Brae and I will leave in the morning for doctors appointments in Austin. My aunt said traffic is likely to be worse depending on the evacuations getting out and National Guard going in. But other than that not even suppose to rain while we are there in San Antonio/Austin area.
I have maps ready. I found 3 different gluten free bakeries, one in Plano, one in Austin and one in San Antonio. We are looking forward to trying them. Brae will love being able to eat anything in the restaurant and not having to worry about it because everything is gluten free. Wish we had those kind of places closer to us. Of course hubby is using that as a plus for us moving sometime in the future. Me not so sure I want to move that far away. Oh well we have awhile to think about it.
I am anxious to discuss several things with the doctor and to get results of tests.
Brittney is looking so forward to her time with her daddy. They are planning a movie, miniature golf, dinner at Olive Garden. She says she will still miss me. I know she will be better staying here getting her school done and having daddy time rather than tagging along to doctor visits.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
12 minutes
I DID IT! I reached one of my goals. Still lots more goals but I finally broke a mile in 12 minutes. I know that is still slow with other runners but for me that is a good number. I figured out my strategy for November and I need to run all my miles in 11-14 minutes each. That would have me running for an hour and half. Also if I can keep up the 12 minutes miles for the shorter 5K in September I would break my personal record for 5K's. Just felt so good to do that this morning of course after I did it I was too wiped to finish my whole workout so I am dividing it up today but I made it so I am going with that feeling and will work up to being able to do all the miles at the higher pace. My normal pace is about 14-15 minutes which I know 3 minutes doesnt seem like a lot but it is when you are running. So patting myself on the back and will get out there in the morning and see if I can do it for a little longer.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Laptop and stuff
I am so blessed that my husband is so understanding. Tonight I was bringing my laptop into the living room and set it on the end table turned around and boom laptop fell. I got it picked up and situated the laptop and the screen was fried. Hubby immediately took it to the store to have them look at it. It would have cost over 600 to fix well it is about 6 years old so definitely not worth that and it has been messing up and we knew a new one was going to be needed but just couldn't do it now. As hubby said everything worked and fell together we were able to get something that will hold me over great without being out right now. It was a great blessing. So now I am typing on my laptop. Going to take some getting used to. I felt awful about dropping my laptop it made me sick at my stomach but it has worked out. Now I have to add everything and organize it all.
As an update on Brae I am no longer going to brag on how well he is doing as the next day after I had posted that we had a bad episode. But since then he has done okay, I am saying okay instead of great. Don't want to jinx us again..lol.
Britt is so looking forward to her daddy time next week while Brae and I are gone to Texas she has been making lists and planning.
As an update on Brae I am no longer going to brag on how well he is doing as the next day after I had posted that we had a bad episode. But since then he has done okay, I am saying okay instead of great. Don't want to jinx us again..lol.
Britt is so looking forward to her daddy time next week while Brae and I are gone to Texas she has been making lists and planning.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
School, medical and shoes...all in one post
We are almost mid week in our second week of school. So far so good. A few teary eyes but no real tears so I count that as a success. Britt is doing exceptional and is really liking her new math which is such a relief for me since that is really our only trouble subject with her. We started her on Teaching Textbooks this year, kinda pricey but it is easily reusable and resalable if I decide to. We are loving Story of the World and our Apologia Botany. I think those two are my favorites. Brae is doing really good too. His reading this year is a new program I had found at the convention called Scaredy Cat reading so far so good with it as well. He is doing better and we are making sure he knows how much better he is doing and I am really seeing a rise in his confidence.
Medically I think Brae is doing better than he has in a long time. Seizures are very few and far between now. Only one noted last week, it was a petite mal and I was used to seeing 15-20 a day so only one noted in a week is a great praise. I still have in the back of my mind the test results we will get next week but I am trying not to dwell or worry too much. For the most part his speech is improving, his energy level is through the roof. At times I am like wow he is getting onery but I don't care because for so many years he wasn't typical so I will take an onery 9 year old..LOL. He will tell people they should be on gluten free diet because it is so great. His exact words are "Mom makes good food, good cookies, and no more headaches and stomach aches". So blessed that he went so easy with that transition. Him and I will travel to Austin on Monday of next week and if all goes as planned be back late on Thursday night. Of course he was disappointed to know that school stuff was so portable that I was taking it with us! Hubby will stay home and Britt will stay with him this trip.
Tried out my new running shoes this morning, gotta get them broke in but I think they will be good ones. I bought Mizuno's. I went to the running store, did the size chart foot shape all that got the size I needed then shopped on ebay till I found my size new in box for way less than I would have paid in the store. I realize I totally sunk myself in the Tulsa race a few weekends ago by my attitude. I had it in my head going in I wasn't going to do well and I didn't. I think back and that first 5K where I did fairly well was such a harder race than this one but I just had myself psyched out that I was going to do poorly. I have worked myself back up and I am adding to it. I have one more 5K in September and then the 1/4 marathon in November. I have talked myself out of switching from the 1/4 to just doing a 5K a million times but I am going to keep it as is and work up.
Well that gets everyone caught up on school, Brae's medical and my running and a post if thrown up so I don't feel guilty for not posting..lol.
Medically I think Brae is doing better than he has in a long time. Seizures are very few and far between now. Only one noted last week, it was a petite mal and I was used to seeing 15-20 a day so only one noted in a week is a great praise. I still have in the back of my mind the test results we will get next week but I am trying not to dwell or worry too much. For the most part his speech is improving, his energy level is through the roof. At times I am like wow he is getting onery but I don't care because for so many years he wasn't typical so I will take an onery 9 year old..LOL. He will tell people they should be on gluten free diet because it is so great. His exact words are "Mom makes good food, good cookies, and no more headaches and stomach aches". So blessed that he went so easy with that transition. Him and I will travel to Austin on Monday of next week and if all goes as planned be back late on Thursday night. Of course he was disappointed to know that school stuff was so portable that I was taking it with us! Hubby will stay home and Britt will stay with him this trip.
Tried out my new running shoes this morning, gotta get them broke in but I think they will be good ones. I bought Mizuno's. I went to the running store, did the size chart foot shape all that got the size I needed then shopped on ebay till I found my size new in box for way less than I would have paid in the store. I realize I totally sunk myself in the Tulsa race a few weekends ago by my attitude. I had it in my head going in I wasn't going to do well and I didn't. I think back and that first 5K where I did fairly well was such a harder race than this one but I just had myself psyched out that I was going to do poorly. I have worked myself back up and I am adding to it. I have one more 5K in September and then the 1/4 marathon in November. I have talked myself out of switching from the 1/4 to just doing a 5K a million times but I am going to keep it as is and work up.
Well that gets everyone caught up on school, Brae's medical and my running and a post if thrown up so I don't feel guilty for not posting..lol.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Gluten Free Donuts
Donuts are one of the things Braden has wanted since being gluten free. So I found a recipe. Just let me tell you do not try with coconut flour, while I love it for all my other gluten free baking so far it just did not work with the donuts. I had to use my regular gluten free flour. You could adapt this recipe to make it with regular flour leaving out the xanthan gum. But of course for us it had to be gluten free. They aren't the prettiest but they were very good. We all enjoyed them. The recipe said it made a dozen but it made far more than that for us. They aren't very healthy so definitely not something we will do too often but for a treat it was great. Also will be fun after sleepovers.
OLD FASHIONED DONUTS
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted
5 cups gluten free flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
2 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp nutmeg
Combine eggs, buttermilk and butter in large bowl mix with whisk or fork.
Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to wet. Mix by hand not elec mixer.
Let batter rest about 15 minutes. Turn dough onto a well-floured surface. If dough is stick, work in more flour blend (we found we had to work in more buttermilk).
Roll dough 3/8 inch think. Cute with donut cutter (we used biscuit cutter but you could use a cup).
Fry in 1 to 3 inches very hot oil (375) until brown on one side. Turn over and brown on second side.
CAKE DONUTS: Dip warm doughnuts into bowl of thin glaze made from 2 cups powdered sugar and 2/3 cup milk. I then sprinkled with powder sugar.
CHOCOLATE ICED DONUTS: 1.2 cup butter melted, 1/2 cup baking cocoa, 2 tsp vanilla, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk. Mix melted butter and cocoa. Add vanilla beat in powdered sugar. Add milk to desired spreading consistency.
OLD FASHIONED DONUTS
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted
5 cups gluten free flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
2 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp nutmeg
Combine eggs, buttermilk and butter in large bowl mix with whisk or fork.
Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to wet. Mix by hand not elec mixer.
Let batter rest about 15 minutes. Turn dough onto a well-floured surface. If dough is stick, work in more flour blend (we found we had to work in more buttermilk).
Roll dough 3/8 inch think. Cute with donut cutter (we used biscuit cutter but you could use a cup).
Fry in 1 to 3 inches very hot oil (375) until brown on one side. Turn over and brown on second side.
CAKE DONUTS: Dip warm doughnuts into bowl of thin glaze made from 2 cups powdered sugar and 2/3 cup milk. I then sprinkled with powder sugar.
CHOCOLATE ICED DONUTS: 1.2 cup butter melted, 1/2 cup baking cocoa, 2 tsp vanilla, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk. Mix melted butter and cocoa. Add vanilla beat in powdered sugar. Add milk to desired spreading consistency.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Digging
This week we started our Story of the World History. So much fun. We studied archeology. So today to wrap up the week we had to have our own dig. I put 4 different items in two buckets. They had to dig them out, clean them with the tiny toothbrushes, and then tell what those would say about people if they were found 100 years from now what could they learn from them. They both had so much fun. The last pic is one of Braden when I told him it was time to go back to school.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Breakfast Bars
These are a hit at my house for breakfast and snacks.
Mix dry ingredients together:
3 cups of rolled oats
1 cup flour (I used coconut flour but it called for rice flour or you could use reg.)
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 TBSP cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried blueberries (you can use whatever dried fruits you want)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (I used craisins)
2 TBSP ground flax seed
1/4 cup coconut
1/2 cup almonds
Mix wet ingredients together:
1 cup honey
1/2 cup butter (melted)
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 egg whites
Preheat oven 350, spray large cookie sheet with spray.
Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Press mixture into cookie sheet. It helps to keep your hands wet when pressing down. Bake for 20 min. Let cool, cut into bars and store in freezer or refrigerator. The bars do tend to crumble easy so I also like to just break it up and put it in baggies for great snacks and breakfasts on the go.
another way we do it is chop up a fresh banana and cover it with crumbled bars and eat it with a spoon both kids love this.
Mix dry ingredients together:
3 cups of rolled oats
1 cup flour (I used coconut flour but it called for rice flour or you could use reg.)
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 TBSP cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried blueberries (you can use whatever dried fruits you want)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (I used craisins)
2 TBSP ground flax seed
1/4 cup coconut
1/2 cup almonds
Mix wet ingredients together:
1 cup honey
1/2 cup butter (melted)
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 egg whites
Preheat oven 350, spray large cookie sheet with spray.
Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Press mixture into cookie sheet. It helps to keep your hands wet when pressing down. Bake for 20 min. Let cool, cut into bars and store in freezer or refrigerator. The bars do tend to crumble easy so I also like to just break it up and put it in baggies for great snacks and breakfasts on the go.
another way we do it is chop up a fresh banana and cover it with crumbled bars and eat it with a spoon both kids love this.
Running Shoes
I have spent more time looking for good running shoes than I did looking for a wedding dress.
Along the way I have found some good tips and have finally found the shoe I want. Thought I would share tips for finding a good shoe.
First you have to figure out what type of shoe you need. You can go to certain running stores and they will put you on a tredmill of course that is ideal but those stores are sometimes hard to find. Another way is to just look at your foot. A more accurate way is to examine your footprint by either running in the sand or on paper with wet feet (this is what I did).
There are three different types of feet:
Flat Feet
If you're looking at your foot, you'll know you have flat feet if you don't see any arch. The bottom of your foot, from your toes to your heel, is completely flat. If you do the footprint test, your print will look like a foot-shaped blob. You won't see an inward curve from your big toe to your heel. If you're flat-footed, you're most likely an overpronator, which means that your feet roll inward when you run.
What to Buy: You will probably need a shoe that maintains your stability. Look for the words "motion control" and "stability" on the box of running shoes you are considering. In addition to motion-control shoes, some flat-footed runners also need to wear orthotics.
High-arched Feet
You should be able to easily determine if you have high arches -- you'll notice a high and definite arch on your foot. If you do the footprint test, your print will curve inward, making the middle part of your foot look very skinny. When you push your hand against the bottom of your foot, your arch will stay rigid.
If you have high arches, you probably supinate or underpronate, which means your feet roll outwards as you run. It's very important that runners with high arches periodically re-measure their feet because running will cause their arches to gradually fall, making their feet longer.
What to Buy: You need to look for flexible shoes with a soft midsole that absorbs shock. When buying running shoes, look for options with the words "flexible" or "cushioned" included in their descriptions.
Neutral or Normal Feet
If you've examined your foot or your footprint and it doesn't look flat-footed or high-arched, you most likely have a neutral or normal foot. Your footprint will have a noticeable curve inward, but not by more than 3/4 of an inch.
As long as you pick a shoe that doesn't counteract your foot type, you shouldn't encounter any problems. This is the most common type of foot, and it's also the least susceptible to injury provided it's outfitted with proper footwear.
If you have normal feet, you can choose from a wide variety of running shoes, including ones made for neutral runners or those with slightly flat-footed or high-arched feet. Don't pick running shoes that have a lot of stability or motion control.
I found this size chart for measuring your foot. Measure both feet and take the measurement from the larger foot. You should always have a thumbs length wiggle room in the toe.
I had originally bought my normal size in running shoes and that was a mistake I had to go up a size. Good running shoes help with shin splints, achy legs, etc. It is a worthwhile investment if you are going to run.
Along the way I have found some good tips and have finally found the shoe I want. Thought I would share tips for finding a good shoe.
First you have to figure out what type of shoe you need. You can go to certain running stores and they will put you on a tredmill of course that is ideal but those stores are sometimes hard to find. Another way is to just look at your foot. A more accurate way is to examine your footprint by either running in the sand or on paper with wet feet (this is what I did).
There are three different types of feet:
Flat Feet
If you're looking at your foot, you'll know you have flat feet if you don't see any arch. The bottom of your foot, from your toes to your heel, is completely flat. If you do the footprint test, your print will look like a foot-shaped blob. You won't see an inward curve from your big toe to your heel. If you're flat-footed, you're most likely an overpronator, which means that your feet roll inward when you run.
What to Buy: You will probably need a shoe that maintains your stability. Look for the words "motion control" and "stability" on the box of running shoes you are considering. In addition to motion-control shoes, some flat-footed runners also need to wear orthotics.
High-arched Feet
You should be able to easily determine if you have high arches -- you'll notice a high and definite arch on your foot. If you do the footprint test, your print will curve inward, making the middle part of your foot look very skinny. When you push your hand against the bottom of your foot, your arch will stay rigid.
If you have high arches, you probably supinate or underpronate, which means your feet roll outwards as you run. It's very important that runners with high arches periodically re-measure their feet because running will cause their arches to gradually fall, making their feet longer.
What to Buy: You need to look for flexible shoes with a soft midsole that absorbs shock. When buying running shoes, look for options with the words "flexible" or "cushioned" included in their descriptions.
Neutral or Normal Feet
If you've examined your foot or your footprint and it doesn't look flat-footed or high-arched, you most likely have a neutral or normal foot. Your footprint will have a noticeable curve inward, but not by more than 3/4 of an inch.
As long as you pick a shoe that doesn't counteract your foot type, you shouldn't encounter any problems. This is the most common type of foot, and it's also the least susceptible to injury provided it's outfitted with proper footwear.
If you have normal feet, you can choose from a wide variety of running shoes, including ones made for neutral runners or those with slightly flat-footed or high-arched feet. Don't pick running shoes that have a lot of stability or motion control.
I found this size chart for measuring your foot. Measure both feet and take the measurement from the larger foot. You should always have a thumbs length wiggle room in the toe.
I had originally bought my normal size in running shoes and that was a mistake I had to go up a size. Good running shoes help with shin splints, achy legs, etc. It is a worthwhile investment if you are going to run.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Apparently we are on the go too much
We spent the whole day home today. Yesterday too. It was so nice not to go anywhere. This evening Brae says "Mom I think we set a new record". I was like what record. He said "We haven't ran anywhere in two days I think that is a record".
Unfortunately the record must hold at two days as tomorrow we must go get groceries and run a few errands. We miss hubby terrible why is away on business but it has been nice. We have kind of gotten in the groove of school again and then I cut back my work and things since he was going to be out of town so that enabled us to stay home more too. Yesterday we did school, crafts, baked, played games it was so nice. Today was pretty much the same.
School went best today for Brae. I had to revamp some of the things with the lessons I had planned for him but we will get there. I just cant overload him or he just shuts down. Britt is doing really well and absolutely loves her new math program which is such a relief because math is really the only area she didn't like.
We even broke the rule and did school in our pajamas today which I rarely let them do. I will be longing for these two days in the upcoming weeks which are going to be so hectic. Maybe later in the Fall we can go for staying at home 3 days in a row...it's a dream anyway!
Unfortunately the record must hold at two days as tomorrow we must go get groceries and run a few errands. We miss hubby terrible why is away on business but it has been nice. We have kind of gotten in the groove of school again and then I cut back my work and things since he was going to be out of town so that enabled us to stay home more too. Yesterday we did school, crafts, baked, played games it was so nice. Today was pretty much the same.
School went best today for Brae. I had to revamp some of the things with the lessons I had planned for him but we will get there. I just cant overload him or he just shuts down. Britt is doing really well and absolutely loves her new math program which is such a relief because math is really the only area she didn't like.
We even broke the rule and did school in our pajamas today which I rarely let them do. I will be longing for these two days in the upcoming weeks which are going to be so hectic. Maybe later in the Fall we can go for staying at home 3 days in a row...it's a dream anyway!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Can't fool him
Sitting around the table this morning. Braden was talking about making stories up to help himself go back to sleep. I told him you should write those stories down that would be fun. His response (very quick response) was: "You aren't tricking me, that is just another way to try to make me learn". Gray hair from that boy I tell you!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Back to School
I think I am excited about starting back to school today as the kids are. Let me rephrase that "I am as excited as Britt is"...Brae still needs some convincing that school is a good thing..lol.
I got up this morning and went for a run. I feel better than I did after the race on Saturday. I was just frustrated with myself because I had still been going out in the mornings but I knew I wasn't working as hard as I had for the first 5k. I did good this morning and will continue to work back up. On Saturday I had thought about changing my race for November to the 5K instead of the quarter marathon but I am keeping it the way it is. I will just be sure I am ready for the quarter marathon. I have another 5k before that.
I have chocolate chip muffins (gluten free of course!) baking in the oven. House is picked up and now I am awaiting children to wake up. It is 6:30 so I know they will be awaking soon. I just typed that and now I hear Britt up. Just like if we were in public school I went and got them a new outfit for the first day. Britt was super excited about that. Well it was Brae up not Britt. He is getting dressed and around so maybe he will be good to go for the day. We are implementing a lot of suggestions from an Aspergers book on homeschooling as well as our new doctors suggestions so we shall see how it goes.
I got up this morning and went for a run. I feel better than I did after the race on Saturday. I was just frustrated with myself because I had still been going out in the mornings but I knew I wasn't working as hard as I had for the first 5k. I did good this morning and will continue to work back up. On Saturday I had thought about changing my race for November to the 5K instead of the quarter marathon but I am keeping it the way it is. I will just be sure I am ready for the quarter marathon. I have another 5k before that.
I have chocolate chip muffins (gluten free of course!) baking in the oven. House is picked up and now I am awaiting children to wake up. It is 6:30 so I know they will be awaking soon. I just typed that and now I hear Britt up. Just like if we were in public school I went and got them a new outfit for the first day. Britt was super excited about that. Well it was Brae up not Britt. He is getting dressed and around so maybe he will be good to go for the day. We are implementing a lot of suggestions from an Aspergers book on homeschooling as well as our new doctors suggestions so we shall see how it goes.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Not dead last
This morning was my 5K. I did not do good. It took me 42 minutes. I wasn't last but I was not in the middle of the pack this time I was at the end of the pack of runners this time. I know at least I finished it and all that but I can't help being so disappointed in myself. But I am just going to get back on it and start working harder so that I can finish the one in September better. Then I still have to work up for the harder run in November.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Fingers Crossed
We have been battling our insurance company. Last year we went through the appeal process and won and had Brae's speech paid for 2007. Well 2008 we lost 2 appeals and were battling what we felt was totally uphill. We had to unfortunately drop Brae to once a week because paying entirely by cash from January 2008 to present was so hard so about a month ago we went to once a week.
We have not been laying down we have been fighting and not taking no for an answer. Hubby gets a call yesterday the entire year is being reprocessed it will be paid and that the corporate offices have changed the wording of the policies so it will not happen again. So he said it will be paid back to January of this year and from here on out. We feel confident that this guy would not have told us had he not been certain as he knows how specific we are on our record keeping and how we have called him and others out before on telling us things. So hopefully in a few weeks I will have a huge credit at the speech place and not have to pay copays for a long long time and he can go back to going two days a week as he needs! Just have to keep going even after they tell you no.
We have not been laying down we have been fighting and not taking no for an answer. Hubby gets a call yesterday the entire year is being reprocessed it will be paid and that the corporate offices have changed the wording of the policies so it will not happen again. So he said it will be paid back to January of this year and from here on out. We feel confident that this guy would not have told us had he not been certain as he knows how specific we are on our record keeping and how we have called him and others out before on telling us things. So hopefully in a few weeks I will have a huge credit at the speech place and not have to pay copays for a long long time and he can go back to going two days a week as he needs! Just have to keep going even after they tell you no.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Back to school cake
I am not officially starting back with the kids until Monday but we had to have a fun cake today. I was worried about working with the gluten free cake and frosting but no problems so yeah I can still do my fun cakes.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
This and that
Been feeling like I have a lot of balls in the air juggling right now so that is why posting is a little sporadic. Between getting ready for school, coop planning, girl scouts, Brae stuff, paralegal work and general life stuff it is a little crazy but I am sure it will soon settle into a routine.
I have another 5K scheduled for Saturday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and let me run this week. I am hoping to at least finish about where I did in my first 5K. I still have quite away to work up before November. I need to be doing 7 miles by November 16.
This week we have friends in from Fort Worth. We will start school on the 18th so this is our last fun week before school starts.
Brae is still doing very well with all his new meds. His new thing is seeing how quickly he can take them. What a wonderful attitude he has and for that I am so grateful.
Started planning for the Fall home school coop that I am director of. I know the kids will love it and it seems to be coming together.
I was talking with Brae about our next trip to the doctor in September and told him it would just be him and I that sissy was staying home with dad. His response was "Great and then the next time I can stay home and sissy can take my place at the doctor I am sure he can't tell the difference"...hmmm not sure it works that way but I will say he definetly keeps me smiling.
I have another 5K scheduled for Saturday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and let me run this week. I am hoping to at least finish about where I did in my first 5K. I still have quite away to work up before November. I need to be doing 7 miles by November 16.
This week we have friends in from Fort Worth. We will start school on the 18th so this is our last fun week before school starts.
Brae is still doing very well with all his new meds. His new thing is seeing how quickly he can take them. What a wonderful attitude he has and for that I am so grateful.
Started planning for the Fall home school coop that I am director of. I know the kids will love it and it seems to be coming together.
I was talking with Brae about our next trip to the doctor in September and told him it would just be him and I that sissy was staying home with dad. His response was "Great and then the next time I can stay home and sissy can take my place at the doctor I am sure he can't tell the difference"...hmmm not sure it works that way but I will say he definetly keeps me smiling.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
So not me, but I am really getting into it.
For those that know me personally you know I am a convenience type of girl not a make things from scratch. Or at least I had been that way. Now that we are having to do gluten free I am getting so into making my own bread, and even been making jams.
However this new thing shocked me that I did. I had read a few blogs about making laundry detergent. I didn't think it was something I would do. But further reading about different ingredients even in stuff I thought was good I thought okay let me price it and try it. You can make liquid or powder. I usually use liquid but the powder recipe looked easier so I did it.
I so love it. It was inexpensive. The ingredients were all found at my local Harp's grocery store all lined up together. It was less than $5 and I have ingredients left for next batch. I made the large batch. It makes the clothes smell so fresh and clean and no need for fabric softener.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup 20 mule team borax
Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoon. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.
To make a large batch - grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Washing Soda and 3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well and store in covered container.
TIP: The above recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha Soap is a pure soap and typically makes little or no suds in the water. This makes it perfect for use in the new HE washers as well as traditional washers. You will also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or in most cases you can even eliminate the use of softener completely.
You can find the liquid recipes at SoapsGoneBuy
However this new thing shocked me that I did. I had read a few blogs about making laundry detergent. I didn't think it was something I would do. But further reading about different ingredients even in stuff I thought was good I thought okay let me price it and try it. You can make liquid or powder. I usually use liquid but the powder recipe looked easier so I did it.
I so love it. It was inexpensive. The ingredients were all found at my local Harp's grocery store all lined up together. It was less than $5 and I have ingredients left for next batch. I made the large batch. It makes the clothes smell so fresh and clean and no need for fabric softener.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup 20 mule team borax
Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoon. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.
To make a large batch - grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Washing Soda and 3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well and store in covered container.
TIP: The above recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha Soap is a pure soap and typically makes little or no suds in the water. This makes it perfect for use in the new HE washers as well as traditional washers. You will also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or in most cases you can even eliminate the use of softener completely.
You can find the liquid recipes at SoapsGoneBuy
Monday, August 04, 2008
Lots of trial things
Been working out the gluten free cooking. Who thought it would be so different from just cooking? It is. Harder to make it right or at least it is to me at this time. One pizza crust ended in the trash yesterday before it even made it to the oven the second one was good (I don't want to admit that hubby made the second one).
I am loving my new bread maker it even has a gluten free cycle on it. I don't like the bread I made but everyone else in the house does so I guess that is what counts. The bread maker even has a jam cycle on it. My dad had brought over blackberries yesterday so I made blackberry jam last night going to try it out this morning.
I ordered the flour that a friend suggested but haven't gotten it in yet. So far using a lot of mixes. Reading lots and lots of books and trying things some not so great but I am hoping it gets better.
I am loving my new bread maker it even has a gluten free cycle on it. I don't like the bread I made but everyone else in the house does so I guess that is what counts. The bread maker even has a jam cycle on it. My dad had brought over blackberries yesterday so I made blackberry jam last night going to try it out this morning.
I ordered the flour that a friend suggested but haven't gotten it in yet. So far using a lot of mixes. Reading lots and lots of books and trying things some not so great but I am hoping it gets better.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Home
We made it home.
Had a little scare on the freeway in Dallas, but it was all okay. Traveling behind a pickup truck when a huge sheet of cardboard came out of the back (probably 6 foot by 3 foot) and I knew it was going to hit my car I was just hoping it wouldn't cover the windshield it didn't it landed on the hood and got caught on the front giving me time to slow down and pull over and let it fall off. But still scared me.
But we are home safe. Hubby had the house all clean and looking great complete with fresh flowers on the table. Very nice.
Braden is doing SO good on taking all of his pills and on the diet. I am so proud of him.
Here is a pic of the kids on Britt's last day of camp, Braden had to have a net hat too. Britt received best camper award, and I was told on more than one occasion that her sportsmanship was wonderful.
Had a little scare on the freeway in Dallas, but it was all okay. Traveling behind a pickup truck when a huge sheet of cardboard came out of the back (probably 6 foot by 3 foot) and I knew it was going to hit my car I was just hoping it wouldn't cover the windshield it didn't it landed on the hood and got caught on the front giving me time to slow down and pull over and let it fall off. But still scared me.
But we are home safe. Hubby had the house all clean and looking great complete with fresh flowers on the table. Very nice.
Braden is doing SO good on taking all of his pills and on the diet. I am so proud of him.
Here is a pic of the kids on Britt's last day of camp, Braden had to have a net hat too. Britt received best camper award, and I was told on more than one occasion that her sportsmanship was wonderful.
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