This holiday season has completely snuck up on me. I am honestly impressed that I even have a tree and decorations this year. If it wasn’t for the help of Libby’s respite care Alyssa taking care of Miss Libby.  I probably wouldn’t have a tree or decorations up. Lately I feel like I am a day to day person and if anyone knows me… that is not how I work.  I love plans and I loves schedules. So between the stress of gift buying and child care I have come to the realization that… I need to slow down and just enjoy it all.  I need to get back to the real reason of Christmas. The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY. Psalm 126:3. This week has brought me so much JOY.  Miss Libby giggled like never before. This was a full out belly laugh for over two minutes! So thankful we were able to get it videoed and can share the pure JOY of a simple but yet AMAZING laugh! Libby is also doing so much better on her tummy time. Having Layken by her side helps a lot too.  The LOVE Miss Libby has for her big sister is truly something everyone should witness.  This week at one of Libby’s therapy session at the house she was done.  She was tired and just wanted snuggles form mom.  Then walks in Layken full of energy and up perks Miss Libby!  She will practically jump and twist out of my arms to find her sister!

Yesterday I received in the mail a gift of JOY in the form of three bottles. No they were not bottles of wine, although somedays wine does bring me JOY.  They were bottles of oil. Just like the Christmas story and the Wiseman bringing gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold… I received bottles of Serenity, Citrus Bliss and Balance! I absolutely love these oils.  I have Serenity for helping calm and help Layken relax at bedtime. Citrus Bliss we call the friendship oil. Because in our house FRIENDS are important and we want to have happy and positive friendships. Now Balance is new to our family, but one that I have been waiting for!  You should know it was even on my wish list! So to receive it for free right before Christmas was a double bonus.  I didn’t wait long after getting this oil out of the package to rub it on Miss Libby’s feet and spine! I will let you know and my sister can confirm this.  Miss Libby was crabby. She was sure to share her unhappiness with Auntie Cole over the phone even. So I took this oil and rubbed it on her feet and within a few minutes I had a happy and calm baby. Will this work every time, maybe not?  Just the thought of applying something natural to sooth and comfort Miss Libby is a huge BLESSING in my book.  On numerous occasions I have seen great things happen with the use of DoTERRA oils with my family. I am so thankful for all the people that have introduced and pushed me towards the use of these amazing products.  I see a BRIGHT and HAPPY future for our family!

So as I take a moment to slow down. I reflect on what is truly important in my life this holiday season. I am so excited to have the openness to learn and grow my FAITH. The people that I have in my life right now are very supportive of my faith journey. It’s very important that you surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Don’t let the negative people pull you down and lose your focus. Most importantly learn to FORGIVE. There is nothing worse than walking around with anger and resentment. Be thankful God has the ability to forgive and so do we!

My FAMILY means the world to me! I look forward to the next few days to have us all together under one roof. I am THANKFUL that we are all able to find time in our busy lives to get together. I pray for those who are missing loved ones that cannot be with them for the holidays.  May you have comfort in the MEMORIES you have shared in the past.

I am so very happy that my HEALTH has been decent. I am trying to get back into a workout routine. Because my health and strength is very much needed.  As Libby gets bigger the stronger I need to be. Helping her do things that come so naturally to others can take a toll on us.  So I will be trying to take care of myself first. Kind of like the safety instructions given before a flight. “If necessary please secure your mask before helping those around you. “

I pray for each and every one of you reading this. May you have a Very Merry CHRISTmas and a blessed New Year!  Thank you for your love and support this year! Cheers to a Healthy Happy New Year!