In Rememberance of 9-11

Union Picnic

The dues we pay to the union are sort of like having our own time share for a day of fun at a park.  They provide games, prizes, food, and fun for the kids and adults.  It would be silly to miss it, so we didn't and here are a few of the fun things that the kids got and I added to the Halloween/dress up box.  And Dustin won a $50.00 gift card to Fred Meyer.  Its hard for him to spend money on himself, but he managed okay after asking me about a hundred times what I wanted.  (what a thoughtful guy right!)

dishwasher liquid

Sayward’s Homemade Liquid Detergent Recipe
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons pure lemon juice (not concentrate)
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon washing soda
**10-15 drops antibacterial essential oil, if using an unscented castile
extra white vinegar for the rinse cycle
In a small saucepan, combine water and vinegar over medium heat. Bring to just boiling and then reduce to low heat. Add each additional ingredient, one at a time, whisking as you go. Make sure everything is dissolved before removing from heat.
Allow to cool and then transfer to a storage container. When completely cooled the solution will separate into two layers, so shake it up real good before use.

Little Man's 6th

Well... we know how to throw a party!  This little dude wants to take KARATE lessons, so we let the family know and guess what!  He is now enrolled in a 4 week class.  He may never win a KARATE tournament, but He'll have great memories of when he took KARATE and got to wear that cool white outfit!

I was so excited when I was able to talk Deacon into Water games instead of a PINATA!  I love to make them, but sometimes mom just needs a break from huge projects the same week that school has started, being called as Young Women's President, and a birthday party of one totally cute boy!  I know I know... I am totally LAME...... but a woman has got to sleep!

School Days Back Again!

I know... I know... How can I say good-bye to these cuties!

Well... they Always come home when they get hungry, or when they have a bad day, or when they just feel like they need a little time in a place where they feel loved and safe.

I love being a Mom!

My Garden ROCKS!

I know not everyone is a gardener,  But look at this yummy produce!

This is enough for me to be happy for weeks.  

I love pulling carrots up, you never know what you are gonna get!

I lost one of my yellow squash plants to powdery mildew.  But now I know that if you spray the leaves with 1 part milk to 9 parts water once a week it prevents the mildew.  

I also discovered that pole beans taste so much sweeter than bush beans.  

Beans grow well in Oregon.  

I transplanted my baby romaine lettuces and then covered them with sheer fabric.  AMAZING!  Even on an almost 90 degree day they aren't fried and wilted.  I cannot wait to plant winter carrots and cabbages.  I'm gonna cover those cabbages with netting and keep the bugs out!

Happy Campers!

We thought a little camping would be fun so we headed for Detroit.  

 You know that place where everyone likes to take their fast boat.  

Well we don't have one of those, but we went anyway.  

News Flash, 

you can now reserve the first come first serve camping sites.  (bummer)  So were were out of luck and kept on driving.  

It was so much fun to have sobbing children in the back of the mini-van.

 Well we found a lovely spot.  Once you got past the RV's that lived at the

Mountain View RV park

It was a pretty nice place with free SHOWERS!

 We were right on the Santiam river, there were hardly any people.

  The camp host only yelled at me once for driving too fast.  

I was happy!

 The kids were happy too!

Yellow Jackets and all.

 Camping is a great family bonding experience.  

But next time I am NOT buying the strawberry flavored marshmallows.  

They tasted weird!

 Besides... who can resist some of these cute faces?

What Great tent partners!

So I think another camping trip is in order.  

This time at the coast. 

That is what Oregonians call their Beach cause it COLD!