My little sister, Gin-gin, emailed me a link to this wonderful blog. I'm going to share it with you. http://amybayliss.com/17-days-of-natural-cleaning/ Thanks Gin-Gin! This blog has so many helpful tips.
I've really enjoyed the little bit that I have read about the natural cleaning products, and I fully intend on trying the soap nut berries really soon! Going chemical free and making your own cleaning products just makes you feel wonderful knowing your doing things to make your family's environment just a little bit healthier, and that your saving money in the process.
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Holidays!
The Holidays went way too fast for me! First of all I didn't get to shop until the Tuesday before Christmas - and my sister and her family didn't get to stay nearly long enough, and the fun visiting with family and friends just went by in a blurrrr......next year, I'm really gonna do my best to be prepared for it. Anyway this is what has been happening in the last month.
Yes, I know the living room furniture is arranged strangely in my mom and dad's house. This is to accommodate the many children we have running around. We shove all the furniture out of the way so that we have more room to hang out. This picture captures a few of the children and grandchildren lounging around talking, and waiting patiently for paw-paw to hand out the gifts. We always have a Christmas get together a few days before Christmas to visit and exchange gifts.
This year at our Christmas Party, one of my sisters brought all the stuff to make Chinese dumplings.....they were a hit. She always shows me up!!!!! Grrrrr!!! The only problem was she couldn't cook them as fast as everyone of was eating them. Kass gave her a hand. Mind you, we had plenty of other other delicious stuff to eat as well. If you want to be a hit at the next party, try making these....here is the link http://plainoldkristi.blogspot.com/2011/10/pork-dumplings.html. Also, please note the video at the bottom. It explains just how popular these little dumplings were! Of course, much of it was just being silly together. I promise you we really aren't greedy little pigs! We just couldn't help ourselves!
Oh course, we went one night to Celebration in the Oaks-a family tradition. If you look close enough you can see Ave trying his best to stick his head in the alligator's mouth.
We also had our annual Christmas get together at Aunt Sharon's house which is always so much fun. Above is a picture of one of the Department 56 village houses that she gets us each year. My collection is the Alpine Village. I think I have about ten or so now. Aren't they pretty!
This time of the year always brings about the duck hunters. This handsome little duck hunter showed up at my front door with his trophies. I hear duck gumbo is so good. I'm still waiting on someone to make me some. Ave and Mil-mil (above) have also spent quite a bit of time outdoors cooking hot cocoa over a fire. For some reason they say it's much better over a fire outside. I don't know...I'll have to try it one of these days.
Lemons are always available this time of the year as well. My mom's lemon tree did so well. Her lemons make the puny little lemons from the store look so pitiful! So, we have been eating lots of lemony stuff this month! A very easy lemon pie recipe is: 1 can of condensed milk, about 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1 small container of cool whip, and 1 graham cracker pie shell. Mix the first three ingredients together, pour into graham cracker pie shell, and refrigerate for 1 or 2 hours before serving. So easy and yummy, too. My mother in-law really likes in because it has no eggs in it. 
Ave's gingerbread house from the church's Christmas party gingerbread making contest. I still think he should have won first! Just kidding-plainoldkristi's bunch are the bomb!
Ave's been studying healthy eating habits in school this past month. He made his own lunch on this particular day. He dug around in the fridge and this is what he came up with - the arrangement and all. Doesn't he have a prideful look on his face. We were eating hamburgers that day and he scorned our eating habits. Believe it or not, he said his lunch was great and ate every bite of it. The cup has vegetable juice in it. 
Whit helping Ave with his house.
Snoopy even seemed to enjoy the holidays. He is wearing a cute little outfit I picked up at Hudson's Salvage Store for only $1.80. I didn't think he would like it, but I think he actually felt quite handsome in it.
Yes, I know the living room furniture is arranged strangely in my mom and dad's house. This is to accommodate the many children we have running around. We shove all the furniture out of the way so that we have more room to hang out. This picture captures a few of the children and grandchildren lounging around talking, and waiting patiently for paw-paw to hand out the gifts. We always have a Christmas get together a few days before Christmas to visit and exchange gifts.
This year at our Christmas Party, one of my sisters brought all the stuff to make Chinese dumplings.....they were a hit. She always shows me up!!!!! Grrrrr!!! The only problem was she couldn't cook them as fast as everyone of was eating them. Kass gave her a hand. Mind you, we had plenty of other other delicious stuff to eat as well. If you want to be a hit at the next party, try making these....here is the link http://plainoldkristi.blogspot.com/2011/10/pork-dumplings.html. Also, please note the video at the bottom. It explains just how popular these little dumplings were! Of course, much of it was just being silly together. I promise you we really aren't greedy little pigs! We just couldn't help ourselves!
Oh course, we went one night to Celebration in the Oaks-a family tradition. If you look close enough you can see Ave trying his best to stick his head in the alligator's mouth.
We also had our annual Christmas get together at Aunt Sharon's house which is always so much fun. Above is a picture of one of the Department 56 village houses that she gets us each year. My collection is the Alpine Village. I think I have about ten or so now. Aren't they pretty!
This time of the year always brings about the duck hunters. This handsome little duck hunter showed up at my front door with his trophies. I hear duck gumbo is so good. I'm still waiting on someone to make me some. Ave and Mil-mil (above) have also spent quite a bit of time outdoors cooking hot cocoa over a fire. For some reason they say it's much better over a fire outside. I don't know...I'll have to try it one of these days.
Lemons are always available this time of the year as well. My mom's lemon tree did so well. Her lemons make the puny little lemons from the store look so pitiful! So, we have been eating lots of lemony stuff this month! A very easy lemon pie recipe is: 1 can of condensed milk, about 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1 small container of cool whip, and 1 graham cracker pie shell. Mix the first three ingredients together, pour into graham cracker pie shell, and refrigerate for 1 or 2 hours before serving. So easy and yummy, too. My mother in-law really likes in because it has no eggs in it. 
Ave's gingerbread house from the church's Christmas party gingerbread making contest. I still think he should have won first! Just kidding-plainoldkristi's bunch are the bomb!
Ave's been studying healthy eating habits in school this past month. He made his own lunch on this particular day. He dug around in the fridge and this is what he came up with - the arrangement and all. Doesn't he have a prideful look on his face. We were eating hamburgers that day and he scorned our eating habits. Believe it or not, he said his lunch was great and ate every bite of it. The cup has vegetable juice in it. 
Whit helping Ave with his house. 
Snoopy even seemed to enjoy the holidays. He is wearing a cute little outfit I picked up at Hudson's Salvage Store for only $1.80. I didn't think he would like it, but I think he actually felt quite handsome in it.For New Years, we celebrated in the usual wonderful way (I wouldn't want it any other way)--at church with family and friends. We do communion, wash feet (just as Jesus washed the disciples feet), have a party afterwards (yummy soups, sandwiches, and desserts made by the ladies), and run outside in the church yard at midnight to cheer the New Year in! I've also posted a video of the New Year's Fireworks in our part of the country. Nothing professional, just a bunch of people celebrating, once again, a new beginning. I must admit it does get a bit out of hand around here.
Happy 2012 everyone! I hope all of you have a safe, happy, healthy, prosperous, and blessed New Year!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Ave's 1st Hunting Trip
It sure is quite around here tonight. Today, my husband took Ave deer hunting for the first time. So far...no deer.
I sure do miss my funny little man. However, I'm sure he is full of beef jerky, will have lots of tales to tell when he gets back, and is having a great time. Hopefully, they eliminated the sugar from Ave's diet today because I'm sure he wouldn't be able to sit still very long if they didn't.
All geared up.
The rifle is almost as big as he is. My husband is wanting to buy him one for Christmas this year.....I guess I'll agree. Sigh....they just don't stay little long enough.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
We Did It - We are Getting Rid of the Chemicals!
We did it! We are getting rid of the chemicals. Well not completely, but as much as possible, and I can't bring myself to throw away the chemicals that I already have so I'll probably use those up first.
After searching the Internet, and arming myself with a list of healthier supplies, we headed to Walmart and Wholefoods.
Here was the things I wanted:
Baking Soda (I already had on hand)
White Vinegar (I already had on hand)
Borax (Found at Walmart)
Washing Soda (Found at Walmart)
Fels Naphtha Soap (Found at Walmart)
Essential Oils (I ended up getting peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil for now)
Coconut Oil (This is good for all sorts of stuff)
Arrow Root Powder (sort of like cornstarch in the baking section)
Vegetable Glycerin (I ended up not using this-it was sort of a waste-I'm gonna try to see what I can do with it)
A Few Empty Spray Bottles (Found at Walmart)
A 5 Gal Bucket with a Lid (Found at Walmart)
Lemons (From my mom's lemon tree-I planted one in the spring, but it's still trying to get established)
I also bought a few extra things not for cleaning. My big sister introduced me to pure Elderberry Syrup for colds. It really does help! It's all natural and contains no alcohol (which is a must for Kass)
So here is a photo of my purchases:
Next, we went home and got busy. It was too easy! Everyone wanted to help including my husband who critiqued the whole process, told me if he thought I was adding too much soap or some other ingredient. It was a family event.
The grated Fels Naphtha Soap. Ave had fun doing this.
He also wanted to be the one to add the hot water in the detergent bucket.
After trying on the deodorant-he did a smell test.
We stored the deodorant in these little plastic cups. We made some for all of us except for Gene. He thinks we are crazy. I wished I would have had some little bitty canning jars or some other pretty small glass container to store it in. Some people even refill their old deodorant containers with it.
I think this was the toothpaste we were making. It consisted of 3 tbsp of coconut oil, 3 tbsp of baking soda, peppermint oil, and one packet of stevia. The recipe also called for an optional bit of vegetable glycerin. I opted out because I read that it puts a coat on your teeth. I'm not a pro, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to leave it out to be safe.
Kass melted the soap for the laundry detergent (of course it must be melted in boiling water).
After searching the Internet, and arming myself with a list of healthier supplies, we headed to Walmart and Wholefoods.
Here was the things I wanted:
Baking Soda (I already had on hand)
White Vinegar (I already had on hand)
Borax (Found at Walmart)
Washing Soda (Found at Walmart)
Fels Naphtha Soap (Found at Walmart)
Essential Oils (I ended up getting peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil for now)
Coconut Oil (This is good for all sorts of stuff)
Arrow Root Powder (sort of like cornstarch in the baking section)
Vegetable Glycerin (I ended up not using this-it was sort of a waste-I'm gonna try to see what I can do with it)
A Few Empty Spray Bottles (Found at Walmart)
A 5 Gal Bucket with a Lid (Found at Walmart)
Lemons (From my mom's lemon tree-I planted one in the spring, but it's still trying to get established)
I also bought a few extra things not for cleaning. My big sister introduced me to pure Elderberry Syrup for colds. It really does help! It's all natural and contains no alcohol (which is a must for Kass)
So here is a photo of my purchases:
Next, we went home and got busy. It was too easy! Everyone wanted to help including my husband who critiqued the whole process, told me if he thought I was adding too much soap or some other ingredient. It was a family event.We made soap, deodorant, and toothpaste (although I'm not giving up my fluoride toothpaste-I don't quite feel comfortable with that).
Here is a link for the deodorant recipe we made http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar0BF6hMuGE. It really works! We love this particular recipe.
You can find the recipe for the laundry detergent at http://plainoldkristi.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-make-homemade-laundry-soap-step.html. I made mine a little bit different, but it made a little more detergent. I used 1 cup of washing soda, 1/2 cup of borax, 1 bar of grated Fels Naphtha, and essential oils, and 3 gallons of water. Besides that it is pretty much the same. I've even read some recipes that added OxiClean. Anyway experiment and have fun. It really is fun.
So now for some pictures.....
The grated Fels Naphtha Soap. Ave had fun doing this.
He also wanted to be the one to add the hot water in the detergent bucket.
After trying on the deodorant-he did a smell test.
We stored the deodorant in these little plastic cups. We made some for all of us except for Gene. He thinks we are crazy. I wished I would have had some little bitty canning jars or some other pretty small glass container to store it in. Some people even refill their old deodorant containers with it.
I think this was the toothpaste we were making. It consisted of 3 tbsp of coconut oil, 3 tbsp of baking soda, peppermint oil, and one packet of stevia. The recipe also called for an optional bit of vegetable glycerin. I opted out because I read that it puts a coat on your teeth. I'm not a pro, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to leave it out to be safe.
Kass melted the soap for the laundry detergent (of course it must be melted in boiling water).We have also been using the products to clean our house--particularly vinegar. Believe it or not, the vinegar smells grows on you.
Anyway, we had fun. It was easy, and we're feeling a little bit better about our household environment.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I'm Cheating....I'm Linking to Nekee's Blog for my Post Today
Today, I read Nekee's post about dad, and viewed the oh so cute video's attached, and just had to share a link to her blog just in case you don't have the link. Here it is.../http://theraymarkablelibbys.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-birthday-daddypawpaw.html. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I'm so proud of these little boogers!
In Addition I'd like to say:
Dear Daddy,
Milton O. Martin, Jr - Daddy you are truly the best daddy ever!!!! Happy 69th Birthday to the greatest man alive!!!!!! You mean the world to us!!!!! You've made a difference in so many lives. You have never been afraid to take a stand for what is right, and taught us to do the same. You are a wonderful example for us to follow. You never waiver. You are committed through the thick and thin. You are amazing! You are true! You are a rock for our family! Thanks for being that wonderful example. Your shoes are big to fill-but I want to do my best to be just like you!
I Love You,
Your Second Bestest (My Big Sister is the First Bestest, but I was born second so I'm his second bestest and that's okay with me)
In Addition I'd like to say:
Dear Daddy,
Milton O. Martin, Jr - Daddy you are truly the best daddy ever!!!! Happy 69th Birthday to the greatest man alive!!!!!! You mean the world to us!!!!! You've made a difference in so many lives. You have never been afraid to take a stand for what is right, and taught us to do the same. You are a wonderful example for us to follow. You never waiver. You are committed through the thick and thin. You are amazing! You are true! You are a rock for our family! Thanks for being that wonderful example. Your shoes are big to fill-but I want to do my best to be just like you!
I Love You,
Your Second Bestest (My Big Sister is the First Bestest, but I was born second so I'm his second bestest and that's okay with me)
Monday, November 14, 2011
Aunt Sharon-Need I Say More?
Just mention the name "Aunt Sharon" around here and even Snoopy gets excited! Aunt Sharon, the super aunt, who's favorite thing in life to do (besides spoil her very spoilt pets and our very spoilt pets) is to spoil her nieces and nephews--at least that's what they think! Trust me after Ave spends one week with Aunt Sharon, it takes me two weeks to bring him back into reality.
She is always there to offer advice, she's the best wedding reception planner ever, she's dependable, she's fun (lots of fun!), she's very smart, and she is always there when any of her family members need her in good times and bad. She is truly one-of-a-kind GREAT!
Another really marvelous thing about Aunt Sharon is that she really knows how to throw a fun party. Every year she throws a 4th of July party, a Harvest party, and a Christmas party for the family. We always have a wonderful time. She even lets the kids bring a friend to the harvest party. Well, this year, I thought that I would share some of the pictures from her Harvest party. The pictures are not in the best order, but....oh well...maybe I will organize them and re post them in order later....
This little fellow was one of Ave's guest-he's playing a carnival game. Aunt Sharon sets up carnival games for all the nieces and nephews and their guests to play--tickets and prizes included (the best prizes that I have ever saw at a carnival). Every one wins!!!!!!!
The cotton candy maker whirls and the kids get their fill of sugary stuff! Well even the adults do, too.
The space walk 
Putt Putt Golf Anyone?
How about a train ride?
Badminton?
Pin the tail on Hanna? Hanna is one of Aunt Sharon's dogs. This game was made in her honor.
Even the older nieces and nephews are allowed (required) to play.....believe it or not, I think they have just as much fun as the younger ones.
Just a little bit of her party decor...
A pinata. This one game creates lots of elbowing, fusses, and scrambling for candy, but of course it's all in fun. The big kids think that they didn't act like this when they were little. How quickly we forget. Ha!
Yummy Cupcakes...made by Aunt Debbie
Caramel apples...made by Aunt Tammie
Popcorn balls...made by Aunt Toni
and loads of this yummy stuff.
If the activity just gets to be too much, take a stroll to the pond and relax in the swing.
Snoopy just loves going to Aunt Sharon's. He starts whimpering and trying to get out of the car as soon as we get to her gate. It's so funny!
A close up of the top of the carousel. It lights up at night and lovely carousel music plays. The little ones love this.
Another picture of the carousel.
Ave peering out the mouth of the clown the bean bags are tossed in.
A view of Aunt Sharon's driveway.
These little boogers get so jealous when they see Snoopy running around. Unfortunately, they have to go into their play yard when company comes over.
Some of Aunt Sharon's pets.
Bebee-they can't wait to get the left over apples from the apple game.
Yes, Aunt Sharon even has rabbits.
As soon as the sun goes down, the bonfire is started, and it's time for hot dog roasting, marshmallow toasting, smores, hot tamale pie, and all that good stuff. When it is finally time to go home, everyone reluctantly piles into their cars with their loot, and usually there is a few tears from the younger ones, and lots of grumbling from the older ones. No one wants the fun to end. Thanks to Aunt Sharon for the time and care that she takes to make these wonderful memories for our children. We really appreciate
She is always there to offer advice, she's the best wedding reception planner ever, she's dependable, she's fun (lots of fun!), she's very smart, and she is always there when any of her family members need her in good times and bad. She is truly one-of-a-kind GREAT!
Another really marvelous thing about Aunt Sharon is that she really knows how to throw a fun party. Every year she throws a 4th of July party, a Harvest party, and a Christmas party for the family. We always have a wonderful time. She even lets the kids bring a friend to the harvest party. Well, this year, I thought that I would share some of the pictures from her Harvest party. The pictures are not in the best order, but....oh well...maybe I will organize them and re post them in order later....
This little fellow was one of Ave's guest-he's playing a carnival game. Aunt Sharon sets up carnival games for all the nieces and nephews and their guests to play--tickets and prizes included (the best prizes that I have ever saw at a carnival). Every one wins!!!!!!!
The cotton candy maker whirls and the kids get their fill of sugary stuff! Well even the adults do, too.
The space walk 
Putt Putt Golf Anyone?
How about a train ride?
Badminton?
Pin the tail on Hanna? Hanna is one of Aunt Sharon's dogs. This game was made in her honor.
Even the older nieces and nephews are allowed (required) to play.....believe it or not, I think they have just as much fun as the younger ones.
Just a little bit of her party decor...
A pinata. This one game creates lots of elbowing, fusses, and scrambling for candy, but of course it's all in fun. The big kids think that they didn't act like this when they were little. How quickly we forget. Ha!
Yummy Cupcakes...made by Aunt Debbie
Caramel apples...made by Aunt Tammie
Popcorn balls...made by Aunt Toni
and loads of this yummy stuff.
If the activity just gets to be too much, take a stroll to the pond and relax in the swing.
Snoopy just loves going to Aunt Sharon's. He starts whimpering and trying to get out of the car as soon as we get to her gate. It's so funny!
A close up of the top of the carousel. It lights up at night and lovely carousel music plays. The little ones love this.
Another picture of the carousel.
Ave peering out the mouth of the clown the bean bags are tossed in.
A view of Aunt Sharon's driveway.
These little boogers get so jealous when they see Snoopy running around. Unfortunately, they have to go into their play yard when company comes over.
Some of Aunt Sharon's pets.
Bebee-they can't wait to get the left over apples from the apple game.
Yes, Aunt Sharon even has rabbits.
As soon as the sun goes down, the bonfire is started, and it's time for hot dog roasting, marshmallow toasting, smores, hot tamale pie, and all that good stuff. When it is finally time to go home, everyone reluctantly piles into their cars with their loot, and usually there is a few tears from the younger ones, and lots of grumbling from the older ones. No one wants the fun to end. Thanks to Aunt Sharon for the time and care that she takes to make these wonderful memories for our children. We really appreciateWednesday, October 5, 2011
Mmmm Wonder What Happened to These Handsome Hunks?
I was just looking through some old pictures and came across this one. A little egg hunting anyone? I thought it was cute, and it also reminded me of just how quickly time slips away. Although, I still think my husband, brother, and brother-in-laws are handsome hunks (at least my sisters think they are), and more importantly great men of God, old photos just remind me that we must treasure today, treasure each moment, treasure each other, treasure what's important, live for God, and like my mother-in law quoted to me the other day (she said it was one of Sis. Tenney's old sayings), "Worry about nothing, and pray about everything!"It's true we should always remember and remind ourselves--daily--to place our worries in God's hand. He gave us just what we need to make it through each day. So sit back, quick worrying, enjoy your day, pray, pray, pray, and treasure every little thing and moment that God has given us. Life is just a vapor--we are not promised tomorrow--so enjoy and treasure every little moment that you can! ...And on a side note, don't waste a moment of it living STUPIDLY!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Happy Birthday to Two Sweet Girls!
Happy Birthday to two of the sweetest girls in the world!Today is Kass's 23rd Birthday - In just a few more days is her best friend's Birthday! I hope they both have a wonderful birthday and many many more!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
1st Day Back to School!
Today was Ave's first day back to school. This year my sweet big sis is going to be tutoring Ave. I'm so excited. She is such a sweet and patient teacher.
Anyway, she said that Ave had them laughing today. When asked if he knew his continents, he proclaimed that he did. When asked to name them, he exclaimed loudly, "You expect me to name all 100 of them!"
HAPPY SCHOOL YEAR!
Anyway, she said that Ave had them laughing today. When asked if he knew his continents, he proclaimed that he did. When asked to name them, he exclaimed loudly, "You expect me to name all 100 of them!"
HAPPY SCHOOL YEAR!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Dad's First Fishing Trip Since His Stroke
Although these are not the best quality of pictures, I love them. Monday of this week, my brother took my dad on a fishing trip. This was his first on the water/big boat fishing trip since his stroke. A man in our church has a really large shrimp boat, so he and his wife, his daughter, my brother, his daughter and son, and a few other young men went on a shrimping trip. My dad has always enjoyed these types of trips and went from time to time with fishermen from our church prior to his stroke. Of course, he was excited about it and seemed to enjoy the trip tremendously. Here are a few pictures of this trip.
My dad likes to sit in the chair at the bow of the boat and observe. I remember a really funny story about a time when a man from our church took my dad out on a fishing/shrimping trip not paying attention to the weather forecast (big mistake). The weather was awful! Everyone including the fishermen got seasick, except for my dad, who enjoyed watching the storm while eating a big bag of corn chips! No seasickness for him!
I love this picture of my dad!
A beautiful sunset.
My brother and my dad.
My dad likes to sit in the chair at the bow of the boat and observe. I remember a really funny story about a time when a man from our church took my dad out on a fishing/shrimping trip not paying attention to the weather forecast (big mistake). The weather was awful! Everyone including the fishermen got seasick, except for my dad, who enjoyed watching the storm while eating a big bag of corn chips! No seasickness for him!
I love this picture of my dad!
A beautiful sunset.
My brother and my dad.
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