Swagbucks...

Did you know you can 'make money' searching the web?? Ok, not literally 'make money', but you can earn points (through Swagbucks), and then redeem Amazon Gift Cards, along with other prizes. But the best are the gift cards. And THEN use them to buy things on Amazon!!! How cool is that?? I say VERY cool!!! I've been doing it for a while now, and am saving up for a Grain Mill. (I know it'll take a while, but I would like to pay for at least half of it with the gift cards.)

All you have to do is sign up through this little link... HERE, and you can start gaining points by searching the web... So what are you waiting for?? Also, by signing up through that link, you are helping me out... :) You can do the same thing... tell your friends and family, and you will get points when they get points. So it's a 'win-win' situation.

Swagbucks is funded through the ads on their site. And it is always fun to do searches and then have this note pop-up saying you won X amount of points. You can make points of 1-20 points on a regular basis, and higher now and then. So let the fun begin, Swagbucks is here to add to the fun of site searching.

Homemade Toothpaste

Photo Credit

I have been making my own toothpaste for a while now. And we have learned to really like it. (Yes, it did take a bit to get used to it.)

And it's super simple to make...

4 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Water

Peppermint Flavoring-to taste

Mix all together and store in a container. I have a container for each person. And yes, eventually, we will need to lable each persons. :) Right now, Mom still supervises. This amount last around 2 mths. But it does depend how heavy you use it. My Hubby used it up MUCH faster, I told him he's a heavy user. I just wet my tooth brush, shake off the excess water, then dip in the tooth paste/powder. And brush away!!

Linked to From Scratch.

Where's Bear???

The question is asked, the search begins… “Where’s bear?” we ask the owner. He just lifts his hands and shrugs his shoulders, making the voice inflections for “I don’t know?” Can’t you just see the delight in his eyes? The thought that 'Maybe I hid it hard enough this time they will have to let me skip my nap".

“Where’s bear??” The cry comes from this corner and that. Looking in all the places the child had been that morning. In the crib, Mom and Dad’s bed, the kitchen drawers and cupboards, but no bear!!! The toy box, full of toys, you really need to dig, but you know it couldn’t have gotten so deep in such a short time, cause you know he had him this morning, he always crawls out of bed holding it’s paw. So you continue to search, the toy barn, the cows and tractors, they just look at you without a word, not knowing either. The little boy who played with them, had bear by his side, but took him with, when the next toy caught his eye. So we look in the trunk of the little green car, that sings “Here we go round the big red barn” many times in a day… but it to is empty, only cracker crumbs of yesterdays drive thru’ snack.

“Where’s bear??” Again the question is asked, again, minds are searched through to remember the spots the little boy played at in his morning adventures. Oh, right he was in the spare room on his Father’s desk, perhaps that little bear went along in there. But no, the bear was not there either, the tractors were still in straight lines, like Dad put them. Surprisingly enough!!! But that bear is still missing…

“Where’s bear???” This time it is getting serious!! If we can’t find that bear… Mom would not like to know what the next days would hold. SO we DIG DEEPER!!! Now looking under all beds, in the closets, who knows where he went while Mom was in another room… In the bath tub, in the dresser drawers, if he puts his own socks away, perhaps he thought bear needed to be put away too. But no, all those spots are 'BEAR-LESS' too!!!

“Where is Bear???” Dad has been helping too… “Mom, think, think, think, where all was he?” “Oh, yes, he was with me in the basement while I was doing the wash.” So with a quick run down stairs, just knowing that he would be down there, she feels so giddy. Her baby can go take his nap… it is later then the little guy normally goes down, and she feels the need to FIND that BEAR!!! After a quick look around, she sees no bear… “Oh, where, oh, where can he be” she cries. Even looking under the bottom step down there. As there is a board that makes everything that falls behind the steps slide to the bottom. And he isn’t there. We really need that much loved little bear. Who once was white, but now is a dirty gray. Who once was a soft fuzzy bear, but now is matted and lumpy. Who has a pink ribbon, but it’s owner is a boy. Who had 3 tags on its rump, but now has remnants of 2. Yes, two little hands rubbed those tags until there is not much left!!! It is really in sad shape, been thrown up on, sat on, washed in the washer more times then we know, went on trips to CO, PA, & more, been to town countless times, lost in stores and steps retraced, been left behind at home, and returned for. All because we CAN NOT LOSE BEAR!!!

“Where is BEAR??” Dad begins to dig deeper still… looking in cracks and corners. Over turning things that are still in their normal spots, this house is beginning to look quiet a sight. But Bear is going to show up soon, he just has to. Not many spots are left to look in. The question is asked, “Was the dog in here?” But mom says “NO, that dog don’t come in unless there is crumbs that need cleaned up and she hasn’t the time for a broom, or… her hubby lets him in.” So that is out…

“Bear” “Bear” we call his name, hoping he’ll answer… maybe he’s tired of his hiding place and is ready for his owners clammy embrace. And to feel those tiny hands around his chubby stomach, to be cuddled in the crook of his arm for a long nap. “Please, Bear answer us.”

All at once comes that joyful cry!!! “I FOUND BEAR!!!!” And Mom and son go running to see… yup, it’s him alright!!! And looking no worse for the wear. “Where was he?” mom asks. “Oh, under the basement steps“, was the reply. “But I looked there,” she answers. “He was up a couple steps, stuck on something before hitting the bottom.” “Oh” was her relieved sigh!!!

Here is BEAR!!! Now, baby dear, you may go take your much needed, and behind schedule nap. So after placing him in his bed, we turn to the dresser grab a nuk. And the parents look at each other with a sigh…“Now where is his NUK????”

Written By Lois Martin Aug.06
All Rights Reserved

This was written when my oldest was just 1 1/2yrs old. -He's now almost 5!!! I still smile when I read it, and I love the memories it brings back!! He was an answer to our prayers, and a total delight to us. (He still is!!)

Linked to
 'Finer Things'
Feel Good Friday

Think About It...

I received this as an email from a friend. And it is very thought provoking... Let's pause in the busy moments of our lives and remember to just ENJOY LIFE!!!

READ THIS VERY SLOWLY... IT'S PRETTY PROFOUND.

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain'. And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!

We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get 'Steve' toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-deck-er. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to... not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi'?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

'Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance!'

Mom's Banana Pudding Dessert

Mom's Banana Pudding Dessert

Cool Whip

Graham Crackers

Butterscotch Pudding

Bananas

You can use instant Butterscotch Pudding, but there is nothing better then

homemade!!!! And it is very simple too.

2C. Brown Sugar

8TBLS Cornstarch

1/2tsp. salt

6C. Milk

Mix the brown sugar and cornstarch and salt together, then add milk. Stir well and cook on high,

in Microwave 10-14 minutes. Stirring twice during the cooking time. It should be smooth and thick

when it's done.

Scramble 4 eggs and then add a little bit of hot pudding at a time, til eggs are warm. Then add to

rest of pudding mixture.

Cook 4 more minutes, again stirring twice during the cooking time.

Add 4TBS Butter and 2tsp Vanilla. Stir.

I allow it to cool, and use syran wrap right on top of pudding to keep a skin from forming.

When ready to make the dessert-

Layer crushed Graham cracker, then pudding, then banana's, then cool whip

Repeat, until your bowl is full. Garnish with cracker crumbs.

ENJOY!!!

Printer Friendly version HERE.

Linked to-

-Tasty Tuesday

-Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

-From Scratch

F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S

Father's
And
Mother's
Illustrating
Love
In
Everyday
Situations


I seen this acronym today and it blessed me. And it is so true!! Our families today are not what they used to be... so many homes are torn apart. The children are left to figure life out for themselves. And the parents are hurting, taking it out on each other and the little ones. There are so many tears being shed in this country that only Jesus Christ can wipe away. Only He can heal those wounds. May we reach out to those hurting around us.

Laundry Tips#3-Stain Removers

Stains Originally uploaded by :Bron:

Yesterday, I once again had some stubborn stains to remove. This time from my Hubby's worn-only-once-before-new shirt. After doing my normal 'Spray & Wash', he was quick to inform me it hadn't come out. So I knew it was time for some harder work... A trick my sister showed me last summer.

She had sprayed a stubborn old stained on my skirt and left it sit an hour or so. Then she proceeded to scrub at it with her finger/thumb nails. And I was shocked to see it come right out. It took a bit of time, but not much. (It had been there for so long... why didn't I know it sooner. It was a favorite skirt of mine.)

So I did it with the shirt. And yes, it took a bit to do, but I think I got it all out now.:)

My favorite stain removing spray is 'Shout', I haven't found anything that will get kids stains out like it. I am open to finding something better-less toxic, but until then that will do. We go through a lot of clothes, and with 3 boys taking a turn, they are wearing out. (Boys are super hard on jeans!!)

My favorite degreaser is 'Mean Green'. My Mom always used that stuff on my Dad and brother's clothes. They worked in the woods and on equipment, so would come home quite greasy and grimy a lot of days!! But I have found that I don't need to use it real often with my own Homemade Laundry Soap.

And did you know Hairspray works great at removing ink from fabric?? Try it!!! You'll be pleasantly surpised!!

If you have any good stain removers or tips to share, please post them in the comments. I'd love to learn more too!!

Elderberry Syrup

1/2 C. Dry Elderberries
1 Cinnamon Stick
4 Whole Cloves
1 Grated Ginger
2 C. Water
Stir together in sauce pan. Bring to boil and let simmer over medium heat, until water is half gone. About 30 min.
Then strain and add 1 C. Pure Honey, stir thoroughly. And store in the fridge. (I should add, that I have never added the ginger, as I'm not sure my boys would like that flavor.) Photo Credit

I love this very simple immune boosting syrup. This past winter we have seen very few colds and only one bout of a flu bug. And that bug, I'm pretty sure was the H1N1 virus, as a lot of friends and family around here had it. Jevan had it the worse, Collin never really got it, except for a day of saying he didn't feel so great. And Rylen a touch of fever.

We've had a minimum of colds. And I give the credit to giving my boys this 'Elderberry Syrup'. I don't give it to Rylen, because there is honey in it.

It is very easy to make and store. I just keep it in a glass jar in my fridge. So far it's never went bad on me. And it's been in there close to two months now.
Photo Credit
I give them a teaspoon roughly every other day. But if I know we are going somewhere 'germy'-shopping, out to eat, social crowds, ect, I'll boost them with more that day. Also, if I hear of a flu bug going around, I'll give it every day. And for myself, I take a tablespoon when I feel I need to boost my immune system.

We LOVE this stuff, not only does it taste good, but it is good for you too!! And we are all much happier without being sick so often!!
Linked to-
-Things I Love Thursday
-Just for the Joy of it

For Printer Friendly Version click HERE.

My Boys...

...are the little people in my life who give it so much meaning. They add so much spice to it, they make each day unique and special. They have a sunny disposition in life. They look for the good in others.

Each child has his own personality... each so different and yet so alike!! They are best buddy's and worst enemies all in a matter of 5 minutes. They look out for each other, if one is missing they must know where the other is. They are always there for each other.

They love life and love exploring everything in it!! They can ask more questions in a day then I think of in a week. They love 'helping' me. They are their Father's shadow.

They made me a Mom. They are making me become more and more Christ-like, as I lay self down and serve them. They are teaching ME things I would have at one time never thought I needed to learn. They keep me humble. They give me so much joy and sunshine in each day!!!

And that is a 'Finer Thing' in life!!!

Laundry Soap Recipe

Laundry Tips-Part 2
I had started a series on Laundry Tips... Well, last week was a blur and the week before I was posting Our Love Story. So it was shoved off... Sorry!!

This time I'll share my Laundry Soap Recipe. My cousin had used this recipe and I thought her strange for going to the work of making it, when it was so easy to just buy it!! She made it because all her babies would get bad diaper rashes when using store bought stuff. How times have changed and now I make my own ALL the time!! For one it is MUCH much cheaper!

Ingredients & Things You Need

• 
  
  1 Fels Naptha Bar Soap
• 
  
  1 1/2 c. Borax
• 
  
  1 1/2 c. Washing Soda
• 
  
  5 Gallon Bucket with lid
• 
  
  Water

Shred the Fels Naptha bar. I use my food processor, so fast and easy.

Put in kettle with 12 c. of water. On Med. heat - heat til soap is dissolved.
Add Borax and washing soda. Then stir until dissolved.

Pour 8 Cups HOT water into your bucket. Add the soap, Borax, soda mix to the water and stir.

Then add 2 Gallons and 12 Cups of water. I generally just do cold.

Then stir really well. And let sit 24 hours.

Then use a whisk or mixer to make smooth. A mixer works much better then the whisk. It is very glumpy!!! I use a long handled spoon, and make sure I get all the lumps worked up to the mixer, and yes, my arm gets half way down the bucket too. The one time I made it, I didn't get to the bottom very good, and when I got down to that point, I could tell it, it was more watery and not mixed so well.

It took about 2 months to use this amount of laundry soap. And I average 2 loads of wash a day!! If not more!!! And we really like it. You use 1/3 c. soap per load. I often throw in a bit more when washing Delvyn's barn stuff. There isn't really any smell that I can tell. But there is when you are heating it to melt the bar soap. Makes your whole house smell like you cleaned it from top to bottom!!! :)

A breakdown of the costs-

Fels Naptha bar of Soap- $.99
Borax-$4.99                6 buckets can be made from 1 box
Washing Soda- $2.49  4 buckets can be made from 1 box

So it costs $2.45 per 5 gals of laundry soap.
If I figure 2 loads a day on average-30 days a month, beings it lasted me 2 mths, would be 120 loads
= about $.02 a load!!! About $15 a year for your Laundry soap!!!:)And it really doesn't take much time at all to make it.

Just a note-Washing Soda IS different then Baking Soda. You can find washing soda at Walmart and most grocery stores. Same with the Borax.

Happy Laundry Day!!!:)

For printer friendly version click HERE.

Character Marks

"Ummm, wonder where this mark came from??" I mussed while scrubbing my kitchen chairs. Soon I was noticing lots of pits, scuffs, bumps, and dings all over my chairs. One spindle is even cracked and being held together with a piece of string.

"Wow, these chairs have sure acquired a lot of marks in the past 7 years." My mind went back to the day we bought these chairs and matching table... It was a chilly fall day. But excitement was high for a certain Bride-to-be!! I didn't seem to notice the long wait, or the many people at the auction. I had my Handsome Groom-to-be with me and we were enjoying our day!! I had dreams and plans for this table and chairs, they looked so nice and new, and I wanted to keep them that way!!

BANG!!! My attention was quickly brought back to the present. Another tractor had hit it's target-the center of a chair. Another ding was added to the many other dings now covering my chair. Another reminder that I have 3 boys. And another reminder that they no longer look so nice and new.

I love my chairs-and I am learning to love each and every ding and the stories that they tell. Oh, the conversations that they have heard, the feet that have used them as stools, the meals that have been eaten on them... the list goes on.

As my mind thought of all the different happenings around my kitchen table, I thought of something else. All those dings marking up my chairs are giving it character. Each chair has it's unique shape, each acquiring it's own looks.

We are much like those chairs. We were at one time a perfect, innocent child, no marks in our life. But as we grew, we chose our own paths, we made mistakes, we fell down and we got 'marks'. But it's all in how we choose to let those marks heal that determine how we look-beautiful or ugly. If I can allow God to use those character marks for His purpose, He will make something very lovely out of it. It's the things that happen in life that forms us, it's what makes us who we are and who we will become.

Oh, that I would have beautiful 'Character Marks"!!