It's super hard to avoid multitasking with so much going on these days.  

And sometimes it's necessary.

And sometimes I only think it's necessary... but it's not.  

So, I've been trying to enjoy uninterrupted time with my babies.  

Even if it's just for 5 minutes.  

There IS time, I am finding.

I got a special date with Ava and Mimi.  We so enjoyed this sweet, very girly, movie.  

My time with Thatcher typically comes in the very early morning.

Looking at a book and holding him close are special for him.

We also like to sit together and watch the big kids play in the yard. 

Judson isn't loving bed time these days.  I look forward to the few quiet moments I get to spend laying with him before bed.  He's growing up so fast.  

And even though it's a lot for me to manage alone, my kids love field trips.  Especially my active three year old.  He just loves being OUT.  I'm always glad that we went once it's all said and done.

It's great time to focus on them and only them.  

Milk and cookies after a trip to the local dairy farm.

So sometimes I meet needs while also sweeping, cooking, or talking on the phone, but I'm finding how much better relationships grow when I can give some undivided attention as well.

I don't want to miss out on the sweet blessings God has for today through this amazing ministry of Motherhood.    

Little Buddies

I like these little humans.

Even at 5:30 am

Really, I love doing life with this crew

Refereeing backyard battles

Meeting new friends

Baking some yummies

Planting

Seeing new things

Going out

Or staying in

I am thankful to share my days with these little buddies

Jud the Science Stud

At dinner the other night, Judson told us that he wanted a journal...

like Sid the Science Kid.

The teacher in me was more than happy to grant him this request.

 We titled his journal, Jud the Science Stud.

He quickly went to work.

He's turning into a little student right before our eyes.  

We love to watch you learn Judson!

With Daddy

Mommy begs and pleads for the littles to help me around the house every day but when Daddy asks for help, they jump at the chance.  

His chores are usually more fun, it's true.

But mostly, I think they just love being with him.

(The boys helped Daddy work on a pallet bed for the guest room.)

(Nice job boys!)

It's Challengers baseball time again and that's definitely an Ava and Daddy thing.

He is her biggest fan, her warm up partner, and batting coach.

Ava loves time playing baseball with Daddy. 

James you are so loved by me and our children. 

My favorite part of every day is when you walk into the house after work, lovingly embracing each little one that runs to you.  

We love our time...with Daddy.  

18 Months

We have an 18 month old in the house.  

Goodness, I love this boy.

He is charming, funny, sweet, and smart.

He also has amazing hair :-)

I love him so much it hurts.

Thank you Lord for Thatcher James!

What a joy he is to raise!

I'm not at all ashamed of admitting that we have officially jumped on the Essential Oils (EO) bandwagon.

And we aren't getting off.

God has used the doTERRA essential oils to change so many things about our life and I'm very excited to share!

How oils have helped my daughter heal from trauma:

About 6 months ago we were in a rough patch with Ava.  

We adopted Ava from an orphanage at the age of 4 1/2.  

The effects of trauma, neglect, and malnutrition didn't seem to be letting up.  

Aside from a life time of doctors and medications, I didn't know anyway to help her.

A dear friend of mine introduced me to a women who used EO to help her son with Autism.

She shared some amazing stories with me and so I figured that it wouldn't hurt to try oils with Ava. 

We have used EO consistently with her and have seen drastic changes in just a few short months.

Some of the changes include; fewer melt downs, decrease in obsessive behavior, better eye contact, more balanced mood.

 I love my adoptive Mama friends!!!!  If you have a child suffering from the effects of years in an institution, contact me and I'd be so happy to share our protocol with you.

How oils have helped my homeschool day:

Diffusing oils is a MUST for me as we homeschool.  My daughter has cerebral palsy.  Sometimes when children have disabilities and deficiencies in certain areas, certain senses overcompensate.  Ava happens to have a very heightened sense of smell.  

Some benefits we've seen in our homeschool day include: better focus, more alertness and even improvement in academics!!!

Again, I'd love to share our favorite oils to diffuse during homeschooling hours!  

How oils have helped keep my whole family healthy:

This cold and flu season has been absolutely brutal in our area.  My middle child is prone to very high fevers.  I feel like every winter he has a constant cold.  

This winter has been a very different story.  Our kids have stayed very healthy and I don't fear taking them out and about since I know their immune systems are being strengthened through the use of oils!  When sickness does come, I feel prepared to treat my children's symptoms through safe and natural products.

How oils have helped MAMA:

In the past, when my kids asked me to sit with them and read a story or play a game, I would find myself nearly falling asleep right there on the floor...especially in the later hours of the day.  My own daily use of EO has left me feeling more energized and refreshed to play with my children.  It's a true blessing.  

I was a big skeptic of using EO for a long time and learning how to incorporate them into your daily life can be overwhelming.  I'd love to talk more about how we've benefited from the amazing doTERRA products and how they can make an impact on your life as well!