Homemade Laundry Detergent

My official "stirrer" isn't she adorable?

Well, with Jeremy's job changes I have been re-inspired to try and be extra frugal. When Stephanie and Lindsay and I got together for our girls day they mentioned homemade laundry detergent. So, I started doing some online research and decided to give it a try. After feeling totally overwhelmed with all the different recipes and ingredient ratios I finally decided to use a recipe I found on the Duggar's website. I figured who is more economical or experienced with doing lots of laundry than the Duggars? Basically most recipes include three key ingredients Borax, Washing Soda (not to be mistaken for Baking Soda), and Fels-Naptha soap. I was able to find the Borax at Wal-Mart and the other two ingredients at a local grocery store. I also purchased a new 5-gallon bucket & lid from Wal-Mart. I didn't want to reuse one due to the chemicals.

We made our first batch while Grace was at her first day of school. Faith enjoyed being my official "stirrer" for the project. It was really easy and probably only took like 20 minutes, which would normally probably be ten. I am excited to try it out and see what I think. I will let you know. I am also contemplating making frugal "dryer sheets" and baby wipes.

If you are interested you can find the recipe I used here.

First Day of School

Some of you probably know that we were planning on Grace starting "school" this fall. Our Parents as Teachers program has a free class that meets Tuesday & Thursday mornings. We had started talking about her going to school, and my parent's bought her the "First Day of School" Leap Frog movie . But, due to a miscommunication we found out last minute she hadn't made it into the class. She would be first on the waiting list, but there weren't any spots left. It was a pretty big disappointment and especially hard on me as a mommy. I felt really bad I had pumped her up for school and then had to disappoint her.

I had really thought about wether Grace needed preschool and finally decided it was a good idea because she was missing her friends due to many of the circumstances in our life. So, this change of plans really caught me off guard. But, after praying about it I felt like even though it was hard and I didn't exactly understand it was God's best choice for Grace for right now. To be honest we had pretty much just quit thinking about school or it even being a possibility. Then on Monday we got a surprise. A student had dropped the class and Grace could start on Thursday if we were still interested.

Well, I feel like this is God's perfect timing. I only have one more week of daycare before I am taking a break till the first of May. Which means I will be able to take her to class & pick her up. (a requirement) I will also be free to volunteer once a month in her classroom (also a requirement) While I know this will be a challenge with a new baby I am looking forward to those mornings to do errands or walk with only two kids versus three. While Grace has missed having her daycare friends this fall I have watched her and Faith's friendship blossom as Faith gets old enough to play & interact. (something I've also prayed for!)

Grace was SO excited for school it was absolutely adorable. She woke up at 6:30 a.m. because she was so excited. She kept telling her sister, "Hurry up, I can't be late for my first day of school." On the way there she kept singing a song she made up, "Its my first day of school. I can hardly wait..." She loved it. The hardest part was getting Faith to leave, she wasn't convinced that she couldn't stay too. So, we came home and did our own "special project." We stirred up a batch of homemade laundry detergent (more on that later...)

She loved school and can't wait to go back. I am so thankful God brought this opportunity into our lives at just the right time. She told me all about her class. Her most interesting observation, "Mom, we didn't pray before we ate our food!!!" Just a glimpse of things we will navigate when she starts school for real.

Below: Grace's First Official School Paper, it had real goldfish crackers glued to it so I thought this was the best way to preserve it.

Surprise Baby Shower

On Tuesday our small group surprised us with a baby shower. Faith had the flu so we almost stayed home! But, Jeremy convinced me I should at least go and take the opportunity to get out of the house, and he would take care of the girls. (I figured he was in on the surprise-but he wasn't he was just being a great husband) Emily made this super cute cake of a baby. I will have to add a picture later since I didn't come prepared with my camera. It was a diaper shower so we got lots of diapers for the baby. Which is such a blessing on our tight budget! I brought home one of the wrapped boxes so the girls could open it up the next morning since they missed the party.

One of the couples got us a gift card for Wal-Mart. I was super excited about this because I was having a mommy dilemma. With Grace we had all sorts of cute outfits from her showers. Then with Faith I took Grace on a special shopping trip to buy an outfit for Faith to wear at the hospital. It was something fun we did together to prepare for her arrival. I wanted to do that again, but was having trouble justifying the expense. We didn't really need a new outfit, but a part of me wanted to continue this fun event and for the baby to have its own special outfit. The gift card was a great solution. I took the girls this week and they had lots of fun picking out a girl and boy outfit. We also choose some "boy" hats since we didn't have anything like that. I explained to the girls that we would return which ever outfit we didn't need. It was so hilarious. Grace kept saying, "Yeah, but we will keep the girl one mom." She is very determined this baby will be another sister. She says, "Mom, we love girls at our house." I continue to assure her we will love a baby boy or girl. We will see...

New Face Forward

This week Jeremy started his new job at Reliable. It is a lot of new. Since we have been married Jeremy has never worked in a non-ministry job. We've always eaten lunch together. Something we have really enjoyed. Now I am learning how to pack his lunch each day. And pretty much our entire relationship he has had his gottee. Well, one of the requirements of his job is a clean shaven face. We were all a little sad to see him have to shave... so the night he shaved it off we took some pictures. Grace especially is not a fan of him shaving off his "beard." She has informed God in her prayers, "I wanted you to give Daddy the other job, the one where he can have a beard." (we aren't exactly sure what job she is referring to) The girls are also missing having their daddy home all day. And I will admit I too have been spoiled by having my best friend home all day to spend time with. But, we are very thankful he has a job and we knew it would initially be an adjustment for everyone.

Our "one last picture" with Daddy's facial hair.

We had a "party" for daddy to celebrate his new job. We made a big meal and special treat for him. Doesn't he look younger with a clean shaven face?

We have also been dealing with the flu. Faith had it, then Grace got it, then Faith got it AGAIN. Then Jeremy got very sick and had to miss his 3rd day of work! Then I got the flu on Friday and had to survive a very difficult sick day while trying to take care of the girls. (Did I mention Grace started school on Thursday- more on that in another post...) And with a new baby on the way I'd say we are in for even more "new."

Despite the challenges and lots of changes we are excited for this new beginning. And it is interesting hearing all the things Jeremy is learning about pest control. He has got to see some very nice "HGTV" type homes, and some huge factories that remind him of the show "Unwrapped" on the Food Network. For someone who isn't a big fan of change I think God has brought me to a place of being ready for these changes. And I didn't think there was anything that would make me wish the baby would wait to come- but after this week I am VERY thankful the baby is still content to "cook" a little longer.

Adventures of a Two Year Old at Nap Time

As you can see from the picture above Grace & Faith don't exactly give in to sleep easily. So nap time is basically more like "quiet" rest time in their room. This has led to some interesting adventures.

Faith had her first injury that looked really rough. Her and her sister had a misunderstanding during rest time which resulted in her being shoved. She fell into her bedpost and ended up with a huge goose egg & cut on her forehead. (the picture doesn't really due the injury justice)

One day last week during rest time I heard Grace screaming. Jeremy rushed in to find their fish flopping on the floor. Faith had knocked over Grace's nightstand and the fish tank. It was a HUGE mess. A lot of their books were spread all over the floor resulting in wet books.

As you can see the tank was very green. Due to the holiday business we were really needing to clean the tank out. The girls' room smelled like algae water-lovely.

Luckily Jeremy scooped up the fish and we put them in a bowl with bottled water- they survived the trauma.

Humiston Family Favorites

Some of my girlfriends have decided to do a recipe exchange. We are posting five of our favorite recipes to share. I can't wait to get new recipes!! Here are a few of the easy things I make that my family loves.

Mini-Meatloafs

These are super easy and my kids LOVE them. Way faster and easier than traditional meatloaf.

Preheat oven to 375.

-Mix 1 lb. ground beef,1 pkg. (6 oz.) Stuffing Mix (any kind you like), and 1 tsp. garlic powder.

-Press evenly into 12 medium muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray. Make a whole in center of each.

-Fill the hole you made with ketchup or BBQ Sauce (I usually do a few of each)

-Bake 30 minutes or until meat loaves are cooked through. Top with shredded cheddar cheese & bake till cheese is melted.

-Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

You can also change it up with the following:

Italian- use italian seasoning, spaghetti sauce, & mozzarella cheese

Fiesta-us chili powder or taco seasoning, salsa, & mexican blend cheese

Super Easy Chicken Pot Pie

This is a very simple pot pie recipe, and you don't have to buy the expensive pre-made pie crust to put on top so you can make it with stuff you have on hand. Its not as fancy but we like it.

2 cups. chopped or shredded cooked chicken

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1/2 can of chicken broth

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables

Mix & put in 9x13 pan. (sometimes I split and freeze half)

Crust:

1 c. flour

1 c. milk

Mix together. Add 1 stick melted margarine or butter. Can add flour if needed to thicken. Spoon and spread over above mixture.

Bake at 350 for an hour.

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

This is a newer recipe. Jeremy doesn't like sour cream, so I've never made traditional stroganoff. This recipe calls for cream cheese so he likes it. Its a great way to use round steak which can be tough.

1 c. beef stock

1 can cream of mushroom soup

onion (i used dried minced onion)

garlic powder

1 T. worcestershire sauce

1 1/2-2 lbs. Round Steak, cut into strips (I've also used sirloin steak)

2 T. Oil

1 pkg. Cream Cheese (8 oz.)

Cooked Noodles ( I usually use fettuccine noodles, but anything will work)

Brown beef in oil in skillet. Put in crockpot and add stock, soup, onion, garlic, & worcestershire sauce. Cook and cover 7-8 hours on low. Before serving stir in cream cheese and heat till warm. (maybe 15 minutes). Serve over cooked noodles of your choice.

White Chicken Chili

I make A LOT of different types of soup in the winter, but I thought this one might be one less of you already make. You can adjust how "hot" it is by adding more red pepper.

2 c. water

1 c. chicken broth

1 t. lemon pepper

1 3/4 t. cumin

2 large chicken breasts

Bring water & broth to a boil. Add chicken & return to boil. Add seasonings. Turn to low and simmer 20 minutes.

Cut or shred chicken and return to pot.

1 1/2 t. garlic

2 T. minced onion

1 t. red pepper

1 1/2 t. seasoned salt

2 T. lime juice

2 cans white corn (or i use yellow when i don't have white)

2 cans green chilies

2 cans great northern beans

Add all and then cook another 45 minutes or longer till flavors combine.

Ranch Potatoes

These are very unhealthy, but super yummy. So we only have them occasionally. I make them with BBQ meatballs, porkchops, etc.

6-8 med. red potatoes (or I use regular if I don't have red)

1/2 c. ranch dressing

1/2 c. sour cream

1/4 c. bacon bits

2 T. minced parsley (optional)

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 c. crushed cornflakes

1/4 c. butter

Boil and quarter potatoes. (If they aren't red ones I peel them) While potatoes are boiling mix together ranch, sour cream, bacon bits, parsley, and cheese. Potatoes don't have to be super done just soft. Place them in a 9x13 pan and toss lightly with mixture. Sprinkle additional 1/4 c. cheese on top if desired. Mix butter with cornflakes and sprinkle over all. (sometimes I skip this if I'm in a hurry) Bake 40 minutes at 350.

*Bonus*

Cooked Chicken for Casseroles

This is something I do sometimes after I go to the grocery store. Then I have cooked chicken ready for Enchiladas, chicken & noodles, casseroles, etc.

1 bag boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 t. garlic powder

4 cups. water

1 T. dried minced onion

2 -4 chicken bouillon cubes (optional)

Place all ingredients in Crock Pot. Cover and cook on high heat 3-4 hours or on low 6-8 hours. Remove chicken and shred or chop for use in casseroles, soups, etc. Can be frozen in individual freezer bags and used as needed. If I put in the bouillon I will use the liquid as "stock" for chicken & noodles or a recipe that calls for chicken stock.

As you can see I tend to be a "pantry shopper" versus a "menu shopper" so I substitute stuff in my recipes a lot to work with what I have on hand. So, if you have any questions just let me know!

Here are some of our family's other favorites: homemade macaroni & cheese, BBQ meatballs & cheesey potatoes, fettucini alfredo, lasagna, home made pizza (i use my bread maker), sausage casserole, chicken enchiladas, breakfast pizza, Italian beef, spaghetti, ranch chicken salad, cheesey vegetable soup, & taco bake.

Baby, its cold outside...but come on out!

So...the weather has been freezing cold outside. And I am not even close to "ready" for the baby. But, I am so READY!!!! (that should make total sense if you've ever been pregnant before) On Monday I had a check-up and we ended up making it a family affair. It was fun getting to have Jeremy and the girls with me to hear our baby's heartbeat.

I am 34 1/2 weeks pregnant and getting very impatient. I just feel like I have been pregnant forever! At my appointment on Monday the baby was doing great and I am measuring about a week ahead (not unusual for me). I was discouraged to find out I've gained more weight with this pregnancy than any of my others, but it got me wondering if it would be a boy... Dr. Maple says the baby is head down and has dropped slightly. That really shocked me as both of the girls didn't drop a bit until labor. So, I guess we will just have to wait and see if these differences equal a boy or not?.

I was VERY relieved to hear that our hospital is still allowing sibling visits since many area hospitals have restricted any visitors under 18. The girls are getting very excited about the baby, and I'm so glad they will be able to meet their baby at the hospital. We are still working on finalizing our choices for the baby's name. I think we are pretty settled on first names but not middle names. However we did choose a "song" for the baby. The girls each have a song we sing them before they go to bed. Grace has been very concerned about what the baby's song would be. She has even made a few up, just in case we needed help. She recently drew this family picture. It was fun to see us as a family of 5-and I can't wait for everyone to meet!

Our Virtual Christmas Letter

Artwork Colored by Grace, age 3

Well, I am a little late. Usually Jeremy and I have a lot of fun thinking of a creative theme for our Christmas letter. Many of you we no longer live near and we both enjoy sharing with you about our life over the past year. However this past year has been extremely challenging. And no matter how hard I tried we just couldn’t get a traditional picture or letter put together. So my mom put together this artsy picture, and I compromised and decided to send our letter by the Internet instead. We loved hearing from many of you and the girls enjoyed opening yours cards, letters, and pictures!

Grace just keeps growing and continues to be VERY tall for her age. She will tell you she gets her beautiful curls from her daddy. But he would insist when it comes to personality she is most like me. She has strong leadership and negotiation skills that her dad and I are hoping to shape into assets for God’s kingdom. (not always an easy process for either involved parties) Recently she has been asking a million questions about Heaven. And she will proudly tell you that the wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Faith is our little princess. She is much more petite and all girl. You will rarely find her without some sort of jewelry and a purse. She loves babies and cannot wait to become a big sister. She has also become quite a mommy’s girl recently, even though her personality is just like daddy! She loves scissors and is very interested in doing things Grace does. She recently started sleeping in a big girl bed.

Writing a paragraph to sum up Jeremy and I’s year is very difficult. It has probably been the biggest obstacle to completing this annual letter. In 2009 we have faced the loss of our baby, our home flooding resulting in our finished basement being gutted, our first and hopefully last experience with head lice, and most recently Jeremy’s resignation from his youth ministry position. We have seen God’s faithfulness not in abundant blessing but in his constant presence through many tears. It hasn’t been easy but we are thankful for all we have learned.

2010 promises to be a year of change. Jeremy has recently accepted a position at Reliable, a family-owned pest control company, here in Hannibal. We are still seeking God’s continued guidance for direction for our family & ministry. And of course we are all anticipating the birth of our baby in February! We can’t wait to see if it will be a boy or girl joining our family. I can honestly say I have no idea what I will be reflecting on when I sit down to write this same letter next Christmas! This year has shown us like none other the blessing of the friendship and prayers of God’s people. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to our family during a difficult year.

(for Jeremy, Grace, Faith & Baby Humiston too)