doTERRA

Look at what Brooke and I have added to our list...Yep we are new family members to doTERRA. I have dabbled in EO's (Essential Oils) for a few years before I got married. Then I just kinda put them on the back burner and forgot about them. Then a dear friend and neighbor of mine re-introduced me to EO's and doTERRA after I had my 3rd baby a couple of years ago. She called me one day after having the baby to see how I was doing and could hear my frustration. Not only did I have a newborn that had some health issues but two very active toddlers that were 16 months and 3. She ran over with her diffuser and a handful of oils to share with me. We ran the diffuser with some Balance I couldn't get enough. Here it is 2 1/2 years later and I was talking to Brooke about them and she started using the Slim and Sassy  and she has lost 13 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. AMAZING (she will have to tell you her story)!

So I just want to share with you are new adventure and if your are interested here is Brooke's link I will get mine tomorrow. We are hoping to share with you our experiences with using the oils. And help you see the benefits of making yourself and your family Healthier and also the many uses of the oils. I use them in my homemade laundry soap, deodorant, use them in cleaning, dusting, add them to my drinking water for something refreshing other then having a sugary soda, and the many ways you can use them to help you feel better. Relieve pain, help sleep better, give you more energy, etc.

Have you ever used EO's? What has been your experience?

HaPpY bIrThDaY.. We are 3!

3 years ago we came up with this blog to share things that our Mom would have loved to share with others. More of a tribute to her and all of her hobbies that she passed on to us. The last couple of years since her passing we have had "Grandma J Pay it Forward Days"

The rule is to do something that will help another. We have heard of some amazing stories. Even people that haven't known our mom has stepped in and had great experiences in what they have done. Service was a huge part of moms life and we want to follow her example and do our part. I love that commercial when one person does something nice for another and someone else sees that and they do something and it becomes a full circle from where it began.

Have a great day of Service! And THANK YOU for following our Blog.

Remember the more followers we get we will start having giveaways. We have some already in mind so share with your friends!!!

Indexing

Sunday at church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) I learned how to index records so that it will help those that are working on their family history learn more about their Ancestors. It is so addicting and very easy to do. There is A LOT of work that needs to be done so they are asking for anybody that is willing and able to help. Go HERE to get started! Try it out. I am able to index 20 plus name a day during my kiddos "rest time". It is great for me to make use of some well needed "down time"

How is your Family History coming along? What have you done to help your children to know more about your Heritage?

Guess What I had for breakfast..

Did you know that there are over 13 flavors of Cheerios? Crazy huh? But AWESOME!

My kids LOVED the yogurt blends when they were teething. My daughter would pick them out and eat those and give me the non yogurt ones.

I haven't tried the Peanut Butter ones yet, But they are in my pantry for tomorrow morning.

This is the one I had this morning. It was like sitting in Heaven. YUMMY! I wonder how it would taste if I mixed the Chocolate ones with them!

These are Divine as well. I think I will get a box soon and try them out with the peanut butter ones as well!

But this is the families all time favorite. We LOVE them. My kiddos aren't into all the sugary cereals that they have on the market believe me I have tried them out. So I finally just gave up on them and we are SATISFIED with our Cheerios! Go HERE for some yummy recipes! Great way for your stock that you may have in your food storage!

What is your favorite Cheerios flavor?

Working at the Car Wash...

Who knew that getting your car washed could be such a Pretty Cool Experience? The kids love to go through the touch free car wash because of the colored foam that covers the car.

Happy Leap Day! What are you doing on your "Extra" Day?

Getting Ready for Conference

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Every 6 months we have General Conference (the first weekend of April and Oct) This is where we all gather together and have the opportunity to hear our Living Prophet Thomas S Monson (and other general leaders) speak to us.
You can go here to learn more.
We have 3 toddlers and we have the opportunity to watch General Conference on TV. Maybe when they are a lot older we can try to attend at the Conference Center .

Last Oct I made "Conference Baskets" for each of the kids. I went to the Dollar store and found each a different colored baskets and then filled them up with crayons, pictures of Christ, Families, Prophets, and other related pictures that they could color. Also had some snacks for each of them like Apple slices, fruit snack, crackers, cookies, and a Bottle of water. Since conference is for the weekend I kept some for The Sat sessions (we have a morning and afternoon) and then had a stash for the Sun Sessions (again Morn/Afternoon).

My kids were so excited for their baskets. I don't expect them to sit for all of it. Like I said they are toddlers. In the pic below they are 2, 3, &4. (Since then my oldest turned 5). BUT they did AMAZING and I was able to listen to all of the very first sessions on Sat and Sun! Even my oldest was able to pick up little things here and there that was said and gave Hubby and I time to share our Testimonies with her.

The reason for the EARLY post of Conference (because I know its not until Mar 31-April 1) is because My now 5 year old asked if we were going to have the special baskets soon. And it got me thinking.... I have Amble of time to start getting things together.

Share some of your Conference Traditions

The Kids are making Dinner!

Its crazy I know especially since my kids are still in the toddler years (5, 3 1/2, 2). Its also true that your kids will eat better when they help you in the kitchen. My oldest is getting so independent now and she loves to help with everything. (I have been waiting for this day!!!) She now sweeps the floor, washes the table off, and helps daddy make sure the garbage is ready to be taken out. I love having her help!
I am a person who LOVES to try out a new recipe. But as of lately... give me something that is care free and take only seconds to prepare. I don't know how our Mom had dinner on the table at 5 while taking care of 6 plus kids that ranged in the ages from 1 to 10. Mom would always make everything for scratch and it would take all day for dinner. Me, I like to find a fast easy way out.
For instance.... We made Pizzas for Dinner the other night. The kids loved them!! Why? Because they made them. I thawed some Rhodes Rolls and the kids made their pizza rounds then we simply added our toppings. Then put in the oven until the crust was golden! Even my 2 year old could do this. They each ate 2 of them! They loved using their "Chef" skills. And now ask me if they can make Dinner tonight. (I dont know if I am ready for Pizza everynight, but maybe once a month we can have a special Pizza night!)

What are you making for Dinner tonight? Do your Kids help you in the kitchen?

Just a little TMI

So this is the reason for my lack of posting. I have been passing Kidney Stones

This has not been a fun process by no means. It all started about 3 weeks ago. I woke up at 2:30 AM in the worst pain ever. I really thought that I was having contractions only I KNEW that I'm NOT Pregnant. I finally woke up my Husband to tell him about the pain and that it wasn't going away, he ran downstairs and immediately got online to see what it could be. All kinds of things came up under side pain...Ectopic pregnancy was one of the things we were most concerned about. We called neighbors and they came running to our house to stay with the kids and Hubby took me to the ER.

Just to let some of you know if you have not had kidney stones but have given birth...I would take giving birth (mine were all c-sections) over this any day! HOLY COW PAIN Galore!

During my ER stay the did a CT scan and found that I had 2 stones (2mm and 4mm) stuck in the Ureter and some stones in the kidney. Also found that I have some Gallstones. (We are taking one step at a time. Take care of the Kidney stones then move on) I had 2 surgery procedures to remove the stones (just a laser thing to ZAP the ones that were stuck then the Doc removed the others to see what type they were which were the most common ones, calcium)

So here it is 3 weeks later. I am still in some pain but NOT like I was in the beginning. That was H*LL! SO I am drinking LOTS of H2O with DoTerra Lemon Essential Oil (if you would like some I have a friend that sells it) ans slowly making other changes so that I wont get any more of these trespasser's. And Slowly I am getting back in to the swing of things.

Have you had Kidney Stones? How did you manage the pain?

Also just a little SHOUT OUT to those that have helped us out during this time of need. We had many yummy meals brought in and the phone calls to check on me and also for the neighbors and friends that took my kids into their homes so that I could get my rest and my Hubby could get back to work. You all are great examples to me and I hope that I can return the favor soon. WE LOVE YOU ALL. I counted up all these that helped and what they did so I can get THANK YOUS out and there were 19 families that were there for us around the clock. I am still getting calls from people that want to help. You all are AMAZING!

How has someone served you? What have you done to help others in need?

It's Miracle Soup!!

We are still under the weather over here (the reason of lack of postings)

The other night for Dinner I made this DEVINE Chicken Noodle Soup My kids (including the Hubby) Felt almost instantly better. Its that type of soup. Packed FULL of Flavor!

Because I wasn't feeling any better then the rest of the clan I made a couple easy steps to it. Instead of cutting all the veggies I used frozen veggies and I didn't have any egg noodles or the energy to go to the store to get any so I used Quinoa (keen-wah). It was great! Everyone asked to have it for lunch the next day. My 5 year old told me that this soup is her most favorite ever and that she isn't sick anymore! IT'S A MIRACLE Soup!!!

I also love to freeze the extra broth for another day. Warm it up in a mug and you really do feel better! Thank you to the Chef of this fine Meal!!!

What meal warms you up?

Calling in "Sick" Today

Growing up our Mom had a way to make our "Sick" days BETTER days. Almost to the point that we would forget that we were sick. She would make the couch up to be the most perfect and comfortable spot in the house (talking loads of blankets and pillows). Have a tray next to it with books, Hot water with lemon and honey in it, and a bowl of soup and crackers, and A tall glass of ice cold sprite, She would also make me my most favorite get well snack Tapioca. Then after she made sure I was comfy she would put in the Get Well Soon Movies...

For some reason Pete's Dragon and Pollyanna made us feel better.

So its my turn to follow Mom's wonderful example. My 3 kiddos are sick today. I have the baby napping upstairs and the girls each have a couch. They are nicely snuggled with their Blankets and pillows. And Pete's Dragon is playing!

What makes you feel Better?

It a BiRtHdAy!

I have always been the un-tradional on in the family. I refuse to cook the Big Sunday Dinners (its a day of rest people!) I try to find the easiest way to do anything. (Like did you know that instead of cutting all the veggies like carrots, celery, onions you need for a soup base that you can find it pre done in the freezer section of the grocery store! GENIUS!!)

OK lets get back on track! I love Birthdays. I am 38 and I still count down to my day. I even make sure that no one forgets by leaving hints here and there. BUT I am not a fan of having the BIG 1 Birthday party. I know I am weird but here is why.... They don't really now what is going on and they end up getting really fussy and they don't really get to enjoy it! SO what we decided what we would do is have just a nice quiet 1st Birthday party with just us. We have a cake and we do let them go to town with it. But then here is the fun part for them, we give them a box of Tissue and just let them have the best time ever! It ends up being a great time for all!

AND we did however decide that we would have a party for the 5th Birthday! Its just as important for them at 5. They are a "BIG KID" now! They are going to start school soon and they are way more independent (as most of you already know!)

Here is my 5 year old! Happy Birthday Kiddo!!! She decided that she wanted a Tinkerbell Party. SO everything was done kinda woodsie and fairly like. (just so you know I like to make up words too!)

I have been pretty obsessed with making Banners lately (and I have some cute ones that I will post some other time!)

Love the twinkling lights. I even made the tulle and the leaf garland. I was in a very crafty mood for this day. For the tulle one I just cut pieces of tulle and bunched them together to make pom pom like balls and glued them to some Jute twine. Then for the leaf one I bought a container of leaves and also glued them to Jute. Looks pretty cool huh? I also went to the dollar store and got wings, tutus, and fairy wands for the girls. (we had 5 girls!) I know I have a pic of them just could locate a good one to share. All in All they had a blast!

Now for the fairy food. I found everything on a small scale. Anything that said Mini, I bought it and the girls LOVED it! As the "Fairies" were munching on their snacks they watched the New Tinkerbell movie that came out last fall. (Pixie Hollow Games)

She still talks about her BIG day! It was something that she will always remember

What do you do for Birthdays? What are some fun Traditions?

Something Saturday

What are you doing this fine Saturday?

I am a little undecided.

~ I could go clean some of the craft room. (you know that dead line I have the end of the month)

~ Could run to the post office and mail a package to my sister. (Which I still may try and do)

~ Could clean the Kitchen. (went on date with hubby last night and I didn't get it done before I left. Thankful for our AWESOME babysitter who attempted to straighten it the best she could with 3 toddlers)

~ OR and this is what I think just may help me start the day.... BUILD a house of Cards with my kiddos!

Something Crafty

Before we bought our house we went through 5 others looking for the perfect floor plan. We wanted a open and bright feeling, 4 bedrooms, and at least 2 bathrooms. House #6 was perfect. The second we walked into the house we were sold! It has everything on our list including....

A craft room!

Only it didn't look like this we when bought the house. And my excuse goes like this...

The day we moved in we had the movers put everything in this room with the intentions of me and my 10 month old going through boxes and putting everything gin its proper place. Hahaha! 1 month after we moved in I started feeling really sick and it was all day long. Why? Because I was pregnant with our 2nd daughter. So now I had a 18 month old and a newborn. Now nothing gets done. I want to nap with the girls. Well...16 months after my daughter was born, #3 a bouncing baby boy was born. SO needless to say the Craft Room was permanently put on hold!

UNTIL now! 4 1/2 years in the house and now I can unpack! The Kids are now 5, 3 1/2, and 2. If you remember from an earlier post this month I made a goal to clean it out this month! I have made good progress so far. I can now walk into it with out having to move something for me to get in.

My cousin came over last night and didn't even know that I had another room in the house. I had kept it hidden pretty well. I just may have to recruit her help so I can make my goal!!

I will post a pic of the finished project. (or at least show you my progress!)

New Toy..

My son has a blood disorder that requires him to have frequent blood transfusions. So we are at the hospital every 3-4 weeks. I have a huge backpack that is filled with toys, snacks, and books (for reading, coloring, writing, you name it!) So when Amazon came out with the Kindle it was instantly put on my "Wish List" It would take a load out of my bag. And let me tell you it has! Yep you read it right....





For Christmas my Hubby got me a Kindle Fire

I love it. I am still learning the in's and out's. I love that not only can I get books but that I can stream movies and games, TV shows, Magazines, Newspapers, WEB, and I am sure there is way more that I don't even know. I even have a directory app so I can input all my contacts. I have a notepad app so I can write all my notes or journal entrys while I am out and about. I am pretty much in love with this new "baby" of mine!

Now I just wish that I could keep it from my kids. Daddy had to put the Angry Birds App on it so they go crazy. (i do use it as a bribe at times)

I also have the Kindle 3G keyboard. A gift from my sister and her hubby for my birthday last year. I love how light weight and small this one is.

Do you have a Kindle? What is your favorite app? Do you have any helpful Tips that you would like to share?

Who wants a Cupcake!

Arent these ADORABLE? Go here to find out how you can make a Onesie Cupcake!!!

Pillowcase Dress

As today is the 2 year Anniversary of the passing of our mother, I felt like I could be a little crafty today. Not only did I take the kids on a walk in the rain but I came home and made 2 dresses from pillowcases. LOVE them!! I am thinking of making a ton of them for the summer.

This is something that I DON'T do.. so mom would be very proud!

Leftovers make Cupcakes

I had left over pumpkin from when I made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies the other day. And left over Apple Juice from the Doughnuts. SO made cupcakes!

Instead of adding the egg and oil that the box asks for I added pumpkin (half can if its the large can and full can if its the smaller) then instead of water (just to add more of a kick) I added the juice. I didn't know how they would turn out so it was a gamble. Then cool and frosted with
cream cheese frosting! They are EXTREMELY moist and do need to be cooked a little longer then on the box so watch them. I preferred them chilled!

(to make the pumpkin cookies just mix spice cake mix, 1 can of pumpkin (the smaller on if using lg just use half of it) the add Chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 13 mins. EASY and something simple the kiddos can help with!)

Sunday Dinners

Looks DE-LISH huh? We got a pork pic-nic butt roast over the weekend ($1.48 a pound) and I roasted it for 5 hours at 350. I sprinkled Moms favorite seasoning of all times....OLD BAY and that was it. It reminded me of all those wonderful Sunday Dinners that would bring us all together. And not just our immediate family...everyone could smell our parents cooking and everyone enjoyed it until there were NO leftovers.
One summer we had our family (parents plus 6 kids) and our Moms sister's family (parents plus 6 kids (they were visiting for TX for a couple of weeks)) so meal time at the house was a HUGE ordeal. One morning they made a MASSIVE amount of pancakes and eggs and bacon and toast..you name it if it was a breakfast food it was on the table. Mom was teasing one of the older boys (a Nephew) that the last one form the table had to finish everything! There wasn't room in the fridge for all the leftovers. SO needless to say he was the last and he finished eating everything on the table. It was one thing that mom and him remembered to talk about EVERY TIME they got together. She would always ask if he wanted pancakes! (I think he still turns green if you mention them!)
Great food, Great company and most of all GREAT memories.

Who says a Doughnut has to be Round?

Mom always told everyone that I NEVER did things by the book. It would get done.. but in my time and the way that I wanted. Mom was also a perfectionist. For example her sewing, She would have to have the PERFECT stitch in place before continuing on. ME on the other hand would keep serging the neck hole til it feel off my shoulders (which it did and in the 80's it was the style. I would just put on a tank top under it!)

I wonder what she would say about the shapes of my yummy Doughnuts that I made. I know what she would say.. "These are delicious. You need to make them every time I visit." Which I would respond.. "uh-huh, Right on top of that Rose" (from the movie Don't Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead...I have said that ever since I saw the movie... its the perfect line!)

These are Apple Cider Spice Doughnuts I found them on the Our Best Bites Site. Mine aren't as cute as theirs but the are pretty darn good. And I agree with them. They do taste better the next day! I love this site they have some de-lish recipes. I am going to try these tonight!

Guess What I did...

Yep it is so true.. I took ALL 3 of my babies (ages 3, 2, and 11 mo) to the Dentist today. I know you are thinking that I am insane to do this little venture all by my lonesome. But think about it. Which is worse? Making 3 separate apts and having to cancel one of them because someone is moody that day or sick (and yes, that someone is ME!) then is gets put off for who knows when and then the poor child or children have already lost all their teeth because I failed to get them in every 6 months for their cleanings. WHEW! I am already exhausted just thinking about that outcome. But I sucked it up and was the BRAVEST mother I could be and what a sigh of relief... its done! And the best part was that it was so painless.

The Dentist and his staff are amazing. They are all so patient with the kids and really took the time with each of them. After the Dr was finished with each child he went over how I can help them with their flossing and brushing while he was doing that the Techs took turns playing tag with my girls while I was getting tips on how to do my part. Its a real fun office. The girls loved watching Disney movies over head and they each got to pick out a new toothbrush. After the visit we received Report cards and inside were coupons for some yummy treats. (Ice cream cone from Arctic Circle and A free kids meal form Del Taco)

From this experience I hope to keep up on my kids treatments so that thy will have a healthy smile and not be afraid. We are taking baby steps and starting at a young age. Check out Little People's Dental on their site they have Videos on how to brush and floss and also how to prepare your little ones for a positive visit. Also one thing that was very helpful for me was the new patient forms were right there for me to print out. Since I filled out 3.. that saved a lot of time. Call them and make your little ones apt. You wont be disappointed....Your little ones are catered to! And that makes me one happy Mama!