Dishwasher Detergent Update

Do you remember when I posted about

home-made dishwasher detergent?

I quit using the recipe I shared

due to the fact that a mysterious film

continued to appear on my freshly washed dishes.

I was not willing to put up with it.

I threw in the towel.

The time has come to give it another try.

At the time of that post, my friend Trisha

left her recipe in the comment section ~

Thank you for sharing Trisha! :)

It's very simple.

One part Borax to one part Baking Soda.

That would be the cooking kind,

and not the washing kind of soda.

Mix together and store in a glass jar.

Use like you would your regular detergent.

(I use about 2 Tbsp per load ~

please ignore the photo above for dispensing amount)

So far, it has worked!

The only thing that I have noticed

is that this does not work as well as the

pre-packaged, store-bought stuff on pots.

When I want to wash pots in my machine, I don't use this.

Otherwise, it is a winner in my books.

I use white vinegar in the rinse dispenser.

We do not have hard water where we live.

I don't know if those things make a difference.

Overall, my initial findings are positive.

And, it is SO much cheaper!

And, healthier?

Let me know if you give it a go.

I hope it works for you too!

Blessings,

Camille

One by One

One by one I count.

Over time, it can become tempting to quit.

But, joy can be found in the numbering.

And perspective changes as I do.

Above all else...

we are commanded to give thanks.

The real reason why I ought to continue.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will

of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

~ I Thessalonians 5:18 ~

How easy it is to complain.

To grumble.

To be ungrateful.

How disagreeable it is!

What a long-suffering and

merciful God we serve!

HE would be fully justified to

strip all goodness from my life.

But, HE doesn't.

That's mercy. That's grace.

And I am thankful that HE extends

them both in generous amounts to me!

1691. Colourful jelly beans and enjoying a *few*

1692. *Old* (read: from my childhood) music books for

Emma to learn from ~

See the happy face stamp? My teacher put it there! :)

1693. *Old* (read: from my childhood...again) "Little House"

set of books to share with my own children

1694. *Dress-up* shoes worn and cast off...

time and time and time again!

(Thank you Auntie L ~

You would not believe how MUCH these get worn!)

1695. Sunny days and schoolwork outdoors!

1696. Joining in

1697. How school migrates up to the kitchen table

1698. The wind chimes installed for another season ~

Thanks again K and J! :)

1699. Getting these inside...

1700. ...Before this happens!

And, just for the record, it happens a lot around here. :)

1701. That Austin wants to learn how to do a back flip ~

And that Emma takes the part of *coach*!

1702. Decorating her room with the outdoors...so pretty

1703. Decorating her door in similar fashion

1704. And finding her like this in the morning...

1705. That Howie replaced my line when the old one broke

1706. That both lines were put up before one

was even in service last year

1707. Taking advantage of the

neighbourhood swimming pool ~ It's free! :)

1708. Austin has gained 30 lbs since December!

1709. He even has begun wrestling with Howie again!

1710. My Lawn mower boy

1711. My Bathroom Cleaner boy

1712. My Laundry helpers

1713. My Vacuum operator

1714. My Dishwashing helpers

1715. Easy meals

1716. School is nearing completion

1717. Projects are getting done

1718. A wonderful support teacher

1719. A terrific school to be a part of

1720. And that we *get to* do this at home...

Together! :)

My journal sits on my counter.

I list as events unfold.

Sometimes many all at once,

and other times in a trickle.

But, always by HIS Grace!

Would you like to begin?

Just grab a pen and a journal,

set them out on the counter,

and list out your blessings.

Find the joy in the moments ~

As they arrive.

Enjoy the journey!

Many Blessings,

Camille

**My disclaimer post may be found by

clicking here.

Setting the Record Straight

Setting the record straight ~
It's long been on my heart to do so.

Recently, Trisha wrote a post on a book,
which I read upon its release, and was troubled by.
"One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp is the book.
I used to be one of Ann's regular blog readers.
Faithfully, I would link to her "Multitude Monday" posts.
Her words often blessed and challenged my heart.

Because of all this, I read her book.

Very quickly, uneasiness set in.
There was error contained within its pages.
Unfortunately, I could not endorse it.
But, by association, was I?

Click here to read a thoughtful post
addressing similar concerns.
Thank you, Trisha, for doing so in such
a gracious and loving way.

At the time, my actions included removing
the link to Ann's blog from my sidebar,
as well as the link from the bottom of each of my
"Thankfulness Journal" Posts.

It grieved my heart to do so.

It was a silent statement, but a necessary one.
My husband advised me against launching into
a thorough critique of the book at the time.
He continues to oppose that course of
action due to time constraints.
He does, however, endorse
the content of this post.

It is not my intention to open up a debate.

Since so much time has passed,
it may seem a little *out of place* to address it now.
But, I am aware of the fact that I have been associated
with "One Thousand Gifts" since my numbered list
of thanks is still being published here.

Because of this, I cannot remain silent.

My thankfulness journal had its beginnings
long before the book ever came out.
It was a direct result of Ann's posts about being thankful.
For that influence (as well as for other things), I am grateful.
Without a doubt, it has been a great blessing to
keep my own journal of thanks.

I plan to continue.

My concern is that it seems, perhaps by default,
that I am persistently linked to Ann's book.
And, through my silence, I may actually
end up being mistaken as a promoter.

That is not the case.

There were many lovely things about
Ann's blog which I enjoyed.
Her beautiful stories, thought-provoking articles,
and lovely photography were all greatly appreciated.
Friendships were made as a result of linking up on Mondays.
Articles which were written by Ann
have been referenced in some of my posts.
Those particular articles continue to be a blessing to me.
It would appear that she is a lovely lady who also loves the LORD.

The intent of this post is not to judge
her heart or her motives.

However, it is imperative that the record be set straight.
I am unwilling to promote something that contains error,
no matter how seemingly *small* or *insignificant*.
There is nothing *small* or *insignificant*
about error in any way, shape, or form.

"Sanctify them through thy truth:
thy word is truth."
~ John 17:17 ~


Truth matters.

And no matter what the cost,
I must proclaim it and live by it.
By God's Grace.
For HIS Glory.

"Thy word is true from the beginning:
and every one of thy righteous
judgments endureth forever."
~ Psalm 119:160 ~

May the LORD grant us each wisdom and discernment
as we walk this path with Him.
If you are not a believer in the LORD Jesus Christ,
please Click Here and prayerfully
consider what your future is without Him.

Nothing else really matters.

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him,
'If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' "
~ John 8:31-32 ~

In HIS Love,
Camille

Dried Cranberry Cheesecake Muffins

Definitely in the category of *Dessert*...
these muffins are rich and yummy.
I must confess...
We had them for breakfast.

Oh. Dear. Me.

The original recipe called for dried cherries.
But, it did say that dried cranberries
would work just as well.

Dried cranberries were what I had on hand, so...
dried cranberries were what I used.

They worked great!

Adapted from the "Brunch Cookbook" by Parragon Books

~ The Ingredients ~

1/4 cup Butter ~ melted
1 pkg Cream Cheese (250g or 8 oz) ~ softened
3/4 cup Sugar
3 large Eggs ~ lightly beaten
2 cups Flour
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 cup dried Cranberries
(or Cherries, chopped)
Icing Sugar (Confectioner's) for dusting

~ The Method ~

Melt butter and let cool slightly.
In large bowl, whisk together the cream cheese
and sugar, add the egggs one at a time,
then stir in the melted butter.

Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt
and cranberries in a separate bowl.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet
carefully ~ do not overmix.

Line 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Spoon batter into each cup ~ divide evenly between the twelve cups.
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 to 20 minutes**
until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

**I re-baked these to check on the timing.
It took a little more than 20 minutes for mine to be done.

Remove from the oven and dust immediately with icing sugar.
Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing to cooling racks.
Serve warm or cooled ~ I like mine warm. :)

Enjoy!
Many Blessings,
Camille

Challenge 12 - Father's Day

Welcome to a new challenge.  I see we had a good number of entries for our last challenge and our DT call.  I'll be back this evening with the challenge winners and would hope to contact the DT winners by Friday.

This challenge is for Father's Day and is sponsored by Letraset.

ProMarkers are made by Letraset and are a twin tipped, dye based alcohol marker offering a high quality product at a great price. Avilable in 148 colours, they give incredible tonal range and can be applied to a diverse range of materials, not just paper and card. ProMarkers produce vivid, bright colours right through to the subtlest pastel shades - the translucent inks can also be overlaid and blended, even further extending the range of shades and hues on offer. ProMarker's quality nibs and inks provide flawless colour lay down with consistent coverage and no unsightly streaking. 

The Prize

What a great prize!  If you're looking for inspiration, then look no further.  The team have come up with some fab samples for you to see:

Shirley

ALAN

Patricia

Jen

Michelle

Sandra

Donna

Now all we need are the rules:

1. The card must be new for this challenge and follow the theme set.
2. Your card must be for a man/boy.
3.Your post must include a link back to Cards for Men.

The challenge will run from now until midnight on 17th June 2012 (Father's Day).  Leave a link to your card (not just your blog) in the link list below.  If it's not there for some reason, leave a comment and I'll add it in before the draw.  Good luck.

Let Go!

Holding on is sometimes a bad thing.
Letting go is key.

Have you ever had one of those
situations where you had to let go?
It's funny how it will hit you broadsided.
When you least expect it.

From the least likely source.


Often, it's meant to cause division.
The Enemy of our souls is the
one who sends the darts.
Often, those involved have no idea
that they have been the instrument of pain.

Dying to Self
will often be necessary.
Letting go
will often be the best course of action.
Gossiping about it
is never wise.

Love absorbs the blow.

"Pray for those who despitefully use you."
~ Luke 10:44 ~


And then comes the peace.

God is Good.
He is Faithful.
He knows how much we can take.
He knows what is best.
And He gives His grace.

As we look to HIM!

Don't hold on.
Let go!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Forever Young

The end of the school year is always a bittersweet time.  The sweet is knowing that the students I have taught have grown so much in my care!  I have been there to watch some of them make the connection that all of those letters and sounds work together to form words, and I have even secretly cried with joy when listening (and silently cheering on) that little one read an entire book, look up at me with eyes sparkling, and give me a huge grin.  I know they are going to succeed next year.

As I give them all a final good-bye hug, and listen to them say how much they loved me and will miss me--I know that next year when they see me, it won't be quite the same--and that part is hard.  Some of them might still give a hug in passing, others will give a quick smile, and a few might just avoid my gaze like the plague!  {Ha!}  No matter how much time passes, though, when I see my past students, it will never cease to amaze me at how much they have grown and changed.  Although growing up is inevitable--we, as teachers, especially early childhood teachers, have the unique privilege of seeing children as they were in our care--forever young.  No matter how tall they get, or grown up they look, we will always remember them as that sweet little six year old.

I was watching Glee the other night {don't judge--I don't like it all that much}, and the Glee Club teacher sang his Seniors a song to say good-bye--and OH my gracious…I just couldn't help it…I CRIED.  I had to share the song with y'all.  It is my little good-bye to this year's sweeties, too.  They will always be forever young in my eyes.