2017 Book Reading List

I haven't blogged in a while. In fact, I'm pretty sure the last time I blogged it was about childbirth, so let's pretend that never happened and carry on. 

I've always loved to read. Growing up, I escaped my chores to read until my mom got smart and hid my books. But in this crazy season of life, I haven't read as much as I'd like to, and I'm hoping to be able to change that a bit this year (due to some other changes I'm making!). Well, except we're moving, and I may stop doing everything and simply survive for a few months. But this is one way I'm trying to keep accountable!

I used a combination of The Modern Mrs. Darcy and Tim Challies' reading challenge to come up with these... and I'm still looking for another novel or two. Send me your recommendations... except no corny Christian romance.  😉

The Mingling of Souls (Matt Chandler) - marriage

Good and Angry (David Powlinson) - personal growth

Parenting (Paul Tripp) - parenting

Refresh (Drew/Green) - special needs parenting

The Gospel-Centered Parent (Rose Miller) - a book you already have

Psalms (Tim Keller) - devotional

The Scars that Have Shaped Me (Vaneetha Risner) - book on suffering

Desperate (Sarah Mae/Clarkson) - a book someone said changed their life

Humble Roots (Hannah Anderson) - a book written this year (2016)

America's First Daughter (Stephanie Dray) - historical novel

The Little Paris Bookshop (Nina George) - a book set somewhere you want to visit

Everyone Brave Is Forgiven (Chris Cleave) - recommended by someone who has great taste

Hillbilly Elegy (J.D. Vance) - a memoir

A Man Called Ove (Fredrik Backman) - NY Times Bestseller list

Falling Free (Shannan Martin) - a book of your choice

Daring Greatly (Brene Brown) - self-help book

Unglued (Lisa TerKeurst) - book outside your comfort zone

So that's it. If you've read any of these and they're terrible, be a good friend and let me know. 😉

Kylie's Birth Story

I know, my baby is 3 months old and I'm just now getting around to birth details. Two words: three kids. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have time, but by the time 8:00 rolls around, my brain is the texture of overcooked oatmeal.

That being said, I'm sure I've forgotten some details. I know for sure I've forgotten the intensity of labor because I'm already like, "Yeah, that was rough. But was it really that rough?" (And Randy reminds me, yes, baby. It was.)

Back to the beginning of Kylie's story. It took me a long time to mentally be ready for another pregnancy, even though I knew I wanted another baby. When I got pregnant with Colton, Landon hadn't been diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome yet, so I didn't even think twice about it. This time, though, I knew the risks. And I knew (and know) how hard it is being a special needs mom, so adding another baby to the mix scared the heck out of me. But goodness, I longed for a daughter. And those of you with special relationships with your mamas probably understand that. A year before we started trying, I started praying. I knew God knew my desires and ultimately He'd give me what was best for me. But as you know, I have a hard time trusting. Imagine that. We ended up getting pregnant the first month we tried and I remember seeing the two lines and my first thought was, "It's a girl!" But I was immediately convinced from that point on that it was a boy. My pregnancy symptoms were pretty much exactly the same (except my morning sickness lasted over half my pregnancy this time - that was super fun) and I mean, really, how could someone with two boys have a girl?! It just wasn't gonna happen. As you can tell, I have great faith. 😜

Our insurance covered genetic testing since we already have a child with a genetic abnormality, which also meant we could find out gender early (at 10 weeks!). I had my blood drawn, and the next week, the genetic counselor let me know the results were ready in an envelope at the front desk. I don't think I've ever been so nervous to walk in to a doctor's office. I picked up the results with shaky fingers but waited to open the envelope until I got in the car. Longest walk ever. I opened the envelope and the genetic counselor had written in big letters punctuated by a huge smiley face, IT'S A GIRL! And there was the breakdown: XX - Female. No denying that.

I didn't actually cry right away because I was in utter shock. I called my best friend pretty much hyperventilating and she was probably even more excited than I was, mainly because I couldn't actually believe we were having a girl!. I hadn't told Randy that I was picking up the results, so I picked up a "Daddy's Little Girl" onesie and wrapped it up to give it to him (his response was adorable - a bunch of "No way!"s and laughter).

I finally started crying on the way home. I knew that baby girl was a direct answer to prayer and so very, very undeserved. God didn't have to give me a healthy baby, and He didn't have to give me a girl, but He did. And that is grace and that is love.

So... fast forward to her birth story. The week before my due date, I was having a lot of strong contractions, and I could tell they were different because I have Braxton Hicks from about 15 weeks onward, and these were definitely more intense, but not consistent or timeable. I lost my mucus plug early on Wednesday morning and continued to contract throughout the day. I asked my midwife to strip my membranes. She tried, bless her. Two days in a row. But she couldn't because of how Kylie was positioned. Stubborn already, that girl. All it did was send me into a fit of uncomfortable contractions. In fact, in this last Instagram photo I snapped, I was having contractions before I took it and smiled before the next contraction hit. What we do for social media. It's almost embarrassing.

The contractions were extremely frustrating because they hurt, and I knew they were the real deal, but they always fizzled off. We all went out to dinner on Friday night and the contractions kept coming all during dinner, but when we got home, they stopped again. I was annoyed and decided to try a labor induction cocktail that a lot of midwives recommend (and they say it only works if your body is ready for labor). Yes, it had castor oil. Yes, it was disgusting. Yes, it worked. 😉 I took it around 10:30 and almost threw up from the taste. We went to bed around 11:30 and Randy, in typical fashion, fell asleep before his head hit the pillow. I laid there for a while wondering if my water would break and then fell asleep dreaming about the day I would not wake up 5 times to pee.

I woke up around 12:20 with a strong contraction. I started timing them, and they were coming anywhere from 1 and a half to 5 minutes apart. They were only lasting 30-40 seconds long, but they were pretty intense, and my midwife had told me to ignore duration and pay attention to intensity. I called the hospital for advice and the triage nurse said, "Oh, they're only lasting 30 seconds? They're not doing anything to your cervix. Take a Benadryl and try to rest. " Hahahaha. I'm glad I didn't take that advice because Benadryl turns me into a vegetable.

The contractions kept getting more intense, so I called my good friend Tatum (who is also a nurse!) and she said, "Um, you need to go to the hospital. I can hear it in your voice." I finally woke Randy up around 1:30 and said, "I think we need to go in." He was like, "Are you sure?" And I was like, "Umm... I think I'm sure. Am I sure? I don't know. Yes. I think I'm sure." You'd think I'd have it figured out by my third kid, but I didn't! (In a nutshell.. parenthood.) I then started losing a ton of blood, which totally freaked me out. Later they told me it was my bloody show because my cervix was dilating so fast, but at the time, I thought something was going horribly wrong. And I couldn't get Kylie to move even when I pushed on her, so I was nervous and in pain. Our wonderful babysitter got there a little after 2, and we left for the hospital at 2:12. I told Randy if there were cops, they would just have to follow us to the hospital. And wouldn't you know it? We were speeding down the road and there sat one lonely cop. I mean, FOR REAL. He was either sleeping or eating doughnuts because he didn't stop us. I don't blame him. I'd keep eating doughnuts too.

When we got to base and I walked in holding on to Randy's arm, I started to panic. (In retrospect, we should've used a wheelchair. Walking was a dumb decision.) I told Randy, "I don't remember how to do this. I can't. I want an epidural!!!" Forget labor mood music. No amount of Enya was going to get me through this. And then Randy reminded me about something I had totally forgotten to do, and that was moan through my contractions. That helped me SO much. Rockstar birthing coach, that man. ❤️ By the time we were walking in to the hospital, the contractions were about a minute apart. I walked up to triage and said weakly, "Um, hi. I'm Rebecca Davis. I'm in labor." And then I promptly sat on the floor to work through a contraction. Randy told me that's when he knew I was in labor for real. Like for real for real. Well, good to know my "I'm in the worst pain of my life" face looks like it might be fake. 😉

And wouldn't you know it? The same nurse who told me to chug Benadryl was the one to check me. Irony is a beautiful thing. At that point, I was starting to lose it. I was praying out loud and hanging on to Randy during contractions, bless his poor arms and shoulders. As soon as she checked me, she left the room without saying a word. I told Randy extremely calmly (just kidding) to ASK HER HOW MUCH I'M DILATED BECAUSE I CAN'T DO THIS. When she came back in, Randy said, "So, what is she... an 8? 9?" I was a 9 and she wheeled me out in a hurry. I gritted my teeth through a contraction and asked, "Can I please stop and work through this?" To which she responded, "Would you like to have a baby in the hallway?" I didn't really care at that point. Besides, what if I'd taken a Benadryl? I'd be asleep.

Once we got in a L&D room, it filled with about 10 nurses and a resident and midwife I'd never seen. They made me lie on my back while they were busy trying to get Kylie's heart rate on the monitor but I wanted to switch positions because I needed to push. They wouldn't let me and I'm still not sure why, since they normally don't care how you push at Naval - I think mainly because everything was happening so fast. I started pushing and then they started stretching me to keep me from tearing because she was coming so fast. Seriously the worst. I was yelling at them to stop and Randy started telling them to stop too, but they ignored us, and I suppose I'm glad for that since I haven't had a bit of baby delivery training. I think I pushed twice and out she came at 3:11 am. 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and 18 inches of perfection. I cannot even explain the relief I felt. And so. much. joy. I was holding the baby girl I'd prayed for for so long. And she was beautiful. Randy started crying and Kylie was whimpering her sweet baby whimpers and I was silently swearing I'd never have a baby without drugs again.

I had them make sure she was still a girl (since I was still in disbelief after 3 ultrasounds and genetic testing). Randy almost passed out, so he sat down and drank some water. I had a tiny tear so while they stitched me up, they gave me something in my IV that made me completely loopy, so I tried to pat Kylie and speak comforting words, but in reality I just wanted to sleep.

She nursed beautifully and they wheeled us off to Mama & Baby where I was supposed to try to sleep, but I couldn't stop staring at her beautiful little face. Something I prayed for specifically was that I'd bond with Kylie right away. I've never bonded with my babies immediately, as weird as that sounds - usually takes me several months before I feel more connected. But this time, I bonded instantly and I am so thankful. Something about the sweetness of answered prayer, I think. :)

Kylie's labor was a million times more intense than Colton's labor, and I'm not sure if it's because it was my third ... or if it was the castor oil from Walmart. (Maybe it actually wasn't castor oil.) But it has been the easiest recovery, and with two other kiddos to take care of, I am so glad! I do think consistent exercise helped a ton. I would say good nutrition helped as well, but I ate a lot of cookies so I don't think that would be very truthful.

Kylie is, so far, a fabulous baby. (And I say "so far" because Colton turned into a wild monkey child when he hit a year). Weeks 2-5 were pretty rough because she had a lot of tummy pain, but when she started sleeping 11-hour stretches before she hit 6 weeks, I realized I had borne an angel baby. Or maybe she just figures I'm so busy reigning in her crazy older brothers that she has nothing better to do than sleep. Wise choice, my little one. Her brothers and daddy adore her, and the only issue we've had is that they're jealous that I would take their baby sister to feed her. How dare I.

God loves to give beautiful gifts to His children, not because we deserve them, but because He is a good, good Father. Our sweet Kylie Renée is proof of that. And we are so happy she is finally here to hold and love.

Jesus looked at them and said,

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

It's Been Two Years

Between my junior and senior year of college, I started to get sick to my stomach for no apparent reason. Nausea and stomach pain soon became the constant norm, and it was particularly bad in the mornings. I dropped about 15 pounds, ate a lot of Club crackers, and frankly, I was a miserable wreck. We visited multiple doctors, had dozens of tests run, and no one could give me answers. They ended up taking out my gall bladder, but that didn't solve the problem, either. I remember sitting doubled over in pain one day and telling God I didn't care if He made me fat, I just wanted to be better. [Ha - I took that one back.] But I was desperate - for answers and for relief. I was at the point where I was sick all day every day and I just wanted to feel normal again.

Randy, amazing guy that he is, still married me. About 7 months into marriage, we made the decision to go off birth control because it was intensifying the nausea and it was also making me a bit crazy (think buckets of tears every single night, bless the man). And 13 months into marriage, surprise! I will never forget the feeling of seeing those two lines on that pregnancy test. Complete, unadulterated, mind-numbing, heart-racing panic is really the simplest way to describe it. ;) But the shock eventually wore off and we truly were thrilled to become parents. My nausea and stomach pain continued throughout my pregnancy, some days worse than others. I drank a lot of ginger ale. 

But 9 months later when I finally got to meet our sweet Landon with his beautiful dark hair and adorable button nose, I stopped getting sick. I woke up every morning without nausea. The awful stomach pains disappeared. Wouldn't you know it? 

For reasons I don't understand and can't explain, having a baby healed my body.

Landon is four and a half this month. I feel like he was born yesterday and yet it's like I've always known him. He is happy and stubborn and tender and exhausting and amazing. His story is a big part of who I am today.

Our journey really began two years ago this month. August 26th, 2013, a sweltering hot Monday morning in Pensacola. A little after 11:00, the neurologist who'd evaluated Landon several weeks before sat down across from us. "He came back positive for DiGeorge Syndrome," he said, kindly and a bit hesitantly. It's crazy how seven little words can turn your life upside down before you even realize what they actually mean. But I've told you that story.

These two years have not been easy. If I'm being honest, they have been the hardest years of my life. I feel like I've aged in a thousand ways and I have extra wrinkles to prove it. But I've already told you about my dark days, my struggle to be content, my anger against God's plan. I have had a lot of breaking points and felt the very real, lonely burden of special needs parenting. (One day I will write a blog post on the specifics of all that. I've started and stopped a hundred times.)

But if there is one thing I see over and over again in Landon's story, it is the amazing love of God for me. I know that doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, particularly when you know how I've struggled. But here's the thing. I needed healing - and I didn't even realize it. Truth is, I am a huge control freak. I want my universe in order all the time. I want my house and my children and my circumstances to be exactly as I think they should be. And that control makes me impatient and angry and annoyed and honestly, quite overwhelmed at times. 

So you know what God did? He knocked the bottom out from under me. He took Becca's well-laid plans and destroyed them. He made me realize I have no control over anything, even when I think I do. 

But he didn't do any of that in spite. No, He broke me in order to heal me. In God's gracious, undeserved kindness, He gifted me with a little boy that is healing my wayward, stubborn, controlling heart. He chose to prune me and change me more into His Son's image through giving me Landon. And because He loves me, because He delights to do me good, and because He wants to draw me close to His heart, He is using Landon to make me less dependent on myself and more dependent on Him and His grace. He is opening my eyes to sin I didn't realize I had. I am (slowly) losing my grip on control and learning to cast myself on Him. 

Healing is often painful, slow, and at times, it seems impossible. Particularly when you're Becca and born with the stubbornness of a mule. But the end result? Worth it.

You know when you have a secret, a really, really good one? You can't tell anybody, and no one would really get how excited you are about it, anyway, because it's particular to you. That's how I feel. Landon is my secret. I'm amazed and overwhelmed and a bit giddy that I get to be his mommy. That doesn't mean I walk around on Cloud Nine all day. Ask my best friends and they'll tell you quite a different story, usually spelled out in "I'M GOING CRAZY. HELP ME" texts. But in spite of the struggles, the heartache, the anxieties, and the fears, my heart is bursting with love for this amazing boy full of personality and humor and a whole lotta crazy. Landon is not DiGeorge Syndrome and he never will be. He is Landon and he was perfectly created by a wise God. And he is perfect for me. 

When I held Landon for the first time four and a half years ago, I never thought he was somehow the key to bringing healing to my sick body. But more than that, I had no idea God would use Him to begin a journey of healing my soul.

And none of this could be true without the beautiful, wonderful Cross of Jesus and the inexplicable, boundless love of God that sent us His beloved Son.

Our pastor closed with these words from Romans 8 a couple months ago, and I haven't been able to get them out of my mind (emphasis mine):

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't He also give us everything else? 

Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God is weaving a tapestry that I still cannot see completely. But He has let me take a peek at its beauty. And while I am amazed by His work in the shape of Landon, I am truly in awe of the Artist.

It's Been A Year

[if you are viewing this on a mobile device, click the link at the bottom to play "My Hope." it has special meaning to me in regards to our sweet Landon.]

One year ago today, Randy and I sat across from a pediatric neurologist and our world turned upside down in a matter of seconds: "What's concerning is Landon's genetic testing," he told us. "He came back positive for DiGeorge Syndrome..."

I will never forget the feeling that gripped my heart in that moment. I wanted to scream, "No! NO! You're wrong! There's been a horrible mistake! Don't you see him running around the room? He's FINE!" But I couldn't breathe. I felt cold, sick, and so very, very scared.

I wrote a post the next week. It was still all very fresh and it was hard, but I was okay. God was in control and we were going to be fine. And now, a year later, I could tell you I've faithfully held to all those truths I posted about. I've never once doubted God's wise plan in giving us Landon. I've responded to every struggle with perfect trust in the sovereign purposes of God. I'm always patient with Landon's delays (because I'm totally a patient person to begin with, you know). I never worry about his future because I know God is in control of it. There is no place for anxiety and fear in my picture-perfect life. In fact, I'm pretty much full of joy all the time!

But that would be lying.

The truth is, I have been angry. So angry. I have, in essence, shaken my fist at heaven and told God He made a terrible mistake. Sure, okay, every person is "fearfully and wonderfully made," genes missing and all. But my kid shouldn't have to suffer because of that. Not mine. 

He's mine, God. 

I have felt completely incompetent as a "special needs mom" - okay, a mom in general. I've complained to Randy on a weekly basis. I've lain awake countless nights worrying, desperately trying to grasp at things I can control. If I just follow this plan, he will be okay. More flashcards will help, right? Maybe organic food. And no sugar. Like, ever. If I just put him in the most intensive therapy and the best schools, he will catch up. It will all be okay. I have lost patience more times than I care to remember. I've yelled at my kids because I've felt like I was losing control of my life in a big way. I have curled up in a ball on the floor and cried angry, bitter tears, wondering if God left us a long time ago. Or was He ever with us? This must all must be some sort of sick, senseless joke.

You think that's ugly, friends? It is. Sin is ugly.

But I'm not here to talk about my sin. I'm here to tell you about my Jesus. Every time I have run from Him, every time I have shaken my fist at Him, every time I have complained about His plan, every time I have felt myself spiraling out of control - He has not let go of me. In fact, He has pursued me. Instead of leaving me in a puddle of sin, self-pity, and sorrow, He has tenderly, lovingly picked me up and turned my heart back to Truth, back to the Gospel, back to the Cross where Jesus already erased my sin - my anger, my bitterness, my fear, my faithless heart. When you realize Jesus has taken care of everything through His death and resurrection, you realize there really is nothing to fear.

You see, Landon's story isn't about him, or me, or Randy... it's about our God. When we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:15). My lack of trust in His goodness does not change the fact that He is good (Psalm 107:1). He doesn't love me more on Friday because I did a better job at trusting Him then. His love is perfect, unchanging, never-failing -- because when He looks at me, He sees nothing but the righteousness of Jesus. His wise and kind hands gifted Landon to us three and a half years ago, and it is those same hands that will give us grace in both the good times and the hard times. 

It is these truths about God's character that make Landon's story worth telling. 

And Landon isn't punishment. Oh no, friends. He is the most amazingly beautiful gift God has ever entrusted us with. I told my mom recently I wish everyone could have a little Landon to get a taste of how incredibly sweet it is to be his parents. Randy and I spend so much time laughing at his crazy, hilarious, little self. [I also totally cry at his stubbornness, but that's par for the course with parenting, I think.] Having a special needs child has been hard for our marriage in many ways, but at the same time, it has been so, so good for us - it has drawn us closer than anything else we've experienced. I am so grateful for a husband who reminds me of Truth, even when I know his heart is weary, too. [I am also grateful for a husband who brings me Dunkin Donuts when I've had a rough day. He knows my love language.]

Landon is doing so great. His articulation has improved drastically in the last month, and it is SO fun to to watch. I think the biggest thing I've noticed is that he's actually motivated now - I mean, still totally stubborn, but he actually wants to try versus stubbornly saying "no." I almost wonder if the little stinker could do it all along but refused... Just so much like... his father. ;-) He still has a long way to go, but as my sweet mama reminded me, "Bec, you can't compare Landon to other kids his age... you have to compare him to himself." And he's come so, so far in the last year! I am so very proud of him and thankful for answered prayers. God has great things in store for that boy.

Landon loves The Jesus Storybook Bible, and I was reading one of the stories about David's psalms to him the other night. I love the paraphrase of Psalm 23. I never want Landon to doubt our love for him, but more than that, I want him to know that when he entrusts his soul to the Good Shepherd, no matter what struggles he faces, he will never, ever be alone. I am thankful we are never too old to outgrow these truths.

God is my Shepherd

And I am his little lamb.

He feeds me.

He guides me.

He looks after me.

I have everything I need.

Inside my heart is very quiet.

As quiet as lying still in soft green grass.

In a meadow.

By a little stream.

Even when I walk through

the dark, scary, lonely places

I won't be afraid.

Because my Shepherd knows where I am.

He is here with me.

He keeps me safe.

He rescues me.

He makes me strong

and brave.

He is getting wonderful things ready for me

Especially for me

Everything I ever dreamed of.

He fills my heart so full of happiness.

I can't hold it all inside.

Wherever I go I know

God's Never Stopping

Never Giving Up

Unbreaking

Always and Forever Love 

Will go, too.

 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17 )

Double Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

If you are here from Goodness Gathering, a special welcome to you! I know you will love Katy's Pineapple Orange Pops. So glad you've joined us for the Essentially Summer recipe series. 

These double chocolate peppermint brownies are TO DIE FOR. My husband, who is not big on sweets (I still haven't figured that out), devoured them. My 1-year-old tried some, too, and frantically asked for "MORE!"

The secret ingredient that makes all the difference? [You know, other than the chocolate.] Young Living Peppermint Oil. And boy, do I love that stuff. I use peppermint oil for headaches, fevers, tummy troubles, allergies, even an appetite suppressant... except not in the case of these brownies...

Now on to the Brownies recipe, capital B. 

[By the way, I know that peppermint and chocolate recipes are typically made around Christmas time, but in my humble opinion, there is never a bad time for chocolate. Or peppermint. Or both.]

Double Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

1 cup butter, melted

2 cups white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 cup milk chocolate chips

10 drops Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil

Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

Peppermints, crushed (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Combine the melted butter, sugars, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat eggs separately, then add to sugar and butter mixture. Mix well.
3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, cream of tartar, and chocolate chips in a bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into the egg mixture until well-blended. Add Young Living Peppermint Oil. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool pan on wire rack.
5. Mix ingredients for cream cheese frosting together. Spread over cooled brownies, then sprinkle on crushed peppermint.
6. Chill after eating most of the pan. ;-)
7. Enjoy!

Printable here.

I know some of you are still skeptical, but c'mon, after seeing these brownies...

Aren't you ready to learn more about essential oils? Click here [I promise you won't be sorry!] or contact the person who introduced you to the “Essentially Summer” blog recipe series!

Next up is Amy at Amy Loves it with an amazing recipe for Coconut Oil Lime Cookies!

Be sure to check out all 35 posts in the "Essentially Summer" blogger recipe series over at My Blessed Life. Your tummy will thank you!

How I Calm My Preschooler

I have a really, really hyperactive 3-year-old. He never, ever stops going until he goes to bed. I'm not ready to call it true ADD because he's only 3, but getting that kid to focus is like trying to get me to stop pinning food to Pinterest. And when he gets bored, he whines. Folks, there are a lot of things I can deal with. Whining is not one of them.

But I have discovered a little secret to getting Landon to calm down, focus better, and for the love of Pete, stop whining.

Ready? Essential oils. Yes, again.

Here's what we use on a daily basis (often twice a day):

Lavender, Cedarwood and Valor on both wrists.

Joy on heart.

Vetiver, Cedarwood, and Lavender layered on big toe.

Problem Hyperactivity solved. He will sometimes even ask to go to bed (he quickly retracts this when he realizes he has to stop playing with his cars). Less whining, more giggling. His focus is typically pretty poor, but this also helps him calm down enough to do tasks without losing interest a few minutes in. I also use it before bedtime to slow him down so he's not jumping off the walls. ;)

He's in a lot of therapy for speech/low tone issues (ready more of his story here!), and his therapists always comment on how well he does the days that I apply the oils. The days I forget, he's more anxious, less focused, and I always want to kick myself that I left my oils at home!

My husband was just commenting this week about how much happier he's been lately. I LOVE that these oils balance our sweet little guy!

Don't bash 'em till you've tried 'em. These oils are the bomb-diggety-dog... hot dog, hot dog... never mind. I watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse too much.

If you want to sign up to get your own oils, check out my sign up page for more details! And, as always, feel free to email me with any questions. :)

But God... It's Not Fair

We were reading in Landon's bed before his nap this past week. I snuggled him close, smelling the scent of his freshly-washed hair. I couldn't help it; the tears came. For some reason, certain days are harder. "I just want you to be able to talk," I said, trying to smile through my tears. "I just want you to be okay."

He smiled his sweet smile back at me and nodded. "Uh-huh," he said, almost as if he were telling me it would be okay.

There are times when I am watching him play happily, giggling with his brother, being silly with his daddy, or sleeping peacefully, and just like that, the happy thoughts are replaced with accusations and questions.

It's not fair.

It shouldn't be Landon.

Couldn't You have picked someone else?

He doesn't deserve this.

It's just not fair, God.

So easily, I question the working of Providence. I doubt. I fear.  

But God never leaves me there. He gently pushes my mind back to Truth. 

And the truth is, I'm actually right (for once). It isn't fair. 

It isn't fair that God allowed me to have a baby. It isn't fair that he is healthy and beautiful and strong. It isn't fair that I get to stay at home with my babies and watch them grow and learn. It isn't fair that my children have an absolutely amazing daddy. It isn't fair that I have received such sweet, precious gifts.

Then again, Grace isn't fair.

As always, the battle for contentment comes back to thankfulness. I'm a slow learner, but He is a patient Father.

DIY Fabric Softener Crystals & DIY Dryer Sheets

Hello! If you are here from The Skinny Pear, a special welcome to you! I am so excited to be participating in the Detox Your Home series. Make sure you check out all the great posts from this week in the link here!

You know those crazy expensive fabric softener crystals? The ones that you end up using within two weeks? I think I've bought them twice in my five years of marriage. I felt guilty for spending that much money, so I quit.

(I still buy freshly baked doughnuts on occasion, but some addictions are worth it. Anyway.)

We've been using Young Living essential oils since late last year, and I love how they've helped our family. So I decided to experiment making my own fabric softener using Epsom salts and my Young Living essential oils. Epsom salts are great softeners and have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and specific essential oils like lavender, orange, and peppermint {to name just a few!} are also antibacterial - which means not only are you softening your laundry, but you're also adding in some great disinfectants! Win-win.

{Oh, and one more thing: This batch only cost me a few dollars to make!}

This recipe is SUPER simple.

What you'll need:

2 cups Epsom salts
20-30 drops Young Living essential oils (single or a blend of your favorites!)
1/2 cup baking soda
Glass jar with lid

Directions:

Pour 2 cups Epsom salts into your container.

Stir in the Young Living essential oils. [Depending on how weak or strong you want your crystals to smell, you may add less or more. I personally LOVE the smell of essential oils, so I kinda just keep adding until I realize that I need to stop or I'll be out of my oil.]

For this particular softener, I used a mixture of lavender and lemon. Smells so good.

Add in your 1/2 cup of baking soda and mix well.

Throw a couple tablespoons in to each load of laundry (add more for larger loads).

That's it!

And after that load of laundry is finished, throw in some Homemade DIY Dryer sheets! 

What you'll need:

an old t-shirt torn into the same size as dryer sheets OR cheap washcloths
1 glass jar with lid
3/4 cup white vinegar
20-30 drops Young Living essential oils

Directions:

Stack fabric in glass jar. Mix essential oils with vinegar and pour over fabric. Make sure oil mixture is evenly distributed over fabric, then shake for good measure!

Add a cloth or two to your dryer load, then throw them back in the jar. You can retreat these and reuse them up to your discretion. :-)

My husband had been complaining about the static that regular dryer sheets were causing (um, isn't that the opposite of what's supposed to happen?!), but guess what? Since I started using both the fabric softener and the homemade dryer sheets, no more static! Woo-hoo!

So, how about it. Are you ready to jump into this amazing world of taking care of you and your family naturally? Click here to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the "Detox Your Home" Spring blog series!

As an added bonus, if you sign up through any of us for the premium kit through April 7th, we will send you a FREE Chemical Free Home booklet with some fabulous recipes using Young Living essential oils to help you as you Detox Your Home!

Hop on over to Food Your Body Will Thank You For next to learn how to create some Non-Toxic Bubbles!

To check out all 30 posts in the "Detox Your Home" Spring blogger series, click here.

Have a lovely day!



*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Essential Oils: A Skeptic's Thoughts

So, for those of you who don't know me very well...

I am a total skeptic.

TOTAL.

So when I heard about essential oils over a year ago, what did I say?

Yeah, right... nothing's that good.

But then... my oldest son, Landon, kept getting sick. I was taking him to the pediatrician almost every week. I kept asking, isn't there something we could do to boost his immune system? Wash his hands often, take some vitamin C, but yeah... that's pretty much it. I was so frustrated... I wanted to help him get better, and I couldn't. He wasn't even in daycare, and he just couldn't stay well.

What I didn't know at that time was that Landon has something called DiGeorge Syndrome, a deletion on his 22nd chromosome. One of the biggest issues kiddos with this deletion have is a low immune system. From the time Landon was itty bitty, he got frequent colds. When I stopped nursing him at a year, it just got worse. He had constant ear infections, croup, strep throat, sinus infections, pneumonia, etc... and ugh, the fevers. They just didn't stop. He was on antibiotics non-stop, particularly in the winter. I tried everything - supplements, lots of hand sanitizer, fruits and veggies - nothing made a big difference. I was getting desperate, and I was so tired of my little guy being absolutely miserable.

At the beginning of December of this past year, after Landon dealt with some severe viruses that landed him in the ER, I was so done.

Fine. I, the Skeptic, would try some essential oils. They wouldn't work, but at least I could say I tried. I messaged my friend Myra to order some Young Living Thieves oil, and while I was waiting for the order to come in, my friend Aubrey lent me some YL Thieves and lavender to use since we were getting ready to go on vacation.

Landon was sick when I got the oils (of course). The night I started using them on him, his symptoms improved. Within a couple of days, he was better. And then, miraculously, he stopped getting sick. His fevers stopped. I didn't worry about putting him in church nursery or therapy anymore. We traveled, visited with lots of people, and he stayed well.

Fast forward to the end of March. Landon has gotten a few colds. One low-grade fever (that went completely away when I used peppermint oil!). This past fall, before we started using oils, he was sick for 6-7 weeks without a break. We were at the doctor's too many times to count. And now? There's no rushing to the ER because his fever has spiked, or because his breathing is too shallow, or because his cough has gone to his chest. His symptoms went from severe to barely there.

That's amazing, you guys. When a doctor tells you that there's really nothing you can do to improve your child's immune system, and then you find something that actually works... let me tell you, I was over the moon.

Okay, so, I know some of you are still skeptical. You're like me, and I get you. How am I really so sure that the Thieves oil boosted his immune system?

Welp, here's one reason I know it works. I did the unthinkable. I ran out of Thieves oil. 

And then... my boys got sick, really sick, and it was not pretty. In fact, I think I slept walked for two weeks because those boys were so miserable and sniffly. It was a happy, happy day when our Young Living box came to the door!

My husband looked at me a little strangely when I screamed, but he knows it works [he just doesn't scream about it]. When he feels like he's coming down with something, he takes a drop three times a day (right down his throat), and he feels great within 24 hours. Prettttttty amazing.

Okay, okay... so I just told you about one oil... and I know that's not enough to convince you that these oils are legit. So first, I'm going to tell you a little bit about essential oils, and then, I'm going to share some of my favorites and their uses with you.

I won't go all scientific on you, but here's a textbook definition from Oil Testimonials (which, by the way, has thousands of testimonies about essential oils).

"They are the "life force" of a plant and distributed among its flowers, leaves, bark, stems and roots. These oils protect the plant from insects and other herbivores, from bacteria, molds, fungi and micro-organisms."

Essential oils are anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-septic, anti-parasitic, and anti-viral. That's why my little sickie stopped being such a... sickie! Essential oils have the ability to affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes.*

True story. 

But I didn't just use any old brand of oils. I don't know about you, but I'm not too comfortable giving my kiddos (or me!) oils that aren't tested for purity, among other things. Basically, if you go to the grocery store and buy a bottle for 10 bucks... you're NOT getting a quality-grade oil. So why did I decide to go with Young Living? Here's a handy-dandy graphic that nicely outlays all my reasons!

Below are some of my personal favorites, along with (some of) their uses! [By the way, that's one of my favorite things about essential oils... you can use one oil for so many different things.]

Thieves: Okay, you already know why I love this one. But... you can also use this for cold sores, teething, headaches, dental issues, and strep throat, to name a few. It's my absolute favorite (and there's also a Thieves oil cleaner!).

Lavender: We use this for sleep (blessed, blessed sleep), sinus pain, calming, teething pain, allergy/congestion issues, burns, scrapes, and cuts. It's probably my favorite... maybe because I associate it with sleep!

Peppermint: I wish I could tell you how much I loved this oil. Let's just say I haven't had to pop ibuprofen in months for my tension headaches. I put some peppermint on my forehead and temples... gone within minutes. Works for my husband's flight school headaches, too. ;) It's also great for appetite control (*cough*), energy levels, heartburn/nausea, and fevers.

Lemon: Great for detox, cleansing, weight loss (woot woot) and again, allergies! I also use it to soothe a sore throat. Lavender, lemon, and peppermint are a fabulous combo for sinus issues. I diffuse them when I'm feeling foggy... which is quite often, actually.

Frankincense: I mix this with my face cream at night... my skin feels SO soft in the morning. It also helps with wrinkles, for those of you who are worried about that (*raises hand*). This is also another great oil for coughs, as well as emotional balance.

Vetiver: This is a calming, balancing oil that smells really woodsy. It's typically used on kids diagnosed with ADHD, but I think every mom with a hyperactive kid should own it, to be honest. It literally calms Landon within seconds... he'll stop what he's doing, put his head down, and say "night-night." I find that even after I apply it on him, it balances me, too. (Stop looking at me all weird.)

Valor: This one smells SO good. Again, calms Landon, calms ME (because I totally need this, believe it or not), helps with my muscle pain and tension, and helps with anxiety. If you think I might be high-strung, you might be right.

All these oils besides Vetiver, by the way, are included in the Premium Starter Kit, which I personally think is the best way to give these a try. See the details on my Young Living Page! I have yet to see someone be disappointed with that kit. A diffuser, eleven oils, so much info... ahhh. Okay. I'll stop now.

So there you have it. That's why this girl is a believer! This stuff works!

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me. I would LOVE to talk to you about these oils that have literally changed our world!

*from Quick Reference Guide for Essential Oils

The information presented on this web site is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.