Detergent-Friendships-P90X

This will be a short post. I think. I'm tired and should be going to bed. Isn't that the life of a blogger?
Anyhow, if you live in the 479 and either haven't already made or heard of making your own laundry detergent...well...you are behind in this latest trend. Now, thanks to my P&G days, I am a LOYAL Tide fan. In fact, I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to detergent. But! In the spirit of being frugal, I am giving a shot at this home-made detergent. My Mom asked me if it gave me a sense of accomplishment. And, yes, it did! It is super easy! I'll have the recipe posted on my recipe blog in a bit. Some ladies I know that are clean freaks are very impressed with the detergent. The cost breakdown will be on the recipe. Enjoy! Oh, and I think my super-granola friend will approve of my cost savings and eco-friendly attempts!
The second topic I was going to post on is friendship. Well, I definitely don't have the energy to get into that tonight. Let's just say that it can be hard to get closure on a friendship. But, sometimes you just have to do it...in love and with a sincere heart. More to come on this when I am able to be more thorough.
Finally, P90X. I am a believer. I've been doing it for a week now. With some days off in between. I can tell a difference in my mid-section...AND...I am able to fit in a skirt that is a size smaller! Ladies: Is there a better feeling?!?! Can I get an AMEN?!?!
The kids are growing, Chris is on his 3rd class of him MBA, and I'm keeping up with dishes and vacuuming. Life is good.
Sweet dreams.

P90X

So, I've been bitten by the P90X bug. I can vouch that it is showing results in 1 week! Hurray! For me, the problem with results is that I want to slack up. But, I'm determined to stay focused. Stay focused, Kitty.

Our home feels up-side down. We've moved the Little Miss into her room, moved the Big Brother into a big-boy bed, and the "office" into our bedroom. My house is in chaos! And, I don't know where to start! Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with a project that you just stare at it? That's how I feel. Like if I ignore it enough it will eventually all get back in its place!

I'm going to be making shrimp tacos this week. I think tomorrow night. I'll let you know how that goes.

And, yeah for Stellan going home today! Praise the Lord!!!

Yikes!

Sometime in the recent past, I remember hearing some verses out of 1 Peter that intrigued me. They weren't the main part of a sermon, more like supporting evidence. Anyhow, as I've been teaching Eli the books of the New Testament, every time I got to 1 Peter I would think "What was it about this that I liked?"

So, enough already. I've began reading this super short book this week.

And, I can't remember exactly what those verses were that stood out to me. Maybe they're in 2 Peter.

BUT! Don't despair. There is a TON of great stuff in 1 Peter. I'll leave you with this verse (trust me, it will get your mind spinning, especially remembering that to God all sin is equal!)

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." 1 Peter 2:16

Have a great weekend!

List of thoughts

So many things to write about! I get in the bad habit of thinking of all sorts of things to blog...only to find myself checking other blogs or (of course) exploring facebook!
So, I'll do a quick run down of my thoughts:
-I LOVE THIS WEATHER! I've taken the kids out the last 3 days! It just makes everyone happy to not wear socks!
-We had a great shower last Saturday for Kimber. Great turnout. Lots of loot!
-Abi's baby dedication went super well too. Lunch at Mom's (Mexican bar) was delicious! In fact, Chris said that was his favorite part of the weekend!
-Note to self: post pictures and recipes from the events!
-We went to the park in Bentonville yesterday - I love the play ground area!
-While at the park, Eli saw a lady with a stroller and was saying "Baby." The lady lifted the sun visor from the stroller and proceeded to say, "Are you going to have a baby in your home soon?" To which I replied,"He has a brand new baby sister in the stroller near the pic nic table."
-We left the park soon afterwards.
-The blouse I was wearing is now in the garage sale pile
-I did the first day of P90X (see three thoughts above)
-Not certain we'll return to the B'ville park soon
-I saw a minimum of 3 pairs of shoes I {NEED} WANT at Target
-I just made Abi several flower bows for her headbands. I am totally addicted!
-I also made presents for Kimber's shower this weekend (more to come after she opens them!)
-I cannot wait to take Abi to Hobby Lobby tomorrow to get more flowers!
-Ok, I need to do another P90X thing before nap time is over

-Oh, and because I can, I'd like to say that I am very proud of Miss California speaking her mind. Regardless if you agree or not, I think it's great that she didn't cave to pressure - and that in itself, is admirable.

WOO PIG SOOIE!

Shower time!

In just a few hours, we're hosting a shower for Kimber!!! Josh, Deb, and Ian arrived late last night. The kids are having quality cousin time!
Deb and I have been busy bees in the kitchen. Recipes and pictures to come soon!
Ok, time to get dressed!

Venting

I've been going thru clothes - weeding out maternity wear and switching out for spring/summer. In the process, I'm getting rid of stuff for our upcoming garage sale that will benefit our church's building fund.
I started this a few weeks ago and did pretty well. Emotionally that is. I was reminded of the cute clothes in smaller sizes I use to wear. Oh well, I've had 2 kids in less than 2 years. Blah, blah, blah.
Then, there was tonight.
I found another tub in the attic I needed to go thru. I became more annoyed with every piece of clothing I took out. Seriously? I have so many great clothes...only they're multiple sizes too small. And, some of them look barely worn. Ok, they haven't been worn in 2 1/2 years. But still, it is hard to realize the cuteness is no longer.
But, someone will get great clothes at the garage sale.
And, it has totally bummed out my day. If I believed in using stronger language, I would. I'm not in the mood for cute adjectives...just the blunt reality of the situation.
Yes, my children are healthy. Yes, my husband has a job. Yes, life won't always be like it is now. But, you know - right now I'm frustrated/embarrassed/stuck where I am.
There have been two recent events/comments that I've handled well...but tonight, they just feel like slaps in the face. Insult to injury.
Plus, I have to get up at 4:45 to drive to F'ville to donate plasma. Yes, I do this to help pay for diapers and formula and other necessities. And, guess what? My iron has been low the last two times and I couldn't donate/get paid. So, the drive did not pay out. I may loose it if my iron is still too low tomorrow.
I should go to bed now.

Easter

We had a great Easter weekend! OH! The rain on Sunday! It was non-stop! But, we survived and had a wonderful day!

Arise!!!

The grave is empty! He is risen!

I Will Never Be The Same Again

I've been singing this song all morning!

Here are some verses from my quiet time today:

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called up by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1:3-4



Continue the Great Pursuit.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord

Today I am thankful. Thankful for the opportunity to be a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. My life is at a very pleasant place. The Lord has blessed me with two beautiful and healthy children, a husband who works to provide for our family and makes us laugh, and family that encourages and loves on us.
During the crazy potty-training time, the Lord has been very generous in giving me "I love my life" moments. Eli and I played with cookie cutters and then made sugar cookies. I've waited for this for ever! Eli has learned his colors - thanks in part to his prize M&M's. Listening to Eli repeat the names of the Bible while trying to potty. Eli clutching to his Bible and running around the house. When I sing songs, Eli says "Jesus." And, let's not forget the Abi. Her smile and cooing soothes any irritation I may be feeling. Her eyes are so blue and shaped like her Daddy's.
So, today, I am thankful for ALL the Lord has done for me.
Eli's life verse is Psalm 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! This song played on the radio when we got in the car at 3am to go to the hospital to have him.......

When I think about the Lord

I love this week already!

I try my best to focus on the Lord every day...but, how can you not worship Jesus 24/7 during Easter week?!?!

And, let's start with a bit of praise...

Our church is 3 years old and we are building our first facility on our new property! We've got a long list of things that we need...and the money list isn't as long. This morning several of the committee chairmen gave updates on what's happening with the building process. We passed out the "Wish List" (includes carpet, tile, chairs!) and a prayer list. After church, a family (that has been visiting for about 2 months) approached the music minister. They have a Baby Grand Piano that hasn't been used in forever that they want to donate to the church!!!!!!!!! I get a bit choked up every time I think about it! What a HUGE answer to prayer! I just love...LOVE...when people respond to the Lord's prompting. It is such a blessing to everyone!

Oh - for you NWAers, I'm having a garage sale on May 17th with all proceeds going to our building fund. If you have anything to get rid of, I'd love to have it for my sale! Just leave a comment or email me or send a facebook message and I'll arrange picking up your "junk."

I'm going to borrow an idea from Kelly's Korner...I'm going to post a favorite praise song each day this week in honor of what Jesus has done for me. And, yes, I'm also going to post the same video she did today. This song ushers me right into the Lord's presence in about 3 seconds. When I think about the Lord, how he saved me, raised me, set my feet on solid ground - I tell you, Jesus has and is doing amazing stuff!

Bizarro Day

I have experienced EVERY SINGLE EMOTION today. No exaggeration. Eli woke up dry...yeah! But, shortly after it became very evident that he had diarrhea. Um. Very interesting while potty training. He was very cuddly all morning. I tried to lay him down for an early nap, but he never went to sleep. So, ofcourse, he wet the bed. I then went to put him down for another nap around 2pm. Well, yes, you guessed it. He didn't go to sleep. And, had an episode in the crib. HMMM. So, off to the bath tub for him. As I cleaned his underwear, I prayed for grace and patience. Literally 30 seconds later, I turn around and Eli has poured my precious cup of coffee all on himself and the living room carpet. Breathe. I tried so hard to not get upset and let the tone of my voice change - he is very sensitive to this. So, I cleaned him up and reminded him to let me know if he needed to go potty. I also prayed again for this day to get a smidgen better.
So, we were getting ready to go to CKO's parent's home and I went to put Eli in the car. Oh...the car seats weren't in the car! I was saying, "Could this day get ANY worse???" So, I took Eli back inside. Abi was already in her car seat on the table. I put Eli's car seat in and went back to get him. But, the door to the garage was locked! So, I began rumaging through the car looking for a key. Super Mom me, I consolidated my purse into the diaper bag...and didn't transfer my house key! So, I called CKO and told him to get home immediately! But, he was 20+ minutes away. I could hear Abi crying/screaming and Eli got very distraught at not being able to open the door for me. After about 5 minutes, he said "night, night." And I didn't hear from him again. So, I called 911. I figured the police were closer than CKO and they could open the door for me. My mind was going thru all the possible situations of what he could be doing. The two nice policemen began checking every window and door. I kept knocking and calling for Eli. I went to the backyard and, thankfully left my kitchen curtains partly open. I knocked on the windows and kept calling for Eli. But, he was no where to be found! At this point my Dad called and I lost it. It was an extremely vulnerable situation. I called CKO and he was like, "I only have 6 miles of gas left! I may have to run the last few miles." I was like, "Whatever! Just get the key here!" The policemen had some gadget to try and open the locks, but it didn't work. Eventually CKO arrived and well, Eli had gone to him room, pulled all of his blankets out of his crib, laid on the floor and gone night, night. Just like he said he was going to do.
CKO and I sat down and held our babies for a few minutes. I cried thanking the Lord for sparing us from my worst thoughts.
And, Eli hasn't wet his pants since! He has told us and gone potty ever since!!!! PTL!!!
We also had a bonus surprise for dinner at CKO's parents. Ben, Katie, and baby London, AND Uncle Randy and Aunt Beth came over to eat! It was a spur of the moment get-together that was a blast! Kyle, Eli, and I cooked a wonderful dinner!
Anyhow, I'm glad to be able to post that the day has ended on a wonderful note. Eli wanted to potty and love on his Mama. I was all for that! Thankfully, Abi is resting too.
Now for Mama!

More pictures!

Pictures...Finally!

Feels so good

What a day! Usually Thursdays are blah for me. But, I got some much needed deep sleep last night! And...Eli was dry when he woke up! So big!
As soon as he went down for his nap, I swept and mopped the floors! You don't understand how much you love ammonia until you are potty training!
Chris got some of my summer clothes down from the attic this weekend. I went thru some today. I am thrilled because I have clothes from last summer...and goal clothes! I am 2 pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant with Abi...so, now on to tackle Eli's gift to his mama! I chose a few of my favorite "old" clothes to hang in my closet as incentives!!! Do you do this?
I also went thru my closet and armoire and removed ALL pregnancy related clothes! I don't really need them...but I think they could be a crutch also. It's been 3 months and time for them to get packed up! I will save them for Aunt GaGa (I'm sure she'll love this pressure!).
So, I am excited! Colorful clothes I can wear now...and hopefully in a few months also!
Ok, the little boy is moving around and I need to take him to the potty.

Recap of Days 2 and 3

I.am.so.tired. But, that's partially my fault. Chris and I stayed up last night to watch Australia. Loved it. Would watch it again tonight, but I'm just too tired.
Potty training update:
Eli has woken up dry from naps and nighttime sleep for the last 3 days! That is GREAT! I would say he is doing average the rest of the day. He doesn't drink much - literally, I can't get him to gulp or even sip all day long. He's just not interested. So, it's hard to create opportunities for him to go a lot. But, he is getting his aim right. I just wish I could get him to say "Mama, teetee!" or just "teetee!" But, it's all about repetition. So, repetition we will continue!
Eli is in l.o.v.e with his Bible. This is not an exaggeration. So...to help the time pass while he tries to teetee, he is learning to say the books of the New Testament. It is the most adorable thing! I will try to get a video of it in the next day or two.
The kid has enough verbal skills to attempt Philemon and Corinthians, but not teetee! AHHHH! I just remind myself that it took him FOREVER to say mama...even though he knew who I was.
Ok, I'm tired, but wanted to put something out there.