Monday, December 31, 2012

the last day of a good year

I know that anyone who looks at my blog is tired of reading about Essential Oils. I'm sorry.  I've been very busy with crafts, travel, family and being Mama Mandy.  December has been blissful!

I tried to blog a few weeks ago and "Blogger"wants me to pay for photo storage. I'm not sure I want to. I'm considering a cleanse in 2013, a simplification of sorts. I may say goodbye to the blog. I may say farewell to Instagram. I may say hello to the books I want to write instead. I have four unfinished books and I would love to devote more time to them. It's a personal goal of mine and if I keep putting them off then those stories will never be shared. I may, but I haven't decided just yet.




Happy New Year, friends!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

essential, oils

I'm not sure if I consider myself a bandwagon kind of girl. But I am mature enough to admit that my own views are influenced by those around me, especially those I find interesting, intelligent, and inspiring.

As a mom, it seems like I am bombarded with helpful advice. Mostly well intentioned, it can sometimes be overwhelming. I've also witnessed a friend on the receiving end of "help" and I wanted to shout out in protest, "Get off her back, already!" Too much of anything, even good intentions, can be just too much.

Back to my point, I've been in the decision making process regarding Harper's allergies since her allergist appointment in June. He gave us a lengthy list of medications, precautions, and items to avoid. Included on the list were carpet, curtains, and our tiny dog, Nash. No more indoor pets. Ever.

I left feeling rebellious. Pshh, who does he think he is telling me to get rid of Nash! I've had him for nine years! And all that medicine, yeah right?! Shots! Not likely.

And then, after weeks of waking up stuffy and congested, the mother voice in my head told me to listen to the doctor. Coincidentally, I read a blog about the healing use of essential oils. I immediately contacted the mentioned contact, Jessica Lister, and received my samples within the week. Thus, the same week Harper started to go in for allergy injections, we also began to use DoTerra Essential Oils on the bottom of her feet. Breathe, Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint to be precise.  Nick and I were both impressed with the invigorating scent of the oils, the immediate sense of opened passages, and improved breathing. Harper loved them as well. The treatment, the odor, the effect. Soon Baylor climbed up on the counter alongside Harper for the special nighttime routine.

Because we started both treatments, traditional and non-traditional, in the same week, I am not sure where credit is due. Harper's symptoms have improved! On the nights we use the oils both girls sleep more soundly. On those nights, Baylor doesn't creep upstairs at 2am. Therefore, I'm a believer. I'm an essential oil junkie and I can't get enough. I want to order large vats of California Baby bubble bath and swim in it! I want my home to smell like a gypsy shop and when people hug me I want them to say, "Mmm, that smells good. What is it?" Then I could respond, "Oh thank you, it's essential oils.." and strike up a conversation like I am interesting and intelligent.

All this to say, I'm kind of into essential oils. I think they are groovy in a helpful, healthy, organic sort of way. Thank you to Jess Litster for my samples and helpful A to Z guide book! I'll be making my order soon! Here is her contact information if you are interested in essential oils as well:
https://www.facebook.com/bloomdoterra , Jess Litster (208)514-8066.

Happy December! 

Mandy

Ps- special thanks to my long time friend, Jaime, for giving Nash a happy home in Texas! 

Friday, November 16, 2012

the Christmas card dilemma

The pressure, oh the pressure, of having a Christmas card that perfectly reflects the nature of your family. I absolutely LOVE receiving Christmas cards each year, oohing over the sweet pictures, and then displaying them around my home. Now I even save them, thanks to the recommendation of a friend, and browse through them each Christmas season to see how families have grown. 

If you need help capturing your family, call me. I have a few time slots available next Monday afternoon.  

Happy Thanksgiving Break to all my LP teacher peeps! Thanks for all you have done since August to influence our children.

I love memory lane so here are a few shots from Christmas past!


















Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Enoch's Pumpkin Stomp and more fun with Juju & Poppy

I know this is photo overload, but when I have so many cute ones it is hard to keep them to myself. Plus, these photos explain our weekend in Texas to a tee! Gorgeous weather, crystalline skies, and golden sun all weekend long! 

The first group of pics is from Enoch's Pumpkin Stomp in Hallsville/Harleton, TX. Enoch's is a winery and vineyard nestled in rolling hills with panoramic views. I thought the activities were well planned and the food was surprisingly good for mass quantity burgers and dogs.  




 (Sweet Nettie...mom's friend's grandbaby)


 Nice form, Harp. She may be a natural!

 Yes, I wanted to snap this whistle in half after about five minutes of incessant noise!!


 I'd be happy if she chose to dress like this everyday!! I love her in overalls and boots. 
Makes me happy, happy, happy!


 Bay's sweet face!



 Shaun and family!!


 I LOVE this pic of her because it embodies her spirit...always laughing and full of joy!! 
(and full of crap too...ha hahaha! Love you Shaun!)



 This is me TRYING to get Bay to look at the camera for a sweet pic...yeah right.






The rest are shots from playing in Juju & Poppy's pasture! they LOVE riding horses, running free, and swinging on the rope swing!













Wednesday, October 24, 2012