Photos

Here are a few photos from this past year that I haven't posted yet. All of these that do not include Ember were taken just before he was born

When I was pregnant with Ember, Cameron would cuddle up to my belly and have somewhat long conversations (in toddler speak) with his coming baby brother. It was extremely precious and the following picture is of one of these times. I never would have realized how much a child could deeply love and want their younger sibling before his birth if I had not had the opportunity to witness this with Cameron. It gave me  treasured look into my little guys heart and glimpse of the wonderful man he is becoming. 

This was Ember the day we brought him home from the hospital. I made the little hat he was wear. It turned out larger than all the other newborn hats we already owned and I didn't think it would fit for a while. It's not in the images below because it was really a pinch too small and wouldn't stay on. 

A wonderful lady from our church made this blanket for Ember. I cherish it! She told me she hadn't made one for anybody in years, but really wanted me to have it.

I took this picture so I could text to my mom and share that fabulous red hair!

My poor little guy's face was really bruised from the delivery. 

Doesn't he look so sweet swaddled in the blanket made with so much love. 

The trip home

Um, yes that is Java Central, my favorite coffee house in the background there. He had been in so many times while still in the womb, John and thought he might want to see the place.

One of my favorite pictures!

She is such an amazing sister. My younger kids are so lucky to have her in their lives. As you can tell by the look and love on that face, she LOVES being the oldest and taking care of her younger siblings.

maybe there is a hint of lack of sleep here also...

Even though she 13, Nia still accumulates more cuddle time with me than the other kids. I love it!

This is Cameron wondering just how far he run before someone can get off our porch and catch up to him.

These two were laughing and giggling for several minutes when John snapped this one. That much fun just playing with a blanket. They will keep each other entertained for the rest of their lives.

Essential Oils: Cleaning and Sanitizing Spray

What prompted me to find an alternative to my regular cleaning and sanitizing spray and hand sanitizer.

Three reasons really:

1- For the last few years I have used vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean with. It does the trick of killing germs and getting stuff clean, but the smell leaves a LOT to be desired.

2- A few weeks ago my oldest friend Melissa (not oldest, like she is sooo old, but oldest, as in I've literally known her since the day I was born) asked me if there was an oil that could be used as a multi-purpose cleaning spray.

3- Cameron has developed a pallet for hand sanitizer, and I'm sure you're not supposed to eat that chemical filled gel.

So the search began and here is the recipe for my 

Natural multi-purpose cleaning spray/hand sanitizer:

In a spray bottle with 2 cups of water add
8 drops clove oil
4 drops lemon oil
4 drops orange oil
4 drops eucalyptus oil
4 drops cinnamon oil
2 drops rosemary oil
note: the orange and lemon oils can be substituted for each other

This is non-toxic and is safe to spray on things like your baby's high chair and if you use it for hand sanitizer, it's not a big deal if your kid licks their hands immediately after. It's also not a big deal if your 3 year old decides to drink it. Although I wouldn't encourage them to do so, it isn't harmful like drinking other cleaners or sanitizers would be, but probably doesn't taste great. These are the same oils that would be found in a thieves oil blend (produced by both young living or mountain rose herbs also known as OnGuard by the doterra company). You can easy use one of the pre-mixed thieves oil blends instead of this mix. If you opt for a thieves blend, use one drop per ounce of water.

So far, I'm really liking it as a cleaner. It smells great and is really good at getting up sticky stuff that has sat a while. I'm still a little undecided as a hand sanitizer. It seems to dry out my skin a little, however I'm not as worried when I see Cameron trying to eat it.

Check out my post on Essential Oils: Lavender (Here)

One On One Time

Even though we make it a top priority, giving individual time to each of our 4 kids can be challenging for John and I at times. They all need it, they all want it. In fact, if any of our children go too long without enough cuddle time or time out of the house with just mom or dad then their behavior will definitely let you know it. So, when we are are stretched for time or funds we have a few go-to options that each of our kids enjoy and slip right into our daily schedules. 

Nia is our tv/movie girl. Nothing makes her happier than a little screen time... as long as she gets to cuddle with you in the process. Nia have our own TV show each season (some seasons we have several) that we make sure we watch together when no other kids are in the room to distract my attention from her. John and Nia generally have movie dates together, either at home or out.

Anara feeds the need with food. She loves going for ice cream or other treats, but is also happy to join in with cooking up a sweet treat with you. As long as she gets the largest piece of whatever she is cooking.

Cameron LOVES to shop. Grocery shop, clothes shop, couch shop, even goodwill. Cameron seems to find joy in picking out things for his family. If we are in the grocery, he will insist on taking home a dozen of Anara's favorite yogurt and the certain kind of fruit snacks he knows Nia likes. Not sure if he will grow out of this or not. Both the girls really liked to shop at age 2 and lost interest in it as they got older. However, Cam seems to really take pride in what he picks out for people. Another option for Cameron involves a large stack of books and cuddling up under a nice squishy blanket.

Obviously, Ember isn't demanding his mother-son and father-son dates yet, but he still gets his equal share of one on one time with each us. Usually that time consist of cuddling on the couch or playing on the floor.

Just a few pics

I have a ton of pictures of catch up with and post on the blog. These are all from John's phone. 

Snapped this one of the boys looking at a book together just before we left Columbus. Now Ember is at the point that he really tries to do the things Cameron does. Sometimes he is fairly successful at it.

A Few days before leaving Columbus, Cameron got his very first hair cut. Thankfully, those sweet corkscrew curls were not lost in this cut. 

Cameron driving to KY in the moving truck with daddy.

At the hotel on the way to KY, Cam found the only book in the room to look at. This kid LOVES books.

Serious about getting his grub on at the Chinese buffet. 

Mommy, daddy, daughter date to get ice cream

Em, just chillin'

Cameron hanging out in Nursery with Gisela at Henderson Memorial 

Cam with a big bowl of yogurt 

My super happy boy

Ember getting his first solids. He is now 6 mo and has only had rice, rice cereal, and a pinch of grits. And a few things Cam has shoved into his mouth before I could stop him (potato chip, sweet tea, and ice cream to be exact) He still doesn't eat solids on a regular basis yet.

Worn out, holing the boys before bedtime.

He still sleeps a lot, especially in the car! Well, unless it's dark. Ember totally freaks out in the dark here if he is outside or in the car. In his defense, it is much, much darker in rural KY than in the city.

Plenty of space to have my sewing machine set up and left out in the new house. Doesn't this photo look strait out of the 1970's?

This was Em's favorite toy until we picked up a jumperoo at a yard sale. Boy oh boy does he love to bounce in the jumperoo.

Their first matching pajamas. Ok, I know it's a bit dorky to have your kids totally match, but I figure pajamas are ok.

At Cracker Barrel. He wanted this hat, but I really think he has 2 just like it already at home. 

a concert John and Nia went to.

It was outdoor, lawn seats only. They didn't realize that part 'til after they were inside.

Self portrait Nia did. She is an awesome artist!

Photo of a photo, not great I know. This is our sponsored child.

Poor Nia. Cameron bonked her in the face and it kinda looked as though she might have had broken her nose. This was her getting an x-ray. Thankfully it was just bruised and swollen.

At the concert, John and Nia saw this truck. Looks like a real life Mator.

Cam playing in our new living room before furniture was moved in.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture. There is just something about John feeding a baby a bottle that makes my heart skip a beat!

Sounds of Home

Growing up I never gave to much thought to the sound of the accent 'round these parts'. Anyway, I was at my mother-in-law's church on a Sunday a few weeks back when they had a bit of construction going on in their sanctuary. So what does a music minister do when their sanctuary is a mess, the jumbo-tron isn't available, and you still need to lead music. Sing amazing grace acapella.  Wow! Was it a beautiful sound. I can not remember ever thinking this little town's version of southern drawl was more spectacular than in the moments of that song.