Christmas Presents!

I am so excited that I just had to jump on here and tell the internet world that I finished Christmas shopping for Max!  Andres isn't picking up his phone at work, and I'm so excited about Max's gift that I just have to tell somebody!  So, I'm going to tell you.  This year, Max will receive season tickets to the NC Kids Symphony from Andres and I.  Good friends gifted us with 2 tickets earlier in the fall and Max loved it.  He was wide-eyed and at attention the entire time. There are 2 shows left in the Kids Series this season and I nabbed 3 tickets to both of them.  They are surprisingly affordable and I'm so happy to give our family an experience instead of stuff.

In thinking about Christmas and gifts, I made the decision last year to start our traditions of giving right from Max's first Christmas.  We have asked Santa Claus to bring Max only three gifts:
1.  Something to read
2.  Something to wear
3.  Something to play with
This really keeps things simple for Santa and his elves and allows us Frowow's to spend the season focusing on gratefulness for what we already have and the true meaning of Christmas. The three categories also reflect the 3 gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrhh that the wise men gave to Jesus.  

Andres and I will also give him one gift from us, focused on a fun, family experience we can share.  This year it's the NC Kids Symphony!  I am so excited! 

Why I Chose Young Living Essential Oils

I go back and forth between crunchy and gimme those chemicals real good.  For example, I cloth diaper Max but use Huggies wipes.  I sometimes use Shaklee but every now and then my bathroom gets a good soak in clorox.  And I ALWAYS use clorox wipes or some brand thereof. When it comes to medical care, I am pro-doctor, pro-hospital, pro-drugs, the whole nine yards. On the other hand, I had weekly acupuncture appointments for well over a year. I am 32 years old (gasp!) and can only think of 3 times in my entire life when I have been unhappy with a doctor.  And only one of those times was specifically related to my medical care, the other two were more personality/bedside manner related.
Anyways, lately essential oils (EOs) have been popping up in the mom blog world and on a local mom's group I'm a member of on facebook.  I decided to research google them, because what else am I going to do during naptime?  Clean?  Cook?  No and no-er.  I also posted my questions on the mom's group for feedback.  Out of the handful of mom blogs I read and the responses I received I chose Young Living Essential Oils.  Here is why:

1.  They are popular.  Seriously.  They will pop up everywhere.  I think this speaks volumes.  Who knows--there may be better oils out there with better distilling processes and farming practices, whatever...BUT it is comforting to know that a great multiple of moms use Young Living oils on their chilrens.  You don't get to be a popular product by being crappy.  Plus also, Young Living is the only brand that offers "seed to seal" comfort, which means that they own the farm where they raise the rosemary/lavender/oil ingredients and oversee the whole process. That comforts me.  The only thing that comforts me more is my husband.  And maybe gummy bears.  And also, I may have just gotten the sillies.

2.  Several moms on my facebook group use them and love them.  This meant more to me than the random mom blogs I read.  While I don't know the moms personally, the facebook group I'm a part of mainly consists of women who live in a small, North Carolina seminary town and their husbands are in the ministry.  They are sweethearts, the group is not snarky, not preachy, and they rally around their own.  One mama just lost her baby to SIDs and the women in the group have really stepped up to care for the family.  I guess what I'm trying to say is, when people you "know" use the oils--well, it has even more weight than the random mom blogs you read.

3.  Young Living makes the original Thieves oil.  Thieves is the bee's knees of EOs.  All other oils market their blend as "their blend of thieves."  Thieves smells like Christmas and is supposed to be the best at warding off the sickies.  There are countless blogs spouting recipes for Thieves--but why not get the best at the source?  All others are knock-offs.  

4.  Money, money, money.  Essential oils are not cheap.  Young Living had the best deal for the most extensive sample kit with a diffuser.  And the diffuser is the type that doesn't use pads, so you don't need to keep reordering pads to use, which is a plus.  I actually signed up as a distributer of the oils, so if you'd like some or want more information leave a comment or shoot me an email.  

5.  doTERRA is another brand of oils that came in second place in my book.  THEN, I found out through more research googling a mom blog that the head guys of doTERRA actually used to work for Young Living.  That sounded shady to me, so I was like, hmmm...no thanks.

6.  I went to a local grocery store called Earthfare to price out Aura Cacia oils.  They are actually a lot cheaper, but I couldn't really find info on people using them for anything other than aromatherapy.  

7.  Kris Carr, of Crazy, Sexy fame uses Young Living.  The episode she did on Oprah stands out in my memory and she's half-Colombian, so that gives her some serious cred.

8.  I just had to bite the bullet.  It's already November.  Winter is practically upon us.  The whole idea of using EO's (in my mind) is to PREVENT serious sickies before they happen.  (Although, you can use them when already sick too).  In the end, you can spend ALL.THE.TIMES. researching and debating, but eventually you have to make a decision.  And my decision was Young Living.

So there are my reasons.  I should note that I haven't actually received my oils yet.  They are currently being shipped to my mom's house.  (Be on the lookout, mom).  It's hard to prove a negative--how will I know they actually worked?  Maybe I wouldn't have gotten sick anyway? And of course, the biggest variable is that last year Max was in daycare and this year he isn't.  But, we're already getting some sniffles and I'm willing and excited to give EO's a try.  Lots of mamas swear by them and you can trust a mom, amen?!?  Our intuition is the greatest and we know our stuff. 

I will let you know how it goes when I receive and start using my oils!  I'll be like a voo-doo, witch, medicine lady!

5 Favorites

Hello!  It's been a while!  Welcome, favoriteers! In case you hadn't gathered, this post is part of the five favorites link-up.  Let's just jump right in:

1--A well-dressed kid.

 His attire is compliments of an arched back and locked knees while I was trying to change him.  Ugh.  Sometimes getting dressed is the most frustrating part of the day.  He won the battle, but I put a hat on him since it was cold outside and I try not to look 100% irresponsible.  I always try to stay at a solid 60%.  Since outfit curation and credits are apparently a mom blog thing, allow me to share:
Hat--Target
Socks--Target
Diaper--Kawaii via Sweetbottoms
Supreme Cuteness--via Genetic Mutation

2--Turkey Beanie Baby

 Who knew that thing would provide minutes of entertainment every morning?  I'm so glad I saved it from my grandmother's belongings to use as a Thanksgiving decoration.

3--My Powder Room Decor

First of all, I realize that people probably don't say powder room anymore.  Whatevs.  The 3 wall hangings are goodwill finds, spray painted blue.  The chalkboard used to be a mirror, until my crafty paws got a hold of it for a mere $2.99.  Love, love here we are...in the bathroom.  Nope, Team Frowow isn't weird.

4--Young Living Essential Oils

I'm about to order my starter kit.  I'm so excited!  Essential oils are THEE THING in the crunchy mom blog world right now.  I've totally succumbed to the peer pressure.  Since I haven't actually used them yet, I have to admit  that the idea of them is my favorite thing...I will write a review. Wait with bated breath.  I know you will.

5--I cannot finish this post.

Our computer is being unreasonably slow.  I just had to wait 5 seconds for that sentence to appear.  I've got to scoot and skidaddle before I throw the thing against the wall.  I'm not violent.

Questions for you:  Are you violent?  Plus also, have you used Essential Oils before?  What did you think?

Siete Rapido Takes: Colombia Edition

It's quick takes time!
Back in August of 2009, Team Frowow boarded a plane and traveled south to the land of Colombia.  Why?  Because Andres Frowow is Colombian.  I had never been to South America and was so excited to go and see a new place and, of course, meet Andres's familia.  Many people associate Colombia with Pablo Escobar, crime, guns, cocaine, and general unsafety. The reality is that the people are friendly and probably won't shoot you.  Andres's family lives in the capital, Bogota, which is big, beautiful, and has lots of buses.  LAWTS of buses.  Here are more random facts about Colombia:
1.  It's known as the Athens of South America
2.  It has world-class eye doctors.  I believe Lasik surgery was invented in Colombia.
3.  Hillary Duff has given a concert in Colombia.
4.  The Killers have also concerted in the country.
So, you see?  It's not all buses, all the time.  There's also eye doctors and concerts.  Here are seven rapido takes about Bogota, Colombia:

UNO

Ever here of Fernando Botero?  Now you have.  He's a Colombian artist known for painting and sculpting bloated, oversized people, places, and things.  All the nouns.  He creates.  The Botero museum is located in Bogota.  We went.  We saw.  We photographed Andres with a painting of a bloated posterior.

DOS

Every major city worth it's salt has an abundant pigeon population.  Bogota has pigeons and alpacas.  Or maybe that's a llama.  Or maybe alpacas and llamas are the same animal.  I don't know.  I am not an animal person.  At all.  But whatever they are called, Bogota has them.

TRES

If memory serves, this was taken in the Macarena district of Bogota.  Why is the Macarena section significant?  Because it was in this area that we ate at a restaurant where I had Thee Best pulpo of my life.  Which brings me to...

CUATRO

The Food.  Oh my goodness, I cannot even.  The first photo is soup made by Andres's grandmother.  The soup in Colombia was so freaking amazing.  Even the mondongo, which contains sheep stomach.  Almojabanas are pictured second.  I cannot even describe how good they are.  There is nothing here in the United States that compares or even comes close.  Lastly, we have hot chocolate with bread and cheese.  Apparently, putting slices of cheese into hot chocolate so they melt is a thing.  A good thing.

CINCO

Umm, look at that tree house.  Do I even need to explain further?

SEIS

Andres's Aunt Dula is an amazing painter.  All three above paintings are just a sample of the work she has displayed in her house.  We purchased a gorgeous red painting from her and it hangs in our family room.  It is so beautiful and sentimental, it's one of my favorite things in our house.  The process of transporting it from Colombia back home to Raleigh is one of the most stressful, irritating tales of my life thanks to the insanity, cold-heartedness, lunacy, and self-importance of Miami TSA agents.  But whatever.  It's here now and thankfully did not get damaged or lost flying without Team Frowow as it's chaperones and spending an hour alone, discarded in a pile at RDU baggage claim.  

SIETE

I told you Bogota was big.  How did I get this aerial view?  By going up here:

On this mode of transportation:

The teleferico ride to Monserrate was...honestly not as bad as I thought it was going to be.  The picture is deceiving.  The ride to the top of the mountain is so high and so steep that it was practically a vertical line.  But, it was worth it for views like this:

And pictures like this:

Hmmm...maybe not that.  But whatevs, I was glad we went.  I look forward to the day when we can take Max to Bogota to see family and learn about his heritage.  A heritage to be proud of, except for all the buses.

Failure or Success?

Today is quite the day.  I think these kids want me dead.  Thank goodness neither one can reach the knife block.  Anyways, it began with a trip to the library playground.  The girl slept in the Ergo and the boy ran happily, until it was time to go home.  We began our trek to the car at 11:20 and were all buckled in by 11:45, if that tells you anything.

Pictured:  one toddler on the sidewalk, refusing to use his legs.  Not pictured:  one toddler in the middle of a dirt pile, the street, the grass, and a forest trail refusing to use his legs.  Plus also, one frazzled mother thinking lots LAWTS of expletives.

 But, why dwell on failures?  Let's focus on success!  While corralling small humans may not be my thang, I am very good with non-verbal, inanimate objects.  Remember my weekend craft list?  Well, observe!

ONE

 Here we have my Thanksgiving pom pom garland.  It's hanging all wonky because someone I know likes to stand on top of the red toy basket and pull it down.

TWO

 Ghostly-pale, spindly, fingernails on my 97 year old hand painted blue?  Check!

THREE

 Did we do it?  Oh yes, we did.  I got out the paints, we made a mess, AND ended up with three of these masterpieces.  Best mom ever awards will be accepted.

FOUR

 Advent calendar activities?  Like a boss.

FIVE

Aaaand, last but not least, here we have a sample of the completed food labels for Max's second birthday.  I am very excited about the Little Blue Truck/farm theme!

As you can see, I owned my crafts.  Now both childrens are napping and when the big one wakes up we are going to start very loosely doing our "Homeschool Preschool" with Before Five in Row.  Today's plan:  read Jesse Bear, What Will you Wear?  It's going to be epic.

TTYL!  TTFN!  LYLAS! (early nineties throwback for you young-uns)

7 Quick Takes: Weekend Craft List

Linking up with Jen for Seven Quick Takes

So, I've been watching my friend's baby for the past two weeks.  Every day, I've managed to get the childrens napping at the same time.  Yes, I want a medal.  In the form of this:

In the amount of one million dollars.  K?  k.

While I'm feeling so specially proud of myself and so badass, let me share with you my weekend ambitions:

One--I want to make a pom pom garland.  Like this:

Mine is going to be in "Thanksgiving colors."  Which are dark gray, light grey, and mustard yellow in case you were wondering.  Because those are the three colors of yarn I have.  I also have white and I'm going to steal, borrow, ask to use some red and green yarn of my mother-in-law's.  My cheapness knows no bounds.

Two--Make advent calendar activities.

Only mine are going to be on red card stock, printed in my own handwriting.  I want to achieve--but not overachieve, ya know?

Three--Well, not this weekend, but today we are going to make these:

Four--Tomorrow we are having family pictures made.  Which I guess is someone else's craft, but I coordinated our outfits, so that counts in my book.

Five--Continue working on food labels for Max's second birthday.  I need to make the "fishing hole."  (Goldfish crackers)

Six--I'm going to paint my nails.  Blue.  And my toenails.  Yes, any mom of small children can tell you, this counts as a craft.

Seven--Update my Christmas wreath.  The red and gold berries I glued on my wreather back in college are not looking so hot.  Today I bought some tiny gold pine cones and 4 bunches of red berries to spruce it up a bit.

Wow.  I hope I have time to do all that.  Have a good weekend!

The Halloween Costume Wars

Andres was a devil for his first Halloween.  A very cute devil, and I have a feeling the costume was appropriate.  ;)

Andres Frowow, circa 1979

Because of this, Andres has always wanted Max to be a devil for Halloween.  (By the way, the irony of this scenario is that I was an angel for my first Halloween.  I will now give you a few moments to ponder the implications and outcomes of that fact).  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ready now?  Good.

Anyways, I was and am very against dressing my child up as Satan for Halloween.  For one, the devil is real.  For two, the devil is bad.  For three, the devil is scary.  Take away the "d" and you get evil.  Rearrange the letters and you get "vile."<~~~~say the last two sentences with a deep Southern drawl/impassioned preacher voice.  It sounds better that way.

Never fear though, right?  The chances of Andres Frowow remembering to buy a devil costume for Halloween were slim to none...but it happened!  When the package arrived in the mail, my first thought was "win the battle, lose the war."  I had already purchased a crocodile costume, Andres would be at work when it was time to get dressed for trick-or-treating, so have fun with that devil costume, so sorry you wasted your money.  

WRONG!

Andres Frowow did not even win the battle. 

Behold!

First of all, note hysterical the  child.  He hated the costume.  Why? I couldn't quite understand him due to the intense screaming, but from what I could gather, he was saying:  the devil is real.The devil is scary.  The devil is bad.  Take away the d and you get "evil."  Rearrange the letters and you get "vile."

Second of all, observe the three-quarter length sleeves.  And the pant legs prepared for the rising waters of a flood.  Ummm...not supposed to be that short, Andres Frowow.  The explanation I received was that the above costume was the cutest option and their biggest size was 12-18 months.

Max does not wear size 12-18 months.--Heather

But I thought it would fit since that was the biggest size they had.--Andres

And a screaming child who wears a size 24 months in clothing gives this mama the win!

Halloween Preparations

We're not really into Halloween around here.  Honestly, I just think it's the devil's holiday and if you celebrate, you will go to hell.

Not really.  I know some people are against it, and that's fine, but as for me and my house we will eat free candy.  So, now that I've introduced my topic, allow me to share our actual Halloween preparations.

 This year we decided to paint pumpkins because carving pumpkins grosses me out.  First of all, we did not have a proper carving knife so even if it didn't gross me out, we were not prepared.  Second of all, the smell is vomitous. <~~~~that is a real word because say so. Third, the feel of the pumpkin gook is disgusting.  Maybe I have sensory issues, but I thought it was gross from a very young age and my feelings have not changed.

I consider my pumpkin carving laziness a win, because Max LOVED using the paints!  He is really starting to use initial word sounds and has been asking to "ppp the ppp" (paint the pumpkins) every day since our initial rendevous with the pumpkins.  
But wait!  Where did you get those pumpkins, Heather Frowow?!?  Where????  WHERE???!!? TELLLL MEEEE!
Calm down.  I will.  From here:

You may judge, but I got two huge pumpkins for $2.79 a piece and the money is in my pocket and not yours.  Well, not really, because my money also went here:

This place was great!  I believe it is called Shepherd's Way Farms and their stand is set up across the street from our church.  We went before Mass on a Saturday evening.  They don't have all the bells and whistles (hay barn, corn crib, pony rides, gem panning, hayrides) BUT there is no entrance fee and you just pay for whatever you buy.  I think Max had more fun here because he was free to climb on all the hay bales and pumpkins.  Simple is better.

They had wagons to take around and we got a few random stares for letting Max stand on the wagon while we moved it.  Can't say I blame them, as the long fall to the ground would have DEFINITELY resulted in a night in the ER.  Never let a toddler have some toddler-style fun and freedom, that is what we have learned.

 Since I'd already gotten our big pumpkins from Aldi, we ended up with a white pumpkin and several small gourds that Max placed on the wagon for us.  Plus also, this very sad looking family photo:

 Max found some chairs to sit on...the guy loves a good chair.

 And as drizzling rain began to fall, we wheeled our cargo to the car and despite being right across the street, I think we still managed to be late to Mass.  

Happy Halloween!