A rainy morning....

As I glanced out the kitchen door this morning after I rolled out of bed...I was a bit bummed about the rain...it always seems to put me in a blue cloud...but I was happy to see that our grass is green!!! And I think I saw a Robin sitting on the fence??? Could it be? Yippeee...I can't wait for Spring. :)

The City Museum St. Louis!!!!

My favorite person in the world! He comforts me, protects me and accepts me just how I am. I thank God everyday for sharing Brett with me.

Our little handsome son...breaking into the bank safe! This safe was HUGE!

Micayla posing up against the safe deposit boxes, after her blue slushy...so her mouth matches her cool Skillet shirt! :)
By far one of my favorite photos...my two favorite boys!
Like Father, like son.
Auditions maybe? He has some good moves!

I purchased a whistle for him, so he is trying his hardest! He had it mastered later that day!

The outside was the most fun...in my opinion...and I think most of my family would agree. Eli was a brave climber.
You should see the close up of Z's face...she is terrified...she hated this slide.
My three wonderful children!

See Z climbing with her Daddy?
This kid and Eli had a blast throwing balls at one another...even though he was twice Eli's size, Eli didn't back down!
One of my favs of Micayla.
Z liked to lick these glass figures...gross!
Lots of climbing at the City Museum!!!!

Poopy in the potty!

Its a big week for Eli. He pooped in the potty last night and he wrote his name this week. My little boy is getting so big! Too quickly in my opinion. :)

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!