Welcome to Healthy Simplicity and the Schönhaar family. With eight children I like to keep life as simple and uncomplicated as possible. It helps me to write things down so this blog helps to simplify my life. We are also always looking for ways to make our lives healthier so I share what we’re learning. I hope this blog can help you to have a simpler and healthier life.

My name is Jennifer, and yes, there are at least two other Jennifers everywhere I go. ☺ I’ve been interested in healthy simplistic living ever since I was a child. I think some of it had to do with my love of all things Laura Ingalls. I wanted to make foods from scratch not boxes. I wanted to have all the life skills Ma Ingalls did. I’ve learned quite a few of those skills and hope to learn more. I’m also passionate about breastfeeding and scrapbooking and sewing. I love to read and play the piano. I enjoy the challenge of memorizing whole chapters not just verses in the Bible. As I review them I find it a way of meditating on them. I was happily married to the love of my life for almost twenty years. Since Hugo died in September of 2017 I have learned so many things about grieving and how to care for those who are suffering a loss.  

This was my wonderful husband, Hugo. He was the pastor of our church, Toronto Baptist Church. He loved creationism and prophecy. He also loved to play with his children, go on hikes, and canoe.  He was my biggest support at each of our children’s births and in the months of breastfeeding that followed. He was also my biggest fan club, but then I think it was mutual. We were so happy  with God bringing us together. I miss him every day but am happy to know he is safe in Heaven.

This is my oldest, Eva-Joy. She is passionate about writing and can often be found tapping away on the keyboard. She has written several novels which she assures me need lots of work. She also has a blog – Coffee, Classics and Craziness – where she writes about all the things she loves – period dramas (books and movies), Captain America, classic literature and anything else that catches her fancy. She’s a huge help with Ethan – my challenging child. They have a very special closeness. Since graduating from high school she has taken over teaching Ethan in our homeschool which has its own challenges.

 This is Noah – my oldest son. He can design just about anything from legos. His favourite designs are military vehicles. I may be prejudiced, but his designs are awesome in their accuracy. He is also very knowledgeable about World War II. Noah is funny and keeps us laughing a lot, and let me just say that having a son who is taller than me is a weird feeling – wasn’t he just born a couple of weeks ago? Every day Noah reminds me more and more of his dad. I am so proud of him as I see his dad’s love for helping others being developed in Noah’s heart.

My third-born, Ezra. He was my first homebirth. He was a smiley baby and still has a happy personality. He is our resident artist with cartoons being his specialty. Being a boy some of his cartoons tend to be things I don’t find funny, but he does. He enjoys playing with his younger brothers. They love to do a three on one – the three younger boys all taking Ezra on at the same time. I’m sure you know who always wins. He also enjoys cooking and baking and can make a wonderful coffee cake.

Elisabeth is my girly-girl. She enjoys studying fashion and makeup, and I enjoy asking for her advice in these areas. Even though she likes all things girly she also enjoys time outside especially riding her bike. We enjoy getting her to giggle because she’s so funny when she gets started.

My baby girl…Rebekah. Rebekah is becoming a great cookie baker – something her siblings are promoting. As an aside, let your children help you in the kitchen. It takes patience at first, but you won’t regret it. Rebekah enjoys trying new makeup styles. She also enjoys playing the guitar and piano and dreaming about owning a dog someday. She hopes to get some dog walking jobs in our new neighbourhood.

We were so excited when Micah joined our family. He was born with a lot of hair – lots more than my girls, but then “Schönhaar” means “beautiful hair”. Micah is very active and loves playing outside. He also loves to talk – he knows no strangers. He must get it from his father because I know his wallflower mother is not like that.

Here’s Ethan – my 7th and my most challenging. He has been such a challenge that I wrote an entire post about him. Ethan more than makes up for all the difficulties by being super affectionate. If I need a hug I can always count on Ethan.

Last but not least – our Jonah. Don’t you love his dimples? We found them within five minutes of his birth and have been taken by them ever since. Jonah is a happy but serious little boy. Around people he doesn’t know well he is very sober. It takes him a while to warm up to someone, but when he does he turns on the full affects of his mega-watt smile and charm.