Week 42 & 43

The past 2 weeks have gone by so fast! Sorry about not posting last week, but I didn't have internet! The cable modem finally died. We had to go 5 DAYS without internet!!  Can you imagine? Oh it was horrid. :) 

Then Adyson and I had the crud for a few days. Let germ season begin! I have added an extra vitamin C  & D tablet to my diet along with  B complex.  I have been watching a lot of Dr. Oz lately I love his shows. I like the new up to date medical information he gives. So I am going to try his immune system booster. 

Doctor Oz

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/easy-fixes-boost-your-immunity-pt-1

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/easy-fixes-boost-your-immunity-pt-2

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/easy-fixes-boost-your-immunity-pt-3

( I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I AM NOT ENDORSING ANY PRODUCT. This is simply the diary of my life that I am sharing with you, and where I got my information. Please do your own research!)

REVIEW TIME-

I have to tell you we bought a new Linksys wireless router a few weeks ago. I really like it so far.  It can handle 7+ devices at a time and comes with  the option of a Guest Network with its own password!   Also has PARENTAL CONTROLS!!! Seems to be working great for us! 

I also LOVE the body scrub I found on Pinterest a few months back. I thought I had put it into a post earlier but can't seem to find it. I have been using this scrub since spring/summer started.  I love it and have since started using it all over my body every couple days and so far this fall/winter season I have not had to use lotion! Just remember this is an oil based scrub so your shower/tub will be EXTREMELY slippery when you rinse. 

I also LOVE the facial toner I made during week-20-21-22. So I haven't bought facial toner since! I love the smell and the way it feels! I'm 1 step closer to a chemical free life! 

IOS7- still not working correctly. As you remember from Septembers Blog I was having issues with Photo Stream. I have uninstalled everything, reinstalled everything, signed in and out of everything. Turned permissions on and off. I am getting very frustrated with everything. Still no luck! Anyone else having issues with Photo Stream? OH and the newest update 7.0.3 still didn't fix the issue!!!! 

Movie reviews- I didn't rent any movies last week because I caught the crud last week. It's that time of the year to start taking your vitamins and drinking your orange juice! Oh it was horrible last week sinus infections kick my butt! The  it turns into the chest congestion from the nasal drainage, yuck! So I used the entire stock pile of tissues, that's right all 10 boxes! My poor nose was redder then Rudolph. 

FARM HAPPENINGS- there was a death on the farm last week. Adysons chicken went to heaven. She broke her leg. Adyson took the news better then I thought. It went something like this-

Me-  Mommy has some bad news to tell you. Chicken Girl went to heaven last night. Since she is in heaven now she is not in pain anymore.

Adyson- OOOOOHHHHHH NNNNNOOOOO! Mommy I didn't say goodbye to Chicken Girl. (she has a sad, pouty face. She thinks this over for a few minutes) so mommy when are we getting  new chickens?

ME- well I'm glad you want more chickens but we have to wait until after Christmas and then your birthday before we get more chickens.

Adyson- I get to pick them out right? And I want to paint the chicken coop with rainbows. 

Me- sure honey what ever you want. (Thinking to myself, I'm glad my kids are resilient) :)

REST IN PEACE CHICKEN GIRL

READING - I'm still working on Angels & Demons. Since I wasn't up to snuff last week all I did was relax so I'm behind, I know! What are you reading?

Find me on Goodreads.com

HOMEMADE-  Since being sick last week. I am  stepping up the whole foods/healthy foods in our house! As most of you know I do not buy "boxed" dinners. I am working on getting the rest of the processed foods out of my house. 

 So I am excited to announce that I have FINALLY used up all my couponing, stockpiled dishwasher tabs!!!  I found a recipe on Pinterest about making your own dishwasher soap. It uses simple stuff from around the house (well their around my house) So hopefully you can make some too! If you have made homemade laundry soap you should have most of the stuff on hand.

DISHWASHER SOAP-

3 cups Borax

3 cups washing soda

1 cup Epson salt ( I got a big 10 lb bag at Sams Club for around $8)
1/2 cup citric acid. (don't freak out, I found it in the canning isle of the grocery store. I used this in place of the "lemonade packets" or Lemi-Shine rinse aid called for in most recipes) around $3-$4. 

Mix all ingredients together. Use 1-1.5tbs per load! PLEASE BE AWARE IT MAY HARDEN IF NOT STIRRED EVERYDAY. You can break it up and still use it. Or you can get little ice cube trays and pour powder into trays & let sit out for 2-3 days to harden. Just remember to buy to use trays that have small enough cubes so they fit properly in your dishwasher & a container big enough to handle all the tablets! 

So far I like it! I've only used it a few times so it's going to be reviewed again in a few weeks once I give it a good & dirty test!

CRAFTS- With Christmas coming I have lots of crafts planned for Adyson to do! Thanks to Pinterest I would love to do Adyson's hand in the clay and bake it. I also love the idea of the Snowman Orniments. There is so many. But I REFUSE to push the holidays. So we wont be starting any Christmas crafts until after Halloween. I just can't wait. 




Hope everyone has a great week! See you next time! 

Week 40 & 41 Already?!

               My SEAHAWKS are doing wonderful so far this season. Yes they lost a game last week BUT they are still doing good!! (Sorry to anyone who has a losing team). I can't wait for tomorrows game, SEAHAWKS vs the TITANS! This will be a divided house for sure!

I'm going on day 3 of a nasty sinus infection, today it feels like there is an elephant sitting on my chest. I'm rotating vitamins and meds. Drinking soup, yes I said drinking soup!!! Of course I get sick while my husband is home. But I guess that is a blessing because he is doing a WONDERFUL job handling the kids while I relax in the bed to get as much rest as possible. Oh did I mention that I have gone through 3 BOXES of tissue? There goes my stockpile for the cold/flu season, UGHHH!!! I am enjoying the cold/flu tea that I found on Pinterest. Go check it out! 

Christmas is 74days away!!!! 

FAMILY TIME- We have found a new love this week. Our Wii. Did a family bowling tournament on the Wii, and had a blast! Made some nacho cheese dip along with popcorn! 

Can't wait until next time! We even had a visitor, my hubby's cousin along with his daughter! 

Brittany & Jackie 

Cousin Chris

Special Announcement!!!! -

I would love to give my blessings to my husbands uncle Larry &  wife Becky on their wedding/marriage. May your life forever be filled with many blessings. Love to you both and enjoy your trip to Hawaii!! 

MOVIES- 

EPIC- was a great kids movies. Loved it! About good & evil in the forest. Father & daughter who need to reunite. Will probably be buying it. AWESOME! 

The Croods- another father & daughter who work through differences. About being brave! 

World War Z- so it's a movie about zombies, starring Brad Pitt. Wasn't bad. But I'm not a zombie person. 

Iron Man 3- it's ok. I'm not an action girl. (& I didn't see the first 2)

One for the Money- was great! Funny movie & book! Loved every minute! 

Sunday's at Tiffany's- James Pattersons book turned into a movie. COMPLETELY different from the book, more funny parts then the book. I would watch it again! It was cute! 

 HOMEMADE-  so I made a tasty breakfast the other morning. You know fall is here and my favorite flavor is FINALLY in season, PUMKIN SPICE!!! So I decided to make pumpkin spice French toast! I've got the recipe pinned to my Pinterest breakfast board. 

Pumpkin spice French toast

(This recipe covers about 8-9 slices of bread, so I always double the recipe & freeze leftovers in quart freezer bags for those rush days ;)

Find it on my Pinterest board.

1. 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
2. 2 eggs
3. 1/2 cup milk
4. 1/4 tsp cinnamon
5. 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
6. 3 tbsp butter
7. Maple Syrup
8. Half of a french bread loaf

1. In a shallow dish whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice together.
2. Melt butter in a skillet or frying pan over medium high heat. Dredge french bread strips into egg mixture, allowing bread to soak up some of the mixture. Place into the pan or skillet and cook until sides are golden brown (or darker if you like). Cook on all four sides.

This Lady has a bunch of great recipes on her website go check her out! 

READING- I told you guys that I wanted to start reading books turned into movies. So I have started that goal!

Breakfast at Tiffany's by James Patterson.  This is not your typical James Patterson book. This is a book about an imaginary friend and how they become real. It was a slow but enjoyable book. 

One For The Money by Janet Evanovich- was hilarious! Loved it!!! 

Angels & Demons By Dan Brown- I just started reading and so far I like it! Hopefully Next week I will have it finished.

Well its time for me to get back to resting. Wish everyone a great week! What are you reading? What movies are you renting? 

Week 38 & 39

                  I'm sorry its been 2 weeks! You know how life can get away from you. The seasons are changing. Its finally getting a little cooler here. Does everyone realize that there are only 88 days left until CHRISTMAS?!?!?!?! I have already started looking into what the kids want.

Just a moment... I need to say Happy Anniversary to my Husband. 5 years ago this week we married. I have been blessed ever since. I never thought I would find a man a good as my husband. I'm glad I snatched him up. He is my everything. He doesn't have a clue the effect he has on me. The smile on his face lights up the room. I just can't picture my life without him. Happy Anniversary!!!

I must admit  I have been in a BLAH mood for a few weeks. I have not wanted to work out. Anyone else feeling the same way? Is it the seasons change? But I am going to say I have not been sleeping well at night either. I have got to get back on the wagon. So of course what better day to start then a Monday!

UPDATE- My husbands grandmother Mimi Sam has FINALLY come home!!!! She's been home about a week now! She is doing great and glad to be home. Thank you for all your prayers! Love you Mimi!!

Adyson enjoying her Mimi's back scratcher! 

IOS7 Update- Anyone else having problems with Photo stream not loading to your computer? I'm trying to write this blog and figure out what is going with my phone. I had to sign out of iCloud on the computer and on the phone, and sign back in!Ok never mind that didn't work either!
If anyone has a anything to suggest PLEASE DO!!! Very upset that my photos are no longer saving to my computer!!! 

HOMEMADE- So yesterday I was CRAVING brownies. so I dug through Pinterest where I found a perfect recipe for brownies. They came out gooey, and thick and fudge like. Oh I had 2 when they came out of the oven. The best part is I know everything thats in them!!!! Best part is you can make up the dry stuff ahead of time and put in a ziplock bag and add wet stuff when you are ready to bake.

My dessert board on Pinterest. Keep in mind this is homemade. So the batter is much thicker then store bought.

My Version of Homemade Brownies-

2/3 cup cocoa
2 cup sugar
1 & 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick melted butter + enough vegtable oil to make 1 cup
1/4 water
1/4 vegetable oil (yes 2 different amount of oil)

Mix together. Grease 9x13 pan. bake 360 for 22-27 min depending on how gooey you want them.

Oh did I mention they were AWESOME!!!

So Adyson has been into Cat in the Hat lately. She read Green Eggs and Ham SEVERAL times over the last 2 weeks. So she decided she wanted to try to eat green eggs and ham. So I made some for her.

                             

So because my eggs and ham didn't look EXACTLY like the book she wouldn't eat them. But at least I tried. 



READING- I've read the Fifty Shades of Grey series- I LOVED IT! (Besides the obvious sexual content which is not a big deal to me) I loved how the story had a real purpose. 2 people who have issues and learn to work through them. I just had to see what all the hype was about. I really liked the actual story throughout the series! Which leads me to my next question of HOW are they going to turn this into a movie? Cause 75% of the first book Fifty Shades of Grey is sexual content. So it will be interesting. Oh & after reading the books I can NOT picture the cast they have hired for the roles in the movie.

Next on my reading list is Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson. The movie came on last weekend so I DVR'd it. So I think from now til the end of the year I'm going to read books turned movies. I'll read the books & watch the movies. I've always wanted to do this! Please post in the comments below for suggestions!

You can look me up on Goodreads
You can also be a Nook friend, trying to figure out how to throw a link out there but can't find one.

Anyone have any suggestions?

MOVIES- 

Life of Pi- I've tried to watch it 2 times & fall asleep within 15 minutes. I just don't understand what all the hype is about with this movie. 

Sorry this post is so short. I really need to keep better track of things and use the app on my phone. I know I have more to say, but nothing comes to my mind. Well until next time!!!! 

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Week 37 Its Football time!

                                     I hope everyone had a great week! Mine went OK. I had a few bumps in the road but I over came them. I have a love hate relationship with Fall. I love the idea of cooler weather, but with that comes preparing everything outside for the up coming winter. And me preparing to stay indoors for 4 months... UGHHHH... But I love FOOTBALL. I can't wait to see how my Seattle Seahawks do this year! GO SEAHAWKS! 


CRAFTING-  So last week to go with my Halloween Village for Grandma I also made her some decorative soaps for her bathroom. I shipped it Tuesday so she should get it this week! I wish I could be there when she opens it. 
I took the Glycerin Soap and melted it. It only took 1 small cube per soap(I bought a 5 lbs bag at the craft store for $18)

Then I added 2 yellow drops & 1 red drop of soap dye 

Then added the critters to the soap while the soap was still liquid.  

FARMING-  When the weather starts cooling off we start preparing for the winter. This weekend we made sure the hose pipes to the animal water was properly set up for winter. The electric cords for heat lamps ready to go. Also everyone got their Permethrin sprays. The cow stalls were cleaned out and muck dumped in the garden. 


 NO CHEMICALS-  I have done some pinning on Pinterest lately and I created what I feel is an AWESOME recipe for HOMEMADE cocoa! Pinterest Drinks So far I think its wonderful and simple to make. I had all the ingredients to make it. I read through all the different versions and tried a few. I tasted a few too. The ones that call for chocolate pudding mix in the cocoa I thought were a little gritty. So maybe the pudding doesn't dissolve? But I cut it out the 2nd time I made it, and LOVED it. I ALWAYS use milk instead of water to make hot cocoa, I love the creamy texture when I use milk. I haven't tried my recipe using water but its good with hot milk or coffee! 

Please understand when you make something HOMEMADE it does taste a little different then the commercial brand.  It took about 2-3 times of drinking it to "adjust" to the flavor now I love it!

My Homemade Cocoa (You can make this easily in bulk.)

Equal parts-

-Powdered Sugar
-Powdered Milk
-Unsweetened Cocoa
                                                                        


Mix all together. I measure out just over 1/4 cup of cocoa mix to 1 cup hot milk/coffee. Enjoy!!!!



MOVIES- 

Beautiful Creatures- is a great movie. Reminded me a little bit of Bewitched (the 1960's TV series) because her family doesn't approve of the relationship to a "mortal". It was a nice movie. 

End of Watch- WOW the language in this movie! Its basically the show COPS turned in to a movie. I liked the idea behind the movie very real scenes. I liked it, just NOT for young ears.When your 15 year old says " wow this movie has some language," you know its bad.

 READING- I know I'm in so much trouble. I still haven't read a book. Its been 3 weeks now? I'm going to start 50 Shades of Grey tonight!!!!

MUSIC-  I know I'm in trouble for this too! I am scheduling time to do this, this week. I'm tired of putting it off. I want to learn some Christmas music this year.

 GAMES-  Where's my Water? and Turtle Trek have become Adysons favorite games. When Jackie came home this weekend he introduced Adyson and Brittany to Minion Rush. Now all 3 of them are addicted to it! 

 SMOKE FREE----- ON SEPTEMBER 17 IT WILL BE 2 MONTHS SMOKE FREE!!

ENERGY EFFICIENT-  So is it just me trying to be energy efficient or is everyone trying? I am doing my best to switch out light bulbs to the new energy ones as the old bulbs blow out. But I HATE the new bulbs. To me they are not bright enough? Is anyone else having this problem? Please tell me I'm not the only one. I have tried the "bright" and the "day light" bulbs they just are not bright enough for me. What do you think?

I wanted to give a my daughter a shout out HAPPY 15 TH BIRTHDAY BRITTANY!!!!! I love you and I am very proud of you! I am glad to have you in my life. 

Brittany and Noah. We took them to Red Lobster for her Birthday! 

Until next week, enjoy yourself and life! Don't let moments pass you by. 

Week 31 School Starts

Well we are back from Florida, it was bitter sweet leaving. I miss the beach and relaxation, but I missed home even more. We got our school shopping done before we left so I didn't have that to worry about that. Now I've been playing catch up for the last week. Tending the garden, playing with the animals, Brittany mowing all the yards, etc. and ALL THAT LAUNDRY!!! But the trip was worth every minute. 

I've already been scoping out what the kids want for Christmas! Since there is 145 shopping days left. I think we are going to keep things simple this year, but we'll see as we get closer to Christmas. I'm getting ready to start my fall projects. One of them I found on Pinterest, and looks really cool. I'll be making a Halloween Villiage as a birthday present for someone special to me! I post before and after pics!

While down in Florida and learning to SUP (see pics from week 30) I wanted a waterproof case. After 3 days of non-stop research I finally settled on the Lifeproof fre case. I chose this case for several reasons.
1- Lifeproof has the most accessories for the case. This way I don't have to take the case on/off the phone all the time. Example- Lifeproof makes an armband for the case, so I can go running with my phone using the waterproof/dustproof armband, I can buy waterproof headphones and go SUP while listening to music! If I am going to pay $75 for a case I want it to have the best options/accessories available.
2- The best ratings for waterproofing. I have taken my phone in the ocean, shower (to listen to music) and have had a wonderful experience. If you are going into deep water, the case is only rated for a 6 foot drop into the water. So I bought 2 of those floats you use to keep your boat keys from sinking, and hooked it to my phone worked like a charm, my phone didn't sink more then about 6 inches!!! Very pleased.
3- Phone options available, meaning I can use the camera, volume buttons, etc without having to "unplug" a port/button to use my phone. 
4- Best color options. I wanted something bright and colorful, especially since I knew I would be in the ocean I wanted to see my phone if it fell. So I got "hot pink"! 
The only draw back to this case is the sound. By that I mean that the sound/call sounds a little muffled, until you get used to it. I can hear everyone, they can hear me just fine. The ringtones/music sound a little muffled but I have already gotten used to it, now it sounds normal to me. I am totally willing to give up a little sound to know that I can drop my phone in the sink, ocean or where ever and know it's waterproof! 

LOVE IT !!!

I can't believe Brittany started high school this year! She is growing up so fast. 

2nd day of 9th grade! (I missed the 1st day because the bus came 15 min early)

EATING HEALTHY- So I was playing around and also reading about fitness and nutrition while we were in Florida. I came up with this AWESOME snack. 

Banana dipped in peanut butter, then roll it in granola, now drizzle some honey on top!!!! YUMMY!!!! I can only eat 1 banana when its dipped, rolled and drizzled on, so filling!

We are doing great at eating healthy. I am drinking smoothies for breakfast and the possibilities are endless. My favorite so far is:

Strawberries

blueberries

spinach

greek yogurt

granola/oats

fruit juice

protein powder

Put in a blender and blend until smooth!! Yummy!!

I'M STILL SMOKE FREE- ALMOST 3 WEEKS NOW. I FEEL GREAT!!! 

EXERCISING- very proud to say I have gotten up at 515 the last 2 mornings and worked out. Just some floor exercises. Its only 15 minutes, which I can only do HALF. I did not realize how out of shape I was until I attempted to do this video. I must say it targets the main muscles (legs, arms, back, abs) so I will start slowly over the first few weeks and work my way up. I also found a cool Podcast on my Iphone. Its called PodRunner Intervals its FREE. The set I'm listening to is "First day to 5k". Its a Podcast you can listen to and it tells you when to walk, jog, sprint, etc and times you along with plays the music for you! Go check it out! 

 

Well until next week, have a great weekend!!! 

Yes this is Adyson wearing 5 inch wedges, she thought she needed these! 

HALF WAY THROUGH THE YEAR!

Sorry I'm a few weeks behind, I'm traveling again! Weeks 26-29 have gone by too fast. 
Does anyone realize we are half way through this year already? Or in shopping terms 159 days til Christmas ?!?! I'm just as shocked as you are, where does the time go? I'm going to review my goals that I posted back in January. Make it Count is where my goals are listed. It's been the biggest challenge just keeping up with day to day life, but worth every moment.

QUIT SMOKING- was my most important goal to accomplish this year. It took me a few tries and attempts. This last time I really had to put my mind to it. I did buy the BLU e-cig to help me. No smell, no smoke, tastes OK. So I'm proud to say I have been cigarette free for almost a WEEK! I'm also proud to say my husband has quit smoking too (he quit first)!

FAMILY TIME-Over the last 6 months we have enjoyed more family time.We don't have to  "concentrate" Wow 6 months, time flies when you are having fun! We did our annual party for 4th of July. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I made my famous Cajun Chicken Lasagna and my husband lights the fireworks. We had about 40 people come and enjoy the show. 

GETTING ORGANIZED- I'm proud to say every room has been organized. I started with the Kitchen in January. In March/April I did my daughter's room. The living room and dining room, well there's nothing to organize. I'm thankful I had the time to do all the little projects this year. 

EAT HEALTHY- Meal planning hasn't worked yet (especially) through the summer. I am finding TONS of healthier choices about food. I love the one with Greek yogurt. instead of buying sour cream, I have been substituting Greek yogurt for everything. Let me tell you the Greek in the BIG containers, is not as thick as the Greek in the small/individual fruit containers. 
I still haven't replaced my breadmaker. Oh how I miss my breadmaker. But since the end of the breadmaker era, we have turned to wraps! and those sandwich thins. YUMMY!!!
I have discovered smoothies! I have made all types in the last month!
Need to work on meal planning!!! 

GET IN SHAPE- I have exercised around the farm, shoveling, raking, gardening, but no actual workouts. Going to Florida in June and July and swimming, playing in the ocean, walking everywhere helps. I'm reading my fitness magazines that I subscribe to, SHAPE, Women's Health, Fitness.  I bought a spiral notebook for the workouts I find in the magazines. I cut out the ones I like and glue them into the notebook! So I don't have to keep all the magazines. 

READ MORE- According to my count I have read 22 books this year. And since I have been piling my magazines up in the floor for 4 months, if I counted 3 mags per month x 4 months = 12 mags I have read in the last week. But I have discovered iTunes U, and Podcasts on my iPhone. I have been reading about nutrition and exercise while on the go!

So I'm a little behind but still better then I thought I would be! I'm reading a new book by Carly Phillips "Perfect Fling" its funny, romantic and I love it! 

BRAIN GAMES- I fell off this wagon. I play these at least once a week (the goal was 10 minutes per day). The "good" brain game apps require a monthly/annual subscription. 

THINK, BE, ACT POSITIVE- I want to create a more positive life. Start thinking, being, acting more positive. This has worked great, trying to see the good in ALL situations. Sometimes its very tough to stay calm and positive. I think I have managed pretty well this year.

CRAFTS- We have found a few things off Pinterest, especially when it comes to the organizing projects. We have made soaps, arts and crafts and when we come back from vacation we will be working on our Halloween decorations and costumes!

MUSIC- I have practiced a little but not nearly enough. I LOVE my keyboard, I just need to plan better, or schedule time for me to play.

NO CHEMICALS- I have been doing a GREAT job of tackling this goal. I am slowly working our way to a chemical free house. We have made our own soap, laundry soap, kitchen cleaner, fabric softener, baby wipes, face wipes, facial toner. We are using up the last of the "store bought" cleaners, hopefully by the end of the year the cleaners will be gone.

GARDENING- I did have my own garden this year! I learned a lot from this. In my garden the "sister" gardening (planting corn, squash and pole beans together) did NOT work.  The idea is the beans grow up the corn stalks, (so you don't have to put up poles) and the squash plant grows at the base to keep out the rabbits and critters. Well the beans took over the corn, and bent the stalks, so we have corn stalks but no corn! My tomato & pepper plants took FOREVER to take off (remember I started them inside, and transplanted them week 2) once they were outside. My toms were about 6 inches tall when I planted them in May, they are just now producing some green toms!!!!

I have learned that creating a blog for all to see has made a huge impact in my life. Going through these goals with you guys makes the challenge all the greater. Being honest about what goals I have accomplished and failed makes me realize what I need to work on. I'm going strong, I am going to finish the year strong!

How are you doing with your goals? Have a great weekend!

Adyson Brittany and Jackie, painting Chicken's coop light purple.

Week 17, 18 19..

I know its been 3 weeks!!! I'm so sorry!!! Its been a busy couple of weeks. (Well except for the RELAXING weekend I had after week 16) Adyson has finally opened her mouth for the dentist, after going every 6 months for 3 years she finally opened her mouth! I am so proud of her!

FARM HAPPENINGS- The vet came out and checked the cows over again and dehorned them. Both of my girls are doing wonderful and finally have all their shots


UPDATE-----
From week 15 & 16  when I had the issue with my dryer, I am happy to say that my dryer is still running fine and I was able to save myself about $200! 

CRAFTS- I found at Hobby Lobby what is called a "Melt & Pour" soap. This means the soap has already been made & cured. It also means its a softer soap so you can melt it and pour it into your own molds and make cute little soaps. I bought a Goat's Milk soap ($ 8.50 for 2 pounds) and Glycerin (the clear soap, $17.50 for 5 pounds) a 3 pack of soap coloring ( $4 for 3 pack red, blue, yellow) and 2 different fragrances( $2 each). The kids and I came home and had a BLAST melting the soap chunks in the microwave and adding dye, fragrance and pouring them into the different molds. For the molds I went to the Dollar Tree and bought the "travel" soap holders, and small/snack size tupperware. Now that Adyson has her own soap it takes her FOREVER to wash her hands, or take a bath. Not to mention the soap at Hobby Lobby has less ingredients in them!

I added a few sharks to the mix! 

 

I bought the rubber duck at the dollar store, and melted goat's milk soap and stuck the duck on top of the soap. This is my nephews birthday present! 

 



FAMILY TIME-  has been going great! Even simple things bring a family closer together. Dad decided to bust it out "old school" with the coloring books!

 

Then Dad figured out to hook Adyson's powerwheels Jeep to her wagon & had a "tractor & jeep" race through the front yard! 

 


HOMEMADE- When I got the bright idea to make my own laundry soap see week 6 I never thought it would work out so well. I paid about $10 for all the stuff and it makes 10 gallons! And after some TOUGH testing I will never buy commercial stuff again. As you can see from the pictures I let Adyson put it to the test! I must admit I did rinse off the big mud clumps with the hose, then threw them in the washer right away. There was NO "pre-treatment" used.

 

After the HOMEMADE laundry soap! 

NO CHEMICALS- I am very proud to say that since JANUARY, I have NOT BOUGHT STORE BREAD!! I love the way my house smells when my bread is cooking! I'm not trying to take all the credit, I do use a bread maker, but all the different types of bread you can make. I have a dough setting on my bread maker, so I can make pretzel bites, pizza dough and many other things. For Mother's Day my husband and kids got me a KITCHENAID stand mixer! I was so excited, I 'll let you know what I create as I go along. 

GARDENING- remember the African violets that I planted in January.How I grew African Violet shoots I was DETERMINED to grow more African violets and succeeded!!! It took longer then the 6-8 weeks to get the shoots to come up BUT they still came up. I planted the leaf cuttings in African Violet soil, then put the little planter in a gallon size ziplock bag to create a "greenhouse" effect. I planted 6 leaves. 2 have rotted away, 2 are still green, 1 looks like its trying and the final 1 SPROUTED!!! ( top middle plant, see the little leaves?)

My African Violet shoots!! about 12 weeks after planting!

We have 1/2 of our little garden planted. I already see the squash coming up. The tomato & green pepper plants have survived all the rain we have gotten the last couple weeks! Still waiting for corn to pop up! My strawberries have started blooming! I can't wait for my strawberries, so I can make jam.

I started a bunch of herbs inside, tarragon, rosemary,parsley, sage, basil, oregano, thyme. All have sprouted & transplanted into bigger pots. Now I have lavender, dill, & mint.

MOVIES-

Argo- it's a great movie, a little slow but based on a true story!
Hope Springs- funny, loved all the characters!

Did I miss anything? It always feels like I am forgetting to tell you guys something. Leave me a comment and let me know. In the meantime have a great weekend

HAPPY GARDENING!