one year

Our no. 3 is a year old!  She is joyfully clapping, waving, blowing kisses, giving high-fives -- all of which began within a week of her first birthday.  I'd say she was super excited about turning a year old.

This one is a little firecracker and keeps us on our toes at all times when she is awake.  She disregards baby gates, the word "no," locked cabinets, stairs and all places she shouldn't be in general.  With all that said, she is also the most loving and expressive child.  She is patient and happy and works hard to keep up with her sisters, whom she adores.

She isn't too interested in walking yet, but gets around with a vigorous and energetic crawl.  She climbs around and over things that are in her way and teeters on top of toys quite frequently. 

We are absolutely smitten with you, little one.  You have been the perfect addition to our family and home this year.  Keep up your determined little attitude, joyful smile and cheery heart--you will go far! 

magic potions--you never know what you might learn while waiting in line to register your child for preschool

If you are at all like me, you've tried making many cleaning products at home with poor results.  

Since my no. 2 came along with many breathing problems, I've tried making many of my own cleaning products.  Unfortunately, many of them seemed like a waste.  I got tired of buying essential oils and mixing up magic potions...until last spring.

As I waited in line to register my child for preschool in the fall (at 5:45am!), I sat with a bunch of ladies who were discussing homemade cleaning products.  One lady swore that there was one potion that was super easy and affordable to make.  She said it worked like magic on everything.  I was skeptical but thought I'd give it a try.  The 2 ingredient cleaner is amazing and cleans everything!

It is magic!  

Magic Cleaning Solution

equal parts blue Dawn dish soap and white vinegar

Warm the vinegar up in the microwave for about 30 seconds and then pour it into a spray bottle with equal amounts of blue Dawn dish soap.  Voila!

This stuff cleans everything!  Yucky showers and bathtubs, toilets, grime, goo...you name it, it cleans it!

I dare you to give it a try.  It is amazing!