Cole Prays

Cole is taking his new role in the family very seriously - Pastor Cole. Cole prays any where, any time. Out of the blue, he will fold his hands, say "pray" and start to whisper. Then with the enthusiasm of a Baptist preacher - "AMEN".

About two weeks ago, when Papa and Grams were visiting, Chad came out of his bedroom after he should have been asleep. Here was the conversation:

Mommy: Chad, what's wrong?
Chad: Cole won't stop saying "Amen!"
Mommy: Let me listen. (Turns on monitor.)
Cole: (Silence) AMEN!!! (Silence) AMEN!!!

Cole's Pull-Toys

Chef Chad

While I was sick last week, Chad discovered that he can make crescent rolls by himself. He wanted to make them for Grams and Papa too.d

Cole's Message to Aunt Jennifer

Fun with Grams and Papa

We had the privilege of having Grams and Papa here for a few days this week.  They kids had fun playing and Mommy and Daddy are so thankful for everything that got done.  The garden is planted (as much as can be for March), the house is clean, and laundry caught up.  Praise the Lord! 

Cole followed Papa around like a little puppy.  Papa read with Cole, rocked Cole, and just held him.  Amazing!  The other two got Grams to do things for them that Mommy and Daddy make them do themselves!

Chad made breakfast for us this morning.  He decided to dress the part as well.  Video coming soon!

Who Do I Help First?

This hasn't been the best week in our family. On Monday I awoke with a horrific headache. Thankfully it left by noontime. But Tuesday night found Kaylee, Chad, and I pretty sick. Michael was trying to figure out who to help first. The kids bounced back pretty quickly but I have yet to gain my energy. Although Cole didn't official get sick he has been pretty fussy and diaper changing time sure wasn't fun! Hopefully next week will be better!!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

In all reality, I am not very "green".  I don't get into organic but I do grow a garden.  I take care of the enviorment but it has more to do with the fact that I hate trash and waste.  Also, I am incredibly cheap!  If I can save money, count me in. 

When I saw the amount of money that I could save making homemade laundry detergent, I was sold.

I just finished making my second batch.   That means that my first batch (which was actually 2 batches) lastest from December until March.  Pretty good considering how much laundry we do around here!

Here is the recipe and directions that I did (although I am always open to new ideas!)

2 Cups finely shredded bar soap
1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 Cup 20 Mule Team Borax

  I used the Zote bar because that was available at a local grocery store.  I know that there are other options.  Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap is one. 

  Arm & Hammer Super Wash Soda, Detergent Booster 55 oz (1559 g)  You can not use regular baking soda.  I had trouble finding this so I called the Arm and Hammer corporation to find a place locally that sold this. 

Dial Corp. 00368 20 Mule-Team Borax - This was easy to find.

I used the food processor to grind up the Zote bar.  First I grated it and then used the shredding blade to make it finer.  Once grated, this created 4 cups.  Then I added 2 cups of borox and the soda.  I have a front load washer and I add 1 T per load.  The soap will not suds up so don't panic and think that you should add more.  

It comes to about 1-2 cents per load.  A lot less than the purchased detergents.  I have been really happy with the results.  

Marching into Spring?

We are really loving this warmup.  The kids have been able to go outside and play.  I truly believe some of our "issues" have been because they have been couped up all winter. 

We are starting to get spring fever as we planted Mommy's new apple tree (thanks to Grams and Papa and an extended Christmas gift).  Mommy is starting to think about her gardens.  The kids are really wanting the pool filled so that they can swim.  (Think that will be a while!)

One of the joys of being a parent is watching the kids interact together.  For some reason, Chad started calling Kaylee "sister".  Although other people say this, we never have.  Not sure from where or why, but that is his thing right now.  Chad is doing so well during our school time.  He figured out "rhyming" all of a sudden after many attempts.  He is reading very well but still prefers to be read to.  I have to admit that the stories are pretty boring that he reads :-)  We continue to work on his drawing and are amazed at the progress.  He tells everyone that he is going to Kindergarten this year.  He is so excited. 

Kaylee loves to ride her bike.  She rides all around the new garage and the cement.  Great fun.  She is so proud of herself.  She knows over half of her letters and most numbers 1-10.  She is getting pretty good at writing her name.  She loves school time but messes up on purpose sometimes to get Mommy's attention!

Cole started on Feb 19th to grab an adult's hand and take them somewhere to show them something.  He also talks assuming that you understand everything he says.  Thankfully we do understand many of the words but when he gets going...not so much.    Cole did his first finger painting last week.  He didn't like it at all until Mommy made him continue.  (Mommy has learned a lot sitting in on hours of Occupational Therapy!)  He also enjoys showing us how big he is.  Kaylee loves to tell him "So big" and he raises his arms with a huge giggle.  Cole continues to ask Mommy to "rock" before bedtime. Some of my favorite minutes of the day.