Our Crazy Life: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Homemade Pizza

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Gumbo - thanks to my wonderful friend Robert!!

Tuesday: Meatloaf

Wednesday: Fried Fish

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Hot Dogs

Saturday: BBQ Chicken

Sunday: Fried Pork Chops

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Do you ever cringe every time you have to buy a bottle of laundry soap? I know I sure did. It just seemed like a waste to spend that much money on something that didn't work as good as I thought it should.

I decided I was going to give homemade laundry detergent a try. So far, I love it!! Although it doesn't suds up like your traditional soap, it does it's job without all of that hoopla!

I had searched many places for a great recipe...and they all were pretty much the same with exception of a few ingredients. So I just figured, I would forgo any recipe I found online and just mix it up my way. This is what I used:

2 - Bars of Pink Zote Soap

1 - 4lb Box of Borax

1 - Small Bottle of Purex Crystals - This I chose so that it would have more of a scent.

1 - 4lb Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

1 - 3lb Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

4lbs of Oxy Clean - I had to buy a 5 pound box so now I have some left for other cleaners!!

You will want to grate the Zote soap using a cheese grater. I used a hand crank one instead of the typical grater but you can also use a food processor if you have one.

Then mix all ingredients together in a larger container. (I used a small storage tub)

Divide into airtight containers or use the containers of the Purex Crystals or any other old laundry tubs you may have.

You will only need 1-2 tablespoons of this at a time. I use 1 for a small load and 2 for a large load.

I also keep a small bottle of vinegar next to my washer to use for those dirtier loads of laundry and just put it in where the bleach is supposed to go, about 3 tablespoons!

This makes quite a bit and should last us a good 6-8 months, if not longer.

Total Cost: $24.91

Cost per month with homemade: About $3.50

Cost of a bottle of laundry soap: $7.00-$12.00 (I used about 1 bottle a month...we do lots of laundry)

So you do the math: which seems more economical, especially, if like me, for families who are on a budget??

Next on my agenda: Chemical Free Cleaners

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Improving Fine Motor Skills

I recently rearranged Avari's room so that it would be more functional for her to use. (I will be posting that redo at a later date) I set up her table along with lots of arts and craft items. One of the items I was adamant about was pipe cleaners and beads. I found both of these at Dollar Tree and picked up several packages of each. Using the pipe cleaners to string the beads on is a great way to improve fine motor skills and Avari enjoyed it ALOT! She spent lots of time stringing beads, making different color combinations and making bracelets for everyone!

I also picked up a couple of other items I've found to begin to prepare her for school but I'll save those for others posts.

What fun, innovative items/ways do you have for your kiddos?

Friday, February 24, 2012

Ash Wednesday

We attended church on Wednesday for Ash Wednesday services. This was Avari's first Ash Wednesday service. She is at the age now where she is starting to understand the services more and we try to explain it to her in a way she can comprehend. The only thing she didn't understand was why everyone had "dust" on their head. Lol!

Although, this year we didn't give up anything for Lent, next year, we are hoping to and to get Avari involved with making that sacrifice for 40 days.

Genesis 3:19
"By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

Monday, February 20, 2012

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: BBQ Chicken - Drive-thru fundraiser for the boy scouts

Tuesday: Bacon Meatballs

Wednesday: Chicken Spaghetti

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner: Pancakes, Sausage, etc.

Saturday: Kobe Steaks

Sunday: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Here's another great recipe I found on Pinterest! Even Avari liked this one and asked for seconds on it! You can find the recipe here.

Enjoy!!

Friday, February 17, 2012

When Daddy's Away....Day 1

Daddy is away for a few days. It's just us girls so I thought up a few fun things to do with Avari! First thing on the agenda.....Glow Bath!!

Avari thought this was the coolest thing EVER! And I wouldn't mind it myself!! :)

Not the greatest of pics, we definitely needed a few more glowsticks!!

We also had pizza for dinner and Avari got to eat hers in Daddy's recliner while watching her newest dinosaur movie! Bad Mommy....I know! LOL! :~)

I've got lots more planned...let's just hope the weather cooperates with us!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Saying Goodbye

On January 30, my grandfather passed away. In a way, I knew that it was the end but that still doesn't prepare you for when it actually happens.

When someone you love passes, it is physically and emotionally draining. I received the call at 3:30 am that morning and headed straight to my aunts house to be with my grandmother. At 4:30, my 2 aunts, cousin and I went up to the hospital to see him before the funeral home arrived. The rest of the day was filled with making plans and just being with family. The rest of the week was much of the same. I tried to work a little on Tuesday but really had no desire to be there. Funeral arrangments were made that same day, met with the pastor and spent more time with family. Wednesday we spent getting everything ready for the viewing that day and the funeral the next day. Friday, I took a personal day off. I needed that day. I was so drained. Anyone who has ever lost some one knows exactly what I am talking about.

Although we have said goodbye, his memory lives on in all of us. During this process, I learned a lot about him that I didn't know and now wish that I would have had a chance to learn all of these things from him.