I have a confession to make. Never in my 32 years on earth have I wanted summer to last longer. I’m not a summer person. I like cold weather, layers and staying out of the heat, so by July 1, I’m always ready for summer to end and fall to begin. But this summer…this summer has been the best summer.
We haven’t gone on vacation, we haven’t done anything elaborate…it’s been the best summer because I know that come September 1, my baby girl won’t be home in my house any more during the day, she’ll be at school. And that makes me want summer to last forever.
I know she’s going to love it. I know it’s going to be a fun and exciting new chapter for our family. I know. But I’m still sad. I love having her home. I love hearing her play in her room, I love seeing her cuddled up during her rest time, I love baking and cooking with her during the afternoon, I love talking to her in the car as we run errands, I love how sweet and innocent and precious she is…and I’m going to miss having all of that around during the day.
So needless to say, I am really, really, really going to soak up this last month. This last month that we’re not a slave to a school calendar, this last month when she can sleep late, this last month of spending all day, every day with my sweet girl, this last month with her in my house during the week.
Anonymous says
Hi Shay!
I never thought I would love using oils so much! I bought them to see if they would help with my little boy's allergies. He took Zyrtec year round and added Singulair to it during spring and fall. I hated putting all of that into his little body. In March, I decided to give oils a try and haven't looked back. We went through Soring without any allergy meds! I also use peppermint for my headaches. My mom has been taking oils in veggie capsules and lowered her cholesterol. I have used some to help with my asthma too. I could go on for days about oils. It is hard to believe I was ever skeptical. If you are going to ingest any, make sure they are therapeutic grade. I only use Young Living oils. Try a drop of lemon or grapefruit I in ice water. Yummy!
Susan
Susanlanthrip@knology.net
Anonymous says
Im really excited to hear about your journey with oils. I recently have been hearing about them and with a little one with allergies/asthma im interested in hearing how they could maybe work for us.
Tab & Erika says
It's going to be a month we'll always remember!!! Ha!! We'll be sad but they will absolutely love it!!
Laurel says
My "baby girl" is 34 now…..I still get a lump in my throat recalling the feeling of her letting go of my hand at the kindergarten door so many years ago. She looked back once as if to say "it's ok Mommy"…..and somehow it was. Cherish every second this month….you will want to look back and remember it all.
Jessica Berry says
I am excited to learn about the oils. I have heard great things but it was always overwhelming.
Anonymous says
I just purchased a set of oils and I can't wait to get started! I'll be looking forward to your posts. I'll be right there with ya! 🙂
Dani {Adventures of a Pharm Girl} says
Your sweet girl is going to love kinder. Praying for a smooth and each transistion for you and your family 🙂
Katie says
My little girl is turning 3 in September and starting preschool for 2 mornings a week. I know she won't be gone all day or all week like Kensington, but I was shocked at how emotional I got when the welcome letter explaining everything arrived. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home and now 3 years have blurred by.
Sarah Kuykendall says
I'm getting all teary eyed reading your blog and the comments about going to school. My younger son starts preschool this fall and it all happened too fast!! I can't wait to see your Pintererst back-to-school ideas.
I am also interested in learning more about oils.
We have a Sept baby, too, so it's party planning time for us also.
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says
I never tried oils until this past year either, but the peppermint and lavender have been my most used lifesavers. I bought a intro set of about 12, and they really are great! It's always nice to try something more natural first, and then if that doesn't work, no harm done, give me the meds! ;P
PS – Oh my goodness, that lasagna looks yummy! I'm adding it to next week's meal plans! 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Just so you know…."Plan Kensington's Birthday Party" made my heart palpitate a bit. Our babies are going to be 6. AHHH! And yes, this summer coming to an end is going to be soooo sad. I will always look back fondly on the summer of 2014!!!
allisonwest says
Hey Shay! I have always been a summer person-never want it to end. My oldest starts 4K and will be gone 5 days this year and I'm holding on to every second until that first carpool line. I know how you feel-it's going to be tough, but so awesome. 🙂 we're just starting the oils too. Part of me is still skeptical, but I'm interested to see how I feel a month from now. And I need to tell you that you and Schaffer have finally convinced me to try nordstrom–and I love it! I hope y'all have the best rest of the summer and welcome to the "I heart Summer" club!!
Kathy Olson says
I always celebrate on Sept. 1st, too! It is the happiest time of year for me.
Your little girl will do great and so will you. All the beautiful things you have put within her are there and she will be a friend to many.
Blessings!
Angela Ellingson says
Love this post so much!! You are such a great mama. Your goal setting has inspired me to follow suit and be more intentional. I'll make a list today! New month, fresh start! 😉
Angela Betlewicz says
Oregano oil is great for unwanted moles and skin tags. I applied it to my mole that appeared on my face and within two weeks it was gone. Its not only amazing on your moles, Its a statement in your spaghetti!
TorontoSAM says
I love reading about your joy of having your kids around. I hear all too often of how parents can't wait for their kids to go back to school, even some commercials are picking up on that. We don't need more negativity in the world. That's why I love reading your positive thoughts!
Kimm Atwood says
The summer has flown by. I feel like the kiddos just got done with school now we are preparing for back to school,,,, how I wish time would slow down a bit. Happy Friday
Melissa Kelly says
So excited for Kensington, she will love school! Think of all your special time you will have with Smith before he starts school next year. I can't wait to hear sour the oils as I have had no experience with them.
Eryn Morel says
I started using oils last year and I love them! We have a really neat essential oil/all natural store in the town where we live. They sell candles, homemade soap, etc. all made with essential oils. I'm a big fan of diffusing them in the house as well. Can't wait to see the 6 you've tried and how you like them.
Tracy says
Aww…I always feel the same way when the end of summer is near! I've never been the mom counting down the days till the kids go back to school. It seems like just yesterday I was sending my oldest off to kindergarten. This year he's heading to college – in two weeks!
We've been talking all summer about making some homemade ice cream and haven't done it yet. Can't wait to see your recipes!
Enjoy the next few weeks before school starts with your sweet kiddos!
Anonymous says
I'm excited for you that you are beginning to check out essential oils. When I first started, I was pretty convinced that I was just going to put smelly stuff on my body and see no results. I thought it was just a trend. Now, my medicine cabinet is mostly oils! I know they work differently for different people but they have worked so well for my family! Here are some of our favorites
Lavender- GREAT for burns (cooking, curling iron, sun). Great for cuts and scrapes (just give it a day to close because it stings a bit if it gets in there. If you use lavender is large areas, mix it with lotion because it can be drying.
Peppermint- mix with lavender for sunburn relief, helps with headacches, congestion. I use it in baking sometimes. Love it
Lemon- I diffuse lemon in my home. it smells so clean. I also put it in my water (use glass bottle, not plastic if putting oils in). Tastes great in cream cheese frosting.
Thieves- I diffuse in my home during cold and flu season. My son is prone to cold sores and it stops those in their tracks.
Don't want to overwhelm you so I'll stop here. Hope you end up loving them as much as we do.
Candace says
Way to go on your July goals!! Have you ever read Karen Kingsbury's book, Let Me Hold You Longer? You probably should wait a few months. =) I read it aloud to my husband once and he thought I was nuts. So don't read it out loud the first time or it will feel like glass on your throat. Love reading about your new journey with oils. Such a smart idea to start with a handful and grow from there. I am with you about school starting. I know we'll find our groove and be happy, but this has been our best summer yet. We finally found our groove, and I have cherished this time.
Amanda Long says
Congrats on starting your oil journey! If anyone suffers from allergies in your family lemon, lavendar and peppermint are your oils. Speaking of peppermint, one drop in your mocha is AMAZING! Too bad there isn't a pumpkin oil. Diffuse thieves and it's like Christmas time everyday. I can't wait to try the thieves cleaner. Lavendar it great to put on bug bites or pimples. I can't wait to hear some of your uses!
Christine says
Our family is BIG into Young Living Essential Oils. I'd love to walk alongside of you in your oil journey and answer any questions/assist you in any way I can!
April Parrish says
My daughter, Bailey will be in the 2nd grade, but it was just a couple of years ago I felt just as you do about her starting Kindergarten. Truth be told I feel like this every summer. It's hard when you've spent everyday with this beautiful life and then you have to send them off to big school. Prayers for her and you during this new journey.
I also love to read, but so hard in this busy life to find time. I recently ready, Fly A Little Higher by Laura Sobiech. Very sad story, but also very uplifting.
Have a great weekend!
Anonymous says
So glad you are cherishing this last month before school takes over…I wish I did that better-I had no idea how bad I would miss my kids during the school day!! (I also wish I took more advantage of not being a slave to the school calendar-it's so consuming once it starts!)
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
I am so sad for summer break to be over…this summer has gone by waaaay too fast. My kids have been in school for years now, but I love the slow pace of the summer 'routine.' And def not looking forward to packing lunches again every night!! It's totally my nemesis!! I wrote a post last year with a few tips…you might like:
http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/04/lunch-box-lunches.html
Alice says
I love this blog for some back to school lunch ideas…and she has a giveaway going on right now to win some supplies!!
http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
Oh gosh, off to school already. That is super hard! I ordered the hair mask you recommended. It came yesterday and I can't wait to try it! My oldest is heading off to college in a few weeks so August will be very bittersweet for us. 🙁
Andrea says
My daughter started Kindergarten last fall and I completely understand what you are going through! It is crazy looking back and seeing how much she grew up that year. She seemed so little on that first day, but she had such a great year, meeting new friends, she would come home with her hair braided by the "older girls", friendship bracelets, those cute little songs you learn to jump rope to… ahhh. it's such a mixed feeling of sadness letting them go, but joy seeing how much they grow and learn on their own.. Good luck, remember it will be harder for you than it will be for Kensington. She will do great 🙂
Lauren B says
I love my young living oils! I got the started kit about 6 months ago and have used a few of them very frequently. I use peace and calming everynight before bed on my chest, it puts me right to sleep and I usually sleep through the whole night! Also, I love thieves. It is great to diffuse and also to on your neck or feet when you feel like you are starting to get sick. Works everytime! I could go on…I hope you enjoy them!
Anonymous says
Hi, Shay,
Have you heard about Coram Deo Academy. It is a classical Christian school on the border of Frisco/McKinney on 121. Their schedule is 2 days at school and then 2 days at home with Friday having a selection of electives. I have loved having my kids at this school. It still gives us time as a family, but the structure of school.They are enrolled in the Flower Mound campus. It is a great cross between home/school.
Enjoy your August!!
Stacey Tullos
esbrk.tullos@gmail.com
Casey says
My cousin attended there and received a great education! We have a classical school here in Kansas City that was modeled after Coram Deo as well.
audra wray says
We have one more year until kindergarten and I know the feelings you must be having! Bittersweet! Happy to see them grow and thrive, yet sad to have then be gone so much!
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
Love your August goals! I can't believe it is already time to get back to school. Praying for y'all and that school will be a wonderful experience for Kensington!
Anonymous says
Loved this post! I am sure K will forever appreciate you being so thoughtful about making her last summer before school so wonderful. I just finished reading Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin, it is a quick 150 page read but ohmygoodness has it changed the way I view my Bible study and quiet time with the Lord. Can't wait to see your fall decor this year!!
Cara says
We started using essential oils in February, and lke you, I didn't consider my self holistic, all natural, etc by any stretch of the imagination! I have been so happy with the results my family has seen using Young Living oils and how much healthier we seem all around. I recently started a blog and often blog about our oil experiences, as well s how to use them (just did a back to school with oils pots). cara.morris1@blogspot.com
Karen says
Can you share your blog address? I would love to read about your oil journey!
Cara says
Caramorris1.blogspot.com
Mandy says
Great ideas for creative school lunches here: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/05/29/school-lunch-roundup-iv-picnics-camps-road-trips-pool/
Many other posts on their website and facebook page for school lunches too!
tpigg2010 says
Where is your ADORABLE note pad from??
Mix and Match Mama says
My notepad is from erincondren.com 🙂
Amy Androff says
My baby girl is 22! You never really get over it. The bond is so tight. Her leaving for college is the worse. The next years will be so fun as she grows and learns new things, new friendships. Learn all you can about oils and then blog away! Happy August!
Sarah says
I post monthly goals too! Thanks for posting yours and I am really excited to try the Lazy Lasagna! I think my husband will love it 🙂
Elizabeth says
been hearing great things about that book!
Elizabeth
http://www.allkindsofthingsblog.com
Leisha says
I recently started following your blog. I love it! It is wonderful that you totally share your faith! I also love oils! I'm a Doterra rep! That me know if you ever want a give away. Check out Jen hatmaker's book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. I have heard awesome things about. Thank you for being real!
Sarah Lewis says
I recently got a few oils and love them. If you put a drop of lavender in your mascara, you'll notice your lashes look fuller. 🙂 ESPECIALLY mixed with using coconut oil to remove your makeup. Enjoy august! We start back on the 7th…yikes! So close! And this is my first year full time teaching…double yikes! Blessings!
Anonymous says
I was very skeptical about oils, but after using them for about a year, I am a believer! Here's a few of my favorites:
Lemon: a drop in my water, and I love cleaning with it. I mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle with a few drops of lemon.
Purify: I use a few drops with my laundry soap to get the mildew smell out of towels if I let them sit wet too long.
Lavender: use on any burn or rash, and it's also a great sleep aide rubbed on the bottom of your feet.
OnGuard: the BEST oil to prevent sickness. You can rub it on your feet or diffuse it in your house. I am a school teacher and I diffuse it in my classroom for a few minutes each day after school. Works great!
I get my oils from DoTerra and I love them.
Anonymous says
Turn your sadness into gladness…homeschool! It's wonderful :).
Kim Taylor says
I love decorating for Fall early too! I live in Central California and it is still super warm here all the way thru November but I love Fall and I love to decorate my porch, so I pull all of my Fall items out Sept 1st! It makes me happy and this is my hubby's motto "Happy Wife ~ Happy Life"…..see? There ya go! Do what makes YOU happy!
Unknown says
I love love love my oils! I was like you at first, not sure what to do and totally overwhelmed! I use them daily now, for so many things. I get carpal tunnel when I am pregnant and lemon oil helps so much. I put it on every night (since my hands go numb in the night) and they don't hurt so much in the morning. Young living oils are the best! Good luck with them, once you get started you will wonder how you ever lived without them!
The Andersons says
You motivated me to do my August goals!! I am actually really excited for my daughter. Elsa, to start Kindergarten. She is a little sponge and I just love seeing her mind develop!!
Casey says
This is a great guide for how to use oils:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1937702073/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1406987724&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40
Anonymous says
you are an amazing person, can I ask you a more private question, do you.have someone come help you.with.cleaning your home? I have 2 kids, work 3 hrs a day, and I am really struggling with getting.everything.done.!
but im feeling guilty that I should be able to.accomplish everything. please tell me youhave help!…tori
Kirby McCasland says
I just gave in and ordered a Young Living oils kit. It came in Thursday and I have no idea what I'm doing with it, but nothing to lose I guess!
Kristi says
Oils are the best. We use essential oils to scent our homemade bath bar soaps and lotions.
Anonymous says
Glad to see you are giving oils a try. I switched over to natural cleaning products and I love it (so does my wallet)! I use vinegar as my base and usually add lavender or lemon for scent.Ever since i have made the switch my family is a lot less sick especially during the winter months. I also use coconut oil to remove waterproof mascara and as a body scrub (just add a little brown sugar I also use a mixture of castor and olive oil as makeup remover when i wear foundation. It leaves my skin so clean and not dry or oily. My son had this bad habit of pulling on his hair, well after doing if for two months he had a nice bald spot on the front top of his head. His hair was taking forever to grow back, so i started putting castor oil everyday and within a week we started seeing hair growth. Now you cant even tell where he had the bald spot.
Kelli @ A Deeper Joy says
Shay, you'll love your oils! Jen (and Jeni) introduced them to me and they've changed my life. I use them for allergies, headaches, sleeping, bug bites, digestion issues and much more. Peppermint, lavender and lemon are my staples but I've fallen in love with PanAway and Valor for sore muscles. 🙂 You'll love our FB group too.