Well, school is back in session for the oldest of the Smith kids! We had a great summer full of camping trips and outside fun with friends. Also there were some sad points in saying "so long" to friends who have moved on to new places...but that's the life of a military family!
Elizabeth happily went off to the third grade and we seem to be settling into a new routine. This year she will be learning cursive and she is totally excited about it! She's an awesome reader and is working hard to memorize her math facts. It's a promising start to the year.
Ophelia blissfully sleeps through the hustle and bustle of the morning and we spend a few hours playing until nap time. Lots of shapes, colors and letters. She loves to flip through her tiny board books and is signing at a rapid clip. Some signs are her own creation that take a few times for her poor parents to catch on. I love the look that says "Gee mom, don't you get what I am saying?"
Then it's my turn to get the house in shape and take on my own learning adventure.
See, I decided to undertake an aromatherapy certification course. Last time you'll remember I wrote about our success with using essential oils to compliment the things we've been doing to help Elizabeth in her journey through ADHD. I have seen such amazing results with her and learned so much, but there is so much MORE. The course I am taking through Aromahead www.aromahead.com is simply amazing. A great format and easy to navigate! I started taking the Anatomy & Physiology section a few weeks ago. Once I finished all the lessons I took the exam...and passed! Now it's onto the fun stuff. The chemistry, the oils themselves. So far I have created a variety of products for my family and some friends. Aromatherapy is so much more than just good smelling stuff.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatherapy
I haven't stopped learning. What about you?
As always, God Bless from my (im)perfect mess....
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Endless summer....
Hey, yup, Hi there. It's been awhile - how are you?
Well, we've reconnected here at the Smith house. Our hero is back in action at his new job! We love having him home & the adjustment was much smoother than I expected.
My big kid has finished school for the summer & we've just returned from a quick trip to New York. Ever have one of those things that you *really* didn't want to do, but once you did it turned out 100% better than you expected? Yeah - I am blessed to say that was this trip. I dreaded the air travel to get there & staying in a hotel (ugg!). The air travel was only slightly painful (they misplaced our airplane and we had to wait SEVEN hours for a new one to arrive, all while trying to get a 16 month old to nap in a baby carrier in a busy airport!). The hotel was a bit dated and musty and they messed up our room reservation which we had to argue to change. On the other hand - I did spend an incredible time with my family saying goodbye to my sweet grandma! It was fun to catch up with all my cousins! Saratoga Springs had one additional surprise in that I got to reconnect with an old friend from high school (you know you're old when you say the words reconnect & old friend in the same sentence!). All in all a successful Smith family adventure. On the trip home we made a life changing decision: so take a seat here it comes...
WE . ARE . BUYING . AN . RV
Ok, caught your breath? Yep. You read that right. We are in the final moments of closing the deal. So much for that new car I was banking on...we just spent all that money on a tiny house on wheels! I am totally pumped. No more bad diners, no more nasty hotels, no more leaving the dog at home to fend for himself or putting him in a kennel! We're talking vacation freedom baby... the open road, screaming kids and a drooling, nervous wreck of a dog. Doesn't that just sounds amazing? Hahaha!
In other news; I wanted to share a story about some other life changing events in our life. My darling big kid has struggled with attention issues since she was my sweet little kid. In the 1st grade we made the hard choice to use some prescription medication to help her deal with these issues. Those of you who *know* me will know that was a hard choice for us. Since that moment I have been exploring other options for her. About 8 months ago we went *mostly* gluten free. That helped immensely! About 6 months ago a friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in using essential oils to deal with the issues. I agreed, got them and have NEVER looked back. In the past 6 months I have learned so much about the use of essential oils for not only her symptoms, but for nearly every aspect of our lives (bear with me, the story will come full circle). I did some research and bought some additional oils & made my big kid her own personal blend. We use them morning & evening, with some applications in between. At our once a month doctors visit he said the most amazing thing; "see you in 60 days"! Whoa. That is huge progress but the next words out of his mouth were even better; "I think you can go medication free this summer & see how it goes." WOOOHOOO! I am doing something right here folks! It's been 12 days of no meds and things are smooth! Now, I'm not gonna sugar coat it - there's been a time or two so far I thought I might run away from home (just kidding!) but on the whole it's been smooth sailing! If you have a kiddo who struggles with ADD, ADHD or something else on the Autism spectrum - please reach out & I would be more than happy to share EXACTLY what we are doing to mitigate the symptoms! It's a process, but being off the medication is such a blessing...and makes for a much happier mommy & kiddo!! Now for the full circle part; remember the plane rides? Remember the long wait in the airport? I expected complete meltdowns from both my lovelies...what I got were completely calm, composed children who (with the help from a roller bottle full of essential oils) were better than I ever could have imagined. I have to celebrate this victory because I feel it's been a long time coming. I know my beautiful kids are *the* best kiddos ever, and they just proved it!! Parenting score!!!!
Alrighty folks, that's it from here. I hope that your summer is off to a great start!!
Ps. personal note; very little progress on the weight loss program! BUT I have conquered some thyroid issues so I am hoping to make some progress soon!
God Bless from my imperfect mess....
Well, we've reconnected here at the Smith house. Our hero is back in action at his new job! We love having him home & the adjustment was much smoother than I expected.
My big kid has finished school for the summer & we've just returned from a quick trip to New York. Ever have one of those things that you *really* didn't want to do, but once you did it turned out 100% better than you expected? Yeah - I am blessed to say that was this trip. I dreaded the air travel to get there & staying in a hotel (ugg!). The air travel was only slightly painful (they misplaced our airplane and we had to wait SEVEN hours for a new one to arrive, all while trying to get a 16 month old to nap in a baby carrier in a busy airport!). The hotel was a bit dated and musty and they messed up our room reservation which we had to argue to change. On the other hand - I did spend an incredible time with my family saying goodbye to my sweet grandma! It was fun to catch up with all my cousins! Saratoga Springs had one additional surprise in that I got to reconnect with an old friend from high school (you know you're old when you say the words reconnect & old friend in the same sentence!). All in all a successful Smith family adventure. On the trip home we made a life changing decision: so take a seat here it comes...
WE . ARE . BUYING . AN . RV
Ok, caught your breath? Yep. You read that right. We are in the final moments of closing the deal. So much for that new car I was banking on...we just spent all that money on a tiny house on wheels! I am totally pumped. No more bad diners, no more nasty hotels, no more leaving the dog at home to fend for himself or putting him in a kennel! We're talking vacation freedom baby... the open road, screaming kids and a drooling, nervous wreck of a dog. Doesn't that just sounds amazing? Hahaha!
In other news; I wanted to share a story about some other life changing events in our life. My darling big kid has struggled with attention issues since she was my sweet little kid. In the 1st grade we made the hard choice to use some prescription medication to help her deal with these issues. Those of you who *know* me will know that was a hard choice for us. Since that moment I have been exploring other options for her. About 8 months ago we went *mostly* gluten free. That helped immensely! About 6 months ago a friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in using essential oils to deal with the issues. I agreed, got them and have NEVER looked back. In the past 6 months I have learned so much about the use of essential oils for not only her symptoms, but for nearly every aspect of our lives (bear with me, the story will come full circle). I did some research and bought some additional oils & made my big kid her own personal blend. We use them morning & evening, with some applications in between. At our once a month doctors visit he said the most amazing thing; "see you in 60 days"! Whoa. That is huge progress but the next words out of his mouth were even better; "I think you can go medication free this summer & see how it goes." WOOOHOOO! I am doing something right here folks! It's been 12 days of no meds and things are smooth! Now, I'm not gonna sugar coat it - there's been a time or two so far I thought I might run away from home (just kidding!) but on the whole it's been smooth sailing! If you have a kiddo who struggles with ADD, ADHD or something else on the Autism spectrum - please reach out & I would be more than happy to share EXACTLY what we are doing to mitigate the symptoms! It's a process, but being off the medication is such a blessing...and makes for a much happier mommy & kiddo!! Now for the full circle part; remember the plane rides? Remember the long wait in the airport? I expected complete meltdowns from both my lovelies...what I got were completely calm, composed children who (with the help from a roller bottle full of essential oils) were better than I ever could have imagined. I have to celebrate this victory because I feel it's been a long time coming. I know my beautiful kids are *the* best kiddos ever, and they just proved it!! Parenting score!!!!
Alrighty folks, that's it from here. I hope that your summer is off to a great start!!
Ps. personal note; very little progress on the weight loss program! BUT I have conquered some thyroid issues so I am hoping to make some progress soon!
God Bless from my imperfect mess....
Friday, March 29, 2013
A new beginning...
I am so glad it's spring. That is NOT something I normally say. I really really like winter - but I think cabin fever has set in at my house. Just the other day I told my 15 month old "quit being a jerk!" Hahahaha! What baby do you know that is a jerk? I laughed right then! Then I picked her up & hugged her...she just giggled. I am glad she is so forgiving of her scattered & stressed mama!
Spring is a time of renewal, refreshment and regrowth. I am always amazed at how the bulbs start to come up with snow still on the ground. Here in Kansas it seems like the snow just won't stay away! I am glad to be able to get outside, start garden planning and see SUNSHINE!
I think it's natural for us to want to start something new or refresh ourselves a bit in the spring. With that in mind I am starting a little "get healthy" project at my house. I am taking a class from Lydia at www.divinehealthfromtheinsideout.com to learn about how I can be healthier by eating the right foods. Much of this is not new for me, but it's nice to have a refresher! I am also learning more about how I can keep my family healthy with essential oils. Lea Harris at http://www.nourishingtreasures.com is an invaluable resource for information not only on EO's but other healthy options. So now I am armed with the information; I am about to put it all into practice with the help of Lisa Fowler at www.passionateandhealthyliving.com Lisa has been kind enough to supply me with a package of "ITWorks" products. I am going to be using these things over the next month (and probably longer). I hope to re-start my metabolism & rev up so I can burn off the jiggle more effectively. I have been trying (with minimal success) to get my hind-end to the gym. I did well for about 10 days, then dropped off! Thank goodness for my weekly yoga sessions at the Women's Community Y! I love those ladies!!!!
Check back with me over the next few weeks. If I get brave enough I might post some pictures to show my progress - so bring your barf bags! :)
Go renew yourselves...you're worth it!
God Bless from my imperfect mess....
Spring is a time of renewal, refreshment and regrowth. I am always amazed at how the bulbs start to come up with snow still on the ground. Here in Kansas it seems like the snow just won't stay away! I am glad to be able to get outside, start garden planning and see SUNSHINE!
I think it's natural for us to want to start something new or refresh ourselves a bit in the spring. With that in mind I am starting a little "get healthy" project at my house. I am taking a class from Lydia at www.divinehealthfromtheinsideout.com to learn about how I can be healthier by eating the right foods. Much of this is not new for me, but it's nice to have a refresher! I am also learning more about how I can keep my family healthy with essential oils. Lea Harris at http://www.nourishingtreasures.com is an invaluable resource for information not only on EO's but other healthy options. So now I am armed with the information; I am about to put it all into practice with the help of Lisa Fowler at www.passionateandhealthyliving.com Lisa has been kind enough to supply me with a package of "ITWorks" products. I am going to be using these things over the next month (and probably longer). I hope to re-start my metabolism & rev up so I can burn off the jiggle more effectively. I have been trying (with minimal success) to get my hind-end to the gym. I did well for about 10 days, then dropped off! Thank goodness for my weekly yoga sessions at the Women's Community Y! I love those ladies!!!!
Check back with me over the next few weeks. If I get brave enough I might post some pictures to show my progress - so bring your barf bags! :)
Go renew yourselves...you're worth it!
God Bless from my imperfect mess....
Friday, March 8, 2013
Just do(ing) it...
I have read that it takes 66 days or repetitions to make something a habit. I have kept my promise to myself and (re)started going to the gym. I have worked out 4 times in the past 7 days. Thank you very much. Only 62 more times and hopefully it'll stick. By then I am looking forward to seeing some changes.
God bless from my imperfect mess.
Habits; I love them and I hate them. I love the habits of kissing my husband good morning. Getting the coffee going each morning. Making my family wholesome things to eat. I hate habits like washing dishes, the endless parade of laundry that never seems to stop, my pesky dog who reminds me at 2:30 every day that Elizabeth will be home soon and should feed him the SECOND she walks into the house. But, really, if I step back I guess I should be grateful. Grateful that I have dishes to wash because that means that we have enough food to eat. Grateful that I have an endless supply of laundry because that means that I have more than enough clothing to adequately clothe my family. Grateful that I can afford to feed my pesky dog because he can be quite funny when he wants to be and makes a good companion.
So even though I know I should be grateful, I don't always want to be. I get some relief out of complaining about it. I need to change my attitude...help me be accountable for for my habits!!
Can you find joy in the small things?
I am also working on a little something...I'll let you know all about it next week. Hint: it should compliment the workout/less Nutella thing I've got going on.
Oh, and in case you were wondering I only ate Nutella off a spoon 2 times in the past 7 days. That's progress...
God bless from my imperfect mess.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Can I love my imperfection?
My new quest? Learning to love the things I hate! I mostly mean me. I need to learn to love me.
Flabby baby tummy, blah. Jiggly thighs, yuck. Seems like it's been a while since I've had perky breasts. Why hello second chin, why do you stick around? I remember thinking I wasn't that cute when I was 16 or 17. Now I see the error I made. Nothing jiggled, wiggled or sagged. I don't miss being 17 - but I do miss that body! Now here I sit at 33, I need to learn to LOVE me. My family does, my friends do now I need to show myself the same respect.
I have a gym membership that goes mostly unused. I mean, it's hard to bundle kids up in the snow & trudge out to the gym. I always feel foolish and clumsy while I am there. The other women in their cute gym clothes and perfect hair. I am lucky if I remember to put on a sports bra & actual shoes before I leave the house. I was in pretty good shape just before getting pregnant with Ophelia. Pregnancy and I don't get along well. Sure, I make pretty cute kids - but it's at the expense of my poor body! I am NOT one of those women who bounces back from pregnancy. You know the kind? Two weeks later & they are back in regular clothes and look fantastic! Yep - they exist and I envy them. I'm sure they work really hard at it too. I simply don't have that kind of self-control or dedication. I don't want an easy fix, but does it have to be so hard?
BUT, now my husband is home and life is just got that much easier. I am going to give this whole workout thing a shot. I need accountability, so I am putting it out there for everyone to read. I NEED to workout more. At least 3 days a week. Will you bug me about it? Will you annoy me until I just give in & go so you'll quit asking?
I'll be honest; I need to lose about 40 pounds. Yeah, 40! Uggg, why can't I just eat cheesecake all day and lose the weight? We live in a world where I can be in near-instant contact with everyone, I can pay my bills online, I can order stuff and it show up at my door a few days later. Can't we figure out a cheesecake diet? Ok, so maybe that's a few years off yet. A girl can dream, can't she? Since we're talking dreams...50 pounds would be even better!
Well, here goes! Tomorrow I am going to force myself to go to the gym! Call me, text me, email me, call me and BUG me until I tell you what class I took (I'm thinking I might try out this new aqua fit class my gym has).
Yeah, then next week I am going to work on eating less Nutella off a spoon! *sigh* Maybe.
God Bless from my imperfect mess....
Flabby baby tummy, blah. Jiggly thighs, yuck. Seems like it's been a while since I've had perky breasts. Why hello second chin, why do you stick around? I remember thinking I wasn't that cute when I was 16 or 17. Now I see the error I made. Nothing jiggled, wiggled or sagged. I don't miss being 17 - but I do miss that body! Now here I sit at 33, I need to learn to LOVE me. My family does, my friends do now I need to show myself the same respect.
I have a gym membership that goes mostly unused. I mean, it's hard to bundle kids up in the snow & trudge out to the gym. I always feel foolish and clumsy while I am there. The other women in their cute gym clothes and perfect hair. I am lucky if I remember to put on a sports bra & actual shoes before I leave the house. I was in pretty good shape just before getting pregnant with Ophelia. Pregnancy and I don't get along well. Sure, I make pretty cute kids - but it's at the expense of my poor body! I am NOT one of those women who bounces back from pregnancy. You know the kind? Two weeks later & they are back in regular clothes and look fantastic! Yep - they exist and I envy them. I'm sure they work really hard at it too. I simply don't have that kind of self-control or dedication. I don't want an easy fix, but does it have to be so hard?
BUT, now my husband is home and life is just got that much easier. I am going to give this whole workout thing a shot. I need accountability, so I am putting it out there for everyone to read. I NEED to workout more. At least 3 days a week. Will you bug me about it? Will you annoy me until I just give in & go so you'll quit asking?
I'll be honest; I need to lose about 40 pounds. Yeah, 40! Uggg, why can't I just eat cheesecake all day and lose the weight? We live in a world where I can be in near-instant contact with everyone, I can pay my bills online, I can order stuff and it show up at my door a few days later. Can't we figure out a cheesecake diet? Ok, so maybe that's a few years off yet. A girl can dream, can't she? Since we're talking dreams...50 pounds would be even better!
Well, here goes! Tomorrow I am going to force myself to go to the gym! Call me, text me, email me, call me and BUG me until I tell you what class I took (I'm thinking I might try out this new aqua fit class my gym has).
Yeah, then next week I am going to work on eating less Nutella off a spoon! *sigh* Maybe.
God Bless from my imperfect mess....
Monday, February 25, 2013
Normalcy?
It has been a very relaxing & very wonderful weekend here in The Smith household. Lots of catching up, laughing, and getting to know each other all over again! This morning Elizabeth went off to school, which may be one of the only days she goes this week. We are slated for another massive blizzard tonight. I don't mind being snowed in this time - since we're all here and can snuggle in together!! For now, life isn't so imperfect. It's simply perfect. Nothing fancy. Just *being* is enough. We are soaking up the small things and loving every minute.
Is there anything that makes you stop & count your blessings? Although this deployment wasn't easy I realize that there are opportunities for thank God for our blessings. One of my favorite songs is this:
Is there anything that makes you stop & count your blessings? Although this deployment wasn't easy I realize that there are opportunities for thank God for our blessings. One of my favorite songs is this:
"Praise You In This Storm"
Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
[Chorus]
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
[Chorus x2]
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
[Chorus]
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
[Chorus x2]
It's a reminder that everyday, everything is an opportunity to Praise...
I'll try to keep that more in mind, will you?
God Bless from my imperfect mess...
Friday, February 22, 2013
It was a snowpocalypse or so they say...
Well, here we are again.
I am going to attempt driving from here to there & hopefully I will come back with a husband (No, not a new one. The one I have suits just fine!) I know that I am tired, I am positive he is tired and still our kids have no idea that he's coming home. It's been a very long year & while I don't normally wish time away, I will be glad when this is over.
The possible kinks in today plan:
1. Yesterday it snowed nearly 8 inches of snow.
2. After the snow came a period of freezing stuff came down.
3. After that it snowed 3 more inches.
3. I spent an hour trying to bust the ice off the windows/windshield so I could even leave the house.
4. What should be a 2 - 2 1/2 hour drive may take me 4 or 5. I'm prepared to slide off the road.
5. Once we get where we are going, there's no guarantee that he will get where he needs to be.
The thrown together birthday party was a success. The snow didn't hinder those plans & then everyone was able to go out and go sledding. After sledding there was hot chocolate and cookies. By 4:30, we were all pooped! It was quite a day. Now my big girl is 8 years old. Elizabeth is growing into quite an amazing young lady. She is funny, super smart and loves to read. I have no doubt that she'll succeed at whatever she takes on.
It's amazing how fast time goes by when you stand back at look. In a few years, this past year will be a blip on our radar. It seemed monumental to overcome, tough while living through it & I know in hindsight I will see the growth we have somehow managed as a result. Despite it all; we've made it. I know that each of you has a struggle too, let me assure you that you will make it through. If I can do it - you can do it!
Blessedly little Ophelia took two long naps yesterday & life was that much easier on this very tired mama! I am really hoping for pleasant and peaceful travel. I want to take a moment to thank you all for your well wishes, thoughts & prayers for the past few days. It's truly amazing how many wonderful friends we have!
God Bless from my imperfect mess...
I am going to attempt driving from here to there & hopefully I will come back with a husband (No, not a new one. The one I have suits just fine!) I know that I am tired, I am positive he is tired and still our kids have no idea that he's coming home. It's been a very long year & while I don't normally wish time away, I will be glad when this is over.
The possible kinks in today plan:
1. Yesterday it snowed nearly 8 inches of snow.
2. After the snow came a period of freezing stuff came down.
3. After that it snowed 3 more inches.
3. I spent an hour trying to bust the ice off the windows/windshield so I could even leave the house.
4. What should be a 2 - 2 1/2 hour drive may take me 4 or 5. I'm prepared to slide off the road.
5. Once we get where we are going, there's no guarantee that he will get where he needs to be.
The thrown together birthday party was a success. The snow didn't hinder those plans & then everyone was able to go out and go sledding. After sledding there was hot chocolate and cookies. By 4:30, we were all pooped! It was quite a day. Now my big girl is 8 years old. Elizabeth is growing into quite an amazing young lady. She is funny, super smart and loves to read. I have no doubt that she'll succeed at whatever she takes on.
It's amazing how fast time goes by when you stand back at look. In a few years, this past year will be a blip on our radar. It seemed monumental to overcome, tough while living through it & I know in hindsight I will see the growth we have somehow managed as a result. Despite it all; we've made it. I know that each of you has a struggle too, let me assure you that you will make it through. If I can do it - you can do it!
Blessedly little Ophelia took two long naps yesterday & life was that much easier on this very tired mama! I am really hoping for pleasant and peaceful travel. I want to take a moment to thank you all for your well wishes, thoughts & prayers for the past few days. It's truly amazing how many wonderful friends we have!
God Bless from my imperfect mess...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)