Speaking words of LIFE....

Eli and I made cookies together yesterday...its always fun! Today we ate them for our 10am snack and as I was dunking my cookie in milk...he watched! Carefully every move. He dropped his cookie...accidentally ofcourse...and then "help, help...my cookie fell in the milk." As if the world was coming to an end!!! I said, "Eli be brave...reach down in the milk and grab your cookie." "But my hands will get all wet"...he informed me. I said, "thats ok, that is why we have napkins....remember God made you strong and brave...your a boy...you can get your cookie from the bottom of the milk glass." And he did...will all the bravery and gusto God gave him to be...well him...a boy! Sometimes I think its easy to forget that our children must be trained in the way they should go...and be! Eli needed to hear he had what he takes...and although the cookie rescue seems trival and miniscual (sp?)...its the foundational struture for him to build upon for the bigger things in life. Speak words of life and encouragement to our children...it makes them brave and beautiful. :)

PS: Eli wrote his name for the first time...I can't believe he is growing up so quickly. Writing his name and he is barely three!!!!!

Some fun photos! ENJOY!

My new book arrived!!!

The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy!!! It is loaded with information, I am really excited to starting making the recipes. And it has recipes for everything!!! :)

Parenting...

Its early and the children are still asleep...I really enjoy the peacefulness of an early morning...and the coffee. I was at Wal-Mart yesterday and believe it or not...I just wanted to grocery shop without help...if u know what I mean. I walked into WM to hear the echoing sound of a child screaming for her daddy. Poor girl! I mean the guys in fishing could hear her in grocery. God uses this moments to gently remind me parenting is not easy. I decided a long time ago that I am the parent and I'm in charge. My offspring try hard daily to be the ones in charge. And on good days God shows me how to gently guide them back on track to being a follower not a leader. Not all days are easy, especially when you have a strong-willed one...I have two! I couldn't help but feel sorry for this momma. She was clearly embarrassed & overwhelmed. I couldn't help but wonder what her background was and if she knew how to take control of the situation. I know I may sound like I was being judgemental but really I wasn't...I was honestly thinking...does she need help? Not just in this moment, but maybe some parenting insight. But I don't offer b/c I don't want her to be offended...and yes, I knew her! All in all it saddens me b/c many people are without the know how to direct their children in the way they should go. Do I have all the answers...no way, but I have tried and tried and tried things until I figured out what works. And I love to share with other parents what has worked for me. I realize it won't work for every child...but its worth a shot...b/c maybe then all of WM won't know your child is even there! My final advice...parent intentionally with purpose, love, direction & grace...people will notice and everyone will enjoy your children & their prescence!

Photo of the week....

This picture was captured while Eli was playing with his cars looking out the window at either Twink (our dog) or the rare sunshine! I love it!

Hi Fam & Friends...

I changed the settings on our family blog because I was just getting a little uneasy with the openness and all the pictures of the children on there. I'm sorry that some of you tried to access it during the time and changed it and when I added your email for permission. Oh holy cow, Zahavah just walked past me...I think she has diarrhea...I'm off. Eeek! Enjoy!

Horrific Friday Night.

Its typical for us to eat out on Friday nights...its my "I don't have to cook night." Boy...do I wish I would have cooked now! But where does that kind of wishin' get ya? Brett & I were up all night long with HORRIFIC from the Devil himself food poisioning! I have never been so sick in all my entire life...and if I am ever again...it will be too soon. Today is Sunday and we both still feel quite weak & tired. Loosing all the fluids from our system, plus a full nights sleep. Eek! We won't probably ever eat there again! Paligias Pizza in Charleston...if you were wondering.