Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday I found this organization called Operation Christmas Child when reading a blog.  It's a wonderful organization that collects shoe boxes with gifts for a child and then they ship them all over the world.  After reading the blog and then reading more about the OCC I was determined to share this experience with my children.

So, last night I went shopping with a friend who also decided to join me in this.  We looked at clothing, deodorants, crafts, toys, candy and so much more.  We wandered.  We picked items up and thought about them.  We placed some back on shelves.  We threw some in the carts.  We found items we liked better and took out items we didn't like as much....all the while thinking about the little girl or little boy this gift might be given to.  She picked a girl in the age range of 5-9 and I picked a boy in the same age range.  Since I have 4 boys, I figured it would be pretty easy to find things.

I found Legos that made me smile when I thought of a little boy's delight.  I picked socks that I knew Colin would think were so comfy and cool to have for his own.  I found a tiny Nerf gun that all my boys would go nuts over.  I grabbed Christmas-y chapstick, crayons, markers, colored pencils, gum, tiny playing cards like Old Maid, a candy cane filled with jelly beans, spiderman bandaids, superhero tooth brushes, a small slinky, and a green yoyo ball.  Every time I think about these simple gifts, I smile.

I found some leftover wrapping paper from last Christmas and wrapped the plastic shoe box.  I folded. I rearranged. I opened packaging and organized.  I squished and shoved and pushed and crammed and FINALLY got everything that I desperately wanted in the box to fit...really tightly.

I told each of the boys about the program.  I showed them pictures of children who have received the boxes in the past.  I talked about how this will be a child's only Christmas, that each of the items in the box will be treasured.  I cried and cried and my kids asked me why I was crying.

What a glorious way to bring the real spirit of Christmas into our home.  We don't know exactly who this box will go to, but we have imagined him.  We have pictured him opening his gift.  We love him.

Isn't that what Christmas is really about?  I'm so grateful for the blog that lead me to find this amazing organization.  Go here to find her amazing blog...

http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/

If you want to learn more about this organization go here: Operation Christmas Child

And Have a wonderfully blissful and blessed holiday and Christmas season!

Mmm! Lunch!

Yesterday morning I got a text from my friend's daughter telling me that she and TJ thought we should have chimichangas for dinner that night.  At first I groaned.  Ugh!  There's not time.  Then I realized that it was 7:30 in the morning and I had plenty of time to put meat in the crock pot. Having dinner decided ahead of time is a magical thing!  It saves me so much stress.

I ran downstairs and grabbed the beef roast and a bag of frozen chicken breasts from the freezer and set about putting the ingredients needed into the pots.  Once finished I set the temperature and let it do its work.

A few hours later the wonderful aroma filled the wall of our home.  Mmmm!  I couldn't wait to eat dinner!

Dinner was, not only delicious, but fun.  We enjoyed good company, yummy food, and tasty warm cookies...compliment of Lauren ;).

I always get stumped when trying to come up with something for lunch.  Meals...ugh.  I remembered my leftover chimichanga meat and an idea popped into my head.  I cooked up a bag of frozen mixed veggies, sprinkled in a bit of salt and pepper and some southwestern seasoning.  Then added the chicken to the pan.  I kept trying to think of s o m e t h i n g that would make this dish somehow better.  Light bulb!  I sprinkled in a bit of taco seasoning, placed the veggie/meat mixture onto the brown rice and topped it with a little salsa.  Yummy, spicy, satisfying meal.  Success!

Kindness and service

Today I decided to stay home from church since the sore throat that I've had all week is still there and TJ is starting to get sick too.  I don't want to pass this on to anyone I don't have to.  So, in my search for something spiritual that can fill my time I went to the lds.org website and then the byutv.org website and found a video to watch.

I have been touched, recently, by the amazing spirit that comes when you listen to a prompting and give to another.  When we went on our trip to Florida we had very limited space.  I packed all the food for our trip and as we were heading out the door to pile into the cram packed XUV I felt I should grab the bag of pretzels.  I almost didn't.  But being the over prepared one that I tend to be, I went ahead and tossed in into the car on top of the already stuffed food box.  It wasn't until we reached St. Louis that I realized why that bag of pretzels was there.

Standing at an intersection, in a part of the city where railroads, intersecting highways, and buildings meet, was a man with a sign asking for help.

Many times in my life I have passed these people by.  Shaking my head and wondering why they would stand there and pester those driving past.  Never looking them in the eye. Feeling disgusted towards them.  I remember years ago when a dear friend of mine told me a story about what her daughter said when she saw a man doing just the same thing.  He had a bandanna wrapped around his head.  She thought he looked like Nephi.  That changed my outlook a lot.  And then, when reading the scriptures I realized that what I was doing was judging these people.  I made assumptions based on what I saw.  That was wrong.

Feeling prompted, I asked my sister to grab the bag of pretzels that still sat on top of our food box.  She handed it to me and as I reached where this man was standing I opened my window.  He gratefully accepted the food and told me to have a blessed day.  I was touched so strongly that I cried.

Later we were on the receiving end of a dear friend's kindness and again were touched by that same spirit.

Two days ago when I was traveling to Jeff City I saw a woman standing with a sign.  I don't normally carry any money with me.  I remembered having a bunch of quarters on my purse and began to quickly dig some out.  I wish I had had more time to dig them all out.  There were people in line behind me...waiting for the green light.  I quickly pulled up and handed her what I had...feeling badly that I couldn't do more.

Today as I watched this and again was touched by this amazing spirit.  If we can help only one person today, even in the tiniest way, we need to do it. Do what we can.  Share what we can. Give what we can. And love people the way the Savior loves them.  Without judging them.

http://byutv.org/watch/3a8b3267-1dce-473e-b301-ef72a199dee0#ooid=hvdWUzNTpQG9tJv_MWYLdL77WpYvJ8hl

Oooh! Tasty!

I LOVE new recipes!  So today as I was reading a few posts on facebook I came across this recipe that someone had pinned.  They are in the oven as I type!  I can't wait to try them!!!  And I can feel good about telling you that they ARE low fat and healthy.  :) So many recipes make that claim but are NOT what they claim.  

(My notes are in purple!  ;o) 

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares

by Gingerbread Bagels

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Keywords: bake breakfast snack dessert bars low fat healthy

---

Healthy oatmeal squares perfect for breakfast or a snack

Ingredients (9 squares)

• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (I used dark brown sugar since that's what I had in my cabinet.)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk since I'm trying to eliminate dairy for Cassie)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 large mashed banana
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

• Mix together the quick cooking oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt and ground cinnamon. (I took the time to mash the clumps of brown sugar with the back on the spoon so as not to have clumps when it's all done)
• Add in the vanilla extract, milk and egg. Mix the ingredients together.
• Then add in the mashed banana and peanut butter. Combine all of the ingredients.
• Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8 by 8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
• Cut into squares and enjoy!

For more information go to this website.  

http://gingerbreadbagels.com/2011/03/22/peanut-butter-banana-oatmeal-squares/

These came out so tasty we munched on them all day. They were gone by the end of the day.  TJ didn't really enjoy the banana flavor, so today I tried changing them a bit.  Here's the recipe:

1 3/4 cups quick oats
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup almond milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Mix together oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.  Add honey, vanilla, milk and egg.  Mix well.  Then add in the peanut butter.  Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8x8 inch baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  After 10 minutes of baking, place a baking sheet on the bottom rack, under the pan to protect it from burning.  Once done, let cool for 15 minutes.  (Note: if you don't let them cool they will completely crumble.  Once they have cooled they can be cut and served. The consistency is NOT the same as the above recipe, but similar and still so tasty!)

New Blog Title

This year has been crazy, chaotic, insane...and then some.  But it has also been a good year so far.  Many times lately I have said or someone else has jokingly made comment about our "three ring circus".  Yes...having this many children can get crazy!  We are an oddity in today's society.  I love shocking people with the number of children we have.  And with so many boys...well...I'm sure you can guess what it's like sometimes.  LOL!  It's something I've grown accustomed to.  You HAVE to when it's a daily occurrence!  But to others it's not only comical but I think sometimes it's frightening!  Haha!  Things are flying , kids are screaming, someones giggling, toys are crashing, avalanches of laundry are falling, sky scrapers made of dirty dishes are toppling, the dog is yapping, the cats are mewing, the baby needs a diaper change, the toddler is tired, the pre-teen is whining, pretend fists are flying ("But Mom, we were only pretending!  We weren't hitting each other!")...I'm sure you get the picture.

So...after this crazy year I've decided...we are now the...

Crazy Cantwell Circus!

Fitting don't ya think?!

I'll start taking pictures and creating a new photo for the blog to go along with it...as soon as I have a free moment.  Don't hold you breath...it could take a few months!

We DO have a juggler, a comedian, and much more!  I think I could be considered an acrobat, of sorts, at times.  Walking the tight rope of insanity will do that do a person.

Strawberry Cake

In my search for a strawberry cake recipe for Alyssa's upcoming birthday, I found this recipe.  I do not what to be buying the strawberry cake mix from the store with all of the artificial ingredients, etc.  Also, I'm not a fan of the boxed Jello, but thought I'd at least give it a try in this recipe.  So tonight, while making dinner, I made this cake. It was delicious!!!!  So good that I have decided to try again and use some all natural gelatin instead.  Knox clear gelatin would work, but I have to figure out how much sugar and pure strawberry extract to use as well.  I changed the recipe to show the changes I made when I made the cake tonight.  I took out a container of frosting I had stored in the freezer, thawed it out and added about a cup of pureed frozen strawberries (with a little sugar added) to it.  I filled the layers with the frosting and then frosted it too. OH MY!  You could taste the yummy strawberries and the best part is knowing that...for the most part...it was natural.  I'll definitely be testing it out without the box of Jello next time.  Remind me to have guests over so I don't eat it all by myself!!  ;)

Strawberry Cake

2 cups white sugar

1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin

1 cup butter, softened

4 eggs room temperature, separated

2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and dry strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter alternately with the yogurt. Blend in vanilla and strawberry puree. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form.  Fold egg whites into batter.  Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a small knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in their pans over a wire rack for at least 10 minutes, before tapping out to cool completely.

http://anwjohnston.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-cloth-diaper-safe-laundry-detergent.html

Whole Wheat Coconut Flax Bread

Lower in Calories, higher in fiber...full of healthy goodness!  Check out my recipe below!  The texture is soft and yummy, the flavor is delish!

Whole Wheat Coconut Flax Bread

by Kara Cantwell

3 1/2 cups hot water

5 cups wheat flour

1 cup sifted coconut flour

In a medium sized bowl combine the water and wheat flour. Let mixture sit covered for 20-30 minutes.

In large PLASTIC kitchen mixer bowl combine the following:

2 Tbsp. yeast

½ cup warm water

½ cup molasses

Mix, dissolve and let it foam up. 

Add the following to the wheat flour mixture:

1/3 cup oil

1 Tbsp. salt

Mix well, and then add the wheat flour mixture to the yeast mixture.  Mix well.  Then add:

2 cups oatmeal

4 Tbsp. flaxseed meal

Mix well. 

Add enough more wheat flour so that as your mixer mixes, it will clean off the sides of the bowl. (This can be done by hand as well.  Still use the plastic bowl, as you will use less flour that way. If using a metal bowl, check the consistency several times while adding the wheat flour.)  Check the consistency to make sure the dough is slightly sticky/tacky. To do this, touch the dough with a clean try hand. When only a tiny amount sticks to your hand, it’s done.  Spread a thin layer of oil on the inside of a large plastic bowl. Spray your hands with oil. Pull the dough out of the mixer. Place the dough into the oiled bowl. Make sure the ball of dough has a thin layer of oil all over it. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap or an oiled lid. Then let it rise, in a warm place, until double. Once double in size, punch dough down.  Divide into two loaves and mush the air bubbles out.  Shape dough and place in greased pans.  Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise until double in a warm place.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Rub some real butter on the top of each loaf. Enjoy!  Makes 2 loaves. 

Whole Wheat

Okay, so , I'm on a whole wheat kick.  I've been trying to find healthy ways to do many things.  Well...why haven't I just gone to whole wheat right away?  Because the wheat flour has a tendency to make things heavy and less than appetizing...to me anyway.  I want the food I make to taste good AND be healthy.  Is that really too much to ask?

I tried making a reduced calorie bread.  It was okay.  Not the greatest.  Then I was CRAVING my whole wheat bread...from when my mom used to make it when I was a kid.  Aaaaah, so many good memories!

I decided to whip up a batch!  BUT after learning a few things about working with Wheat Flour I changed the recipe a bit.  It came out SO stinking good!!!  Here's the recipe:

100% Whole Wheat Bread

by Kara Cantwell

3 cups hot water

5 ¼ cups wheat flour

In a medium sized bowl combine the water and wheat flour. Let mixture sit covered for 20-30 minutes.

In large PLASTIC kitchen mixer bowl combine the following:

2 Tbsp. yeast

½ cup warm water

½ cup molasses

Mix, dissolve and let it foam up. 

Add the following to the wheat flour mixture:

1/3 cup oil

1 Tbsp. salt

Mix well, and then add the wheat flour mixture to the yeast mixture.  Mix well.  Then add:

2 cups oatmeal

Mix well. 

Add enough more wheat flour so that as your mixer mixes, it will clean off the sides of the bowl. (This can be done by hand as well.  Still use the plastic bowl, as you will use less flour that way.)  Check the consistency to make sure the dough is slightly sticky/tacky. To do this, touch the dough with a clean try hand. When only a small amount sticks to your hand, it’s done.  Spread a thin layer of oil on the inside of a large plastic bowl. Spray your hands with oil. Pull the dough out of the mixer. Place the dough into the oiled bowl. Make sure the ball of dough has a thin layer of oil all over it. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap or an oiled lid. Then let it rise, in a warm place, until double. Once double in size, punch dough down.  Divide into two loaves and mush the air bubbles out.  Shape dough and place in greased pans.  Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise until double in a warm place.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Rub some real butter on the top of each loaf. Enjoy!  Makes 2 loaves. 

So then...I decided that I NEEDED some Banana Bread!  Yes...it was a need!  I had never made it with wheat flour, but I was feeling empowered by my success with the wheat bread, so I thought...what the heck...let's do it!  It turned out amazing!  BUT you must follow the directions and leave the batter to sit so that you don't get that heavy, grainy wheat flour consistency.  Unless, of course, you enjoy that consistency.  Then by all means, disregard that part.  Otherwise, follow the directions and you will have a tasty treat!!

Whole Wheat Banana Bread

2 Tbsp. oil

6 Tbsp. fat free yogurt

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

3-4 mashed bananas

1 tsp. vanilla

1 Tbsp. warm tap water

1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

In mixing bowl, mash bananas.  Add oil, yogurt, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and water.  Mix. In separate bowl, mix wheat flour, soda and salt.  Add banana mixture.  Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and moistened.  Let the bowl of batter sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes so the wheat flour can absorb the moisture.  Grease one loaf pan.  Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 55-60 minutes…or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Run a butter knife along the edges of the pan to loosen the bread from the pan.  Cool bread on cooling rack.  Serve and enjoy!  Yummy!!! 

Cookies

So, while my sister was here visiting we were focusing on eating right and doing the Simply Filling Weight Watchers plan.  We were having fun coming up with good food ideas that we could enjoy...while losing weight at the same time.  In my brilliance...and ignorance...I decided I should try to make Monster Cookies with Stevia...so that they wouldn't be so many points.

Hmmm...

The dough had that Stevia aftertaste, but I thought...what the heck, let's give it a try.  It probably didn't help that I was so stuffed silly from overfilling myself at Olive Garden (for Juli's birthday...and NO that is NOT Simply Filling...it's just eating fun foods LOL!).  I couldn't even think about food.  It sounded gross.  So I made the Stevia cookies.

I mean, come on!  I says RIGHT on the package that you can use Stevia, cup for cup, in the place of sugar. Hahaha!  I think I ate 3 or 4 bites of this cookie.  Ugh!  They were so yucky.  The consistency was off.  The aftertaste was strong. I could barely taste the peanut butter.

The kids noticed them and wanted to try them.  So I let them.  They loved them.  WHAT?  Silly kids!  Maybe they need to check their tastes buds.  Are they malfunctioning today?  HAHA! I let them have the cookies for Supper....cause I'm such a cool Mom, right!  They LOVED it!  Really they were eating mostly peanut butter and oatmeal.  :)

Juli was so full from lunch that she couldn't even think about food without feeling yucky.  She didn't try them. But another friend did. Let's just say...the kids all have messed up taste buds!

Today I made the Monster cookies again, because I wanted some that tasted good.  SOOOO much better! I guess the moral to my story is...if the dessert is good don't try to alter it.  Just enjoy it as the treat that it is!  Save the healthy new ideas for meals.  I don't screw those up very often anymore!


Monster Cookies
by Sister Steavens (Mission president’s wife from Sister Bowden’s mission)
1-Mix well:3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups peanut butter

2-Stir in:4 ½ cups rolled oats

3-Add if wanted in ½ cup amounts:M&M’s, Reese's Pieces
Chocolate Chips
Dried fruit
Chopped Nuts

Drop on lightly greased cookie sheets (large or small).  Flatten gently. Bake at 350 degrees.  10-12 minutes for small cookies, 12-14 for larger cookies or until lightly browned. Let sit on cookie sheet for a few minutes.  Cool on rack.  

Enchiladas...Yummy!

I have used either the canned stuff or the packets that you add to the tomato paste and water, in the past. Needless to say, I have not made enchiladas in a long time.  I hate all the msg and other yucky ingredients.  Today I searched online for recipes and this one had awesome reviews.  I added a couple of ingredients and decreased the salt.  It is delish!!!  

After making the sauce...I poured a thin layer of sauce in bottom of 9x13 pan. Then I cooked up about 2 pounds of chicken along with some onion and bell pepper in some canola oil.  Once the chicken was cooked through I added the Enchilada sauce to the meat mixture.  I scooped about 1/4-1/3 cup of the mixture into a small taco size tortilla, sprinkled on some cheese and laid it, seam side down, in the prepared pan.  Once the pan is full, pour more sauce over the top to coat.  Then sprinkle more cheese on.  Bake @ 375 degrees until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted.  Enjoy!!! 

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/8-1/4 cup chili powder, to taste with more chili powder the spicier ( I used 3Tbsp)

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt (1/4 tsp)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon oregano

2 teaspoons sugar

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

cayenne, to taste if you want more spice (I didn't use this.  My kids don't like spicy foods at all!) 

Directions:  Heat oil with cornstarch in saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 1 minute.  Add in chili powder and cook for another minute.  Gradually stir in the broth, mixing well with a whisk to make sure you get out the lumps.  Stir in the remaining ingredients.  Simmer until thickened on low.
http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-enchilada-sauce-222519?oc=linkback

Job Description

Some of the things you NEVER hear about being a stay-at-home mom would make some turn quickly on their heels and run away screaming in hysterics.  I think it's one of life's best kept secrets.  Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most rewarding jobs that exists.  AND at the same time the HARDEST, most challenging career any woman could choose to pursue.  The blessings greatly outweigh the costs, but at times I can easily see why women might want to quit...and run away screaming!

The paycheck stinks...let's be honest now.  LOL!
The hours are horrific.
The job description is scary.

I mean WHAT would it say, if it were listed in the classifieds?

In need of good, strong courageous women who are willing to be up at all hours of the night; becoming sleep deprived beyond compare.
Willing to clean up after little people again and again and again...and even yet again!
Willing to clean up ANY bodily fluid at a moments notice.
Able to clean crayon and marker off the walls.
Needs to be good at cooking, cleaning, doing mounds and mounds of stinky laundry,wiping tears, kissing booboos, wiping boogers, stopping fights, reading bedtime stories, playing pretend, giggling and being silly, getting dirty, being creative, consoling a crying child...

It's is an overwhelming task that without the help of my Heavenly Father, I wouldn't be able to do it.  But somehow the positive outweighs all of those negatives.  There are days when I want to rip all my hair out...but then I'd be bald and that just wouldn't be very flattering!  So, I choose an alternative.  I fall to my knees and ask for help.  I don't have a clue how to do it all.  But Father in Heaven does!

So, even though this job is the hardest I have ever had, it is the best job too.  I am so thankful to be able to see the good things that come.  What trials we thought we could never get through have a way of passing and then we look back and see how far we have come; what we have learned that we might not have learned otherwise; we see the blessings.  I love the tiny things...the firsts.  The first smile, laugh, belly laughs, sitting up, crawling, the wonder of discovering their hands, the first words.  I love when they want to be "BIG" just like me.  I love when they find joy in Heavenly Father's creations; and no matter how often they see them they bring wonder and happiness to their eyes.

The first day of Nursery is sometimes scary and eventually they learn to love it.  The first day of school is terrifying and exciting and I learn to let go a little.  Now TJ is 14 and has had his first dance.  He'll start High School in a few short weeks...along with early morning seminary. Before I know it he'll be heading off on his mission.  When I think about it that way, I enjoy the sitting and holding the baby even more.  I soak up every moment with them.  We don't have to be perfect house keepers or perfect at making fabulous dinners.  We have to try our best.  One moment at a time.

I think peanut butter and jelly for supper is a wonderful idea!!!

Mending

There are those things that we put off until we have time to do them. And eventually we find a free moment and we remember that thing that needs doing and we finally get it done.

I have been meaning to fix Alex's winter jacket for about 8 or 9 months now.  We bought it new last year. After a short time wearing it Alex came to me and showed me how frustrating it was to zip. You see...the way it is made, there is a flap of material that is supposed to lay flat behind the zipper. I'm still unsure of it's purpose. I'm sure someone in the sewing world would know this random piece of information right off the top of their heads. But not me.

This lovely little flap kept getting caught in the teeth of the zipper EVERY time he tried to zip it up. Even though I tried to show him how to protect the fabric by putting his finger behind the zipper as he zipped up, the material began to tear. Finally,after there were a few small tears plus a larger, more noticeable one, he decided he didn't want to wear it anymore and we found an old coat of TJ's that was stashed somewhere, forgotten, and he wore that instead.

So today, while folding laundry, I finally found the determination to get this job completed. I took the flap, folded in half toward the zipper, while tucking the torn part inside, and sewed it down with a quick whip stitch (thanks to Cheryl Helm for teaching me that lovely little stitch!). It was a bit tedious and time consuming, to say the least. Once the hand stitching was complete I took that lovely flat and layed it flat, against the inner lining of the jacket, away from the zipper.

Then I used the sewing machine and did a simple, but effective, straight stitch from the inside of the jacket with a color that matched the jacket. Once complete, I put the jacket onto Alex and showed him how smoothly it glided up and down because that silly little flat was effectively tucked away. It didn't seem to impress him all that much, but it put a smile on my face! I just saved myself some money. :) That ALWAYS makes me smile!!

Now, when I purchase a jacket that has one of those flaps, I am going to take it home and sew the flap back against the inside of the jacket.

A fresh start

It's Monday morning.  The alarm clock blared and in my sleepy fog I thought I was dreaming something.  My brain cleared.  I looked at Cassie, sound asleep next to me, and realized the obnoxious noise was the alarm clock. I quickly leaped over her and smacked it into silence.

"It can't be morning already," I groaned to myself.  I slowly, unsteadily, plodded to the bathroom since I was up.  Up...maybe in body, but not in mind.  I came back to the bed and looked at my two sweet, sleeping girls.  Both snuggled peacefully into my bed.

"I'm not ready to be awake yet." I thought.  I slowly climbed onto the foot of my bed, careful not to jostle the sleeping angels, and curled up for a few short minutes...my legs dangling off the edge.

I bolted upright...there is was again.  I'm glad I hit snooze the first time the alarm went off.  I slid from my spot and my knees hit the floor.  I needed to say my morning prayer.  I rested my forehead on the mattress. My brain still so foggy.  I know He understands.  I stumble through my morning prayer.  I need the strength He can give me.

I slowly stand up, stretch and stumble to the kitchen, wiping my sleepy eyes.  TJ is already up and eating breakfast.  I'm so blessed.  It was a good day yesterday.  Mother's Day.  The boys made me breakfast and made sure to help out a lot more.  I smile to myself.  My life is good!

Homemade Laundry Soap

Disclaimer...I had not tried this before I posted it...silly me!!  So, I used too much water...LOL!  It is still just watery.  But I simply doubled the amount I put into the washer and called it good.  So, NEXT TIME I will try adding only 22 additional cups after the first 10 (I adjusted the recipe below to reflect that).  :)  Post any comments on what worked for you! That would be FANtastic!  (6/13/12 - I made my second batch of the soap today.  I actually enjoyed using the soap the first time I made it, it was just watery. I spilled it down the front of my washer a lot.  Haha! Until I decided to put it into an old laundry soap bottle.  It made our clothing smell fresh without the perfume-y kind of smell.  The clothes came out just as clean as they did with Gain and Tide.  Woot!!!!)

In an effort to save money and be...awesome...Hahaha...I decided to try making my own laundry soap. So, I found a couple of different blogs with recipes and made a combination of them to try out for our family. 

This is what I did:
1/2 bar of grated Dr. Bonner's bar soap (I used Citrus) ( You can use Tom's of Maine for a less expensive, natural version.  If you don't need to worry about natural soaps you can also use Fels Naptha, or Ivory)
1/2 cup borax
1/2 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda
1/4 cup Oxy clean (optional)
a few drops of Essential oil for scent (lavender or tea tree work well, I used both.  I added about 10-15 drops of each.)
5 gallon bucket with a lid
water

First, grate 1/2 of the soap and put it into a large saucepan. Add 6 cups of water and heat until soap melts. Add the washing soda, borax, and stir until dissolved. Pour 4 cups of hot tap water into the bucket. Add soap mixture and stir together. Add essential oil. Add 22 cups of water. Stir. Cover and let the soap cool and set up for about 12-24 hours.  Then add the Oxy Clean (I found I don't like to add the oxy clean to the soap.  I only add it if needed in a load now) and it will remain gelled.  Yay!  If you add the oxy clean along with the washing soda and borax the mixture will not jell up, but it still works great!!

When the finished product jells up it won't have a normal consistency. Part of it will be like jello and part will remain liquid. It's all the same thing and dissolves in the laundry tub. No need to try and break it up. Each load takes about 1/2 cup of laundry soap.

Pour your mixture into a large empty laundry soap container that has a spigot for easy dispensing!

Here are the websites that I got most of my info from:
http://grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/2008/10/homemade-laundry-soap-wfmw.html
http://allaboutclothdiapers.com/homemade-laundry-detergent-safe-for-cloth-diapers/

This website give more good information:
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm

I made my second batch on June 13th and because I added the Oxy Clean along with the washing soda and borax it is still liquid-y but it still works, so I'm not going to fret about that.  LOVE LOVE LOVE that I can add all of these products to my home storage and have enough to last me for a year easily.  I LOVE to save money and feel good about something I accomplished!!

After watching a heartwarming, awe inspiring, amazing video this morning about a mother who chose to keep her baby, even though she KNEW he would have something wrong...I am so thankful for my blessings. This amazing mother gave birth to an sweet baby boy who not only had a cleft palate but cleft eyes. He eyes did not form. He is blind. You can probably imagine the stares, whispers, pointed fingers, and horrible comments that she received as a result. In the video she tells how hard it was at first. And then she tells of the joy that came and continues to bless her life. It's one of those stories that makes you feel so exceeding thankful for the tiny blessings that are all around you every day. This mother chose to keep this baby, not abort it. And when she did, she made a choice to be blessed each day by the sweet spirit of her son. She chose to love him the way that our Father in Heaven loves him. She chose the better way. I have only had small moments in my life when people have made rude comments about my parenting skills because I had a toddler who was throwing a huge screaming tantrum in the middle of the check-out lane. When that has happened I have wished I could say, "My child has Autism. You should go take some time to go learn about it." I have wanted to be unkind in return. But usually I would simply gather my children and get into my car as quickly as I could...while I was close to tears. Eventually we stopped going to stores with our toddler. Now those days seem like they happened eons ago. That toddler is now 10. NOW...he can go into stores with me and knows what to expect and how to handle it. These experiences and those of others make me think how vitally important it is that we show love and kindness to others. Instead of pointing fingers...instead of whispering negative comments... if more people could simply smile and allow themselves to be touched by the spirit of another. Lend a helping hand or find a positive thing to say when we see another who is struggling. One moment at a time, we can all make this world a better place to live in.

Put simply...life is crazy!

Another day passed...and what in the world did I get done? I ponder this on occasion and then I remember to STOP! LOL! Then I assess the situation...kids are fed...kids are clothed...kids are healthy...We're doing well! I'm always trying to come up with strategies to help the kids want to help me. :) This year we are giving allowances ... which can be discontinued without prior notice. It's working fairly well. I love to read and Todd convinced me to purchase a Kindle so that I can have multiple books stored in one convenient place; something that travels well. So, I decided on the Kindle Fire. Very pretty! Not only can I read on it, but I can get free apps. I think my favorite app, so far, is the LDS Gospel Library. *squeal* It has the scriptures and manuals I use for church. I LOVE it! The other free apps ... used as motivational tools ... are games. I am not a fan of video or computer games. They can be mind sucking, brain cell wasting, wastes of time. BUT I will use them to motivate my children to get things done. So, yesterday, after downloading a few games to my Kindle, I asked TJ to please unload AND load the dishwasher. He groaned. And I smiled ... scheming to myself ... and said, "I'll let you play 5 games on my Kindle if you do it for me!" Five games means when they choose Angry Birds, for example, one game is finished when it says game over. Sometimes that only take them 2 minutes. You should have seen the eye popping, shocked look on his face. Yes ... One "mom victory"! So, his 5 games took him 20 minutes ... lesson learned. LOL! He has learned how to make them last a while. Next time I'll offer a smaller number of games. Even still. He did his job WITHOUT complaining! THAT, my friends, is amazing! Being 14 is simply hard. I remember feeling hormonal (though at the time I didn't realize that's what it was) as a teenager. I couldn't figure out why I felt so ... BAD. Being a teen IS hard! But being a Mom is hard too. Hahaha! I put miss Cassie Boo down for a nap this morning, in my room, and let Alyssa watch a show. Why do 3 year olds have such a tough time NOT yelling? GRRRR! So, every time I put the baby down, Alyssa YELLS from the other room, "MOM!!!" And you'd think it was something super important, but NO it's not. She just doesn't want to get up and come talk to me. Yelling, apparently, is much much easier than walking to another room. Silly girl! So, now Cassie is awake and only got a 30 minute nap. She'll need another nap later, for sure. I realize I run from place to place, cleaning up messes, putting toys back, wiping up spills, doing dishes, doing yet another load of laundry, and cleaning up more messes. Our jobs are never done. So, I am trying to take the time to remember to sit and enjoy the precious moments. Cassie used to snuggle. Then she had RSV and was poked and prodded in the hospital. Not long after that, she stopped snuggling. It has made me very sad. Recently I started taking the girls to see my chiropractor (since I just found out that those who are 6 and under are free!!!). Soon after getting their first adjustments they started pooping better! Yay! No more constipated baby!!! Alyssa started sleeping better. And Cassie started to snuggle on a occasion. The joy and sweet peace that comes from those tiny moments are so precious and do something so wonderful for the soul. Every time Cassie lays her head on my shoulder ... I stop whatever I am doing and soak it all in. These are the moments that make it all worth while!!! Now... on to my crazy day!! I hope yours is a bit crazy too!! :)

Tender Mercies...Cassie woke up at 6am and stayed awake which is not our normal routine. She babbled and cooed to herself while I got lunches ready and children out of bed. She nursed earlier than usual again...7am....usually 8am. We brought boys to school, came home, and sat in our usual spot to nurse and read scriptures, but Alyssa needed my attention...the scriptures lay on the arm of the chair unopened. Cassie fell SOUND asleep and I was able to pay a little attention to Alyssa. I sat at the table and took the quiet time to read and absorb the scriptures. I was able to read an entire chapter this time. I had the thought to turn on some music...something I love to do but more often than not I forget to do it. The music put me in a great mood. I have been able to play with Alyssa, pick up toys, bake cookies, think of dinner for tonight (which often slips my busy mind) and start preparing it. As I was picking up a few things and just feeling energetic I realized what a blessing I had been given this morning. The gift of time, peace, quiet, the contentment found in doing, and just happiness! I am grateful to a loving Father in Heaven who sends us small blessings when we need them the most!

General Conference is one of my favorite things to listen to...of all time. It gives me an extra boost; a spiritual uplift. It's inspiring. It's wonderful. Listening to the inspired words of our Prophet and Apostles helps to guide me through some of life's challenges. It encourages me to make changes for the better so that as I grow I may one day be like my Savior, Jesus Christ. Take the time to listen and be uplifted!

With everything in life being so busy I finally decided one day that if I get ONE thing accomplished I have done a lot! If I can do up a few dishes in a day...I'm doing great! The necessities have changed. They used to be things like...do all the loads of laundry, clean the house until it's spotless, clean the kitchen till it shines, and never let anyone see the messes. Haha! WAKE UP! GET BACK TO REALITY...SILLY! Because those are simply not realistic expectations. Instead...think of all the positive things. All the things I did accomplish... I held a sleeping baby and tried to seal those sweet images in my mind so I can savor them forever. I tickled a toddler who was running away giggling...naked...yet again! I hugged Max and tried to reassure him that the new music group would be FUN! I watched as Max slowly started to join the group...about half way through the group. I listened to a toddler talking to her toys and a 4 month old babbling to hers. I picked up a few toys and put them away while kicking others out of my way to do it! LOL! I talk to my sweet heart. I made homemade chocolate chip pancakes and watched all of my children smile while gobbling them up as fast as they possibly could. I sang a Rascal Flatts song with Alex with the radio up, as we drove down the road. And after we take care of all the necessities we can take care of our spirits... When I get a chance to go outside and enjoy the fresh air with a friend I am blessed. I sit and soak up the words of the scriptures while I am nursing my sweet little girl...and I feel blessed. I talk to a dear friend on the phone and I smile. Her life has touched mine and I feel wonderful. I listen to a conference talk while I make dinner and I am lifted. All we need to do is change our perspective and even the mundane everyday tasks can turn into something enjoyable!

Life is full

As Cassie sits in the swing sucking on her hands and fussing off and on I take a moment to reflect on why I have not made the time to blog...
...Oh there are so many reasons why...
...giant mounds of laundry...
...a naked 3 year old running crazy around the house and giggling because she ripped off her clothing...yet again...
...piles of dishes...(some day we'll see the counter again)
...floors to sweep...(when WAS the last time we swept?)
...meals to cook...(can we eat spaghetti again?)
...toddler to chase...yet again...(Silly girl)
...beautiful marker drawing all over the toddler...(Hahaha)
...fussy baby...I think she thinks she's hungry again...(Sweet baby...)
...toys all over the house...(sigh)
...homework to help with...(I feel like I'm in school again)
...activities to get to...
...wet diapers to change...
...laundry to wash...
...bills to pay...(I'm thankful that Todd has a good job...)
...budget to do...
...the baby is awake...she wants someone to talk to her...(Sweet babies smell so wonderful!)
...snuggle time with the baby...

So If you're wondering where I have gone to...just look under the piles of laundry or listen for the fussy baby or maybe I have finally found a moment to curl up with Alyssa and take a nap. :)

Our Family

And so...the chaos of life continues! On Friday, November 18th at 12:35 am our newest addition was born! Cassie Brooke Elizabeth Cantwell came quickly into this chaotic family! I was shocked when she came out in 3 pushes. That was simply crazy to me...and as I lay on the bed...legs shaking uncontrollably...they weighed her and I said, "WHAT! Are you sure?" She was 6lbs. 11 oz...the smallest of our children!

That day seems like it happened so long ago now. It's funny how the mind works sometimes. Now Cassie is almost 12 weeks old. We've had one hospital stay when she was 8 weeks old, with RSV, and now I've been quite paranoid. I'm usually a fairly calm mama. I don't stress when my kids get sick. I simply take care of it. But having her in the hospital really threw me for a loop. It was nerve wracking for a little bit.

That experience has made me so thankful for our health.

I feel like Kuzco in the Emperor's New Groove...someone threw off my groove...they could be thrown out the window! It was similar to coming home with a new baby...just threw me off. And now it's been almost four weeks and I'm still trying to get things back in order. I look forward to the day when I can keep my house clean again, but I also know how very important it is to enjoy these early moments because they fly by so quickly. I spend a lot of my time sitting in my comfy chair nursing Cassie and holding Alyssa. The dishes can wait...they'll always be there. The laundry can overflow...there will always be laundry to do. The toys can clutter the floor...they can be pushed out of the way. The socks can be scattered all over the family room floor...they aren't hurting anyone...though they can be quite stinky. As long as the children are fed and happy and a spirit of peace fills the walls of my home, I can be content.

And after a long, exhausting day, I can look back and see that we are so blessed! What an amazing blessing for our family to grow!