So not a saleswoman

I have debated long and hard about writing this post. I'm not a salesy person, and I probably never will be. I think everyone has their own opinion of things, and I usually don't try to change it. UNLESS, it's life changing!
I really don't think there are that many things in life that truly are. With the exception of Jesus, duh! of course I will stand and argue for that cause any day.
But lately, there's something else, not near the impact of Jesus, but the health benefits are pretty amazing. Some of you will roll your eyes at this point, oh well with you, it's Young Living essential oils. It's so popular right now, I know, and I've talked to many people about them. Most people are either eye rollers or else they're sold just by sniffing and testing a few on their skin.
Our family was introduced by our pediatrician. She's more holistic than most pediatricians, but also happens to be part of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She would always suggest an oil that could promote sleep, or maintain a healthy immune system. Her office holds regular essential oil classes and sells Young Living essential oils.
It just so happened that I was going in there more often than I liked with three kids in tow, just to buy more oils. I finally decided I had to sign up for myself, and am so thankful I did.

It's been an education process, but I love it, and the kids love learning about it too. How different oils promote different things in your body is truly amazing. It's been cool too, to see their transition to a more healthy, holistic life. This summer, it seems the bug bites were constant, and they'd consistently come to me asking for "itch cream" aka benadryl cream or the like. Doesn't that look awful?

After trying oil only once or twice, they're request became "can you please put oil on me?".
I love that I know what's going into their skin instead of all these chemicals that I can't pronounce the names. It's really cool.
I've learned a lot on my own, just by doing my own research, and I want to make the total switch to being a chemical free house. It's a slow process starting out, but so rewarding knowing that I'm doing something good for my family.
I would love to share this wonderful journey with others. The health benefits are amazing, and you really can't argue that point at all. To sign up, go to youngliving.com, from there, go to "BECOME A MEMBER" at the top left of the screen. I would highly suggest signing up as a distributor, you get 24% off of retail prices. With this option, you do need to buy a premium starter kit, but it's worth it, and ah-maz-ing. You won't regret it. The frankincense oil alone, makes the price worth it. If you would please put my member number in the "Who Introduced you" section on that first page. For the enroller and sponsor, put in 3081678, for both of those sections.
If you do sign up as a distributor, you have the option of being a part of Essential Rewards. I so didn't understand this when I signed up, and wished I had someone walk me through it. Basically, you put in an automated, fixed order every month. Trust me, you'll have lots you want to order! After your second month, you get 10% back on most things you buy, to spend on oils. It's a win-win if you ask me.
For those who do sign up, I'm giving and sending a set of four dryer balls to you. These have been one of those steps for us in eliminating chemicals. They're balls, made entirely of wool, roving wool, that replace dryer sheets. With a drop of lavender oil on each, I've found they give as much scent as a dryer sheet, but it's natural. So you don't have all the chemicals from your dryer sheets on your clothes, which then in turn are on your skin. Not only that, they're economical, and with four dryer balls, it reduces your drying time of your laundry.
I honestly have never heard of anyone who has tried Young Living's products, and doesn't love them. Let my confidence, be your first step in your natural and holistic journey.

Excuses

I'm so bad at blogging.

I guess I kinda thought that by this time of year, I'd be back on track.

Perhaps now that I've admitted it, I will be.

There's just so much to do, only little time to relax.

I guess that's just life happening.

 I need to write a post about homeschooling Eden. Two words: love it.

I'm being serious. Perhaps it was my expectations that have been exceeded, or just

watching her little brain busy at work, I don't know, but it fascinates me and it's fun.

 Micah and Eden have been best little buds lately. She gets in these little play modes where she treats him like her baby and they just laugh and laugh and laugh. 

Sometimes I'm just on the other side of the wall doing nothing but listening.

This is how I hoped it would be. I know kids go through all these stages and this one may leave before coming back again, but I'm gonna love it while it's here.

 She's so creative in everything she does. Give her a blanket, she'll make you a home; a book, she'll make up a story; tell her a story, she'll draw it out on paper. It's  just everything she does and I adore her so much.

Micah, I think if I had to pick one word to describe him, it'd be 'joy'. He's happy when it's inappropriate, happy at meal times, happy the minute he wakes up, and the minute he goes to bed. I think he's happiest though, when he's with Eden. Those two together, I tell you, it's just bliss watching them.

Here's to keeping up more this fall!

A big first for Eden

Last night, moments before I went to bed, Eden was squealing with delight in bed thinking of her first day of homeschool kindergarten. It made my heart sing.

Tonight, I'm ready for bed, anxious to lay down and almost headed up the stairs. But there's something about those moments when they're written down fresh. I don't want to forget, and perhaps if I write them they'll stay fresh for just a little longer in my mind.

 A few months ago, Eden and I were going through a phase. I hesitate to say it was her, because there is always something I can do as a parent, better. I remember praying every night, wondering how on earth we'd go through this homeschool thing. I didn't understand how it would work. 

Prayer answered.

Eden and I began having long talks, deep talks, and coming to a better understanding with each other. It wasn't a long phase, but it was a hard one. And I remember being desperate.

Desperate to have that closeness with her again and just have fun instead of opposition.

Prayer answered.

 I'm an emotional person to begin with, so when Eden and I started off our little morning with prayer, I cried. Definitely tears of joy, relief, and so thankful for this 

beautiful little girl that is my best little girlfriend.

She called her daddy right after school, told him everything she learned.

She was so teachable.

Prayer answered.

My heart is so full.

And I'm so happy that I can look back and see those prayers definitely answered.

Wowza

I have a confession to make, and it's something that I'm not proud of:

I lack confidence as a parent.

I don't know why it's hard to admit, 

but it is.

I constantly wonder if I'm doing the right thing

and always knowing what I want my parenting to be.

I think it's an area that I really need to let Jesus take over.

I'm sensitive about it, and for some reason that's hard to admit.

This morning, we went to our first homeschool co-op meeting (no, these pictures aren't from there).

Again, I was lacking confidence.

It really took over me this morning, even before we left.

Just a huge overwhelming cloud of "can I do this?", "this is too big of a task?", and other things of that nature.

I left the house feeling defeated and deflated.

Feeling scared.

But I think it's my weakness, and I think Satan knows how he can bring me down.

Thankfully, Jesus is bigger, so much bigger than all of this.

I've had a family member tell me before that I'm "not a home school mom".

I'm not a planner.

And I'd ditch curriculum books any day over a pile of fabric or bottles of paint.

I swear I've gotten dumber in the last four years of my life,

and my attention span shows it.

I love distractions and I'm not disciplined.

I love fun and perimeters make me feel trapped.

I usually think about dinner twenty minutes before we're supposed to eat it, and that

is what intimidates me.

Myself.

How in the world can I, one mess of a person, teach my children an education?

But God can.

Galations 2:20 I no longer live, but the Messiah lives in me,

and the life that I am now living in this body I live by

the faithfulness of the Son of God,

who gave himself for me.

Just like my mom encouraged me this weekend,

"lay it at the feet of Jesus".

I have this desire in my heart.

This crazy desire to teach my children.

When I look at it from the feet of Jesus, looking up, it's so beautiful.