Saturday, March 8, 2014

Parenting Saturday... Life without kids- did it really exist?

All we want in the morning is FIVE MORE MINUTES! #kids #motherhood
nickmom.com



Life without Kids- did it really exist?

Were those days real? Is it getting harder and harder to remember life before? 

 

Last night we had a "Birthday Party" for my Uncle (who is only 10 years older than myself)- and although we all were gathered around the table singing Happy Birthday, it was more for my kiddos than for the Birthday Boy himself.  The whole time my kids were singing at the tops of their lungs when my 2 yo says "Happy Birthday to Uncle Peeeee" and everyone starts laughing!  (He goes by P.R.) 

In this moment, I find myself having a hard time remembering LIFE without children. They are the best thing to happen to Hubby and myself and although we have our moments (more than I would like to admit) where we are screaming and yelling, trying to get someone to listen- it still remains that absolute truth that LIFE is truly better with them here! 

Trying to go back to the days when it was just Hubby and me is getting harder and harder to remember, especially the older that our kids get. 

It was not even like we "jumped" into the whole parenting pool.  We were together for 7 long, strong years before we welcomed Baby Girl #1. And trust me, when they say a Baby Changes Everything, boy do they mean it!
 
The hardest years on our marriage were the beginning years of baby! Somehow, if your love and bond is strong, you both hold onto your commitments, you muddle your way through the hard times and find that happy place, bliss. 

This is where Hubby and I are now. We are in that blissful place where we are just enjoying life with kids.  Today, our 2 yo was a comedian.  She makes the funniest faces ever! Her newest thing is, she tells you something (and yes, it is rather hard to understand when she gets to talking so fast!) and at the end of her spiel she says, "You say Yes, OK!" and it is hilarious! 

Love it. I laughed out loud, by myself at my computer. The sad thing is it's so true.
from NickMom.com

Sometimes I think it is the little things. Our 5 yo has her moments also! She is very serious and when you can get her past that, just to hear her laugh is the best! I have made it my personal goal to break her "serious face" at least five times a day! And yes, tickling works!

Can you remember the days before you had kids? Does it feel like a mirage? 

I know that Hubby and I ate out a lot. I have no idea how I stayed so skinny because after two kids and eating "in", I can not seem to get back down to what I once was, b.k.  That in itself is crazy! 

I know that we used to have time to watch movies and stay up late and see friends.  I almost think we took it for granted, looking back on it!  But, if I had to say anything, I think life is so much better with our kids. I just can't remember what we used to talk about? Not that all we talk about is our kids, but it is never a dull subject! 

I think that's why a lot of people have kids! I like justin too much so we will opt out of the third person in the house!
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Do my kids drive me mad? Of course! I don't think I have calmness in me anymore because I honestly feel like I am always hyper! But every once in a while the girls throw me a bone- like today. Our day was good, no yelling, no timeouts, no nothing. It was calm.  I had one minor incident with Play Doh and my 2 yo, in which I had to clean up the YELLOW play doh from the rock board in the kitchen (because we still don't have tile) - but its rock board and it will be covered by Tile so whatever!

Tonight was pretty fun, my girls dressed up and put on a Frozen musical, hilarious karaoke and all! They are , as my 5 yo is such an actress and can not focus on just singing but has to keep playing with her hair the whole time!

These moments are etched into my brain and forever will be. I wouldn't ask for it to be any other way!

So, the time before kids, yes, it was Hubby time and it will always be a part of us, but not a reality for 16 more years! (lord help us) 

For now though, I am OK with it. I love my girls and love being a Mom and am so happy with the life that my Hubby and I have built.  I'm still one lucky Bea...

~KEL~
 
Is this your definition of mother? :) http://www.KidzCentralStation.com #parents #humor #mother #moms
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Friday, March 7, 2014

Friday Fever... What the heck is *!$@#*OIL PULLING?

What is the deal with Oil Pulling?

What is it? 

How does it work?

Why is it gaining so much popularity?


Happy Friday Friends!
I woke up this morning thinking to myself (after a crazy Giant Badger Dream) what kind of "Fresh" stuff can we talk about on this beautiful Friday? It's getting warmer out, our Ohio Snow is starting to melt and Its Friday!  (it is so sad that my life is a constant count down to Friday... welcome to the life of a Wife/Mom who works Full Time outside of the home- Aaaaayooo)

So, I opened up my Facebook (love my smartphone) and started to see what everyone was talking about today- only to see something about "Oil Pulling" - in which I am like, what? Tell me more...
I know your curious too- aren't you... C'mon, just admit it. It sounds weird. 

Then came my research. With this research came the fascination to get started. Yes, I said, "Get Started" - because it sounds so convincing and so crazy that I want to try. 

I know, you are llike, C'mon Kel, tells us what the heck you are talking about Already!! Right!

So you want to know WHAT OIL PULLING is?

  Oil Pulling is a process (that you can make with Just 3 Ingredients!) of reducing bacteria that causes plaque build up, gum disease, tooth decay and gum sensitivity, even making your teeth whiter during the process.

There is a 3 ingredient recipe: 

1) Organic Coconut Oil 
2) Melaleuca- a 100% therapeutic grade essential oil that is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, expectorant, immune stimulant and decongestant.
3) Shield- a 100% therapeutic grade essential oil that has anti-viral properties.

The blend contains Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus radiata and Rosemary essential oils.

Coconut Oil contains Lauric Acid, a healthy fat that is proven to be anti-microbial.

To save time, you can make a 2 week supply of Oil Pulling Blend and store in a 1/2 pint Mason Jar.

Oil pulling claims many benefits to the oral cavity.

2 Week Supply of Oil Pulling Blend
_____________________________
1 Cup Softened Coconut Oil
16 drops Melaleuca
16 drops Shield

Whisk softened coconut oil and essential oils together until well blended and smooth. Add to a 1/2 pint Mason Jar- or similar, preferably glass since Essential Oils can leach petrochemicals from plastic.



TO USE:
Once a day, put approximately 1 tablespoon of the Oil Pulling Blend in your mouth and swish for 20 minutes. DO NOT SWALLOW!  The oil your are pulling from your mouth will be full of bacteria and you will want to spit into a garbage at the end of your 20 minutes. 
Once you spit out, brush your teeth and you will notice the difference- even after the first time!  

You can find the essential oils at WEBSITE:  Sparknaturals.com and both are extremely reasonably priced.

Melaleuca
Pictures care of Sparknaturals.com
Shield – Protective Blend

WHY I THINK IT IS GETTING SO MUCH HYPE?

My Review:

I found a few different variations of this Oil Pulling method.  Luckily in my town, we have an essential oil store, not far from my house, and I was able to obtain both bottles of the essential oils.  I am very interested in figuring out the difference in the variations of recipes, but, starting with this one, I feel different after my 20 minute swish. 

 I instantly knew that something was happening, especially seeking what I was spitting out.  I used a plastic baggie, instead of spitting right into the garbage.  (I have two small children that would NOT approve of my hovered over the can spitting my nasty pulling blend into it. Not that the plastic baggie was any better but at least I didn't have to hold my hair!) 

I brushed my teeth right after and everything felt smooth and fresh. It was strange because I was not expecting after one trial to feel such a strong effect from the blend. 

 The second thing I would like to note is my energy level seemed to increase.  I was dog tired when I tried this blend and after my swishing, I felt rejuvenated, which is crazy because  it is eight o'clock at night by this time and I have been up and adam since 4:45 AM. 

 

I highly recommend and honestly can not wait to do it again tomorrow night. I can't wait to see if my teeth whiten up also!  Bottom line is THIS WORKS!

 

**Check back later for updates on this story. I would like to try a few other methods to Oil Pulling and see what I come up with!

Thanks for checking me out.  If you would like to share your Oil Pulling experiences, please email me @ kelamstutz@gmail.com.

~KEL~

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