Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Fall Ball

This is what we did tonight, and will continue to do for the next few weeks. 

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Jagger loves it.  By the third inning he is totally bored, but he loves it. 

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He had three good hits, scored twice, and filled his glove with a lot of dirt while playing short stop. 

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We’re so proud. 

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A couple things to work on before the next game:

  • Keeping your glove on when you play first base
  • How to stand in a line and give the other team high fives

Go team green!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

And we’re off

First day of Pre-K, here we come! 

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Lots of excitement.

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And lots of school supplies.  It’s a wonder he didn’t fall over backwards. 

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Summer Finale

School starts tomorrow!  (Squeal)  But summer always goes by too fast.

It’s hard to see where it all went. 

In July, Grant’s grandpa was diagnosed with cancer, and it progressed quite quickly.  Too quickly.

Luckily we had enough sense to change our plans for a vacation into a staycation. There’s no quicker way to ruin a vacation than to have your heart be 1,000 miles away.  So we are glad we stayed.  Grandpa Berkley passed away a couple nights ago, so I know Grant is grateful to have been here for his last week.  Prayers of peace for the family are appreciated. 

And while it was under sad circumstances, we still got to enjoy quality time with siblings and cousins. 

I really do love all my inlaws.  I feel blessed. 

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We were also able to sneak away to Kansas for a couple days, and enjoy my side of the family.  The boys had fun swimming and shooting a BB gun, and I had fun sleeping in while my mom made the boys breakfast.  It’s the little things:)

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This last week also marks the beginning of Jagger’s T-Ball career.  I don’t know who is more excited, Jagger or his parents.  Playing catch is his new favorite activity.  And I can’t wait to step up into my role of T-ball, baseball, soccer, basketball, football, hockey etc. - Mom!  

So now we’ve got school everyday and games every week, and no more sleeping in… And just like that, our summer is over. 

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The Only Legal Picture I Could Take

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First, I saw this sight.  What the, what the? 

CASH!!!???

And then I saw the full damage.

He had colored himself green, from the belly button the the knees.  Solid green.  Every inch.  Yeah, including that.   

All while sitting on the potty. 

I guess he likes to multitask? 

Monday, August 2, 2010

Simplifying & Frugal Cleaning

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I remember back in the good old days (10 years ago) when the only thing I had to spend my money on was clothes and handbags, and the occasional Sonic treat.  Oh the life. 

But now I am a real life grownup and have to spend my money on boring things like insurance and cleaning products.  Boo.  I don’t like either one of those things.

Anyway, I don’t know why I am saying all that, except for the fact that I am learning and trying and relearning about how to be frugal with my cleaning products. 

I guess it is part of my quest to simplify my home. 

I am trying to spend less, and use less chemicals.  And I could use whatever advice anyone has to help me do so. 

So far, this is what I am working with:

Water/Vinegar Solution -  I’ve been replacing most of the chemicals in the house with this.  Except for Windex, because I can’t find anything else that is streak-free.  . 

Baking Soda – Instead of Comet.  I am mixing it with vinegar for some of the tougher grime.  And I like the bubbliness that happens with that combination.  It makes me feel like a science teacher:) 

Laundry Detergent – I’ve made my own, and I am pretty much loving it so far.  3 bars of gated Ivory soap, 3 cups Borax, 3 cups washing soda.  And (this is really important) I think it looks a lot cuter than my usual container of Tide.

Reusable Rags- Instead of paper towels.  I keep paper towels around, but I try not to use them very often.  (This reminds me of my mom, who once snapped at my brother-in-law for using a napkin to clean something up.  She’s funny like that.)

Here’s a few links that have helped me out:

Cleaning Products: Are you spending more than needed?

TipNut’s Homemade Cleaners

Any of you other homemakers have any great ideas as far as getting your frugal on and simplifying your cleaning products?