Essential Oils
30 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Home Remedies, Uncategorized
I thought I would take a minute to share some of the ways I LOVE using essential oils. I use them all year long but especially at this time of year.
I began to look into homeopathic remedies along with uses for essential oils mostly after my son was born 2 years ago. When he had his first ear infection, we gave him the antibiotics but I also wanted to research what other remedies might be helpful.I will share a brief summary of what I use and like to keep on hand.
Along with several others, I always keep eucalyptus oil on hand. I have found it to be helpful as a chest rub (somewhat like vicks) I run this oil through my diffuser and I also mix it with Vaseline and rub it on my kids’ chests if they have a cough or are congested. I have also found that eucalyptus is very helpful as a natural decongestant. I also always keep lavender oil on hand. It has a delightful fragrance that is very relaxing and soothing, I often put it in my kids bath water or rub a little bit on their skin at bed time. I ALWAYS keep thieves oil. This is a combination of clove oil, rosemary oil, lemon oil, orange oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil. I mix equal parts of these oils and combine them with a base oil such as olive oil. I have found that this oil is highly effective when I diffuse it. I rub it into my skin and my kids skin daily. I have found endless ways to use this oil. If you would like more info on thieves oil, here is the website I often refer to when using thieves oil.http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/thieves/101-uses/
I have found on myself and if I see possible symptoms of ear infections that garlic oil is helpful to relieve the pain and pressure.
A few other oils that I keep on hand are oregano oil, olive leaf extract, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil.
Recently, I have been looking into using these oils not only for their aromatherapy uses and medicinal uses, but also looking into making my own baby wipes as a way to save money. I am looking into which oils I can use to make these wipes gentle but also disinfecting. I’ll be sure to write when I come up with my answer on that one! My goal is also to learn how to make soap using essential oils.
Feel free to write me if you would like more ideas on which oils I use and why I like them.
To Live is Christ
16 Jan 2012 2 Comments
Sean and I had the opportunity this weekend to take a road trip with our kiddos. It was so wonderful to have a get away and spend time together and with those we love. When planning our trip, we anticipated having a day trip and we had several people we were planning to stop and see and pray for. It turns out, we were able to make a whole weekend of it.
We had the privilege of seeing a family friend of 20 or more years and have dinner with her and pray with her. Along with my Nana and Poppop, Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. We had a wonderful visit with all of them. Then a visit with more family friends of many years. And last but not least, my sister and her husband and baby. Our purpose in taking this trip was to visit and fellowship but most importantly to pray for this people and the various situations that they are dealing with.
One of my favorite times of our get away was sipping tea with Nana and sharing about life and talking about the Word of God and how it applies to our life. I admire my Nana so much. She has walked closely with Jesus for many many years. She has such wisdom and her love for Jesus inspires me so much. Nana and Poppop have been married for 50 years and they are an example not only of loving Jesus but loving each other and commitment to each other in all things. We ended our evening by having communion with each other.
I also loved spending time at my sisters house. We surprised her which made it more fun! Many good meals together, watching our kids play together, playing cards, sipping coffee, sharing, praying, watching football.
Each visit was so special. But what made this trip worth it was seeing lives touched. Knowing that each one was blessed and encouraged. Knowing that in each situation, that the kingdom of God is being made manifest in their lives…. on earth as it is in heaven. Knowing that there will be healing in each person, there will be provision, there will be answers, direction, wisdom. We will see the Lord.
Life with Jesus is so exciting. It’s amazing how He brings all things together. Though we gave up our time to go, it was so worth it.Not only were we able to bless others, but we were so blessed also. I can not imagine life without Jesus. He is so good and so faithful. Truly to Live is Christ!!!!
Phillipians 1:21 For me to live is Christ
A Trip to the Farm
08 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Farming
It’s been awhile, but much to Samuel’s delight, we went to our local farm today to buy eggs! This is a regular part of our “errands”. Every time we drive by the farm Samuel says “Mama chicken” Mama Turkey”. I wonder if he even remembers our chicken farm from before our move a year ago…he was just over a year old at the time. We used to have about 75 chickens of our own. I would put him in the stroller and he would watch us collect eggs or do various chores with the chickens. He also loved “helping” water the garden. But boy does he sure love our trips to this farm. It’s quite cute how he gets so excited and loves watching the chickens, turkey’s, and ducks.
Each time we go visit the farm, my excitement for when we start to raise chickens of our own builds. There’s something so enjoyable about the chickens. I realize this may seen crazy- as if my days are not busy enough as it is. And believe me, it was nice to have a break from collecting eggs and all that is involved with chickens while being pregnant and having a brand new baby in 2011 but i will be glad when our chicken friends become a part of our daily routine again.
Speaking of eggs, we have been experimenting with duck eggs recently when making our favorite Saturday morning breakfast which includes eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and toast. Duck eggs are thicker and heavier and make for a wonderful omlet. When making scrambled duck eggs, we have found that milk isn’t even neccessary!
God Sees
06 Jan 2012 1 Comment
in Parenting
I just had to take a brief moment while both kiddos are napping at the same time to share something that has been on my heart this week.
Sometimes as a mommy- it is very easy to feel unseen, unnoticed,frazzled. Some days, it feels like all you do is change diapers, wash clothes, fold clothes, cook, feed, wash dishes, put away toys, wipe tears away. Not to mention training and discipline and all that that involves. And it is easy to sometimes feel like what is the point of all this? Mommyhood can be a big juggling act. Some days it is frustrating and exhausting. But most days mommyhood brings such joy and delight. Smiles and giggles. Wonder and Discovery. Appreciaton for the little things in life. Having those big bright eyes looking into your eyes and knowing in that moment, you are their world.
But God Sees!!!! God is so pleased. He loves our children infinitely more than we ever could. He is with us every moment of every day- loving our children through us!!!! Our children are such joy bringers. And if we really pay attention, we can see God in all things.
God sees the sacrifice. The sleepless nights. The hard work of training. God sees when we play on the floor with our kids. God sees as we tell our kids about Himself, His nature, His character, His ways. God sees our hearts. God sees our efforts. He is so pleased. It brings delight to His heart as we love our children. Our children are His treasures also.
Well, I also just have to share some cute things I have seen in my kiddos this week.
First of all… Samuel. In the midst of some frustrating days with dealing with his two year old behavior at times… Samuel has had some great progress this week! He has been going potty on the potty! While he doesn’t recognize that he has to pee in time to tell us, we have been letting him try to go potty on the potty and He has done it and I can’t tell you what a huge smile it brings to his face each time! He is so proud! And it seems like each day he is learning new words and putting more and more words together. He is communicating with us so well! And he is recognizing almost all the colors now and able to say them! But most of all I am so delighted to see him growing in His love for Jesus. It delights my heart to see my son bringing such delight to others.
And my sweet Sophia. My what a cutie pie she is. At 7 1/2 weeks old ( as hard as that is to believe) She has learned this week to smile and coo. It is so precious and as thrilling as it was when Samuel first learned to smile. And boy has she had some cheek to cheek smiles this week and the most adorable coos.
So be encouraged! It is worth it! God sees! He is pleased. And just as we delight in our children even in the frustrating moments so does God delight in us as His Children!
Christmas 2011
18 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Family
Sophia’s First Month
16 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Sophia
It is hard to believe Sophia is a month old already! In a way it feels like time stopped and in another way time seems to have sped up!
Sophia is such a sweet baby. She is very peaceful and content except for when she has gas or is hungry. She seems to easily go with the flow. She is becoming so alert and can hold her head up when she is on her tummy. She is also becoming very aware of her surroundings and she loves looking at the Christmas tree when all the lights are on!
I have been so pleased with how well Samuel has adjusted. He seems to love and adore his sister so much. He loves to show her his toys and read to her and today we had a first which he enjoyed… I put her bath tub in the tub with him and gave both kids a bath at the same time. He loved getting to help!
Most days feel very much like a juggling act. I have been figuring out how to manage when both kids need me at the same time. There have been a couple days where we walk in the door from story time or play group or errands and Sophia is screaming because she is hungry and Samuel is melting down because it is lunch and nap time. In this situation, I am learning it is best to get him situated with lunch, then feed the baby, then put her down, then get him down for nap. It seems like while I am feeding Sophia, Samuel often gets into things that he shouldn’t. For the sake of being consistent with him, I need to take care of it in the moment…. But all in all we are figuring these things out and its all coming together. It’s also interesting how getting out the door with two kiddos is a big effort and requires much planning…changes of clothes, enough diapers, wipes, etc… One other thing that has changed for me is that I feel like I don’t really have to many moments where I can have me time. I used to have the full 3 hours while Samuel napped that was uninterrupted time to get things done and also relax etc… Now those times are scattered throughout the day and for someone who really likes a plan and routine and structure, this requires much flexibity:) I love feeding times during the night because it is quiet and I have time to read, pray, think, etc…. I am thankful for how involved and how helpful Sean is with the kids and how supportive and encouraging he is with me. Many days he comes home from work and jumps right in with what ever I may need help with. Somehow in the midst of busy days, Sean and I still find time to take a few minutes each day to catch up with each other and spend time together. I am so glad for this because it is very easy with the demands of kids and daily life to get carried away with that and to forget about how important it is to keep building friendship and connection with each other. In the midst of all the changes and transitions this first month has brought, I couldn’t be more happy. I love watching my kids grow. They are such a joy. And I am so thankful for all the extra hands I have. There have been plenty of moments where I have really needed them.
The other thing I find happening is that I catch myself just taking this all in. I am just so thankful. I may be behind on Christmas pictures, Christmas cards, Christmas shopping, posting pictures on facebook, sending pictures via email to family. And forgive me if this sounds silly… but even though none of my clothes fit me quite right at the moment and I haven’t gotten back into my walking routine and sometimes I don’t get my teeth brushed until Samuel’s nap time… none of that really matters. I am so thankful for this season of motherhood. And I know Jesus smiles over me, my husband and my children.
Welcome, Baby Sophia!!!!
23 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Sophia
I wanted to take a minute to announce ( and yes, a week late ) that Sophia Grace Mulford was born November 16 at 12:09 am. She was 8lbs 15oz and 21 inches long. Labor was 9 hours and so blessed by Jesus.
I also wanted to share with you Sophia’s birth story!
I had my 39 week dr appt on November 15. Due to a different work schedule Sean had for a couple days, he was able to come with me. This was special because my Dr. was going to do an ultrasound to check on Sophia’s positioning. We arrived at my appt at 2:30. I was quickly taken back and all the routine weight, vitals etc… were done. We were so excited about this ultrasound because Sophia had been head down for a few weeks and then at an appt a couple weeks ago, she was still head down but had shifted some. But it was quickly determined in this ultrasound that she was head down and way down. She was ready to go! The ultrasound tech spent a few minutes checking Sophia’s measurements. She looked great! We were told that according to ultrasound, Sophia weighed around 7lbs 12 oz. After the ultrasound was done, we waited for my dr to come in.
Before I share what happened when the Dr came in, I will share with you briefly about this Dr. Due to some things that happened, she is the only Dr. delivering babies at the practice I went to. So she has been very busy!!! She is absolutely wonderful though. I loved every time I got to see her. She is so personable and every time asked about Sophia. She was nuturing and acted interested in me… it wasn’t just about getting me out of there. AND this Dr. was very supportive and encouraging of a VBAC all along. I can’t tell you how much this meant to me.
Well, I noticed when she came in the room, that she looked very tired. I asked her about it. She said, yes… tired is putting it lightly. So, she proceeded to check me. At 3pm on Tuesday, I was 4cm and 90%effaced. We kind of had a mishap which turned out to be a blessing. I had requested not to be induced or have my membranes stripped etc… We wanted to wait for things to happen on their own. Well, in the process of her checking me, she stripped my membranes. Sean noticed that she was pulling extra supplies out etc… and almost said something to her. I was unaware. But she swept my membranes. And no sooner had she done that, my water broke on its own. Once we realized what happened, we spoke to her about it. She was extremely apologetic. In the midst of her crazy schedule right now, she had forgotten that we requested earlier not to have this procedure done. At any rate, she asked us if we had our hospital bags with us. She wanted me to head over to the hospital to get started on fetal monitoring, an iv, and pitocin. I quickly reminded her that we didn’t want this done. We wanted to go home and wait for things to pick up and then head in to the hospital. She was totally fine with that.
We left the Dr around 4pm. Sean decided to go to work for a couple hours until things started happening. I was fine with that . At 4pm, it didn’t seem like anything was going to happen soon. However, even as I was driving home, I noticed extremely strong cramping, back ache, and strong contractions. Keep in mind, I had been experiencing all of the above on a daily basis for a couple weeks. But this was noticeably different. I got home and got our bags together and spent time with Samuel and made phone calls. The cramping, back pain, contractions were getting stronger. Contractions were 10 minutes apart at 5pm. I called Sean and told him he may need to come on home. I called him at 5:30 and said COME HOME NOW! I NEED YOU HERE!!! So he began the drive home. In the meantime, my mom was sitting with me helping me by tending to Samuel and helping me monitor my contractions. My dad was on a bike ride. My sister went out with a friend. So it was just me, my mom, and Samuel waiting for Sean to come. At 6:30 pm, I told my mom that if Sean was not home at 7pm, I needed her to take me to the hospital. Contractions were 3-5 mins apart and very intense. Sean walked in the door at 6:50pm. We gathered our things and headed to the hospital. It felt like the drive took forever. We made our way up to the Labor and Delivery unit and arrived there at 7:30pm. The nurse checked us in. And she needed so much info from me. I had the hardest time getting through that part in between contractions. I was 6cm at 7:30pm. They got me hooked up to the fetal monitoring machine.By this time, I was hurting. I had intense back labor on top of contractions. The back labor never let up while the contractions were coming every 3 minutes. After laboring for a while, I told Sean I needed something for pain. I couldn’t imagine laboring like this for hours. This was 9pm. The nurse gave me a slight dose of pain meds in my IV ( which was for fluids ) She checked me and I was 7cm at 9:30pm. The pain meds took the edge off enough that I could actually rest in between contractions. The nurse and Sean were so good about reminding me about the proper way to breathe. I had to make myself breathe the way I knew how to and the way they were reminding me to because all i wanted to do was moan through my contractions. But the breathing made a big difference. At 10pm I was 8-9 cm and by shortly after 10, I felt like I needed to start pushing. The nurse checked me and i was 10 cm, baby was as low down as she was gonna get. They quickly had to set up the delivery table and we started the process of pushing. It was the most intense hour of my life I think, but after 1 hour of pushing, Sophia was born! I was watching in the mirror the Dr manuever things with her hands. It was an amazing thing. Sean and the nurses were awesome. And the Dr was AMAZING!!!! I loved her supportive and encouraging way. At one point, I screamed at her ” just suction her out. I want her out NOW. Do whatever you have to do”. Well being the smart Dr that she is, she knew better and we didn’t suction the baby out.
I can not tell you how thrilling it was to give birth via VBAC. It was the most amazing experience. I am so tickled to just reflect on the Lords faithfulness and sovereignty.
We spent the first couple hours of Sophia’s life watching her, holding her, adoring her. Just taking her in. She got her first bath. We ate some dinner and then we were taken to the mother/baby unit.
I am so thankful that Samuel was in good hands during the time we were at the hospital. Neither one of us felt worried about him. We missed him, but we knew he was having fun with my family.
Now, Sophia is a week old. This week has been so nice. Sean had the week off and it was so nice to have him home. He is so kind and doting. I am glad that family can be a part of everything- we were in CA when Samuel was born. I am glad we can ease back into the routine of things. I love watching Samuel with his sister. He is so tender toward her. Sophia is such a sweet baby. I am so thankful and so blessed.
