Showing posts with label fireboy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fireboy. Show all posts

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Convictions

Do you ever have any of those moments that feel like you have been sucker-punched? That make you think "How could I even THINK that?" I had one the other day.
Since moving, I have felt like my apartment is cluttered. All of our stuff has been piled into places just to get it out of the main areas. Last week, I had finally had enough. I decided that it was time to tackle the mess, and get it in order! I made a list and got to it. The kids were pretty good, but it seemed that they were getting in my way...I couldn't organize one thing without them destroying something else. I was frustrated.
Over the weekend though, it hit me. I was not seeing them as blessings as the Bible says we should. I was viewing them as burdens. My head spun. My heart ached. All I wanted to do was cry, and hug my babies. 
Instead of talking over them, and looking in their direction, I took a step back and watched them. Watched their faces light up as they played together, watched Maddie pull herself up and walk around the couch all by herself. Watched Charlie meticulously build a tower out of his blocks. My heart was bursting, yet filled with regret. I love these kids. They had no idea how I was feeling, but came to me when I asked for a hug. 
This week, I'm focusing on them. Giving them what they need, and the attention and love that they need. I still have things to get done around here, but that comes second!

Love them.
I'm thankful for those moments that make me stand back and see the mistakes that I'm making. I know there will be many more!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Homemade Bug Spray

I've been working my way towards a chemical-free lifestyle. What does this mean? It means that I don't use any more conventional cleaning products...things like, comet (this used to be my favorite bathroom cleaner), Clorox wipes (hello, easy toilet cleaning!), or even seventh generation products which seem to be relatively safe. Instead, I use a vinegar/water solution, about a 1:1 ratio. This kills germs, leaves things looking nice and shiny, and this way Charlie is allowed to help too!
I'm also very careful with products that I put on our skin. For the kiddos, I use soap from the farmers market at bath time, and coconut oil for a moisturizer when they need it. 


This summer, the bugs have been horrific. I don't want to send my kids out without bug spray, and definitely don't want to use "regular" bug spray on them. Have you read the ingredients? Interesting enough, they only put 5% of the ingredients on the website...the rest are just labeled as "other ingredients". SO, instead of using something like that on the kids, I decided to make my own. I found this recipe on pinterest, and had Mike make it up (I had to change a few things, because we didn't have epsom salts, and I added another oil.)! I had to reapply it a few times, but haven't had ANY bug bites since using it! If you're needing something great, and safe to use on yourself and kids, try this!

All Natural Bug Spray
8 oz. water
8 drops purification essential oil
8 drops peppermint essential oil
8 drops lavender essential oil (mosquitoes stay away from lavender!)
pinch of baking soda

1. Mix the oils and baking soda together. This will keep the oils from separating from the water.
2. Mix the baking soda mixture with the water.
3. Pour into a spray bottle.
4. Spray!

I hope this works for you as well as it has for us!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Introduction

Today, I thought I would introduce you to my kids! 
Of course, I think they are the smartest, most adorable kids out there...and I'm sure that I'm not biased at all. Right?!



 My two cute kiddos
Charlie
Charlie and momma
 Maddie
Cuties in the tub

I'm so blessed to be able to spend everyday with these babies. Somedays they drive me absolutely insane, but I wouldn't have it any other way! They do and say the funniest things, and are constantly making me smile. I hope they make you smile too!