That's right! This anything but perfect, to some annoying, mother of three is back. I'd like to say better then ever. However, given the recent month's activities, better then ever is quite the understatement. You know that moment you look in the mirror and realize that your biggest fear as come to life. The hard, "Hello, you ain't as young as you used to be" moment. That's right! I had one of those this morning. Now, I have had them before. But this mornings was different. Different how, you ask? Well, in that very moment I saw what my family was seeing. Not only did I look tired, but I looked weak, stressed, and sick. Now, granted I am not the healthiest woman in the world. No big secret! However, I have always tried to maintain a certain amount of dignity in my appearance. Call it vein, call it, self centered, or just plain dumb. I don't care. I can not handle the pity look that people give me when they see me like that. Bot only does it make me look sick and weak, but it makes me feel that way, as well. I have said it before, and I will say it again...I am not one to sit a wallow in self-pity. And the one image I can not handle is the one of my own children seeing me like this. So this work in progress is back. And I do mean work in progress. However, during this time of adjustment, the Lord has taught me many lessons. One is that there is healing and love through prayer, family, and friends. The other is that there is a plan. We may not see it, but God has one for all of us. I am still working on seeing the bigger picture, but I truly believe that part of His plan for me is to step outside of my comfort zone and help others. The really funny thing is that in my attempt to do so, I found a part of myself I had lost for years. My love of writing. Now, mind you, I am no Nicholas Sparks. Probably never will be. However, I have always loved the power of written expression and the effect it has on people. So, in my quest for finding a new normal for this fabulous family of mine, I hereby declare war on all things negative. I will continue to posts new information, and all the things that make this blog as useful and inspirational to you as I can. Although, far from Pulitzer winning material (unless you laundry stains, housework, and personal hygiene to be such), you are welcome to follow. I can't promise all the information will be useful to everyone, but I do hope someone can find something to help them get through their day. The one thing all of us moms have in common is that we are resourceful creatures. We are good at making what we have work for us. As I see it, there is nothing more important then finding ways to take care of our homes, our families, ourselves, and finding ways to pay it forward. Not only that, but let's face it, this new Army mom has time to kill. Some moms knit, this mom blogs. Not conventional, I know. But extremely affective in relieving my stress and very rewarding. Who knew so much could come from stain removal and baking cookies! Ha! Much love and many blessings!!!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Keeping Busy
Well, I have decided that in order for me to deal with the recent events in our home, keeping busy seems to be a much better alternative to sitting and wallowing in my sorrows. So, I have finally gotten my other blog started. In the future, all up dates on Dustin will be primarily posted to "Dustin's Journey" (http://dustinsjourney.blogspot.com/). It seemed much easier to keep friends and family up to date this way. Honestly, there are just so many. I felt I owed it to them and Dustin to have a designated site. Let's face it, not all are interested in laundry stain removal, healthy recipes, or what my kids would refer to has "momma stuff". Again, I thank you all and encourage you to visit the blog. I will occasionally post references to this site, but it will not be as detailed. You know? Blogging started out just being a way for me to explore my passion for creative writing. It really has become a blessing to me. It helps me when I know that others can be helped, encouraged, or just plain entertained by what I post.
Recently, I have experienced some down falls. My health has been not so great. Another infection and a lot of added stress. I am not proud to say smoking has worked its way back into my life. However, I have a plan for getting back on the wagon. It involves keeping busy. This should not be any problem with a new house to move into, thank you letters to write, two teenagers and a husband to keep up with, and work. One thing I have learned is that it is an addiction that will always linger and is very easy to give in. Have also learned that addiction is an illness. I pray for strength and the day I can completely be free of it. I also know the disappointment in peoples faces (especially my kids) is hard for me to deal with. Have always tried to be a people pleaser. It's a drawback I have to work on as well. If there is one thing I have learned is that the power of prayer is my biggest defense. So, I continue to pray for myself and other people dealing with this monkey on our backs.
These past couple of weeks have not only been quite the eye opener for me, but for the rest of my family, as well. I have posted before about it being about God's plan. Boy! It is turning out to be a lot different then the plan Paul and I thought it would be. Somehow, it has turned into more of an adventure. It seems we never know what is going to happen next. A great example is the new house we picked out. Our original plan was to build a house on the 20 acres we own. Then, due to the economy and housing market, we decided to buy a house. We must have looked at so many. Even placed offers on a couple that fell through. I prayed to the Lord while looking at every house. Just a simple prayer that if this house wasn't meant to be ours, then show us a sign. After so many, we finally found one. It is nothing like what we had originally planned to have. But somehow, it is perfect. So far the whole process has gone easier then we expected. Just a few things to verify with the bank, a water test, and we should be set. So, it turns out Dustin is not the only one starting a new chapter in his life. It's so exciting. At the same time, it seems to help with all the other emotions we are going through right now.
Last but not least, Paul and I have learned the power of community and the blessing of having so much love and support. We would have never imagined the compassion from this small town that has come since Dustin's enlistment became public. It has made us so proud of Beaverton and even prouder of the young man Dustin has become. We had made the decision a long time ago that no matter what it took we were going to raise our family here. Now we know why. It really does take a village to raise a child. We feel that this whole town has helped shaped who our children have become. God has truly blessed us in more ways then we could have even imagined. You could even say it has been overwhelming in some ways. Deuteronomy 28:2 states, "All these blessings will come upon you, and overtake you, if you listen to the Lord your God's voice". It is so easy for one to turn their back on or question God's presence during times of trial. Yet it is important during these times to maintain that He will take care of us. I have always told my husband and kids that He will take care of us. After the events of this past month, I am truly convinced that this holds true. The blessings just keep coming in so many different ways. I could never repay all that people have done for us. Besides saying thank you, I can only offer our love, prayer, and continued support to this wonderful town. I am not sure when my next post will be to this blog due to the busy week ahead and my current health state. Please be patient and know that I will be making it up after Dustin leaves and I feel better. As I stated before, keeping busy is my goal. Much love and many blessings.
Recently, I have experienced some down falls. My health has been not so great. Another infection and a lot of added stress. I am not proud to say smoking has worked its way back into my life. However, I have a plan for getting back on the wagon. It involves keeping busy. This should not be any problem with a new house to move into, thank you letters to write, two teenagers and a husband to keep up with, and work. One thing I have learned is that it is an addiction that will always linger and is very easy to give in. Have also learned that addiction is an illness. I pray for strength and the day I can completely be free of it. I also know the disappointment in peoples faces (especially my kids) is hard for me to deal with. Have always tried to be a people pleaser. It's a drawback I have to work on as well. If there is one thing I have learned is that the power of prayer is my biggest defense. So, I continue to pray for myself and other people dealing with this monkey on our backs.
These past couple of weeks have not only been quite the eye opener for me, but for the rest of my family, as well. I have posted before about it being about God's plan. Boy! It is turning out to be a lot different then the plan Paul and I thought it would be. Somehow, it has turned into more of an adventure. It seems we never know what is going to happen next. A great example is the new house we picked out. Our original plan was to build a house on the 20 acres we own. Then, due to the economy and housing market, we decided to buy a house. We must have looked at so many. Even placed offers on a couple that fell through. I prayed to the Lord while looking at every house. Just a simple prayer that if this house wasn't meant to be ours, then show us a sign. After so many, we finally found one. It is nothing like what we had originally planned to have. But somehow, it is perfect. So far the whole process has gone easier then we expected. Just a few things to verify with the bank, a water test, and we should be set. So, it turns out Dustin is not the only one starting a new chapter in his life. It's so exciting. At the same time, it seems to help with all the other emotions we are going through right now.
Last but not least, Paul and I have learned the power of community and the blessing of having so much love and support. We would have never imagined the compassion from this small town that has come since Dustin's enlistment became public. It has made us so proud of Beaverton and even prouder of the young man Dustin has become. We had made the decision a long time ago that no matter what it took we were going to raise our family here. Now we know why. It really does take a village to raise a child. We feel that this whole town has helped shaped who our children have become. God has truly blessed us in more ways then we could have even imagined. You could even say it has been overwhelming in some ways. Deuteronomy 28:2 states, "All these blessings will come upon you, and overtake you, if you listen to the Lord your God's voice". It is so easy for one to turn their back on or question God's presence during times of trial. Yet it is important during these times to maintain that He will take care of us. I have always told my husband and kids that He will take care of us. After the events of this past month, I am truly convinced that this holds true. The blessings just keep coming in so many different ways. I could never repay all that people have done for us. Besides saying thank you, I can only offer our love, prayer, and continued support to this wonderful town. I am not sure when my next post will be to this blog due to the busy week ahead and my current health state. Please be patient and know that I will be making it up after Dustin leaves and I feel better. As I stated before, keeping busy is my goal. Much love and many blessings.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
One Day At A Time
Well, as it gets closer, things around here get quieter. In 12 days our Son will be off to Basic training for the U.S. Army. He just graduated from high school last Sunday. Reality is starting to hit. Unbelievable! It is hard to believe that he is already grown up. When the kids were little, Paul and I were criticized by some for making our world revolve around our children. We never went out, took them everywhere, went without sleep to make activities, and just made everything we did about them. Today I realize I would never change how we did things for anything in the world. While some parents sit back and think should have, would have, could have...Paul and I think of all the great memories we created as a family. Those are the memories that will carry us through this time of worrying and waiting. I have faith in Dustin and the lessons we have taught him about life in general. However, as a mother I can not keep the instinct to worry. If there is one thing in our life Paul and I have learned is that God has a plan, although it may not always be clear to us. We have never questioned the Lords motives and influences over our family. He has always held us in his hands, no matter what trials or triumphs we have encountered. So again, we will trust in His path and accept it. I know that Dustin will do the same.
The following year holds many unknowns, changes, and decision making for this family. Not only does Dustin enter the world of being an adult, but our daughter is entering her Senior year of high school, and our youngest enters his freshman year. Am I worried? I would be lying if I said I wasn't. But I have faith in them both, as I do with Dustin. I know that they will make decisions that are wrong ones. I can only hope that they will choose to learn from them like we taught. Shelby is starting to look at options for college and making plans for her senior year. An exciting time for any high school senior. She has grown into such a beautiful young woman...inside and out. I just pray that she sees in herself what others do. Dylan turns 14 this Saturday and is so excited about being in high school. The day he was born, I held him in my arms and knew that he would make people laugh everyday. He was meant to spread happiness. I just pray that he learns the self control he needs to use it in a positive light.
Saturday is Dustin's Open House/Going Away party. But it is so much more than that. It is a celebration of accomplishments for everyone, as well as the start of things to come. My hope is that it is a day of laughter and love. Tears will fall, but they will be tears of love and joy. My comfort comes from the fact that although he wishes he had more time with friends and family, Dustin has no regrets about his decision. We will take this journey has we have every one before...one day at a time.
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
The following year holds many unknowns, changes, and decision making for this family. Not only does Dustin enter the world of being an adult, but our daughter is entering her Senior year of high school, and our youngest enters his freshman year. Am I worried? I would be lying if I said I wasn't. But I have faith in them both, as I do with Dustin. I know that they will make decisions that are wrong ones. I can only hope that they will choose to learn from them like we taught. Shelby is starting to look at options for college and making plans for her senior year. An exciting time for any high school senior. She has grown into such a beautiful young woman...inside and out. I just pray that she sees in herself what others do. Dylan turns 14 this Saturday and is so excited about being in high school. The day he was born, I held him in my arms and knew that he would make people laugh everyday. He was meant to spread happiness. I just pray that he learns the self control he needs to use it in a positive light.
Saturday is Dustin's Open House/Going Away party. But it is so much more than that. It is a celebration of accomplishments for everyone, as well as the start of things to come. My hope is that it is a day of laughter and love. Tears will fall, but they will be tears of love and joy. My comfort comes from the fact that although he wishes he had more time with friends and family, Dustin has no regrets about his decision. We will take this journey has we have every one before...one day at a time.
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
Friday, April 26, 2013
The Sound of Silence
It's here. The annual camping weekend for Paul and the boys. Every year they go the last weekend in April because it is the opening season of trout fishing. Usually, I look so forward to it because it is the one weekend that Shelby and I get to spend the weekend together. Well, this year the church had a special trip planned. It's called Acquire the Fire, and she probably won't get another chance to ever go. For those of you who are not familiar with ATF, it is a super energized event with many speakers, worship, and many of the top Christian Music artists. I encouraged her to go. It is a great opportunity for any teen. Anyway, I was a little bummed about being by myself. Then I started thinking of all the things I could get done. I even started a list the length of my arm long. Apparently, my body had other plans. I woke up this morning and was so sore I could hardly get out of bed. My arthritis has been flaring for the last two weeks, and I am still struggling physically. So that put my list on hold. I thought to myself, now what. It is so beautiful and even if I can't be in the sun, I don't want to waste this precious time. Then I started thinking about Dustin's graduation, Prom, moving, and Dustin leaving in June. There was so much to be done. Lord, how was I going to get it all done in time. I suddenly felt overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. As He always does, my answer came has I was texting my daughter. She said, "Mom, don't over do it." I started thinking, and she was right. I always overdo it. The old me would have gone from the time everyone left to the time they all came back to get it all done. Then I would have spent three days trying to recover. Unfortunately, my body can not do that anymore. I do not recover like I used to and usually end up sick and worse then I was before I got started.
I looked at my list to figure out the things that had to be done right away and the things that could wait. I noticed that there were three things missing. Prayer, time in the Word, and meditation. In my quest to be productive, I seemed to have missed an even bigger and more important opportunity. I seemed to have missed the thought that this was a perfect weekend to work on my relationship with God. In all of my busy-ness, I almost missed the best opportunity to possibly hear some of the answers to the prayers I had been praying. I immediately set my list to the side and started a new list. The first three things on it were prayer, reading my Bible, and meditate. After I finished my list, I looked at it and was overcome with a more peaceful and calm feeling. I almost instantly opened up my Bible and decided that wherever it opened I would start reading. The result: Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Okay, lesson received. I had forgotten that God's love and loyalty will help me make sure everything falls in place and gets done. My lapse in memory led to my anxiety.
I am sure that this weekend will lead to alot of "Aha" moments. Some good, some bad. But at least I took the time to slow down and receive His messages. In such a fast paced world, we need to slow down and take time for our families, ourselves, and our Lord. Sure you can get the latest Bible study app for your phone, or attend a weekly Bible study. Those are fine and great tools for staying in touch with God. Church on Sunday is also a wonderful time to gather and take time to praise God. But what about the one on one, quality time with God. Whether it is once a day or once a week, we need time to seek, praise, and listen. You might be surprised at the results. You might not get anything out of it. One thing is for sure, you won't know if you don't try. Much love and many blessings.
I looked at my list to figure out the things that had to be done right away and the things that could wait. I noticed that there were three things missing. Prayer, time in the Word, and meditation. In my quest to be productive, I seemed to have missed an even bigger and more important opportunity. I seemed to have missed the thought that this was a perfect weekend to work on my relationship with God. In all of my busy-ness, I almost missed the best opportunity to possibly hear some of the answers to the prayers I had been praying. I immediately set my list to the side and started a new list. The first three things on it were prayer, reading my Bible, and meditate. After I finished my list, I looked at it and was overcome with a more peaceful and calm feeling. I almost instantly opened up my Bible and decided that wherever it opened I would start reading. The result: Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Okay, lesson received. I had forgotten that God's love and loyalty will help me make sure everything falls in place and gets done. My lapse in memory led to my anxiety.
I am sure that this weekend will lead to alot of "Aha" moments. Some good, some bad. But at least I took the time to slow down and receive His messages. In such a fast paced world, we need to slow down and take time for our families, ourselves, and our Lord. Sure you can get the latest Bible study app for your phone, or attend a weekly Bible study. Those are fine and great tools for staying in touch with God. Church on Sunday is also a wonderful time to gather and take time to praise God. But what about the one on one, quality time with God. Whether it is once a day or once a week, we need time to seek, praise, and listen. You might be surprised at the results. You might not get anything out of it. One thing is for sure, you won't know if you don't try. Much love and many blessings.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Finding My Faith, Again!!!
It has been a very confusing, trying, and worrisome couple of months in our home. My health has been anything but optimal. We have been trying to decide what to do about a new house. Plans have gotten underway to celebrate our oldest child's (Dustin) High School graduation. As hard as it all was, we were managing fine. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. Things were good. Then all of a sudden, as they say, "When it rains, it pours." About two month's I started asking Dustin what his plans were for college, assuming of course, that he was planning on attending a local community college for a couple of years and then move on. I mean, we hadn't really talked about anything else, not since his freshman year, anyway. Literally a week later, he walked in the door after school, and said he was going to a Future Soldiers meeting the next day and was pretty sure he was going to join the Army. For those of you that don't know, Dustin had brought this up his freshman year. At that time we had managed to put the subject on the back burner. He would only mention it in conversation once in a while. Yet, never gave us a reason to take him serious. A week later, he was enlisted and making decisions at 18 most 30 year olds don't need to make. The fact that he joined the Army wasn't the thing that set me off. It was that he is leaving June 3rd (two weeks after graduation). Add that to what he picked for a MOS (occupation) and you have mom's nervous breakdown. Dustin choose to be a Fire Support Specialist. From the Go Army website he "leads, supervises, or serves in intelligence activities including target processing in FA cannon battalions, division artillery, artillery and maneuver brigade and Corps headquarters and Fire Support Elements." Mom's definition, "sets up targets and decides where the cannons shoot". Regardless, it is a great possibility that he will be on the front lines. Not what every mother dreams of for their child as they are rocking them to sleep at age 2.
For Paul and I, it was very important that we knew this is really what he wanted to do. We have never preached to our children about becoming doctors or lawyers. We only encouraged them to pick professions that made them happy, and to be the best they could at it. I want my children to have the same feeling I have when they get out of work at the end of the day. I love being a nurse and wouldn't change what I do for anything. After many long talks and even more tears, we are very confident that this is what he is meant to do. It is in his blood and, quite honestly, suites him very well. He has promised me that he is happy with his choice and I have promised him that I will be the best darned Army mom on the planet. In keeping with that promise, I also promised him that I would keep family and friends updated on him the best I could. I will be starting a sister blog to this one named "Dustin's Journey". It will help journal his experience, educate everyone, and keep everyone up to date. I am hoping it will come in handy for other military parents. Paul and I have been asked so many questions we don't even have answer to ourselves. I am constantly looking things up and think it would be easier to just pass on what we learn as we learn it. The end of the month is my goal, and I will post a link when it is up and running.
This with trying to find a new house, dealing with medical issues, and graduation itself was enough to try my sanity and faith. Then Dustin lost a dear friend. They grew up together. I thought for sure I was going to lose it. We had known this boy his whole life. There was one point I was worried for my own sons future. The only thing worse then going through the loss of a loved one yourself, is watching your child go through it. My faith had dwindled to just about nothing. I really didn't know how to make it better for him. Then one day I found a Bible verse some where. Can't even remember where. It was Matthew 17:20 " He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." I started praying. I prayed everyday, sometimes two or three times a day. A few days later, Dustin came home and said he was helping to raise money for his friends family. As he took part in these activities, I could see healing through it. Watching him move on, helped me move on. I started seeing his enlistment in a different light. I started seeing it as God's way of using Dustin for good, and not a way of taking Dustin away from me. Even if he was thousands of miles away, I still have my son. I see now all the good God can do through such a kind heart. The Army is God's way of taking all that love, compassion, and giving in Dustin's heart and making sure many (not a few) lives are touched by it. I am so proud of him, and proud to call myself an "Army Mom".
I have been praying ever since. This afternoon, I came across the same verse and read it again. It had even more meaning and truth behind it. That little seed of faith I had turned my heart and my son around. It also strengthened my own relationship with God. It is not a lesson I have taken lightly. I can not say with certain that my faith will never be tested again. But I can say before I get to the point I was, I need to turn to God. Prayer, the Bible, and faith are my combat plan. With these three things, I can place anything in God's hands. And I have. I have accepted my health for what it is. and you know what? A house doesn't make a home. It is the people in it. The right house will come along, whether we build or buy already existing. It's about putting our own expectations, wants, and timeline aside for God to show us His. God Bless and Many Blessings.
For Paul and I, it was very important that we knew this is really what he wanted to do. We have never preached to our children about becoming doctors or lawyers. We only encouraged them to pick professions that made them happy, and to be the best they could at it. I want my children to have the same feeling I have when they get out of work at the end of the day. I love being a nurse and wouldn't change what I do for anything. After many long talks and even more tears, we are very confident that this is what he is meant to do. It is in his blood and, quite honestly, suites him very well. He has promised me that he is happy with his choice and I have promised him that I will be the best darned Army mom on the planet. In keeping with that promise, I also promised him that I would keep family and friends updated on him the best I could. I will be starting a sister blog to this one named "Dustin's Journey". It will help journal his experience, educate everyone, and keep everyone up to date. I am hoping it will come in handy for other military parents. Paul and I have been asked so many questions we don't even have answer to ourselves. I am constantly looking things up and think it would be easier to just pass on what we learn as we learn it. The end of the month is my goal, and I will post a link when it is up and running.
This with trying to find a new house, dealing with medical issues, and graduation itself was enough to try my sanity and faith. Then Dustin lost a dear friend. They grew up together. I thought for sure I was going to lose it. We had known this boy his whole life. There was one point I was worried for my own sons future. The only thing worse then going through the loss of a loved one yourself, is watching your child go through it. My faith had dwindled to just about nothing. I really didn't know how to make it better for him. Then one day I found a Bible verse some where. Can't even remember where. It was Matthew 17:20 " He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." I started praying. I prayed everyday, sometimes two or three times a day. A few days later, Dustin came home and said he was helping to raise money for his friends family. As he took part in these activities, I could see healing through it. Watching him move on, helped me move on. I started seeing his enlistment in a different light. I started seeing it as God's way of using Dustin for good, and not a way of taking Dustin away from me. Even if he was thousands of miles away, I still have my son. I see now all the good God can do through such a kind heart. The Army is God's way of taking all that love, compassion, and giving in Dustin's heart and making sure many (not a few) lives are touched by it. I am so proud of him, and proud to call myself an "Army Mom".
I have been praying ever since. This afternoon, I came across the same verse and read it again. It had even more meaning and truth behind it. That little seed of faith I had turned my heart and my son around. It also strengthened my own relationship with God. It is not a lesson I have taken lightly. I can not say with certain that my faith will never be tested again. But I can say before I get to the point I was, I need to turn to God. Prayer, the Bible, and faith are my combat plan. With these three things, I can place anything in God's hands. And I have. I have accepted my health for what it is. and you know what? A house doesn't make a home. It is the people in it. The right house will come along, whether we build or buy already existing. It's about putting our own expectations, wants, and timeline aside for God to show us His. God Bless and Many Blessings.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
A New Leaf...
Well, I have finally gotten to the point where I have time to work on this blog a little bit. I know what you are thinking. It's about time. What can I say, just like all of you, I am a victim of only so many hours in a day. Recently, I had been thinking about trying to be a little more aware of what we are cleaning with, eating, and using on and in our bodies. It got me thinking when a few days ago, Shelby (my daughter) and I were cleaning house. I used some Commercial cleaner to clean the bottom of my screen door. Just as I finished our Shih Tzu decided she was going to try and lick the door. We caught her in time, but it really made us nervous about using cleaners around her. I went from thinking about that to what my kids are using and eating. Well, needless to say, that very same day a friend of mine posted a recipe for homemade laundry soap. So, I started researching different recipes and other cleaners. What I found out that many of these are safer for everyone, and the ingredients many of us have in our homes. What better time to start trying some of these recipes. It is Spring and there is a lot of Spring cleaning to be done.
It opened my eyes a little bit to how many resources God provides for us, but because of time and convenience, we over look them. This does not just apply to cleaning products, but food, health and beauty items, and so many other things. Now, I wouldn't jump the gun and say, "We are going completely green in the Crowl house." But I would say that I plan on introducing more natural and economical items and ways of doing things into this family slowly. I figured, not only would we save a little money, but we might save the effects on our bodies and the environment. I remember once hearing someone say if you look at an ingredient list and can not pronounce the ingredients, then don't use it. I've also heard the shorter the list, the better. Well, we will see. Conversion is often easier said then done. This is why I think a little at a time is best. Not to mention, I am not willing to go through my cupboards and throw out everything. To me, that's an even bigger waste of money (plus the cupboards would be bare). I was almost out of laundry soap, friend posted a recipe for some, and I had the time on my hands. Therefore, laundry was my starting point. I have posted the recipes onto the Homemaking page. Feel free to adjust what, how, and amount. This is only an example of what I used.
It opened my eyes a little bit to how many resources God provides for us, but because of time and convenience, we over look them. This does not just apply to cleaning products, but food, health and beauty items, and so many other things. Now, I wouldn't jump the gun and say, "We are going completely green in the Crowl house." But I would say that I plan on introducing more natural and economical items and ways of doing things into this family slowly. I figured, not only would we save a little money, but we might save the effects on our bodies and the environment. I remember once hearing someone say if you look at an ingredient list and can not pronounce the ingredients, then don't use it. I've also heard the shorter the list, the better. Well, we will see. Conversion is often easier said then done. This is why I think a little at a time is best. Not to mention, I am not willing to go through my cupboards and throw out everything. To me, that's an even bigger waste of money (plus the cupboards would be bare). I was almost out of laundry soap, friend posted a recipe for some, and I had the time on my hands. Therefore, laundry was my starting point. I have posted the recipes onto the Homemaking page. Feel free to adjust what, how, and amount. This is only an example of what I used.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Out with the Old...
Hello friends! I know I have been absent for the last little bit. The end of 2012 proved to be quite challenging for my health and has kept me away. I can't say that it has been an easy year. What I can say is that I have learned so much about myself, my family, and my relationship with God. At my lowest point, I can honestly say it would have been very easy to give up. I questioned so many things. My body, my doctors, my family, etc.. But through all the sickness and pain, came light. I can't tell you the single moment that I came out of my cloudiness, but I can tell you who it was that brought me out. It was my beautiful children. I look at these three faces, and know that it is for them I fight so hard. They are the reason that I can not let Addison's, Psoriatic arthritis, or COPD win. That being said, I have also come to realize that the Lord has blessed me with a platform to inspire others like myself, and I had been neglecting it. For those that missed me, I am truly sorry and missed you as well. You have all been a great support to me. For that I am not only blessed but love you all very much. Yes, I am still struggling with my health, but I have found my fight again. Yes, I am still smoke free, as is my husband. The one New Years Resolution from 2012 I am proud to say I kept. Enough with the past year...
This New Year holds so much promise for my family and I. While I don't know how it is going to go, I do know that I intend to make the most of it. So instead of making New Years Resolutions this year, I have decided to let God lead the journey. I have to admit that, for me, this is scary. I have always tried to maintain control. My husband doesn't call me a control freak for nothing. However, in my deepest prayers, thoughts, and time in Gods word I realized that I don't have it all under control. Shocker, because I always thought I did. I also realized that it caused my body more stress and worry that was just making me feel worse. This in turn caused stress in my relationship with my husband, kids, and God. Not proud of it, but proud to be able to recognize that I was wrong. Again, I said it. My husband would be so proud.
So my hope for my readers is that you can take 2013 and enjoy every minute of it. Enjoy time with family, friends, and on your own. Don't let control and worry consume you. If the dishes don't get done right away...so be it. They can be washed later, but you may only have this last moment to hug your loved ones and tell them what they mean to you. So what if you have a loved one in your family who has made mistakes. Maybe this is the year you extend forgiveness or a supportive hand. You may not get another chance. Last but not least...blood maybe thicker then water, but we all need water to survive. As humans, we thrive on love and nurturing. With out these two things, there is no sense of belonging or purpose. Family is wonderful and there is nothing like their love and support to see you through trying times. However, in some instances, family comes in the form of close friends. So I am not just wishing you a Happy New Year, but a Happy 2013. Many Blessings and much love!!!!!!!
Food for thought: Matt 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt 6:34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
This New Year holds so much promise for my family and I. While I don't know how it is going to go, I do know that I intend to make the most of it. So instead of making New Years Resolutions this year, I have decided to let God lead the journey. I have to admit that, for me, this is scary. I have always tried to maintain control. My husband doesn't call me a control freak for nothing. However, in my deepest prayers, thoughts, and time in Gods word I realized that I don't have it all under control. Shocker, because I always thought I did. I also realized that it caused my body more stress and worry that was just making me feel worse. This in turn caused stress in my relationship with my husband, kids, and God. Not proud of it, but proud to be able to recognize that I was wrong. Again, I said it. My husband would be so proud.
So my hope for my readers is that you can take 2013 and enjoy every minute of it. Enjoy time with family, friends, and on your own. Don't let control and worry consume you. If the dishes don't get done right away...so be it. They can be washed later, but you may only have this last moment to hug your loved ones and tell them what they mean to you. So what if you have a loved one in your family who has made mistakes. Maybe this is the year you extend forgiveness or a supportive hand. You may not get another chance. Last but not least...blood maybe thicker then water, but we all need water to survive. As humans, we thrive on love and nurturing. With out these two things, there is no sense of belonging or purpose. Family is wonderful and there is nothing like their love and support to see you through trying times. However, in some instances, family comes in the form of close friends. So I am not just wishing you a Happy New Year, but a Happy 2013. Many Blessings and much love!!!!!!!
Food for thought: Matt 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt 6:34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
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