Wonderful Reminder

Thanks to a dear friend who directed me to this wonderful website, I am encourage each and every time I read it. It is GirlTalk. Yes, many of you know about it. But those who don't I strongly recommend checking it out. It has reminded me to thank my brother and his family for their sacrifices in serving our country, that parenting is hard work and must be Gospel centered, and has shown me women who are open in sharing their struggles and how they deal with them in Christ-center ways.

Weed Control

David was forbidden from using weed control spray in the backyard. So we were hand picking the weeds. But those stupid creepy crawly weeds were overwhelming. So we went with our old standby for GREEN CLEANING---VINEGAR!!!! Yes, it works. Spray it on the weed FULL STRENGTH! Yes, even the creepy crawly weeds are dying. We will have to keep you updated, but we are happy so far.

Potty Training

Potty training is a huge undertaking. Zane has made it interesting and fun. We have found him wiping his animals bottoms. This morning we found him having each animal sitting on the potty and making sure they had enough time to go!

Bobo Bear

Micah Bear

WoofWoof

This play resembles the book The Prince and the Potty. One of Zane's favorite books that talks about a prince who needs to use the potty but does not like it. So mommy and daddy get a puppy and have the prince help teach the puppy where to go. Once the puppy learns, the prince is soon to follow. Of course Zane likes it because of the puppy and the word potty.

Be Green and Save Money

If you are like me you want to save money and help keep chemicals that are harmful to your family out of your home. However, the "green" cleaners and other products are very expensive and not in the budget. Well, here are some tips to be green and save money.

• Use vinegar to clean: bathrooms, floors, window, and fabric softener (does not make clothes smell)
• Baking Soda: Kitchen Sinks, Laundry Booster, Tubs, carpet freshener
  
• Laundry: Pre-soak for 15 minutes, then go to the rise and let it run the rest of the cycle, use cold water, line dry clothes. We live in AZ, the sun is a natural brightener, whitener, and disinfectant.
• Set thermostat to 80--if I can do it, then anyone can--we also have it at 78 for the hours of 10 pm to 8 am.
• Vinegar is also wonderful for your dishwasher--We had to replace our dishwasher after two years, because of hard water build up. Once a month, fill the bottom with vinegar, let it set over night, then do a quick rinse: have dishes in the machine and get the buildup off!
• Compost!!! Yes, this is one many may not like, but if done properly it does not smell! Make sure that there are NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS of any kind! Even veggies with butter should not be put in. An added benefit is that the insects will gravitate toward the compost instead of the house. You also get great soil for planting and you don't have to buy it!

The vinegar is much cheaper than household cleaners. These are gentle on skin, so no plastic gloves needed. Some may be old fashion, but it is worth it.

The Joker

Our son is just one big practical joker. He loves to spray both of us with the hose. Whether it is directly or indirectly.

He trapped me in the garden while I was taking pictures of the garden:

Watering the sages, making me think that I am safe...............

Hi Mommy....I see you!

HAHAHAHA HEE HEE HEE!

He has done this to Daddy and tried to get Mommy through the windows! He loves to get us wet!

The Cookie Monster

I am not one to let Zane have much in the way of sugar. However, I was in the mood to bake, and it was a wonderful day to do so on Tuesday (Low 80's in Arizona in May!!!!) So during his nap I made peanut butter cookies. He woke up to fresh cookies which he loved! I felt like June Cleaver!


In fact he loved them so much that I heard him pushing the chair over to where the cookies were cooling, trying to get more! I think we will know the answer to the question: Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?!?!
BUSTED!

Mommy's Garden

God has so many ways to calm the soul. For me it is enjoying the flowers that we have planted. This year I had a section in which we bought some flowers and another section where we planted seeds and just let last years seeds grow. I must say I love looking at the side that is from seeds, better than the side we "planned".

Sunflowers are some of my favorites. I never thought that they would do well here in Arizona but I tried, and am glad I did. Hope you enjoy!

Needed to add my Roses also!
Maybe I will try a sunflower house next year!?!