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Switched up our school work today. I love that sch

Switched up our school work today. I love that school at home means we can bend and flex when we need to to accommodate the kids’ interests-or our moods. 😃

Desert life equals a landscape of rocks, so we painted some then worked on some math. After that the kids did their chores (see my IGTV video for a free printable chore chart). Flex days help us reset. 🥰

#schoolathome #homeschool #schoolwork #flexday #flexibleschooling #quarantine #quarantinelife #quarantineandchill #quarantineschool #teachermom #momathome #moms #momlife #stayathome #stayhome #stayathomemom #workathome #workathomemom

Getting the goals. @proform #runner #motherrunner

Getting the goals. @proform #runner #motherrunner #socialdistancing #athomeworkout #health #goals #getit #run #flattenthecurve

Shelter in place? It is suggested to stay home? Ok

Shelter in place? It is suggested to stay home? Ok. I have my favorite people to be “stuck at home” with anyway. Don’t have to twist my arm to force me to spend more time with this crew. #myfavorites #quarantine #quarantinelife #shelterinplace #givemeshelter #myshelterfromthestorm #mypeople #sanctuary #shelter #safetynet #lovethem #familytime #covıd19 #focus

Time to make another batch of elderberry syrup wit

Time to make another batch of elderberry syrup with Ningxia wolfberries. Can’t take enough preventative precautions.
Keep those natural wellness tools stocked up my friends. These are crazy times.
What are you doing to care for your families in this time?

#elderberry #diy #makeathome #kitchenwellness #naturallivingeasyroute #moms #takecharge #wellness #crazytimes

She is organizing by color. Must be my child. 😂

She is organizing by color. Must be my child. 😂🥰✅ #green #yellow #red #colorpersonality #greenyellow #organization #oilymama #oilykiddos #instakids #instamom #springcleaning #springtime #colors #nler #naturallivingeasyroute #stayathomemomsurvivalguide #sahms #sahm #daughter #likemotherlikedaughter #spiritanimal #tidyup

Being a mom is just about the best job ever. When

Being a mom is just about the best job ever. When I miscarried I set myself up for not being able to have children. It was mental preparation for disappointment. Funny now with four kids my hands are legitimately full every single day. When you see me with my crew and you say, “Your hands are full,” I will agree with you. I may not have a smile on my face in the nitty gritty serious moments of parenting and juggling life, but nothing makes my heart feel full like these kids. They make every day a mission and a reward. Full hands, full heart, full life.
#gratitude #thankful #bestjobever #realmom #realmoms #realmomlife #noperfection #fullyblessed #blessings #blessed #myfamily #stayathomemoms #sahmlife

After having panic attacks during my husband’s l

After having panic attacks during my husband’s last deployment, I made the choice to prevent rather than feel like a victim. I felt the weight of anxiety for most of my life. It enslaves you! Emotional balance is not something people realize that oils can help manage. With a direct route to our brain, our sense of smell delivers emotional balancing oils right to the part they can best support. We can not reach our highest potential, or any level of success on the range, if our emotions hold us hostage to growth. Growth happens in the moments of overwhelm when we choose to learn and succeed through them rather than slink away and avoid. Challenges occur daily! It is not always easy to face our mountains, but having a plan in place for reaching the top successfully is achievement already.
Do you avoid challenge and conflict or try to push the handling of it onto someone else? Feel overwhelmed on a daily basis?

#momlife #lifebalance #actionsteps #natureworks #anxiety #stress #life #moms #realmom #realmoms #reallife #strength #balance #marriage #militarylife #deployment #goals #successpath #stepstosuccess #breakthrough

Yes you can take a nap on my shoulder. #qualitytim

Yes you can take a nap on my shoulder. #qualitytime #momsandkids #snuggle #letthembelittle #soakupthemoments #momtime #mothers #nap #cuddle #6yearsold #twin #boymom #raisingboys #boyswholovetheirmamas #moms #realmoms #momlife

I almost quit. It had been months since I publish

I almost quit.
It had been months since I published a new blog post. I had only been able to maintain a once a week short video class when it came to my natural wellness page. The time needed to homeschool and maintain the home on a daily basis left me with very few quality chunks of time to work on my businesses.

Even hiring contributing writers had to be tabled because I did not have open time on weekends anymore to sit, edit and publish.
Then, after praying about it, trying to get Trent’s opinion, and finally feeling the relief of divine guidance, I actually assessed my 1099s for the year.
After reducing the monthly number of my Young Living classes, and not even publishing a new blog post since Oct, my income made me realize how amazing these two businesses really are to keep active no matter my pace.

My family is my number 1. My personal goals include them but they are not my only goals for my life.
The realization hit me that comparing hours put in to my businesses and money received from them, these two income streams are a gift.
When I can run with them, my income shows that. When I need to adjust my pace, I still earn.
When I actually get back to regular office hours, as the kids become more independent with their schoolwork and chores, my income will only go up. I was surprised by what it was with my reduced hours anyway!

I told Trent the numbers and he finally offered up that opinion I was waiting to hear. “If they earn money, then keep doing them.” I am settled in to that reality. I am amazed that these two business opportunities found this mama who wants to work at home and have as flexible a schedule as possible...because kids require a lot of time even as they get older.
I am blessed to be able to give them mine.
#motherhoodinspired #momismyjob #homebased #workingmom #residualincome #workingpassions #blogging #bloggerincome #blogmama #stayathomemomblog #stayathomemom #sahmsurvivalguide #sahmguide #moms #lovethelifeyoulive #balanceinmotherhood #motherhood #worklifebalance

They keep track of me as much as I look after them

They keep track of me as much as I look after them.
I often think about what my days would be like if my kids all were in school. All the open time to clean the house, help in their classrooms and maybe even sit and read.
Yes my day is structured around them but with them home we all clean the house. We sit and read together. I only have one classroom in which to work: mine.
The trials of homeschooling are many, and the blessings and perks are many too. We are a team - on the good days and the bad ones.
#mypeople #worktogether #parenting #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschooling #Godled #hometeam #familyfirst #personalgoals #familygoals #workingtogether #moms #realmoms #realmom #goodday #bestday #livelife #lifegoals #gifts #blessings #momoffour #desertlife #29 #29palms #wallstreetmill #joshuatree

⏩⏩⏩Mindset shift⏪⏪⏪ What if you are bl

⏩⏩⏩Mindset shift⏪⏪⏪ What if you are blessed to be able to handle more than what causes someone else to buckle and break?
That feeling of wanting someone to sympathize and empathize while offering to unload some of your burdens may be fear lying to you. 😱
You are not over burdened or carrying too much. 💪

You are given the inner strength to handle it. 💛

What if you are not deprived to not have what you seek? 🤯
You may be saved from a damage or disappointment that can only be seen by One who knows all. 🙌

We can carry our blessings and our perceived burdens. We are strong enough.
You may not have a friend clued into what you lack; you may not have a village to jump in to pull you up when you feel you are drowning.

You have an unending well to quench your thirst and be all that you need.
You have the ability to make it through because you were made to carry it no matter how heavy it feels. It is a joy and not depressing.
You have already succeeded. 🌟 “We were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God...made us alive with Christ.” Ephesians 2:35

#faithinaction #madeforthis #healthymama #lifebalance #lifeinbalance #faithfirst #Jesus #Ephesians #faithmama #motherhoodinspired #realmoms #realmom #failures #challenges #wants #needs #perception #reality #mindset #mindsetshift #grow #growth #growthmindset

She did not like what I made for dinner, so she ma

She did not like what I made for dinner, so she made her own. She does not like what I make most nights. 😂

I foresee a lot of culinary skills being learned by her. #lifeskills #momlife #thisisparenting #onemealforall #nopickyeatersallowed #makeyourown #makeityourself #kidsinthekitchen #kidscooking #kidscancook #pbj #sheis6 #stubborn #learningaswego #parenting #parentingjourney #realparenting #dinnertime

I am the mom who is excited about her kids growing

I am the mom who is excited about her kids growing up.
Last night I realized how far we have come as a family. I have focused full time on these kids for 12 years now. I have at least another 12 to go.
Half way.
I do not wish away the days - although some days are HARRRRD.
I am excited for 12 more years of kids at home. I am grateful for the 12 I have completed. I look forward to all that I will do for them, with them, and to reach any goals God places in my path from now going forward.
We only get more free time mamas.
We do not have to cringe at what we have “given up” for our families. We can be grateful that those life goals could be set aside to focus on them.
It is amazing to see the fruits of my labors and know I have the time to spend to help each child of mine leave my home prepared for the world and with a good perspective of the work it takes to raise a family.
They are my best work. But they don’t remain my work forever. It is precious, waning time.
#givemyall #lifegoals #perspective #notsad #contentment #seasonsoflife #seasonsofmotherhood #moms #sahmlife #investing #familytime #qualitytime #kingdomwork #timeisfleeting #giveittogod #workhard #soakitup #themoments #preciousjourney #journey #life #momlifekeepingitreal #happiness #mindset #mindsetiseverything #lookingforward #allthatistocome

Sixteen years ago we got engaged. It was not spect

Sixteen years ago we got engaged. It was not spectacular, other than Dale Jr won the Daytona 500 a few hours later and for the fact that we committed for forever. That is pretty spectacular.

When you know your love as a friend first, there is no romantic pedestal on which to place each other. No dramatic shows are put on because the comfort level and knowledge of each other is so deep at the start.
He saw me post-surgery back in high school, has witnessed me sick for days on the couch when my disease was active, knows my deepest flaws, and ignores them on a daily basis.
I know his biggest mistakes, have seen him at his least glorious, but focus on how his strengths cover my weaknesses.
Here we are 2 months from the 16th anniversary of our marriage that took place at the courthouse in Minneapolis. (We had a church wedding a year later too.) I do not regret a day, but I am constantly amazed at how when you work hard to build a strong marriage (good kids, great friendships, anything successful) it is not a walk in the park.
It is hard work.
Every day, daily work, and some days we get tired.
But, with prayer, focus on a strong relationship, and all our prayer warriors out there rooting for us, we are still focused on being each other’s forever.
Cheers to reflecting on how far we’ve come. 📷: Little Fox Portraits by Jessica

#love #loveforever #marriagegoals #workinghard #forforever #flawsandbeauty #unconditional #marriagevows #engagement #engagementanniversary #wecommitted #withGodallthingsarepossible #mylove #hardwork #marriageishard #prayers #prayerwarriors #prayforyourmarriage #Godled #notperfect #contentisbetterthanperfect #comfort #myperson #bestfriends #support #bff #lifegoals #together #togetherisbetter

I am amazed at their independence. The twins make

I am amazed at their independence.
The twins make their own hot chocolate in the morning. Everett and Abby make their own lunches. They all get dressed and ready for the day on their own.

Abby gets her school work done on her own and goes directly to her chore chart to knock those out.
Everett knows my parenting boundaries so well he frequently reminds his siblings before I even can.
Do they have their weak areas too? Ummm, yep!
One aspect of homeschooling is that I see their life skill weaknesses and their academic weaknesses so clearly. That means they do not get to set them aside. Reminders, one-on-one interventions, groundings, the word “no,” all occurs a lot every day.

I see it fuel their independence even more.

In my house, the rules stand, but that does not mean that all lessons taught will travel with them to their own homes one day. That is ok. All I can do is focus on what I hope they learn based on my perspective.
Ultimately, the messy ones will probably marry neat freaks. The high strung ones will find calming friends or spouses. Their independent spirits and time spent together will fuel their ability to be interdependent in life.

I know they do not have to be great at everything. Their weaknesses will always teach them more than their strengths-and bring them closer to God which is the end-goal. They just need to humbly know that what they can do is great, what they struggle with is part of living life, and where they are weak they should ask for help.
It is so cool to experience their entire range every day. Not one moment of time with these kids is a waste. 📷: @littlefoxportraits
#motherhoodisthebest #lifeswork #blessings #mykids #lovethem #thebestjob #stayathomemom #sahm #sahmlife #sahmomlife

Please tell me I am not the only mom who makes the

Please tell me I am not the only mom who makes the kids wait until morning to try the muffins while I eat 2 after they are in bed. 🤷‍♀️ #theyeatandeat #fourkids #biggrocerybill 🤣

We are entering the teen years soon. There is some

We are entering the teen years soon. There is something about the oldest, isn’t there? The first one for you to teach. The first to test your parenting boundaries. The first to build your parenting chops. This kiddo is inching his way - fairly quickly - to a new level of maturity, challenges and stage of life. The boy/girl groups are forming. I feel entrenched in learning how to guide him through puberty, young love, and teen relationship. They are all coming and there is no way to know what is the right thing to say or correct method to use to encourage honest conversations while guarding his heart to so much growth ahead. I ordered a set of books written from a Christian perspective to help me. Others’ experiences when they hold similar values are invaluable. I will let you know how it all goes as we usher in a whole new chapter of my parenting experience. He is a precious gift and treasure. I pray to usher him into the teen years and adulthood encouraging a positive joyful mindset. He is going to do so much good in the world. 💛 How did your parenting change or grow as your children grew into teenagers and adults? Any great resources that you recommend?

Not gonna lie. I started too many reading projects

Not gonna lie. I started too many reading projects this year.
Everybody Always is on pause because our Ludwig neighborhood Bible study started back up. Spending time with Trent in the evenings when he is home means my only reading time of the day is after he goes to bed.
Homeschool moms, when do you get time to read during the day-something other than curricula?

I am a pro at posting pics where I do not look my

I am a pro at posting pics where I do not look my best. That is real life. As a homeschooling mom of 4 whose husband is military with crazy hours, being confident despite not always being perfectly polished heading into my day is just everyday life. I love the lesson it teaches my kids. If I am not overly focused on looking perfectly put together all the time, they do not learn to hyper focus on that which in turn means they are not paying attention to whether others are put together or not. It eliminates that tendency to judge. Today of all days, a remembrance of #MLKJr the last thing we need to do is stress about what we look like. Substance matters more. Passion in your calling/work/lifestyle matters more. Let’s focus deeper. Let’s teach our kids to value the inner and outer actions rather than obsessing over looking on trend or perfect. Balance is reached a whole lot easier when we focus on the important things first and most. I pray for that for you, for me, and for our children. How do you teach your kids substance over surface? Any tips to share? #parenting #lifestyle #goals #welivewhatwevalue #valuewhatisimportant #values #Jesus #innerbeauty #actions #mlkjrday #learn #love #impact #newMein90

Personal growth with the cul de sac ladies. #maxlu

Personal growth with the cul de sac ladies. #maxlucado #tenwomenbiblestudy #groupstudy #biblestudy #personalgrowth #reading #books #learneveryday #Jesus #Christian #faithfirst #powerfulwomen #mostimportant #moms

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