And the wonder of first experiences….

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Along with our first camping trip with all three kiddos (5 people meant two cars, two ice chests and way more smores supplies needed), we wanted them to experience some fun FIRSTS as well. I had heard and read about the Blue Fox Drive-In and since we were so close at Deception Pass, it was the perfect opportunity to try it out.

Even Scott had never experienced the drive-in when he was younger…..I love when I know how fun something is and the suspense of them about to experience it…..momlife win!!!They happened to be open all week, so the Monday evening showing was perfect….wasn’t too busy and we got a perfect spot to set up shop in the back of the truck for the show!!!This nostalgic drive-in has go-karts, the actual movie, an awesome snack bar and a full arcade which keeps everyone entertained before dusk and the movie starting. I can’t imagine people staying for both movies – we were tired and ready for bed after just the first showing!First go-karts for all three kiddos!!!Also fun….we watched Hotel Transylvania 3 which included this fun crew of monsters heading on a summer vacation cruise. The kiddos transferring some of the movie plot to our recent Cruise-mas vacation was a fun walk down memory lane as well.

On the magic of repeating….

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Back when our wonders were still in foster care, we tried to create memories that they could cherish once they moved on or back to their forever family. We wanted to fill their worlds with wonder and joy and the innocent excitement of childhood that they had missed out on in their early years.

And then time passed….and more time passed….and we got to start repeating trips and traditions. And that is where the magic happens for me. Each repeat trip or activity feels like “normalcy” for our family and lays a foundational block in our family history and story that I certainly do not take for granted. Camping at Deception Pass is one of those repeat traditions that we almost didn’t go on this year due to crazy schedules but we found a spot and squeezed in a few days and I am so glad we did.BraveGIRL calls this shot “couple goals” and made us stand in front of the beautiful sunset for her (awwww teenagers).It was a joy introducing our new BraveGIRL to our camping tradition…..she entertained us nightly at the campfire with beautiful singing and scary campfire tales that had WonderBOY completely enthralled.I love watching Scott and his love of all things nature spill out onto the kiddos as they go exploring (sometimes my anxiety and dislike of messes keep me from enjoying these moments but I am working on that).P.S. If you have never gone camping at Deception Pass…..it is seriously the best. The lake to swim, the ocean to explore, the bajillion of trials in the trees????? It’s awesome and super close to us!!!

On her celebration…

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but first, check this “then and now” pic from her first bday party I got to throw her 4 years ago when she turned 12. We’ve both grown so much these past 4 years……lessons mutually taught to each other about trust, patience and grace upon grace. She is a 4th of July baby which means most of our holiday is dictated by what she wants to do. Lake time and a deck party were on the agenda which our neighbors did a pretty good job lighting the sky for us!A few months back, WonderGIRL brought me a very detailed list for a beach bonfire party she had envisioned for her 16th. Although her wishlist included friends upon friends, we opted for a family dinner at Semiahmoo’s summer BBQ (so yummy….summer bucket list item!!!) and a bonfire just down the beach afterwards. This next picture literally takes my breath away with love for her and her maturing personality. With a lot of complicated stuff going on in her world and thus, in ours, this night to focus on her beauty and spunk was a wonderful way to kick off her 16th trip around the sun!!!Dear WonderGIRL,

Thank you for falling into my arms and my life at just the right time. No, I never questioned adopting you and no, I will never ever leave you….not when you’re 21, not when your 51, not when you drive me away with your words and not even when you push me away with your arms. I am fiercely committed to changing your story from darkness to light, from brokenness to whole, and from fear to love every hour and day I get to be your mama.

I know you. I chose you. I will love you forever and ever. ❤

Love, Mama

On digging deep….

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and using my oils while we’re down there in the trenches of hard feelings and hard behaviors! Summer months for us mean we double down on counseling and therapy, both for our children and for ourselves. With any therapeutic process (the good ones anyway), hard feelings and processing don’t just happen in session, but out of session and through relationship. While we account for this by lessening our schedule, increasing connection, and other strategies, I really wanted to put my rather large collection of oils to the test to see how we can impact our hearts and our heads during this time.

Here is what we are trying this summer for emotion management and healing for our two Wonders and so far, I have been super impressed with the results. Many of you asked for the recipes and if you message me, I’d be happy to send those along. If you’re interested in seeing the connections between essential oils and emotions, I HIGHLY recommend this book. (Images below from my IG story taken from the pages)

If the intrigue level has tipped after reading this post, please reach out and let’s chat!!! Lots of you have been asking for essential oil remedies…from bug repellent to sun relief, tummy troubles and anxiety with your kiddos or you. Our team is also doing a quick and easy online class later in July.

I’m looking for 5 people to spoil with a goody bag of doTERRA samples and the opportunity to win daily giveaways. The first 5 people to contact me (message me or comment on the FB post) will be added to the event. You’ll receive your package on or before July 16, and I’ll add you to an event page so you can learn how to use your samples and enter for prizes!

NOTE: If you already have a doTERRA account or being helped by someone who does, please save this “spoiling yourself” opportunity for some people who haven’t yet experienced doTERRA. Thanks much!

WonderGIRL is sweet 16!!!

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After 16 years of filling this world with joy, extra loud laughter (like seriously…..so loud), and love for others, this little lady is 16! Here are a few of her thoughts, dreams, and ideas captured into history…..
On being 16…..
Being 16 is exciting but at the same time it’s going to be a bigger step to adulting. Which is nerve wracking and adventurous. The older I get the closer I get to getting my own job and buying my house and my future kids and driving (hopefully not in that order says Mom…..please get a license). I feel like there is going to be a chance in the world of WonderGIRL.

On your future job….
My future dream job is to open my own bakery. It will be desserts and baked goods from all over the world. Two days a week, kids will come in and our bakers will help kids learn how to cook. It will be an open cafe every Saturday and Sunday.

Thoughts on your brother….
As of right now, my brother is very frustrating. He thinks that since he’s getting older and almost in 5th grade he’s so cool. He is getting a fun summer with Fircreek. The other day when I was doing yard work, without the parents telling him to, he brought me hot chocolate which was very sweet. He’s very fun to watch tv shows with and tells me which parts I’m going to like.

On counseling….
Counseling is really hard. Really helpful, but really hard. I hate putting in the work because it’s really hard to deal with so many emotions. It’s really helped with me and my Mom’s relationship and with me being able to trust Daddy more. It has not been an easy journey, but I’m more open and honest with her. It’s easy to be vulnerable with my counselor.

What is your purpose in life?
The reason I am here is to bring joy to the world and be helpful to kids. To learn what God has planned in the future and to be an amazing sister and a daughter and have a wonderful future.

Who are you?
I am a girl that believes I can make a change. I don’t know. I’m stuck (Mom: in life or on this question???? WG: I don’t know who I am right now….I think I do in my heart but I’m not sure)

What is important to you?
My brother. My family. My past. As of right now, my heart is pretty important to me.

What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I’m really loud (insert Mama’s shocked face here…..I’m sorry dear I think that’s one of the first things people learn about you). I think people don’t know that I’m a big sleeper.

One word quick fire:
WonderBOY – amazing
BraveGIRL – silly
Mama – loving
Daddy – protective
Rexie – fiesty
high school – drama
favorite movie – Black Panther
sweet 16 – exciting
proud of – how far I’ve come
favorite food – spaghetti

Intentional Summer 2018

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It should not have taken me this long to both complete my poster and post this….but such is life (hence the #wesurvivedJune) seen below.

Here is our past intentional summer projects: 2017 and 2016 (spoiler alert – our summers are pretty low key around here)….I got a few extra posters printed for my readers (thank you sweet Elizabeth) so check out the bottom of this post for how to enter my small freebie giveaway.I have TWO blank posters to give away if anyone would like them (better late than never)…..post in the FB comments what you’re looking forward to in July and I’ll pick a winner Friday!

Welcome July….

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The month we get to slow down….finally!!!! With WonderBOY at camp all week, me and my hubby literally got done all the projects we (okay just me telling him what to do) around the house today. I love what a quick change up does to a room with simply moving furniture or adding a shelf!(Treasury of Memories friends – what do these remind you of????)

My favorite piece was this rustic pallet I snagged off someone’s FB house sale….we needed a little something in our bathroom and this was perfect.(plug for this local shop Tether(ed) – I get so many compliments on these little pretties)

What’s on your list for home projects this Summer???

On becoming the Alfred….

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A few weeks ago in church, our pastor spoke about the importance of Alfred to Batman’s superhero status and conquests. Behind the man who was saving the world was someone that unconditionally cared for him, created tools and strategies necessary for his work, and always provided a safe haven for him in times of trouble. The pastor said, “sometimes we are Batman and sometimes we are Alfred.”

This particularly resonated with me as I transition into a new support role in the next school year. Leaving my student-centered, school-centered post as a school counselor and leaning into the position as the Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator for our district. I am so excited to support the whole child in our community, focusing not just on academics but a child’s entire being of what makes them HUMAN and connected to others. I am SUPER excited about supporting the amazing team of school counselors, teachers and support staff (the BATMANs of the world in my humble and very biased opinion) and can’t wait to promote what they do and create some synergy for even more awesomeness heading forward.

And I am nervous and grieving a bit….I am kinda obsessed with my job and with working with children at the elementary level. I love playing jenga and candyland to teach social skills, leading small groups teaching children coping skills amidst a death or a divorce in their life, and teaching classes that teach ALL children the skills they will need for life and family and friendships in the future. I love my “Hoelzle hugs”, wearing super shoes and Meow Monday cat ears, and practicing flying with Mr. Grit. I will truly miss that “in the trenches” work and will return to it once I feel like the purpose and direction for this new position has played out successfully.

I am also extremely grateful. As I process this new position, I realize once again that God put this directly in the middle of my path knowing that this year has been such a struggle. When I devote 100% of myself and my energy to 500 students day in and day out, many of whom struggle with trauma and attachment issues themselves, I am drained and not fully present at home when I have three struggling in my very own home. I have found myself less patient, less compassionate, and less willing to use the very same skills I used an hour earlier to my students. And that’s not fair and I hope a break from this intensive work will boost the love, attachment and healing in my home in ways I can’t even imagine.

So whether or not you are a Batman or an Alfred – please know we need BOTH of you to save our world each day, each school year, each season of life. The work is never finished…..

What I want to remember….

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about my sweet, lovable WonderBOY….we are having a rough go with him, his emerging hormones, and his anger right now. So this weekend in between the door slams and the verbal attacks, I really tried to focus on the true him and what I see from his heart and his true self coming out as he grows older.

Here are a few slices of cuteness I captured:His amazing chess skills and how this game has produced some academic and social outcomes we are so proud of (also this Mario chess board is the coolest).He is still very much interested in the restaurant business. This week, he is setting the stage for a different style restaurant each night. Tonight was fancy (even Rexie got in on the action) with his restaurant named “Da Da Daaaaa!” complete with placemats, candles, and upbeat Disney tunes.He found a butterfly barely moving at the archery range this afternoon and wanted to “save him” and has been tending to “Flappy” all night long. The poor thing is still barely moving (if really at all) so we’ll see how this little adventure plays out.

As I say to him each and every night, I am so lucky to be his mama. To which he usually replies, “I am so lucky to be your mama…..oops I mean your boy.”

On direct sales….

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And why I kinda love them. Direct sales and Momboss memes are popping up everywhere and it certainly is “on trend” right now to be hosting classes/parties and selling direct to consumers.

However, I love this way of commerce because it gets to something that retail stores don’t…..and that is CONNECTION. Through classes and parties we are face to face, sharing struggles and hopes for our families and expanding our network in ways we didn’t have access to before. It combines the therapeutic properties of retail shopping with our basic human need to bond and connect with others = a match made in heaven.

And for some products (essential oils in particular), it takes a lot of time to educate customers on what it is they are using in their homes and all of the benefits and potential risks. I don’t want someone buying an oil from a shelf and then never have anyone teach them how to use it safely and effectively.

So to all you mama-preneurs out there…..keep selling all the things, inviting to those events, posting on social media. You are impacting your family with some extra income AND getting awesome products into the rest of our homes and families.

What could an extra $200-$500 per month do for YOUR family???? I’d love to share what I do to pay for my oils and my nail habit, make money toward family vacations like our cruise…..and how it might look for you too if you’re interested!

Pictured below: a realistic snapshot into my earnings…..Some peeps only share their income but we tend to spend a lot too. ? Also important to remember….I’m 3 years in, have a full time job, AND have an awesome team that has helped me reach this point each step along the way.Pictured above: a screenshot from an excited mama….all she did was host a class, invite some friends and voila! a check was on its way to her…..love that surprise and excitement just for leaving her comfort zone and hosting a class!

We’re doing an awesome low-pressure experiment for having classes this summer on our team to see what it can do for our monthly earnings….if you want to join, message me! If you want to host a class (we come teach….you just open your house and throw a few beverages on the table) you can earn some free goodies as well!!!