Calming Lemon Balm Oil

I still have my Etsy shop active. My latest sale is of a wonderfully simple massage oil infussed with lemon balm herb. Tonight after the order went in Elaina and s grinding the herb to prepare it for the oil and heat....

Sweet sleeping Etta

This child is a whirlwind but she is a cuddle sleeper. Nap time.... She makes mama slow down.

Toward the end of the second trimester...

I am just now starting to feel pregnant. I opted out of the sugar test. I have never shown signs of gestational diabetes and I don't now. I did opt in for the newer more detailed genetic blood panel though. I just like to be prepared. The paperwork and package for the blood draw was given to me to take to the lab. That was sort of weird reading it. Strange that if you are a surrogate you can't receive the test or if you had a vanishing twin. We shall see what the results hold....

Work...

It is challenging having your kids at work with you but makes me happy too. I know they are safe and happy (for the most part). Etta and Elaina tend to fight too much. They are both old enough to be in the same Preschool class but I usually keep Etta back in the Toddler class. Her delays and just wanting to be near me are reasons enough. Today we had fun playing, painting, and turning the hallway into an obstacle course.


Yesterday Lyn came to help with Jaynie....

A walk with Daddy...

On this super warm Christmas morning the little kids went for a walk with Dad to collect some greenery for making Winter wreaths. It is so warm today. It is in the 70s outside.

Last night's Candlelight service

I greatly appreciate my church. I feel safe there and am glad my children have a place to grow and learn. They can form their own beliefs not be forced into just one idea of how the world works. You know me... Anything with candles means a lot to me so sharing the flame with those around me was nice. Lyn and Jaynie showed up but I was sitting with the children's choir and wasn't able to sit with them. We had a packed sanctuary. Eliot and I were the only other family members there. She sang Silent Night in German. She had very little practice but did great. Her reverence during the candle lighting was precious and yes I shed a tear. She is growing up so fast. I want to slow it down and speed it up...

Hard at play...

It is nice being able to bring your children to work....

Blessed Winter Solstice

We welcomed Winter today by setting up put Altar and lighting the first fire of the season. Evan collected spme ashes from last year and added them to previous years' ashes to be used later. He then lit the new fire.