Cooped Up Crafts!

Yay! It's Friday! Moms are like, "And?" Lol! Friday is just another day like all the fabulous others. Mommas don't get weekends off!

With all this cold weather we've been having, all I have wanted to do is sit in my chair, watch the fire and cook. I have made some pretty scrumptious meals! Cold weather is cooking weather! 

Soups are something I really love to cook. They go far when you have a big crew and they're easy to reheat and serve as leftovers. If we don't eat it all for supper, bet we will have it for lunch the next day. Sorry, family. Lol! Also, I like feeding my kids vegetables and they're more inclined to eat vegetables if they're in a soup. 

I have really been making an effort to incorporate more fruits and vegetables with our meals. No matter what we have, I add a vegetable side with it. The kiddos may not like it, but they HAVE to try one bite. Then if they don't like it, I don't make them eat it. But you have to try it before you say you don't like it! Momma said so!

Cold weather also brings bored, cooped up kids. We don't do video games around here, so on days with bad weather, sometimes we like to do crafts. I keep a few blank canvases and things my kids can make for occasions like this. You can pick up a package of canvases, a few small bottles of acrylic paint and some brushes on your next grocery shopping trip to Walmart for less than $10. 

Rylie Cole saw a painting of an elephant and fell in love with it! She did a pretty good job at replicating it. 

Another good thing to buy to have on hand is yarn. Recently I was given a HUGE sack of yarn (Thanks, Terri!) and we have been using it like crazy. My thing is pom poms, and the kids like making them. They have made a big fuzzy rainbow pile of them for me (child labor for the win!) and then we will make stuff out of them.  The kids really enjoy making God's eyes. They have made them and hung them up throughout the house. It's a good way to pass the time on days when it's yucky out and it's SO much better than planting them in front of the television. Can I get an amen up in here?! It's a quiet activity they can do on their own and they're always so proud when they finish one. 

Here's an example of a kids' God's eye craft via Pinterest

Our most recent pom pom project was pom pom branches for our St. Patrick's Day mantle. 

If you would like to make your own and don't already have a pom pom maker, here is a link you may be interested in:

http://pinterest.com/pin/166633254932962998/

There are loads of whimsical yarn ideas on Pinterest. Here are a few you may like to incorporate into your own decor!

OBVIOUSLY I'm a girl who loves color, but not all yarn crafts have to be funky and colorful. You can choose whatever colors you like; there are still just as many pretty things to be made!

I hope you got some good ideas for keeping the kiddos, and yourself, occupied on bad weather days! Y'all enjoy your weekend!

❤️ Jennifer 

Potty Training In A Pirate Movie

Hey, hey, dolls! Happy Fri-YAY! The blog has gotten 3,000 reads! Thank y'all for reading about my messy, crazy, fun, kid-filled life!!! Without my readers, why blog? So thank y'all so very much!!! Much love to ya! To celebrate, I'm going to give away a Valentine bunting, made by moi, to one lucky reader. Ooh la la! To enter, comment on the blog and I'll draw a name and post the winner!

I really love doing the blog and I love to connect with other mommas. Coming up soon, I'm going to have my BFFs, Laura Oglesby and Billie-Jo Carpenter, do a guest post. They're entertaining and hilarious moms with litters of kids of their own. We are going to share some of our funniest, mom moments with y'all. 

To get us started, here's on of my faves. (In my Sophia from the Golden Girls voice) Picture it, my mother-in-law and I are sitting at the show, watching Pirates of the Carribean, and we had Rylie (who was in the middle of potty training) and baby Rowdy. We are totally into the show and suddenly we hear something. Like water running. We look around, confused, and try to figure out what the noise is. Where is it coming from?! My heart stops. So does the noise. Rylie had taken off her pants and peed right there in the theater. Oh, Mylanta! I was mortified! I grabbed her up and ran to the bathroom so fast. Just a tad too late, huh? I cleaned up the mess the best I could, but the theater was sloped and the pee was running down to the front of the theater. (Pick your feet up, y'all!) It was awful. The books don't teach you this kind of stuff! You learn this from ex-PEE-rience. To this day, I hope and pray she didn't get pee on anybody's purse. 

Can you relate?! Tell me I'm not the only one!! Lol! Being a mom is totes hard sometimes and you need friends who are in the same boat as you. Having my friends to share parenting failures and victories with is extremely important me. You're not the only one! You're not alone. My life was DULL before the babes came along! They make my heart full and I thoroughly enjoy the circus I've been blessed with! Sometimes Caleb and I look at each other and just laugh at all of this. I know it sounds cheesy, but I am living the life I always wanted. It wouldn't be interesting if everything was perfect!

Comment and let me know what you want to see on the blog and I'll get it on here! Don't hold back! If you have questions you'd like to ask or stories you'd like to share, don't be shy! Send them to me! I'd love to talk with y'all! And if you know someone who'd enjoy the blog, please send them my way! 

Enjoy your weekend! Don't forget to love your chaos. It won't be like this for long. 

❤️ Jenn

Laundry Detergent Recipe, Take 2!

Y'all! I had a WHOLE post typed up this morning and I deleted it. Grrrr! Second time's the charm. Here we go!

Last night the RCC Gang and I made a new batch of laundry detergent. I have made it a few other times and I have been extremely pleased with the outcome each time. The recipe I used this time is one I got from Amberly Houser at Hurricane Houser blog. 

Here is the recipe!

*1 box of Borax

*1 box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

*2 cups of baking soda

*3 bars of Fels Naptha (my store was out so I got Zote)

*5 pounds of Oxi Clean (you can use a generic to save more money)

*3 13.2oz bottles of Downy Unstobbales in-wash scent booster (I got a huge 36.2oz bottle at Sam's for $14.62) (you can use Gain or Purex too - the RCC Gang voted on the blue Downy. Majority rules. This time.)

Note: I used more Downy than required and my laundry still didn't have as much scent as I like. Next time I will just add some to each load to ensure enough gets in there. We like our clothes to smell goooood!

Gather your supplies. You will need a large container to store the detergent in. (I got a large glass cookie jar at Walmart a few years ago for around 10 bucks.)

A food processor, a knife, 2 trash bags, and if you have little helpers like mine, a referee shirt and a whistle. Possibly a Billy club if it gets out of control. 

Cut the bars of soap into small chunks and place into food processor with a scoop of Oxi so that your blades won't gunk up and get sticky. (Great tip, Amberly!) You will need to do a little a time to be sure it gets thoroughly ground. I have used my cheese grater before, but you could end up with undissolved chunks on your laundry. You want it to be ground into a fine powder. 

Already looks like Tide, huh?

After you have processed each small batch, dump it into a trash bag that is doubled with another trash bag incase one gets a hole in it. After all the bars of soap are chopped, dump in the remaining ingredients. Tightly hold the opening of the bags closed and roll it around on the carpet, gently. You do not want to have to clean up that mess! Once it is all combined, dump it into the jar you have chosen. (Yes, I still used the trash bags after I was done. No need to waste. Save that money, y'all!)  It only takes a small (2 tablespoon) scoop for each load. I used an old scoop I had, but there is a silver 2T coffee scoop at Walmart in the kitchen utensil aisle for a buck or two. 

Not including the optional Downy, I spent $21. This batch will last months and months. Possibly all year. And I do A LOT of laundry, y'all. I had gotten into the habit of buying a small ($5) bag of Tide Pods and a bottle of Downy ($4) each week instead of buying in bulk. I was spending around $30 for a one month supply. 

People have asked me before if it really works as well as I say it does. Well, have y'all SEEN my family?! These cats get dirty. Not just regular dirty. I'm talkin' super extreme country folk DIRTY. Their clothes always come out clean and fresh. I'd say it cleans just as well as, if not better, than Tide Pods. For tough stains I still spray on some Spray and Wash or something, just to be safe. 

So, for $21, you can make a HUGE batch of unscented detergent and just buy the in-wash scent boosters or fabric softener of your choice and save quite a bit of money. And with all that dinero you'll be saving, make a quick trip through the jewelry section and getcha a new pair of earrings or a cute necklace next time you hit the grocery store. You deserve it for all that laundry you've been doing! 

I hope y'all enjoy the recipe! 

❤️ Jenn

New Year, Same Fun Life!

Hey, y'all! Week one of 2015 down! Let me fill y'all in on what's been going on in my neck of the woods:

My baby twerks when Mickey Mouse Clubhouse comes on. [Oh, lawd.]

Caleb has got to be home a lot, lot more! Praise Jesus! Basically, on top of my other everyday chores, I am now the official Lego judge. That's what Caleb and the kiddos have done all day, build extremely intricate vehicles and ask who's is better. I dig it. 

I have already started saving money for 2K15 (one of my many resolutions). What, what!!

I've gotten to see my BFFs quite a bit more than usual. Par-tay! 

{New Year's Eve}

I dyed my hair fairly dark with a cheapo haircolor. Seeing myself in all the NYE pictures with those HUGE roots sent me over the edge!

And, drumroll please, I decided to start back on a LCHF (low carb/high fat) "diet", because, duh, doesn't everyone and their momma try to lose weight after New Year's? I really hate to even call it a diet. I mean, I can eat bacon and cream cheese and all that jazz. Doesn't sound like a diet to me. And let's be honest, I will turn in to a ravage beast if I eat only 1200 calories a day. Ahh! I just can't get on that bandwagon. If you're considering dropping some lbs, give LCHF a try. I've been pinning some pretty drool-worthy low carb recipes that the whole fam would love on my Hot Mom Meals & Motivation board. And if you didn't notice, I had to change that board's name; It used to be called "Hot Mom 2014". Scratch that! Missed out on 2014. Lol! So it's renamed. By the way, did I mention you get to eat bacon? 

So that's what's been shakin' over here!

Time to bathe the RCC Gang and get them to hit the hay. Thinkin' about making the trip to Sam's and Hobby Lobby tomorrow. Lord, please give me strength to not eat the pizza if we go to Sam's!!!

Night, y'all! 

❤️ Jenn

French Fries and Fancy Guys

Mornin'! It's raining, it's pouring, all 5 babes are still snoring! Watch out, Dr. Seuss, I've got some pretty impressive rhyming skills. 

Last week was fabulous. One of the best ever! We went to the Galleria in Dallas to American Girl and let Rylie Cole spend her birthday money. Having my husband and two boys at that fancy, over the top place was a sight! My kids are definitely not used to seeing "fancy" guys and would do a double take every time they saw a man wearing skinny jeans or carrying a "man bag". These kids are pure country lol! 

[He drives like he is in Nascar lol!]

On the way home, we stopped at Bass Pro and saw Santa. That is one of my favorite traditions. Last time we were there, a lady had a mannequin, that she owned, sitting in a buggy and stood in line with everyone else. When it was her turn, she sat the mannequin on Santa's lap for a picture. I'm sure Santa was like, what the heck did I get myself into?! Wonder what that mannequin asked him for. 

Since Caleb found his Christmas gift early ::eye roll::, he tried them on and took them back to get the tall size. (I got him coveralls just incase y'all didn't hear.) He couldn't find any tall, so he got a refund and bought a French fry slicer. Not a little cheapo. This thing is actually for a restaurant. Obviously he really likes fries. (That's why I have the fry emoji by his name in my phone ;) ) It weighs like 76 pounds. He said he was mounting it on my kitchen wall. He better not!! It's something he has been wanting FOREVER. You should have heard his speech about it being a "good investment". He is a mess. (P.S. If you invest money, invest in Heinz ketchup, because we will be going through it like crazy now.) [You're welcome]

We also went to The North Pole of Texas and took the bambinos ice skating, too! I LOVE when Caleb is home and can go with us to do all the fun stuff. 

[Inside Santa's Workshop at The North Pole of Texas]

I'm just about finished with my Christmas shopping and while I was out shopping last week, Baby threw my phone out of the buggy and SHATTERED it. Not just a small crack. It was sharp and would cut your finger every time you'd touch it. When I picked it up, I saw the crack and was like, eh, it still works. But since I didn't have any Keplar razor-proof gloves to text with, I got a new phone. I got the iPhone 6+ and its freaking awesome. I wasn't prepared to have to buy a new phone, but I'm thankful I was able to get one. I take pictures of my kiddos on the daily. Make that hourly. The slow motion video is probably my fave. 

In not so fun news, my dryer went out. Not like it went out on the town with other appliances, like, it died. It's dead. I can't be without a dryer with a kid crew this large. So the RCC Gang and I loaded up all of our laundry and went to the laundromat and got everything done in an hour. It cost me $14, but it was well worth it. I spend so much time in my laundry room that I keep walking in there to fold some clothes and looking around and walking back out. It's so bare. And we actually have a floor in there. For a while I was starting to wonder. 

Today I have to make the drive to Walmart and get stuff for our Crawley Christmas Party that's tomorrow. I am excited! I love getting to see the family! I'm making peanut brittle, Oreo balls and buffalo chicken dip. I've never made brittle, so I sure hope it turns out! Lord knows I've had my fair share of kitchen catastrophes! By the way, did you know if you broil your meringue too long that it will actually catch on fire? Well, it will. Don't ask me how I know that.

Y'all have a fantastic Friday! 

❤️ Jennifer

10 Things About December

Good morning, y'all! 'Tis a cold one today! Brrrr! I'm sipping on my second cup of coffee and refereeing my little raccoons over Legos. Heavens to Betsy, Legos are my nemesis. The kids love them, so I deal. Most of the time. I threaten to throw the whole box in the trash almost daily. I never actually would, but they don't need to know that ;) Today I'm joining in on the Love The Here And Now 10 Things About December. Here are some of my fave things about this month! Getcha a cup of coffee, a blanket and read on. 

1) The reason for the season! My most favorite thing about December is THE reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus' birth, y'all! Celebrating our King! It's not all about the presents and gifts. Sadly not everybody sees it this way, but don't even get me started on that. I teach my babies that presents are like a goody bag to Jesus' birthday party. The gifts are just a perk. Not the star of the show. 

2) Family time! I LOVE getting to see all of our family! I absolutely love being part of a big family. It really blows my dress up! Lol!

3) The decorations! I love the vintage, tacky, over the top, whimsical Christmas decorations. I'm very traditional, but my style is not. Give me wild and crazy! I love the glow of the Christmas tree at night. It's the perfect nightlight and it just makes ya feel good! I love going to the malls and seeing all the huge decorations!

[P.S. In case you didn't know, if you live "in town" it's a requirement to decorate the outside of your home. Brother Greg, you win at this.]

4) Holiday food! Turkey and dressing and cakes and cookies and candies and all that good stuff! Y'all know I love to get in the kitchen and rattle those pots. Desserts are my most favorite thing to make. I'm sure you can tell that by the size of my butt. 

5) Christmas parties! Every year my inlaws have the Crawley Christmas Party. We play games and swap White Elephant Gifts. It's always fun to see what you end up with. 

Tacky Sweater party 2013

6) Joy! I love hearing Christmas music while I'm shopping and I love that [most] people are so much more joyful and jolly this time of year! Don't be a Scroogey ole Grinch! Say Merry Christmas (not Happy Holidays) and spread some Christmas cheer! Just smile real big, push your buggy through the swarm of shoppers and say 'Thank you! Merry Christmas! God bless!' as you pass through. Besides, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. 

7) Caleb's birthday! My husband's birthday is on Christmas and we always try to do something special for him. It's easily overlooked with the commotion of Christmas. You know I gots to remember my boo thang, too. He will be 31 this year! 

Hot husband alert! Hey, baby, how you doin'?!

8) Building fires in our fireplace! I love having a fireplace and we use it a lot! I sit on the hearth until my back feels like it's on fire and then I stand up, cool off, and do it again. Anybody else do that? I even got me pretty little leopard print lighter to start the fires with. 

9) Christmas parades and lighted parks! The North Pole of Texas is my fave! It's literally out in the middle of nowhere. Millions of lights, free hot cocoa, a train ride, music and Santa! Y'all need to check into this place!

10) Bass Pro! Typically, I can take it or leave it. But at Christmas, Bass Pro is the bee's knees! Lots of toys for the kids to play with and beg Momma and Daddy for and FREE pictures with jolly ole Saint Nick. You can't beat free. It's quite the drive for us, but worth every mile. We usually make a day of it and talk Caleb into eating at Saltgrass while we're there. 

At Bass Pro 2012. Note to self: Don't stand in front of the huge sunny window next time. 

What are some of your favorite things about December?

❤️ Jolly Jenn

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When Your House Looks Like A Seek And Find Book

Hey, y'all! We had a fantastic Thanksgiving and the food was craze amaze, as usual. Duh. Speaking of food, I saw myself in some pictures and maybe I should work on losing some poundage. Yikes! But you know what happens every time I try and do that? I get pregnant again! Ok, I'll be happy with the way I am! ;) And plus, food is good. 

The cousin crew. Lots o' kids. 

I got a HORRIBLE case of mastitis Tuesday night. Like, the worst ever. I won't go into detail, because you'd surely lose your lunch. But I felt like death and it's a miracle I felt good enough in time for Thanksgiving. Let's be honest, Caleb would've had to roll me in on a gurney before I sat that one out. 

Rylie Cole stayed the night with Nanna Tuesday and I was DYING all Tuesday night. Y'all think I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. I was planning out my will in my head. Seriously. By the way, Billie-Jo, you'd get the Cricut. I woke up Wednesday and all I did was nurse Roxie (that was like feeding a rabid banshee), change diapers whenever the kids said she was stinky and peel Cuties. When I woke up Thursday, there was orange peel everywhere. My house looks like one of those seek and find books. Ya know where everything is all jumbled up and in a mess and you have to find stuff? Yeah, that's the current condition of the Crawley Casa. And has anyone seen the remote?! So today it's laundry and lots and lots of cleaning. Yay! Just kidding, y'all. That yay was fake as all get out. 

By the way, Rylie Cole turned TEN on Wednesday! Wahoo! Nanna cooked her a big birthday breakfast and they spent the day together. I am planning on taking her to the American Girl doll store in Dallas next week as her gift from us. She's so excited. So am I! I truly cannot believe I have a ten year old. I thought my babies would always stay 2 and 3. I mean, yeah, I'll probably always have one that's 2 or 3, but some of them have to get older! ;) 

And since my house is in udder chaos, I'm sure people will be coming out of the woodwork today. Ah, yes. Someone just pulled up. Timmy. Lol. If y'all know Timmy, Caleb's crazy uncle, he is like our very own Uncle Si. Time to get crackin' and knock out some laundry. TGIF! Not really. I'm a momma and that means nothing. Deuces. 

❤️ Jennifer