DEAR SPRINGFIELD MAMA

Springfield Moms, IRL with Jami

Q: How do you spend your days right now—work, home, hobbies, or anything in between?

Three days a week, I am homeschooling my kids (they attend a hybrid school). In the mornings, we homeschool, and in the afternoons we hit the library, Wonders of Wildlife, the park, or play outside. On the other two days, my kiddos are at school, so I get to work. I have two jobs. I own an Emotional Wellness Coaching business called Sacred Ground Coaching, where I get to teach parents and kids the tools and scripts to move through big behaviors and emotions with ease. I also work at the Springfield Dream Center by supporting mamas in The Village and teaching parenting classes to the parents we serve.

Q: How do you recharge or find rest, recovery or rejuvenation?

I love to take walks and be outside. I also really enjoy sitting outside and reading a book while our kiddos play in the neighborhood.

Q: What’s a podcast or creator you listen to in the cracks of your day?

Raising Boys and Girls: So practical! I always learn something new about child development and/or parenting.

BEMA: I start every morning listening to this podcast while following along in my Bible. I have learned so much historical and biblical context from this podcast!

Human School: I love the host’s questions and listening to the stories on this podcast.

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler: Kate’s voice is a balm to the soul.

Q: What tiny luxury do you treat yourself to when you can?

I try to go flea-marketing on my own at least once a month. Sometimes, I don’t even buy anything… I just love to walk around and look through all of the booths and get decor ideas. My faves: Freakin’ Antiquin’ Vintage Market and Mike’s Unique Flea Market.

Q: What’s your child deeply into this month?

We absolutely love Broadway musicals, so “Wicked” and “Wicked for Good” have been on repeat at our home. We watched both movies at The Alamo, our favorite movie theater.

Q: Is there a book, show, or series you’re turning to at the end of the day?

We’ve been reading “The Book of Belonging” for the past few months. It’s a beautiful devotional book for families. I love the artistic pictures, and the language that the authors use is a true delight. It has sparked wonderful conversations and questions for our girls, more so than any other devotional we’ve read in the past. 10/10 recommend.

Q: What’s an everyday product that makes your life 5% easier?

Stanley water bottle. Drinking water through a straw is a super quick way to regulate the nervous system, so you will find me aggressively drinking water through my Stanley each day. 🙂

Q: What’s your go-to cheap or no-cost outing around Springfield?

I’m raising book nerds, too, so we absolutely love the library. The Schweitzer/Brentwood Branch is our favorite… It’s small and cozy.

Q: What dinner in your rotation always gets eaten without complaint?

Walking Tacos. These are wonderful because you can honestly throw whatever ingredients you have on hand in the bowl: steamed rice, black beans, fajita veggies, ground turkey, and whatever chips you want to go along with it. It’s a crowd favorite over here at our house.

Q: What’s helping you feel grounded in this season of life?

Consistent body movement every day. I usually hit the gym (Burn Bootcamp) every morning. When it doesn’t work in my schedule, I’ll go on a walk at some point during the day.