*2015* Fall Jamberry's Retiring Wraps List: Going, Going, Gone!

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OMG My Mother Was Right About Everything

My mom gave me this and I had to get a shot of my own daughter holding it!

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Monster Dash October 24, 2015

Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

Because I love walking so much, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign autographs or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Monster Dash 5K and Lil Monsters Fun Run

When: Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 7 a.m.

Where: City Market

The Monster Dash 5K is proud to have Newhouse as the charity partner for the event. The mission of Newhouse is to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing the tools which allow women to make positive choices and lead self-sufficient lives. The organization provides shelter and therapy, children's services, community education, legal advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline.


Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood! (Happy birthday to my grandma today, mother of both of these cool guys!)

Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.

When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Take Your Kids Ice Skating This Winter #winterbucketlist

*originally published December 20, 2013

I have to admit I did not brave ice skating with the kids until last spring when Mr. Kerrie was off work one Friday. There's a twice a month homeschool skate at KC Ice Center and it's only $3 per kid (adults are free) and it includes skate rental!

There's also a roller skate that's monthly at Skate City but I haven't braved that yet. The problem is that it's more expensive, jam-packed with people (I hear) and you pay to rent those walker thingies and I also might never leave the skating rink if my butt got out on roller skates. I do love skating in circles to Blondie and Queen, friends.

Both times Mr. Kerrie went/is going, but I am ready to take it on myself if Samuel continues to skate around like BOSS OF THE RINK! We went on Eva's birthday for something fun to do but Eva, it turns out, HATES skating! Callie loves it, though, so we keep going. And it's good exercise.

Viter Energy Mints Review: Boosts Energy & Freshens Breath #goviter

I received these Viter Energy Wintergreen mints to review and I super love them! At first I was like, "There is no way I would spend that much on mints" ...

but then I actually tried them and I have to say they are a real pick-me-up for those afternoons when I have all the kids at the pool and I just want to fall asleep but I CAN'T fall asleep because I am responsible for many lives so what can I do?

So I gave them a try. And they have caffeine AND vitamins AND they freshen my breath so they are a triple whammy of awesomeness. There are 20 in a flip-top tin and I really only need one a day six days a week (Sunday Mr. Kerrie is always home so I can take a nap if I am truly dying of exhaustion). This means a tin will last me a month.

I tried one as I was going to the pool on a hot, nap-inducing day. And I felt picked up within about 10 minutes. The next day was church and I was super tired and popped a Viter Energy mint and, again, within about 10 minutes I was not dreaming of napping on the floor during the homily. SCORE!

Oh, and they are sugar-free so they fit into my Weight Watchers plan just perfectly. Usually when I am tired I would consume sugar for a small, short-lived boost of energy but lately I am trying to get healthy and just can't do that anymore. I have to find healthier ways to boost my energy, and these Viter Energy mints do the trick. Give them a try!

Update April 24, 2016: I was DYING for a nap today and looking forward to it but we went to a park instead. I ate one of these mints instead and I was good to go in no time!

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