My Everyday Featuring ... Jodi Mockabee

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
My most definite better-half and I married over nine years ago. We now have a small tribe of five children, including a set of identical twin boys! From the point we knew we wanted to marry, we dreamed of a Christ-following, simplified lifestyle. We sold our home in Southern California, and moved to Northern California, where I was born and raised; climbing trees, tending chickens, and swimming in lakes. We knew we wanted that for our children. After my first was born, I started to develop a great interest in health, wellness, & parenting... Those interests turned to great passions and still are. I use my blog (www.jodimockabee.com) to document our family’s journey as well as an informative tool for mothers to come along side and learn with me. 

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
My favorite part of the day is our adventures! We go on an adventure about four times a week. We live in an area where there are rivers, creeks, lakes, & mountains in every direction. We have four boys and I feel a deep responsibility for nurturing their need for adventure and teaching them how to fulfill it in a healthy way. Watching them do this makes my heart so joyful! We typically go with friends, bring a picnic lunch, and let the kids go wild and free.  While I enjoy the time with my friends, it’s  the moments of watching them work as a team, help one another cross the river, listen to their imaginative play, & feeding their baby brothers that reminds me and encourages me of why we are doing what we chose to do, and why the work involved in doing it bears much fruit.

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.

-Cheater alert- My real life childhood friends, @themasonbarcompany and @evelyn_fields. They encourage and inspire me consistently in my life, all while keeping me accountable!
 

IG Moms: @kristinrogers @five_chicks_and_farmer & @ascotfriday. These three women are so driven and purposeful in their own unique ways!

[#4] What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and your passion for creativity?

If you can’t beat them, join them. Up until the twins were born, I did a lot of DIY projects, always changing things, building things, etc. Now that they’re here, life is very busy. Power tools and twin toddlers don’t mix. :-)  However, my older kids have grown to appreciate decorating and adding their own touch on our small space. Since we have a very natural aesthetic to our home, I’ve decided to embrace it.  If you were to come and have coffee at my place, you may find yourself looking at a variety of river sticks, rock cairns, feathers, handmade arrowheads, horns, and antlers. We also sketch a lot as a group. If we’re home, you can find us sketching outside on the spool or inside at our table—garden plans, our dream property layout, tree houses, design projects, nature sketches, it’s so fun to see them mimic and create!

[#5] What is a family tradition that you love sharing with your kids?

Family work day. Growing up I had the same thing. I think it did a great job at instilling a solid work ethic, while keeping the family together. We would usually celebrate by having ice cream that night and going over our weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Sounds crazy ambitious as parents, but I look back at that and think that it was awesome parenting! We hope to do the same with our kids. Right now we celebrate with a bonfire and affirm each other.

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?

Part of our journey has been consistently downsizing. We started with a much larger home, but 3 houses later found ourselves purchasing this fixer-upper over two years ago (before we were surprised with the twins’ pregnancy). It was quite a 60’s disaster, with cinder blocks and dark wood paneling. Our home is fairly small for a family of 7 (1600 sq ft). The kitchen and living area is combined so naturally it’s where all of the action and noise happen. We eat all of our meals here if we’re not outside. Every time I take a moment to soak in this view, I am reminded of God’s promise to us right before we bought this home, and how he told me when I stepped foot inside it for the very first time that it was ours. It represents a lot of change and growth for us. Both spiritual and literal. :-)

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.

I wouldn’t post this because their friend in the background and Scarlett’s washed-out head bothers me. But this is them. Self-dressed a bit wacky, dirty faces, and full of joy! 

Be sure and follow @mockabee7 on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms