Family, lifestyle

Anakeesta and the Longest Treetop Skybridge in North America

by Jasmine M.Leave a Comment on Anakeesta and the Longest Treetop Skybridge in North America
Anakeesta and the Longest Treetop Skybridge in North America

(Special YouTube video of our trip is included. Trust me you don’t want to miss it!)

 I had an exciting opportunity to be one of the firsts to ride the all new Ridge Rambler that launches at Anakeesta later this month. My husband had to work, so I only brought my three older kids with me, ages 4, 6, & 8). My mother in law graciously kept my younger two. This was the perfect trip before they go back to school!

Firstly, you would never know it exists, the bottom part is right across from Ripley’s Aquarium. I had no clue the whole new world that was awaiting us 15-20 minutes away!

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The parking was quick and easy, and super close to the building area so that was a huge plus! I was greeted by the staff, and got to meet both Bob and Karen Bentz (the owners and visionaries behind Anakeesta). They were extremely kind and made it a priority to meet with each of us in the group and talk to us, which spoke volumes to me about them!

We got to hear a speech on the all new Ridge Rambler before boarding. Upon boarding the ride began. We got to see downtown Gatlinburg in all its beauty while in a covered 17 ton 45 passenger truck! As we ascended up higher I was stunned by the scenery! My kids were in complete awe as well! The full tour information we received was also adding to my excitement to reach the top and experience it all for myself! Continue reading “Anakeesta and the Longest Treetop Skybridge in North America” →

Faith, grace

The (in)courage Bible Project

by Jasmine M.Leave a Comment on The (in)courage Bible Project

                                (image via the incourage website)

I’ve been meaning to share some news with you all on something big I got to contribute to.!

Two years ago I was given a very humbling opportunity to contribute in a devotional Bible by (in)courage! I was beyond honored and so excited. I prayed and prayed over the devotionals I typed out, and how they would correlate with the specific chapters of the Bible that I chose. It was such a fun experience seeing it all come together. I don’t think it hit me that I was getting to be part of such a fun project!

In this post I shared a lot of news. And in the midst of it all I received my copy of the new devotional Bible. It published last year! I can’t even explain how it felt holding it in my hands. It was all such a huge labor of love from so many women, especially the (in)courage team! To see it all come into fruition was nothing short of amazing. Continue reading “The (in)courage Bible Project” →

Family, Motherhood

Cubo AI Smart Baby Monitor Review

by Jasmine M.Leave a Comment on Cubo AI Smart Baby Monitor Review
Cubo AI Smart Baby Monitor Review

(Special offer linked at the end)

If you have seen my nursery blog post for my baby girl then you know how excited I was! We have never had the space for a nursery so when we moved into this house that was a huge deal for me creating a nursery I dreamed of to welcome our baby. But you know in motherhood things rarely go as planned. She ended up having really bad acid reflux and I found myself so worried. So she has been in a our room near us. Continue reading “Cubo AI Smart Baby Monitor Review” →

Encouragement, Motherhood

I’m Getting My Body Back

by Jasmine M.Leave a Comment on I’m Getting My Body Back
I’m Getting My Body Back

I wrote this piece on my instagram  here, and let me just say I was not expecting it to resonate with so many people!

I just posted my baby’s three month picture yesterday, but why not my own? This is me three months postpartum. I could’ve sucked my stomach in, but for what? That wouldn’t be real.

For so long I’ve been so ashamed. I’ve only been working out for the past two weeks yet I want instant results. I was weighing myself daily in tears because I haven’t lost a pound. I was skipping meals. All while people messaged me pretending to check in on me then throwing in a pitch to join their team and lose the “baby weight.”
They had no clue I was already so depressed with the extra skin and lose stomach. But I am sick of it!
I’m getting my body back.
Yeah you heard right. I’m getting my body back from the media, from the magazines, from the people in my inbox telling me I can lose weight in a week on their products. Most of all I’m getting my body back from my own inner critic.
Yes I’ve been working out but this isn’t for anyone but me, this is personal. I’m working to be the best version of me, on MY time. I didn’t start working out 6 weeks postpartum like everyone says. Because I simply wasn’t ready. We are ALL different.
And I’m done trying to look a certain way to fit into a mold none of us were ever created to fit in.
This is me.
This body has pushed through hyperemesis, constant iv fluids, and been stretched and pulled.
I’m done telling myself I’ll be happier when I’m smaller. And I know I’m not the only one.
So to anyone else, let’s take our bodies back together! We can find happiness in the NOW.
And don’t let ANYONE tell you how you should or shouldn’t look, not 6 weeks postpartum not even 5 years postpartum!

I have had so many people reach out to me on my instagram, and I just wanted to add something. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t even had a single kid. The media can still suck you into looking a certain way. But let me just say you are BEAUTIFUL, so I hope you will get your body back with me, from all the lies!

Family, Motherhood

Validating Feelings

by Jasmine M.1 Comment on Validating Feelings
Validating Feelings

This post is brought to you by Generation Mindful. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I grew up being taught that feelings were a bad thing. If something hurt my feelings like being bullied back in middle school, then I was dismissed as being weak. Most times I held a lot of my feelings in because they were never seen as important. When I became a mother I knew I wanted more than ever for my kids to know that they can always come to me and tell me how they feel.

However, some days I get so caught up in this silly trap of high expectations and perfection that I fail to pause and really listen to my kids. When they start acting up I don’t see it as a moment to tune in and listen to their feelings. I get frustrated with the whining and tantrums. Essentially I end up separating the kids, or having them go to their room until they are calmed down.

But sometimes what they really need more than ever, when they are having a moment is to be heard.

Continue reading “Validating Feelings” →

Faith, Family, Motherhood

The Meaning of Sariyah’s Name

by Jasmine M.Leave a Comment on The Meaning of Sariyah’s Name
The Meaning of Sariyah’s Name

 

I have been holding this in for months now, and I am so excited to explain it.

Her name is Sariyah Rose. You can find her birth story and photos here.

Now to fully understand you have to know the backstory, and that this is something God Himself created.It was back in August of 2018. Around 10 weeks one night at work I ran to the bathroom throwing up. I remember crying in defeat from continuously being sick.

This is a girl and her name will be Sariyah. 

Continue reading “The Meaning of Sariyah’s Name” →

Motherhood

Sensory Processing Disorder

by Jasmine M.Leave a Comment on Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder

I’m 38 weeks now and I wish I could say I’m positive and bubbly, but the truth is I’m exhausted.

I had to cancel an OB appointment  a few weeks back because it was spring break for the kids. And I knew sitting for a non stress test would be impossible. On top of these last few weeks going by slowly my two year old has been having a lot of appointments that I haven’t discussed. I guess I’ve needed time myself to cipher through it before sharing in hopes of connecting with others that understand or can shed some light. Continue reading “Sensory Processing Disorder” →