A Quite Night for a Restless Heart

                                                            Quite! Be still!

Mark 4:39

image found: old screen shot on my found, sourced unknown.

I needed this verse tonight, and tonight at almost midnight, is the first time in a week that I really have felt still. Still, quite and ok. 

I feel at peace not because it's quite and everyone is in bed, but because I am sitting here in presence of the Lord soaking up His peace, while hyms play out loud over the bluetooth speaker. The praise music just dispels the darkness and makes way for the peace.

There are so many good things happening in the life of our family. Not just happy temporary little things, but life changing strides in our spiritual lives and how we worship as a family and major changes to our heath.  For the first time in a decade we have been going to church and searching for a church home. I have been apart of a woman's bible study, the kids are making many friendships. My husband's health is dramatically improving. 

People, myself included, tend to spend a lot of time waiting for change and transformation. Often when the good things that you pray for come, you are met with so much more than you anticipated. Especially if the good things have eternal and mulitgenerational ramifications. 

There has been so much uncommon strife here lately. And this is after a month of sickness that passed through our house for weeks. But oh the fighting! The frustration, the heartbreaking words from your children of "I feel like you don't like me" or the quarreling among them and me. I have gotten mad. Angry. I have sinned and fallen so so short on... all of it.

But you know what. I'm not giving in. I'm not going to allow myself to feel destructive and self inflicting thoughts of failure. I'm not going to let the devil turn this into a pity party where things start to slip more. I'm fighting for my peace. My family's peace. The peace of my household.

I'll keep praising God. keep on singing. I'll ask God to stand in the gap. I pray that God will fill my heart with peace where there is none. And I will "Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord." 2 Chron 20:17

The Battle is the Lord's, and the Lord is mine.

Beach Family Fun in Quintana Beach, Texas

Dada.... Dada.... Dadadadadad....SHARK!!!!!!

Sweet family beach time on the hot sunny beach of Quintana Beach! It was hot, but not even close to as hot as it was just a few miles inland!
We actually had planned (or didn't plan, actually) to do anything over the weekend. Lot's of "netflix and chill" as the cool kids would say. ;)

 But a few hours into Saturday, everyone was feeling restless. So step in Quintana Beach! It was on a whim, but we loaded up everyone and away we went. That is of course, after a quick stop at Bucyes's!

We had a blast, as always at Quintana. The kids played in the water, Daniel fished and I spent my time running back and forth between filming it all and chasing after Eli.

To check out my video from this day and be taken to my Youtube Channel, click here:
--------> A Day at the Beach!









It's amazing what the beach does to you. We were totally 100% wore out after spending the day out there. Of course, being in the sun and playing in the waves has a way of doing that; but it always feels like more than that. The warm sun revives your spirit as you bask in the warm golden rays. The playful blue and white waves  knock you around while encouraging you to keep going and the warm gritty sand feels reviving and cleansing. No wonder you leave the beach feeling both tired and revived!

that is of course, assuming you stay thinking on the good, happy things about the beach. Not the piles of sand over everything, the smell of shells that will be surely left in your car and of course, let's not forget, the exhausted cries from tired children. Ah! But, I digress.

Anyway, Daniel caught a shark, which is always so exciting! We named him Bruce. He ended up becoming our dinner. It was yummy.

Have a good day everyone and no matter where you live, remember to get out there and enjoy it!

Start Now!

I have always been overwhelmed at all the beautiful and inspiring things to simply.. do! Photography, knitting, blogging, tennis, sports, painting, ect.. There are so many beautiful and inspiring things to pursue and occupy our time. It's amazing we are not constantly doing these beautiful things. So.. why don't we? Why do we end up zoning out in front of netflix, scrolling through Pinterest and lost somewhere in Instagram?

For me, I know a lack of discipline has a part to play. Sticking with things takes effort and concentration, which in itself is something to pursue. But how come I don't even make it to that point? To practice sticking with something new, you have to start something new! So what holds us back?

                                                           Someday and perfection! 

I either mean to start something "soon" or I get so discouraged with myself before I even begin, I dont! Well, the last few months I have been diving into the word of God and personal development. I have been digging deeper into the difference between productive, successful people and those who seem smart, but don't seem to ever grow.

The common thread that seems to stand between potential and progress is motion. People who get things done, start! They don't start when they are ready or capable, they start today. Woman ( and men ) who gets things done and have gotten things done know that often the biggest hurdle to starting anything is simply starting. No one becomes an expert overnight and even the most capable, successful people don't often see results right away. Rather, it's the building of habits and knowledge which will result in progress.

Lately, I have been jumping in with both feet to a bunch of new things. Some of which I have found I am absolutely not skilled in, but I have been enjoying anyway. I feel myself growing. Stretching. reaching farther. I am thankful that God has been calling me to step out. It may seem those all around me are reaching farther, growing quicker and reaching goals sooner. But, That doesn't matter to my progress. I must simply delve deeper into my Bible, surround myself with positive friends who I can lift up and keep my family in the center. Remembering all the way, that success is measured not by completion, but by progress. And if I only developed that which I was good at, I would just drink coffee and day dream all day. Which doesn't sound that bad actually ;) But we want to take this life and lift others up and add value to the world of our family, friends and community.

So anything that's been on your to do list or inspiring you as of late. Take this as your sign... go for it! Just start! You'll be so glad you did! And who knows who you'll inspire? Be blessed friends!

image: pinned from pinterest. Original pin by:https://www.oncewed.com/60655/wedding-blog/greek-goddess-wedding-inspiration/

Our Youtube Channel!

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Find us here  ---------->    Joyful Living with Meg Youtube Channel!    and don't forget to like and subscribe!

Have a blessed day!

Buy Essential Oils from Me Here!

Have you experienced essential oils yet? They have been such an incredible blessing to us! When little bellies get upset, I can reach for some essential oils that help sooth and calm, when headaches hit, I roll on some frankensence and never worry about bothersome side effects from "traditional" medicine.

Whether you have used essential oils for a long time or have never touched them before, I would love to have you join my team and buy essential oils from me! I only sell the highest quality essential oils through doTERRA  and stand behind them 100%! You can order a single bottle once a year or buy a whole kit of oils and start building a business. To begin, click the Link here:

            ------------------------------>  my.doterra.com/megisaacs

* Click "Become a Member" in top right side.

- When you become a member, for $35 you will get 25% all products for a year. (This $35 membership is waived if you buy an enrollment kit, starting a just $150!)

- (You also have the option to click "Shop" and make a one time order at retail price.)

*Choose either: *Wholesale customer* or *Wellness Advocate* 
There is no difference in price or any required monthly orders. The only difference is that if someone orders doTERRA oils with your link, as a Wellness Advocate you have the opportunity to earn commission. 

If you're unsure which to choose, I always suggest choosing "Welless Advocate." Sometimes special promotions run that only registered "Wellness Advocates" may participate in. Remember, you are never required to make any monthly orders unless you wish to do so!

* Follow the prompts and fill in your information. If going through my link, you should be automatically placed through me. If it does ask for a enrollment ID mine is: 1001853

* Choose your products or an enrollment kit. Place your order. 

                          Welcome to my Joyful Living Oil Community! 

Be on the lookout in your mail for your special "Welcome Gift" from me! I will also connect you to all the resources you need to learn about essential oils, their uses, our oil community and business training if you so desire.

Welcome to a healthier, happier way of living... and be blessed!

Top Ten Tips of a Successful Library Visit with Children

Oh the Library! The smell of old books, the latest page turner, the comfy reading nooks and screaming children... Oh wait. Scratch that last one from the list!

Libraries and all the resources they provide are great for children, parents, homeschoolers or anyone! Also, the love of learning and a love of books often go hand in hand. These things often start at a young age and take root in your child's head and heart too. There really is no reason why you shouldn't take your children to the library starting young! The noise factor can be an intimidating one though, especially for the first few trips.
So, I have complied a list of some of my favorite tips for a successful library day with your kids!

1.

 Pick a Day With an Organized Library Activity!

A quick Google search should lead you right to your local library's website or facebook page. Every library has a section devoted to at least a few events each month. Most libraries have special days that are just for babies, children, teens and adults. Any day and time that is scheduled for a childhood story hour or craft is a great introduction time to the library. Quietness and respect is taught, but in a friendly and light way. Sometimes these can actually be pretty loud. (Like most o the events at our library!) So this is perfect to teach that a library is a great place to learn and have fun, but also introduce them to library rules in a place where as a parent, you are't likely to want to run out of there if your child is loud! 

* Bonus *

These events are also like the jackpot for meeting other mom friends!

2.

Bring Snacks.

Yup, I went there. Totally have sacks on hand! Of course you don't want to be giving your child pringles at the coloring table, but you do want a well fed child. Anyone knows, a well fed child is a happy child! I keep nutrigarin type of bars and some cheerios in baggies or mini pretzels on hand. I make sure that BEFORE we go in, they get something little in their bellies. It makes a huge difference in making sure they're all topped off.

Sometimes if the toddler is getting restless and loud but my other children are all happily reading, I'll pass him a pretzel stick. Works wonders, truly.  Also, spill proof sippys.

3.

Look at Grown Up Books First.

Most parents I know who are taking their young / many children to the library are not realistically planing on spending a lot of time looking for books for themselves. Especially if you have very young children with you. That being said, sometimes you have to plan on the inconvenient for a little self care. 

I know if I wouldn't have taken my young babies with me to look through the adult section, I would simply have never checked out anything for myself.

Resist the temptation to let your children have fun first. After they have bee playing and reading in the children's section, they absolutely will not want to leave to walk around so close, yet so far away from the fun section. You want to avoid this battle at all costs! 

And don't think you can get them a book or two then go to the

adult book section. Once they have even seen the children's section of the library, they are lost to you.

* Bonus Tip*

This is not the time to search and search for your perfect read! Get to your general area of interest, grab a small pile and move on. You can always return and get new titles when you come back!

4.

Keep the Visit Short and Sweet.

This rule is pretty self explanatory and says it all. A full and happy 20 minutes will refresh you and your child! An amazing 45 minutes with the last 5 minutes of your child crying or getting loud or running into things and you leaving embarrassed will dull the joy of the whole visit. Leave while ahead!

5.

Bring Backup

Any good mission is made all that much better with a strong team. Be it spouse, mom, sister or friend; having and extra pair of hands can help a lot!

6.

Go During the Afternoon.

This is when most people expect that young children may be at the library. People who go to the library for study seem to be there early or late. Adult students who work tend to go in early evening, seemingly after work and before home. Lots of libraries hold adult meetings or adult book clubs in the evenings as well. Afternoon just has always seemed the easiest in my opinion.

7.

Bring a Sweater.

They keep those libraries chilly! Gotta Keep those hot reads cool I guess.

8.

Go Before Ya' Gotta Go.

Have all children use the bathroom before you leave. And if the library is a bit of a drive for you, once you get there, hit up the potty first.

9.

Treat Libraries with Respect.

This is definitely one of those examples where our children watch what we do and will mimic our behavior. Library respect is so easy and simple, yet such a huge deal.

When we play with toys, we pick them up. When we take something out, we put it away. We treat other people's things with more care than our own. Care and respect in this area will assure that we are always welcome back happily!

* Bonus Tip*  

If your children are very young, there will probably be a bookshelf of books in random order where children can freely pick up and put back whatever seems interesting. If they can walk.

If your children are a little older, they may walk around and see books in shelves they want to look at.

It's natural for a child, especially a helpful child, to put the book back in a shelf when they are done. The only problem with this is even a book or two over from the original spot can throw off the system! Teach your children about the well thought out and complex system they have for keeping each and every single book in the whole library in order.

Locate and show your children where the designated bookshelf is to put back books you're not interested in. Or, set them in a neat pile on one of the tables.

10.

Enjoy Your Visit!

Don't forget to enjoy your children, the library and the visit! Like with anything parenting, you have to relax a little, sometimes lower your expectations for what you had in mind and remember this is all a process towards a greater good.We're raising little children to become well rounded, independent adults with a love for the Lord. Don't let fear ruin this precious time! 

99% of the librarians I have run into understand children and most libraries these days are looking for ways to gain more patrons. I can't tell you how often I have had a librarian either come up to me or talk to me as I was checking out to encourage me to come back because it's so wonderful to see mom's introduce a love of reading! Libraries love seeing people come to read!

So go and have fun with your littles at the library! What tips would you add to this list? Let me know in the comment section!

Back to Homeschool! Also: Why We Homeschool

So... we started back at school last week! We now have a 4th, 3rd, and 1st grader! The first grader would be traditionally going into Kindergarten, but he was absolutely insistent he must go into first grade this year. Of all the children, Caleb is our most rambunctious, high energy and loud one. Since the beginning of his life, his personality has made itself clear. Life is somewhere between a party and a show for that one!

Anyone with a child who has a wild personality knows what a blessing... and a challenge parenting this type can be. You want to encourage their love of life and bold attitude, but along the way there can be so many attitude issues to work through. You want to train them up and teach them the way to behave, without breaking their spirit! This is one of the instances where homeschooling has really helped us.

There are so many ways to teach and socialize, that's just the surface of homeschooling. The heart of homeschooling, for us, is the hearts of our children. Homeschooling helps us to get a good and personal look into the unique physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of each of our children. As we learn those things, it helps us tailor the way we teach and educate each of our children. I love that, I love that so much! Of all the things we can do in this world, training our children to love the Lord and enter the world with a strong sense of self and a love for others is such an important thing we can do. There is so much more I can say on the subject, but for the sake of keeping this a blog post and not a book, I'll just leave it at that.

Also, our crazy little Caleb may be still doing a lot of kindergarten work this year, but he'll also be doing some first grade. We'll see how it goes. All I know is that if one of my children wants to reach higher, I'll stand by their side and help them.

It's only been a week, but the pride my son shows when sitting down to do "big boy school" has helped both during and after school time. I am excited to see the growth of all my children this coming year!

Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library, Houston TX

Library Day! If we're not at the beach, we're probably at the library! This is from our day at the Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library, part of the Houston Public library system.

We have made it sort of a mission, to seek out and explore new libraries. We hadn't been to the Montrose neighborhood library yet, so made it a side destination when we were in Houston's Museum District. This little library did not disappoint!

The building itself was stunning. All the librarians were super nice and welcoming and encouraged the children to explore! Which is a huge relief. I am trying to teach my children a love of the library, and you don't go from rambunctious toddler to calm library patron. It's a process. And it seems most librarians understand that. They know that young children who learn that the library is a place filled with new and interesting toys and books will grow up to love the library. Some noise may be made in the process! Last thing I want is for my kids to dread the library, which will happen if I do nothing but get on them for noise the entire time!

Biggest tip for the library with young children: keep the visit short and sweet!

Anyway, the kids played, made some new friends, checked out the computer area and wandered around a bit.

The library itself is quite small, but the perfect cozy library size! And remember, this is just one of the many Houston libraries. 
It had beautiful architecture, large dreamy windows and a wonderful selection of interactive and creative kid's toys. We'll definitely be back!

Here is the link to the library: Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library 

A New Start

Good morning world! I am not new to blogging, but this blog is new! Although I have gone through periods where I have changed and updated my blog, it was time for a new start entirely. I have included a link to my old blog, but I hope you all will follow me here!

Old Blog ------->   A Meg Moment

When I first started blogging, I was a young wife and mom with two baby girls living in a little apartment in Wisconsin. Fast forward almost 10 years and here I am now. Homeschool mom of 4, living somewhere between Houston and the gulf of Mexico.

I will be sharing our everyday life, beach trips and a little bit about my faith.
Aside from the journaling aspect of blogging, my favorite thing about blogs and bloggers are the sense of community. I hope you find one here on this blog as you follow along on our our journey. I look forward to getting to know and following you too!

doTERRA Convention 2018

Oh my goodness ya'll, I'm going to Convention! The 2018 doTERRA Global Convention in Salt Lake City this fall!

I have been using doTERRA for almost 5 years and have always dreamed about going the big convention each year. There is just such a wealth of product knowledge, listening to the founders share their hearts and their knowledge and so much oily info!

This past year especially, now that I follow so many fellow oil users, I watched many convention stories, live feeds and followed every bit of new information I could get my hands on. I loved gleaning all the knowledge I could post convention. But the one big missing component to learning what I could, was actually being there and soaking up everything first hand. I can read about things later or watch recorded sessions, but that is kind of like traveling the world though your tv than actually going to places.

God is so good and I am so excited to see this dream of mine, to go to convention realized! I can't wait to not just learn, but meet so many new friends ( and maybe stalk my favorites from instagram, ha!) I even have a gala ticket, which I am ridiculously giddy over!

This is doTERRA's 10 year anniversary and I have a feeling this year is going to be big. Even this year's theme is so close to my heart ( another blog post! ) Even the color scheme, totally my colors!!!!

Oh my word I cannot wait! Who's joining me this year?!

Simplify

Another long day! But what day isn't long with a newborn? I'm on the verge of overdoing things again. I need to continue to fight this nature of mine to overwork! An overworked mom isn't good for anyone. Not my husband, my children my community or myself. Easier said than done! I sometimes feel like I just run in circles, cleaning the same messes, making the same mistakes, getting upset about the same things, ect...

 The word that keeps coming to mind is peace. My word of the year. Just simply: peace. Even the word "simple" stands out in my mind. The words "simple" and "peace" are two words that I continue to wrestle with. Living simple and creating a home atmosphere where peace abides sounds like such a deceivingly simple, easy thing.  But it's the opposite! Learning to find repose and rest in a world that screams more and that stays on 24/7 tales so much self control. Self control and planning. 

I could go on and on about this subject, but I think the two biggest things I will focus on is:

#1. Make time to be alone with God and hear His voice!

I'm in the weird, sleepless stage of surviving the newborn weeks while still taking care of my other young children. So I don't think necessarily God expects me to stay up in the mornings to read my bible and journal. ( Gotta catch that sleep when I where I can!) But being mindful of my time is a big deal. So these days although I may not being spending much time reading and studying the word, I can open my bible for a few minutes or simply find a much loved verse and copy it out and let my heart dwell on that; compared to tuning out totally and scrolling through facebook for the 15th time.

#2. Continue to Minimize.

I have been working towards the path of minimalism for years. Although I have come a long way from where I was, I still have much more to learn! 

There are no shortcuts to leading a life of less. Anyone can clean their house or get rid of things, but to truly minimize, truly be happy with less, takes time. Less clutter, less tv, less stress, less stuff. letting go. So far, I have realized the less we own and the less we choose to overburden ourselves with, the more we enjoy. I want to make more time to enjoy life, and less cleaning it! 

So there it is, my two things. Looking to the Lord and seeking His face and keep our home life simple and stress free. 

Elijah Daniel Isaacs

Introducing:

 Elijah Daniel Isaacs 

We welcomed our 4th blessing and sweetest new little babe Friday, April 14th 2017. He came into this world 10 days early and with eyes opened wide. His was my most beautiful and shortest labor.

I really am truly at a lack for words of how much I am reveling in this little one. He is the perfect addition to our family and we are all smitten with him! In my heart I know God has big plans for him and I just feel such a joy holding him. He is so precious and perfect!

I could go on and on, but instead let me just share some of my favorite photos....

Children are a gift from the Lord...

Psalm 127:3

Welcome, 2017 ~

I have been wrestling a little bit with myself and the New Year. I'm a big goal and list person and pride myself on working hard. I have been itching for a new, big, year long goal to work towards over this coming year. Last year I felt God giving me the go ahead to start on the path to bigger financial goals ( not really seeing anything, but getting out of debt! ) and buying our first home. Both of which were big deals and took a lot of time and work! And this year so far has just felt... slow. And a little exhausting. 

During prayer and quite time I feel God asking me to spend more quite time with Him and becoming a better steward of my time in general. Not for any major "goal" per say. Just, investing in my children and worthwhile hobbies. It honestly makes me feel restless! But, after a few weeks of searching and clinging to my own ideas of goals, I have finally decided to jump wholeheartedly in the simple yet difficult task of simply slowing down and bringing more peace into our lives. That's my word this year: Peace.

Peace can mean so many different things. But for me, it means more time with God. Less TV. Less comparing myself with others and other people's view of me. More time playing with my children and less time watching tv or sending them off to play without me. Less internet and social media, more writing and reading. 

I want to do far less shopping and simplify our bills. Pay down debt and put money in savings. Nothing causes stress like financial stress, and I plan on being better at looking long term.

When I think of how much TV we watched this past year, it's embarrassing, even to me. We are doing better, but I still would love to see the TV on less and see what else we can fill our time with. I want to work on nature studies and notebook journaling. I want to fill our time learning crafts and hobbies and exposing the kids to all sorts of arts and letting them discover what they're passionate about. Investing more time cultivating friendships and a sense of community and showing Christlike love to others is also something I want our family to be passionate about!  

So here's to a year brimming with joy and peace ~

Also, only about 14 more weeks until baby#4 is here!!!! Eeek!!!

Runaway

Sometimes running away isn't a bad thing. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself these past few days. Running away has been exactly what I have wanted for the kids and I. An escape.

Our days have been going pretty smooth now that we are getting into the groove of our new routines and our new home. But mini meltdowns have still been prevalent. Nothing major that would ruin your day per say. Just the many, mini tiny issues that pop up seemingly every 15 minutes. I am fine and can handle most issues, but after issue #548 and crying meltdown #3 I have to run into my room, shut the door and ask for God's good grace to come upon me quickly.

I know these are the type of things every single mom on the face of the earth faces. But somehow that fact does little to console me. God reminds me that He is working in and growing me just as much as He is my children through these years. But wow. Some days are exhausting! Not hard, per say. Just exhausting. I know the recipe:

Pray. Love on my children. Read. Fights happen. Discipline according to the crime. Set boundaries. Stick to my guns. Repeat.

This is literally all my life some days. Like, all 12 hours. It's not hard. Just beyond exhausting.

So, that's how life was this morning. As I was in the bathroom pretending to pee for the 40th time that morning praying, I decided we needed to go! (Not to the bathroom) But away, out of the house! there are still 110* temps out there, so we went to one of our favorite places in the whole world.... the Library! The Clute library is one of our favorite getaways. Something for mom and the kids!

So, we went and spent a whole solid hour there! I tribute Bat Boy lasting that long to my oils. Seriously, really. These oils are truly a blessing and have changed my life. A drop of doTERRA's grounding blend (One of my favs!) and a drop of lavender oil to his forehead and wrists and he lasted quietly for an hour! ( If you buy one thing for "yourself" this year, buy these two oils. They are magic. And if you use my link, I get a commission ;) doterra oils Meg Isaacs )

After that, we went to Mc Donald's so the kids could run off some steam and I slowly sip coffee. It was amazing.

After that, the kids suggested we try the "new library" which is in Freeport. We fell in love, again! Oh I love good libraries! Freeport is a small Texas town, but their library was perfect! An adorable children's area with a pirate ship that the kids could play on and find a reading nook to read in. Lots of computers, a good selection of books and chairs positioned just right for moms ( or dads!) to be able to read and do their own thing while still supervising the children's area.
It wasn't by any means large, but the selection was good and the area open and inviting. We used doTERRA's grounding blend and lavender and this time stayed 90 minutes. 90 minutes!

Bliss!

After we finally left, Daisy girl brought up how sad she was that she didn't get a cake on her birthday a few months back. Her birthday happened to fall on closing day on the house. While my parents were here from Wisconsin. She got some amazing gifts, it was crazy. There was no cake. So in some last minute change of plans, we bought a birthday cake at the store on the way home. :)

So tonight we set at a Elsa and frozen themed dinner table and sang happy birthday together and ate cake after dinner. It was divine! Daisy girl's heart was filled with joy and all was good. Then Bat Boy and Wonder Girl and all of them melted down again. But you know what? That's ok. Today was good. We all got a break. We all had fun. No tvs, no computers no friends. Just us and lots of books and story telling. Everyone's love cups were filled and it helped us get through the last evening slump and tonight, when I go to bed. I won't be pouring out my heart to God begging for the strength to help me make it at this mothering thing. I'm going to hold onto all the joyful moments of today and savor their smiles and thank God that I get to do this.

So if you are at your wits end and parenting feel exhausting and you feel like you're going to lose your cool. Say a prayer and run away. With your kids! Be it the backyard or the library or just get lost in a book. Taking a break from the days helps reset everyone.

Stay joyful friends!

A Really Good Day

Today, when the alarm went off and I woke up, literally the first thought in my head was "I'm going to write a blog post today." Which is odd, because my first thought is normally something along the lines of: "Lord, please let that not be morning!" Or: "Tonight I'm going to bed so early..."

But instead of lamenting my sleep deprived self, I had this need to write! So here I am, recording today. Today has been a good day. A really good day, actually. Wonder Girl (age 7) Daisy Girl (age 6) and Bat Boy (age 3) have still been reeling in all sorts of emotions since moving to our new home.
This home, our first home, has been one of the most beautiful dreams come true for our family. Praise the Lord, He is so good to His children!

But despite all the new wonderfulness, for young children, adjusting to a new home is often a challenge. We have been in our home for 2 months now. In those 2 months my parents were with us from out of state for a weekend. Then my brother and sister in law were evacuated from their home due to major flooding so they stayed with us for just over a week. ( They stayed in the girl's room) Then our dog passed away. Then my grandma came with her dog and stayed a week. (Also using the girl's room)

So as it was with moving there have been changes, then add in the emotions of losing a family pet and the shuffling around bedrooms and overnight guests over a few weeks. ( We love hosting dear family and friends though, despite the crazy!) and well, you have one tired momma and three emotionally exhausted children. Needless to say, there's been lots of interrupted, sleepless nights and tantrums during the day.

My wellness goals lately have simply been: Make it through a day without crying, yelling or questioning my calling to motherhood. I am happy to announce, today. Has. Been.That. Day!

I actually stayed up this morning and didn't go back to bed after the hubs left. I had coffee, read my bible and was able to have some quite alone time to charge up my batteries for the day ahead.

We had a yummy breakfast, cleaned up the house together. We got done laundry and did dishes and general cleanup while listing to silly kid songs. We walked for the first time to the little park that is .3 miles from our home and played for a bit (despite the 107* feeling temps!)
There was yummy smoothies for lunch, then story time all together.
We played puzzles and dominoes. Made dinner. Laughed. Enjoyed just being together.

I know not everyday will probably be like this from here on out, but I'm thankful for a peaceful day. A day where everyone is at peace. A day that no one talks about how much they miss their old room.

                                        Today was good, and I am so thankful!

I have also had he diffuser going all day. It always just blows my mind the affect that my little diffuser has on the overall mood of our home. Today we have had Bergamont diffused all day. I actually didn't choose it for any specific reason, just that it smelled so fresh and yummy.
Bergamont is known to assist with joint problems and muscle aches. Emotionally it can effect poor sleeping issues and appetite loss. It's lesser known to help with stress.

Bergamont isn't normally what I grab for a feeling of overall peace in the home. But it's now going on the list!

Have a good day everyone and don't forget to savor moments of joy!