Freak me out

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Question/Answer

A Blog Buddy Megan that I read posted some really great questions:

Do you like Glass Plus or Windex better?

I use the cheapo depot for most of my "cleaning products" However I do use Mr. Clean Multipurpose Antibacterial Solution for many many things. I usually buy it and dilute it in a spray bottle for my bathrooms and kitchen. It is pretty cheap and lasts a long time when you dilute it! I have been toying with the idea of going natural. www.thesimpledollar.com has some great homemade cleaning ideas that are natural.

Do you prefer powder detergent or liquid?

I use liquid. I actually buy in bulk at Sams my Tide with Bleach. I like the bottle that it comes in from Sams because it has a spout and I can just store above my washer and push the button.

Which detergent do you think keeps colors and whites brightest?

I was born and raised on Tide with Bleach. It may be a little more expensive but I never use bleach or hardly any other stain remover and my clothes always come out clean.

What stain remover do you think works best?

I use Shout.

Is there a hair dryer or brush out there that really minimizes frizz or saves you time?

I bought a hair dryer that really saves me quite a bit of time. It is much more powerful than my old one and it cut a few minutes off drying my hair (it's super thick!). It is from Wal-Mart I can't think of the name right now. I also bought a large rolling brush that seems to let air flow through it well. Again not sure of the name right now.

What air purifier do you have and or like or don't like?

I have an air purifier than doubles as a fan in our bedroom. It is from Lowes and it has washable filters. This was very important to me so that I don't have to keep buying new filters.

Do you keep all your DVDs in their case?

Yes. They go in drawers in our buffet tv stand. We are a bit weird, they are in alphabetical order by type. For example all movies are together, all tv series are together, home movies, Wii games, and x-box games.

Do you wear shoes in your house or do you take them off at the door?

Shoes are unfortunately permitted in our house. The men in my life all have a tendency to stomp mud and grass through my house and it makes me so mad! I have been toying with the idea of getting two benches with cubbies to have at the front and back door and having a no shoes allowed house. Our hardwood floors are constantly dirty! I have to sweep nearly every day! I am just not sure how you enforce that in the beginning? Any ideas?

What do you think helps prevent freezer burn the best?

I don't know, but I would love to know! For our chicken breasts we buy steroid free, free range and so it comes in a meat package all together. I take each breast and wrap it in plastic wrap then store in a vacuum seal ziploc bag (which I reuse since no raw chicken ever touches). I like the convenience of having them individually frozen.

Do you drink bottled water or do you have a purifier on your faucet?

I am anti-plastic bottles! I recently went to the city land fill for the first time and it was an eye opener. Since then we recycle recycle recycle! We have always had a purifier on our faucet it makes life easier.

Do you use an address book or have an address book program on your computer?

No address book. I just bought a new day planner and I am trying to get addresses into it. I am always texting people and asking them for their address!

Any other household tips you have would be greatly appreciated!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Mother's Day

Yesterday was bittersweet in many ways. First of all let me give a shout out to the amazing women in my life.

First and for most. My mom rocks! She is spunky, creative, tender, and nurturing. She is one of my very best friends. I get much of who I am from my mom. She instilled in me the confidence of being able to do anything! I am pretty sure that is why I think I can remodel, rebuild, or redecorate anything! Nothing is too big for us! She inspires me. She worked so hard for over 20 years at a company to become a regional manager all without a college degree. Then when she felt they were treating her unfairly she quit and enrolled in school. That day! She makes me proud. Not much worries my mom and she is a strong believer in the "it wasn't meant to be" statement. Also, she firmly feels that everything will be ok no matter the circumstances. She has proven to be an amazing grandmother to my nephew and I can't wait to bless her with many more little babies!

My sister! She is my polar opposite except we are just alike! Does that make any sense? School was soooo important to me she was there for the friends and the fun! She always needed to use the phone when I did, yet I loved to sit in the hall and listen to the "big girl" conversations she was having. I just thought she was so cool! She hated to have to babysit me and have me tag along but always tried to include me! She has been my rock through my miscarriages and parents' separation. She is seriously one of the best moms. I never thought that would be the case, but as soon as my nephew was born she totally turned into a mother in all sense of the word! She loves to take care of her baby sister. In fact my wedding would not have happened without her! She is ambitious and strong. She is super intelligent and just fun to be around!

My Grandmother. She has been through many struggles. She raised three wild boys with very little money. She is gentle and likes to take care of everyone. When I was sick in school I would stay with her and should would pamper me all day while we watched hours of I Love Lucy! I spent many summers camping with her and my grandpa and she and I would go for walks and fish. She is a very classy lady at 83.

My Mother-in-Law. It's funny most people hate their mother in law. I really love mine! Let's be honest, we haven't always seen eye-to-eye but I imagine it's hard to see someone as strong-willed as me marry your baby boy. She is very inspiring! She went to school after her kids when to school and graduated Friday with her Masters Degree. She was the Oklahoma Teacher of the year which led her to an amazing job opportunity. John gets much of who he is from his mom. They are both all about following the rules whether it be in a parking lot or in school, they are both crazy organizers (in fact no matter what trip either of them plan, you are going to receive a detailed itinerary in your in-box!), and they always want to make sure everyone else is taken care of an happy! We are looking forward to making her a grandmother in the near future!

My Sister-in-Law Shannon. I was so intimidated by Shannon when John and I first started dating. She was in Miss Oklahoma one of the first times I met her. Here I was an awkward teenager meeting my boyfriend's beautiful sister. She and I were not really ever that close until the past 3 or 4 years. She really wants to do what is right and she is an amazing friend. She was so supportive and a great shoulder to lean on through my struggles. It's pretty freaky some of our similarities. Many times I will say, "I can't believe I am going to admit that I like this show (Kendra, Duggars, Guliana and Bill...) she will most usually say, "Oh! I watch that too!" She and I could probably laugh and talk to days!

My Sister-in-Law Caitlin. I have known Caitlin long before I even knew John. She was in my grade in school. We went to church camp together, and we played softball together for years. In fact, I didn't even know she had an older brother until middle school! We ended up getting into the same scholarship program in college which eased all of my fears knowing we would be going together! She is going to moving into a house 3 houses down from us this summer and I cannot wait to have her as a neighbor! She is a great friend and I love her dearly!

Yet there was one person missing yesterday. My Grandma Patty. She passed away 15 years ago from Ovarian Cancer, but it still feels like it was yesterday. She was such a fun and crazy lady. She would take me to the dollar store and literally buy me whatever I wanted. I was in heaven! She was an amazing grandmother to 5 grandchildren. I know it is hard on my mom and aunt to not have her around.

Yesterday, should of, could of, would of been my first mother's day. That was a little rough, but really knowing God's plan and purpose for me and my children quiets my aching heart. I know that I WILL be a mother. NO MATTER WHAT. Until then I still get to sleep in! Ha! I hope that yesterday was filled with joy no matter what your situation. Remember that whether you have three beautiful children, a fantastic mother, a mother who has passed, single, infertile, or estranged from your mother, celebrate the women in your life that have made a difference for you! Also, take the time to be a mother for those that need one. A mother doesn't have to be biological to nurture, love and care.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!


****EDIT******

After thinking about it I should most definitely give another shout out to my BBs! Laura and Jaclyn! Since really they are more like sisters than friends!!! Love you girls!