What's in a Year?

So I really meant to write this post a couple weeks ago.

But it didn't happen.

I don't know why it's taken me a while to sit down and type it out...

I think it's because I want to make sure I'm not creating a "woe is me" type of blog.

We need and appreciate prayer for our son in Congo.  And we also need it for us.  But we aren't looking for sympathy or others to feel bad for us...there are MANY other adoptive families that are going through far worse situations that we are.

Anyway.

All that to say, October 15th marked one year of knowing who our son is.  

It's been one year since we've seen Tobi's face, given him a name, and known he was ours.

To be honest, it stung a little.

A year ago, we really thought we'd have Tobias home by now.

Chris and I stopped and looked at our kids at home...and saw how drastically they've changed...in one year.

In one year I've gone from being pregnant to laughing at a giggly little 7 month old.

We've gone from changing Noelle's diapers to helping her with her big girl panties.

We've gone from helping Joy write letters and numbers to watching her learn how to spell before our very eyes.

Before we had kids, it was hard to gauge what had changed in a twelve month period.  But now, our kids give us constant milestones to look back on and remember what has transpired.

Our kids are growing up.

Three of them are growing up right in front of us.

And one of them is growing up far far away.

Only The Lord knows how much we've missed.

HOWEVER, we see how much grace God has extended to us.

The reports that we've heard about Tobias and his character are so encouraging.  He is a sweet boy.  And he is being cared for by precious brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yes.  He needs to be home.

But we take great comfort in the fact that he has such wonderful examples to look up to until he can look up to us.

So along with this one year anniversary, we've also received some adoption related news.

As I wrote about in this post, Congo has ceased issuing the exit letters to adopted children.  That means kids that are already adopted won't be able to leave the country with their parents until this ban is lifted.  And although the ban is still in place, Congo is slowly allowing children that meet specific requirements exit.

This give us hope that by the time we are at the stage where we apply for that exit letter, maybe things will be back to running as they should be.

And remember the investigation I wrote about in this post and this post?

WELL, it looks like it's finally going to happen!

The Embassy is scheduled to start our investigation on November 18th!!!

This is great news.  It means progress.

Shortly after this, we are told Tobi will finally be moving to Kinshasa to start his Passport and Visa applications also.

AND in other news, we got word that they might know who Tobias's birth mother is.  When I wrote about how Tobias became an orphan in this post, we didn't know who his parents were.

But it looks like they've found her.

This is actually a good thing.  As long as she isn't trying to take him back (which I think is probably rare), it could actually expedite our investigation.

It means they get information about Tobi's abandonment from the source and don't have to do as much "investigating" is what I've been hearing from other adoptive parents.

So that's good news...unexpected news...kind of a shock to us, but it's good.

I pray that this will be an opening to learn more about him so that we will be able to tell him more of his beginnings as he gets older and is curious about it.

So continue to pray for this time.

*For the investigation and interview with Tobi's birth mother to go smoothly and swiftly.

*For Tobi's move to Kinshasa to be a peaceful one for him.

*For his passport and visa process to be expedited.

*For this ban on exit letters to be lifted so that we can finally get our son and bring him home as quickly as possible.

And a bunch of other stuff too, but I'll leave it at that :)

How to sooth occasional discomfort due to Tension or Sinus Pressure with Essential Oils!

original source of graphic

Tension. Sinus Pressure

They are something that I've dealt with since I was in 3rd grade.  It has caused occasional headaches.  I've never needed glasses, we haven't ever really figured out why I've gotten them.

They seem to really pick up when the weather changes though...especially in the fall!

When a gloomy, cloudy day comes, even though I'd like to enjoy the cold day with sweats, hot cocoa, and comfy socks...I've come to also expect a headache to come along with it!

So, I have taken Tylenol and Motrin since I was 9.  Then when they pretty much stopped working for me, I graduated to Excedrin for a LONG time.  And sometimes I would take a combination of these on a very regular basis. 

Ya know the disclaimer that you read on certain pain relievers?  

The ones about damaging your stomach lining? 

Yea, I never took them seriously either. 

However, this led to me having constant heartburn and severe stomach pain, needing an endoscopy, and being diagnosed with gastritis.  I was prescribed medication and told I couldn't have ANY Excedrin or Motrin for months until my stomach lining healed up.

When a headache would come on, I just didn't know there were many other options to help.  Aside from taking MORE medications like DayQuil or Sudafed if the headache was due to sinus pressure.

WELL!

Now that I've discovered these little bottles of miracles that I shared about here and here, I've found a new way to help my sinuses and tension!

No side effects.

No medications.

NO pills!!!

Here are my three secret weapons:

Peppermint

R.C.

 

PanAway

R.C. 

R.C. is a blend that has 3 different types of Eucalyptus oils (that's what you smell in Vick's...except this is NATURAL!), peppermint, cypress, myrtle, pine, marjoram, and lavender oils. 

These together make an excellent tool to support healthy lung and sinus function. 

The majority of my headaches are SINUS headaches, which is why I frequently reach for R.C.  Aside from supporting sinus health, it has other health benefits as well!

Peppermint 

Jean Valnet, MD studied Peppermint's supporting effects on the liver and respiratory system and it is actually a driver, meaning that when used on top of another essential oil, it drives the previous one deeper and quicker into the body. 

PanAway

This is a blend of 4 essential oils that aid in soothing sore muscles due to exercise or occasional tension.  It contains peppermint, clove, wintergreen (you'll recognize this scent from creams like IcyHot), and helichrysum essential oils.

It was actually created by Gary Young following a severe injury to the ligaments in his leg.

  

So.  

How to get some soothing relief?

If yours is related to sinus issues, start with the R.C.

Rub a drop or two of R.C. into the sinuses along your nose, forehead, and temples.  Always follow dilution instructions.

Let it sink in for a minute, then follow with the Peppermint. 

*If yours is not sinus related, you can skip the R.C. and just use the peppermint, OR start with PanAway!

If not using R.C., get a drop or two of PanAway and massage it into the temples, forehead, and neck.  This is ESPECIALLY effective for tension.

Allow that to sink in for a minute before following with the Peppermint Oil.

Definitely follow dilution on this also.  It's great mixed with coconut oil for a massage to sooth minor aches and pains.

NOW.

After you've used R.C. or PanAway and let it sink in for a minute or two, take a drop of Peppermint and massage into the sinuses (if a sinus headache), forehead, and temples as well.

Then take another drop or two and rub into the back of the neck.  

When dealing with occasional tension, you can rub some into the shoulders also.  

       

 *PLEASE be careful with the Peppermint.  It is VERY strong.  Make sure to avoid the eyes, and you may need to keep your eyes closed when applying to the nose...the aroma can cause irritation.  Make sure to follow dilution instructions.  I do NOT have sensitive skin and apply both of these oils directly to the skin with no carrier oil.  But try it with a drop of some coconut or olive oil until you know how your skin will react.

You will feel the effects of the oils fairly quickly.  You'll feel the cooling effect of the Peppermint within 10-20 minutes and it can last a while!  

**If you feel it is necessary, it's ok to repeat any steps after 30minutes - an hour.

****Update****  Since writing this post, I have tried another oil that I just LOVE for these issues!  

Deep Relief comes already diluted with a carrier oil in a roll-on!  It's fitted with a roller ball for super easy application!

It's one of my new favorites for just about ANY sort of daily minor aches and pains!

This is a great alternative if you can't afford to replace the Panawy that comes in your Starter Kit!

There you have it. 

Using these oils have helped me just about every time I've needed it!  If I wait too long, then it does take longer to provide me some assistance.  Follow these steps as SOON as you think you may need some tension or sinus support so that it doesn't turn into a head-splitter!

The Peppermint and PanAway essential oils are both included in the starter kit if you haven't gotten one yet.

If you're interested in getting oils for you and your family, I gave the info on this post.

If you're still a little leary about all this and wondering if it really works, or wondering if this is the best brand to use, STAY TUNED!  I'm going to be hosting a GIVEAWAY soon!!!

Also check out these posts:

**How to boost your immune system with Essential Oils

**The Basics

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional.  I simply make decisions on how to care for and improve the health of my own family.  None of the statements on my blog have been evaluated by the FDA and any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How to Boost your Immune System with Essential Oils

It's fall!!!!

I love fall.

I love the colors, the temperature, even the wind!  

I love pulling my sweaters and scarves out, wearing socks when I get out of bed, and talking about the changing color of the leaves with my girls.

It ALSO means that we start noticing our need for a stronger immune system!  

I've already mentioned in my first post about essential oils that the day after I received my starter kit I woke up with a COLD!  Or at least the start of one.

So I asked my best friend, who got me into these things which ones to use!

I started a regimen and it worked!  

So here's how to give your immune system a BOOST with Young Living Essential Oils.

At FIRST SIGN of immune system compromise:

THIEVES Essential Oil

Rub Thieves on the bottom of your feet.  Also, rub it on the feet of the rest of the family.  It will help support a healthy immune system for everyone!!  Do this several times each day until no longer needed.

Also diffuse Thieves 2-3 times a day until no longer needed.  Then continue once a day to protect the body and contribute to better overall health!

Sore throat?  Gargle a drop or two of Thieves in several drops of water, then swallow!  You can do this a couple times a day.

RC Essential Oil

Massage RC onto the bridge of your nose and onto sinuses above the eyebrows.  Always follow dilution instructions.  

I choose to put oil "neat" onto my face (without a carrier oil).  But start out diluting it with a little carrier oil (I use coconut oil) and go from there.  

Massage RC with your carrier oil onto your chest and back as well if you're at all in need of some lung, nasal, or sinus support.  Apply RC every few hours until no longer needed.

**This can be really helpful if the kiddos are up coughing at night!**

Diffuse RC after Thieves.  This will fill the air with the same benefits it provides when applied topically.!

PEPPERMINT Essential Oil

This stuff is so cool!  haha...literally!

Massage into the sinuses (make sure to avoid the eyes!), on forehead, and concentrate on the temples and the back of your neck if you have sinus pressure or some discomfort in your head due to that as well.  I really massaged this into my sinuses and it worked great!  I actually did this right after I put the RC on.  Again, follow instructions with carrier oils and use your discernment.

Massage Peppermint oil onto your chest also!  This can also help your cough!

You can also diffuse this!


LEMON Essential Oil

Put a drop or two in your water (ALWAYS use a glass container!  Essential Oils will damage plastic and literally draw the plastic out into your water!  Crazy!).

Lemon can help cleanse and reduce mucous.  (TMI, I know....but I can attest to the fact that Lemon does indeed CLEANSE!)

And of course, double up on Vitamin C AND D when needing an immune system BOOST!

So there ya go!  Sound better than popping pills?  Enduring the side effects of those?

Does to me!

All the oils listed EXCEPT for RC are included in the starter kit I told you about in this post.

Convinced?  I am!

If you haven't read them yet, here's the links to my previous posts:

**Essential Oils - The basics
**If you want to order some, read my post: Essential Oils - Why use Them and Where to Get Them!
**Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Giveaway!


 Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional.  I simply make decisions on how to care for and improve the health of my own family.  None of the statements on my blog have been evaluated by the FDA and any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Essential Oils - Why Use them and Where to Get Them

Alrighty.  

Yesterday I shared why I'm starting this series and some very very basic information about essential oils. (read it here)

I've spent the morning trying to get the right literature to explain WHY and how these oils work.  I finally found someone else who did more research than I have time or energy for!

The VERY basic understanding is that oils have the unique ability to effect actual cells in our body.  They can penetrate cells that other common substances cannot. 

AAANNDDD I'm sure we all are reading our labels more now and we see all those ingredients that are potentially harmful!  The only ingredient in these little bottles will be an essential oil, and in some cases, a carrier oil!

The health benefits essential oils are pretty incredible!!!  Studies have shown that Thieves essential oil blend from Young Living Oils have killed a remarkable amount of AIRBORNE virus and bacteria!!  

Airborne...meaning stuff in your home waiting for you to inhale it!

If you'd like to know more of the science behind it, please refer to this lovely lady's blog who took the time to study it and put it in layman's terms for us!

I can personally attest to them improving our overall health and wellbeing!  

I'll document some ways we've used them starting this coming week.

And I'm sure I'll have found more uses by tomorrow night :)

Now.  

Where do you get them?

As I said, I'm not even going to address other companies! I can only vouch for what we use, and honestly, it's a darn good deal!!!

What you do, is sign up to be a Young Living Distributor.

By doing so, you are able to get the oils at a wholesale price, get the amazing value of the starter kit that I have, and be able to share these little miracle bottles with your friends and family!

A LOT is included in this kit!!!

source

**Everyday Essential Oil Collection:

1 - 5 ml Joy
1 - 5 ml Frankincense
1 - 5 ml Lemon
1 - 5 ml Lavender
1 - 5 ml Peppermint
1 - 5 ml Melaleuca
1 - 5 ml Purification
1 - 5 ml Panaway
1 - 5 ml Stress Away
1 - 5 ml Thieves®

PLUS a 5ml bottle of Citrus Fresh!

Joy: Joy™ is a luxuriously exotic blend with uplifting overtones that creates magnetic energy and brings joy to the heart.

Frankincense: More recently, it has been used in European and American hospitals and is the subject of substantial research. Frankincense is also a valuable ingredient in skin care products for aging and dry skin

Lemon:Lemon consists of 68 percent dlimonene, a powerful antioxidant. It is delightfully refreshing in water and may be beneficial for the skin.

Lavender:Therapeutic-grade lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty. It may be used to soothe and promote natural healing of skin irritations

Peppermint: One of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, it may also restore digestive efficiency.
Melaleuca: This oil is highly regarded for it's wide range of uses!  It is very beneficial for the skin. 

Purification: Purification® can be used directly on the skin to cleanse and soothe. When diffused, it helps to purify and cleanse the air from environmental impurities including cigarette smoke and other disagreeable odors.

PanAway:Containing wintergreen essential oil, which is often used for massage, PanAway is soothing to the skin while providing comforting warmth to muscles after exercise.

Stress Away:A natural solution created to combat normal stresses that creep into everday life.  This blend can help induce relaxation and reduce occasional nervous tension. 

Thieves:This proprietary essential oil blend was university tested for its cleansing abilities. It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health.*
Citrus Fresh: A relaxing and calming blend loved by kids and adults alike.  It supports the immune system while also working at an air purifier!  



**Home Diffuser

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Young Living’s newly designed Home Diffuser combines a humidifier, air purifier, atomizer, and aromatherapy diffuser into one product that safely releases essential oils into the air to eliminate odors and create a spa-like atmosphere. 

**The kit also includes an AromaGlide Roller Fitment - to be fitted on any of your favorite oils for easy application!

**They include literature on how to use each oil included, as well as the uses of their other oils.

**There's also a handful of samples thrown in!!!

Value of this kit?  

$300!!!!!

Yea.

And you can grab this for $150.

***Update***
There is now an option to get a Premium Starter Kit with an Aroma Diffuser instead of the Home Diffuser.  They are both great diffusers, now you have a choice of which one you like best!  The new kit with the Aroma Diffuser is $10 more.

We also chose to purchase RC Essentil Oil separately, which is amazing for support of lung, sinus, and nasal function!  It's also supportive of the immune system during the winter months!

So here's how you purchase.

Click here to order now.
    
       OR
Go to my website here and click on "Get Started."

*Make sure you sign up as a Wholesale Member.  That is how you get your oils at wholesale cost.  There are NO other requirements for being a distributor!!!  If you wish to continue being one, simply make sure you purchase $50 worth of product per year....not real tough ;)

Make sure the box "A member referred me and I have his/her information" is selected

And make sure the member number 1529374 is in both the Enroller and Sponser Id field.


Then choose the PREMIUM Starter Kit! (The original kit or the Premium Kit with the Aroma Diffuser)


It is BY FAR the best value.


You are NOT required to choose an Essential Reward Kit.  I selected "No Thank You".

***If you would just like to try it out by choosing one or two individual oils or oil blends, you can sign up as a "customer" using the same process.  But your cost will be retail, not wholesale.

I know $150 sounds like alot.  And to our family it is.

But not only have we been able to not make as many trips to the drugstore for other products, these oils have also helped to build our immune systems which is so valuable during the colder months.

We are also trying to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of products in our home that contain harmful ingredients.  We're moving towards using more natural products in our home for cooking, cleaning, and eating!

Anyway.  I believe it's worth it.  And if you choose to purchase, you'll agree!!!


Also read:
**How to boost your Immune System with Essential Oils
**Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Giveaway! 
**Premium Starter Kit Series 

  

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional.  I simply make decisions on how to care for and improve the health of my own family.  None of the statements on my blog have been evaluated by the FDA and any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

**If you use my member number to enroll in Young Living Essential Oils and make purchases, I may receive compensation.  The price remains the same as always, for you! 

Essential Oils - The Basics

(source)

Ok.  So a small handful have shown interest in this series!  

Great!

If for no other reason than for my own benefit, I'll be starting to share what I'm learning about these oils!

I find that I learn best by documenting and telling others!

So I'll start by saying this.

I am FAR from an expert.  Probably never will be!

I have not researched any other essential oil companies so I can't vouch for or recommend ANY other oils than the brand we are using, Young Living Essential Oils.  

If you choose to follow the same methods that we do with a different brand, you could have VERY different results that could possibly be harmful.

For now, I'm not going to document all the different ways that one can possibly use any of these oils.  They are endless!

What I'll do is simply share how our family has found use of them as we go...

Which will probably be every week...or day...or hour ;)

For today I'll give you some information about Young Living Essential Oils.

Young Living was founded by Gary Young in 1993 and developed his first organic herb farming and distillation operation.  As Gary developed more farmland in Utah and Idaho, he began cultivating lavender, peppermint, melissa, clary sage, and many other herbs. Fueled by a growing demand for pure essential oils, Young Living designed and built the largest, most technologically advanced distillery for the production of essential oils in North America. At the same time, their burgeoning company also developed the groundbreaking Young Living Therapeutic Grade standard, which preserves the integrity and potency of natural essential oils. source

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are the aromatic liquids found within shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, resins, and seeds.  These oils contain unique constituents that provide the therapeutic results.  By following their instructional guide, along with the instructions on each label, you can experience the amazing, health-promoting benefits of essential oils.  -taken from their product guide.

Most of us have experienced the incredible power of essential oils without even realizing it!  Plants play an important role in defending against insects, desase, and harsh environmental conditions.  Pure, unadulterated essential oils have many potential benefits and are used daily to enhance the lives of millions. - taken from "An Introduction to Essential Oils Every Day Essentials"

Why do they work?

Essential oils contain oxygen molecules which help to transport nutrients to the starving human cells. Because a nutritional deficiency is an oxygen deficiency, disease begins when the cells lack the oxygen for proper nutrient assimilation. By providing the needed oxygen, essential oils also work to stimulate the immune system.  -source

There is much for me to learn yet.  And I hope you will learn right along with me!

Tomorrow I will share how you can purchase the same oils that I have, what they are, and some of their helpful properties.

Then I'll start sharing how we've used them!!  I'm excited! 

Does anyone already use oils?  Please share!

Oh yea.  You'll also find this disclaimer on all my posts regarding essential oils! :)

Also read:
**How to Boost your Immune System with Essential Oils

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. - See more at: http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/05/10-must-try-essential-oil-recipes-for-your-diffuser.html#sthash.Ycvw4KcB.dpuf

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. - See more at: http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/05/10-must-try-essential-oil-recipes-for-your-diffuser.html#sthash.Ycvw4KcB.dpuf

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional.  I simply make decisions on how to care for and improve the health of my own family.  None of the statements on my blog have been evaluated by the FDA and any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease - See more at: http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/05/10-must-try-essential-oil-recipes-for-your-diffuser.html#sthash.Ycvw4KcB.dpuf

Essential Oils - A new Journey!

Ever heard of essential oils?

I'm not talking about the oils you buy on eBay or Amazon to put in you homemade laundry detergent or shampoo (although I have those).

I'm talking about therapeutic grade essential oils that can be taken internally, diffused, inhaled, and used topically to improve your overall health and wellness.

Sound too good to be true?

I thought so too :)

My best friend Ashley just introduced these to me.  She was a skeptic at first too.

But after dealing with intense sinus issues due to allergies, migraines that lasted days, and using antibiotics, herbs, and medications for several weeks, nothing was working. 

A relative told her to give the oils a chance.  At this point, Ash would try anything to feel like herself and get back to chasing after her two crazy boys!

Her sister-in-law brought over two oils for her to use and within a half hour, her head finally felt better and by the next day she was back to normal.

She was convinced.  This wasn't just psychological!  Rubbing oils into her hands and forehead actually worked!

Now she's got me started on them.  For a day.  lol...I got my kit yesterday and have been experimenting all morning!

I actually woke up congested, and considering the fact that I hung out with a friend who has a cold last night, I assume that's what I'm fighting.  

PERFECT!  I can put these oils to the test!

I started out by rubbing some on the bottoms of my feet and the bridge of my nose, cheeks, and above my eyebrows.  I put a different one on my temples and forehead, and then a couple drops of another one in my water.  Then I've been diffusing them all morning.

Oh!  And I've rubbed them on the kids' feet as well to start supporting their immune systems.

Does this all sound weird?  I know....it's weird typing it!  And it's really weird explaining it to my husband!

But these have been proven over and over again to WORK!  And they provide health benefits in so many ways.

What I'd like to do is see if anyone would be interested in learning more with me.

As I learn different ways to use these, I'd like to document them here on the blog. 

They have really helped assist my best friend in eliminating over the counter medications from their home and countless others have not had to go to the doctor, use certain medications, or have to deal with illness that used to be a normal part of their lives!  

I think I'd like to be one of those families!! 

So this is a new journey for us!  Please comment below or on the Facebook link and let me know if you'd read along with me as I post new information about these oils!

You can read more about these Young Living Essential Oils here.

If I do start this series, I'll post the specific types of oils used, how they are used, and where you can get them.

Please provide me with some feedback!

I'm super excited to start this with my family and would love to share with you all!