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Humble Roots: Giveaway !!!

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Every year God seems to give me a book that really speaks to me and changes the way I see Him. Changes the way I see myself. Changes the way God sees me.

He gave me this book, Humble Roots (by Hannah Anderson), earlier this year. I am so thankful.

As I read this book, I seriously felt like I was talking to a good friend, while sitting around my dining room table with coffee in hand.

I thought I was a humble person. I thought I knew what being humble meant. The perspective I received through reading this book really changed my thinking, in the best way.

It talks about what is at the root of our anxiety and unrest, why we endlessly seems to strive and are never at rest.

“Humble Roots reveals how cultivating humility- not scheduling or increased productivity-leads to true peace.” Hannah Anderson

I love this book so much! I want to share it with you. So I am giving a copy away to one lucky follower.

It’s so easy to enter for this giveaway. Ridiculously easy.

Just subscribe to The Accidental Domestic. Easy peasy. Type in your email address. I only send you an email notice when a new post is up on the blog.

You are  entered. That’s it.

Already a subscriber? You are already entered. But would you like a  better chance to win this book?

Click on the Instagram icon and check out my post about the giveaway on my Accidental Domestic Instagram page @theaccidentaldomestic . (I’ll be posting this Monday morning). I will give you more ways to earn more entries to win this book.

Giveaway ends on Tuesday night midnight Pacific Time. Winner announced Wednesday morning.

Good Luck.

*Update: Our Winner was announced on my Instagram page but you can still get this book here.

Five Ways To Have a “Clean Enough” House

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I think there are four types of people:

#1 The people who never have anyone over because they’re embarrassed. Maybe their house is a hot mess or they feel their space is too small to entertain.

#2 The people who host like it was their college major. They’re house is neat and clean and a well oiled machine. Everything is in it’s place and not a smudgy door jam or hand printed sliding door in sight.

#3 The people who like to have others over and don’t mind that people see that they actually live in their house. It’s not a train wreck; but they have the pile of shoes by the front door, puppy paw prints on the floor and oh, don’t open their bedroom door. That’s where they stashed that last pile of stuff before everyone came over! (Or is that just me?)

#4 The people who hide and pretend they aren’t home when the door bell rings. Their home is their bat cave and they have no desire to let people know their address.

Whether you fall into any of these categories or not, I want to share a few things that helped me go from being a #1, becoming a #2 (sort of- I’ve never been quite organized enough to achieve that status) and now to a #3 (most days).

I’m not a #4. If you are, you’ve probably already clicked on to something else on your computer.

I was a #1 because I’ve always lived in small spaces. I used to let that keep me from having people over. I finally just decided that I didn’t care. I’d rather have the fun and connections instead of waiting for the spacious living room and large back yard. Then I started turning into a #2 and I exhausted myself. By the time our company had actually come over I was so tired from getting everything “just so” and barking out orders to my kids and The Hubs. And then I just had to clean up AGAIN after everyone left.

#3 is the sweetspot.

Here’s 5 ways to get there:

#1 Don’t Mop Before Your Guests Actually Come Over

For Heaven’s Sake do not mop. Unless your dog just pooped on the floor or you had a pot of raw chicken juice splatter everywhere, do not mop. This is especially crucial if your guests have kids. Those kids will track in dirt, drop food, and your floor will be a mess again in hot second. No one looks. No one cares.

If you are going to mop, do it after they leave. Then you can actually walk on your floor in your bare feet and enjoy yourself.

(Note: If you pastor is coming over, some missionaries, your husband’s boss…. break out the swiffer. I give you permission.)

#2 Pick Up As You Go

My mom must have told me this a hundred times. I never listened. I always had piles around my house. Piles of papers, piles of books (Okay, I still have those.),piles of mail. I’d let the kids leave their toys everywhere. Seriously, when I started picking up as I went and making my kids pick up their own mess, tidying up for company went much faster.

Mom, you were right, as always.

#3 Let Your Kids Clean Even Though It’s Not Perfect

Mamas of little ones, I know you aren’t there yet. You will be one day. Hold on. That day is coming.

My kids, 10.5 and 7, clean up the hallway bathroom. This bathroom is theirs as well as company’s. I don’t expect perfection and my 10 year old is fully capable of wiping down sinks, mirrors and toilets. My 7 year old can sweep, pick up items off the floor and empty the garbage. I use an amazing, all natural, chemical free cleaner that is safe for them to get on their hands and breathe in. I let them go for it and call it a day.

I do have to deep clean the bathroom from time to time. This has made getting ready for company less stressful. Kids doing chores for the win!

#4 Get Rid of Your Junk

Do you know how to organize clutter? Neither do I. Because you can’t.

We are always bringing new things into our home. It’s a sickness we Americans have. Nix the bringing in of stuff or at least be willing to purge things on a regular basis. Better yet, buy less and purge more!

You cannot organize clutter. I’ve tried. It doesn’t work.

#5 Have People Over On A Regular Basis

I’m telling you, this works! Out of all my tips and tricks over the years, this is what helps the most. I’m not talking about throwing big lavish theme parties (though those are super fun) or the epic 40th birthday party (which I did throw). I’m talking about bbqs, a couple over for dinner, host a class/in – home party for a girlfriend, have friends over for a night or your parents for dinner. The less time in between get- togethers, the more often you are tidying up and before you know it you’ll be in a good habit of keeping your house clean(ish).

It’s All About Your Mindset.

If I’m focused on the fact that straightening up my home and keeping it clean (I didn’t say perfect and immaculate at all times) blesses my own family, first; and then enables me to have people over over which blesses them, second, I can find joy in cleaning up my house and I don’t feel the pressure to be picture perfect.

That’s not what it’s all about.

Confession: Cleaning is not my fave; but I sure love it when my house is clean.

 

Start Your Journey To A Happy, Whole and Healthier Life

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Here’s What Comes In Your Kit:

*A Diffuser

*12 Oils: Lavender, Raven, Citrus Fresh, Frankincense, PanAway, Lemon, Valor, Digize, Thieves, Peppermint, Stress Away, Peace and Calming

*2 roller fitments that fit onto any of the oil bottles to maker a roller

*A sample of Thieves Household Cleaner (Add to a 12-16 oz spray bottle) to make a Natural Household Cleaner (Note: This used to come in the Starter and has been replaced with a 1 oz. Thieves Spray. I still send you the sample the Thieves Household Cleaner, though.)

*Two packets of Ningxia Red- Young Living’s Super Anti-Oxidant fruit puree. It tastes delicious.

*A Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier.

*$165.00 + tax/shipping

Become  a Young Living Wholesale Member? How?

Get Your Premium Starter Kit Here

To Begin: You will see “Become a Member”. Scroll down just a bit and click on “Get Started”or “Continue”. My id #14516597 will appear. You are on the road to becoming a Wholesale member. You will now get every purchase from here on out at 24 % off. I am your enroller which means I’m here to help you get started and navigate your starter kit and Young Living’s Virtual Office. After you click on “Get Started”…… 

Step #1: Choose Your Starter Kit  (The Dewdrop and Dessert Mist are included in the price of the Starter Kit: $165. The Aria diffuser is extra.) If you are choosing to start with a Thieves, Ningxia, CBD or Welcome Home Starter Kits, you would click on “Other Premium Kits”.

Step #2a: Enroll in Our Essential Rewards Program. Click “Yes”.This is totally optional. You can continue on at this point without signing up. Signing up for Essential Rewards can be done at any time. I do highly recommend signing up for this and tell you why down below.

Step #2b: If you choose to enroll in our Essential Rewards Program then click on “Yes” for making your Premium Starter Kit your first Essential Rewards Purchase. That’s it. You pay nothing extra. (When you choose this, you get free bottle of oil and 10% back right away!!)

Step #3: Set up your Essential Rewards order for NEXT MONTH. You can choose “customize your kit” or choose a premade kit. This will come to your house the following month. (It only needs to be $50 total and you can change it whenever you want.) 

Step #4 Hit continue and you can begin filling in your personal information. (Besides your email, so I can contact you when you get your starter kit, I do not see any of this information,)

That’s it. You will get your Starter Kit in about 10 days.

But That’s Not It. We Are Just Getting Started!

I’ve signed up for a kit. What happens next?

  • After you receive your kit I will meet with you (or chat with you) and we will go through your kit together. If you are not local, there are other ways we can go about this. I’ll get you started on diffusing, taking care of your diffuser, go over your health goals with you, how to use the oils, etc. I will also send you a Welcome Email with all the info you need. If you chose to get started with another Starter Kit, we can go over all your new product.
  • You will receive a Welcome Pack with literature to help you get started and a Thank You gift from me.
  • You are now part of a community. You will be added to our team’s very helpful face book groups, Oily Endeavors Family and Live Well Be Well. These are  great places to ask questions and get support. I have found them to be very helpful as I’ve started in this journey.
  • You will be able to contact me with any questions. I’m your Oil Lady, now!
  • You will get a monthly email newsletter from me with that month’s promos and education to help you further your knowledge of essential oils. There are monthly local classes and facebook classes being offered on many different oil subjects if you would like to learn more.

What Is Essential Rewards (ER) and Why Should I Join? 

Essential Rewards is our Customer Loyalty Program. We know that oils and all the other wonderful products Young Living offers are consumable. Which means you will replacing these products at some point, right? Why not earn money back on the items you purchase (10-25%)? And then get free oils for consistently  making those purchases.

Here’s how ER works:

  • The only requirement is to spend a minimum of $50 PV each month (PV= Personal Volume). Your monthly order (or Monthly Wellness Box) can be customized each month. Earn percentages of what you spend each month back onto your account. You can spend those points, which is like cash, each month or accumulate them and spend them later on Young Living Product. Plus, after month 3, 6, 9 and 12 you receive free oils.
  • Did you know when you sign up with a Premium Starter Kit that can become your very first ER order? Yup!!! You will immediately get 10% of your Starter Kit purchase back in points. Plus, you get another free oil. (Each month this oil is different.)
  • Are you doing the math? 13 oils, a diffuser, 10% back, a reference guide, your wholesale membership (24 % off), cheaper shipping (an ER perk) and all the bonus samples!!!
  • You can unenroll from ER at any time.

This Is Just The Beginning

The oils are like opening the door to a healthier lifestyle. Young Living has hundreds of chemical free, toxin free, plant based products for your personal care, your kids, your pets, your nutrition and more.

Any questions ? Leave them in the comment section below.

Become  a Young Living Wholesale Member? How?

Get Your Premium Starter Kit Here

When you sign up with me and get your Starter Kit (and awesome wholesale membership!) during the month of March, I will send you an amber glass bottle with Thieves label on it. I will also give you a sample of Thieves Household cleaner sample to make your own cleaner ASAP! I will also send you an Immune Roller (Frankincense, Thieves, Lemon and Oregano in a 10 ml roller bottle) and an empty bottle to make a roller of your choice.

 

Read Essential Oils 101 {What’s In These Bottles, Anyways???} here

Essential Oils 101 (What’s In These Bottles Anyway???)

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This is a simple, easy to understand overview of what Essential Oils are, three different ways to use Essential Oils, and why you should use Essential Oils.

What are Essential Oils anyway?

To me, they are magic in a bottle! But, I’m sure you want a more scientific answer right?

Essential Oils are the lifeblood of the plant. They are the most important part of the plant. Essential oils are nature’s volatile aromatic compounds generated within shrubs, flowers, tress, roots, bushes and seeds. The power of these oils lies in its constituents and their synergy. Each essential oil is composed of 200-500 different bioconstituents. This makes them very diverse in their effects. No two oils are alike and each oil can exert many different effects on the body.

Wow, that makes Essential Oils pretty powerful!

How are these powerful oils extracted? 3 ways: steam distillation, hydrodistillation, or cold pressed extraction.

Why should we use Essential Oils?

Essential Oils support every system in our bodies. EVERY SYSTEM. Skeletal, muscular, brain health, circulatory, endocrine, hormones, respiratory, excretory and immune system. They support our organs as well. They also offer emotional support and can be grounding. Oils can be uplifting, help you focus your attention, and bring feelings of calmness.

 

How Do Essential Oils Work?

How can they do all these things?? Let me explain it this way. Oils can be used and applied to our bodies 3 different ways.

Essential Oils can be inhaled (aromatherapy), applied topically  or ingested internally. There are two camps of people: People who ingest oils and people who say you should never ingest oils. I’ve never had an adverse effect from ingesting oils; but I would say you should do your own research and make your own decision on that point. I’m going to focus on the first two: inhaling and applying topically.

Inhalation: This can be done many ways; but one popular way is by diffusing the oils in a diffuser.

The limbic system is a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood. It supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction. So, when a fragrance from an essential oils carries molecules to your nose, those molecules stimulate cells receptors and interact with your body’s nervous system and limbic system. Ever notice how a certain smell can incite feelings of nostalgia (usually good; but sometimes bad)? It brings back a happy memory or perhaps sad?  Smell gets routed through the olfactory bulb, which is the smell-analyzing region in your brain. It’s closely connected to your amygdala and hippocampus (organs in the limbic system) , brain regions that handle memory and emotion. The science of how this works is amazing!

Those molecules that reached your cell receptors are delivered to the lungs with each breath. They reach the bloodstream and are carried throughout your entire body, acting directly on your brain and other organs.

Apply Topically: Oils can also be absorbed through the skin. This is why essential oils can stop an itch bite, soothe sore muscles after a workout or heal minor wounds. Often, people apply essential oils with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil. Our skin’s pores absorb the oils quickly which is why applying topically may bring on quick relief.

 

Why Should We Use Essential Oils?

To me, the question is Why Not?

Why not put things into our body that are going to heal, support and prevent us from sickness instead of things that are laden with chemicals?

Essential Oils can provide natural relief for so many symptoms. It can replace many over the counter drugs and household cleaners that are filled with toxins. We are cleaning our homes but poisoning our bodies.

 

Where Do I Begin?

First and foremost pick a brand of oils that are 100% pure. Whatever is on the label should absolutely be the only thing in the bottle. There should be no dilution or synthetic fillers. Do your research and purchase from a reputable company, one that is established and has complete control over the planting, growing, harvesting,  of their plants, as well as the distillation, bottling and distribution. That’s a tall order, I know. I did my research. Boy did I do research! And to be honest, I found a few reputable companies. But when it came down to it, there was one I felt met all the criteria above and then some. I absolutely fell in love with the heart of the company and what they do for the world we live in beyond the oils. You can check out where I get my oils and learn about their Seed To Seal commitment from here.

Wherever you decide to purchase your oils, a word of caution: You get what you pay for. If you are buying 4 dollar bottles of oil off the shelf at the grocery store, you are not getting pure, therapeutic grade oils. You just aren’t.

 

Ready to Start?

The way I started was with 11 of the most popular oils that really support every one of my body systems. (And remember, one oil can support more than one system.) I got a diffuser and tried all the oils and saw how each oil worked with my body.

In other words I jumped in.

And I saw amazing things happen in my body.

I’m still at the start of this journey to getting to a healthier, happier and whole me; but investing in mine and my family’s health is one of the best decisions I ever made.

What are you waiting for?

Click here to get started the way I did.

 

Summer is Here: A Simple Summer Checklist

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Well I’ve been in summer mode for about a month now; but the first day of official summer was just about a week ago.

So far our summer has been BUSY. We hit the ground running and we have squeezed in a lot. (I need a day or two to relax from summer vacation!) We’ve hit Yosemite, had sewing camp, VBX (I was a leader this year=I am one tired mama.), swim lessons, 2 birthday dinners, and 1  birthday party. And by the end of this week, we’ll have tacked on two birthdays parties and another birthday dinner to that tally.

Hold on. I’m just catching my breath.

A lovely summer head cold has had me parked on the couch for a few days. Though this was not my idea of relaxing, it has enabled me to get back to the blog and focus on what our summer schedule will be, once our summer slows down.

Our summer schedule has just been organized chaos. Now that things are slowing down a bit and we will actually be home, I need some sort of structure. Nothing too rigid or scheduled; but more of a routine.

Here’s my Simple Summer Checklist. I’m trying it out this week. Want to see how it goes? Follow me on Instagram.

If you’d like to download my super simple Summer Checklist. Just subscribe to The Accidental Domestic and you will get the free download. Easy. Peasy.

Already a subscriber? I’ll be sending you your free download this week.

 

Perspective

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We took the kids on a walk the other night and we ended up in our old neighborhood, the one Andy and I lived in when we first got married.

Funny story. When we first got married, we rented the two bedroom condo Andy had lived in with some friends before we got engaged. A couple of years later, we bought the condo directly across the parking lot from our current condo. Moving day was easy and kind of comical as we watched all our friends carry boxes just a few yards away. It was the first home we owned. It was actually much nicer on the inside than our previous condo, with upgrades and air conditioning. (And we’ve never had AC since.) It was at this point we were able to get our first dog, Jackson.

As we strolled past our old stomping grounds almost 18 years later (We lived there a total of 4 years.), we reflected on how much life had changed. We were newlyweds in those condos. We were figuring out each other and our life as a married couple. We were kidless and had so many free Saturdays.

Let’s just take a moment of silence for the quiet Saturdays I’m never getting back………………..

18 years, 2 kids, and 3 dogs later, life is definitely busier and more complicated; but wow, is it sweet. We’ve filled these last (almost) 18 years with amazing memories. And they all started in our little condo.

On our way to Family Fun day in the city.

I couldn’t help but notice how small our condo seemed as we walked past it. And yes, it was quite small.

We don’t live in a big house now, by any means; but we’ve come a long way since our first abode. Sometimes, when we need to get perspective, it’s good to look at where we’ve been and compare that to where we are now.

Sometimes, I compare myself to people around me. Really, that’s quiet unfair to myself. I’m on my own path and my growth chart. My passions and goals aren’t going to be same as the person next to me. Our family has it’s own course of action and our own path. God’s plan for my husband, my kids and for me, is ours and ours alone.

Our son, Henry, was born 10 weeks early and weighed 3 pounds, 10 oz. He’s never been on a “normal” growth chart. I’m not sure where he’d fall on a regular growth chart now at almost 7; but for several years our wonderful pediatrician didn’t even mark his growth on one. Rather, she gave him his own chart and showed us that he was progressing and growing; without comparing him to other boys his age. When we did compare he didn’t even make in on the chart. He’s still the smaller (and often the smallest) one when I see him next to boys his age; but all I see is a healthy kid, a healthy, happy, energetic, whole kid. And that’s all that matters.

I can look back and see growth and I can look ahead and get excited for the future; but looking to either side of me and sinking in the trap of comparison is pointless, even harmful. The here and now is far from perfect and most definitely not easy; but there is so much good in my present and hope in the future. Casting my eyes to the side and comparing myself to people who have a different path, different relationships, different family dynamics, different financial statuses, different personalities, different strengths, different weaknesses, and different passions just keeps me from enjoying my right now. It also keeps me from reaching the future goals God has for me and for my family.

I don’t have this whole mindset perfected. No, not at all. But God’s been teaching me a lot about a right perspective.

When we look to the left and the right, let’s do it encourage and to lend that skate; but not to compare. Perspective is a funny thing because it depends on which angle you choose to take, the negative or positive. We are all better off than someone and there is always someone who is more successful than we are. But if we look at in this way: That compared to how we started in the world, helpless and with nothing; we are all doing better than we deserve!

I’m thanking God for what he’s  given me today:salvation, joy and purpose. How about you.

May is Here:: Free Mother’s Day Printable and More!

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Hello May!

How are we in May already? School is over in just a few short weeks and I can literally smell summer.

May is jam packed with all sorts of fun things for our family: End of the year swim party, awards ceremonies (okay, those aren’t so much fun….), baseball, lots of family birthdays and of course, Mother’s Day.

Here are some fun printables you can use to brighten up your home and put a smile on your face. Enjoy.

Download here (Hello May Floral)

Download here (Hello May Star)

Download here (Mother’s Day)

Smelly Cars and Dust Bunny Tumbleweeds:: A Lived In Life

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The other night my sister and I went to the movies and afterwards she drove me home. For a fleeting moment I felt a twinge of jealousy. I was jealous of her clean car.

Her car shined. I mean, it literally gleamed.

As I slid into the front seat I noticed how good it smelled. There was not a trace of dust, the odd shoe or run away basketball to be seen.

My van on the other hand is….. what’s the word I’m looking for? Well, let’s just say it looks “lived in”. I guess that’s two words.

Of course, I realize we are in two very different stages of life.

My sister’s kids are grown and no longer living at home. She’s the only one who drives her car. She has a little bit more time than I do to do things, like clean her car.

My van takes kids to soccer games and dogs to the vet. It makes beach trips and serves as a truck for our frequent trips to home depot as we are (forever) working on our house. It carries other kids. It takes our own hungry kids through the drive-thru. It carts around groceries, muddy hiking boots and library books. Lots of library books.

We drove home from the beach not that long ago and our van stunk! It reeked of wet dogs, and sea shells. Trust me on this one. Those two smells are not a pleasant combination.

I’m sure my sister’s car did the same thing back in the day.

Lately, I’ve realized that no matter how much planning, picking up, or new housework routine I employ, my house and life (and van) continues to look “lived in”. There are brief moments when my living room looks like the ones I pin on Pinterest. These moments are fleeting, though, and only last if no one is actually at home. And while I keep trying to fix that “lived in” look of my life, I think I’ve finally realized that a life lived is going to look lived in.

So, I’ve really been trying to change my perspective. Because while there is not much in life I can control; my perspective is one thing I can.

Here we go then. Let’s give this a try.

The van full of sand and dog hair = Fun trips to the beach, priceless memories made, and happy pups.

Basketballs rolling around the back of the van = Watching my kids play basketball on Saturday mornings and enjoying the fact that they are healthy and happy.

The colossal tumbleweeds of dust bunnies under my couch = I haven’t spent all my time cleaning and have spent some time snuggling on that couch instead of cleaning underneath it.

Shoes in a pile by the front door= All those shoes belong to my loud and energetic kids. One day the pile will be very small and the house will be much quieter. I will miss those fun and chaotic days. (Ok, I’m crying now. Happy?)

Smudges on the sliding glass door= We have a back yard that we enjoy relaxing in and the kids love playing in. Those hand prints and puppy nose smudges mean we use the back yard a lot.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for keeping a tidy home. I’m an avid believer of having a clean sink before I go to bed. A clean house is good, most days. A perfectly clean house at all times, well that’s just a lot of work and quite frankly, exhausting.

Nobody’s last words as they lay on their death bed were, “I wish I had mopped my floor more.”

If my house looks lived in that means I’ve been out enjoying my life. (It could also mean I’ve been binge watching Netflix; but you get the point.)

Be A Friend; Lend a Skate

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Sometimes You Just Need To Lend A Roller Skate.

Have you ever tried to skate with just one roller skate?

Ok, are you old enough to even know what roller skate are? If not imagine a roller blade or perhaps an ice skate.

Skating with one roller skate is not ideal. And technically you can’t skate on just one roller skate. But you can get by,  get around, and get from point A to point B.

I grew up going to school in The City. We called it “The City”. You probably know it better as San Francisco. My childhood school experience is much, much different than what my kids know today.

We didn’t have grass and  fancy playground equipment. Both of the elementary schools I attended were on busy city streets. At one of the campuses, we had to walk around the block each day to the neighborhood park to have recess.

From Kindergarten to Second Grade, I went to a school that stood three floors high with a garage on the bottom floor and a concrete playground. There was just concrete, a tether ball and foursquare. (And guess what? We were all perfectly happy with that.) During lunch and recess the garage would be closed off and anyone who brought their roller skates from home, could skate in the garage, with it’s nice smooth floors, during lunch recess.

At the time I thought nothing of it. Looking back at it now, I find it pretty comical. If a friend forgot their skates or didn’t have a pair, there was always a friend ready to lend them one of their skates. Each friend would kind of limp around on their one skate while everyone else rolled past them. Everyone had fun, even the one-skaters. It was not a big deal to give up one of your skates so everyone could join in. It wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t ideal, but it got the job done. I wouldn’t have to give up one of my skates every time we roller skated. But there always seemed to be someone who was willing to help out their skateless friend.

What a perfect picture of friendship.

Our friends are moving to Michigan and everyone is helping out. Some people are coming to help them get their house ready to sell by painting, packing and making repairs, etc. Some of the help being offered is physical; but help is coming in other ways, too. Help is coming in the form of phone calls and hugs encouraging them as they do this huge, brave thing. While some friends are giving gift cards to help with expenses. Leaving your friends and family to move across the country is hard and everyone is doing their small part to help in the transition.

Sometimes friends need you to drop everything and give everything they have to help. These are emergency situations. And let me tell you, these dear friends are the first ones to drop everything and help others. I’ve felt so blessed to help them in any small way. They’ve blessed our family many times over.

But usually what we need, in the day to day of life, is just to have friends come along and do life with us.

To give that afternoon to help you pack. To bring the kids over to a friend’s house, even if you have just an hour, to have a mom chat and let them play. To send a text asking for prayer and having a small group of your prayer warrior friends text you back saying they will pray. It doesn’t take long to text back, just a few minutes.

Sometimes, you just need to lend one of your skates.

It’s not about friends coming to rescue you, solve all your problems or be your emotional security blanket (though there are some times that call for this). Sometimes, well, really most of the time, it’s about friends coming alongside another friend and saying, “Let’s do this stuff together.” Because let’s face it; we all have “stuff”.

“Let’s pray about this together.”

“Let’s vent for a bit and just get it off our chest.” Just having a friend listen is what we need a lot of the time.

“Let’s have a girl’s night, eat nachos and laugh, really hard.” This may not happen very often; but it does need to happen.

“Let’s sign up our kids for swim lessons together.” It’s just  for a half hour twice a week; but we can connect for half an hour.

You know how I know who my tribe is? They are the ones I feel comfortable with texting as I wait in my hospital robe for my turn at the old boob smasher machine. Getting a mammogram is at the bottom of any list of “things I’d like to do today”.

I just need a few gals to get that and laugh through it with me.

This was the actual text conversation I had not long ago as I waited for my mammo.

Me: Getting ready to get my boobs smashed. “Fun times for me!” (code for:” I hate this. So tell me it’s going to fine.”)

Friend:” Ha! Are you texting us while you are doing it?” (code for:” I’ve been there. It’s no fun; but you’ve got this.”)

I’ve always thought of friendship as a two way street; but it’s not a 50/50 deal. Some times it 30/70 (or 40/60, you get the point). Sometimes I’m on the 30% side and sometimes I’m on the 70% side. It’s always fluctuating because life is always fluctuating.

It can be challenging to nurture relationships when you have your family and work that get your attention first. But, you don’t have to give every ounce of yourself! You don’t have to exhaust yourself just to be a good friend.  Just be willing to let people in and then walk through the messy stuff together.

Just give them one of your skates.

Some days, they’ll be giving you one of theirs.

My Word For 2018

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So, 2018 is already a quarter of the way done. What????? How did that happen?

Normally, I would publish this sort of post in January; but the “new” blog was still under construction. So here I am, 3 months plus into the new year, really thinking about and processing through the word I chose 3 months ago.

The word I chose for 2018 is FOCUSED.

In a way, this coming back and reevaluating my word 3 months later has actually been the best thing. Have I kept my word in mind as I plan out my days and weeks? Did I pick the right word?

My answer is: Yes! I’m so glad I picked this word and I think it’s the best word for me right now.

I’m a big fan of lists and setting goals and making plans. I don’t always follow through with said lists and plans. I don’t always accomplish said goals. But I try.

At the end of 2017 I went over all the things I had wanted to accomplish over that previous year, personal goals, house project goals, etc. And though my year was very busy and I felt like I had done a lot of things, I had not marked many things off my list. It was rather disheartening. Why? Why had I felt like I had been doing, doing, but not accomplishing anything?

I think it’s because I’m like Buddy the Elf, “Ooh shiny bins!”

I like shiny bins. I get distracted by things that at the moment seem good to do and often times “seem” important. It’s not that I don’t work hard. Being idle is not a problem for me (or most moms for that matter). Doing what is most important and not getting caught up in the urgent is where I struggle. Can anyone else relate?

So I’m FOCUSING this year. I’m not focusing so I can get more done. It’s the not amount of things I do that is the goal. I’m FOCUSING on fewer things and trying to DO THOSE THINGS WELL. And those fewer things are things that I’ve thought about and have prayed over and feel are most important right now.

So, what am I focusing on?

In keeping with my word and my goal, I’m keeping it simple.

I’m focusing on 3 main things this year: My Home, My Homeschool and My Heart.

I’ll go into these 3 categories in depth in future blog posts; but for this post I’ll keep it brief.

HOME:: A stay at home mom is part of my job title; but the day to day realities of being at home and taking care of my home can be a struggle for me. Cooking. Keeping up with laundry (Bleh!) Cleaning toilets. I know some people enjoy those things. In all honesty, I don’t. I’m sure I’m not the only one. I love keeping my house tidy, decorating and gardening. I love being home. But, I knew that I was letting areas and responsibilities slide because I just don’t enjoy them and I wasn’t physically home enough to actually do them. So, I’m focusing on what it means to really take care of my home. Note that I didn’t say have a “sparkling clean, looks like no one lives here, iron my sheets” kind of home. Ummm……no. Not eating out as much and making sure Andy always has clean underwear is where this mama is starting.

HOMESCHOOL:: I love homeschooling. I’m so glad God called me to do it because that was definitely not the road I was heading down. I really enjoy having my kids home with me, choosing what they will learn and how it is best for them to learn. I absolutely love the flexibility of our schedule. Homeschooling takes a lot dedication and discipline, though. It takes me, the mom and teacher, being focused. It takes priority over a lot of other things in our family life because it is my kid’s education. And while I know my kids are learning, progressing and are happy, I feel that in the past year our homeschool wasn’t taking as high a priority as it should have been. Some of the reasons for this were out of my control; but some were just me getting distracted by the urgent. So, I’ve reprioritized.

HEART:: Honestly, I was trying to keep with the “H” theme here. This just means taking time to do things that make my heart happy and fill my bucket. As moms, we get so caught up in everyone else’s needs and sometimes forget what reenergizes us, what inspires us, what gets our creative juices flowing. For me it’s writing and working on this blog. That is my creative outlet and I wasn’t giving it any time at all. It made me sad. So I decided to make time for it. This means saying no to other things sometimes; but it’s worth it to me.

Can I add a bonus H here? My HEALTH. I think moms can be the number one culprits of ignoring health problems and not taking care of themselves because we don’t have time. The truth is we don’t have a lot of time. The truth is we need to make the time. I have things I need to take care of to feel better and this is my year to do it.

Now, I know there are times when we all need to reevaluate and even change our goals.They don’t have to be set in stone. Life has a way of throwing your plans out the window sometimes. I realize I need to be flexible.

While I’m focusing this year on my family and home, my homeschool and my personal goals of blogging and getting healthy, I know how much I tend to doubt myself that I can actually make these positive changes in my life. I’m excited and motivated (at the moment); but can I actually accomplish them? Am I brave enough to make big changes? Can I not get distracted by the shiny and urgent in order to do the most important?

With God’s help, ABSOLUTELY!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  – This is my personal favorite and verse for this year.

I’ve also claimed this quote as my personal mantra for the year. If I go into a situation thinking I cannot succeed, I won’t. Positive thinking goes a long way.

Would you like this printable? Click here for the below version and……………………………………….

 

and click here for this version or……………………………………………………………….

here for this final version.

What are your goals for 2018? Small or big. Simple or completely daring. I’d love for you to share it in the comments below.