An Unexpected Post

Today, I received this letter from my aunt via Grandma. Thanks guys! It has links to alternative ways of cooking. Check them out for ideas.

Dear Family,

I was talking to [my son] about other ways to cook if the power is out, or you don't have natural gas for some reason. I'm looking for inexpensive ways because not everyone can afford a $2 - 400.00 solar oven. I believe these copy cat ideas are great.But as good as they are if we haven't acquired the materials for them,we may not be able to locate what we need, I remember when we had an ice storm 3 years ago, we had no gas to heat or cook with and the interstate was shut down leaving City Market with almost totally empty shelves. It was an eerie feeling realizing had it been a prolonged event like what happens back in the Northeast almost every winter, we would have been in a pickle.

I'll remind everyone about rocket stoves--which require only small amounts of twigs and branches.

Also, a chaffing dish. I have bought one at Sam's for $25 dollars and the fuel is only $12 for 12 containers with a lot of heating ability. I just bought one at DI also. And a person can easily rig up a small metal stand to put your own pans on if you have purchased the fuel.

This is what I'm excited about. Solar ovens. Here is a link that I hope will inspire everyone to try this out. And if you can't afford a windshield shade, the biology professor at Mesa State, who is also a bishop here in GJ, made one with cardboard and heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Here are some websites that deal with this:

http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Windshield_Shade_Solar_Cooker

http://preparednessnibblesandbits.blogspot.com/2009/05/windshield-shade-solar-cooker.html

Here are the websites for Wend DeWitt's you tube classes and her recipes for solar cooking:

http://letusprepare.blogspot.com/2009/01/wendy-dewitt-food-storage-seminar.html

http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-12-07T20%3A46%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7

http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/

MOM

"Queen of Clean" Part 3

Cleaning Tips for the Kitchen

Today, we're gonna clean the kitchen. I know mine needs all the help it can get! Ahhh...do the dishes ever end?! As my mother-in-law puts it, "Just be glad you have dishes to wash, because it means you have someone to share a meal with."

The Smoking Oven

When something runs over in the oven and starts smoking and smelling, grab the salt. Sprinkle on a heavy layer and continue cooking. The smoke and odor will stop immediately. When done, close the oven and wait overnight. The next day you will be able to lift out the spill with a spatula! (Burnt food in the bottom of the oven also causes pie crusts to brown too much! I learned that from Cherry Hill Farm. They make the best pies)!

Burnt Food in Pots and Pans

Sprinkle pans liberally with baking soda, adding just enough water to moisten. Let stand for several hours and lift out with a spatula

Burnt Food in Casserole and Glass Dishes

Fill with hot water and drop in a used dryer fabric softener sheet. Let soak until soft, dump, and wash. No scrubbing Required!

Dishwasher Spot Stopper

Combine in container with lid:

1 c. borax
1/2 c. baking soda

To use, add 1 tsp. mixture to dishwasher with regular dishwasher detergent.

Microwave Magic

Throw a wet dishcloth in the center of the microwave for 30-40 seconds. The steam will loosen any hardened spills and you can use the rag to wipe it all out. Word of caution: do not use the rag immediately! It will be very very hot!

Sponge Sanitation

I just want to say that sponges are nasty! I don't let them in my house. But, according to the Queen of Clean, you can nuke a wet one for 30 seconds to sanitize it.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

Wednesday Prep Day

Today we are finishing up car kits! Just add a small pocket knife and $5-$20 in small bills and change. Make sure you have a variety because you never know what you'll need it for. Next week we'll have a "catch-up" week so you can grab anything you may still need. Then...on to 72 hr. kits! Hurray!

How is your 3 month supply coming? Remember...it's always easier when you have a plan. You know what they say, "Plan your work. Work your plan." Wendy DeWitt's up-dated book has a GREAT food storage plan that can be used for as short a period of time as you want, or as long as you want! Click here for a downloadable .pdf file. It's full of recipes and all sorts of useful information - definitely worth it!

This month for Long Term Storage, buy what ever basics you may still need. Shop wisely and stick to your budget. It's hard, and really slow sometimes, but you can do it!

Peach Crisp

I didn't have a recipe for a peach crisp, but I really wanted one for breakfast the other day! This was perfect! Feel free to add more peaches or crumb topping if you want.

First, pre-heat your oven. Then, cut up peaches and place in a greased 9x9 baking dish. (I like to rinse the syrup off store-bought peaches first).

Place dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Mix.

Add oil and mix until combined well.

Bake 15-20 minutes in pre-heated oven. The top one was baked 15 minutes. The bottom picture was with the extra 5 minutes. It all tastes the same.

Enjoy!

Peach Crisp

1 quart peaches or a 29 oz can - I used a dinged can and rinsed the syrup off 'cause it's nasty! :o)
1/2 c. oats
1/2 c. white or brown sugar
1/4 c. wheat flour
1/4 tsp. nutmeg, ginger, or cinnamon - I like cinnamon
1/4 c. oil or butter or margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 9x9 baking dish. Place peaches inside. (I also cut my peaches into smaller chunks for my kids). Mix dry ingredients well and add butter or oil. Mix till crumbly and sprinkle on peaches. Cook in hot oven for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy plain or add vanilla ice cream or cream if you like.

Nelson Mandela - Not an Official Brother

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela

Joyous Jake!

Jake is so excited! I can't even begin to tell you all! We walked around the block last Sunday and when we got home, he looks at the yard and points, exclaiming "Is that what I think it is?!" "No dear, that's a weed. They're all over in the back yard." I was already headed down the sidewalk again when I hear "Is that what I think it is?!" Oh my heck, it really was. Little grass sprouts were all over the place! Jake was grinning from ear to ear. He kept rubbing his hands on the tops of them and saying "Look, you can feel them." I tried to get a picture of him, but he wouldn't let me. I did get a picture of him and Mercedes together though. Now I just need to find the camera again. (That thing turns up missing as much as my glasses).

"Queen of Clean" Part 2

Cleaning Tips for the Bathroom

Today I will continue with "make your own" cleaners for the home. I received all of these from a friend who regularly employs these mixes in her own home. She says they are all fantastic! The ones I have included today are labeled "Cleaning Tips for the Bathroom." Be wise and use your best judgment.

Removing Soap Scum From Glass Shower Doors

Lemon oil or plain mineral oil will remove soap scum quickly and easily and helps prevent it from building up again. Apply oil with a scrubbing sponge by rubbing across the dirty shower door surface. Buff with a soft cloth or paper towel for a haze-free shine. The oil provides a protective coating that keeps the water beading and the soap scum from adhering. Never put oil in the bottom of the shower or allow it to drip there because it prevents good traction and may cause falls.

Tile and Grout Cleaner

1/2 c. baking soda
1/3 c. ammonia
1/4 c. white vinegar
7 c. water

Combine in a labeled spray bottle and shake well to mix. Do not use this in conjunction with chlorine bleach or where chlorine bleach has been used! Simply spray on and wipe with a damp sponge or cloth. No rinsing required. Removes soap scum beautifully!

Removing Hairspray Residue and Dust Repellent

Mix one part liquid fabric softener to two parts water in spray bottle. Spray on surface to be cleaned and wipe. This also acts as a dust repellent.

Tang Toilet Tune-up

Because citric acid oxidizes rust, try this for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to remove rust rings in the toilet. Once a month sprinkle a layer of Tang Breakfast Drink or Lemon Kool Aid on the sides of the toilet and in the water, leave for one hour, brush and flush. Repeat if necessary.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

"Queen of Clean" Part 1

Cleansers and Cleaning Tips

Here is a list of cleaning product you should never be without. And most of them are things you already have in your home. They can be used alone, together or in conjunction with other common household products such as salt or dish washing liquid to help you handle most of the cleaning problems in your home; and, are especially good for people with allergies and those of us who want to cut back on chemicals, or maybe just help our pocket book a little.

Here's your shopping list:

• White vinegar - mild acid
• Baking soda - great deodorizer, cleaner, and mild abrasive
• Lemon Juice - nature's bleach and disinfectant
• Club Soda - the best emergency spotter there is
• Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover - every home needs a good all-purpose carpet stain remover
• Borax - a base, a little stronger than baking soda
• Ammonia - good all-purpose cleaner (Never mix with chlorine-based products. Don't use it where chlorine has been used either. It creates ammonium chloride, which is lethal. Also, make sure you have adequate ventilation because it emits strong fumes).

Below are a few cleansers you can make using some of these. I will post more soon!

Baby Wipes

10 c. container w/ lid
1/2 roll Bounty paper towels
2 Tbsp. baby oil
2 Tbsp. baby bath
2 c. distilled water

Cut roll of paper towels in half. (Each roll of towels makes two containers of wipes). Remove center cardboard. Mix liquid ingredients, but don't shake because it foams. Pour over 1/2 roll of paper towels. Pull first towel up. If left to rest for one hour, all the liquid will be absorbed.

Window Cleaner

1/4 c. white vinegar
1 qt. water

Combine in spray bottle. Use a dry blackboard eraser on a dry window or mirror after cleaning to banish any streaks left behind.

Air Freshener

1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 cups water

Combine in spray bottle. After foaming stops, put on lid. Shake before using.

Scouring Powder - Non-toxic Grease Cutting

4 parts baking soda
1 part washing soda

Combine and store in shaker container.

Scouring Powder - Disinfecting

4 parts baking soda
1 part Borax

Combine and store in a shaker container.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

Wednesday Prep Day

I really like how the website Safely Gathered In has set up gathering items for emergency car kits, 72 hr. kits, and short and long term storage! So I am adopting this into my blog. Thank you Safely Gathered In! I'm just going to start where they currently are because we will come back and finish after the 72 hr. kits are complete. (It will keep both cycles the same and hopefully not cause confusion). Thank you again Safely Gathered In!

"Every [Wednesday], we post specific items you should gather in order to supplement your emergency car kit, your 3-month supply, and your longer-term storage. If you are new to our blog, don't worry! You won't be left behind. Just start up where we are and follow along. You will eventually have everything completed! Once the car kit is complete, we'll be putting together 72-hour kits again (week by week). Once those are done, we'll gather the car kits again. So don't worry, just jump on in and join us where we are today!"

"This week for your car kit, add some hand sanitizer (just a small travel bottle should be fine) and a small notepad and pens/pencils. Hand sanitizer is always a good idea to have around, and the pen and paper could come in handy for a variety of reasons - taking down information from someone, playing a game, making a grocery list on the go, etc."

"How is your three month supply coming along? Do you have a master shopping list? Do you have inventory of what you have? I know it's really overwhelming to think about all of that, but it's the perfect activity for a rainy day or just some down time (I know... that's hard to come by sometimes!). However, if you keep an up-to-date inventory of what you have, it makes your food storage seem so much easier."

"We're still gathering "other" items this month for longer-term storage. Are you catching up on another basic item that you missed, or are you gathering something completely different? Whatever you decide to get, good luck! Make sure you store it well so that it doesn't go bad. 5 gallon buckets or #10 cans are perfect... gotta keep the bugs out!"

Seasoning Mixes

Today's post is about seasoning mixes. I ran across these about five years ago, and I've been using them ever since. I've had people say "I'm just going to buy Taco Seasoning, etc..." which it totally fine. I just had all the ingredients in my cupboard anyway; so, these mixes help me keep them rotated faster then if I wasn't using them at all. Feel free to change them to fit your family's taste buds.

Spaghetti Seasoning

1 T. dehydrated onion
1 T. parsley flakes
1 T. cornstarch
1 T. salt
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 t. sugar
1 T. dried green pepper
1/4 t. basil
1/4 t. thyme
1/4 t. sage
1/4 t. marjoram
1/4 t. oregano

Equivalent to 1 pkg of seasoning.

Chili Seasoning

1 1/2 t. flour
1 T. dehydrated onion
3/4 t. chili powder
1/4 t. dried red pepper
1/4 t. minced garlic
1/2 t. seasoning salt
1/4 t. sugar
1/4 t. cumin

Equivalent to 1 pkg. of seasoning.

Sloppy Joe Mix

1 T. dehydrated onion
1 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. dry mustard
1 t. salt
1 t. cornstarch
1/4 t. celery seeds
1/2 t. chili powder

Equivalent to 1 pkg. seasoning.

Taco Seasoning

For a milder taco seasoning, reduce the red pepper.

1 Tbs. dehydrated onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. dried red pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Equivalent to 1 pkg. seasoning.

Motivational Monday

Last Friday I posted this thinking it was Monday. I don't know how anyone could possibly get the two days mixed up, but I managed. This is an AWESOME video clip of Elder Uchtdorf. Watch and enjoy!

Rocks, Rocks, and More Rocks!

The last while has been crazy for us because we started working in our yard. We have to get grass in and a garden; but, we have two weeks before we can start the garden and it's a good thing! A week-and-a-half ago, the tiller man came. He couldn't use his big tiller in our dirt because of all the rocks, so he used a huge rake made from railroad spikes. While we were working, we found a spike that had broken off. I guess it was almost to much for that too! (But most likely just a bad weld job).

Before the tiller man came, we had this!

When he left, we were left with this - minus the weeds.

This is what Jake built from some of the rocks. It holds up our yard in the corner where the neighbor's has sunk. He did a really good job. When I asked him where he got the idea, he said I gave it to him.

Mercedes was so excited about the spinny thing! She had to try it out!

She and Jake worked very hard to spread peat moss on everything after it was done.

A week and a half later, Jake is still busy watering. He is so bummed because there isn't even a grass sprout! Lots of weeds are coming out, but no grass.

Now we have to tackle this!

My Preparedness Blog

I'm beginning a preparedness blog. It really doesn't have much on it now, and it's a bit random; but, my goal is to do a post five days a week. I've just figured out the format. Monday is motivational. Tuesday will be a food storage recipe. Wednesday we'll work on 72 hour kits, emergency kits, and short term and long term food storage. Thursday will be preparedness ideas like, well the insulated tent that's on there now. Next week I think I'll do a box oven. Friday will be a surprise! (It's a surprise to me too)! Hopefully this will be a success and maybe someone will find something useful. Love to you all!

The link is http://goodnewsminutes.blogspot.com/

Krystal's Pinto Bean Fudge

This treat is SO nummy! Your family wont even know it has beans.

1 c. cooked soft pinto beans*
1/4 c. milk
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 c. plus 2 Tbsp. cocoa
3/4 c. butter, melted
2 lbs. powdered sugar
Nuts, optional

Pour beans, milk, vanilla, and butter in blender and process until smooth. Mix cocoa and powdered sugar in a separate bowl. Create nest in center of sugar mixture and add beans. Mix carefully so that sugar lumps won't form. Add nuts if desired. When mixed, this will be super runny. Don't worry, it will set up very quickly. Poor it in a pan fast and refrigerate until firm. Enjoy!


*To quick cook pinto beans, add sorted beans and a bunch of water to a pot. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand one hour. Replace old water with fresh water and simmer covered for 1 and a half to 2 hours or until done.

Water Storage

When I saw this, I got very excited! Many ways of storing water exist. This way may help with the large 55 gallon barrels! The idea comes from Wendy DeWitt and is found on her blog http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/. For instructions that are a little easier to understand, click here http://www.theideadoor.com/Preparedness/storing_water.htm#Storing_Water_Barrels

To treat water in a 55 gallon drum, use 1/8 teaspoon Chlorine crystals, the kind used for hot tubs. Add them to the water. Don't add the water to the Chlorine crystals because it creates a poisonous gas! Chlorine crystals never expire, unlike liquid chlorine which is only good for 6 months after manufacturing!

Oh That Wonderful Corn

Christina can sleep anywhere! This was taken Sunday after church. We were all eating lunch and she left the table. This is where we found her when we left the table.

Now, on to the reason I'm making this post...I've got to tell you about the corn we bought the other day. The bishop did a little gardening class here. He told us the average last frost date here is May 27! Can you believe that?! Ok, so back to the corn. He talked to us about corn and what kind is really good. He said "buy Ambrosia, it's so sweet and good you'd never plant any other kind." So when we were at IFA buying grass seed, I saw bulk Ambrosia corn seed. "Jake, this is the kind the Bishop said to plant." Then I looked at the rest and said, "this is the kind he said not to plant." (N 199, supposedly not as good as Ambrosia).

There wasn't very much seed left, so I dumped the rest in a bag to buy. The paper on the front of the bin - with instructions and price - was missing, so I figured I'd just ask the bishop how to plant the stuff. Jake paid for everything and we left. I asked him how much the corn was but he didn't know. Then I saw the receipt. $18.99 a pound! WHAT?! Did I just read that right? Yep...$18.99 a pound! Can you believe that?! Good thing we only spent $15.00 on our little bag! No wonder they don't have a price on it!!! It was crazy! And then to top it all off, Christina held the bag on the way home and ate half of it! All we could do was laugh.

It still makes me laugh!

I'll get you my pretty and your little camera too...Alex will be one year old this month! Can you believe that?! Where does the time go?

Soccer Blues

This is Mercedes in her blue soccer uniform. She doesn't like playing. Can't stand it. Doesn't want to do it. Thought she would like it 'cause "her best friends Tessa is on her team." But, when it's practice time, she wants to sit. And when it's game time, Jake has to bribe her to play. I wonder what we can learn from this because in the beginning she was so excited to play! Once she got going, she changed her mind. I'm not sure why...

Here's Jake with Mercedes. He's her team's Assistant Coach. Go Dad!
GO MERCEDES! YOU ROCK!!!

Garden Beginnings

Back in March we decided to start some seeds going.

Alex enjoyed eating his cereal and grinning at us the whole time!

Mercedes is such a goof! She's totally posing for this picture. She chose to plant watermelon and flowers.

Here come the seeds!

See how good I did, Mom!

Christina had fun playing in the dirt while filling her cups.

When she was done, she was done. No seed planting for her!

Here's a picture of some of the cucumber sprouts. It was a good experience for the girls. Mercedes had to show all of her friends her sprouts. They weren't that interested, but she was very excited! Unfortunately, long story short...I forgot to bring them in one night and all the cucumbers died! (I'm really glad everything else was fine)! Good luck this year if you do a garden!

Basic Gardening

It's that time of year again...time to break out the shovels and tillers and get the garden in. Well, it's not quite time in my area but it's getting closer. Our average last frost is May 27th; and, as the bishop put it so well last night, to make up for the growing season starting late, it ends early too! Here's a list of gardening basics for what ever area you may be in.

1. Location

• Pick a spot that is the right size for you to tend. Something that will grow what you need, but no so big that you get discouraged. This could be a flower pot, container, flower bed, side lawn, or backyard.
• Pick a spot with plenty of sun. Most vegetables need about six hours of sun to grow and mature.
• Pick a spot with "good soil" or plan to improve it.
• Pick a place that has good access to water, and somewhere that you can watch and see your garden grow. Two reasons for this are: first, you will enjoy watching everything grow; and second, when you are looking at it, you will be fore likely to tend and take care of it.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Feed the soil with compost, old sawdust, dry leaves, or grass clippings. Add mineral fertilizer - 2 pints of 21-0-0 or 1 1/2 pints of 34-0-0 in a garden 10x10 feet. If you use organic matter, use 1/2 fertilizer.
• Cultivate the soil with a tiller or shovel. If you chose a spot where grass has been, be sure to get all the old grass out.

3. Plan Your Garden

• Consider spacing. Think about the vegetables you plan to plant and the space that they will need.
• Decide how much you need and can take care of. In other words, 10 zucchinin plants might be nine too many! it is always nice to share with others, but basically plant what you need and can take care of.
• Plan the planting time.
• Some veggies are cooler weather plants and can be planted before the last frost. These include peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, etc...
• Other plants need warmer soil temperature in order to do well. Potatoes, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, etc. need to be planted later.
• If you want to try to plant these tender plants earlier to get a jump on the season, be prepared to protect them during the last few frosts. This can be done with empty milk jugs, "wall of water," plastic tunnels, etc...

4. Caring for the Garden

• Weeding. You might be lucky enough to never have to weed - but probably not. you can hand weed plants once they are big enough. Hoeing is a good method of weed elimination. You can use a rotor tiller if your rows are spaced wide enough. You can also use black plastic or ground cloth in some areas. "Round-Up" weed killer and "Amaze" granules also work, but you need to be very careful how you use them.
• Watering. Sprinkling can work when watering the garden. It doesn't soak deeply so you might need to water more often. If plants get too tall it might be hard to reach all areas of the garden. Soaking with a soaker hose or using the furrow method is preferred. Be sure to put plants that have similar watering heeds by each other.

5. Pest Control

• some plants are relatively safe from pests and others suffer with multiple plagues.
• Squash bugs can kill a plant over night. You can try to pick them off and smash them or use "Seven Dust" to protect the plants. This is a season long problem.
• Tomatoes can have tomato worms that need to be picked off and smashed when ever you see one. they can do major damage to a tomato crop.
• Beans struggle right from the start. As soon as they peek through the ground, they are chewed by bugs. Dusting the tiny plants with "Seven" dust will allow them to get growing.

Insulated Tent

Here is Roger K. Young's design for an insulated tent. Click on the images below to view a larger image.

Toddler Dress From a Man's Shirt

Here's the link to learn how to make a toddler dress from a man's button-up shirt! What an incredible idea!

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=170402.0

Happy Valentines!

Aunt Melanie is always spoiling us with wonderful surprises! For valentines day this year, she gave us a big pretty box tied with ribbon and a sign right on front that said "Happy Valentines Day ~ Thou shalt not open until February 14, 2009." Needless to say, it didn't last that long on the piano. Melanie's package was so full! It had pencils, which Stina took right a way, puzzles, which Mercedes loved, tons of stickers, Valentine pasta, a giant kiss for me, clothes for each of the kids, and much much more! Thanks for the fun surprise, Melanie!

Here's Stina with the "Kiss."

Mercedes couldn't figure out which stickers she liked best. She and Christina put them all over the place.

Jake's dice say "Kiss" and "Snuggle."

"Peanut" Surgery

Here is a picture of poor Alex after his "peanut" surgery. When we got in Primary Children's, we made a terrible discovery! Jake had left the camera out in the car! So, we didn't get any pre-surgery pics. After surgery and seven hours in the hospital, Alex was just as happy-go-lucky as ever. I am so thankfull for medicine; and, I'm sure he is too! He just doesn't know it.

Here is Alex with Dr. Devries. She's the doctor who performed the surgery. I liked her.

Although these pictures were taken at his check-up, within days of the surgery, if you didn't know he'd had it, you'd never know. He was a good sport throughout recovery and quickly figured out how to crawl.

Happy Birthday Stina!

On January 27th, Christina turned three years old!
She is getting sooooooooo BIG!!!

The girls were having so much fun playing while eating their cake! It was fun to watch them giggle so much.

Stina rarely goes anywhere without Monkeek.

Alex sure loved his cake!
He was covered from head to toe and needed a tubby after his little adventure.

Happy Birthday, Stina!!!

My Perfect Day

I haven't been on here in forever! I've got so much to up-date! But I had to share something. I have finely figured out what my "perfect day" is. Have you ever heard of designing your perfect day? Pick two or three criteria that would make your day "perfect" and make sure you have one every day. Well, I have one and it is so simple. As long as the house if full of laughter, my day is perfect.

I've come to the realization that no matter how much I clean, there will always be more laundry and dishes and toys to pick up. This used to frustrate me to no end and I was really embarrassed about it when people came by. And I used to think, why can I not get a handle on this mess?! Now, obviously we can't just live in squalor, but I realized the message that I personally was sending to my kids was that this mess - these dishes, this pile of clothes, their toys, my "toys" etc... - was more important than they were. And it's not! It's a lesson the Lord is teaching me. And I'm so glad He is!

So, my perfect day? Laughter filling the air, because it means I'm taking the time to remember my kids.

Mr. Alex the Bo Balex

So the other day, Jake and I were working on getting dinner on the table, and Alex was following us around in the kitchen. He was obviously getting very frustrated that no one was picking him up because he would cry every time one of us would walk by! Finely, Jake walked up to him, lifted him up into the air, and said in jest "Who do you think you are crying all the time 'cause we don't pick you up?" And Mercedes, in all seriousness and with a little bit of "valley girl" attitude as if implying duh, you should know this, Dad replied, "He's Mr. Alex, the Bo Balex."