Waiting for the Fireworks

It's a tradition for us every year to go to the same place to watch fireworks for the 4th of July.  We usually go early in the evening to play in the sports field and enjoy the company of friends and family while we're waiting for first, the jets to fly overhead, and the finally for the fireworks to commence.  It's a great time to take pictures, because, generally everyone is happy, the weather is nice and there are a lot of adults to help watch kids.  

She wanted to wear a hat so bad and was excited to get her picture taken in it. 

This baby is so fun to take pictures of.  I love, love, love her baby blues.

This picture just screams happy.

Another of my children so excited to wear a hat.

My nieces showing me the ice in their mouths.

What is Summer without cheesy orange fingers from Cheetos?

Definitely my husband's son

Kids running around with glow-sticks.

Heading home after the fireworks.

My baby's 1st birthday pictures

My little girl will be one year old next week. . . UNBELIEVABLE!  I took some pictures tonight to commemorate, but didn't get much in the way of cooperation from her- at all.  I may have to make another attempt at it, but for now, this is what I have.  Sometimes (well, most of the time) when I look at her precious face, I can't believe how very lucky I am.  Not just to have her, and to be able to be her mom, but to be able to have all the children I do.  I am one lucky momma, but my poor kids may have got the short end of the stick on that one.

Laundry Soap

Today I tried my hand at making my own laundry soap. I am excited to see how it works.

1/3 bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated
1/2 cup washing soda or sodium carbonate (not sodium bicarbonate which is regular soda)
1/2 cup Borax

You will need a 2-gallon size bucket, a funnel, and some plastic containers for storage.

Heat 6 cups of water and the grated soap until the soap melts.  Add washing soda and Borax; stir until dissolved and remove from heat.  Pour four cups hot water into the bucket, add soap mixture and stir. Add 1 gallon, plus 6 more cups of water and stir.  Using the funnel, pour into plastic containers, and let sit for 24 hours, shaking often. The more you shake, the better the soap will be. Soap will gel a little, so shake before each use.  Use no more that 1/2 cup per full load.