Hello Baby || Week 34-35

Dear Judson,

Summer is buzzing along quite quickly, which means your due date is fast approaching!  You are currently weighing in at 5 pounds and just as active as your big brother was.  Just today, I installed your car seat in our new van...I don't believe I have told you - we traded in Mommy's car she bought after college graduation and bought a van to accommodate our growing family... :)

Your Gram, Aunt Brooke and Aunt Lauren came over this week and helped get stuff ready for you.  We folded all your tiny clothes, packed your diaper bag, and pulled out baby gear and toys that I know you will love.  Mommy is officially ready for you to come now...;)

Our doctor appointments have moved up to being biweekly, pretty sure these visits to the doctor are one of the highlights of  my month.  I love hearing your heartbeat and getting good reports from your Doctor.

I have been asked a few times about where your Daddy and I "came up" with your name, and so I thought I would share with you.  Adoniram Judson was a  great American missionary to Burma, someday you can read the same book Mommy did in college about his life and missionary journeys entitled, To the Golden Shore  Daddy and I both thought Judson to be a godly man and a good solid manly name.  Your middle name, Richard, is after your Papa McDonnell.  He raised your Daddy and loves you so much.  We can't wait to introduce the two of you.

Our current drink of choice is ice water, orange juice with lots of pulp and strawberry milk.  We like to snack on energy bites and pizza ALWAYS sounds good... :)

I love you and can't wait to meet you!

Love,
Mommy

Laundry Detergent Recipe

I know that there are several recipes floating around Pinterest for making your own laundry detergent, but I wanted to share what I have been using for 3 years and give the exact run down on how much it costs and how long it lasts.

About three years ago, around the first summer of married life, Jack and I decided to get serious about budgeting and began Dave Ramsey's envelope system.  Being newly married on a tight budget, and wanting to save up for a down payment on a house, I really wanted to make a contribution by not over spending my husband's money.  I cannot recall the book's name, but I read a book from the library about living thrifty.  It had basic little tips in it, like using cloth napkins instead of paper, using coupons, buying gifts throughout the year when on sale, etc.  One of the things, that stuck out to me was making your own laundry detergent.  Since my husband, had an allergic reaction as a child to an off brand detergent, I was not saving money buying off brands.  And even with, trying to watch for sales, I was spending alot on detergent and I only was doing 4 loads at the most a week.

I decided to make my own detergent and found a recipe that I now use and love:

3 bars of Fels Naptha Laundry Soap
Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (3lb. 7oz box)
Oxi Clean (3lb. containter)
Borax (4lb. 12oz box)
Pure Baking Soda (4lb box)

2 containers of Purex Crystals or Downy Unstoppables to add some scent.  This is purely optional.

I buy all of these ingredients from Walmart and they are all located in the same aisle right next to each other.  My total for all of them is right around $20.  The first time, I made the detergent I purchased a 5 gallon tote with a lid for storage and combining the ingredients.  I also, purchased a glass jar for "prettier storage". :)

It is so simple to make, even a two year old can do it! ;)  Combine all the ingredients and then grate your Fels Naptha soap bars.  This can be done using a cheese grater, or a food processor.  Put the lid on your tote and shake to combine and you are done!

I made my last batch on December 10th and it lasted almost 5 months and that is doing 6 loads of laundry a week and sometimes more.

I use about 2 tablespoons per load, and occasionally 3 if extra - large - simply dump right into the wash drum with your clothes.