DIY Laundry Detergent {Review}

I finally got around to trying a recipe for homemade laundry detergent. I've always wanted to make my own because I cringe buying the expensive stuff at the store. First, I want to note that this post is not a post to make me look like that perfect homemaker who makes everything. Sure, I aspire to be the woman who makes her own cleaning products, eats organic, and has a perfectly crafted dinner on the table every night, but that's not me :) I'm simply trying to make baby steps toward saving money and show that anyone can do it.

I used this recipe with a few modifications and wanted to share my experience for the woman who's been thinking about making detergent, but needs a little motivation to get going :)

To make the detergent you need:

-five gallon bucket

-pot

-cheese grater

-1/2 cup borax

-1/2 cup washing soda

-1 bar washing soap (FYI: they don't carry them at Target, but I found one super cheap at Wal-Mart)

-Essential oils of your choice (I used Tea Tree Oil & Lavender like the recipe suggests)

-long spoon for stirring

Step one: shred the entire bar of soap. Then heat up 2 cups of water on the stove (Note: do not boil! I made this mistake and the soap got incredibly clumpy and wouldn't dissolve all the way. Just warm the water.) Add the soap to the water and stir until dissolved (this will take a while so keep stirring!)

Step two: Add the borax and washing soda and mix until dissolved.

Step three: Pour mixture into your five gallon bucket and add water until it is three-fourths full. Give it a good stir and then add the essential oils of your choice. (The recipe said to add 10 drops of each but I didn't notice the scent in my clothing so I would suggest adding more)

Step four: Allow mixture to sit for 24 hours. I hate when a recipe requires me to be patient, but this part is essential. The mixture will get thick and gooey. Stir a few times during that 24 hour period. (Notice how my mixture has big clumps. I'm assuming if the water is the correct temp at the beginning you won't have that problem.)

Step five: Use about 1/2 cup per load (or more if it's a heavy load). Transport detergent into smaller containers (or even a used detergent container) for easy storage! (Note: the detergent will not create suds when washing but it works!)

So there you have it. A giant, almost-full 5 gallon bucket of detergent for less than $10 (I didn't calculate the exact amount, but this thing is going to last until kingdom come).

Good luck and let me know if there are any tips and tricks I'm missing!

J.

gratitude.

 

Gratitude: learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and others.

I used to foolishly think that the older and more mature I got, the less I would be bound to the chains of ingratitude and comparison. I'm quickly learning that it's quite the opposite. Being a wife, having a child, and dealing with big-girl things like homes and careers has only made it more difficult to be truly thankful in every circumstance. I'm certain that most women will agree that comparison almost always stands in the way of joy. As a christian, I study Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 and long to be an honorable wife, gracious mother, and diligent homemaker. God created me to desire those things and by His grace I am able to do so, but I so easily get caught in the mess of comparison and ingratitude.

I'm finding that there will always be women in my life who seem to be the perfect wife, mother, homemaker, fashionista, even Christian. Causing me to feel ungrateful for what I have and ashamed of who I am (or who I'm not). Things like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. don't help either. I got into such a terrible habit last year of focusing on what others had that I was rarely grateful (or completely oblivious to) the blessings in my own life. I also noticed a tendency to feel entitled to certain things...as if I deserved comfort. Christ really convicted me of that and I found that the only answer to my problem is a life full of gratitude. And what perfect timing with a big move and the beginning of the new year :)

I've been reading through "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and it has been so helpful in encouraging my process towards a thankful heart. I've learned that gratitude isn't an overnight fix. It takes living each day intentionally and making the effort to see every blessing as something I don't deserve. And above all being constantly grateful for my debt that was paid on the cross. Because when I see myself as undeserving, my perspective totally changes. All of the sudden every little complaint like a tiny kitchen, one car, and a tight budget is shown in a different light. Nancy put it perfectly when she said:

"This is where Christian gratitude begins to rise above every other form of gratitude. Being humbly thankful to God for our salvation--the most undeserved transaction in our personal history--is the starting point for the purest form of gratitude: God-ward, Christ-centered gratitude."

I desire to be easily contented and humble--always remembering that Christ willingly saved me when I gave him no reason to. "There is no way we could ever repay Him for such amazing grace. There is only one response that even begins to measure its worth--a thankful heart, expressed in both word and deed...When we consider the love of Christ, His incomparable sacrifice, and His gift of full redemption, sealed and secured forever, how can we let a single day pass without "giving thanks to the Father?"

In order to create a thankful heart, I need to immerse myself in gratitude each day. I'm going to write down 5 things I'm thankful for before I even get out of bed--starting the day counting my blessings. I will be aware of blessings from others and voice my gratitude (even things like a helpful employee or just a friendly note to let a person know I'm thankful for them). And every time I catch myself complaining, I will write down what I'm thankful for instead--even if I have to force my pen to the paper.

I was joking with a friend the other day that the last time we moved from Omaha to Lincoln we didn't even zip our suitcases before we hit the road. We were SO ready to get out. Being back in Omaha has brought a lot of fear, discontent, and discomfort into my life. I'm out of my element, I have few friends here, and we're still living out of boxes because it takes FOREVER to unpack with a baby. But I will never find joy if I focus on these things. I'm ready for a life of gratitude and I'm excited to see how the Lord is going to radically change my life through it. I'll end with this pledge that was written by Russell Kelfer:

"Having been born into the kingdom of God, I do hereby acknowledge that God's purchase of my life included all the rights and control of that life for all eternity.

I do further acknowledge that He has not guaranteed me to be free from pain or to have success or prosperity. He has not guaranteed me perfect health. He has not guaranteed me perfect parents. He has not guaranteed me perfect children. He has not guaranteed me the absence of pressures, trials, misunderstandings, or persecution.

What He has promised me is eternal life. What He has promised me is abundant life. What He has promised me is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, meekness, and self-control. He has given me all of Himself in exchange for the rights to my life.

Therefore I acknowledge this day the relinquishment of all my rights and expectations, and humbly ask Him by His grace to replace these with a grateful spirit, for whatever in His wisdom He deems to allow for my life."

Signed, J.

{Penny Emerson: 3 Months}

My sweet Penny girl. 

I've had three whole months with you and I can't imagine spending my days any other way. You fit into our little family perfectly and made motherhood an amazing experience--far greater than I even imagined. Your giant grins, your developing voice, your kicking legs fill me with so much joy. You are one of the greatest gifts I have been given and I'm thankful for you every day.

(3 Weeks)

(3 Months)

A few facts about my girl:

Still hates tummy time with a burning passion. If I prop her on a pillow she'll go about 30 seconds without crying. I have no idea how to get her comfortable with this!! Poor thing is starting to get a flat head in the back so I better find a way soon!

She can support her head pretty well by herself. She has been trying to lift it lately when she's laying on my legs.

Whenever we are burping her, she'll inch her way down our hand and start sucking on our fingers. Cutest thing ever.

She also has a knack for passing out while being burped. 

She is the WORST eater. Love her to death, but it seriously takes an hour to finish her bottle. She moves her head all over the place so I'm constantly shoving the bottle in her mouth. And when she's really hungry, she gets all dramatic and drapes her arms around the bottle. So funny.

She is officially sleeping in her big girl room! She slept in our room the first three months but when we moved we decided to put her in her crib.

Poor thing has her first cold today. She's congested and coughing, but thankfully no fever! We ventured out to a local health food store and she was all smiles for the owner. I'm going to make a safe vapor rub that will hopefully give her some relief.

-Not sure of her weight, probably 10/11 pounds. She's getting a big ol' tummy and I LOVE it!

-She is SO smiley. I never thought I would see the day. The first month it seemed like she was crying all. the. time. It is so easy to make her smile now. Sometimes she'll even try to smile while she's crying. Hilarious. And that double chin...

-She has been talking up a storm. She trys to hard mimic what we say. Saying "hiiii" over and over again (and sounding like an idiot) really gets her going.

**can't figure out how to upload a video yet**

She also recently found her hands.

Having so much fun with this little gal.

J.

Reflections & Resolution

A year ago today I was preparing for our big New Year's Eve party with a little hope in my step.

It had been a very challenging year for Truman and I and I was anticipating a fresh start with a little more predictability...ha! Little did I know that a few weeks later I would be finding out that I was pregnant :)

2012 has brought many trials, but along with those trials came great joy that I didn't know my life was capable of receiving. Bringing life into this world has been an incredible gift. Along with a deep love for my new daughter came a new, deeper love for my husband. He has been dragged through the mud when it comes to school and work. He studied countless hours (even after he graduated), took odd jobs, and dealt with a lot of unanticipated stress. All so that he could take care of his family and so I could stay home with the little one. He is the definition of a selfless man and that was so apparent to me this year. He loves me well, and for that I am truly grateful.

I am happy to say that he now has a job that he enjoys and I think will flourish in. Though we are moving to Omaha because of it, I am excited for what adventures my little family will be met with. I have wrestled with my feelings of moving back to Omaha for the past month and I have come to a state of peace (only by the grace of God). I am determined to focus on a life of gratitude which brings about true joy. Not happiness, but joy. There is a difference and I'm ready to experience it. 

Which brings me to my resolutions...

I know the word "resolutions" is overused during the new year and often written off as a few goals that won't last past February. But I have been forming these goals for the past few months and hope them to be life-long rather than the duration of a year. The plans of settling down in Omaha has brought on a lot of anxiety. We love Lincoln and were in agreement that we wanted to raise a family here. It is apparent that the Lord does not want us here at this time in our lives so we are trusting him and making the transition. I want to be VERY intentional this time about how I live. A big move like this brings lots of opportunity for change and I am thankful for that. A few of my/our goals are...

1. Living intentionally with relationships. Our church, 2 Pillars, has really challenged and encouraged me to be very intentional with my relationships. The gospel is not separate from the rest of our lives. It can be lived out through work, marriage, relationships and I plan to do so. Because I stay at home, our neighborhood will be my main focus. I'm a total introvert when it comes to making friends so this will require a lot of help from the holy spirit. But I want to challenge myself to get past the "acquaintance" phase. I don't want to get stuck in friendships where the topics revolve around weather and the Huskers. I want to invest myself.

2. Getting plugged in at Coram Deo. We are thankful to have a great church waiting for us in Omaha. Coram Deo is the sister church to 2 Pillars so I'm excited for the transition. However, we did a terrible job of getting plugged in last time so I am determined to do so this go around. 

3. Re-write a budget (and get out of debt!) This one doesn't need a whole lot of explaining. I'm terrible with finances, but since I'm staying home I'll be taking on a lot of the responsibility when dealing with bills, groceries, etc. I want Truman to trust me with our finances and I want to always be thankful for what we have so I don't fall into the trap of wanting more and living above our means. 

4. Technology ban. I get into the habit of waking up and checking my email, facebook, instagram, etc. right away. I want to make my quiet time a much higher priority and discipline myself more when it comes to spending time on the internet and my phone. 

5. And finally, choose a life of gratitude. I want to spend a little more time on this one so I'll write a separate blog about it. 

I really am excited for 2013 and our move to Omaha. Of course, there is nothing predictable about it, but I'm learning that joy can be found in even the most chaotic circumstance. Famous last words, right? :)

So long 2012 and cheers to a new year. 

J.

Christmas 2012

It was our first Christmas as a family of three. However, I anticipate that next year will be more exciting when Penny can actually understand what is going on. She got plenty of snuggles in with her grandparents and uncles/aunts which is always fun to watch.

 We spent some time in Central City on the river and it was so. beautiful. Watching a winter sun rise and sun set is one of my favorite things about Nebraska...as long as I'm watching from inside by a fireplace :)

 

 

Pen got so much attention from our family and loved every minute of it. She LOVES to be held.

Getting some lovin' from Grandma.

 On Christmas morning, we tucked her in between us and slept late. It was my favorite memory from the holiday. I watched my two loves sleep soundly and my world was perfect. 

We wanted to see Les Mis really bad but I was nervous to bring Penny to a movie. We decided to give it a try and she slept most of the time! I panicked when I realized it was 2 hours and 40 minutes but I just stood in the back of the theater and bounced with her for the other half. She LOVED to watch the big screen and she even started to sing along with the music. I'm sure the people by us weren't as enamored as I was :) 

The movie was so, so good. I'm hard to please when it comes to movies but I would easily chart this up to one of the best movies I've ever seen. I had goosebumps almost the entire time and by the end the whole audience was sniffling. Such a great musical and the movie really does it justice. Towards the end of the film things start to get super emotional and as I was rocking Penny in the back I noticed an older man take his glasses off and wipe a couple tears away. I love noticing little moments like that. 

We decided not to get Pen very many gifts this year since we knew she'd be spoiled by grandparents. I couldn't help myself and had to get her a pair of baby moccs. Slightly too big right now, but I can't wait until she's running around in them!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Even though Christmas is a fun time to get together with family and celebrate, I think it's amazing that the celebration of Jesus' saving grace doesn't have to stop on the 26th! So thankful for that.

 

A Tribute to Beans

We had to make a very difficult decision and say goodbye to our first baby, Coco Bean.
When Penny joined our family, I knew it would change how much attention we could give Coco, but I was determined to make it work. But as the weeks went by, it became harder and harder to give her the love and attention she needed and deserved. I had to put aside my own selfishness of wanting to keep her and do what's best for her. It has been a hard weekend for me and it will take some time to get used to a house without Bean. 

I wanted to dedicate a post to our wonderful three years with her...

 

 

I have so many great memories with Coco. She has been by my side for the past three years...literally. Always snuggling up next to me when she had the chance. I will miss so many things about her. The way she pranced through the house when she was really excited, her army crawl when I took her for walks, the way she would lay on top of the couch for the entire afternoon, hearing her lick the crap out of Truman's arm in the middle of the night (it made him so mad!), the way she always had to be sitting on my lap when I was reading or writing, how she ran to Penny with concern every time she started to cry, and most of all I'll miss feeling her sleep against my back. It made me feel so safe.

It's the little things that make saying goodbye difficult. I still think I'm going to walk around the corner and see her snuggled up in her favorite blanket. I quickly pick up my underwear from the bathroom floor thinking she'll shred it to pieces. I hesitated to put my dinner plate on the couch because she'd always get into it. It's the habits that remind me she's gone. In time it won't seem so bad, I'm sure. 

It's hard for me to accept that Penny won't get to grow up with Coco. I had been dreaming of watching them grow together and it's sad to think that she won't know her. We'll get another dog once we have our own home with a backyard, but no dog could ever replace our Bean.

I spent my last day with her doing some of her favorite things.

We took a long car ride and she sat on my lap.

I took her to the pet store to get her favorite bones for her new home.

 

And we went on a nice, long (and a bit tearful) walk throughout the neighborhood. 

She was so excited to be getting all this love and attention that I wasn't giving her these past couple months!

With that being said, we found a wonderful new home for Coco to live. The couple has a little girl who will give Coco so much love--that makes it easier for me knowing that. We are thankful that she'll be getting lots of attention and I love knowing that she has a new best friend. I'll always remember her and I don't know that I'll ever stop missing her. 

Our last picture as a family of four (Pen wasn't too thrilled). 

We love ya, Beans!

**Sorry for the incredibly long post. If you're not a pet lover this will all seem silly to you, but I wanted to write one last post to the gal that put some spunk into our lives :)