A few pictures of our visit from the relatives

Enjoying a picnic and a walk in the great outdoors

Everything is funny when Pop Pop is around

Grammy

A very serious game of Settlers (notice I was smart enough to stay out of it) :)

Uncle Jake and Aunt Kate (almost) :)

Learning to catch with Uncle Jake

Laundry Detergent

After looking at numerous laundry detergent recipes I have finally found one that is a keeper. It is inexpensive,(17 dollars for everything including the 5 gallon bucket) easy to make and use and best of all leaves our clothes soft and smelling fresh. I like it so much I thought I would share.

1 4 lb 12 oz box Borax (2.15 kg or 76 oz) found in the detergent isle

1 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (1.81 kg) found in the cooking isle

1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (3 lb 7 oz) found in the detergent isle

3 bars of Fels-naptha soap,(smells a little like goat milk to me) found in the detergent isle or Pink Zote soap, which I use and found at Home Depot. It has a citronella smell which I like better. You need to grate the bars and add them to the rest of the ingredients.

2 small containers of oxyclean or store brand oxyclean (try to get about 3.5 lbs total (1.58 kg)) found in the detergent isle.

(this is optional, I added it into mine because I have 3 boys and need all the help I can get)

Mix all ingredients together.
I bought a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot to mix it in and store it. Then I have a smaller container that I keep on the washer. I have been told that if you average 8 loads of laundry a week it should last for roughly 9 months. Since I have only been using it for about a month I cannot yet confirm this. Anyway, if you try it, I hope you enjoy it!

Christmas

This year we were blessed to have my brother and sister-in-law come for Christmas. Being together and watching the boys play with their Aunt and Uncle was such a gift for me. We were able to celebrate Stephen's birthday together as well. Thank you Stephen and Heather for coming so far!

Helping Uncle Stephen piece together his birthday card puzzle

Happy Birthday Uncle Dee Dee

Waking up Christmas morning

Playing with their new train set

Synchronized scootering with Aunt Heather

Nate with his namesake

Merry Christmas!

Christmas tree hunting

This year we had the pleasure of my parents company on our Christmas tree hunt. The roads were pretty much snow free so we had a very quick and lovely excursion into the woods. My parents survived the car ride with 3 boys and my dad was a trooper making faces and silly voices at Nate the whole way. Fun was had by all.

Making a Schill size snowman

Mandatory torture time with dad

snow fight!

My little bell ringers

Last night we volunteered to bell ring for the salvation army. We didn't get the best location in the world as we were at Sears, but people surprised me with their generosity. Although, I think the cuteness factor didn't hurt. The boys did great! I am proud of my little bell ringers.

Smiling into the sun

Patiently waiting to spread some Christmas cheer.

Please don't make me go out in public in this ridiculous outfit mom!

Christmas celebration at the Camden house: one of our favorite place

Making a wreath with Ranger Jim

The boys Birthdays!

Here are a couple pictures of the boy(s) birthdays. Time is flying by much too quickly for my taste. We are so blessed by these little men!

Cabe's birthday dinner

Proudly wearing his birthday sticker

Sporting his new hat from Uncle Dee Dee and Aunt Heather

Being serenaded at his favorite restaurant during his birthday lunch with dad.

This is Zach "hugging" Cabe after he opened the present Caleb got him. I think he liked it. :)

Fun at the fair

Spending time with Daddy

Helping dig out the dead tree

Bouncing at the pumpkin patch (B is hiding somewhere, he was having more fun then the kids)

First family hike

The four men in my life

Monster trucks!

Nate: 2 months and growing fast

Posing with his monkey from Aunt Heather

We all live for his smiles

Tummy time

Caleb is such a good big brother!