Birthday pics and other rambles...

I did it again ladies!  I got up early. I made smoothies and waffles for the kids this morning!  The only problem is by this time now(its 1:30)  I'm feeling very tired,, and I still have a long day ahead of me.  Hopefully my body will just get used to it.  Honestly its only like 30 minutes sleep less than I would normally get,, you wouldn't think it should make that much of a difference.  It was very hard this morning,, every ounce of my body said"go back to bed"...but I didn't.  I know Jess for one really likes me being up and awake and more talkative to her in the morning.. she is a morning person.

Tonight I'm making homemade chicken pot pie for dinner!  This is a new recipe.  I'm excited about it.  I already have the chicken cooked up and as soon as I get off here I'm gonna go ahead and put it all together so at dinner time I can just pop it into the oven!  The recipe actually makes 2,, one to eat now and one to freeze for later.  I hope we like it!

I had these pic from the kid's birthdays a couple of weeks ago so I thought I'd post them..

The Birthday girl on her day



Hiding her eyes while we brang in her surprise bike!



 She can ride that thing all over!



Blowing out her candles



 And here's Gary on his special day

 Emma attacking Gary,, haha

Here they are at Toys R Us.  I think Gary enjoyed going to Ft. Wayne and getting to spend his money.. We ate at Fazolis that night, and instead of birthday cake,, since we still had leftovers from Emma's the day before,, he picked his own dessert there.. He picked strawberry cheesecake!  My favorite,, he was even nice enough to let me try a bite.. It sure was yummy!

Liquid laundry soap

Someone had asked for the recipe I used to make my laundry soap so it it goes:

Homemade Laundry Soap

1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap

1 cup washing soda

1 cup borax powder

You will also need a small bucket, about 2 gallons

Grate the soap and put it in a saucee pan.  Add 6 cups of water and heat until the soap dissolves.  Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until dissolved.  Remove from heat.  Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket.  Now add your soap mixture and stir.  Now add 1 gallon plus  6 cups of water and stir.  Let the soap sit for 24 hours and it will gel.  Used 1/2 cup per load. 

I am really enjoying this liquid soap. I also add a scoop of Sun (generic oxyclean from the Dollar Store) to each load.  I feel it gives it a extra boost and our water is a little hard so I think this helps.  I am on my second batch now and plan on continuing to use it.   Another helpful tip I have is to pour the soap into a old detergent bottle for easy pouring!

Bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning...

I'm very proud of myself this morning!  I actually got up showered and dressed before the kids woke up.  I made them a hot breakfast before school and sent them on their way with awake eyes, LOL.  This is one of my goals, to get up earlier and get some things accomplished before all the little ones awake. 

We had a good weekend.  Saturday we stayed home and Sunday we went to Ft. Wayne and browsed around the mall.  The kids had some money left over from bdays and Christmas so they bought a few things,, Ben and I didn't spend any money accept for buying lunch and a few bucks for them to ride the big carousel at the mall.  It was a enjoyable day!

I haven't been blogging much lately,, I have been sick and had so much to do.  I have been contemplating quitting blogging but maybe not.  I love reading others blogs and if people enjoy reading mine then I will keep at it.  Just don't know what to do.  Anyways theres my morning and weekend update....Have a great Monday!

Another Birthday

My little man has hit the double digits.  10 years old!  This little guy  really is a great guy!  Although he tests my patience almost every single day, he has a kind heart and a great smile!  I think it's hard for him sometimes, being the only boy and also the middle child.  I don't ever want him to feel pushed aside or left out.  He is a true lover of all the boy stuff,, hunting,, fishing, and video games.  His dad says that when they are out on the lake he is like a different kid,, he just enjoys it so much.

He gave us quite a scare coming into this world,, low heart rate,, needing oxygen, and then having a infection and needing IV antibiotics before we could leave the hospital,, but all has turned out well and I thank God everyday for him.   I tried to make this morning a little special for him and made him a good hot breakfast before he left for school!  Then tonight were taking the kids to Ft. Wayne and he gets to spend his b-day money at Toys R Us!  He is so excited.  He gets to pick the restaurant tonight and I'm gonna let him get a dessert which we never do.   Happy Birthday Gary!

3 years ago today....

3 years ago today, this sweet little baby girl came into this world!   When we decided to have another child I think a lot of others thought we were nuts..They said we had it easy with the other 2 already being older and not needing as much care.  I'm so glad I didnt listen.  Emma has brang so much joy, love, and laughter into this household.  I never thought she would get here,,,going in on Friday morning to get induced then not having her until Sunday morning!  But the moment she arrived with her chubby little cheeks I was so in love!  It amazes me how no matter how many children you have, a heart can still give out so much love. 

She is growing up way to fast!  Before I know it she will be headed off to school :(  I so enjoy spending all my time with her and watching her grow into a little lady.  Tonight well be having spagetti and garlic bread(her favorite)!  My mom and stepdad are coming over to celebrate with us then we are off to Jessie's Dare Graduation!  Emma loves going to the school, so even that will be a treat for her.   And tomorrow we have another birthday to celebrate~!