Homesteading and Survival Preparation

I have been doing a lot of reading about homesteading and gardening. These two articles I read today and wanted to bookmark so decided to share on here instead.

This will be my first year growing fruits and vegetables, and I am drawn to container gardening as well as raised planter beds and using space efficiently. This article is about making a vertical strawberry garden. So clever! http://thehomesteadsurvival.com/vertical-strawberry-tube-planter/#.URqWfKV9Kf9

This is from a disaster preparation blog and is the 10 essential skills necessary for survival. Whether you think the world will end or not, these 10 things are useful in everyday life and just being a prepared individual in general. http://thesurvivalmom.com/2013/02/12/10-essential-skills-necessary-for-survival/

Homemade Face Cleaner

In my effort to make my own household and beauty products, I came across this article. The whole blog is amazing!

All you need is pure castor oil and olive oil. Ignore the thought that says oil clogs pores. Some may, but not all oils are created equal. Go here for the whole article http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6050/How-to-Make-Your-Own-Natural-Face-Cleanser.html

Homemade Laundry Products

I just came across this cheat sheet for making your own laundry products. If it is hard to read, here is the original link http://homesteadsurvival.blogspot.com/2013/01/homemade-laundry-product-cheat-sheet.html
You will find lots of other great homestead tips on that blog as well.

Lily's First Birthday Party

Lily got invited to her first birthday party today! Her friend Maeci had a party at Black Diamond Kids Club. They had an instructor help them through the stations. Lily kept yelling "watch me mom!" It was very cute. Lily got her a gift set that had little ceramic dolls and a set of markers to color them with. Maeci loved it and Lily looked so happy when she opened it. They had fruit and cupcakes and Lily being her usual self ate all the fruit and just licked the frosting.
When it was time to go Lily tried to convince her Grandma and I that it wasn't over. She didn't want to put her shoes on. I am sure it went fast for her since she was having so much fun.

Friendly Squirrel

We were at Adrienne's tournament this weekend and Stevie and Lily were playing with Dalton, Delanie and their cousins. Howe park is an older park and there was lots of older shade trees. As the kids were playing in the grass near the softball field and a hungry squirrel climbed down the tree and went right up to them. The kids were amazed at house the squirrel didn't seem fearful of people at all. One of the boys found a half eaten In-N-Out burger and tossed it to the squirrel. He came up, grabbed the burger and ran up to the lowest branch and ate it. The kids were so excited and called me over. I had some pb&j in the cooler and went to get them some pieces to give to the squirrel. He came back a few more times and the kids were thrilled every time. He eventually got full and laid out on a branch higher up in the tree.

Stevie and Lily First Day of School

Our school starts earlier than most other districts. We only have about 6 weeks off for vacation. They call it modified traditional. Stevie is starting 1st grade and Lily is starting TK, which stands for Traditional Kindergarten. The birthday cutoff was changed from December 2 to November 2 this year, so all the kids that were born in November 2007 get free preschool from the state, at participating elementary schools. So, Lily falls in that category. She is very excited to finally go to school! She has been asking to go since she understood what it was. Here are some pics from the first day. Adrienne started high school! I can't believe I have a 9th grader. She is such a pretty young lady :)

Showing the Kids Our New House!

We have been trying to get a new house for months. Now it is finally time! We are supposed to close next week, one day before Steve's 34th birthday. Our realtor, Sammie, took us to show the kids the house for the first time. Here are some pics.