memorial day and a wedding

Uh huh, a few weeks late posting these pictures, but life happens. :) We are enjoying a great summer so far. We are spending lots of time at the park, splash pad, and library - and lots of time inside reading and playing. My word, it's been SO hot the last week or so! 

We enjoyed a yummy lunch with my side of the family on Memorial Day. Jacob smoked some meat and we had potato salad, slaw, chips, and baked beans - one of my favorite meals! The kids had a blast playing in the sprinkler and bubble machine. My sister got a bunch of yard games and we had lots of fun playing them. My brother-in-law taught the kids how to do an egg race (with plastic eggs/spoons). It was the most hilarious thing to watch! :)

Papaw, Cameron (my nephew), and Levi chillin' in the swing.

Jacob and Lily. 

After Memorial Day we had a super busy week getting ready for my brother's wedding. Luke married Hannah, our babysitter and dear friend! I was a bridesmaid, Lily was the flower girl, Levi was a ring bearer, and Jacob organized the music - fun, but crazy! Ha. 

The day before the wedding, Lily and I got to attend the bridal luncheon and then go with all the other girls to get our nails done! It was Lily's first mani/pedi - she loved it! :)

Jacob was amazing help the day of the wedding - he had to take care of and dress the kids and get them to the church for pictures. I had to go early to get ready and have some of the wedding party pictures.

This is how the groomsmen rode to the park for pictures.

Me and my beautiful sister. Love her!

Our family...except for Asher who fell asleep on the pew while we waited for the pictures to start.

Levi and Ridley - ring bearers. Such cuties! :)

Lily did so well! 

Jacob, me, Luke, and Hannah

And they are off...in a shower of birdseed. :)

Lemon Cupcakes

Today I'm participating in the Essentially Summer Recipe Series that has been going on this week. I am looking forward to trying lots of new recipes! Sondra finished up yesterday's Main Dishes with her Veggie Lasagna.

To start off the Desserts today, I'm excited to share this recipe for Lemon Cupcakes. I have made these cupcakes for 5 different events and they always get rave reviews - they are quick and easy, and they are yummy! Win-win! :)

Lemon Cupcakes

Yield about 20 cupcakes

Ingredients

for the cupcakes:

1 yellow cake mix

3 eggs

1 cup water

1/3 cup oil

5 drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

zest from one lemon

for the frosting:

1/2 cup softened butter

3 oz softened cream cheese

6 cups powdered sugar

3-4 drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

2-3 Tablespoons milk

To make cupcakes, preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together on low for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed.

Divide the batter evenly between prepared cupcake liners, filling each half full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make frosting, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon oil, and milk (start with 2 Tablespoons and add more if needed). Mix on low until combined and then beat well on medium speed. Frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator.

I love adding oils to many recipes. I hope this series inspires you to add some flavor with your oils!

Are you ready to jump in to this wonderful world of caring for your family with therapeutic grade essential oils? The time is now! Click here to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the “Essentially Summer” blog recipe series! :)

Next up is Becky at Rooted Blessings with Paleo Key Lime Cheesecake. Yummy!

Be sure to check out all the great recipes in the "Essentially Summer" blogger recipe series.

Best weekend. (and how I kick the "mama funk")

This post was started about a month ago...forgive my delinquent posting.

Last weekend was just the best weekend we've had in a long time. Well, honestly, the last few weeks have been the best we've had in months. I have a little secret that has changed my life...it's called Frankincense. Yes, an essential oil. I started using is about three weeks ago on my face because it is so good for skin. I had no idea that it would help kick the "mama funk" (or whatever it was) out the window! 

For months I had been feeling so blah about everything and I wasn't getting out of the house with all the kids by myself, like at all. I just felt like I couldn't handle it. So after I started this routine of applying Frankincense on my face every morning, I started noticing that our days were going much more smoothly. Why? you might ask - because I was in so much better spirits, because I was feeling better emotionally. We've been getting out of the house a ton, and I have renewed vigor for being a mama. I am so, so thankful! I know it probably sounds crazy, but don't knock it til you've tried it! :)

A family walk.

Sweet Ava.

These babies are my sunshine.

We have lots of climbers in the family.

I've even managed grocery shopping with all 4 several times in the last month. You mama's with littles know that's quite an undertaking. :)

Resurrection Day 2014

We had a fun weekend with lots of memories made. On Saturday, the children and I made resurrection cookies. They loved participating in every step of the recipe and of course, enjoying them for breakfast Sunday morning! :) 

We enjoyed worshipping our risen Savior at church and then we had our traditional dinner at Memaw's house (my sister and her family live there now). We are missing Memaw so much as it comes up on a year of her illness and passing. I'm thankful for the many special memories we have of her.

Oh, these sweeties. I'm blessed beyond measure to be their mama!

How thankful I am to share this crazy life with this guy. He is the best husband and greatest daddy!

We always have to do a funny face picture. :)

Detox Your Home - DIY Dishwasher Detergent

Good Morning! A special welcome to those visiting from A Happy Healthnut! I'm excited to kick off the 4th day of the Detox Your Home series. Be sure to follow the links today and check out this post for all the links from the previous days.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical of trying this recipe because I have made 2 other homemade dishwasher detergent recipes in the past and they were both a big fat FAIL! My drinking glasses came out cloudy and my dishes had a weird film on them. 

But, I'm here to tell you that this recipe is amazing and it really does work! I've used it for about a week and my dishes have been clean and sparkling! The best part is that this recipe is quick and easy to make, and very inexpensive! I do recommend using Young Living essential oils as that is the only difference in this recipe and one of the recipes I made before. 

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

(from The Chemical Free Home by Melissa Poepping)

1 cup baking soda

1 cup borax

1/4 cup citric acid (found near canning supplies at Walmart)

15 drops lemon essential oil

10 drops orange essential oil

Mix together in a quart jar or a bowl. Add a sachet of white rice to absorb moisture. Add 2 Tablespoons of detergent per load.

I know this is not the greatest before and after picture because my glass has a bunch of scratches on it, but hopefully you can tell the difference! :)

I hope you are inspired to try the great non-toxic recipes for your home, personal care, and pets that we are sharing during this series!

Are you ready to jump in to this wonderful world of caring for yourself and your family naturally with essential oils?? Click here to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the "Detox Your Home" Spring blog series! We are all offering a FREE copy of The Chemical Free Home to anyone {in the U.S.} who signs up with premium starter kit through April 7th!! 

To continue the series, head over to The Home Life {and Me} and learn how to make probiotic deodorant. 

Be sure to check out all the posts in the "Detox Your Home" Spring blogger series, click here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I’m just a mom who has experienced amazing results with essential oils in our home.

Snapshots.

Crazy loons. 

Smiley girly. 

A van load of cuteness.

Asher loves wearing anyone's and everyone's shoes.

These boys adore their baby sister.

Miss Ava's getting some chubby cheeks.

Making playdough cookies while playing dress up.

This is what happens when you're out too close to nap time and forgot lil guy's paci. 

He got many strange looks. ha!

Celebrating Aunt Elizabeth's birthday.

Oh, Asher and his crib antics (a few months ago he took the spindles out and then he started climbing out on a regular basis). He now sleeps on the mattress on the floor. ha!

Happy Friday!

Asher is 2!

Sweet Asher boy turned 2 earlier this month! We had a family party (to celebrate the March birthdays) the Sunday night before his birthday. Jacob was off the morning of Asher's actual birthday, so we went to play at the park and eat lunch at 5 Guys (Asher's request). :)

Asher weighs 28lbs, wears size 2T and size 6-6.5 shoes. Funny Fact - Asher and Levi weigh exactly the same, wear the same size clothes and shoes, and are 14 months apart. :) I get asked all. the. time. if they are twins!

Asher loves to play outside! He is a climber and dare devil. He is sweet and snuggly. He is cautious about some things. He loves to read. He plays well with Lily and Levi, but a lot of times I'll find him playing by himself. He adores Ava and is a sweet big brother.