My Head to My Toes

Join me in the dreaded/loved social media arena

2014-06-30T15:32:00.000-04:00

Why hello there, blog readers. If you're actually reading this, you must (A.) really love me or (B.) be really bored. I know I've been the worst blogger for a while now. It's just that keeping three kids alive is no joke. I haven't had the time or energy to do any writing. And honestly, I probably won't for a while. I'm just checking in here on the ole blog to invite you over to Instagram or Facebook. I just love Instagram. It's a beautiful, online photo journal and it's definitely where I am most active. Facebook isn't my most favorite place, but it is a whole lot easier for me to share a couple little things over there rather than feeling guilty/worry about posting here.

Find me on Instagram- myheadtomytoes

Facebook- Kate Thomas

And/or...

I finally went for it and started an Oily Facebook Page. It's called The Oily Place. I love sharing about oils and this is the place to learn more if you're interested. Go find it here and like the page to stay updated. Technically I don't even think you have to have a FB profile to view this page, so no excuses, find me.

Let me just show you the very beautiful (if I do say so myself) graphic I created for the page...

So please, join me in the dreaded/loved social media arena.

PS- Mom, please just go ahead and create a FB profile, or an Instagram account at the very least. It won't be the end of the world and I think you might actually like seeing the updates of your grandchildren. Leah can help you. :)

Me + Neil + Lilah

2014-04-23T19:06:00.000-04:00

Me- 5ish months // Neil- 3ish months

I know I know, I can still see parts of Chris in Neil... but he sure does look a lot like me too. You just can't deny that white skin, blue eyes, and light hair.

Lilah- 3ish months // Lilah- 3ish months

Similarities, but holy moly their skin color is so different.

I don't have any pictures of Chris at this age, so no true comparison with him.

Neil {3 months}

2014-04-15T09:28:00.001-04:00

YLEOs {Samples!}

2014-03-29T10:43:00.001-04:00

Don't be annoyed (get some Peace & Calming! Oily joke!), but I'm talking about Young Living Essential Oils again. It's just that they work! and I love them! I have a tab along the top of the blog- ESSENTIALS- where you can see everything from the beginning. There are a few more things I want to write about, but for now I thought I would stop and do a little giveaway.

The picture above is made up of YLEO samples. I have Lavender, Peace & Calming, Lemon, Thieves, and Peppermint. This is not an official or formal giveaway, I just have some samples and want to share them! I will mail a couple oil packets to the first 3 or 4 people that email me with their contact information. If you have a preference on which oils you want to try, let me know, and I'll try to take that into account too.

I'm a little nervous that no one wants oil samples. I've never done anything like this before.

Email me if you're the least bit interested. I promise I won't sell or share your information (duh). And of course I would never pressure or guilt you into buying anything (never!). If you want to start a conversation and learn more, I'm happy to help. If you want the samples and don't want to hear from me again, I can do that too. See? Easy and fun.

Ok, go.

myheadtomytoes (at) gmail (dot) com

The obligatory disclaimer: I am not an expert, I am a learner. Everything I am posting is opinion based on MY experiences and resources. Take it as that. When deciding about using essential oils for your family, please use common sense and the advice of your qualified health professional. My statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Also, I only recommend using Young Living Essential Oils. They are the only company they controls their seed to seal process, therefore ensuring the quality of the oil.

A thought on fostering

2014-03-21T11:34:00.001-04:00

Our whole family has been called to set aside our own needs so we can love and serve C. It's a hard hard thing; a daily act of dying to self that doesn't come naturally. It reminds me to be thankful for the one who gave up more than a clean house or a roomful of toys. We are praying for grace and forgiveness every minute of the day. We are praying that Jesus would work in this little boy's heart despite our shortcomings.

// Lilah putting her princess shoes on C's feet //

Guess who

2014-03-20T13:47:00.000-04:00

So, you'll never guess who is in our home again..... C. Yep, that same little boy we were fostering just before I had the baby. Crazy, I know. We got a call yesterday saying he needed emergency placement, said yes, and a couple hours later were driving to pick him up.

Sometimes it takes me a while to really gain perspective and see how God is working in my life, but not so much with this. The Lord has already been preparing all of our hearts for this change before we even knew it was coming. Lilah, about a month ago, started regularly asking about C- saying she missed him and loved him and was sad he was gone. After a week of her persistent reminders, I sent a message asking if we could meet up for a play date just to visit him again. This never worked out, but this was when we got a heads up that he wasn't doing as well as we hoped he would. It was then that the Lord really started working in our hearts. We started praying and talking about C- all those what ifs? and what do you thinks? and maybes? The call yesterday was an unexpected emergency, but we knew the answer was yes.

All along, my biggest desire with C was to have a second chance at a first-start with him. When we accepted the placement the first time I was very newly pregnant, we were moving, and also dealing with some other big things. It was hard. Really really hard, and I never felt like I got a chance to emotionally bond with him. We are so grateful to have that first-start with C we never thought we could have. God is so good!

If you have questions we probably don't have answers. There are still a lot of unknowns with his parents and/or his relatives. Right now we are prepared to keep C as long as necessary (and are even preparing and praying about forever).

Big news, I know.

We need prayers for protection and wisdom and patience.

Also, I'm the one staying home full time with these kiddos (3-year-old, 2-year-old, and a 2 month old) so I'll probably be swallowed up by mothering. At this moment though, I am doing it like a boss- all three kids asleep at the same time. Say what?!

Neil {2 months}

2014-03-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

These photos do not reflect the awesomeness of this kid but they are kind of funny. Truly though, Neil is the sweetest, best baby I've ever known. He is so special.

Right now he loves people in general, but especially loves me. He loves the vacuum and blow dryer. He really likes being held. He still likes being swaddled. He's not that into dirty diapers or being left alone.

I love how tiny he is. I love the way he smells. I love that he is great at nursing. I love his blond hair and blue eyes.

Side note, this is my 300th post!

YLEOs {Other resources and how to purchase}

2014-03-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

Other resources

So if you're still reading these oily posts, you're probably interested in using the oils for yourself. I am going to encourage you to do some research and learning outside of my blog. Here are my favorites:

Oil-Testimonials

This website is wonderful tool for searching testimonials specific to Young Living oils and seeing what has worked for others. I like to use the search option to look for specifics, like "asthma" or "arthritis" or even search by oils like "Lemon". You do have to create an account- it's completely free, just necessary for credibility reasons. You'll need my YL member number when creating the account, it's 1441562.

From Herbs to Oils

Lauren is the dear friend who first introduced me to YL, and this is her Facebook page. She posts little tidbits every day that can be helpful. Right now she is doing a series on allergies- really focusing on how our bodies work and how to find healing.

How I E.O. with Young Living Essential Oils

Another great Facebook page filled with encouraging little tidbits about YL.

Essential Oils Pocket Reference Legacy (5th Edition)

This is a reference book that is almost 400 pages of everything you would ever want to know about YL oils and how to use them. A must-have investment for those using oils! I just purchased mine recently (after using oils for a year) and regret that I didn't get it sooner.

Gentle Babies

This book is about essential oils and natural remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, infants, and young children. It's is such an easy read and another must-have. I am constantly referring back to this book for things like "baby acne", "fever", and "diaper rash". I also used this book as a reference when putting together my birth plan.

How to purchase

I realize that purchasing oils is probably not a decision you will make on a whim. I will never pressure you or guilt you into make the same decisions as my family. I've just shared what has worked for us. If you think you would like to try oils for yourself, great. If not, great too.

I'm just going to post some directions on how to become a member and purchase the Young Living Premium Starter Kit so if/when you're ready the information is available.

1. Go to the Member Sign Up page.

2. Select Wholesale Member.

3. Enter my Sponsor Number- 1441562- for both the Sponsor ID and for Enroller ID.

4. Fill out your info.

5. Select your kit. I recommend the Premium Starter Kit ($150), I think it is the first selection.

6. Decide whether or not you want to sign up for the optional Essential Rewards Program.*

7. Complete the payment information, then hit Next.

8. At this point you can add any other products to your order if you'd like, then finalize your order.

*The Essential Rewards Program is not something I've mentioned yet, but it is YL's auto-ship reward program. It requires you spend 50 PV (usually equivalent to $50) a month; in return you get 10-20% back in points for free product. Just select the No, thank you option if you're not ready to commit yet. You can always join later if you find yourself regularly purchasing oils.

And as always, please email me- myheadtomytoes (at) gmail (dot) com- or leave a comment if you have more questions. I'm here to serve you; let's start a conversation.

YLEOs {Premium Starter Kit}

2014-03-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

I've been vacillating on what oily post to do next. I have a ton of ideas, but I'm not sure how to approach this topic without sounding too boring. These oils are so exciting to me and I would love to pass that on to you! I think I'll do a little overview on my favorite ways to use the oils from the Young Living Premium Starter Kit, which the kit I purchased when I started. The oils in that kit are my go-to oils. If ever I'm low on one of them, I start to break out into a nervous sweat.

So I guess first you have to know about the Premium Starter Kit. The kit comes with the 10 Everyday Oils, plus a bonus Stress Away oil, a Home Diffuser, a roller fitment, some other samples and bonuses, and a membership to Young Living. It costs $150. There are no obligations to sell, no monthly requirements, no annual renewal fee. All you do is use the oils- if you like them you'll order more (with your 24% member discount), if not no big deal. Got it? Good.

So, how I use the oils from the Everyday Oil collection!

Frankincense- This one was a game changer for my asthma. I rub it on my chest whenever I'm having trouble breathing. If I could only have one oil, this one would be it. Plus hello, the wise men gave it to Jesus as a gift. It's also is great for getting a better nights sleep, reducing the appearance of scars, congestion and voice loss, skin care, supporting your immune system, and fighting depression.

Lavender- This oil has made the biggest difference with my seasonal allergies. I rub this oil everywhere, all the time. I'll also put some in a capsule to swallow internally. It's better than Benedryl with no side effects. It's also great for helping sooth eczema, getting a better nights sleep, relieving the itch from bug bites, and soothing burns, bruises, and minor cuts.

Lemon- I'll drink a glass of water with a few drops of lemon. It tastes great plus is another wonderful oil for relieving and managing seasonal allergies. It's also great for cleansing your liver, fighting depression, supporting the immune system, a memory aid, acne, and air purifier.

Panaway- This is a blend that contains wintergreen, helichrysum, clove, and peppermint. I'll rub this oil along my shoulders and neck for relief from pain. It's also great for headaches, bruising and inflammation, relieving monthly cramps, and sprains.

Peace & Calming- This is a blend that contains tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli, and blue tansy. Oh this oil is wonderful. When I first got it, I honestly thought it smelled like a terrible cleaning product. I just couldn't stand it. Still, I would put it on the bottom of my feet before bed to get a more peaceful nights sleep. And now, one of my favorites. It's also great for ADD, ADHD, autism, helping with anger, relieving anxiety, calming young children, and grinding teeth at night.

Peppermint- This oil does wonders for headaches. I'll just rub the tiniest drop onto my temples and along my neck, and within minutes any headache is gone. I have most recently used this oil to help manage a fever with Lilah. She was running a pretty high temp one afternoon, so I just kept rubbing this oil around her belly button to keep her fever at a manageable level. It's also great for helping with congestion and coughing, relieving indigestion and nausea, and muscle pain.

Purification- This is a blend of citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, lavandin, and myrtle. I'll apply this directly onto bug bites to immediately relieve itching. It's also great for cuts, scrapes, earaches, acne, and purifying the air.

Thieves- This is a blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary. This oil is a powerhouse for fighting colds. We use it on the bottom of our feet, internally in capsules, and in the diffuser whenever we are sick. Lilah has had strep throat and currently has a cold, but because of this blend (and the other oils) hasn't had to have antibiotics in over a year. If you know even the smallest bit of information about antibiotics, you'll realize what a big deal this is. It's also great for household cleaning, mold, treating cold sores, and supporting your immune system.

Valor- This is a blend of spruce, rosewood, blue tansy, and frankincense. This is another favorite oil. I rub this along my spine and neck daily. It helps to align my spine, hold a chiropractic adjustment, and relive stress. It's also great for bruising, managing anxiety, and boosting confidence.

Joy- This is a blend of bergamont, ylang ylang, geranium, rosewood, lemon, mandarin, jasmine, Roman chamomile, palmarosa, and rose. I use this oil as a perfume. I'll also cover Lilah in this oil when she is acting/behaving like a moody three-year-old. It's also great for fighting depression, relieving anxiety, and managing grief and trauma.

Plus the bonus Stress Away (if you purchase the Premium Starter Kit)- This is a blend of copaiba, lime, cedarwood, vanilla, ocotea, and lavender. Mmmmmm Stress Away. This oil just smells delicious. I love to put it in the diffuser at the end of the day to help calm my mind and body. Lilah loves it too and will ask for it by name. It's also great for lowering blood pressure, managing anger, and relieving stress, tension, and anxiety.

Are you still hanging in there? I have a couple more basic posts to put together- like other oily resources for you to use and how to purchase oils for yourself- but this post is already so long so I'll just put them up another day. If you think you're ready to order now though, please email me: myheadtomytoes (at) gmail (dot) com. I want to help you; let's start a conversation!

YLEOs {Seed to Seal}

2014-03-06T12:31:00.000-05:00

If you noticed yesterday, I posted some basics about Young Livings Essential Oils (YLEOs). Today I want to post a little about oil quality. Obviously, if you are not interested you can skip the oily posts altogether- no big deal. For our family, the oils have been such a blessing and I can't help but to share- read on if you're intrigued.

What's the difference between Young Living Essential Oils and the other oils online or at the store?

Young Living prides itself on setting the standard for pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. They do this by controlling the process from the time the seed is sourced until the oil is sealed in the bottle. There are currently no FDA regulations on essential oils. So, those sold online or in stores can be altered with other chemicals or water, or they haven't been distilled properly. Usually the cheaper they are the poorer the quality. Essential oils are very powerful, so quality wasn't something I was willing to compromise with our family's health. We only use Young Living Essential Oils.

What sort of questions should I ask Young Living or any other essential oil company?

- Does their company own any farms on which to raise herbs for oils? And if they do, are they new farms on land formerly polluted?

- Does the company have their own fully equipped testing laboratory to verify an oil's composition?

- Do they have anyone on staff with a trained nose who can analyze oils by their smell?

- If their company purchases oils from outside suppliers, do they visit the distilleries and farms of those suppliers periodically?

- Do they know if the grower has a testing laboratory on the farm to determine when the crop is at its peak for oil harvesting?

- If their supplier makes a mistake in the distillation or harvesting processes that results in an inferior grade of oil, does that supplier sell the oil anyway or do they discard it?

- Do they know if their suppliers supplement the distillation process with solvents to extract additional oil from the plant matter?

If the company's answer to any or most of the questions above is "no" or "I don't know", then how do you know if the oils are safe? With Young Living, the answers to all these questions is a resounding "Yes!".

The questions listed above were taken from The Raindrop Messenger. For the complete article, click on this link.

"Reprinted from The Raindrop Messenger, a free online newsletter, with permission from Dr. David Stewart. To subscribe or download back issues, visit www.RaindropTraining.com."

Can you tell me more about Young Living and its Seed to Seal process?

Well, so glad you asked. Since Young Living has already done the work, I am just going to direct you straight to their website. Here are the links:

About Young Living

Young Living Farms

Seed to Seal

This is sounding a little sales pitch-y. Are you just trying to sell me something?

Absolutely not. I'm not a sales person, that's just not my thing. I purchased the oils last year because I was at the end of my rope with our family's health. I was never one to overly use doctors and prescription meds, but suffering through the sickness/allergies/pain just wasn't worth it anymore. I have found relief and healing through these oils; they have truly been a blessing. I just want to share with you what has been working for our family. Maybe it encourages you to try some oils for yourself or maybe you think I'm a nut job.

The obligatory disclaimer: I am not an expert, I am a learner. Everything I am posting is opinion based on MY experiences and resources. Take it as that. When deciding about using essential oils for your family, please use common sense and the advice of your qualified health professional. My statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Also, I only recommend using Young Living Essential Oils. They are the only company they controls their seed to seal process, therefore ensuring the quality of the oil.

What's up with those oils?

2014-03-05T12:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know I've mentioned using essential oils in previous posts, mostly having to do with cleaning or beauty products, but I've never really explained why I use them or where to get them. I'm going to do a little post on some basic essential oil information. This may turn into a mini series because I LOVE essential oils and am very passionate about them, or it might not, I do have two kids, a husband and a job you know.

I have been using Young Living Essential Oils for about a year now. Here is a fancy definition of an essential oil, taken from oil-testimonials.com:

Sometimes called the "life force" of a plant, therapeutic grade essential oils are very complex. They are stored in special cells, ducts or glandular hairs that are distributed among the flowers, leaves, bark, stems, and roots of a plant. These oils protect the plant from insects and other herbivores, from bacteria, molds, fungi and other micro-organisms. They also help to heal inflicted wounds. These unique characteristics make essential oils highly beneficial to humans. A single oil may contain hundreds of constituents that are molecularly aligned in exactly the right manner to trigger a number of responses in the human body.

The reason essential oils are able to do this is because of their ability to rapidly absorb into the human body. Essential oils are fat-soluble nutrients, so they are attracted to the fat membranes that surround our cells. Once they penetrate the cell membranes, they are able to deliver nutrients to various cells and tissues to support health and promote healing. They are so powerful that essential oils can be detected in the blood within minutes after applied topically on the skin.

This post is starting to sound a little scientific and stuffy right about now, so let's get to some of the good stuff. When I purchased my oils a year ago, it was because I was suffering from extreme seasonal allergies and asthma, and I mean extreme. I was prescribed an albuterol inhaler, eye drops, nose spray, a daily allergy pill, and tons and tons of benedryl throughout the day. Even with all of these expensive drugs, I was still a mess. I couldn't breath, my eyes were red and itchy, my skin was raw and itchy, I couldn't think straight, I couldn't sleep, I just wasn't functioning anymore.

I purchased the oils because a dear friend started posting on her facebook page about her experience with oils. She talked about how she used Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint swallowed in a capsule. She talked about using Purification mixed with coconut applied to the skin. She talked about rubbing Frankincense over her son's chest. Y'all, I ordered the kit and used the oils like she recommended and I was able to have relief! After about a month, I was only using essential oils for my allergies and asthma and not a single one those toxic prescriptions. And I have to tell you, it was ah-mazing, so much better than anything the meds ever did. Now the dreaded allergy season is here again and my symptoms are almost non-existent.

So now this post is getting to be pretty long, plus it hasn't even had a picture to look at yet. If you're still with me, I'm going to post a graphic on some ways to replace medicine cabinet toxins with YLEOs. (YLEOs = Young Living Essential Oils.) Well look at that, you've learned so much already that you're already on board with abbreviations, you little smarty pants.

Let me just get a couple more things out.

1. Not all oils are created equal. Everything I will be talking about with oils refers strictly to Young Living Essential Oils. There is no other brand I would feel safe using on my family. If you are thinking you want to purchase oils, stay tuned for more posts or email me- myheadtomytoes (at) gmail (dot) com. I am happy to start a conversation.

And 2. The obligatory disclaimer: I am not an expert, I am a learner. Everything I am posting is opinion based on MY experiences and resources. Take it as that. When deciding about using essential oils for your family, please use common sense and the advice of your qualified health professional. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

You made it! More to come, I just can't help myself.

A prayer for a hard, changing season of life

2014-03-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

I'm sharing this because my favorite blogger posted this today and I couldn't read it without crying my eyeballs out. The Gospel changes my heart; this prayer is so beautiful. I thought you might want to read it too. It is an excerpt from a book, Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith. A couple copies of the book are already on their way to my house via online ordering.

The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. Ps. 33:16-18

Dear Lord Jesus, though it’s not fun, it is a good thing to come to the end of ourselves—to be in situations where all our of resources and strength, all of our life experiences and smarts are simply not enough. Indeed, it is a gospel thing to feel the pain of realizing that whatever worked in the past is not working in the present moment; to feel the confusion of not knowing what to do next; to feel the helplessness of being out of control—to be in a place of actually needing you.

For only in those times do we abandon ourselves to the God who alone can part Red Seas (Ex. 14); who can overthrow whole Midianite armies with three hundred gun-less soldiers (Judges 7); take down Goliaths with a pebble (1 Sam. 17); feed multitudes with a few fish and pieces of bread (Matt. 14); raise a dead man for the salvation of his people and the transformation of the cosmos (1 Cor. 15). Indeed, some things happen to us that “we might not rely on ourselves but on the God who raises the dead” (2 Cor. 1:9).

Jesus, we abandon ourselves to you today, for you are that dead man who now lives. You are the One who is redeeming his bride and making all things new. It is your unfailing love that we can and must hope in. There is no other supply sufficient to the need. There is no other strength sufficient for the task. There is no other balm sufficient for the pain. There is no other rest sufficient for the exhaustion. There is no hope sufficient for the multiple issues in front of us.

We bring our broken, conflicted and wandering hearts to you. We bring our struggling marriages to you. We bring our divided churches to you. We bring our hurting friends to you. We bring our wayward children to you. We bring our unbelieving neighbors to you. We bring the needs of our community to you. We bring our crazy world to you. We bring it all to you, Jesus. We will trust in you and your unfailing love. Astonish us by bringing much glory to yourself. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.

Daddy + kids

2014-02-28T14:06:00.001-05:00

A weekend at Nanny Mama's

2014-02-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

Neil + Lilah {one month in}

2014-02-12T11:31:00.001-05:00

These gems were taken by Lilah...

Lilah's 3rd Birthday

2014-01-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

Neil Christopher

2014-01-14T10:26:00.002-05:00

Neil Christopher

January 9th, 2014

1:02 AM // 6 pounds 14 ounces // 20 inches

Just Lilah's Christmas, in pictures

2013-12-29T19:06:00.002-05:00

Just Lilah, in pictures

2013-12-29T19:01:00.000-05:00

Lilah video

2013-11-25T22:00:00.001-05:00

Here is a cute video of Lilah. Chris is reading her the interactive Jingle story for the first time this Christmas season. She loved it. Just loved it. If you not family, I would just ignore this one because it is super long. Mostly I'm posting for my grandma.

Beach day in November

2013-11-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

So we had a beach day in late November, because Florida is the best. Here are some pictures... a couple family photos (of course an average of only one person was actually looking at the camera for each of them), some adorable pictures of the kids being kids (oh man those running ones are extra adorable), and a few of my pregnant belly (31 weeks now).

Just a bunch of littles for catch-up

2013-10-17T20:11:00.001-04:00

I'm blogging. Ohmygosh, I know. I've actually thought about writing a post lately, but once I sit down I find I only have about two sentences worth to say or my ideas come at two in the morning and that's just not happening. I'm going to do a bunch of little things for catch-up and we'll call it a post. So lately...

READING Everyday Talk by John A. Younts. It's about talking freely and naturally about God with your children. I've actually read/skimmed this book before and love it. Lilah has been a poophead lately. I've been at a loss for words. Enter this book. It's all about using everyday moments (like when she is being disobedient or sassy) and learning how to discipline by focusing on her heart and her need for Jesus. It's also about using everyday moments (like when she's asking about the animals or the clouds) and learning how to point her to her creator. Next on my list, Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Trip.

TRYING to be a patient, gracious parent through Lilah's sassy attitude. She will be rounding out three pretty soon and I can tell. Oh man she is pressing all my buttons. I think what makes it the hardest is that we've never had a problem from her before. Half the time I just stare at her in shock. Generally she is trustworthy, obedient, delightful, smart, and understanding. She still does have those characteristics, but hasn't been displaying them lately. Hence the grace-based parenting books. I want to start talking to her about her heart and how she needs Jesus, rather than just modifying her behavior. I guess now that I'm writing this I feel a little grateful that it's been so hard. One hundred extra moments every day where she is acting a butt equal one hundred extra moments that I have to point her to Jesus, also one hundred extra moments where I realize how much I need Jesus too. Pray for us both.

LOVING our small group. The same group of families have been meeting now for over a year. It's been so wonderful to invest time into these relationships. I just love all of them. I just love all of our kids. It's such a blessing. Right now we are doing a study on James.

WASHING my hair way less. I know nobody cares about this but me, but I used to wash my hair every single day. Ugh, it was so much work. I recently-ish cut it shorter. I spend a little more time with the straightener, but now I only have to wash it every four days or so. It's just awesome. Really.

WORKING working working. The husband and I have both been putting in a ton of hours. This month alone, we have fifteen extra events where we are catering/selling smoothies outside the store. Add that to our regular work load and it's making for a long month. I'm happy to be doing these events. It means we are doing well with our business. It actually means we are going to blow through our yearly sales goal this month and that we get to set a new one for the end of the year. Yeah, pretty amazing. It just reminds me how grateful I am to be doing something we love while still supporting our family- Praise be to God. It also reminds me how much work running our own business can be- sometimes it would be nice to pass this off to someone else.

GRATEFUL for C's progress in our home. Last night, I asked him to throw something away. He was able to stop, comprehend, and obey. That's a big big deal. His language has really started to explode too. Every day we are hearing new words from him.The little kid is doing so well. We've had him since May, so it's been about five months now. I think we are all finally starting to see consistent improvement in every part of his behavior.

MAKING hard decisions about C's future in our home. A few weeks ago, we finally made the decision that we would not be able to continue caring for him once the baby arrives. It was such a difficult decision, as I felt so much guilt about asking for him to be transitioned out. Once I made the call, we had some positive and encouraging feedback from a few key people on his team. I have since then started to feel more at peace with our time with him, knowing it is okay that it was just a short time and knowing that I serve a god that is kind and gracious and completely in charge of this little boy's life. Right now, the plan is for C to move to the home that includes his full-blood brother.

ENJOYING my time being pregnant. I never thought I would say those words, as I have never enjoyed being pregnant before, but general life experience and losing a child will surely change one's heart. I just find it hard to complain about this discomfort or that problem. Hello, I have a human being growing inside me. It's so special this time around and I think I could cry a million times a day when I remember that I'm going to have a baby again. Each little kick is such a gift. I just love it. All of it. There are about 100 days left until my due date.

That's all. I'm done. I've been typing way too long. I must go check on the children now.

Lilah + Elizabeth

2013-09-25T10:40:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we got to spend some time with the Thomas family because Aunt Jennifer got married. Cousin Elizabeth played and laughed with Lilah until they were both delirious. Unbelievably sweet. The pictures just don't do their relationship justice. It was the best, really. Lilah even got to have her first real-ish sleepover with Elizabeth. Oh those two are so special.

Pool day

2013-09-23T13:06:00.000-04:00

Bird feeding {in a princess dress}

2013-09-18T14:03:00.001-04:00

Bird feeding. In her Minnie princess dress. And dress-up heels. One of my first times shooting in manual.

And then we had to come inside. End of world.