Over the last several years, I've heard of essential oils, and their 'magical' powers. I was a bit skeptical. Paul and his fiance, Ranae, became independent consultants for DoTERRA Oils. So I was hearing more and more about it. We've used Lavender for bug bites and stings. We used Lemon when Madalynne was jaundice after she was born. Just little things. I wasn't super confident yet.

During winter break, Jayme got the nastiest ear infection. 103 degree fever. She was listless and lethargic. She wasn't eating or sleeping well. We took her to see the pediatrician. Her ear drum had ruptured, and it was very infected. We used antibiotics. Three weeks later, the infection was back.

Ranae offered to make us a concoction of oils. As most of you know I HATE using antibiotics. They have their place, but still...I do not like using them unless it is completely necessary. So Ranae made us a little mix of essential oils in a carrier oil so they wouldn't be too harsh. She also made a detox foot soak. Before we applied the oils and did the soak, she was in EXTREME pain, and had a fever of 104.

After just 1 soak and 2 oil applications, her pain had decreased significantly, and her fever was down to just under 102. I checked her temperature 4 times before I finally believed what it said. I was shocked. We did a foot soak twice a day, and applied the oil behind her ears once an hour for the next 3 days. The infection was healed. No more fever. No more pain.

That got me hooked.

So far, we've used peppermint to lower fevers and clear sinuses. Lavender to calm, and to heal diaper rashes. Blends called Breath and OnGuard to help clear up croup. Madalynne hadn't napped all day. She was super crabby. We put a blend called Balance on her feet. She was asleep in less than 5 minutes, and took a 2 1/2 hour nap. She woke up only because I had to move her to her car seat.

I decided that since I was a believer in these magical oils, that I would go ahead and sign up as a consultant.

This is a product I believe in. I'm not going to be aggressive with it like a lot of these type consultants can be sometimes. However, I am ready to share my success (and failures). I'm so excited to see what else these oils can do! I'm already amazed!

There are oils to help with EVERYTHING. Cancer, MS, acne, ADHD, muscle pain, common cold, immune support, the list goes on and on.

If you're interested in checking it out, here is my website.

http://www.mydoterra.com/maryegrider/

An Ugly Day

Today started off beautifully. Snuggling with the sweetest of husbands, a hot shower, fresh coffee, baby cuddles, taking pictures of the layers of ice in the backyard.

Then the ugliness began. Jayme pees in her bed. A lot. My crabbiness over peed sheets takes over the day. The van has a flat tire. I have a follow up for my thyroid blood work. I ask the doc about a spot I've had on my shoulder for over 2 months that isn't healing. He tells me it's basal cell skin cancer. It needs to be removed. I call Jon. He tells me it's going to cost $900 to replace the tires. Which means we won't be able to start fixing up the house to sell just yet.

So set back. Set back. Set back.

I want to cry. Or punch something. Or both.

I know that regardless of everything going on right now, a lot of people have it so much worse.

My home is warm. I have plenty of food. The kids are healthy and happy, and they are receiving an amazing education. My husband has an amazing job. We have more clothes than we need. We have 2 working vehicles to drive.

Happiness is not circumstantial.

Sigh.

However, right this second I'm so blasted frustrated by everything that is happening. I have these visions of what God wants for us. Then I get another piece of the puzzle and nothing makes sense for awhile. Or we have another obstacle or challenge to over come. It feels like the door keeps getting slammed in our faces. Then, it cracks open a tiny bit...we get a peek of what is in store for us, then bam! Nope! Not yet!!

I know everything happens in perfect timing. That has been proven to me over and over again. I know it will be proven to me again. I KNOW that.

But right now, I'm just disheartened. I'm sad, and cranky, and just blah! And I also KNOW that my posts have been fairly depressing lately. You, as my readers, get to endure this with me. Thank you for that.

To end this post, here are a couple pictures from this morning. So beautiful.