Never Too Early

I am thrilled to have such avid readers at an early age.  Reading is very important no matter your age.  I firmly believe it is something that should begin at birth.  No, I don't mean your child should learn to read the moment he/she is born.  But I do believe it is important that YOU read to them.  It can be anything.  No one says you have to read nursery rhymes.  When Josie was a baby, I read recipes out loud to her.  As she got older, I boxes and instructions.  Eventually we added in children's books.

This is Miles.  He is thoroughly enjoying a book by Dr. Seuss.  I'm really not sure which one.  But he didn't want to give it up.  And he was even more thrilled with the book when Daddy sat next to him and read it.  This seems to be the only activity he'll be still for any length of time.

Emmit was reading Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  I have no clue who the author is.  I'm pretty sure this book came from some military collection that James brought home from work.  Either way, it's Emmit's favorite book.

Anyone else think he has some big feet?  I love the way his feet stick out above that giant book.

Josie happens to be reading Purplicious.  From the series Pinkalicious.  I'm probably spelling those wrong, but anyone wild a child that loves that character knows what I'm talking about.  Josie has a strong love for reading books.  She can't fully read on her own yet.  But she sure tries.  Her teacher has the class working on the Book-It Program.  For February she was required to read a total of 145 minutes.  Which worked out to 5 minutes a night, including weekends.  Josie's total minutes read for the month was 265.  And that wasn't counting them all.  I had read to her last night, then marked it on the sheet.  Later, her dad spent another 15 minutes reading to her and tonight we read for 10 more minutes.  All unaccounted for.  We never added up the weekend reading.  I always forgot.

I love that my children enjoy to read.  And I'm really hoping the twins will continue to enjoy it as they get older.

Speaking of reading, I'm off to do that myself.  I forgot how much fun it is to just sit and a read a book!  I finished one today that I started last night.  Tomorrow I'll write up a review about it for you all.  Just be warned, it was an autobiography.  Totally worth a read too.  Stay tuned to find out what book I read!

Signed,
Super Mom

DIY Hair Detangler

Hair detangler, such a popular product in most homes.  From lower class to upper class, chances are you'll find some version of the stuff.  And if you're a mom, you definitely keep plenty in stock.

But this stuff can be expensive!  So I decided it's time to make my own (OK I decided this a long time ago haha).  And here's how I do it--

Materials Needed**--

Small Spray Bottle (can be purchased from dollar store, Walmart has them in the cosmetics deparment)
1/8 cup hair conditioner
1 cup HOT water
2 TSP vinegar

Directions--

Combine hot water, vinegar and conditioner in your spray bottle, shake well.  I'd say about 2 minutes.  You want to make sure the conditioner dissolves/melts.  And you're done!

Play around with the recipe.  Since I don't actually measure anything, these are rough estimates as to how much I actually use.  Hair detangler isn't exactly science.  So long as you know how to shake and pour you're good to go.

**I reused an old bottle of purchased hair detangler.  If you have one around, go for that.  If you have any empty spritz bottles (from body mists, hair spray etc) thoroughly clean them out and tada, you're recycling!  It doesn't matter what brand hair conditioner you use.  I use what we have on hand.  No point spending extra money.  Remember we are trying to save money.  Then again, feel free to go out and buy the fancy stuff.  You're going to be able to make several bottles of detangler from one bottle of conditioner.  So either way, you're still saving yourself money.

Did you try this?  What do you think of it?

*This is not an original idea obviously.  I've been making it myself for a while now, but just recently discovered there are tons and tons of other people blogging about it.*

Signed
Super Mom

Homemade Laundry Soap

So I recently started making my own laundry soap.  Only for about 2 months now.  And I'm loving it.  Thought I would share with you all how I do it.

**I have no idea if this works for a front loader.  I have no idea if this is safe for HE washers.  My washer is a top loader and about 10 years old**

Materials Needed--

1 bar soap (any works, I use Ivory)*
1 cup Borax
1 cup Oxiclean*

Grate the bar soap down.  Any grater should work.  I have a generic one sided cheese grater I bought from dollar tree.  Combine the grated soap with the borax and oxiclean, mix well and tada you're done!  I use a teaspoon measure for mine--

2tsp for small or light dirt loads
4tsp for large/heavy soiled loads

***It takes 3tsp to make 1tbsp***
Most people will use roughly 1tbsp for small/light soiled loads up to 3tbsp for the large/heavy loads.  I have found that teaspoons work great for me.

**Notes for Ingredients**

Bar Soap--I use whatever I happen to have hand.  Some will suggest using Fels Nappa (think that's how it's spelled).  It can be found in your stores laundry detergent aisle.  It really is up to you.  I suggest not using soaps that are "oily" or strongly scented.  I've used dove, ivory and irish spring (at different times, not at once).

Oxiclean--Most people will use Arm & Hammer WASHING soda (not the same as baking soda).  Either will get the job done.  I'm using Oxiclean because I happen to have 2 large tubs of it already.  If you're going to cost efficiency then I suggest the WASHING SODA.  It's cheaper and you get more.  Once I run out of my Oxiclean, I'll be making the switch to the washing soda.

I don't use liquid fabric softner.  But I do use a dryer bar.  The liquid version really isn't needed.  You can use vinegar in it's place.  And some people still use dryer sheets.  Those can be cut in half and still give you the same softness.

I've no complaints about the switch in laundry soap.  In fact, my husband finally confessed that he likes this better!  When it's all done washing, it doesn't have a gender specific smell (as he says).  It just smells fresh and clean.  He likes this because he works around a bunch of men and wasn't found of his clothes smelling flowery. Makes no sense to me, not like they are hugging each other at work.

Let me know if you try this and how you like it.

Signed,
Super Mom

Random Freebies

Who doesn't love a free item?  I tend to overstock on free stuff.  Sometimes hoarding free samples.  You never know when it could come in handy.  An example would be the free Prilosec sample I requested a couple months ago.  This isn't something I ever buy, or even use.  Nor any of the other brands/versions of heartburn medicines.  However, out of no where, last week my husband ended up with some bad heartburn that made everything uncomfortable.  Thanks to this random free item, I saved myself $5!

Free Pancakes at IHOP--On 2/28/12 IHOP is offering their customers a free short order of pancakes.  Offer valid only on 2/28/12 from the hours of 7am to 10pm.  Sounds like the perfect opportunity for a breakfast date with friends or your kids perhaps!

FREE Coral Reefs Project WET activity booklet.  Go to NOAA's home page.  Scroll to the bottom, click on "contact us".  Email them your name and address.  Then sit back and wait for it to arrive.  Or just go HERE and then email them.

FREE Otto Otter Coloring Book.  Just send an email to pninfo.@usbr.gov Include your name, address, email, telephone number and name of your requested item (the coloring book).  In this house, there is no such thing as too many coloring books!  Even these educational ones come in handy (I'm picturing a friendlier grocery shopping trip--kids should stay entertained)

Ok that's just a few I've come across tonight.  I'll post more tomorrow night sometime.  Maybe in the afternoon, just depends on how the twins are during the day.

Signed,
Super Mom

Monday's Daily Lesson

Starting today, I shall have a "daily lesson".  No, not some sort of tutorial or teaching guide.  Just something I discovered/learned that.

When you go grocery shopping, do not let your 2 year old hold on to your coupon binder.  It won't end well.  At the same time, don't let your 5 year old hold it either.

We started the trip with Miles playing with the binder.  Not a big deal really.  He was just flipping through the pages.  Until I looked away.  That snot was slowly pulling out my sorted coupons and throwing them down.  Being I was distracted, I didn't notice this.  Finally some man stopped me.  He had a handful of coupons!  Our conversation went like this--

Bob--Ma'am please stop a moment.

Me--Oh I'm sorry, am I in the way? (yeah I don't know why I would need to stop if I'm in the way haha)

Bob--No, but I wanted to give these back to you (hands me the stack of coupons)

Me--Oh.  Are you sure they are mine?  Is it that obvious I use coupons (as I cover up my binder haha)

Bob--Well, I've been following you for 10 minutes now watching your little boy in the cart pull them out and throw them down.

Me--Stalk much?  I'm kidding, thank you though I really appreciate it!

Bob--No problem.  I find it a fun hobby to stalk to women who have coupon littering toddlers (he's laughing while saying this--so glad he understood my humor)

We chatted a bit more and went about our ways.  After that I let Josie carry the binder.  After all, she is my helper.  Even with those.  She loves when the neighbor brings over the paper for me.  She rushes to the kitchen to snatch up the scissors before I can.  And she's good at it.  That girl has been known to find coupons I missed (hey, sometimes they are hidden in advertisement!).

Having Josie hold them wasn't much better.  She would look through them and ask for everything!  Okay, not really.  But she asked for everything she liked that she spotted a coupon for.  In the end,  I did cave and buy her some of those Lucky Charms cereal bars.  After all, I had a coupon for it.  And through her whole list, she only asked for things we had a coupon for.

Which reminds me.  I decided to pick up a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  Happens to be Josie's all time favorite.  Here's the short conversation we had about that--

Josie--Mommy do you have a coupon for that?

Me--I don't think so.  You have the binder why don't you check.

Josie--(after taking a moment to look) Mommy put it back, there's no coupon!

Me--Josie, it's ok.  We don't always need a coupon.  But next time we'll make sure we have one.

Josie--Oh I'm telling Daddy.  Better put it back.

Me--Josie do you want your favorite cereal or not?

Josie--Mommy I love you.  We'll just pretend we had a coupon but gave it to some other girl.

Me--Josie, I love you.  But let's not lie.

Lesson learned.  Don't let the toddler hold the binder, he'll just pull them out and earn you a stalker.  And don't let the 5 year old hold it either.  She turns into the Coupon Police.

My Sunday Plans

I've got big plans for today.  I think it's time to officially to sort out my clothes...AGAIN.  I seem to do this often.  I toss out more then I'm bringing in.  Right now I have a drawer crammed full with shirts.  Most of those shirts have been sitting there, unworn, for at least 6 months.  It's time to be honest with myself.  I'm not going to wear them.  I like them, I think they are cute/nice.  I'm just not going to actually get around to wearing them.

So, my plan is to sort them out.  And I'll actually toss them with my yard sale pile.  Not going to throw them in the trash, offer them on Freecycle, or cut them up into some new random project.  We only have a couple more months before the yard sale season hits.  And I want to make some money!  I still have things left over from last year, that I will put out yet again.  But now I have new stuff.

On top of my clothing that I'll be putting out, I have some of the kids' clothes and toys.  I have 3 large diaper boxes filled with summer clothes for the girls.  However, most will be too small come summer/spring/warm weather.  We'll keep a few things to get them by until I can buy "new" stuff.  But no point letting the girls put the clothes away if I'll just end up telling them to take it off.

I really need to figure out how to set things up.  I don't have tables to use.  And no garage.  So hanging clothes won't work.  Okay, well I do have one card table to use.  And I'll probably pull out my long coffee table.  Oh oh!  And I have a decent sized piece of board/wood I can use to make into a table.  I'll get it all worked out somehow.  I'm just not doing a tarp on the ground with mounds of clothing.  I'd never sell anything that way!

I also think I'll just do a set price for things.  Such as "women's tops $1, girls tops $1..." etc.  Instead of doing individual prices for everything.  Granted, I'll still have some things with an actual price tag.  But not the clothes (unless I think it warrants a special price).

But for now, sort out my clothing!

Signed,
Super Mom

P.S. It's going to be warm today.  Only 9:30am and it's already 51* outside.

Total Addiction

Okay, so I have plenty of addictions.  And most are healthy.  None are illegal.  But right now, I'm just loving Listia.  It's sort of a mix between Freecycle and eBay.  The Freecycle mix is that everything is free (though you may have to pay shipping sometimes--more on that in a minute).  The eBay mix is that you bid!  But you bid with credits, not money.

The only time money is involved is if a person requires you pay shipping on an auction.  And that's something you'll know before you even bid.  But most auctions (okay, the ones I view) offer free shipping!

Earning credits is easy also.  You just list your own items!  And you can either offer free shipping, or charge the winner the shipping fee.  It's up to you.  They also start you off with some credits.  When you join Listia via THIS LINK, you'll start with between 100 and 400 credits.  You don't lose credits for being inactive.  You won't lose them for doing searches.  The only time you "lose" credits is if you win an auction.  Oh something else that's nice, when you are viewing an auction, it will tell you how many credits you have to bid on that item.  Very handy if you're currently winning another auction.

You can find all sorts of stuff on Listia.  Movies, games (board, outdoor, computer--all sorts), greeting cards, collectibles, shoes, clothes, cosmetics, pet supplies, coupons for FREE products (not the ones that require a purchase to get the free item), school supplies, gaming systems, cell phones...EVEN GIFT CARDS!

The gift cards are awesome.  People offer them for all sorts of stores, and at varying values.  Some will just be "change" left over ($1.36 Walmart gift card is an example).  I've even seen some with a value over $100!!!  But be warned, if you're just signing up you'll have a hard time winning one of those right off.  They tend to go for tons of credits (usually between 5,000 and 20,000+).  But like I said, it's easy to earn.  Just list some things you've been meaning to get rid of anyways.  Browse around if you're not sure.

So what are you waiting for?  Why not sign up?  It's totally free.  You won't get spam email from there, or any members.  Any credits you earn stay there until you spend them (and win).

Ok, I'm going to go there now.  I need more box tops (ya know, the ones you turn in to your child's school).

Signed,
Super Mom

One Sick Baby

My poor little girl is sick.  She woke up this morning with a sore throat and coughing.  The coughing wasn't too bad really.  In fact, I forgot about that aspect of her being sick.  She hasn't complained much, more just about her sore throat.  And of course, she refused medicine this morning.  I didn't push the issue.  At the time she didn't have a fever.

Around 7:30pm I went to kiss her on the forehead and she felt really warm.  Then I noticed the slightly puffy lips.  Always an indicator for Josie.  I don't know why, but if she has a fever her lips give it away.  So, sure enough her temp was 100.6.  Nothing too serious.  She did agree to take some medicine, but it had to be red and cherry flavored.  Thankfully that's exactly what I had to offer.  Sadly, I had to explain the importance of taking medicine only as directed.  Because once she finished her "cup" she asked for more!  Darn goober.  But I think she understood.  And she certainly knows not to take ANY medicine (not even cough drops) without first asking Mommy or Daddy.  Plus, she can't reach any of it...yet.

Not sure if she'll go to school tomorrow.  There's that stupid "24 hour fever free" rule.  I hate it.  I understand it's importance, but I still hate it.  I figure I'll check her temperature in the morning, if she doesn't have a fever then I'll send her.  But then I risk her getting one while at school and having no way to pick her up.  I just really hope she doesn't have one tomorrow.  I don't want her to miss out on her class Valentine's Day Party.  She's been looking forward to it all month.  And earlier she finally convinced me to fill out her cards (I'm a sucker for long eyelashes and puffy lips haha).  Granted if she misses the party, she'll still get some of the goodies.  Her teacher knows she has a sister there to send it all home with.  And I'll have Tori take her (Josie's) cards in.  This way her's get passed out and her classmates can drop theirs off in her box.

Anyhow, hopefully she's fine by morning.  Have a feeling she won't be.  I better rest up while I can.

Signed,
Super Mom

Tori's Birthday Party (forgot to post)

I forgot to update on Tori's party.  It went smooth for the most part.  We did have one girl show up that wasn't on my list of guests.  She was invited, but no one told me she was coming.  Worked out ok though because one of the girls that was invited didn't show up.  So all was well.  Everyone had a great time.  Here are some various pictures of the birthday.  Just the "supplies", not the actual kids.  I was going to share some of those, but I didn't ask permission to post photos of someone else's child.  Not a risk I want to take.

This was our version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.  We chose Dudley instead (my husband misspelled his name haha).  I printed out curly pig tails for each of the kids to use.  They had fun with it.  Image of Dudley provided by my husband.  He's so awesome.

These are hairbows I made and attached to bobby pins.  I used Platypus tape.  I think it's a cheaper/generic version of Duct Tape.  The bows were cute, but not a good idea.  I recommend sticking with Duct Tape for this project.  The Platypus Tape didn't stick well, and I ended up having to redo them all.

Here's a few of the Harry Potter necklaces I put together.  Once that was done, I created little bags to seal them in.  The bags are actually snack bag sized ziplock bags cut down to size.  Then I found some decorative paper, stapled it on, and put my stamp on it.

And these are the candy bags.  Again, snack bags cut to size (the necklace bags were actually left over from this project, and they were the perfect size, so no waste!).  I used peppermint patties as the candy.  Then cut out (imperfect) circles and stuck it to each side.  And on the top I added an image from Harry Potter (no image on the back side, just the red circle).  Kids thought these were cool also.

And this is the birthday banner I printed out.  The font is actually Harry Potter themed.  I didn't think it was anything awesome, but Tori loved it.  She now has it taped to her closet walls.  And yes, I was tacky and used duct tape to stick it to the wall.

I was not impressed with the cake.  We ordered it from Walmart Bakery.  It was the only HP themed cake they had.  Personally, I would have preferred a darker shade of green.  Not much darker, but the "field" is just too bright.

Here are the goody bags (again made by me--used brown lunch bags and decorated), the water bottles (which I have already posted about) and the bubbles (again decorated to fit the theme).

And this is the sign I taped to the front door, outside.  Some of the kids hadn't been to our house before.  So I figured adding some sort of sign would help them know they reached their destination.  Tori now has this taped to her bedroom door.

Overall, the party was a success.  Now I'm moving on, and preparing for the next party.  Josie's birthday is March 11th.  Thankfully hers will be easier.  She's turning 6 and wants a princess/Pinkalicous theme.  I've already got a couple ideas for it.  And a good portion of the things I'll want/need can be picked up from the dollar store (erm dollar tree).

Signed,

Super Mom

The Crayon Roll

Well I finally did it.  I made my own crayon roll.  It was by far much easier then I expected.  I followed a tutorial for it of course.  And I highly recommend THIS ONE.  I only made a couple changes to it.  If you're anything like me, not perfect at measuring and cutting, I would add an inch to the dimensions all the way around.  I also used velcro tabs to close it.  I did use the ponytail holder as suggested in the tutorial.  But after I finished sewing it, I was not in the mood to sew on a button.

Velcro tabs come with a sticky back.  This way you just attach and go.  I like to make it a little more secure though.  Which is why you see the hot glue gun.  After sticking the velcro tab to the hair tie, I hot glued the button to the top.  This way when it's wrapped, you see the pretty button, not the sticky back of the tab.  I hot glued a button to the spot I wanted it to close at.  And stuck the other side of the velcro to that button.

Here it is unrolled.  Do you see how funny the first and last crayon looks? (above picture)  I'm not so good at sewing at an exact measurement.  The tutorial I followed was great!  Her measurements left room for seams and sewing.  I just sewed too tight of a seam.  If you just add an extra inch to the dimensions, you could avoid that problem.  Plus the crayons would be tucked in more.  As in, not nearly sticking out the top when you open/close it.

Here in this picture (above) you can see the velcro tab underneath my button.

And as I roll, the crayons got a little weird.  Again, my own fault for not being exact.  I'll be making another. For the neighbor girl.  And I WILL use the same tutorial.  Just adding in a little more room for my failure haha.  Also going to make a couple for the twins.  I hear these things are great for when you go out somewhere.  Have you been to a restaurant that gives your kid some paper and then only 2 crayons?  How can they think that's fun??  Most times they aren't even colors you can mix to create a new.  The ones I'll make for the boys will be smaller.  The pink one here was for Josie (since I stole her crayons for it haha), and it holds 16 crayons.  The twins' will only hold about 8, they don't need more then that.

I'm going to also make the boys their own journals.  Yeah, they are too little to know anything about that.  But this way, they will have their own books to doodle in.  And they'll be used for when we go out somewhere (not just eating out either, as that rarely happens, but shopping too).

Signed,
Super Mom

P.S.  I definitely felt super after I gave this project to Josie.  She just loves it!  Now hopefully no more lost crayons.

Message in a Bottle

Message in a Bottle

by Super Mom

Spinning down, down, down

Emotions running high

The blood is boiling through my veins

And my pain is seeping through my eyes

The need to do it eating me

I need to feel the pain, the burn

The need to feel and see it seeping out

So confused, no where left to turn

All alone in this world

No tears left to cry

So many unspoken words

My canvas is a lie

My message in a bottle

Throw it to the sea

Won't some one find it

And finally rescue me

Spinning down, down, down

My eyes are closing shut

The release is taking over

There's no where left to cut

Hoarding

Last night, I finally came to the realization that my husband and I are hoarders.  Not quite like the ones you see on the television shows though.  But, given the chance (i.e if we had no kids) we could probably get that bad.  I like to think my husband is worse than I am.  And it's true.  He was way more stuff than I do.  We have 3 decent sized closets in our trailer.  Only one is semi usable.  And that is in Tori's room.  Her closet is pretty messy, but for the most part, it's her stuff.  The things that used to be in there?  That was moved over to another closet.

My bedroom is the messiest of the whole trailer.  This morning I tripped trying to get to the bathroom.  When I fell I landed into a pile of clothes, and a taken-apart gun of some sort.  I have a nice sized bruise from that.  But, the tripping didn't end.  Once I reached the master bathroom door, I had troubles getting in.  And once again tripped INTO the bathroom.  The door is on James' side of the bed.  His clutter is so bad, that it's spilled into the entire room, with the exception of my side of the bed.

On my side, yes it's cluttered.  Against the wall.  I have a card table that has craft stuff stacked on it.  Underneath is about 3 large diaper boxes filled with more misc. craft things and random stuff.  I tell myself it's ok because hey, it is out of the way.  Truth be told, I haven't touched most of that stuff in over 6 months.  Main reason being I just have no where to put it.  No where to really work on crafts because James has so much stuff thrown about the trailer.  If I had a craft station that was accessible, I would be using these things weekly, if not daily.

I decided to get a start on cleaning up the bedroom once again.  And broke down in tears.  I started at the bedroom door with the intention of working up to the closet door.  Plan was to stack things in there to tackle later.  I know, bad plan.  I shouldn't be hiding our clutter.  But for now, that's what I was going to do.  Once I reached the closet I felt good.  And then just lost it.  I opened the closet door only to discover James had already filled it.  Wall to wall.  Floor to ceiling.  There's one opening to fit maybe one box.  I couldn't believe it. So now, I have a stack of things I intended to store away to sort better later (summer clothes, misc boxes of things, and hunting gear that isn't being used), and no where to put it.  I suppose it's all being stacked in front of the closet door.  The whole purpose of clearing that area was so we could get into the closet.  But seeing that it's stacked so full, doesn't matter if we can access it or not.

I should also mention that there was a huge stack of clothes in front of the closet.  James' dresser is positioned over there.  Why were the clothes on the floor?  Simple, he can't fit them into the dresser so he just made a stack.  I had a hard time telling what was clean and what was dirty.  Things I thought were dirty went into a hamper (along with clothes I didn't want to sniff to check) and clothes I knew were clean were tossed onto the bed.  You can't see the bed anymore.  Again, another lost cause.  No other place to put his clothes, so I'm sure they'll end up on the floor again.  A lot of it he can't fit, yet he's too lazy to sort them out.

I'm not sure what my next step will be.  But sadly, I have to find a way to finish the bedroom before he gets home.  If not, then the things I want him to sort will never be sorted, just tossed back to the floor.  I have an empty storage bin, well sorta.  Currently it's holding the overflow of dirty laundry.  Once I empty that (I'm washing laundry as I attempt to de-clutter), I will mostly likely add his overflow of clean clothing into it.  At least this way they are in one spot, not scattered.  I'm going to find a way to clean up the bedroom.

I'm looking forward to June.  My mom is coming up to help.  And it's already been decided James is not allowed in the house while we sort.  More will get done if he doesn't see what is being tossed.  He actually confessed last night that he has things in boxes he knows he would use.  But he couldn't tell you what those "things" are, or which box it is.  He just knows he wants what he has the boxes, that's why it's still in boxes.  I can't take this type of living for much longer.  I want this trailer to feel like a home.  I want it too look and feel inviting.  I'm tired of tripping.  Tired of squeezing through things.  Tired of moving something to get into one area only to have to move it back again.  I'm tried of feeling so low and disgusted with my own "home". There's just too much to be done alone.  It's too overwhelming.  Even thinking about it is difficult.  But, I do try.  I try my hardest to just tackle it head first, alone.

Wonder if I can get on that show "Hoarders".  Get me a small cleaning crew and we could have it done in one day!  Maybe two.  Might have to spend day one just sorting it out, and day two figuring out how to organize it.

Oh well.  this is life.  But, not one I'm comfortable in.  I want to feel clean.

Signed,
Super Mom