Juicy Lemon Shampoo

Oh, I have a new favorite thing. Juicy Lemon shampoo! Just seeing these lemons makes my mouth water! Are you just squinting your eyes and puckering your lips looking at them? Well, while on a fav site of mine, http://www.instructables.com/, I came across a recipe from "scoochmaroo." I've tweaked her recipe a bit to suit my type of hair. I've changed it up a bit, so here it goes:

1/4 c. Distilled Water

1/4c. Liquid Castile Soap

4 tsp. Olive Oil, extra virgin

1 tsp. Glycerin

20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil

Couple dashes of salt (to thicken it)

You can use Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap, which is so multi-purpose, it's really amazing. The writing on the outside of the bottle, a little strange albeit. Though Dr. Bronner is no longer with us... Anyway, I made my own castile soap, because I find that I like my shampoo thicker. So here is the recipe for making your own liquid castile soap, which I find more economical.

1 c. firmly packed grated Castile bar soap (this takes about 2, 4oz. bars @ $1 each) -grate it on a cheese grater or in your food processor.

4 c. Water

2 T. Glycerin

Mix your grated soap in with the water on low heat. Once the soap is dissolved, add the glycerin. Stir, then transfer to a jar and cover tightly. Let this sit over night and it will thicken up. I usually store mine in mason jars or whatever jar is handy.

I used it tonight for the first time and am loving how it doesn't strip my hair like store-bought shampoos do. My hair feels full and thick. I added twice as much oil as "scoochmaroo" did, so you may want to play around with the recipe a bit to suit your hair type. My hair smells so yummy. Well try it out and tell me what you think! Happy Hair Washing!

Simply Sarah

City Council

Blessed to serve my community.

The official signing-in.


Chunky Monkey decided he needed to be with me during my first council mtg.

The swearing-in.

Sorry this is a little late getting posted. I was elected to the open city council seat in my town! A small victory, but one I am proud to have earned. I've always said, you shouldn't complain about what's going on unless you're willing to get involved. Too many people grumble but aren't willing to do something about it. So I'm willing to get involved. As I learn the ropes, I'm trusting the Lord for guidance on all decisions I have influence over.

In the midst of the signing-in my little Chunky Monkey decided to start crying for me. And because we're a laid back kinda town, I knew it would be alright to hold my baby for the moment. So glad DH caught it on film. It will be a very sweet memory for all of us....

Monday, Monday

A new week, a fresh start. Here's a fabric bowl I recently made. It's flannel material in 1inch strips and single stitch crocheted. Lately it holds our phone chargers and digital camera. Who knows what it will hold next week! Lol!

Came across this on the internet, although it didn't list a specific author, I'll write it the way I saw it. Brought back memories of what we were going through when we lost Ava and the twins. I cried a lot, then felt so thankful for my family now...

One More Day (Daily Reminder for Busy Moms)

This morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of your together.

I will laugh when I feel like crying and take a deep breath when the day and all the worries of the future feel too overwhelming.

I will smile every time your beautiful eyes look into mine, and every time you speak I will listen attentively, for your voice is music to my ears.

This afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

I will jump in puddles with you and make mud pies until we are both covered in our creations.

I will not raise my voice or grumble under my breath as I try to focus your attention on the task at hand or call your name for the second time.

I will not worry about what you are going to do when you grow up, or second-guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

This evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

We will have a water fight at bath time until my clothes are completely soaked and our laughter is deafening.

I will hold you in my arms and tell you the story about how you were born and how much I loved you from the very beginning.

As I run my fingers through your hair, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given, and I will tell you over and over how much I love you.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their child's grave instead of their bedroom, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night, I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day....

Hope this helps you to focus on the important people in your life. Have a rich week!

Weekend

What makes a little boy happy?

Candy!! Lots and lots of candy!!

Dad (in mid sentence) enjoying the parade that he once walked in as a little boy.

Fire trucks on their way. We live in a small town. In fact we bought a house across the street from the one DH was born in. (-Tried to get his house, but the family wasn't ready to sell.)

My good friend Jennifer celebrating her 40th birthday. I know, she doesn't look 40! I hope to look this good when I turn 40! I had a great time at her party.

Had a fantastic weekend with family and friends! Hope your weekend was great!

Nursing

Mama & Chunky Monkey.

"Chunky Monkey, say juice!"

A fun day of homeschooling, pretending to be tigers!

Nursing pads I make & sell. Three pair for $7.00

I enjoy my nursing time. It is one of my most favorite mommy things in the world. Baby Love nursed until he was 25 months old. I am especially treasuring my nursing time with Chunky Monkey, because he is my last birth child, not by our choice. I am amazed at how God makes our bodies so perfect for being a mother. I am in awe. Mothering is such a ginormous job and a wonderful gift! So if you are a mommy, thank you for taking on one of the most important positions in the world!

"Making the decision to have a child -It's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." -Elizabeth Stone

Sewing Memories

I have a bit of an obsession with buttons. Can never have too many..

My trusty 1940's Singer. My parents bought it for me for Christmas when I was in the 6th grade. One of the best gifts I've ever gotten...

Create.

Remember.

As I was sewing this weekend, I looked down and saw my light caramel hands and it reminded me of when I would go to my grandmother's house and we would sew together. I remember seeing her smooth fingers with just a bit of wrinkling of the skin as she would guide the fabric. That time she spent with me was so very special. I can truly appreciate the skill she taught me. It serves me to this day, as I create things for my family. Honoring our mothers and mother's mothers makes me feel so rich. What did you learn from your mother/grandmother that brings back warm memories?

Raspberries pt. 2

I tell ya, that Baby Love had such a good time picking raspberries despite all the screaming his brother was doing. That smile says it all! He kept saying, "Mom look how many I have!"

The farm we visited was pretty big. The cows were all the way at the back of the farm. Baby Love begged to see them. So we made our way, umbrella stroller and all, in the sandy dirt path back to the cows. Then we found out that we couldn't get much closer. Bummer. I really need land. I so want chickens. I can almost taste 'em! Oh, did I say that out loud? Of course I would NEVER eat our chickens. ;)

Raspberries

Today was a great day for picking raspberries. I am so glad you can eat as you pick, because I definelty ate my fair share! Chunky Monkey wasn't so into the picking today. Probably 'cause he couldn't reach the food!

I'm sure it seems mean to take pictures during a melt down, but I couldn't resist. I'll pay the therapy bill for this one!