A Sunday Afternoon Hike at Burden Falls

We woke up to absolutely gorgeous weather last Sunday. Spring was certainly in the air! As soon as we got home from morning worship we packed a picnic lunch and headed for the hills. A friend at church had recommended Burden Falls and while we had been there before we had never been there this time of year when the falls are really flowing. 

Of course, I just HAD to get in the water, even though it was FREEZING cold! Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I cannot resist water. It doesn't matter if it is just a puddle I HAVE to get in it! I hope our baby has a love for water like it's momma!

The trail was pretty treacherous (for a pregnant lady), but we finally made it to the falls and it was totally worth the hike! The falls were beautiful!

I love taking time to enjoy the simple things in life. We both enjoy exploring the natural things that God created and I'm sure our children will too. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to spend time together doing what we both love. Many people are not so fortunate.

~ Clair

The Henna Hair Treatment: How Too

Hey everyone, I'm finally getting around to sharing my Henna Hair Treatment How Too! I did not mean to wait this long, but time just slipped by. I am REALLY excited to share this with all of you and I hope it will help any of you who are interested in using Henna to color your hair but have no idea where to start. There is information online about Henna, but not a lot and most of it is kind of confusing. I hope this is easy to understand; it is a process, but when it is all said and done it REALLY is not that complicated. Feel free to leave any questions you might have in the comments!


The Henna Hair Treatment

Supplies Needed

v  Red (Pure Henna) – MorrocoMethod.com
v  Light Brown (Henna and Indigo) –MorrocoMethod.com
v  Amla –  Amazon.com *this is not the Amla I used, but it looks like a good choice.
v  Euro-Organic Oil – MorrocoMethod.com
v  Brewed Black Tea (For light hair use chamomile)
v  Lemon juice/Apple Cider Vinegar
v  Test containers
v  Loose hair samples (collected from hair brush)
v  Glass mixing bowl
v  Wooden spoon
v  Measuring spoons
v  Latex gloves (2 pair)
v  Old clothes
v  Towel
v  Shower caps (2)
v  Winter hat (to hold in heat)
v  Hair drier (to add heat) optional
v  Hairbrush (to help get the treatment out of hair while in the shower)

The Testing Process

Mix several small test batches using various ratios of Red, Light Brown, and Amla and let sit for 8-12 hours or overnight. Test on loose hair samples to determine the desired shade. *Note that this is approximately what it may look like when applied to the entire head, but may not be exact.

My testing combinations were:

v  100% Red (Pure Henna)
v  75% Red (Pure Henna), 25% Amla
v  50% Red (Pure Henna), 25% Light Brown (Henna/Indigo), 25% Amla
v  50% Light brown (Henna/Indigo), 25% Red (Pure Henna), 25% Amla
v  100% Light Brown (Henna/Indigo)

*The hair on the far right is my natural color

The Treatment Mix

(This is the mix that I created after determining the correct ratio for my desired color using the above testing process. I chose to split the difference from my two favorites and do 90% Henna 10% Amla.)

        v  8 Tbs. Red

        v  1 Tbs. Amla

        v  Brewed Tea (enough to make a paste)

        v  1 Tsp. Euro-Organic Oil

        v  Lemon Juice/Apple Cider Vinegar (- Tbsp. or enough to make a Greek yogurt like consistency.)

Prepare the treatment mix and let sit for 8-12 hours.

The Application Process

              After the treatment mix has set for 8 -12 hours you are ready to apply it to your hair. Protect the area where you will be doing the treatment as the process can be messy. Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting messy or possibly stained. I used Euro-Organic Oil to coat around the edge of my hair line to keep my skin from getting stained by the henna.

  

Begin with clean DRY hair. Section off hair. Put on latex gloves and starting at the base of your head apply from root to tip thoroughly.

 When each section is thoroughly and completely coated, let down the next section. It is good to be a bit excessive at this stage because the more you put on the better. It will look and feel like someone coated your head and hair with mud or cow manure. But don’t worry, it will be worth it in the end! When all of your hair is coated with the henna take a few moments to massage it in, just to be sure that you have thoroughly coated each strand.

 Coil your hair up on the top of your head like you would if you were making a bun.

 Cover with a shower cap behind ears and then a second one over the ears.

Slip the winter hat over the shower cap to keep in the warmth which will help the henna to develop.

Leave the treatment on for 2-4 hours. I left mine on for 3. Relax during this time by reading a book, watching a movie, surfing the internet, or basically anything that you enjoy. Try not to focus on the treatment or you will get impatient.

Rinsing Away the “Mud”

(You can use the shower, bath, water hose or even a more natural location such as a lake or creek.)

              Put on the second pair of latex gloves so that your hands do not become stained during the rinsing process. Remove the winter hat and shower caps. Rinse, rinse, rinse (the hairbrush may come in handy at this time), until the “mud” is totally out of your hair. Preferably, let hair air dry. Do NOT wash hair out with shampoo until at least 24 hours after treatment.

The Results

(Results may vary from person to person.)

The color may be extra bright at first, but as it oxidizes and settles it will tone down. This may take 3-5 days. Your hair will most likely feel thicker and healthier and will look fresh and vibrant!

*The first two pictures are immediately following my henna treatment and the last two are 2 days later. Unfortunately I didn't stay consistent with my photo taking so my "after" picture is actually one taken 5 days after my second henna treatment. 

*Indoor lighting

*Outdoor lighting

Congratulations! You just completed The Henna Hair Treatment! Go enjoy your fresh locks!

* Due to the fact that I was inconsistent with taking photos, the after picture is actually several months later, after my second application. I believe there was a slight deepening of color with the second application.

~ Clair

Ultrasound Photos: Our First Look at Baby!

We had an ultrasound done a few weeks ago. We did not want to find out the gender, but it was so much fun to get a first look at our little one! Everyone told me I would cry, but I really didn't. I mostly laughed because it was such an amazing experience! What an amazing opportunity to see a life that is being knit together inside the womb? During the ultrasound I kept thinking over and over that we truly are fearfully and wonderfully made!

We both think it has my nose for sure!

See the little foot?!

I love this photo. It is very up-close on the nose, lips, and chin.

So precious!

Picture it lying on it's side with the upper leg pulled up to the chest.

Baby moved a lot during the ultrasound, but was VERY consistent about the placement of it's hands. It kept one hand over it's bottom and the other between it's legs. I think it was saying, "I know your tempted, but I'm not even giving you the chance to see!"

I hope you can make out what at least some of these pictures are. 

Little baby, we love you more with each passing day and can't wait to hold you in our arms and gaze into your eyes!

~ Clair

Surprise!!!

You guessed it, we're pregnant!

Today we're celebrating five years of marriage and 25 weeks of pregnancy and we couldn't be happier. It has been a year of great sorrow, but also a year of great blessing. God is so good!

~ Clair

"What's in a Title?" by Lanette Bousa

    I'm really excited to share this poem today that was written by my dear friend Lanette. While she is older than my own mother she is one of my dearest friends. If only the world could be full of more Lanettes. The words of this poem describe her so well. She has such a sweet spirit and is truly one who rejoices with those who rejoice and mourns with those who mourn. She and I enjoy corresponding through good-old snail mail, and she has remembered the due dates of both our miscarried little ones and took the time to write a note remembering them and comforting and supporting us through the difficult times. She lives a very laid back, quiet life and yet touches so many people with her love and care. 

    I find this poem inspires me to be more, to share more of myself with others, to look at the big picture of life. This is a beautiful message to everyone, no matter what you "do", that you are so much more than even the loftiest title can say. We must all realize that we have so much more of an impact on the world than we really think. It isn't the few big things in your life that make the difference, it's the many little things. 

What’s in a Title?

By: Lanette Bousa

“What do you do?”

A simple question, really,

But I admit that I don’t

Like to answer it.

“I’m a homemaker and a writer.”

For a split second, I see eyebrows spring high,

Look surprised, seem to inquire, “Is that all?”

Body language implies that home-caring

And writing don’t seem like much.

My mind races on-

Well, no. I’m also a ray of sunshine

To someone in darkness,

A word of encouragement

To one who is discouraged,

 A warm blanket

To a shivering child.

A helping hand

 To someone in need,

A listening ear

 To those needing to be heard,

A safe haven

To one seeking refuge.

Then, I’m a friend

To the lonely,

Comfort to the frightened,

The calm place

In the midst of emotional storms.

Besides that, I’m healing salve

To the wounded,

A fellow pilgrim

On life’s pathway,

Sharer of joy with those who celebrate.

I’m a loving daughter

To my parents,

Confidante to my sisters,

Ever-available companion

 To my husband and son.

And that’s not all.

I’m also God’s child

Learning His ways,

Listening for His voice,

Seeking His face.

Don’t we see?

We are, each one of us,

So much more

Than even the loftiest title can tell.

`

Go Live... ~ Clair

My Henna Experience

My Henna Experience

Today I’m going to tell you all about my Henna hair treatment experience! As I’m sure you noticed from the pictures, yes I am now officially a red head/ginger/copper top, whatever you would like to call me (except for carrots!).

A little History… I have virgin hair, meaning I have never colored it in my life! You can’t imagine how hard this was for me to do! The decision to make this change left me with feelings of excitement, curiosity, and down-right trepidation! The thing was, I loved my hair color as it was; I just really had a hankering for red hair and something a little different. I thought to myself, “I’ll just wait until I start going grey and I’ll probably want to color my hair anyway.” Then it dawned on me that that will probably be a long time from now and I may not feel like being a red head then. But, it just seemed so permanent! I was so afraid of looking like an orange pumpkin or carrot orange, or simply not liking it at all and being stuck with it. Trey said, “Just try it! If you don’t like it it’s not the end of the world, you can color it back as close to your natural hair color as possible and let it grow out; even if you have to use a chemical dye. Besides, I think it sounds kind of exciting for you be a red head.” So it was Trey who actually gave me the courage to take the leap.  I have since read that you can actually lift the Henna from your hair using several oil treatments. Whether this works in all cases I do not know.

So why Henna? I did a ton of research on Henna for your hair. Most of us know Henna as a dye that People in India use for temporary body art, particularly during ceremonies and special occasions such as weddings. But did you know that for centuries people have also been using it for their hair? It is very nourishing and really promotes healthy hair! Chemical hair dye is packed full of harmful chemicals, not to mention, it is very damaging for your hair itself. I weighed the pros and cons in my mind and was easily swayed toward Henna!

So why red? Combining Henna with other natural herbs can give you a hair color anywhere from light brown and red to black, believe it or not! Since I was but a wee lass I have imagined I was an Irish maid full of fire and spirit with a mane of wild red hair flowing behind me. I have dreamed of visiting Ireland and wondered and hoped that somehow there was but a drop of Irish blood in my veins. I always enjoy listening to Irish/Celtic music, especially at Christmas time. I really don’t know about the Irish blood in my veins, but I certainly did not have a mane of wild red hair. I cherished the highlights in my hair that gave it a reddish cast, but that was about the extent of it. When I saw some of the different hues of red that could be achieved with Henna I began to wonder if my childhood dreams could perhaps be achieved in a very safe, healthy, and natural sort of way.

I was anxious to see how long it would take before I needed to touch-up my roots. From what I had read the roots were supposed to look much more gradual and natural with Henna than with chemical dyes and that was absolutely the case! I did my first Henna hair treatment at the beginning of September and I didn’t feel the need to Henna again until three months later. By that point the roots were becoming pretty noticeable to me, especially in certain lighting but many people could not even tell the difference. I decided to do another full Henna treatment. I was very pleased with the length of time I was able to go between treatments!

Another thought was, will there be a color change when I decide to do a root touch up or another full hair treatment? I could detect no line whatsoever! I was once again pleasantly surprised!

Due to the fact that I was not faithful in taking after photos, the after photo is actually the results of my latest Henna treatment. The results were very similar with perhaps a slight deepening of color the second time around.

Over the course of a few posts I would like to go a little more in depth about where to find Henna, Henna application, links to websites with information, etc. I’m really excited to share this with all of you!

~ Clair

Are you standing in a trickling spring or a rushing mountain stream?

Sorry for the dry spell these last few months! Life has been taking some crazy turns lately and I'm just trying to keep up with all the changes!

 Sometimes life is like a calm, trickling spring and other times it is like a dangerous, rushing river. I love those gentle, peaceful times that contain an indescribable stillness of the soul. During those times it seems as if life could never get better, and one wonders how God could have any plans better than this! But it is in those moments of tumult that we come to a whole new level of God's sovereignty, of His greatness! Thank Him for those trials, praise Him for the pain in your life! He will use it to produce mighty things in your life! You will grow in ways you never new you could if you allow Him to work in and through you. Life will contain things that you never imagined could exist! He will ford that rushing river if you  hold onto His hand!

 God almighty is on the throne, allow him to mold you today. 

~Clair

Joyful Living...

Joy... It's contagious! These two friends of our's have the most contagious smiles! They seem to always be ready with a smile, a laugh, or a kind word. To be near them is to be uplifted. I truly thank God for friends like these!

“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along  life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”

                                                                                                                                                                                       -Joseph Addison

Don't forget to smile!!!

~Clair

Celebrating My 23rd Birthday

My Birthday was on the 1st of this month. I turned 23, but I still feel 19, well, actually better than I did at 19.  God has blessed me so much in the past year and I just feel overwhelmed when I think about it. It is so easy to look at life and wish that this or that were different, but if I look over just the past year I can see God's fingerprints all over it and when I look through His eyes I can see all the blessings. I read once that comparison is the thief of joy and I have found that to be oh, so true. So I choose to not compare myself and what I have with someone who I think has it better. Instead I choose to look at the amazing blessings God has blessed me with and recognize the fact that I deserved none of it. I recently saw someone make the comment to a person that, "You deserve better!" I'm sorry, but that is not true. What I and every other human on the face of the earth "deserves" is a miserable life, an agonizing death and eternity in hell. It is only by the grace of God and the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross that we can escape the horrors that Satan had planned for us to endure. Jesus came that we might have LIFE and have it more ABUNDANTLY! He has set me free from the laws of SIN and DEATH and given me LIFE! When you come to that realization you will become overwhelmed by the blessings that He has bestowed upon you!

I had so much fun on my Birthday and I know it's really late, but I just had to share my blessed day with you all!

After driving past Panda Express hundreds of times and wondering just what kind of restaurant it really was, we finally stopped there for lunch!

I would describe it as a Chinese version of Subway. I ordered orange chicken and it was the most amazing, mouthwatering, chicken I have ever eaten!

They even gave us fortune cookies, which I am always childishly excited about!

This one was mine...

...and here's Trey's. Now we're talking! That's my kind of Birthday fortune!

We drove right past the arch, but didn't stop. We'll save that for another day; it was very cloudy anyway, so there wouldn't have been much of a view.

This was my first time visiting the St. Louis Zoo and also the only time I've been to the zoo in winter with all of the waterfalls frozen.

I hope he never grows up...

The hippos were the first large animals that we spotted. 

They were all swimming and when they floated to the surface the steam would just roll off their skin. Once they jumped so high out of the water that it splashed over the retaining wall and sprinkled us!

The hyenas were next. Something about them makes the hair on my neck stand up. They look like they have massive upper body strength.

I'm glad there was a fence separating us!

The elephants. Always a personal favorite...

A random four eyed fish...

 It took a moment for me to realize that butterflies and moths were actually hatching out of these cocoons. So amazing!

I could have stayed in the butterfly house for hours!

My favorite was a beautiful blue one, but it wouldn't sit still long enough for me to take a picture.

 I was beginning to feel a little out of place in this subtropic climate.

The grizzly!!!

I really wouldn't want to meet him in the wild...

The seals were absolutely AMAZING! I could have stayed there watching them for the rest of the day!

They are such beautiful and mysterious creatures...

But, I caught this one winking at Trey and that was the end of our visit with the seals. 

(Just kidding, I'm not that territorial!)

A little girl started throwing her glove in the air and several seals began to play with her! I had never seen seals interact like that with a human that wasn't their trainer. It was so much fun to watch!

The prairie dogs were adorable!

 This city squirel was caught red handed stealing the prairie dog food!

This bird was ridiculously loud, especially for his size!

And now for the monkey house!!!

I call this utter relaxation! 

Am I the only one that thinks this orangutan looks like a human dressed up in a monkey suit? 

He was humongous and so friendly that it was almost scary!

He came right up to the glass to say hello to this little girl!

When it was time for them to head inside for the night they went right in.

Love monkeys!!! Please let me live with them! 

(I hope Trey and I look this cute together!)

I could have stayed in the monkey house for the rest of my life, but it was closing time.

On our way out we stumbled upon this outdoor ice skating rink that is usually open to the public but they were having their annual hockey tournaments. We had a lot of fun just watching!

The drive home was long and it was late, but we still had presents to open!

Trey got me some amazing gifts!

A Parcheesi game in some amazing, bright colors! It's always fun to learn a new game.

Ahhhhh... Every household needs one of these relaxing head messagers!

I finally have doughnut pans!

You can bet I got busy with these the first chance that I got! I love the feminine flower print beads and the sweet little fox!

I'm not usually one for fake nails, but when I saw the aztec pattern and two of my favorite colors I was sold!

My Husband blesses me so much!

I was a little sad because Trey forgot all about a Birthday cake. (Okay, I'm totally spoiled by a Husband who always makes me a cake of some kind on my Birthday.) He completely made up for it the next day by making my favorite dirt dessert!

I think I almost set off the smoke alarm this year!

I have been blessed by God in so many ways this year but if you have been living in sin and disobedience to God, please turn to God and accept Him and the blessed life that He is just waiting to give you!

Blessings!

~Clair