Category: Family

Categories
christian mom christianity Family Fitness

I Carry for…

Carry the Carry Forward Project is a Virtual 5k raising fund and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project is a fundraiser that is near and dear to my heart.

For the last ten years around Memorial Day, I think about my little cousin Alex who would be thirty-one years this year, but he was fatally wounded in combat.  Ten years ago in my Uncle received news that his oldest son Alex had died in Afghanistan. My entire family still grieves for this loss, especially my Uncle and his siblings. It has particularly haunted my Uncle for the past decade. We will never get over the loss. 

Wounded Soldiers

We all miss his radiating smile and dimples.  He was always eager to help and a caring big brother—a witty sense of humor and willingness to serve.  When Alex joined the army, it was no surprise.  He was proud to serve his country. Our family has endured many wounds.

My father, stepfather, aunts, uncles, grandfather, grandmother, and great grandfather all served the United States Military. The duty that soldiers possess for their country. I’ve always found admirable.  I look up to so many of these people in my family and am proud of their service for the freedom of our country. Its something they choose to do, which includes sacrifices.  Maybe because my father was a soldier and you look up to your father. My grandfather was a distinguished man that also set the example. I have the utmost respect for those who serve our country so that we can practice our freedoms.  

Wounded Warrior Project

This year I partnered with “Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to help further their extraordinary mission of honoring and empowering wounded warriors! We’re bringing awareness to the WWP Carry Forward® 5K, delivered by CSX®,  a powerful and unifying experience that raises mission-critical funds for services and resources for wounded veterans. “This is an opportunity for me to support a cause I learned about two years ago actively. 

Last year, I raised funds through my Ms. Muscle and Fitness, where I made it two 6th place with your support. The funds raised during the voting period was to the Wounded Warrior Project.  This year I am doing things differently and putting “movement to this mission.” I am passionate about offering veterans services and tools for them to heal from service.  It is important to care for those who cared for us.

I carry forward

I was taught about sacrifice and allegiance for our country at a young age.  As an adult, I now have deep empathy and compassion for the families of the armed forces.  I partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project to participate in a Virtual 5k to bring awareness and recognition to this organization serving our wounded veterans.

I am not a runner, but I do enjoy a run.  During COVID 19, I have running to be a great time to reflect.  This Virtual 5K was so much different because I was carrying for the people in my family that I have respected and admired. Their allegiances and servitude for the people of our country are admirable, considering the present state. Yet, they serve, and some of them die in honor like my cousin Alex.  Others come home wounded not only physically but some mentally, and that is equally debilitating, and their servitude goes unnoticed.  

Carry Forward is Unique

Running a 5k carrying weight is a humbling experience, and carrying my almost seventy-pound six-year-old as a representation of our fallen soldiers. I carried a weight to represent the responsibilities veterans carry while serving our country. As I ran, I was brought to tears thinking of the man Alex could have been. It’s a unique and powerful way to honor the brave and heroic women and men who serve our armed forces veterans. 

The experience was moving and reflective. I have never run a 5k and had that experience.  Its something that you have to do for yourself and you can.  I ended the race carrying Mimi to symbolize the responsibilities veterans c while serving our country. I carry for my family, my cousin Alex Hernandez, and other families of veterans of the United States. I encourage and invite you to do the same.

Right now, with coupon code FREEDOM, you can join this movement for FREE and participate in a Virtual 5k! 

To join, just click here and share who you are carrying for…let’s recognize these heroes and bring awareness to the Wounded Warrior Project. 

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Categories
Battle of Motherhood christian mom christianity Faith Journey Family Online Bible Study

Encouraged by “Grace looks amazing on you”

Grace looks amazing on you is a 100 day devotional with personal stories, scriptures, and reflections of God’s grace. Such an excellent book for encouragement.

I received the Grace looks Amazing on your 100 Day Devotional for free to review and post. Although, I received the devotional as a gift. My opinions are my own. My Full Disclosure Policy

Searching for Amazing Grace amongst Anxiety

Anxiety has risen high in the last two weeks for me, and when fear creeps in, that is a sure sign that I am not intimately concerning Christ. I’m doing it on my own, and I am not that strong in the gym and especially mentally.  That is what has appealed so much to me in Christ is peace.  Peace from the worry, what if’s, racing thoughts, problematic outcomes, the world is ending scenarios that can plague my dark mind.  But where there is light, there can be no darkness, and that is how I know that I am not leaning on Christ.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Grace looks amazing on you, not self-reliance.

Because I want to be in control, I want to understand, and I want to know the end of all this, but it’s not for me to know.  I am to abide and trust in Him.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” Proverbs 3:5

Every day I wakeup a sinner saved by grace and; Without God, my sinful nature will always take over my second nature, and here we are now.  I am all over the place with my moods, either enthusiastic or utterly incapable of functioning.  I need Jesus!

 

You can find amazing grace through prayer.

Prayer is an immediate peace provider for me. Its the ultimate remedy for my anxious thoughts, but I also need time in the Word. I was learning more about the heroic story of Jesus how He died for me because He loved me like no other.  

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God revealing His amazing grace

Right now, with my Online Bible Study group, which was a thing that a group of friends and I did before COVID began.  We are almost a year into studying the Word together online.  In late February, throughs God’s urging, we decided to explore the book of Hebrews.  As we slowly navigate through Hebrews, I am deeply reminded of God’s divine plan from the beginning of existence. His love and His amazing grace.

Grace looks Amazing on you 100 Day Devotional Book

I am also reading a devotional that I received as a gift from Amy Sieffert called grace is a breath of fresh air. Every morning I am reminded that despite my hot mess, I am His masterpiece. His love is unconditional, and that is something that I need to hear these days as anxious thoughts tell me differently.  This devotional is so relatable as Amy shares her failures and God’s redemption through it all. I often think of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as my redemption, but I am being redeemed in Christ every day.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23

Grace looks amazing on you as a daily devotion.

Each day begins with a Scripture and a personal incident Amy where she was able to see the grace of God.  As a mother of three unpredictable girls, it’s kind of refreshing to see Amy’s take on the struggles of motherhood and that we’re not alone in our insecurities and mishaps.  It has been such a blessing to get deeply study God’s Word through Hebrews, and to have this gracedevotional every morning. It is a 100-day devotional.

This is an excellent gift for the woman in your life that needs to be reminded that although she is flawed, she is ultimately loved by Him. I am not a medical or mental doctor, but I do believe in the power of God, but I want to say it does not replace a mental health specialist if you need to speak to someone.  I was in therapy for many years for my anxiety and have gotten many tools to help cope.  

We need to invest in our mental health.

We have to honor our temples inside and out, especially now, and if you need help in any area. Spirit, mind, and body, I want to encourage you to seek them out.

Amy Sieffert has a giveaway for her book happening until 5/10/20, so enter to win. Make sure you come through here and get the opportunity to see God’s amazing grace through Amy’s eyes and encouragement through her book.

Is there a favorite devotional you have when you are anxious?

 

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Categories
Children christian mom Family

Fish Oil Supplements for Kids


I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.                  My Full Disclosure policy

Every day I give my children a fish oil for kids, a multi-vitamin, and prebiotic.  These supplements provide me with peace of mind when it comes to my children’s nutrition.  Often, I fight with one of my girls on eating well and nourishing food. Although, I am a personal trainer, my children didn’t catch the memo that they need to eat all things healthy.  Instead, they opt for something like pizza and boxed mac n cheese any day.  Don’t get me wrong they eat fruits and vegetables too, but I don’t think they get enough to meet their essential vitamin needs.

Supplements are a great tool to help kids get what they need

When you say you give your kids supplements, you often get a dirty look. I know as a child, I took supplements.  My Mom gave my Flintstone vitamins daily.  I thought it was a fun candy treat. I didn’t realize it was filling in the gaps for where my nutrition was lacking.  I never considered giving my daughter a supplement for omega-3s until I heard all the positive benefits. I give my children supplements because it gives me peace of mind; they are getting all they need daily.

fish oil for kids

Benefits of Fish Oil for Kids

There are many benefits to people who take a supplement for Omega-3, which is an excellent addition to a balanced diet.  The Omega 3’s and 6s found in quality fish oil can help nurture and maintain healthy brain function.  It’s great to improve and maintain eye health as well as nervous system health.  There have also been studies that show an association with behavior and temperant in children and their consumption of fish oil.

Bioglan Fish Oil for Kids

Finding a Quality Fish Oil for kids

I try to be aware and make informed choices on supplements for my girls and myself.  I have recently been introduced to Bioglan Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil.  My girls love the fun Burstlets. Each burstlet is shaped like little “fishies,” as my daughter calls them as she requests to take hers daily.  When you twist the tail and squeeze, you get tasty fish oil. There is no fishy taste because Kids Smart Chewable Burstlets are micro-encapsulated. , so there is no fish taste! Instead, it tastes like Grape, Orange, and other fun flavors.  They’re so tasty Milah always wants more Burstlets.

Why are Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets better than other Fish Oil Supplements for Kids?

Kids Smart Chewable Burstlets provides more than ten times the fish oil than most kids supplements on the market.  They are gluten, yeast, wheat, and dairy-free supplements.  Kids Smart High DHA fish oil chewable burstlets also contains two essential omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic known as (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid known as EPA. Both of these fatty acids are essential because the body does not produce them on their own.  The only way to get these essential fatty acids is through foods high in them or supplements.  Most kids won’t eat enough fish to get the benefits of DHA and EPA.  That’s why I supplement mine with these fun chewable capsules that have a tasty berry flavor.

Where can I find Kids Smart High DHA fish oil chewable burstlets?

If you’re looking to give your children a better quality, higher potency, and tasty chewable supplement, I want to recommend Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets.  They come in a 30 count bottle or 180 counts.  Use this link to purchase yours today?

Do you give your children fish oil?

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Categories
Fitness Marriage

7 Fun Fit Dates for Couples

 

Finding New Ways to Date your Spouse

Love is in the air well at least that’s what the commercial said yesterday and the thought of going on a normal date is so boring these days.  I much rather enjoy a fit date with my love. Valentine’s isn’t our thing! Yes, we think love should be celebrated every day.  Just like most holiday’s I appreciate the fact that there has been a National Holiday to remind people to show the one they love some extra special attention. After 14 years of marriage, dating can get old and dull. We find when we do things that get us moving we have a blast, lots of laughs and memories that dinner and a movie just no longer compares.

Fitness Dates are Memorable

We’re not big on giving gifts to each other but aske me out on a fit date and I am ready to go. Although, I do love fresh cut flowers, but I have an expensive habit of buying those weekly when I go to the produce stand. I am not a big chocolate lover and hanging out with all of the couples’ of South Jersey at dinner is not my idea of romance. My husband is my best friend, and I feel like life is too short to celebrate our love with dinner and a movie. I want to make memories! I much rather invest in moments than physical gifts.  This year we decided to look for something active and fun to do as a couple.

Get Fit Together

Getting fit together is an excellent way to strengthen the bonds of your relationship. Some of our ideas are our inner kids screaming for some fun and others are just things that we would like to do together. Regardless of the activity spending time together, challenging ourselves and getting active is how we choose to spend this Valentine’s Day!

7 Fun Fitness Date Ideas

  1. Bowling- Depending on what you’re trying to experience bowling can be an easy fun, fit date. That’s if you’re not snacking on fries and beer the entire time. It’s also an excellent way to share the fun with other couples. Whether it’s Duck Pin, Black Light or Turbo Bowling I’m sure there be less of a wait on Valentine’s Day
  2. Skating– Oh yeah, old school four-wheel style right? Or you can strap on the Roller blades and reminisce to middle school! At least, those were my memories. Skating is an excellent and fun way to get fit together, and you don’t have the awkward search for a partner for the couples skate.This is actually what we chose to do this year for Valentine’s Day. I think it’s going to be a blast from the past and a memory of that one Valentine’s we went to the skating rink and was the oldest couple on the floor. Haha
  3.  Dance Lesson- Believe it or not, this was my husband idea. We have flirted with the notion of taking Salsa lessons, and there is a studio on his way that offers Couples Salsa, classes. What a fun way to let loose, get uncomfortable and learn something new. Who knows maybe one-day Dancing with the Stars will be calling and will be ready. Likely not but anythings possible right?
  4. Hiking- We tried hiking together for the first time at the end of last fall. Its definitely something we will be adding to our dates. It was peaceful to be in nature together. We got time to talk disconnected. There were even moments of mutual silence that was nice too. Moving and being outdoors was a great away from the world we needed for a few hours. It was also cool to see my husband’s adventourous side. Ordinarily he’s a pretty go with the flow no risk kind of guy. While hiking he surprised me with “Let’s check this out…”or, “Do you want to see what’s in there?” I’ve never really seen my husband in that manner.Fun fitness dates

     

    The two of us enjoyed our time and even got lost for a few hours in the “wilderness.” We are already looking into places to try this spring and summer. Got a few waterfalls picked out so I’m excited to explore more with my Love.

    5.Biking- I love how in Urban Cities you can rent bikes for the day. Before Philly decided to embrace winter we had talked about renting a bike and taking a tour of Philadelphia via Bicycle. We’re not a cyclist, so this would be a fun, active date for us to try. Something that is now on the list of the Spring if you’re in an area where you can get outside with your love do it! Enjoy your local area on two wheels.

    6. One on One Basketball- Guess who’s suggestion this was(for those who don’t know my husband is a Basketball Coach and Private Basketball trainer). Although I make a great cheerleader and basketball mom, it’s not my favorite sport. My husband has been trying to get me to play ball with him for years. Embracing the idea of trying something new I think this would be a great date for him to teach me his passion. This could apply to any sport that your partner enjoys and would love to show you.

    7. Wall Rock Climbing- I know this is not new but neither one of us has ever tried it other than at the playground, and I think that it would be a fun adventure.

A few more Fitness Date ideas

Then there’s the classics mini golf,monster golf, or golf, ballroom dancing, aerial yoga, cross fit, an evening stroll, Chip and Putt, running, kickboxing, paintball, batting cages,and indoor or outdoor skydiving. There are so many options once you start thinking let’s move on our date instead of sitting and watch.

Fitness dates make a memorable Valentine’s Day

The endorphins released from the physical activity and your hormonal attraction makes for a memorable romantic date this Valentine’s day! Marriage is an important relationship in the Christian faith and we believe that it should be nurtured every day of the year.

“If we believe Jesus’ words that husband and wife are one flesh, then doesn’t it make sense that this “one flesh” should spur itself on toward health and fitness?”Diana Anderson-Tyler

Fitness Dates are bonding opportunities

Life can be stressful and the enemy is attacking our marriages and bodies. Why don’t we fight them back together?What’s a physical activity you and your love likes to do? Any more suggestions for fit dates?

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Categories
Family

Married without the Wedding: #EdDeRound2

Although, I have been married for over 15 years one thing that I have always wanted was a Wedding photo. Why? I never got to have a wedding. My husband, Coach Eddie B and I met 19 years ago through a mutual friend. We became fast friends. Eddie B was married to his first wife. I was dating my high school sweetheart. We hung out for three years as strictly friends. Spring/Summer of 2001 Eddie B got divorced from his first wife. I had broken up with my long time, yet verbally abusive high school sweetheart, a few months beforehand. Ed and I had lost touch for a few months. Then out of the blue Eddie B text me to hang out. We began to spend more time together.

I’m a Guys’ kind of Girl

I used to only hang out with males. I had no time for the emotional aspect of being a girls’ girl. It wasn’t uncommon for me to be the only girl with a group of guys. Through hanging out in the group Eddie B and I started talking more and getting to know him better. Eddie B and I used to explore  DC together. Hop on the Metro and figure out the destination later. It was a fun summer and by the end. A guy I thought of as my best friend was slowly turned into boyfriend material.

Christian but not a Believer

At the time I knew God but wanted nothing to do with Him. I equated legalistic religious rules with Christianity. So, I was not about that life. My parents forced me to attend a Christian college to help “build my faith. I was raised Christian, but I was far from a Believer. By the end of my college experience, I was more Atheist than Christian who was not my parent’s intention. I was a PARTY GIRL! Always down to do anything. I spent many happy hours in Adams Morgan, DC underage drinking and partying and often stumbling into my apartment at night.

When your best friend becomes your boyfriend

Ed and I started dating the middle of that summer. By October of that year. I was pregnant with our first daughter. My Senior year at a Christian college with a growing Scarlett letter was a memorable and isolating experience. I only had Eddie B to share it with, and that’s when I had to grow up. I already lived off campus, so Ed and I moved in together for a brief period. At the same time, I was trying to leave my roommates and living situation. So, Ed and I moved in with his Mom for about four months before we needed to move on our own. During all of this, we had gotten engaged at Union Station but didn’t want to be a pregnant bride. So…

Shotgun Wedding

My Christian college had available housing but only for married couples. Believe it or not, there were quite a few Juniors and Seniors who got their “Mrs. Degree.” Coincidentally, out of the five couples that we knew that got married that year. Ed and I are the only ones who are still married. The other four got big beautiful weddings, and we got an enduring loving marriage.  We are also the only couples in that group who had a shotgun wedding at the Justice of the Peace. All my friends got the whole wedding experience but for me.

Fantasy into Reality

We have been talking about renewing our vows for about five years. It was also probably one of the hardest years of our marriage. By year ten we were like “We should renew our vows.” We wanted to at our ten year anniversary but couldn’t afford it. I’ve always wanted a big wedding. When I was in high school, I planned every detail of my wedding. In my mind, my High school sweetheart and I were going to have this lavish wedding I planned. Despite the realities of life I still held on to my fantasy of pretty white gown, handsome groom walking down the aisles with Bubbles trailing behind us. I would watch “Yes to the Dress” on occasion. We are fantasizing about my wedding that never happened.

Then one day…

My Sister and I were talking about the wedding I have been planning for 15 years. David’s Bridal annual $99 sale was happening that day.  Out of curiosity, we went and just so happen to bring the girls, my Mom, two of my sisters and little niece. It was a Godcidence they all came. In our naivety, we thought you could just walk in and try on dresses. “Uh no!” As “Frederic” told us.  “You have to have an appointment!” We didn’t have an appointment but as we are walking out — a former client of mine who worked there tapped my shoulder.

“YES! to the dress

After telling her the story she “squeezed me in between appointments.” Many beautiful dresses later I found “The One.” When you find “The One,”  you have to buy it. BUT we were just window shopping, AND the dream dress was $800 marked down to $300 and not in the budget. Although, I found “the dress.” I told my former client I wasn’t prepared to spend $300. She said, “Hold on!” walked away with my dress and came back a few minutes later after I had gotten dress. We were about to leave; she asked if I was sure and said, “Check the tag again!” I turned it over and stapled on top of the original tag was in big red “David Bridal $99! #blessed I had and did buy it that day with no wedding plans but the perfect dress. And then the planning began. We were going to have a destination Vow Renewal in Jamaica, Dec.18, 2018.

Unexpected Postponement

Everything was planned. Then several events happened..I broke my ankle and was on unemployment for four months which was financially hard. I returned to work and just as we began to see a breakthrough in finances. Eddie B ruptured his Achilles tendon and was out for the majority of his the summer, which is when my husband trains Basketball players and brings in a nice income. Instead of working my husband was on the couch. We had to cancel our December destination wedding, and I gave up on the idea of having a wedding for the moment.

Family Vacation

Then enters 2019… We try to have a family vacation every 2-3 years. Usually, Spring break because my husband who is also a substitute teacher is off.  This year Milah decided one day she wanted to visit her Great Grandmother. My Mom, who is my travel agent found tickets for our family of five. $328 round trip TOTAL!  Thanks, Frontier for letting kids fly free! We felt obligated to go! It began as a typical family vacation itinerary; theme parks, Zoo trip, and Historical Sites.

I’m having a wedding

Then one day, after my morning devotion and prayer. I had a random thought of “What if we renew our vows in Texas; where most of may family already live?”The only thing was Eddie B’s family had to be there so; I called his Mom. She was willing and able to go to the renewal in Texas. Next, I asked my Grandmother who was ecstatic at the idea of having another wedding at her home in her backyard. Finally, I had to ask Eddie B (who is usually down for mostly anything) and another, Yes! Here it is six weeks later and in a few days will be taking our family vacation to Texas and renewing our vows.

Growing Old with your Soulmate

Eddie B and I have grown so much the last 18 years our friendship. From wild God-less college kids (Ed knew the Lord & attended Church but I was trying to discover my faith-without God) to parents and Believers.

The one thing that has remained constant is I get to live life with my best friend. We’ve figured out the marriage part (at least the first 15 years) which many don’t. Now we get the wedding too. I can’t wait to celebrate with my family,  our love and see my fantasy come to life. Sharing the experience with my girls is also going to be memorable.

So, check out my IG Story or Highlights for #EdDeRound2 and share in our love and Round 2! April 19th I will be saying “I do” all over again to my best friend!

Have you ever considered renewing your vows?

Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares