It's true what they say

Time really does fly. It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating Avery's 2nd birthday.

But tomorrow is two whole years since my sweet Levi was born.

Awesome pregnancy. Easy delivery. Mellow baby. Funny toddler.

This boy brings so much joy, so much color to our family. I love him so much!

Have you ever had that feeling that you've forgotten something? Or worse, someone?

There's that feeling that you get as a parent when you are in the middle of something, turn, and realize that one of your kids has wandered off to who-knows-where. A slight panic.

Last summer we attempted to stay at a hotel on the beach for the first time with five kids, when Nadia was just two weeks old. I know, crazy... (You'd be surprised how differently you parent once you have five kids vs. the first one or two!)
During that first trek from the boardwalk to the shore, it was more than difficult to keep everyone together. But we did it.
But, not five minutes later, while setting up the umbrella, I suddenly realized that Avery, 2 at the time, was no where to be seen.

My mom and dad in-law were there along with my brother in-law and sister in-law and their two kids. Somehow, with six of us adults, we had lost a little one.

That 30 seconds felt like forever.

We scanned the already crowded beach to find her on a nearby playground in the sand. At that point, though, I was already in tears with my heart in my throat.

That's the most dramatic it's gotten with trying to keep track of all five kids.

Still, every day, there's the head-count. Everywhere we go, even when we're at home. Just always checking to make sure that everyone's accounted for.

The thing is, lately (and I don't think it's necessarily because this five-kid thing is getting any easier) I get that feeling a lot more often.
Even when all of my kids are closeby and I know where they all are, it's like there's someone missing. I get that feeling of slight panic, look around, everyone is there, and still...it doesn't go away...

...Do you think that means something???

Befores & Afters

I love before & after reality TV. And magazine pictures.

Whether it's people or homes, I love seeing the way someone can translate true potential.

Our house...oh, our house...we moved here because we both saw the potential. A modest little house on an interesting piece of property. But it was a MESS. I wish I took more before pictures.

We have spent nearly every free moment (there aren't many around here!) trying to translate our vision of our home's potential into reality lately.

I am going to wait to post the after pictures, but, for now, here is an example of the BEFORE:

and this...

Here's hoping for some great AFTER pictures...to come soon!

Oil-cleansing update

My last post was about a new face-cleaning regimen I wanted to try.

Here's how it's been:

My skin's clarity has stayed the same. A few blemishes here and there, but that may be a result of everything that's been deep-down coming to the surface.

But the texture has been wonderful! My skin is much more radiant and feels so much softer. There was a day last week when I quickly used my old face soap. I was going out that evening and my face felt blah. I craved that olive-oil glow. I did the oil-cleanse, and it did the trick!

I think I've found a keeper. And, fortunately, it's a cheap one!

And one more thing...

In honor of Spring and the decluttering, scrubbing, and fresh clean smells that come with Spring Cleaning, read up on how to Spring Clean Your Body, from the same website that I read to learn about oil cleansing. I can't wait to feel a bit cleaner inside!

It's not just for salads...

If you follow me, you know that I am a devoted reader of Mary Ostyn.

She's a frugal queen and mom of ten. She recently blogged about using the oil cleansing method on your face...yes, that's cleaning your face with olive oil. I know...sounds scary, right?

I've never really had trouble with my skin. However, I'm in my thirties now (ew...), and I've had five babies. I keep waiting for my skin to freak out and slowly slide off of my face.

I don't have any visible wrinkles, really, but my face is feeling a bit dull.

So I have decided to give the oil cleansing method a try.

Last night was the first time.

I have to say, it felt pretty luxurious. Smelled a bit like salad dressing, but felt good.

You mix olive oil and castor oil, massage it into your face for a full minute, and then use the steam from a warm washcloth to wipe away the oil.

If nothing else, it will be good for me to force myself to relax for a full two minutes every night!

Afterward, my skin did not feel oily. Greg ran his finger down my cheek and described the feel as "really clean...like nothing on it at all..."

If you want to give it a try (I dare you!), read up on this website. While you're there, browse around...there seem to be some fabulous ideas!