No More Baby

 (Mrs. Hayden with Amberly 1st Grade)

This is my baby.  My baby who's not a baby anymore.  My baby who will-be-in-2nd-grade-next-year.  I tried to convince her that she I wasn't ready to go to 2nd grade but the teacher wasn't buying it.  She looked me square in the eye and said, "Oh she's ready.  She read a very long book out loud to the class today and did an excellent job."  Then I said, "but she hasn't even lost a tooth yet!"  Like that matters, I was pulling at strings.  I guess I'll just have to grow up and get used to it.

(Cassidy at Tom's Graduation 5th Grade)

And if Amberly moving up to 2nd grade isn't enough guess who's going to be a 6th grader!  Yeah, you know like, "I'm the oldest at the school, we are cool, we rule 6th Grader!"  I'm not old enough to have a 6th grader!  OK I'm old enough but I don't feel old enough.  Where did all the time go?  Heaven help me!

I'm so thankful I have these girls.  They make my world complete.  They make my heart swell with so much love I feel like it's going to burst.  Words just can't describe how wonderful they are and how perfect life is right now ♥

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

Are you ready to make your own laundry soap?  

It's pretty fast, very easy and boy-oh-boy are you going to save TONS of money!!!!  Try $150+ in savings for a family of four.  

This will make SIX 4 gallon batches.

Here's what you need for ONE YEAR+ which costs $13....for ONE YEAR!!!!!

I knew you were ready!
** BTW this process took about 15 minutes **

To start your 1st batch you will need:
1 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
1 bar Zote soap. 
1 gallon of boiling water in one pot
2 gallons of boiling water in another pot
1 gallon cold water set aside for later
1 5 gallon plastic bucket

Boil the water in both pots.

While you are waiting for them to boil you will grate 1 bar of ZOTE soap.

Or have your 6 year old grate the soap since you HATE grating anything!

Add soap to the pot with 1 gallon of water.  
 Stir it until soap is melted.

Or have your darling daughter stir it cause she's the best at standing there stirring♥

  

It will get clumpy but keep stirring and it will turn into pink soup in no time!

Next you are going to add:

1 cup washing soda and 1 cup borax

Beware - it will foam.  

I should have used a bigger pot (but my stove top got very clean!)

 Stir until completely dissolved.  
About 5 min. or so.
Remove from heat.
This is what it will look like with all three ingredients cooked together.

Get your 5 gallon bucket ready.
Pour the pot filled with 2 gallons hot water into the bucket.
In my case I had my big-strong-man pour the water cause I'm a little wimpy in that department. 

Then pour the pot filled with your pink soup/soap into the bucket.
If you spill a little - it's OK you will just have very clean floors in the end. 

Stir these together then add 1 gallon of cold water.

Stir some more until completely mixed together. Put the lid on tight and let it sit overnight.  Make sure you give it it a stir right before you go to bed and again when you wake up.  This will give it a nice consistency and will break up any lumps.  I used my big spatula and it worked great.  My girls used their hands.  I say whatever works for you.

And that my bloggity friends is 4 gallons of laundry soap.  Pour some into your old Tide jug that you were paying over $.25 cents a load for and enjoy.  You can add 1-2 oz of essential oils to the liquid of you want but the soap smells clean and fresh without it.  This soap cleans VERY well and gets your whites white and stains out great!  It also works in the new he washing machines. When you run out, you have all the supplies you need to make more.  *Laundry soap will be gel-like when it's done.

Directions:

1/2 cup of laundry soap per load.

if you have a larger capacity washer or an extra dirty load, use 1 cup of soap.

The soap will not be sudsy in the washing machine. 

This equals out to be about $.016 cents a load for 1/2 cup and $.03 cents for 1 cup.  Right now I was paying $.30 cents a load using Tide.   Hello savings!  So instead of paying $18 at Costco for generic laundry soap I paid $13. for 1 years worth of laundry soap.  It will probably last more than a year since there is just 4 of us.  I'm excited to have this and am counting it as my blessing for the week.  Let me know if you have any questions or if you have made this and used it.  Would love to hear reviews.  So far everyone I know that has used it LOVES it!  Now if we can only learn how to make Downy♥

Tips:

The Borax and Arm & Hammer washing soap can be found in any grocery store.

The ZOTE we found in our local Mexican grocery store. (and now walmart is carrying it!)

If you can't find ZOTE you can use Fels Naptha but I've heard that ZOTE works the best.  And I heard that the pink ZOTE works better than the white ZOTE.

Good luck♥

** update** I have been using this recipe for over a year and LOVE it!  I will never go back to expensive laundry soap again. 
I posted this on TodaysCreativeBlog - get your craft on

52 Blessings Project 19

This week I am thankful for a smart dedicated husband who loves school and learning.

He's such an example to me and I ♥ him!

52 Blessings Project #17 & #18

I'm going to do another two in one!

#17 - Growing up my parents had a sign that hung in their dining room.  It said:

"Clausen Cafe and Boarding House"

Someone had made it for them because they always had people coming to visit and staying over.  It was the gathering place.  As our family grew we ran out of room for extra guests but we still managed to have people over all the time.  Choir practice was held weekly in our music room, friends were always sleeping over, my Mom did babysitting so my brothers would always have extra playmates.  Our house was small but always full of extra friends.

The tradition has continued with our house.  Ever since Tom and I have been married (15 years) we have had someone  staying with us for extended periods of time.  I think out of the 15 years we have only lived with our little family 3 or 4 years.  It's always a party over here!  This weekend not only did we have Tom's brother (who's a regular) but we had our niece Sela and her dog Shellie - (Cassidy's age), our other niece London (Abby's Age) over for a weekend slumber party since Sela was here from San Diego.  Fun, Fun!!!

I do love having people here and I'm happy to carry on the tradition of the boarding house and cafe.  I've always wanted our house to be the gathering spot and I guess it is.  What a blessing♥ 

(Now I just need a sign!)

#18 - I love our new TV that's in our bedroom.  I know - this is a silly blessing but.......it's so crisp and clear it's like I'm watching real life TV.  Plus, I love watching TV in my nice warm comfortable bed.  It's my favorite spot in the house.  We have a HUGE couch and TV in the family room but I much prefer my bedroom.  It's my get-a-way spot. All my comforts are in there- pillows, lotions for my dry hands, my glasses (so I can see the TV) all my favorite recorded shows and Flower the Cat always seems to find me in there.  It's perfect! 

52 Blessing Project

I'm doing two weeks today.  Not quite sure what happened last week?

My blessing for today are:

1)  The beautiful balmy weather we are having.
If only it could stay like this all year.  I know it can't and I truthfully don't mind the heat, this has just been such a PREFECT month of gorgeous weather!  I am in LOVE♥


2) My crock-pot.  
I know, this is not a typical blessing one would think of but boy-oh-boy do I love using this thing.  It slow cooks all day making our house smell yummy and then BAM dinner is ready when everyone gets home.  It's also still ready if we have some late night coming-homers. (do you like my made-up-word?)

My favorite go-to recipes:
Green Chili Pork
Salsa Chicken
Chicken Cacciatore
Pot Roast
Company Chicken

What's your weather been like?
Do you have a favorite crock-pot recipe?

52/BP/14

This week I am thankful for FOOD.  Any food!  No just kidding.  I am thankful for food but mostly the good-for-you-kind.  The whole grains and lean meats and fish.  The yummy fruits and veggies that seem to always be in season. 

I've been on a crazy diet for the past 3 weeks.  It is very strict and limits most food if you can believe it.  No carbs, no oil and no sugar.  Not even any fake sugar.  It's supposed to clean you out of all the built up toxins and get your body healthy and happy again.  I have to say it is working and I feel great but oh how I miss FOOD!  I even miss my own cooking - can you believe that? 

Easter was hard.  I made a full spread for my family.  Honey Baked Ham, funeral potatoes, fresh green beans, baked apples and lemon meringue pie. It was gooood.  The family said so.  I didn't have one bite of any of it.  Well, I did sneak a piece of ham the size of a quarter but that doesn't count.  I also didn't have one piece of Easter candy.  Yep, I was strong - super strong! 

I have one more week and then I can start adding in different foods.  I can't wait to be able to eat healthy whole grains and healthy everyday food.  It was worth it but man do I miss FOOD!

52 Blessing Project

Ed Cooper Photo 

Sunday we got out of Church early and decided it was a perfect day for a Sunday drive.  We hadn't had much family time this week and thought this would be a perfect way to spend time together without the normal distractions that always seem to get in the way. (T.V., Phone, Computer, napping etc).  We decided to head up to Globe which is about an hour away.  The girls were so excited for a road trip they ran to their rooms and grabbed pillows and blankets, books and stuffed animals. The back seat looked cozy and comfy.  They are very good road trippers.  No complaining, can entertain themselves and love to sleep.  

image from flicker

I was surprised with two things while on our trip.  1) I didn't get as stiff and sore like I normally do when I sit in the car for a long period of time.  It made the car ride very enjoyable.  Almost to the point that I considered driving to Missouri this summer instead of flying.  I'm not going to - I haven't lost my mind don't worry but it was a fleeting thought.  2) I was amazed at the beauty of the desert.  i will be the 1st to tell you that the desert is ugly.  I'm a California girl and after living in the most beautiful place on earth my whole life looking at a bunch of brown cactus isn't something to take your breath away.  But on that drive..............it was breathtaking.  Everything was GREEN!  I have never seen the desert green before.  All up and down the roads and the hills and even up the mountains of ROCKS were flowers!  Flowers people!  Bright beautiful FLOWERS.  It was an amazing sight that i am glad I got to see.  I will have to be kinder when I talk about the desert from now on.  It has shown me it's beauty and I will not be forgetting it anytime soon.

image from flicker

I hear they have the BEST Mexican food in the state but it being Sunday we didn't try it.  Next time it will be on our list for sure!  I'm thankful for where I live.  I'm thankful for the beauty of the desert.  I'm thankful my heart has been softened and I can see the beauty without missing home so much.  And I'm mostly thankful for my sweet family who I got to spend the day with in the car having the time of our lives!3

52 BP / 12

Week 12

This week I am thankful for the easy breazy 

Spring Stay-Cay we had.  

That means = Stay-Cation . 

We didn't go out of town.  

We didn't plan a lot to do. 

We didn't do very many chores.  

But we did have a lot of fun!  

Sometimes just staying home 

and enjoying each other is fun enough.  

Plus we didn't spend hardly any money which makes our Hubby / Daddy very happy!

Plus, 

I have to remember that we live 

where people come for vacation.  

52 / BP / 11

O.K. Tom is going to kill me for posting this picture but......I just had too, it's my blessing for this week.

Tom's brother Mike has been staying with us off and on while he is here for work.  Tom is in HEAVEN having his BIG brother here to: play racquetball with, talk about the business, bounce ideas off of him, watch all his shows with - that I don't watch (who wants to watch Navy Seals training, Bear Grills, and fighting movies? not me!) and to just plain hang out with.

I am also thankful because Mike can fix anything.  Tom can too but.........he's been busy for the last three years.  Mike has helped me get a few projects checked off my list and it's been sooo nice.  

My girls love having him around even though they have to share a room while he is here.  They don't mind a BIT!  In fact I think they secretly like sharing a room but would never admit it.  

Thanks Mike for staying with us and putting up us and my cooking!  We know you would rather be at home with you family but we love having you here.

52 Blessing Project

Tonight we went over to Grandma and Grandpas for dinner.  Just us.  no other Aunts or Uncles and no other grand-kids.  It was so nice.  We sat at the big table in the kitchen and ate chicken and rice.  You should have seen Amberly's face light up when grandma said "rice".  Amberly loves rice.  It's at the top of her favorite list.  And when I say rice I mean, plain ol' rice.  She could eat bowls of the stuff.

After dinner we played dice at the big table in the kitchen.  It was pouring rain outside with lightning and thunder.  It was cozy in the warm kitchen (almost too warm but that's how Grandma likes it) while we played.  Cassidy won, Amberly came in 2nd.  Tom was the chicken because he scratched so many times and came in last.  I rolled two straights in a row.  I don't think that has ever been done before - that's what Tom said anyway.  Grandma kept score and Grandpa smiled and played in his own quite way.

I'm thankful my kids have their Grandparents that they get to see and spend time with and have a close relationship with.  It breaks my heart that my parents aren't alive and my kids can't play with them, learn from them and their knowledge of the world.  I grew up with ONE Grandma that lived very far away and that we only saw for a few months every other year when she would come for a visit.  I loved her but it wasn't the same.  My kids are lucky to have Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and a ton of cousins all here and close.

This week my blessing is Grandma and Grandpa.  

We love you and are so grateful for you.  

52 BP/8/9

That was in code, it means the 52 Blessing Project Week 8 and 9.  

This week I am doing two because I was sick last week and not in the mood to think of my blessings.  Sad I know but it's true.  And I only share the truth on this blog so there you have it.

Rain

Growing up with a disease that is highly affected by the weather, rain and I were not friends.  I loved the rain because it made the fields turn a lush green and the lupine would bloom bright purple, the trees would get a shower and seemed greener and brighter.  Everything always feels so clean after the rain.  I was just always in bed missing out on the beauty.  

Not anymore!!!  I am feeling so good, my arthritis doesn't hurt and I finally get to enjoy this wonderful rain we have been having for the past two months.  That right there is a HUGE blessing!!!!!

Saving Money

This month we had a goal to save money and I have - $900.  Yep - it's the end of the month and I still have $900 in my bank account.  WOW!!  I am so impressed with myself.  We have cut back on things like eating out and anything extra and guess what - it wasn't hard and we didn't miss out on much.  (Well, Cassidy missed eating out - it's her favorite past-time)  I'm going to try again this month and see if I can beat that record.  Saving money in this economy is another HUGE blessing!!!

52 BP #7 & Love Week Day 7

 


Tom is my blessing – ALWAYS.  Not just for Valentines day, not just for this weeks blessing but forever.  I’m thankful I have him.  He’s my best friend, biggest hero, teammate and partner in everything we do.  We have so much fun together I’m so glad he’s mine.  Love you sweetie♥

52 BP/6

I'm thankful we live in sunny AZ.  

When most of the country is freezing from blizzards,snow, hail and rain 

we have sunshine, beautiful flowers and gorgeous green, green grass.  

Yesterday I wanted to call my brothers and proclaim in a loud excited voice, 

"Does this feel like California weather or what???!!!?!"

It was sunny but cloudy, warm yet cool, the perfect California breeze I was so very homesick!

It made me happy all day long!

Now - this is my blessing for the week people. 

If you are freezing and snowed in don't curse me. 

I will be miserable come the end of July so it all evens out in the end! (wink)

52 BP/5

I can honestly say that I got dealt the bad hand in the health department. 

The last 23 years have been rough.  Some good times – mostly bad.  I hate dwelling on it because who wants to listen to someone complain all the time?  I sure don’t so I try my hardest not to complain either.  This post isn’t about complaining I promise.

My blessing for this week is:

My Health

It’s never been better!

I sleep well at night, I awake feeling refreshed.  I’m not stiff and sore and can hop right out of bed without much effort.  I have energy all day.  It’s an amazing feeling.  I can concentrate on tasks at hand and get a lot accomplished during the day.  It’s been a hard year ( a hard few years lets be honest) but I’m past all that.  I feel very blessed.  ♥

Here are some quotes I found that apply to my blessing this week:

Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit.  When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.  ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Hear your heart.  Heart your health.  ~Faith Seehill

The greatest wealth is health.  ~Virgil

52 Blessings - Week 4

My bike is my blessing this week.

Are you sick of hearing me talk about it?

I just love it so!

This week it has helped me:

♥go find my children in the pouring rain,

(they were down in the greenbelt playing in the lake that had formed from all the rain)

♥take Abby to gymnastics around the corner

♥go for a ride with Abby and Cassidy to activity days (girls church group)

♥have a ton-O-fun yesterday riding with my followers who I have dubbed

"The Bike Brigade" (all the neighborhood children).  We pretended we were in a parade and waved to everyone we saw.  I had about six kids on bikes with me as we rode around the 'hood for about an hour.

Lot's of fun I tell ya!  LOTS!

♥my favorite thing so far was giving this little guy a ride in our "bike brigade".  He couldn't have been happier and neither could I!  Just look at that smile - I love him! (my nephew Will)  Doesn't he look so cute in my bike basket?

52 Blessings Week 3

It’s not too late to start your Blessing Project!  I did a little catch-up and so can you if you want to still get in the game.  I promise it’s worth it♥

This week I am feeling the love and blessings

of having a wonderful family.

We have been spending a lot of time with Tom’s brother Mike who is working here part time from Missouri.  It’s very sad that he has to be away from his family but it’s very fun having him around.  Tom is almost giddy when he’s here and he’s so good to the girls.  I am also very blessed to have gotten to know my nephew Anton before he left on his Mission.  My girls are so excited to write to him and send him little things and I don’t think that would have happened if he hadn’t come to stay with us.
We had a family dinner (with Tom’s siblings and parents) Friday night.  No children – it was “Date Night” over here.  I cooked and we had a great time talking and hanging out like we used to pre-children.  I think it should be mandatory that siblings get together at least once a quarter without children.  It strengthens the sibling bonds.
I always have fun spending time with my brothers.  Tonight I texted my brother Kurt to see what he was doing.  He texted back and gave a cheesy remark, “thinking of you”  I thought he was kidding but he had really been thinking of me.  So I tempted them into coming over for chocolate cake and games.  It worked!  They were here until 10:30!  The kids had so much fun playing and hanging out.  Good thing there wasn’t school today!
I also have my sweet Aunt and Uncle close by with four of my cousins and families.  We got together earlier this month and had SO MUCH FUN!!  We need to do it again soon – I’m having withdrawals!
Monday is Grandma’s annual snow party.  The girls are very excited about going to Grandmas and playing games with their cousins.  I told Tom that his Mom can’t die anytime soon.  Our kids need a Grandma! 
I can’t leave off my hard working, handsome and talented husband or my sweet angel girls.  I feel blessed each and everyday that I wake up to their smiling, happy faces.  (even if they don’t wake up smiling and happy I still love them)♥
Can you see why this week I am thankful for family?  I am surrounded by them. It’s truly a blessing that I wasn’t blessed with growing up.  I’m so thankful my Heavenly Father blessed me with the family I have.  Here are two quotes to finish my blessing for the week:
Learning to appreciate what it means to belong to an eternal family is of great importance to us. Remember, you are part of that eternal unit that requires your best effort. Be certain you bring warmth, kindness, understanding, consideration, and a strong love to your eternal family. L. Tom Perry, “Youth of the Noble Birthright,” Ensign, Nov 1998, 73

President Hinckley said, “It is imperative that you not neglect your families. Nothing you have is more precious. … When all is said and done, it is this family relationship which we will take with us into the life beyond.”10  Barbara Thompson, “I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Thee,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 115–17

52 Blessing Project Week 1 & 2

I am so excited about this project! It has made me so happy this week thinking about all the things that bless my life. It’s going to be very difficult choosing and posting just one. Here are my blessings for this week:
1. Our Birth Mothers. I am so lucky to not only have the most beautiful girls in the world but I have a wonderful and special friendship with each of my girls Birth Mothers. I love them. I am thankful for them. I appreciate them. I think of them daily and how my life as a mother is because of them and our Father in Heaven. I wouldn’t be who I am with out their ultimate sacrifice for me. They are truly a blessing in my life♥

2. Good Books to read and Book Club. What a blessing it is to get lost in a good book that inspires, takes me to a different time or a far away land. My book club has been so helpful in getting me to read so many different kinds of books I never would have even considered reading. I love meeting once a month and catching up with old friends and getting insights and thoughts that help me learn and grow. I hope my girls have a love of reading like Tom and I do. It’s a priceless gift to have.We are reading this book this month and it has sucked me in like no other! I highly recommend it.

If you are participating in the 52 Blessing project – leave a comment and I’ll add you to my list. I would also love to come read your blessing xoxo.

52 Blessings Project is BACK!

I’m a little mad at myself.  Well, mad and confused.  I can’t for the life of me figure out why I didn’t pick a word for last year or continue with my 52 Blessings Project.  Seriously?  I had a good thing going and I just stopped?
It might have been that I was recovering from “Hell Month” as I lovingly call December.  Sad I know, but oh-so-true.  December is just very overwhelming for me and it takes me at least a month to regain my normal self.
It also might have been that I was having to go into surgery for Thyroid cancer and I was getting ready for that.  That was hard and I’m going to use that as my excuse.
Whatever the reason I am disappointed.  I could have used those blessings and I would have been really good at focusing on my word- I know I would have! 
I’m getting back on track.  I went in the other night after I had posted my word “Thrive” and told Tom about my post.  He asked what my word was and when I said “Thrive” his eyes got BIG, his mouth dropped open and he had such a look of shock I thought maybe I had done something wrong.  He said that THAT was his motto this year! 
“Survive 2009 and THRIVE in 2010!”  (He’s referring to his Company and himself)
I promise I didn’t know, we do think alike, actually we think alike very often.  Is that what happens to married people?  It sure does to us. 
Anyway, on the my Blessings Project.  I’m hopping to get a group of blogging friends that wants to join me and post a blessing each week on Sundays.  52 Blessing Project is BACK!  Come join us.  Old friends, new friends, come one come all!
You can read about it over on my sidebar.  We sure had a lot of fun doing it and I’m so excited to get started.  It feels so good thinking about all your blessing each week it ends up being very hard to choose just one! 
If you want to participate leave a comment or send me an e-mail and I will add you to the list.  Anyone can join!  Tell your friends and family.  That way we can check on each other and see all the different things we are so blessed by.  I promise – you won’t be disappointed.  This is a life changing project.  It helps lift the spirit, boost your mood, enlighten your mind, fill your soul and heal your heart♥
Sunday – lets start by posting two blessings since this will be the second Sunday.  What do you say?  Are you in?

Blessing #47

This week has been a very good week, so many blessings to choose from. I had a hard time deciding on only one. I guess I could have done all six that I am behind in but I don't have that much time.

So, without further ado my blessing for this week is:

Christmas

I love Christmas for many reasons:

I love how people change during the holidays. They become more aware of the people around them, more helpful, kind, giving. There aren't just strangers out there rushing from point A to point B. They become friends if only for a few weeks.

I love the spirit of Christmas. Thinking of others instead of ourselves, friend and neighbor gift giving, Christmas caroling, secret Santa s. I love going to see the Temple lights, hearing the beautiful Christmas music and bringing out Baby Jesus to set in the manger of our Nativity. Think of how peaceful our world would be if we had the spirit of Christmas all year long.

I love the feeling of Christmas. The excitement of the children, the cold winter nights, the warm clothes we get to wear. I love the Christmas tree and it's smell as I walk by, the houses with lights (even if they aren't straight) and the yummy Christmas food that we get to eat but once a year.

I know it gets hectic at times, stressful even but in the end I love it all. Every last bit of it!

More Blessings

#43
My Family
We may not see each other as often as we should.
It may be a little chaotic when we do get together.
We have our good times and out little spats.
But we are family.
We will be family forever.
And that is what I am thankful for.
A perfect forever family.

#44
My House
I didn't think it was my dream house when I picked it. But after being here for 3 years I can't help but think what a dream it is. It has kept us cool in the summer, warm in the winter. It doesn't leak anywhere when it rains. It has no little pesky scorpions - anywhere! It fits our family and friends and company and anyone else who may come over. It has a place for my roses and my garden. It has a big shade tree and a nice cool pool. It has the best neighbors up and down both sides of the street and just thinking about them makes me smile. Someday I hope to have my "dream house" but until someday comes this house will do just fine.

#45
Birthday's in November
I am so very thankful that I had the girls birthdays in November. I can't tell you what a relief it is knowing I don't have to squeeze in 2 birthday parties in the middle of December. I always feel bad asking people to buy a present and carve out time in their busy schedules for yet another party. The way I did it was perfect for us. Nothing ever happens before Thanksgiving so I didn't feel as bad adding to peoples crazy busy lives. This will be our new tradition. Who needs a party on your real birthday anyway? Knowing my girls, they will get a full day of pampering on their special day anyway.

#46
Memories
I love how our minds can conjer up memories anytime anywhere about anything. The mind is an amazing thing isn't it? My brothers and I have our little inside jokes and memories that we like to share with one another. Matt found an old video clip of a movie that we watched thousands of times when we were young. (For the love of Willadean) Oh the laughter of us recalling those memories. I also love how a smell, sound or a taste of something will bring old memories rushing back like they happened yesterday. Even though my parents aren't with us I know I can always feel them near when I remember little things about them. It brings comfort and peace knowing that.
Memories - it's a good thing!