Barefoot in the Kitchen and I Stepped on a Grape

Well I have done something I never thought I would do.  Yes- I am part of a multi-level-marketing company.  And I LOVE it! 

You see... it's not just another company.  It's a company that educates and empowers people to take their health care into their own hands.  If I can keep my family out of the doctor's office 90% of the time, then I feel successful!  Wouldn't you? 

So, what is it I am doing?  I just celebrated a year of being with the largest essential oil company in the world- doTERRA!  I teach classes where I educate people how to take care of themselves and their families with the use of Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.  Why?  Because they WORK!

Last summer, my youngest son got really sick with an upper respiratory illness.  Over the course of 2 months, I took him to 3 different medical doctors.  Now, I know that there is a time and a place for medical doctors so please know I am not "knocking them".  But for my son's situation, they were not helping.  They didn't know what was wrong with him... said he had allergies, he was fine, etc.  One doctor even told me he had "College Station Crud".  Is that even an illness???

After trying steroids, anti-histamines, breathing treatments, homeopathy, and more, I began praying and asking Jesus what to do.  I knew there had to be an answer out there that could help my son. 

Within the course of 1 week I had 5 different people come up to me independently and suggest I try looking into essential oils.  Okay.  I knew that I now had my answer on what to try.  But the questions still remained.... where do I start?  what company do I go with?  how do I know what to do and how to use them to help my son?  I felt like I had my destination but no map. 

One day my son got really, really sick.  He was having a hard time breathing, couldn't stop coughing, and was vomiting from the force of the coughs.  I knew this couldn't go on long before he would end up in the hospital.  I called my sister desperately who had a friend who knew a lady who used oils.  I figured "hey!  what could it hurt?  God told me to try EO's, so guess now is as good a time as any!".  Much to my relief, I got in touch with the "oil lady". 

I called her up and told her what was going on and asked if she could help me.  She said she could and told me to come right over and bring my son.  I finally felt like someone was listening!  It was late at night and she lived out in the boonies so I was a little nervous, especially since I didn't know her but I trusted God and kept driving. 

When I got to her house she welcomed us in and started asking questions.  I shared with her what my son was dealing with and she started putting oils all over him.  Within the hour I could start to see a change in my son's demeanor. 

I took some of the oils she leant me and promised to keep using them on my son.  Over the course of the next three weeks, and with the "oil ladies" help, my son got COMPLETELY better!

I was shocked, happy, grateful and blessed.  I still am SO thankful that the Lord lead me to essential oils.  I have seen testimony, after testimony, after testimony of success with the oils in my life, in my families lives and many friends lives as well. 

For more information on Essential Oils or for information on an upcoming class, please contact me!  Allison.flippen@gmail.com

also, you can check out my website at mydoterra.com/allisonflippen

Happy Oiling!

Since it's been almost forever since I've updated my life here on my blog, here I am updating it!  I'm not even sure where to start so I'll start with the now. 

There are some things I don't understand.  I don't understand why Lillie had such a horrific accident almost two years ago.  I don't understand why my nephew has Spina Bifida.  I don't understand why our friends just lost their infant son at birth.  I guess some things are just not for us to understand.  That's why we need a Savior.  Because HE does.  He understands.  He has a plan and knows it to the fullest.  He created that plan.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.  Plans to give you a hope and a future." 

Since I can't understand why things like that happen, I choose to trust the Lord.  It's not easy.  It's very hard sometimes in fact, but I have to.  I'll get lost if I don't trust Him.

Through the midst of the trials and storms, God is with us.  He did a miracle and healed Lillie!  He is taking care of my nephew and I believe that he will be completly healed on this earth one day.  He is taking care of our friends and has given them great faith.  He is also taking care of their son who now resides with His Heavenly Father in a place that knows no sin or shame. 

So I choose to PRAISE.  It's often a sacrifice of praise, but I'm not perfect so I'm trying. 

On another note...

We have decided to homeschool Katie in the fall for Kindergarten.  I'm really excited about it and am hoping it will strengthen our relationship. 
Katie and Lillie are both in ballet and love it.  They are precious to see dance and I know they are honoring the Lord when they do it. 
Zion is 1 1/2 now and wants to be included in everything.  He loves to follow Micah around and is 100% BOY!
Nathan Flippen is due in June and will complete our family until our kids get married! 

Micah's business is still surviving by lots of prayer and grace.  God is faithful!
I'm still doing real estate photography here and there and love it.  I'm glad to have something to do that challenges my brain and yet can still stay home with my kids.  Like I said... God is faithful!

Until next time.....

Do you ever have those super "akward" moments that you wish you could erase?  I do.  A lot.  =)

Today was one of them.  I would share about it but it was just be too akward to relive those moments of akwardness. 

Okay I was going to write more but now Zion is crying because he woke up from his nap so I need to go get him.  Hopefully I'll write more before next year!  =)

Allison

Last week, we took our one family vacation for the year.  We went to South Padre Island, Texas.  It is at the very southern tip of Texas just a few minutes from Mexico.  While we were there, we learned that tropical storm Alex was headed our way. 

Being the adventerous family that we are, we decided to wait until the day before they closed the bridge to the island to get a better idea of exactly where tbe storm would be landing and how strong it would be. 

On Tuesday the winds began to get stronger and the condos began to empty of summer vacationers.  It was really nice to have so much of the resort to ourselves!  We didn't have to wait to use the movie theater or the game room.  We definitly got the full benefit of the condo we were paying for. 

We decided to leave first thing on Wednesday morning even though we were scheduled to stay through Thursday morning.  The storm which was now a catagory 1 hurricane was quickly approaching shore although it would not hit us directly. 

Long story short, we stayed though the storm and survived!  We never lost power even though the winds blew up to 66 mph.  We did find out however that there was a tornado that came right past us.  Good thing I prayed against that!  God is faithful and protected us!  Thank you Jesus.    I am glad to be home though.

A few months ago some dear friends gave me the opportunity to pursue one of my dreams.  Photography!  I have always been interested in taking pictures and "capturing the moment" but then to actually have an opportunity to pursue it on a more professional level was an opportunity I could not pass up. 

I am now doing real estate photography for Keller William's The Shellenberger Team here in the Brazos Valley.  I LOVE it!  Micah and I have always had an interest in real estate but this is the perfect angle for me.  No pun intended =). 

I get to go to multi-million dollar homes and walk around taking pictures of the amazing architecture and floor plan hoping that what my eye sees through a lense will be enough to draw in the attention of a potential buyer.  No pressure, right?

I have also become best friends with photo shop CS5.  Fortunatly though, my camera is so amazing that I don't have to tweak too many photos in photo shop.

All that to say, I love staying at home with my kids and earning some money on the side doing what I love to do!

Sunday night we got a call from Micah's sister-in-law, Heather to come quickly to Austin- his mom didn't have much time left on this earth.  An hour later she was in the arms of Jesus. 

There are so many emotions and feelings that take place when you lose a loved one.  On one hand you are so relieved that she is with the Lord and completely healed.  On the other hand, the pain inside from a loved one no longer being on this earth to be in relationship with is very difficult.

We have had so much prayer and support from many people.  I can feel the prayers others are sending and the peace that is being brought to us from the Lord.

It's been difficult to communicate to Katie what has happened to her Nana.  She knows that Nana doesn't live at her house any more but in Jesus' house with Him.  She says it's a castle and now Nana is a princess and has a crown.  How true those words are.

Today I heard Katie "talking on the phone" to Nana.  The conversation went something like this:
"Nana!?"
"Hi!"
"Oh?  You're at Jesus' house?"
"I like Jesus' house!"

Then she called her Aunt Amazing.

How do you tell a three year old that she won't see her Nana here on this earth again?  Her Nana was one of her best friends.  I will do my best in honor of Cindy and for Katie's to remind Katie of the fun and special things they were able to do together. 

-Feed the ducks
-Go on picnics
-Go to the zoo and aquarium on one of the Tulsa trips to the cancer center
-Decorate cookies together
-Dig in Nana's purse for lipstick that only Nana would let her wear
-Nana would sneak her m&m's when Micah and I weren't looking

There's part of me that feels sad for Katie, Lillie, and especially this new baby- there will be very limited, if any memories of their Nana for them.

But, I am glad for the time we all had with her.  She was a blessing to me and I could not have asked for a more special mother-in-law.  Cindy always included me and respected me as Micah's wife and the mother of her granddaughters. 

Sleep has become a rare thing around here.   There is so much to do to prepare for the funeral on Saturday. 

We have written an obituary, cleaned the house, set up meals to come, gone through hundreds of pictures, scanned hundreds of pictures, picked out a burial site, chosen a special outfit for Cindy to wear, and the list goes on and on.  But, it has all been done in love and in honor of the woman that God so graciously allowed me to know for these past six years. 

May the Lord hold Cindy in His arms and grant her peace and love.  We miss her dearly but know that we will see her again!

This past weekend was a celebration of God's greatest gift to us, His Son, Jesus.  He gave up His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins.  Wow.  He loves us that much.  Could I love people enough to give up one of my children's lives for their souls?  Fortunately our God, who loves us more than enough, did.  He did it so we wouldn't have to.  He sent His Son so that we could live forever with Him in heaven.  In fellowship with our Creator.  Can we even imagine the true extent of that sacrifice? 

We drove to Austin on Saturday for Micah's twin nephew's third birthday party.  It was a blast!  Katherine and Lillie had so much fun playing with all their little cousins.  The weather was perfect and the fellowship of family was wonderful. 
Easter Sunday we woke up and has a yummy pancake breakfast.  We got to spend some special time with Micah's mom and all enjoyed watching Katie, Lillie, and the twins search for eggs in the backyard easter egg hunt.  Lillie was a little hesitant in searching for eggs.  She liked the idea of carrying her "purse" around while Katie just wanted to get one egg at a time and eat the yummy treat inside before she went on to the next treasure. 

It was a wonderful weekend filled with laughter, celebration and memories made.  Thank you Father for forgiveness of sins and the sacrifice of your Son.

About six years ago my sister Heather and I were taking a little road trip  to see our grandparents in Wimberly, Texas.  I was driving down I-10 and got stuck in a little Texas traffic.  Now this traffic wasn't the "city" or "accident" or "road work ahead" traffic.  It was just traffic where you could still go a decent speed but you just couldn't always get around the slower vehicles when you needed to.

Case in point- me!

I was driving a Ford Ranger truck and Heather and I were probably singing or talking up a storm when I realized what vehicle I was stuck behind.  Or more appropriately I  should say, what "be-hinds" I was stuck behind. 

All of a sudden it started raining- or I thought it was rain.  Nope.  We weren't so blessed.  INSTEAD it was a trailer full of cows!  PEEING and the wind was carring it to my truck!!!!

Heather and I were screaming and freaking out. We couldn't change lanes because of the other cars that were passing us and I couldn't slow down fast enough.  It was disgusting. 

Finally the cows bladders were emptied and we were able to find a break in traffic so I could pass the cows. 

We made it to our destination but didn't dare touch the outside of my truck until  we were able to wash it. 

Lesson learned:  Don't ever get stuck behind a trailer full of cows with full  bladders.  You will get wet.

Last Friday night, Micah and I decided to take a last minute trip to Houston.  After dinner we packed our bags, made a hotel reservation, loaded the kids in the car and started off on our weekend adventure. 
We arrived at the St. Regis Hotel in Houston late Friday night.  We unpacked and put the kids to bed. 

We started the next morning by stopping by Aunt Kim's house to say hello, then we headed off to the Houston Zoo where we saw Giraffes, Lions, Bears, etc.  The kids had a fabulous time! 

Later that day we went to The Aquarium Restaurant and ate dinner while watching sharks and sting rays swim by.  After that we took a horse and buggy ride through downtown Houston.

The next morning we drove to Kemah and then to Galveston to play in the sand and waves.  The kids wore jeans and shirts and were covered in sand and water by the time we were done.  Fortunately we had some bottled water in the car to wash them with and fresh, clean, dry clothes for them to put on afterwards. 

After a fun time at the beach, we drove to Grandpa's house where we ate dinner with Grandpa and Aunt "H".  We missed A.J. by a few minutes but we will have to come back another time to see him. 

The trip was last minute but a total blast and much needed vacation for my family.  I would do it again anytime!

It's hard sometimes when I see the amazing qualities my kids have and my hearts desire is for others to see them too.  My kids are far from perfect and they certainly have their sinful little ways that they are sometimes trying to overcome.  Here are a few things that have blessed me recently:

The other day I was sitting at my computer in the laundry room and I heard Lillie screaming (probably because she couldn't get down from the kitchen chair).  Katie rushed into the room and told Lillie that she needed to stop screaming.  Then she ran to where I was and pulled me over to our "House Rules" chart.  We have three rules:  1.  Do as you are told (obey), 2. No kicking, screaming, or whining, & 3. Clean up when you are done. 
Katie pointed to number two and said, "Mommy, that says no screaming."  I said, "Yes, Katie it sure does!"  Finally I was hoping she was understanding.  Then she quickly ran back to the kitchen and in her bossy little way told Lillie to stop screaming because the chart said so. 
Only time will tell if Katie has realized the rules apply to her too, but at least I know I'm getting somewhere with her.  I must say, I am proud of her for knowing what it said on that chart. 

Today I walk in the kitchen and Katie is singing at the top of her lungs about wanting Jesus in her heart.  What a blessing that is. 

I love moments when you see your kids ministering to other people.  When we closed on our Hemingway house last year, the realtor for the sellers had had a fairly difficult time through the whole ordeal of the sale.  So much so that during our closing she began to cry and let some of the relief of it being over all out.  Katie (who was only 18 months) went over to her and climbed in her lap and let the realor hold her.  What a blessing Katie was to the lady that day. 

I see Lillie in her own way growing up and wanting to do the right thing.  She is so tender hearted and wants to obey.  She has such a sweet spirit and says her prayers every night.  Talk about a blessing!!!!

Both of my girls have been "blessed" with a double dose of strong wills but I know that God is sharpening them and building them into the women He has created them to be.  I am so thankful and blessed that God has called me to be witness to them and to participate in their growth.

They are my favorites!

1 Large Onion, copped (1 ½ cups)

3 Garlic Cloves, minced or pressed

1-2 Tablespoons peeled, grated or chopped fresh ginger ( I used maybe a teaspoon of powdered ginger)

½ teaspoon ground allspice

3- 15 ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup orange juice

Pepper, to taste

Mango salsa (recipe follows)





1. In a non-stick saucepan, stir-fry onions and garlic in a small amount of broth, water, wine, or other liquid for 5 minutes, until onions begin to soften. ( I used white cooking wine and it was amazing!)

2. Add ginger, thyme, and allspice and stir-fry 5 minutes more, until onions are very soft. ( I kept adding the wine as it would evaporate)

3. Stir in beans and orange juice and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly. Mash a few beans with back of spoon for thicker consistency. Add pepper and serve over brown rice topped with mango salsa and crisped corn tortillas ( I used chips)



Mango Salsa


*I don’t like Mangos so I used peaches instead



2 medium-size ripe mangos, peeled and chopped (I used 3 peaches and didn’t peel them)

1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced

1 ripe tomato, chopped

Juice and zest of one lime

½-1 small fresh chili (jalapeno or other chili of your choice), minced, or hot pepper sauce to taste ( I didn’t do this)

1 Tablespoon or more of chopped cilantro



Mix all ingredients and allow to stand for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend



(Recipe taken from Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by C. B. Esselstyn Jr., M.D.)

Katherine has very dedidedly told me and Micah that she has a baby in her tummy too.  Every night she prays for my baby and then asks me to pray for hers.  I do.  Katie is insistent on the fact that both of our babies are going to be girls and that their names are Esther.  I'm thinking that she has been watching that episode of Veggies Tales a lot lately.  Not sure where else that could have come from....

Anyway, a few nights ago while I was tucking her in for bed, she said,
"Mommy, I need some scissors (which she used to call cut-ees)." 
"Why Katie?" I asked her. 
"Because I want my baby out.  I need some scissors so I can get her out." 

Ummmm.... not sure where she learned that all babies come out by c-section but apparently she thinks hers needs to. 

I then went on to explain that she does not need any scissors to get her baby out and went on to tell her in basic three year old language how the baby comes out when it is time.  She was fine with that and then choose to keep her baby in her tummy.  I'm glad. 

I love it when she comes up to me at random times throughout the day to rub my belly and talk to the baby.  She always wants to know what he or she is doing.  My usual answers include:  sleeping, growing, hanging out, etc.  Works for her.

I'm glad that Katherine has decided to go on this journey of pregnancy with me.  Should get interesting when my belly gets big.  Hopefully she won't think she needs to grow a belly too...

This week marks the end of 28 years of food habits.  Well at least it's a start to breaking some habits.  First of all, after a lot of research by my husband, he has discovered that it is the animal protein, not the fat that is the most potent carcingenic around.  Scary.  And the fat is pretty much like all other fats and that is what causes obesity and heart disease.  Fact in point: I was watching a documentary just last night on Dave Thomas, founder of Wendys.  In his late 50's or early 60's he suffered a massive heart attack.  At the age of 69 he passed away from liver cancer.  All during this time he dealt with unhealthy obesity.  Hmmm... that's interesting.  After doing all this research and then learning about his health problems, it falls into line with what he ate all the time.  Meat & animal products.  Now, I'm not blaming Mr. Thomas or trying to make a point through condimnation.  I'm just merely using it as an example.  During his lifetime I don't think any of this research was available anyway. 

I went to the doctor the other day to hear the baby's heartbeat and get some blood work done.  While I was waiting for my turned to get stabbed with a needle ( I hate needles) I looked around and saw with whom I was in company.  It was a few obese people scattered among some frail and sick elderly people.  I thought to myself, I don't want to be that way.  I don't want to spend my life sick and going to and from doctor's appointments trying to fix my ailments through drugs and medicine.  (I'm not saying anything is wrong with medicine btw). 

Did you know that 70 % of weight loss is diet related? 

So, hopefully I have you curious enough to maybe do some of your own research.  Here are some resources to help you begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle. 

1.  The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn
2.  Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., M.D.
3.  The New McDougall Cookbook by John A. McDougall, M.D., & Mary McDougall

When Micah's dad had a heart attack a number of years ago, he went on the diet for two years that Dr. Esselstyn recommends and it totally reversed his condition.  And his cholesterol dropped significantly. 

Research for yourself.  Save your life. 

Today was a new adventure for my family.  Since going on this whole "vegetarian" lifestyle I have yet to let go of my cheese...until tonight.  I have really been wanting pizza lately but was facing the whole cheese delima thing.  While at the grocery store early (yes, early- 7am early) this morning I found in the mock meat & dairy section this new item called Veggie Shreds.  Apparentily it is an alternative to cheese.  What the heck- I bought some.  After making very yummy, gluten & dairy free crust I added my pizza sauce and then came the time to put the cheese on.  Okay so I chickened out.  I mixed the Veggie Shreds and Sargento's Mozzerella (it was on sale- how could I resist???) cheese together and put it on my pizza.  The result?  A quote from Micah, "I think this may be the best cheese pizza I've ever had."  SUCCESS!!!!  I'm a fan of Veggie Shreds ( mixed with cheese of course!)  =)

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to go see Grease at the local high school.  One of the girls in my Bible study, Katy T. did an outstanding job playing Rizzo.  Bravo Katy!!!  Afterwards I joined another girl from my Bible study- Katie W. and her mom at a nearby Starbucks.  It was after nine o'clock when we got there and was 33 degrees outside.  Remember, this is a college town we live in.  Starbucks was packed when we got there.  People were waiting in a long line for their hot drinks to warm them up on this chilly night.  As Mrs. W. scrambled to get the only available table for us to sit at, Katie W. and I waited in line and tryed to decided which warm drink and pastry we would like to enjoy.  After choosing a variety of items to share we payed for our food and sat down to wait for our much needed warm beverage of choice.

After a little bit of time our names were finally called and much to our delight the drinks were warm and yummy.  Five minutes before ten, one of the workers came around to everyone in the coffee house and told us all that they would be closing at ten (*note:  Saturday night, 33 degrees, college town, packed Starbucks) and that we had five minutes to finish up. 

Rebels that we were last night, we kept sitting until ten after ten- just like everyone else in the shop.  Well I guess the workers didn't like that too much because at ten after another worker came around and told us all that we had to leave now because they were closed.  We needed to take our conversations elsewhere.  Hmmmm... Okay.  Another saddened patron asked the worker why they were closing so early.  Her response?  Because they couldn't afford to stay open later than ten p.m.  Wow.  It must really hurt financially to have a business in a college town, have a ton of business selling hot drinks on a Saturday night in 33 degree weather. 

We are our own economic failure.