Why My Family Loves Essential Oils

Our journey with essential oils began with this little guy

Last year while I was pregnant with Logan, I was horrifically sick with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The medication I was on so that I could just keep down sips of water was giving me awful migraines.  The pain from the migraines made me so miserable, and Tylenol just wasn't cutting it.  I started searching for something else.  There must be something else!  I was desperate.  I bought a raw Baltic amber necklace.  I told my husband that I was ready to pay for a rain dance if someone told me it would help my headaches go away.  And then a friend told me that someone was coming over to talk with her about using Essential Oils for her daughter's growing pains...and maybe there would be something for my headaches, too.

I was familiar with Essential Oils.  My mom had sworn by Tea Tree oil for every cut, scrape, and bug bite we ever got as kids.  I had a bottle of Lavender oil that I had bought at (gasp) Target and used to make my Natural Postpartum Gift Set that has brought a lot of traffic to my blog.  But mostly, essential oils were just used in my home as a natural alternative to chemical-filled household cleaners.  I had rid my house of all of those when Kayleigh was born, only using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils for the past two years.

Jesse and I went to that first Essential Oils class ready for the lady to tell us exactly what we needed for my headaches.  We expected to plunk down $20-$40 for whatever she said would work, and then walk away without ever looking back.  I laugh now to think of it :)

Instead of finding one simple quick fix at the class that night, Jesse and I were completely amazed to learn how truly impacting Essential Oils can be to every aspect of our life.  We walked out that night with a whole new outlook on our healthcare.  

Essential Oils are now our way of life.  I'm so thankful that I can care for my little ones at home instead of having to run to the doctor for every little thing.  What a difference that makes!  Instead of feeling helpless as parents when our children are not at their best, Jesse and I are empowered.

We have spent the last year researching articles, learning from others who use Essential Oils, listening to experts in the field, and using our oils every day.  

Essential Oils are just too wonderful to keep to ourselves.  Jesse and I are excited to launch our new website, New Leaf Essentials, and are looking forward to sharing more about these amazing natural solutions with you!

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On Independence and God's Love

I've been thinking about independence a lot lately.  There is something new happening in our household, and it has a lot  to do with independence.

The more Kayleigh learns, and grows, and does, the less help she wants from me or her daddy.
While I'm happy to see her becoming so capable of doing many things by herself, it also makes me a little sad that she doesn't need me as much as she used to.  What makes me even more sad is when she actively pushes me away.

I know that it's good for her to experience things, but at the same time, it's scary.  Right now in her precious innocence, she doesn't know that experiencing certain things can bring her pain.  She has no concept of heights, and is always milliseconds away from launching herself off of the edge of our bed, falling from the couch, or pushing out of our arms.  She's also the kid who wouldn't believe me that the stove was "hot" until she felt it for herself.

If I try to catch her, stop her from doing something that could lead to her harm, she grabs my hand with both of hers and thrusts it away as quickly and forcefully as she can, shaking her head and trying out her new favorite word: "Nuh!"

This is a stage that all children go through, I know.  But at the same time, how different are we as adults and children of God?

I'm certainly not going to compare myself to God, but I can say that I've come to a better understanding about the sadness God feels when His children don't listen to Him.  When Kayleigh pushes away from me and doesn't listen when I try to keep her from doing something that will hurt her, I am sad.  But when I push away from God and don't want to believe that His way is best, how much better am I at listening than my 11 month old daughter?

I laugh at my little girl's determination when she thinks she knows better than I do (i.e. climbing up the elevated brick hearth and crawling straight off of it is a great idea!), but then I go and rebel against God when things aren't working the way I want them to.

O, you of little faith.

Kayleigh's stubborn, independent nature is not going to stop me from loving her.  And I'm sure thankful that those traits my daughter inherited from her mother don't keep God from loving me, either.

No matter how many times my little girl falls down after pushing me away, I'm always going to pick her up and wipe her tears and kiss her owies until they're all better.  God does the same for all of His children, but now that I'm a mom, I'm ever so thankful that He's a much better healer, comforter, and parent than I am.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

Frozen Puree Melts

I have one smart cookie.  She knows baby food when she sees it, and she wants nothing to do with it.  Kayleigh has decided that she is a big girl, and big girls certainly don't eat pureed vegetables.

So what do I do with all of the baby food that I have sitting around?  I've started making puree melts.  They're kind of like the fancy dehydrated yogurt melts that you can buy at the store, only much more resourceful since I'm using what I already have on hand.  (and I really can't get on board with the concept of dehydrated yogurt, anyway)

Whenever I can't talk Kayleigh into finishing her puree (which never has been her favorite thing since we mostly did baby-led weaning), I just drop the rest of it--whether it is a pouch, jar food, or homemade--into little rows on a cookie sheet and stick it in the freezer for a couple of hours.

The result is little frozen dollops of puree that Kayleigh thinks must be big people food since it's solid and something you can pick up with your fingers.  She eats those suckers up like they're the only sustenance on the planet.

And I sit back happily because she's getting her vegetables in, working on her fine motor skills, and getting a new sensory experience by playing with frozen food.

Win!

...and...um, *ahem* 

No one has to tell her that she's not the only one who's winning :)

Natural Postpartum Recovery: Perineum Spray

If you've ever had a baby, you know that the road to recovery can be...uncomfortable.  Your body takes quite a beating when you give birth, and vaginal deliveries leave you sore, itchy, and in need of relief.

The beauty of this refreshing spray is that you can use it each time you use the restroom.  It's all natural, good smelling, and leaves you feeling wonderfully cool.

Perineum spray may be something that's embarrassing to talk about, but it's something every new mother will appreciate.  Tuck it in with the Natural Postpartum Recovery Gift Set, and this spray will a welcome relief during the healing time after a new baby is born.

Making this spray is really easy.  I found the little spray bottle in the travel/dollar section at Target, and filled it nearly all the way with Witch Hazel.  Witch Hazel is a natural antiseptic and will relieve the itching and swelling that comes after a vaginal birth.  It will also leave you feeling clean and fresh.  In my opinion, it's a total lifesaver!

Next, add about 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil, and 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil.  Tea Tree Oil is a strong smelling essential oil, but its healing properties are amazing.  Trust the Lavender oil to mask the Tea Tree oil, and let both of these wonderfully healing oils work their magic.

Three easily procured natural remedies combine to create a spray that can make the difference between painful swelling and itching, and cool, soothed muscles and skin.  This perineum spray is something no new mother should be without!

To see more from this series, click the links below

Natural Postpartum Recovery Gift Set {intro}

Lavender Oatmeal Bath Sachets

Postpartum Blues-Banishing Air Freshener

Postpartum Blues-Banishing Air Freshener

No one ever expects to come home from the hospital with a beautiful brand new baby and find themselves falling into depression.  Whether PPD creeps in slowly and deceptively, or slaps you in the face, you are not alone.  Every mother I know has run into some level of Baby Blues after their baby is born.  With hormones raging, new changes happening to your body, and a lonely, quiet house, it's understandable.  This spray is not a cure, but at least it can help lighten the mood and bring you a fresh perspective.  If you ever find yourself feeling depressed, spritz some of this in your house, and then sit down for a good chat with a friend, call your pastor, or meet a group of new mommies in your area.  If there isn't a friend you can call to lift your spirits, feel free to email me (bethany{at}happyhomemaker{dot}me) and I'll call you right away.  No one should be left feeling alone and afraid!

If you already own a few essential oils, this little spray is one of the quickest things to whip up.  Simply fill a little spray bottle (I bought mine in the travel/dollar section at Target) with distilled water and drop in a few drops each of your favorite essential oils.  I used lavender and vanilla, but geranium, bergamot, and cucumber-melon are mood-lifting oils as well.

Essential oils can be found all over the internet, and also in most craft stores (check the soap/candle making aisles).  I actually found my lavender essential oil in the pharmacy section of my local Target!  There is so much that you can do with essential oils, and once you invest in them, you won't regret it.

When things seem insurmountable, sit down, spray this little homemade air freshener, open your Bible, call a friend, and find peace.  

So do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Here are some favorite comforting verses:

Matthew 11:28-30

Psalm 147:3

Zephaniah 3:17

Natural Postpartum Recovery for New Mothers

If there was anything I wasn't prepared for after having a baby, it was the long road to postpartum recovery. And I don't think I'm the only one.

In the days and months leading up to the birth of your little one, you spend all of your time focusing on prenatal care and preparing for your sweet baby's arrival.  Little or no thought is given to how your body will feel after giving birth.

And let me tell you, it isn't an easy road.  Muscles are stretched, tired, and sore; hormones are all over the place, making the simplest thing seem colossal; and tearing, bleeding, and swelling leave you very uncomfortable...and sometimes downright embarrassed.

It's an interesting place in life, because while you're overjoyed to have your baby in your arms, surrounded by visitors and loved ones, it's also very easy to feel overwhelmed, frumpy, and unattractive.

That's why I love using natural remedies for physical and emotional relief.  Some of my very favorite herbs, essential oils, and other natural products are wonderful for healing, lifting one's spirits, and relieving pain.

Lavender  is my all-time favorite herb.  I've found ways to incorporate it into my everyday life, and love that one of its best qualities is that it is a natural astringent.  Along with its calming scent that can whisk away postpartum blues, lavender can also be used to reduce swelling, heal cuts, and soothing headaches.

Oatmeal  is wonderfully soothing and can be used to relieve itching and reduce swelling.  It has also been used to ward off depression.  When added to bath water, it works into a creamy milk that leaves your skin soft and smooth, free of itching and irritation.

Witch Hazel  is a natural remedy to cleanse a torn perineum and reduce itching at the same time.  It works to repair open wounds, kills bacteria, and leaves your skin refreshingly cool.

Tea Tree Oil  is a natural oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca plant which is native to Australia.  I has been used for centuries to heal cuts, burns, and infections.

Aloe Vera   is most commonly used as a treatment for sunburns, but its healing properties go far beyond that.  Aloe Vera soothes irritated skin, helps cuts heal, and aids skin in retaining water for better healing in the future.

Over the next few days, I want to share with you how I assembled this care package for a dear friend of mine who just gave birth to her sweet little girl.

I will show you how to make:

♥ Lavender Oatmeal Bath Sachets--A soothing combination of Epsom Salts, Lavender buds, and steel-cut Oatmeal all beautifully packaged in a homemade cheesecloth sachet.

♥ Air Freshener--Some of Nature's most calming essential oils can be used as an instant pick-me-up to banish postpartum blues

♥ Refreshing Perineum Spray--A gentle spray made of Lavender and Witch Hazel to relieve itching and swelling.

♥ Soothing Compresses--An all-natural, homemade version of "Tucks" (something no new mother wants to be without!)

Whether you prepare these natural remedies for yourself or a friend, I hope that these simple tips will help smooth the way to a pleasant recovery.

Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day was kind of eclipsed by the fact that we moved the day before.  We were exhausted, spent the morning doing a mad-dash as we raced around the house looking for two matching shoes or a dress shirt that hadn't been wrinkled in the move.

Then, we jumped in the car and raced to church, and got there 10 minutes late.

But who needs a day on a calendar to be thankful?

I didn't get to see my mom on Mother's Day.  We both spent the day worshiping at the churches where our husbands work.  But that doesn't mean that I'm any less appreciative.  What an amazing woman she is!  I'm so thankful for the way that she raised me, the way that she got down on the floor and had tea parties with me, the way that she lovingly showed me how to love those in need, to sew a straight seam, to give a public speech without my trembling knees drowning out my words, to serve alongside my husband, and for the way she encourages me often about the way I am raising Kayleigh.

I'm also thankful for my mother-in-love.  I'm thankful for the incredible man she raised single-handedly, for the way she enjoys having me as a daughter, for our similar interests in our Irish heritage, our love for crafting, sushi, oldies, and cooking.  For the way she delights in my little girl, for the way I know that she will drop anything to come when we need her.

This year, I'm most thankful for this sweet girl.

My precious little curly-girl who giggles at the sight of roses and always puts her hand on me whenever we're within touching distance.  This baby who has given me insight into God's love...because how can anyone love someone more than I love my sweet little sunshine?

Just thinking about her makes my heart swell with love.

Thank You, God, for this precious gift who has transformed me from just being a daughter to being a daughter and a mom!

This little girl makes everything in life more beautiful.

Mother Letter

Dear Mommy-to-Be,

You may be staring down at your growing tummy right now wondering, do I have what it takes to be a mom?

I can promise you that you do.

I remember when I was filling out our baby registry.  There were so many choices, so many brands and options and colors...I was overwhelmed.  One of my friends encouraged me with this, and I've held on to it ever since.

You are all your child needs.

You can provide the warmth to comfort your little one, you can provide the sustenance to help him grow.  Your voice can soothe her to sleep, and at the end of the day, that's all that's important.

Maybe you're also looking down at those swollen feet and darkening stretch marks and wondering if your body will ever be the same.  

I can promise that it won't.  

Many parts of you will bounce back to their former selves after pregnancy, but even if they don't, you can be proud.  It takes one amazing person to be able to grow a baby from a microscopic cell to the wrinkly, kissable munchkin you greet in the delivery room.  Your body is a thing of power.  How can it top giving birth?  Your skin may be a little stretchier than it used to be, and your favorite clothes may not fit like they used to, but when you look in the mirror, be proud of who you have become.

There is nothing more incredible than the journey you are on, and when they place your baby in your arms for the first time, you will know that it was worth it all.  

Get ready for your life to change forever--in the most beautiful, wonderful, amazing way you could ever imagine.

Linking up with Mother Letters to share my letter to future moms

Big Girl Crib

Kayleigh has been sleeping through the night since she was four weeks old.  We are incredibly blessed with this easy going little girl.    At the beginning of January, we moved her to her own room.  It started out with putting her in her crib for naps (as opposed to letting her fall asleep wherever she was).  I said that we started with naps first because of the neighbors.  Our tiny apartment complex is one where everything can be heard.  Remember my story about Number 4?  Yeah.

I'm paranoid about getting the neighbors angry at us, but I'm also a big believer in a loving cry-it-out method.  The two don't mix well when you can hear what your neighbor is singing while he brushes his teeth.  So we started out with "big girl naps" in Kayleigh's crib.  Because Momma's heart couldn't bear the thought of being separated at night yet we were concerned about letting her cry it out and waking up the neighbors at night.

At first, Kayleigh wasn't happy about it.  She let the world know it.  She was used to falling asleep in her bouncer next to me in the living room, or in the play yard we keep near the kitchen, or in her cradle, inches away from my face.  Being upstairs in a foreign room, away from me, was not what she was used to.  But within a few days, it was like someone turned the switch.  Now, when she's tired, she doesn't fall asleep anywhere but in her crib.  She'll do her tired cry until I put her up there, and then she will smile up at me, close her eyes, and fall asleep.

After a week of "big girl naps," we decided it was time to move her there for night time, too.  My momma heart broke.  I knew it was a good move, that she needed to be in her own room, and that Handsome Man and I needed our room back, too, but every time your baby grows up a little bit, part of you wants to rebel and keep her as small and sweet and precious as the day she was born.

It's been three weeks now, and what a change!  The baby who used to fall asleep no matter where she was (a high school DYG, for goodness sake!) now only wants to sleep in her crib.  And instead of going to bed upstairs when we do, Kayleigh has set her own bedtime for about 8pm.

I'm proud of her for picking up these big girl habits so easily, but part of me misses the flexibility of a newborn.  It used to be that if I was going to meet a friend during the day, I could just scoop a sleeping Kayleigh from her bouncer, stick her in the stroller, and go.  But now that she's taking designated naps in her crib, it's not fair for me to wake her up on a whim.  There goes freedom.

There is beauty, too.  My baby girl is gaining independence.  She can sleep in her big girl crib, and she knows her mommy is always there when she wants her.  There's no fear of neglect in her eyes, and she trusts us to take care of her.  As much as I wish that I could forever keep her in the beautiful cradle her great-grandpa made, I'm glad that she is happy in the pretty little room we've made for her.

Growing hurts, but it's good.

Sweet dreams, precious Kayleigh Girl

A Purposeful 2012

My Handsome Man and I welcomed in the new year with an incredible hike to Cascade Falls near Lake Tahoe today.

It was a wonderful time to refocus on our "oneness" as we left our sweet Kayleigh behind at the cabin with a Grammy, Papa, and two doting aunts to fight over her :)

We talked about everything from past trips, engagement memories, future vacation dreams, and our hopes for 2012.

Jesse asked me what my New Year's Resolutions were. I don't have any. I've never really done "resolutions" because I see them as kind of a way to set up for failure. Sorry to be pessimistic.

I had goals I wanted to achieve in 2011, but a lot of them got set aside in anticipation of our baby girl. I'm happy with that, and I don't feel like I failed anything because my goals weren't resolutions set in stone. 2011 wasn't anything like I expected, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Over the past month, though, I have been thinking of things I hope to be and do in 2012. Nothing huge, nothing monumental. Just ways that I can use the time that God has given me as a stay at home mom to be more purposeful. So here's my list of purposeful goals that I've set out to accomplish in 2012:

Encourage Others (Hebrews 10:24)

Now that I'm at home, I don't get to interact with people as frequently as I did when I was working outside of the home. It's easy to become an introvert and think only about my own little family. This year, I want to purposefully focus on being an encourager to others. One way I can do that is to write letters of encouragement to those in my life. I want to write encouraging letters to my grandparents, church friends, far away friends, and family.

My goal is to write one letter a week.

Cherish Each Day (Luke 2:19)

A lot of people scrapbook, take a photo a day, or do something to preserve memories for each day of the year. I love to scrapbook, but totally fail on faithfully archiving memories. I love taking pictures, but never actually print them out. My solution to this is the index box calendar that I found on Design Sponge. This is something I can actually do! And I love the idea of seeing daily reminders of what my family has done through the years. It's exciting to think of writing "Kayleigh took her first step today!" and then a few years down the line, writing "Baby #2's first ultrasound!" on the same index card.

My goal is to purposefully treasure each day of the year by writing down one line per day.

Blog with a Purpose (Matthew 25:14-30)

I'm excited and honored with the interest in this blog. I haven't done a good job of cultivating it into something purposeful, but that is a big goal for this year! I want to be more organized in my blogging, share more craft ideas, invite more guest bloggers to share their posts, and eventually get to where I can have sponsorship on my blog. This is an exciting goal for me!

My goal is to spend more time learning about how to create a successful blog, less time just bumming around on the internet. Work with a purpose.

Teach Kayleigh about her Savior (Matthew 19:14)

Yes, she's only three months old, but she's growing so quickly and learning so much each day! She loves looking at brightly colored picture books and being sung to, and I'm going to be purposeful about using her interest in these things to read the little children's Bible stories we have, and sing her songs about Jesus. Babies understand more than we give them credit for, and I want my little one to be aware of her Heavenly Father's love!

My goal is to read to Kayleigh every day, pray for her with Jesse each night, and sing to her.

Love My Husband with Everything in Me (1 John 4:7-8)

It's alarming how easy it is to move from "wife" to "mother" and forget that my calling now is to be both. There are so many times that I place Kayleigh's needs first, mine after that, and then give Jesse whatever energy, love, and strength is left in me. That's not fair! I want to love him with a purpose--to rejoice in every triumph, comfort in each sorrow, and be there to listen to each detail of his day. I love our Kayleigh--and she is a precious gift--but I wouldn't have her without my Handsome Man. Spending today with him alone reminded me that I need to be more purposeful about finding time to spend alone with him.

My goal: more date nights, love notes, good conversation, hand-holding.

So there they are. Nothing earth-shaking, but things that I want to work on this year.

What are your goals for 2012?