Laundry soap

This is my next "not so mainstream" project. I will post the recipe now (so I don't forget it) and when I make it, I will take pictures of the process and post a tutorial. I'm thinking I will make this in about 2 weeks, when I run out of detergent. (And by then I should have a chance to get to a natural food store to get the essential oils)

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased at Meijer.com. Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

*Recipe copied from the Duggar Family's website

I made something :)

So remember way back when I posted about wanting to be less mainstream? I've realized how many chemicals we put in and on our bodies. Who knows what the long term affects of some of those are? (I'm still not quite ready to totally give up fast food though)
2 weeks ago, I made my own bug spray. It doesn't prevent bites, but it's awesome if you've been bitten. I'm not sure if it will work on fire ant bites, but I'm willing to try anything, lol.
We are putting our pool up this weekend, so I suspect there will be mosquitoes in our future...lots of opportunity to test the lineament!
I made this by putting a handful of catnip and rosemary in a jar. Then I added a pinch of calendula and comfrey, and a few drops of tea tree oil and citronella. I poured rubbing alcohol over the whole thing (to the tops of the herbs) and sealed it. I turned it every other day or so. A friend of mine said that making your own remedies is empowering. She's right! I can't wait to use it, have it work, and think "I made that!" How amazing.
Other things I want to make:
~Healing salve
~Elderberry juice (GREAT for respiratory issues)
There's other stuff I want to make, but it's not so much home remedy type stuff

Changing my way of thinking on a lot of things.....

The internet is an amazing thing, isn't it?

I have "met" many wonderfully smart and brave women recently. They have opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking. Let me just start by saying that, given my profession, I obviously believe in modern, western medicine. But, I'm starting to really believe that it's not always the best method.

My first real example, with concrete evidence....A friend made me a peridot necklace/anklet set. It's said to be a gemstone which is used for calming/anti-anger. Can I just tell you...I wore it today, and had one of the best days. Our entire house seemed to be in Harmony. When I went to go to sleep, I tossed and turned. My mind seemed to be going a million miles an hour. Honestly, I think it's because I took off the jewlery set. I have another set for TTC, and she's given me a ton of hints for keeping my mind/spirit open. And I'm sure some of you won't agree with it, or think it's a bunch of hooey...but, I know it makes me feel better. So neener neener

Another thing that I'm certain is going to cause an uproar. I want to give birth at home, with a midwife in attendance. Obviously, that's not an immediate issue. But it will be. Now, I'm not going to put my health in jeopardy. I'm going to make sure it's safe, and I really don't see any reason why it wouldn't be. I didn't have any excessive bleeding before, because I took the medication to prevent it. I can't take that medication at home. I'm completely willing to compromise and deliver at a birth center. But I DO NOT want to deliver in a hospital. I hated being tied down to monitors, I couldn't get in the shower, and I want a water birth this time. It's common knowledge that walking progresses labor. If you're tied to a monitor, how can you walk? I really can come up with decent arguments when it's not 2 am.

Speaking of which, I really do need to make some attempt to sleep. But, rest assured, my mind is a changing. And this time, I can say with absolute certainty, it's for the better

Femininity/modesty

Well, I did it. Yesterday, I went to the thrift store. I came home with 6 long skirts. Then, I packed up my jeans and shorts and put them in storage. I know, I know, nuts, right? Well, like homeschooling...I gotta stop talking about it and just do it. Boy, those Nike people sure knew what they were talking about.

The truth is, I feel so much more feminine in skirts. I don't mind them at all. This is one of those things that I know some of my friends and family will comment on. And you know, let 'em. I'm not doing this to please anyone (including Randy) but myself. I really feel drawn to wear the longer skirts and dresses. They are cute...And they make me feel good about myself. Noone told me to do this, it's something I chose for myself.

Well, I have a pen pal. One of my online groups set up a pen pal exchange list. I'm excited! It's so nice to get a handwritten letter. Its way more personal than getting an email. I feel like it comes from the heart just a touch more.

I can't believe that in 3 short days Wyatt will be 5. Really, where does the time go?

I have so much I should be getting done tomorrow after church. But, one of my best friends is moving to FL on Tuesday, so I'm going to spend the day with her. Monday Wyatt and I will be home, so I can get so much done then. We have no plans to go anywhere, thank goodness.

Clearly, I don't have much to say today. I'm kinda sleepy. We had a big storm last night, and lightning hit 2 of our trees. Between the dogs and Wyatt, I had no space left on my lap! Then I had to get up at 4 for work this morning. I'm tired and not all here...not that that is any different than any other day!

Call me OCD, I'm ok with that :)

Although it certainly is an ongoing process, my Home Keepers' Notebook is certainly well under way. And wow...I feel uber organized! I have a master to do list, a section for weekly planners, a section for weekly menu plans, a section for daily to dos, a section for my checklists, a section for recipes, a section for bill paying, a section for articles of interest, and a section for misc. And, of course, come fall, there will be a section for lesson plans. Although, maybe I will have a separate Homeschooling notebook. Hmmm...That actually gets me excited, lol. My daily to do list is even broken down into sections. Go figure. I don't know where I get this from, but I do think sometimes that it borders on a disease! LOL

I really can't wait until I am only working overnights. I was home yesterday, and not tired, and I got SO MUCH done. I really felt accomplished. I could look at my house, and not be embarassed if someone came over. Not that anyone ever does, but I feel like I can relax so much better when my house isn't cluttered and messy. Mind you, with an almost 5 year old, there's always a mess, but that's ok. That I can deal with. And Wyatt is getting so much better about cleaning up after himself. Of course, I'm getting better about giving him a good example to follow. And I'm following through with discipline, so that makes a difference.

Well, after talking to many many people, I think I'm going to go with My Fathers World for homeschooling next year. It seems fairly simple to organize/follow, without being easy. I still want to look into Abeka, but I have time yet. I should do that while I'm at work today. Abeka tends to be a bit more advanced from my understanding. Which is NOT a bad thing! That's why I'm homeschooling :)

Well, we had another earthquake this morning. This was the largest one yet, 3.1. Which I know still isn't huge in the grand scheme of things, but, it shook the station. And then the phone started ringing and it hasn't stopped!

Hi there, remember me?

Well, there's been a lot going on. If you're reading this, then you know why I've been laying low, and why I haven't wanted to post on the family blog.

Well, let's see, I guess I'll get the more serious stuff out of the way. I wish someone had told me that marriages weren't easy, that they take work. A couple of months ago, a good friend of mine told me that you choose who you love. At first I thought she was nuts, but the more I think about it, the more she's right. I believe that you make your day. If you wake up and say "I'm going to have a bad day", then, you're usually right. But if you make the choice to have a good day, then who can stop you? And I'm starting to think that marriage, in the most basic sense, is just like that. Someone, knowing what we were going through, asked me how things were the other day. I gave my basic, generic, "Some days are better than others" response. She told me that all marriages were like that. And I really took the time to think about that, rather than brushing it off. Just because other people appear to always be happy doesn'tmean they are. Every marriage, like every friendship, has bad days. And, I made a commitment to God, my husband, my son, and our families to make this work. Rascal Flatts had released a song called Love Who You Love. It never made sense to me, until now. Love who you are going to love with everything you have. From here on, I CHOOSE my marriage.

OK, onto lighter things :) It's going to be nice again today...and I am so excited. Randy and I haven't had a day off together in a while. So we are taking advantage and going to The Green Dragon. Sounds mysterious, yes? It's a great big Farmers Market in Lancaster. I must have yummy fruits. And I need new sunglasses. So we will bribe Wyatt with the promise of a new fishing pole if he behaves.

I started my very first vegitable garden yesterday. Baby steps....I planted tomato, zucchini, and cucumber seeds. I just did it in one of those greenhouse things that sits on the counter, and I will transplant them to the actual garden nexxt Friday. (Hopefully we will have made the outside garden ready by then!) I'm going with the one project a year idea...And this year it's the garden. Both veggie and flower. I need to figure out what I want to do, and, well, do it. There's so much I want done in the yard, but I will start there. Maybe next year will be the year of the egg hens :)

Needless to say, the fertility stuff has been put on hold. I don't know how long for, I will know when it's right for us to start back in the process. I do want to lose weight first, and, without a doubt, work on our marriage. Some days it seems like everyone around me is pregnant, or has a baby, but I know that's my head making me wonky.

It's the Just Like New weekend...The best consignment sale EVER. I got a TV for Wyatt for his birthday...It's shaped like a firetruck. A friend of mine was saying he wanted one for his son, so we looked online...that sucker retails for 699.00! I paid 35. Bwaha! I think in the fall I will consign some of Wyatt's old clothes. I can't keep them around for the next one. That's a minimum of 6 years! Someone else will get some use out of them, I'm sure.

Alright, I must get my second cup. Tomorrow, I will be blogging from work. So, it will probably be about work. There's a lot on my mind (work, school for Wyatt) I must get it all out. Pity to my readers!

Priorities...Who Am I?

OK, so...I started back to work last week. I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Now? I'm not so sure. The money is great, and it will go a long way towards helping us pay for the IVF. And for the longest time, so much of my identity was wrapped up in being an EMT. Really, I wanted a break from..."home" too. I wanted some kid-free time. Not that Randy hasn't tried his hardest to give me some whenever I wanted/needed it, but....Still. There's only so much he can do.

My closest friends are my oldest ones. So of course, they knew me when I was an EMT. I love each and every one of them, and I'm not sure they would understand what I'm feeling right now. Yes, friends are allowed to have different opinions. I know that. But it's like I've changed so much. More than even I thought I had. Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt for a single moment that they wouldn't still love me and listen to me vent about being stuck at home some days. And they would still be friends with me (HA HA, like I would let them just walk away from me!!!)

I've been back to work for 3 shifts. And, it's just not what I thought it would be. I mean, it's great to get paid to sit around, watch tv, and once in a while, go make someone feel better....or at least get them to where they will feel better. But...My heart isn't in it. Not like it used to be. Granted, in those 3 shifts, I had 2 calls, and neither was someone who truely needed us. But that's the normal up here. It's just....not fun anymore. And, really, am I making a difference? No. There is nothing I do for someone that is going to save them. Not really. I just drive a fancy taxi. And I'm exhausted all the time, so the fact that me working was serving the purpose of getting me out of the house has gotten us nowhere. I'm just as cranky as I was before

Not to mention, I want to be a "helpmeet" to Randy. How can I do that when I'm not even here to help him? And I get home from work, and the house is a mess, Wyatt is clingy, and Randy has to turn around and leave. Why do I want this? He tries to keep the house clean, he really does, but for him...It's one or the other. He can't be really good at playing with kids AND keepign house. And I'd rather the housekeeping fall to the wayside. I certainly don't come home and relax. This is no fault of my husband's. It's just life. I'm coming across as whiney, and I'm really not. I think I'm just trying to sort through everything in my head and get it on "paper"

My new identity is wife and mom. And you know, I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Actually, I'm pretty proud of that.

I'm not going to quit my job. Randy would let me and take on another one in a heartbeat. I honestly think that's what he'd rather do than see me like this all the time. I just can't do that to him. I just think that God guides us to our paths. There is a reason that I went back to work. I can't say that I know what it is yet.

Who knows. If things go well this summer, I may not be able to work for a while. But something's gotta give!

Ringing in the New Year with some new goals

I know y'all were chomping at the bit to see what my goals are :) Admit it!!!
First though....Some reflections. (Patience, people!)
It truely is amazing what a difference a year makes. This year, I started a lifelong journey with the man I love. Wyatt gained a father who loves him without reserve. I've learned to look inside more for answers rather than depending on others. I became a homeowner!! I became anti-HOA. I've learned to value great friendships, despite differences. I've found out who some of my friends really were. I had to re-think myself. I went from being a dedicated EMT to being a Stay at Home Mom. A job with endless rewards, certainly, but an often thankless one. I found out what it's like to be the patient for once...and also realized how very much my husband loves me in the process. Routine procedures are never routine when it's yourself or your family...a valuable lesson I will take with me if I go back to work. Some people will drop what they are doing to come to your aid...and, no matter what differences you and that person have, that person is a life long friend and should be cherished. I've discovered and re-discovered my Faith. I learned that some people have endless amounts of love inside of them, and no matter how many animals you get, only a child will make you feel as though that love is being given to the right person. Everything happens for a reason, even if we don't know what that reason is for a long time. I have to remember that. I'm still realizing that there is no mold that we have to fit into. I can be a Christian woman and still fit in with my old friends. I've realized that sparkle often hides defects...Character is what counts.
I know that all seems jumbled. As I thought it, I typed it.
My goals for 2010
Lose some of this weight.
Spend less time on the computer and more time with my son
Maintain a budget
Work on my homemakers notebook
Embrace being a homemaker.
Start homesteading (Start small...some egg hens)
Respect my husband and all he does more than I do now
Accept whatever my body has in store for me, and realize there is more than one way to love a child.
Practice patience!!!
Cook from scratch more often (This also falls under homesteading and budgeting)
Grow my own tomatoes