Fall Break is dwindling down

Our boys love fall break. They enjoy some downtime for school so that they can reset their minds and start fresh.

B3 was able to attend the Jr. Ranger Camp for special needs kids at MBSP. All three boys were able to spend some time with Nana and Papa too. Plus, there was time spent together just as a family.

For mom and dad, the end of fall break is a relief. It is a struggle to make sure the kids are taken care of while we work to provide. We also have the reminder of how things are different from when we ourselves were growing up. Both of us at the age of 13 or 14 would have been allowed to play outside or even go to a friend's house while our parents were at work. It just isn't safe to do that now unless there are arrangements made prior.

The boys did have a LOT of fun playing Apples to Apples with G1 and her guy when they came over on Sunday. It was a very joyous and loud game. Makes my heart melt when the grown come back for family night.

B1 and B2 are excited to be going back to school on Monday. For friends or for education, it matters not. They enjoy going to school. B3 is having difficulty. School causes a lot of anxiety for him.

To end our weekend, we have a plan to go hiking.

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REVIEW: Wool Dryer Balls 6 Pack-XL.

In seeking healthier methods to take care of my family and also save money, I purchased Wool Dryer Balls 6 Pack-XL by Feeling Fluffy. I was not too sure how my family would  respond to having "fluffy balls" in their laundry.

The first person to adjust was Hubby. He wanted his dryer sheets. His argument was that the dryer sheets didn't really cost that much and added a nice fragrance to the laundry. The answer to cost is that while the dryer balls are an expense at the beginning, after a month or two (3-4 for average sized families), the balls are cheaper.

The next person to complain was G3, the college student. Her complaint was that the balls get stuck in her laundry, specifically her sheets and blankets. But, she did notice that the laundry dried quicker.

What I have noticed since purchasing in November 2015:

1. My dryer runs a lot less = lower electricity usage
2. Our clothes seem to be softer.
3. We now have fewer chemicals in our lives, I don't purchase fabric softener at all .

Tricks we learned to make everybody happy:

1. I put a drop or two of essential oil on each ball about once a week.
2. I don't over dry my clothes to prevent static.
3. I use at least 6 per load (we ended up buying another set)

The only true problem we have run into is that if the laundry sits, the balls get misplaced in the basket. So we have to stay on top of the laundry, which is good practice anyway with this brood.

As I am finishing this up, The bed set (comforter, mattress pad, fitted sheet, and flat sheet) that I put in the dryer 20 minutes ago is done. That used to take at least 45 minutes and rearranging to get dry before.

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October Already? Fall, Autumn, Color, Crisp Air

It is hard to believe that time has brought us to the month of October already. The kids have completed the 1st 9 weeks of the 2016-2017 school year.

There have been a couple hiccups. B1 exploring being in the High School and joining Raiders with the JROTC. Learning that being responsible is not just a nice thing, but sort of required in life. He is doing well with his academics and is enjoying the competition.

B2 is enjoying being an "upperclassman" in the middle school. Good grades, enjoying choir and growing like a weed. He is looking to try out new things to find just who it is that he wants to be. Being the musically creative one, he also wants to see what other things spark his interest. He says singing isn't going to create video games so he has to find something that will.

It appears to be the one having the hardest time adjusting this year is B3. 6th grade is a hard adjustment. He has never adjusted to change easily,  With his special needs, anxiety is becoming a major issue. We are attempting to work with his teachers but it does take time. We are thankful that we have essential oils to support him while his issues are coming under control.

The amazing part of the season is that the air is turning crisp, the colors are vivid in the foliage and it is perfect chili weather. I can not wait until we have a bonfire and hot dog roast. (It is one thing the entire family loves.)

One of the must-haves when it comes to the change of seasons is our essential oils. The protective blend of essential oils is a must have. I love diffusing it in the diffusers at home to give the air a fresh fall scent. The blend has wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.