Tag: family life

My Accidental Pumpkin Patch

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I have an affinity for pumpkins. Just ask anyone.

The question around October 1st isn’t, “Jen, will you go to the pumpkin patch this year?” It’s “Jen, how many times are you going to the pumpkin patch this year?”

I love all things pumpkin. One of my greatest joys is wandering around a farm with vines and vines of pumpkins, going on a hayride, and a good corn maze doesn’t hurt. I enjoy picking out the perfect gourd like most women enjoy picking out a pair of shoes.

A dream of mine was to grow my own pumpkins. (Actually my dream was to grow the pumpkins, then make a homemade pumpkin pie from scratch, crust included, from the homegrown pumpkins. I did just that. Once. And only once.)

One spring I planted seeds and grew about 4 pumpkins in my back yard. A couple of years later we moved and I just didn’t have the space. Then one December, I did something quite without meaning to and my accidental pumpkin patch was born.

This is my very first pumpkin patch. Henry was 3 and Lily was 6.

While my porch is delightfully overrun with pumpkins in the fall, come the day after Thanksgiving, fall is back in the bins until next year. As I pulled out my Christmas decorations, I couldn’t bear to part with my beautiful pumpkins. They were simply too pretty to throw away.

So off in the corner of the front lawn they went. The Hubs tucked them neatly away off to the side of our front yard and there they stayed and were eventually forgotten until about March. After some epic rain we noticed the pumpkins were decomposing. Andy pitched the decaying gourds into the trash and left the innards of seeds scattered on the ground.

Then something amazing happened. A month or so later, with more rain, I noticed some pumpkin leaves. Those baby seed leaves and then large green leaves are unmistakable. We accidentally planted a mini pumpkin patch!!!

I was absolutely giddy. I’ve never been happier.

My original Accidental Pumpkin Patch

I think we grew four pumpkins that year.

Ahh… This is just 2 years ago and they look like babies!!! H (6) L (9)

Ok, can I just stop and cry about how much older they look now? This was just two years ago. This also documents the time that Henry decided to cut his own hair……

Wearing my gardening shoes
Classic Bang Chop

Fast forward to the next year. We did the same thing again. This time the seeds didn’t take. Which didn’t entirely surprise me because I made no attempt to actually plant the seeds. We just leave them on the ground and see what plants itself. No pumpkin patch last year.

This past spring, though, my heart skipped a beat as I peered out onto our front yard. Our lawn has turned into a pretty pathetic weed patch, unfortunately, so seeing those pumpkins leaves brought a big, fat smile to my face. Yes, we had another mini pumpkin patch!

Accidental Pumpkin Patch 2019
I’ve got little ones this year!
This is my only green pumpkin or perhaps an acorn squash.

This year’s patch is different in a few ways. I have 14 pumpkins instead of 4!!! They are much smaller from two years ago, though. I have about 4 different kinds of pumpkins this time which is really fun. I never know which of my pumpkin seeds will take so it’s fun to see which ones grow.

What started as me purely wanting to enjoy my pumpkins a little longer (and then a bit of laziness) has turned into a delightful tradition. It was all very accidental which kinda goes with me, don’t you think? Will I make pies out of my pumpkins or carve them? How long will they stay on the vine? Will I give in and actually plant seeds next year? I don’t know. But that’s all part of the fun.

Our Latest Trip to The Pumpkin Patch Henry (8) Lily (11)

6 Things I Learned This Summer

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We are knee deep in fall around. We’ve already made our first trip to the pumpkin patch and as much as I want to post pics of pumpkin patches and write about my favorite fall things, I need to address summer one last time.

I’m not missing summer. In fact every day that reaches over 80 degrees, I quietly curse under my breath. I just want to wear leggings, boots and scarves, ok?

As I delightfully embrace my favorite season, I am reflecting back on summer and what it taught me. I got this idea by following a favorite writer and podcaster of my mine, Emily P. Freeman. She does this seasonally on her blog.

I honestly tried not to overthink these. These are the first 6 things that popped in my mind.

1.) I don’t ever want to cut my hair short again, ever. The last couple of times I’ve chopped my hair, I’ve loved it at first and then proceeded to grow it out. This last time, I cut it a bit too short and my only goal has been to grow it out. I think I’ve finally learned my lesson. No more above the shoulder cuts for me!

2.) I’m not a rush here, rush there kinda of girl. I’m not a schedule busting at the seams; but thriving off the hustle kinda gal. And that’s okay. I’ve never had a busier summer and it ran right into a very (unexpected) stressful August and September. I still haven’t recovered.

3.) Kids are really resilient if you give them a chance. You know that term “lawnmower parent”. Instead of “helicopter parenting”, we now mow the way clear of any struggles or obstacles? I’ve been guilty of that big time. I’m watching my kids experience disappointment and discomfort, knowing it is character building for them and fighting the urge to clear the path for them.

4.) Every show set in England is so much better to me! Father Brown Mysteries on BBC (Netflix for me) have been such a delightful find for me this summer.

5.) Podcasts are my new favorite. Emily P. Freeman’s podcast, The Next Right Thing is a weekly must for me right now.

6.) I am honestly terrified of saying “no” and letting people down. I knew it was a struggle for me; but this summer revealed that I’m down right scared. Unhealthy? Yes. Something I need to work on? You betcha. Big Time!

Reflecting is good, necessary really. Are there things I’ve learned in this last season that will help me make decisions going into this new season? I think so.

Though my summer was maybe a bit too busy, it was filled with good things. I spent time with family and friends. I saw new places and I’m so very thankful. Here’s to maybe a tad slower fall?

When You Hit The Ground Running

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We’ve been summer traveling. It’s been fun, to say the least. Seeing new places, spending time with family and friends. No schedule. No routine. Making memories. Not getting nearly enough sleep.

Then home.

In 16 days, I went on three trips (two with my family, one with my Young Living sisters). I was home for a total of two days in between trips.

I came home exhausted. I’m not complaining. (Ok, maybe a little.) Can you complain from having too much fun? Nevertheless, my body and mind were tapped out.

So what did we do as soon as we got home? Hit the ground running, of course. Lily took off to the fair, I headed to book club, got to work on a Women’s Ministry Event, and Andy resumed work. Meanwhile I worked through loads of laundry and literally cups of Family Camp dirt. (We go to our church’s family camp each summer and come home with a lot of the famous “orange family camp dirt”.)

And then my dad had emergency surgery 2 days after we returned home. I won’t get into details; but he had complications from kidney stones which are in BOTH kidneys and still haven’t been removed. I drove over to be with my mom and possibly spend the night while my sister was in the ER with our dad. After 3 weeks of non-stop, we came home to NON- STOP.

Wait a minute. I needed a breather.

I knew my dad’s situation wasn’t life or death; but when your parents get older, sometimes routine procedures don’t turn out routine. You know what I mean? As I drove over to their house with my kids in the back seat this image kept coming to my mind.

I was in elementary school and I walked past my parent’s room. The door was open just a bit and I could see my mom. She was pulling her shirt over her head. My mom was getting dressed while sitting on the edge of her bed and she was crying. She was looking up at my dad with tears running down her cheeks. I would find out later that her dad had just died.

I had to be about Henry’s age, when my grandpa died. Which made my mom just a little bit younger than what I am now.

How did she work full-time, take care of multiple kids and a household while going through something so heartbreaking? How do you do life and keep going (because life just keeps going) when the abnormal, the hard and the tragic happen?

My mom and grandpa lived in different states. Though she didn’t see him as often as I see my parents, she was very close to him and had always been since she was little.

This is what I thought about as I drove over to sit with my mom and keep her company until my sister and dad came home, whenever that would be.

My dad is doing okay. He still has those stones!!! He has a few more procedures to go through. My parents are going to need a lot of help over the next several weeks. Life keeps going; but my priorities have changed suddenly.

Summer is winding down and new things are ramping up. Soccer, Co-Op, a new home school year, and I could go down the lists of “all the things” but I don’t think I need to. I think we all have our lists of “all the things”.

I’ve recently decided that when I feel overwhelmed, which I’ve been feeling lately, I’m going to give myself some grace, slow it down, take that list of “all the things” and just do the best I can.

Hey Mamas, as you go into this week and these final days of summer, let’s slow it down just a little bit longer. As we ramp up for the new school year or maybe just a new season in life, let’s just do the best we can. Let’s not beat ourselves up when we don’t finish the list. Let’s be okay when our normal gets interrupted with the unexpected.

I’m learning this lesson right now. I’m also learning how much sleep I need and that I’m not getting enough. Let’s hear it for naps!!

*Since I wrote this, we’ve had two other trips to the ER for my dad. The stones aren’t out yet. Though he is feeling better, we are waiting for a date to blast those stones!!! I’m praying for only scheduled hospital visits from here on out and no more ER visits!!!

Milestones: Big and Small. They Build A Story.

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The way I process life and all it’s happenings is through writing. I also talk Andy’s ear off which is helpful for me. He’s incredibly patient.

So as I process and now talk your ear off (Thank you to those who choose to read this.), I’m realizing that last week was a week full of milestones for our family. Some big. Some small. All significant.

It was Friday night. I was beyond the point of being tired or even exhausted. I was running on fumes. The weekend was packed and had barely begun. But my body demanded I stop and rest.

The previous week we had gone camping with friends. It was such a fun trip; but let’s be real. Camping is not relaxing. It’s fun; but it’s a lot of work. And it’s dirty. And I got 19 mosquito bites.

The day we got home I got a terrible migraine, followed by another one. It was not a restful weekend. Somehow I managed to get Lily packed for Jr. High Camp (Milestone #1).

Mamas, chime in on this one. Sending your first born off for FIVE DAYS without you and probably not showering is a BIG DEAL!!! Right??? And as I’ve been saying for months, Jr. High should start in 7th grade, not 6th. Ok, that’s another issue.

But we did it. Andy and I packed her up, dropped her off and drove away. Granted she was in a cabin with best friends and her counselor was one of my former students. (Thank you, Lord!)

Just a mere two days later my almost 8 year old FINALLY learned to swim. If you didn’t read my post about it, you can read it here. (Milestone #2)

Four days later my baby turned 8. Even though I’ve specifically forbade him to do such a thing, even begged him, he defied me and turned a year older anyway. (Milestone #3)

So on the eve of H’s birthday, I lay next to Andy, just letting my weary bones be. I took time to sort my thoughts a bit. My muscles were sore from painting Lily’s room that week. I wanted to surprise her while at camp. It took much longer than I thought, though. I did it completely by myself and was pretty much over it by Wednesday. ( Though I was still painting Friday morning.) I swore I’d never paint another room again.

Me: “So much has happened this week. Lily going to camp, Henry swimming, getting ready for his birthday party, family coming in for your dad’s big day, and painting that stupid room.” (Lily loved her “stupid”, new painted room by the way, so it was worth it.)

At this point we both drifted off to sleep. Andy had worked the night before and was operating on about two hours of sleep. I was hosting an 8 years old’s birthday party the next day and needed my wits about me.

The weekend entailed a jumpy house, 8 little jumpers, baseball cupcakes, a family birthday bbq and a big baseball cake. There were presents, laughing, eating and lot of happy memories.

I have an eight year old now.

The biggest milestone (#4) was my father- in-law retiring (sort of) from 30 years of ministry at SRBC, 26 as our Senior Pastor. He’ll be on staff part-time; but he won’t be the head guy anymore.

Faithful. I’ve been pondering that word all week. That is my Father in Law. Faithful to preach God’s Word. Faithful to his wife and family. Faithfully serving others. 30 years of doing anything these days is almost unheard of, let alone serving in the same church, preaching week after week and doing it compassionately. It’s such a rare blessing.

What a week, right? Some of these milestones were big and some were small; yet they were all significant moments. They tell a story about who we are as a family and where we’ve been. Most importantly, it tells about where we are going. Some roads ahead are clear and some, not so much. As I look back at our week one thing is clear. God was faithful so I know he will be faithful on the journey ahead, in the next milestone.

God’s faithfulness and his hand are so evident in all the events of that week and I would be missing so much if I didn’t recognize it.

If it were up to me, I would have spaced out all the happenings of the week. You know, to make life a little less crazy. He’s writing the story, though, not me. And what a beautiful story it is.

Hey Mamas, Trust God, Time and Levi

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One week ago, today, Henry learned how to swim.

This has been a long time coming.

Four days before his 8th birthday, I prayed and prayed, “Lord, let this round of swim lessons be the ones that finally click for him. Let this be the summer that he overcomes his fear of the water.”

Last week was a week of milestones for our family. Some big and some small; but definite milestones.

I’m still processing all the things (which is why you are getting this post today); but I learned a lesson that I’ve been in the process of learning since I became a mom.

The lesson is this. Kids are going to do things in their own time. There are some things that you just can’t push or rush. You have to give them time, trust God (And in this case, trust Levi. Don’t worry. Explanation to come.)

I’ve been taking this kid for swim lessons since he was 3. While he had great, patient, wonderful swim teachers (Thank you Grace and Paul! You are a BIB reason why he is swimming sans floaties right now. All those years of positive experiences in the water, finally paid off!), we’d end each week long session with him still afraid to let go of his teacher in the water. Still not swimming.

We’d swim throughout the summer. And maybe we could have exposed him to the water more often. I felt like we went to the pool often enough, though. Yet, at the end of each summer he was still wearing the floaties and still afraid to let go in the water.

So a few things contributed to him swimming: I think a huge part of it was just maturity and growing up. Every kid is different as when it will click for them whether it comes to reading, getting potty trained, or swimming.

Also, peer pressure. Nothing motivates you faster than seeing all your friends swimming in the deep end without floaties. Parents, don’t underestimate the power of positive peer pressure.

Lastly, I think God drops people into your life to speak to you in a slightly different way than others have before. You hear it, accept it, or just connect with a person in a certain way. You may have heard a message a million times; but a speaker delivers the same message in a different way or when you are in a different place in your life and IT JUST CLICKS.

We only had 3 days of swim lessons for an hour each day. My hopes were high but realistic.

Fortunately, we started these lessons off with him fully putting his head under the water right from the get go. But as Levi pointed out, Henry had a death grip (and he does). He was not letting go.

It’s kinda hard to learn to swim in the deep end if you don’t let go of the hand in the shallow end.

After the first day of lessons:

“Levi is not going to let you sink, Henry. He just isn’t. Even if you began to sink, he’s right there. He’ll pull you up. You just have to trust Levi.”

“It’s hard to trust, mom.”

“I know, babe. That’s the whole thing, though. That’s what trust is. It’s not easy. It is hard. You can do it.”

Second day of lessons:

Levi: “Henry, you just have to make up your mind that you are going to do it and then just do it.”

And he did.

He let go.

He swam. Across the shallow end of the pool.

He then wanted to learn to dive off the side of the pool. And he did.

He made the decision to trust and he just did it.

Or Levi has some sort of magical super power. Either way, the kid swam!

Later that day he was jumping off the diving board into the deep end, without floaties, and swimming like he’d been doing it for years. I was flabbergasted. I was grateful. I was doing a happy dance. I was so proud of him. I was relieved.

The third and final day of lessons was like watching a completely different kid. Where did this fearless guy come from? Two days later we were swimming at Morton’s Warm Springs with family. We had just picked up Lily from Jr. High camp and he surprised her by jumping into the pool without his floaties. Her face was priceless. His face was full of pride.

We asked him, “What made you decide to let go and just swim?”

Henry: “Mom told me to trust, Levi.”

Are you laughing? I am. It’s taken 5 years, and I don’t necessarily think he would have been swimming at 3 if Levi was his teacher. I think it was the right time, the right swim teacher, and it was God’s plan to use this experience to teach my little guy about trust. This is the first of many times, he’s going to need to trust God. Andy and I are going to be able to use this lesson with him for years to come. Hey, God is using Henry’s swim lessons to teach ME about trust.

I hope I remember all this when my kids aren’t doing something in the timeline that I feel is appropriate or convenient for me.

Hey Mamas, as you go into this week, whatever is happening too fast or too slow in your life just remember, trust God. Are your kids taking way too long to learn a lesson or don’t seem to be improving at all? Trust God’s timing. Trust is as equally simple as it is hard.

Are your kids needing to learn to swim? Give Levi a call.

Hey Mamas, As you end the school year, remember this…..

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It’s May which means things are both winding down for the school year while at the same time spinning out of control. Am I right?

End of year parties, graduations, award ceremonies, school open houses, teacher gifts, final tests. If you have kids, there are still birthday parties, family birthdays, and possibly sports (Is anyone else still neck deep in baseball?)

While everything is heightened and a bit wonky in May, we still have to do the normal, everyday mundane little tasks that keep the wheels turning. You know, the little things like cooking, doing laundry, bathing your children and my least favorite task- grocery shoppping. Ok, it’s really a toss-up between grocery shopping and laundry. Anyways……..

So, take a step from the madness of May and look at your year? How did it go? Did your mind instantly fill up with all the ways you fell short? All the things that didn’t get crossed off the list? All the projects and activities that you thought for sure you would do, yet still lay unfinished? Are you automatically thinking of how you failed?

As a homeschool mom, I instantly thought of where I wanted to end up in all my subjects and where we actually stopped. (We are not year round homeschoolers. Mama needs a break!) I thought of the projects and fieldtrips that never came to pass. Yes, I unfortunately looked around at what other moms did with their kids and instantly felt less.

So let’s do something wild and what seems to be against our natural tendencies. Let’s look at what we did well. Let’s celebrate the heck out of it. Let’s end this year feeling like rock stars because in reality we are way too hard on ourselves. Shame never motivates anyone to do better. So why do we heap shame on ourselves, Mamas, by automatically looking at where we fall short and not on where we shine?

Maybe you are feeling awesome about your year. Maybe you needed to read this today. I needed to write it for myself. I’m choosing to focus on what went well. (I’m also reevaluating how I can make next year better.)

Here’s what went well. Here’s what I’m proud of. How about you?

*I taught Henry to read. He’s on the road to hopefully loving books. The fact that I’ve taught both my kids to read has been one of my greatest joys.

*We did our Morning Basket time pretty regularly this year. This is something I’ve been trying to get going for two years. This year we did it. We read some amazing chapter books during that time.

*I restarted my garden this year. Things are actually growing.

*We took some fun, short trips with the kids during the school year. We went to Yosemite in the winter for just a few days (This was on my bucket list.) We’ve hiked more and have gotten outside more with the kids this year.

*There have been a few friends God has allowed me to get to know better and develop deeper relationships with. This has been such an unexpected gift!

I’d love to hear what went well in this past year for you. Let’s celebrate each other!!!

You Don’t Need To Be Great At Everything

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So, I’m not a very good cook. I’m just not.

Don’t feel bad for me. It doesn’t really bother me. It used to, for sure. But not anymore. My family gets fed and that’s what’s important.

I cannot for the life of me keep up on my laundry. I suppose I could if I really, really tried. But I don’t. It’s just not at the top of my priority list right now. We have clean, dry clothes. They are just piling up as I write in a nice, clean, wrinkled, wadded ball. The thing is, I’d rather be writing.

I’m not good at saving money or finding deals. I have friends who whip out the coupons, get things for free or manage to score great deals. Not me. I save money by doing one simple thing: Not spending it. I just go without. Not clever but it gets the job done.

It’s easy to think of what you aren’t good at. So, let’s change gears.

For some reason I thought there was this list of what “good moms” did. Where I got this idea from, I’m not really sure.

On that list included delicious home cooked meals each night (nothing processed), folded laundry (that was put away), sewing lessons with my daughter (when I can barely sew myself), a house that was always picked up and windows that weren’t smudged. It also included pinterest-worthy birthday parties, children’s rooms that were always picked up and an immaculent kept up yard.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love all those things (maybe not the pinterest-worthy birthday parties) and have done (or attempted) all those things. But not all at once! Oh, I’ve  tried to do them all at once. I’ve tried and failed.

Throw in kids, two adorable but stinky dogs, a husband’s crazy work schedule and you get the picture……..

I’m happiest when I’m not trying to do “all the things”. And when my season of life calls for doing “all the things”, I’m happiest when I’m not trying to be “super awesome” at everything I do.

Let’s focus on what we are stellar at and celebrate it. The other things have to get done. My family has to wear clothes, preferrably clean. But there is no “good mom list”. So as Elsa would say, “Let it go.”

So, here is what I am good at:

I’m good at making special memories for my kids. The first day of school, birthdays (And I’ve taken down the whole birthday business by several notches!), holiday traditions, etc. It’s my jam and I love doing it.

I’m flexible. I’m not so stuck to a schedule that I can’t stop and have fun with my kids. Or go on an impromptu adventure with the family. I think that’s pretty important.

Again, not the best cook; but I’m a good host. I’m good at opening up my home for birthdays, celebrations, home school co-op days or coffee with friends.

I think all those things make me a good wife, mom and friend.

What are you good at? Whatever it is, let’s be thankful we aren’t all the same and that we all bring something special to the table. It would be oh so very boring if we were all good at everything all the time, wouldn’t it?

 

One Thing Moms Should Stop Doing

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Moms, I used to do this all the time.

Ok, I still do; but I try really hard not to.  I’m more aware of it now so I start to catch myself before I say these words……

“I’m so sorry. My house is a mess.” As a friend comes over for a visit or to drop off a book.

“Sure you can drop by. I’ll be home. I’ve got to warn you, though, my house is a disaster.”

“I can give you a ride. I’m so sorry that my car is such a mess, though.”

Do you want to know the honest, selfish truth? When I walk into your house and it’s a bit of a hot mess; it makes me feel better about my house. Inside I breathe a silent sigh of relief and say, “I’m not the only one.”

On the other hand, if it looks like you should be on an episode of Hoarders, we may need to have a talk or perhaps an intervention.

Most of the time, though, when a friend of mine apologizes for her “horribly messy home”, in my eyes it just looks like she actually lives in her house…… with other people…….who leave their shoes in the middle of the floor and their cups out on the counter.

And for the life of me, I can’t seem to get my dogs to put their bones back into the toy basket. What’s up with that?!?5

What if when people came over we said, “Don’t you love how the sink is full of dishes and the floor littered with crumbs? I chose to play outside with my  kids instead of cleaning.”

I know that’s a little silly; but you get the point.

Mamas of  toddlers and babies, you are playing a whole different game. If you want to take a shower, work out, do something for yourself or work from home, your goal shouldn’t be to have everything picked up during the day. It will change as they get older and you’ll be teaching them to pick up their own toys.

I love and appreciate a picked up house and even shared some tips here; but apologizing for a messy house is something we all need to stop. Deal?

Now that I’m finished writing this post, I’m getting this urge to sweep and pull out the vacuum. Don’t worry, I’ll fight it.

Check out my post 5 Ways to Have a “Clean Enough” House.

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