the current brand I am using. I am extremely diligent to take a folate supplement while I am still in my child bearing years as it is essential for babies in utero.

I do not always take iron, but since I did just have a baby two months ago I am taking it for now in the mornings.

Before I go to bed each night I take the next set of vitamins. Vitamin D3 is crucial for folks because most people don't get enough exposure to sunlight. This supplement helps tremendously with keeping the mind and body 'straight' during those long winters when the sun rarely shows it's beautiful face.

Vitamin D3 really needs to be taken with calcium and magnesium to help the body properly absorb it. Some folks even suggest taking D3 with vitamin K as well, but due to other health issues I have I cannot take the vitamin K.

At this season of life where I'm pushing the ripe old age of 40, I'm taking collagen to help with my joints, skin, hair, and nails.

If I could only choose two supplements it would be fish oil and my prenatal. I absolutely love this brand and what it does for my health. I take very high dosages of my fish oil and absolutely positively reap the benefits. I 100% believe every one should be taking a fish oil supplement, especially if they are in their child-bearing years.

 Rainbow Light is my favorite multi-vitamin whether I'm pregnant or not. I truly believe it is the best on the market and covers all the nutritional bases mothers have, plus it includes a probiotic. This vitamin is filled with whole foods and void of any of the bad stuff riddled in so many multivitamins!

Last but not least I take a B12 supplement. B12 deficiency can lead to excessive fatigue and brain fog. B12 is typically consumed through eating meat, but can be depleted easily through child birth and the demands of motherhood. I don't always take this supplement, because some seasons of life I consume more meat than others.

Taking vitamins is a personal journey and unique to each individual. I have a couple other vitamins that I add into the mix here and there depending on my own body's needs. I'm a firm belier that everyone should be on a continuous path to being better in tune with their body as they pursue optimum health. At the very least, everyone should be taking a multivitamin. But, don't just take whatever brand is readily available ~ research and find the healthiest, most affordable one that matches your health concerns.

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer

Why We Homeschool

Every family has their reasons as to what led them to homeschool, and honestly for us it wasn't just one reason and it wasn't what you probably think it was. Now, 15 years into homeschooling our reasons continue to grow and evolve. Even when we have really bad days or seasons of difficult homeschooling days our reasons WHY always supersede those challenges.

While we do not homeschool to 'school at home', we are continuously educating our children. It is a precious gift from the Lord, and we do not take it for granted. Homeschooling has always been apart of our lives and at this point I can't imagine what our lives will be like when our last child graduates. Thankfully, even if we don't have any more children, we're still looking at another 18 years of homeschooling, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

I will never profess to know it all when it comes to parenting, much less homeschooling. I do know without a shadow of a doubt that homeschooling is exactly how WE are supposed to educate our children. Yes, we have struggles along the way, and even days when I don't want to do it anymore, but the Lord always carries me through those 'dry' seasons. Holding on to the following reasons as to why we homeschool, always keeps me grounded and determined to finish the race God has set before me.

1. We don't want our children attending an establishment where God is not permitted
2. We believe the scriptures say that parents should train and teach their own children
3. We believe the scriptures say we should not be 'unevenly yoked' with non believers
4. We don't want our children taught false teachings such as in regards to science, history, and our government 
5. We don't want our children taught sex education without our consent
6. We don't vaccinate
7. Having our children at home allows for more flexibility in our schedule
8. Public and private school are both extremely expensive
9. We have several children with learning challenges and if they were in a traditional school environment we fear they would be forced to be on medication or neglected in their academic lessons
10. We also have one child with a depressed immune system and being in close proximity with other children who may be sick is not ideal
11. We don't want our children forced to learn things at someone else's pace just because they think it's whats supposed to done
12. We don't want our children in a bullying environment where there is little to no adult intervention

To be honest I could on and on about why we homeschool, because the reasons just keep growing as our world continues to spiral out of control with little to no morals or values.

Every parent has their reasons why they make certain choices regarding their children, especially as to where they will be educated. While I'm extremely passionate about homeschooling, I understand that each parent has to do what they feel is best. Our family's reasons to homeschool are unique to our family and may or may not resonate with other families. Thankfully God has given each family their own special journey to travel, there is no wrong our right way. For us it just so happens that homeschooling is the best choice for how we educate our children. 

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer

Biscuit Muffins

Okay y'all this has become one of my most favorite quick-bread recipes I have ever come up with! I have seriously been trying to tweak this recipe for several years now, and I think I've finally got it right. Yeah!!

Now, y'all know those days when you're making a meal, whether it's breakfast or dinner, and you want to make biscuits but you're short on time ~ this is the recipe for YOU! These biscuit muffins are super quick and easy to make, yet they have the same taste and texture of traditional biscuits. Seriously, you can slice them and slather them with butter or jelly and they are absolutely delicious. As much as I love traditional biscuits, in this busy season of life, these are now my go-to recipe for biscuits.

Biscuit Muffins

Ingredients
1 egg
1 cup of milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients. Scoop into greased muffin pan. Bale 15-20 minutes at 400*. Makes 1 dozen muffins.

I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure you could make these even healthier using whole wheat flour and olive oil. Baking regular biscuits can make quite the mess, but these create little to no mess. They are so easy to whip up, even the children can make them.

With a large family and a super busy schedule, easy and affordable recipes are my go-to. I don't have time to spend hours making meals or cleaning up after them. Yes, I try to feed my family decent meals, but I'm intentional to make them as quick, affordable, and as easy as possible. Recipes like these help make that possible. I hope y'all enjoy this biscuit muffin recipe as much as we do.

With Love & Hope
Jennifer

February at the Zoo

We were blessed with a family pass to the Birmingham Zoo from an extended family member this past Christmas. It was really an awesome gift for us because honestly, I'm just too cheap to pay for what it costs for our family to go to the zoo. When weighing out whether or not to purchase a family pass to the zoo, I always envision the dozen of activities I could plan and do with my children for the same price. It doesn't help that the zoo is a solid hour away. That's with no pitstops along the way (and lets face it there's always one who has to go to the bathroom in that *one* hour). 

Due to the size of our family, it's far more economical to purchase a yearly pass than to buy individual tickets. Which is why we were so grateful for the zoo pass. Plus half my kiddos had never even been to the zoo, so trust me when I say they were stoked to receive such a great gift!

Since the pass is good for 12 months, we are hoping to visit the zoo 12 times. Ideally this would be once a month, but that just isn't practical due to inclement weather. We missed visiting during the month of January, mostly because of the weather but also because Abby Lou was just a few weeks old. Since the weather cooperated twice in February we were able to go to the zoo twice. 

The first visit was just me and our nine youngest. (Our oldest lives on his own and is of course working full-time, since he is an adult, lol ~ but I still miss him, especially when we go on family adventures). The first trip to the zoo was an adventure to say the least. My three year old screamed the entire time, my five year old puked all over himself and the van on our way there, and then proceeded to NOT behave very well at all. UGH!! Thankfully, my children remember it as a fabulous time, but for this mama, fun would not be the word I'd use to describe that little zoo excursion.

Our family was able to work in another trip to the zoo with Daddy on Presidents Day. The weather was a little to cool for my comfort zone, but it was perfect for everyone else. We had a fabulous time, and everyone was extremely well behaved. We ended up staying for three hours and then we concluded the trip with a picnic outside the zoo premises. 

It was wonderful to be able to experience the zoo twice in one month. We were able to see different animals each time. We are all looking forward to watching and experiencing the zoo transform throughout the seasons. Hopefully, since March is upon us, it won't be long before we can plan another trip to the zoo.

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer