Dishwasher Soap

Back in June, my dishwasher stopped washing my dishes well.  It was leaving white stuff all over the dishes, and left a white film on my plastics that wouldn't come off.  I tried running an empty load with just vinegar, I took apart the drain and tried and clean it out, I did multiple things and it just wasn't working.  So we shut it and locked it and put it out of commission.  We didn't have the money to replace it so we went to strictly hand washing.  The children were not thrilled, and neither was I, but we didn't have any other options. 

Two weeks ago, The Doctor was listening to the local news radio and they mentioned that recently phosphates had been regulated in dishwasher soap, going from as much as 8.7% to 0.5%.  This was causing a lot of people to complain that their dishes weren't getting clean and it was leaving a white film on their dishes. 

Sound familiar? 

When he told me about it, I immediately got online and started researching it, and found a lot of people who were complaining about it.  Some had even gone out and bought new dishwashers, to no avail.  A lot of people had resorted to crossing state lines and buying dishwasher soap in states where it hadn't been regulated yet! 

I wondered about my dishwasher soap, so I went and read the box.  "Contains no phosphates."  Ah-ha!

So I did more research and found the solution.  I went to Lowe's and bought a box of TSP - trisodium phosphate, which cost less than $5.  I added one tablespoon of it to my dishwasher, and 1 tablespoon of my dishwasher soap, then loaded the dishwasher and prayed.

Ta-daa!!!!!! It worked!  My dishes came out clean and sparkly!  I was so excited, but not anywhere near as excited as my children were!  It was The Chocoholic's week to do dishes, and when I told him he could use the dishwasher, he squealed with excitement!  He had so much fun doing the dishes that night!  If only that would last!

So if you are struggling with your dishwasher, try this out.  It worked for us!  And saved us a lot of money!

List Girl

I love lists. 

I could not get anything accomplished without my lists.  I write it down and then I do it and then I cross it off.  I feel a sense of empowerment when I cross things off! 

When we were planning our vacation to California, I was terrified of forgetting anything.  I had a list for packing, a list for what I needed to do before we left, a list of things we needed to do when we got home.  I also had  a list for our neighbor of how to take care of our place while we were gone (thanks Melissa!).

Because of this, The Doctor dubbed me “List Girl.”  He said if I was ever a superhero, that would be my name. There could be worse names!

All Plugged Up

Okay, so after reading the title of this post, what was the first thing that came to your mind? 

Yeah, me too.

But that’s not what I’m writing about today.  I am writing about my shower drain. 



Sorry, that’s a horrible picture! 

I hate this drain because it doesn’t stop hair from going down.  After we had lived here for a few months, the
water was draining R E A L L Y slowly. I did not want to call a plumber, so I went to Wal-Mart to try and find a solution.  I couldn’t get the stopper off, so I knew that a regular snake would not work. 

Well, I found the most amazing thing.



This is the coolest invention!  You just slide it down the drain, then pull it back up.  As it comes up, all the little teeth grab the hair and bring it up.  It is NASTY to see what comes up!  I was horrified!  But the drain works so much better afterwards.  And the best part?  It cost around $3!



Do you have a secret tip that you use in your house?

Dust

The wall between my living room and kitchen does not go all the way to the ceiling.  When we first moved in, I was so excited to decorate it.  My mom and my aunt helped.  But it’s hard to get up there.  We had to get a ladder and it was very awkward. 

So one we got everything up there, I let it be.  And I didn’t touch it. 

For 5 1/2 years. 

Sorry, Mom.

So, one day I looked up.  And then looked closer.  I was horrified at how much dust I could see.  I pulled the ladder out and started pulling everything down.  After I got all the “stuff” off, I looked down at the ledge. 

And then I saw it.

Dust.

I can’t believe I am showing this, but this is for everyone who thinks that my house is spotless and clean all the time. 

Look at the following pictures carefully.





Yes, the grey is the dust and the light is what the ledge should be.  The worst part is that the top of that ledge is textured, which made it next to impossible to clean off completely.  I vacuumed, I scrubbed, and it still looks bad.  But it looks better than it did!

I was, and still am, so embarrassed.  But I am all about being honest here.  And it doesn’t get much more honest than this.

Now, I wish I could say that this will motivate me to clean it more often.  Sorry.  I foresee several years before I clean it off again.  So don’t look up when you come over!

What did you do today?

Today is a vacation day.  After we went and rescued my sister who was broken down on the freeway, I had all afternoon to do whatever I wanted because I worked for 4 1/2 hours on Saturday. 
The following was on my list that I could choose from:

• Clean (bwah-hah-hah-hah!)
• Scrapbook
• Print pictures for frames
• Finish painting said frames
• Play games with my kids
• Cook a delicious supper
• Prepare the lesson for Family Home Evening
• Re-organize my files and put labels on all the files
• Work more
• Return the movie we rented Saturday night
• Take a nap

Anyone want to guess what I chose to do?  Here's a clue.
Click here.
Best 3 hours I ever spent!

Productivity

Yesterday was a very productive day.
I got up at 5:25. I made lunches for 3 children while The Doctor made his. We had family prayer, and then The Doctor left for work and The Teenager left for early morning Seminary.
I then made breakfast for 3 children while we read scriptures. I showered, started laundry, and then gave The Artist piano lessons. I got him off to school, and then I made bread.
I got The Chocoholic off to school, and then I did The Princess’ hair (it took me 45 minutes). I then got my hair and makeup done and did another batch of laundry. I then sat down to work.
I pulled the bread out, did another batch of laundry, and then worked some more. I made lunch for The Princess and we both ate. I did the last batch of laundry, took The Princess to school, and then came home and did some payroll.
That was all before noon.
Don’t get me wrong, this is NOT common.  But it made me feel good to get so much done.  However, today, I am very tired and I am going to go take a nap.  Good night!

My Mixer

I love my mixer.  It is made by Bosch and it is hands down the best mixer ever!

I can make 6 loaves of bread at once.  I quadruple recipes for cookies and this mixer can hold it all.  It is tough and strong.  Also, unlike the KitchenAid mixer, the motor is on the bottom, so it makes it so much easier to add ingredients.  I just flip the cover off and dump it in.  I love it!
The only thing that could make it better would be if it came in multiple colors.  Because I would definitely buy one in navy blue.  Or burgandy red.  Better yet, pink!

It's that time of year...

...when I am freakishly busy! Argh! I can't believe how much is going on! For the last two weeks, seriously, every time my kids came home from school, one of them had something to add to my calendar. Here is what December looks like:

1 - Family Home Evening...go and see the lights on Temple Square.
2 - Wow...a gap! Nothing on the calendar!
3 - My boys received awards at the Reflections contest, so I went to that assembly. Then that night was dance practice for The Princess.
4 - The Chocoholic's birthday, The Teenager had to be at an elementary school at 8 am for a concert tour. I had to be at the school at 2:00 to pick up cookie dough, scouts for one boy at 6:00, combined activity for the other two at 6:30, pick up the first boy at 7:00.
5 - The Chocoholic's birthday party from 3:30-5:00, and the ward dinner at 6:00.
6 - Start working on neighbor/coworker/friend gifts. 4:00 my work party.
7 - Tithing settlement at 10:00, 2 boys and dh fast offerings at 11:00, church from 1-4, dinner at Mom's at 5:30.
8 - Dress rehearsal for The Princess. Supposed to be from 6:30 - 7:00 for her class, we were there until 7:30.
9 - Dress rehearsal again. Supposed to be from 5:30-6:00, we were there until 7:30 again.
10 - The Teenager had to be at his school at 5:00. 6:00 was pack meeting, leave early at 6:30 and rush over to the school to be late for concert. Come home for 45 minutes, leave again for second concert for The Teenager, finish at 8:30, head over to the high school for The Princess' dance (The Nutcracker). Stupid dance. Doesn't finish until 10:15, don't get my 4 year old into bed until 10:45 (along with all the other kids).
11 - Make the executive decision to skip the dance tonight. Huge weight off my shoulders. At 10:00 have to meet with Primary President to go over music for next year. 6:00 Enrichment Night, which I can now go to!
12 - Take The Princess to Grandma's at 4:00 for sleepover, The Doctor teaches tonight, I think I might go to bed early.
13 - Finish neighbor/coworker/friend gifts.
14 - church
15 - The Princess has a birthday party.
16 - Preschool program in morning, Stamp group party that night.
17 - Band concert
18 - Scouts/Mutual
19 - My birthday, 3 boys sleepover at Grandma's

From here on, my calendar is clear. But on top of everything going on, I am crazy busy at work doing engagement letters and huge projects, plus trying to get some Christmas presents made.

I am going to need a nap soon!

My schedule

We'll see how this post goes. As I was typing the title, I misspelled "schedule" 6 times!

I thought I would give you an idea as to my typical week.

Monday:

4:55: The Doctor's alarm goes off. I try to go to back to sleep.
5:25: My alarm goes off. Get up and shower.
5:45: Wake the boys up and say family prayer. The Doctor leaves for work.
6:00: Scripture reading for 1/2 hour. We also sing a hymn at the end. We tried singing it at the beginning, but it always wakes up The Princess, and I need that extra 25 minutes before dealing with her!
6:30: Make breakfast. Monday is pancakes.
7:00: The Teenager leaves for school. I am getting ready for work and getting The Princess ready, and "encouraging" The Artist and The Chocoholic to get ready, do their chores and get their piano practicing done.
7:45: The Artist and The Chocoholic leave for school.
8:10: I drive The Princess to her cousin's house to play while I am at work.
8:50: Arrive at work.
12:00: Leave office, go to a client's office to work there.
About 1:00: Work done, go pick up The Princess. When we get home, I put her down for a nap, and usually have to finish up some work (I get on a computer remotely and work from home).
3:30: The Teenager gets home. Does chores and piano.
3:45: The Artist and The Chocoholic get home. The Princess gets up from nap. We all have a snack.
About 5:30: The Doctor comes home from work. We eat supper, then have Family Home Evening.
7:00: The Princess goes to bed, The Artist and The Chocoholic go to their rooms for reading time.
8:00: The Artist and The Chocoholic go to bed, The Teenager goes to his room for reading time. The Doctor and I finally get some alone time.
9:00: The Teenager goes to bed.
Somewhere between 9:30 and 11:00: The Doctor and I go to bed.

Tuesday:
Breakfast is oatmeal.
The Princess doesn't have to be to preschool until 9:30, so I usually get an hour of work done before we leave.
9:10: Leave for preschool.
9:30: Drop The Princess off at preschool, go to client's office and work.
11:30: Finish work, go pick up The Princess at preschool, go home.
1:00: Lunch, then naps. I work while she is sleeping.
The rest of the day, same as yesterday, only no Family Home Evening.

Wednesday:
Breakfast is egg sandwiches.
This is the one day that I don't have to go anywhere. But I work at home, so I am on the computer by 8:00. I try to wait until The Artist and The Chocoholic are gone to school. The Princess pulls out her Polly Pockets. She LOVES Polly Pockets, especially the Princess ones (go figure!).
10:00: The cousin who played with The Princess on Monday comes to our house today while her mom gets to go play by herself.
12:00: Lunch
1:00: Quiet time with a movie while I work.
2:30: The cousin goes home.
The rest of the day is pretty much the same as yesterday.

Thursday:
Breakfast is Cream of Wheat.
8:00: Work on the computer.
9:10: Take The Princess to preschool.
9:50: Get home. Work.
11:10: Leave to pick up The Princess from school.
11:50: Get home. Lunch.
1:00: Nap time, but I get to work!
The rest of the afternoon is the same.
5:50: Take The Chocoholic and The Artist to Scouts.
6:50: Take The Teenager to Mutual, pick up The Chocoholic and The Artist.
The rest is the same.

Friday:
Breakfast is hot chocolate and toast.
The rest of the morning is the same as yesterday.
1:30: The Teenager gets home from school, parks in front of the PlayStation.
1:45: The Artist and The Chocoholic get home from school, park in front of the computer. I go up to my bedroom and take a much needed nap!
6:00: The Doctor and I try to go out tonight and catch up with each other. Sometimes it's just going grocery shopping. But we are together, and we are alone, and that is what matters!

Saturday:
The Doctor and I sleep in. The kids have strict instructions to be quiet and pretty much give The Princess whatever she wants so we don't get woken up. Now, when I say I sleep in, that means I don't get up until 7:30. It's so lovely!
Breakfast is cold cereal.
The rest of the day we just play it by ear. Nothing scheduled if we can help it. I try and have the kids do yard work on Friday so we can just play today.

Sunday:
Everyone sleeps in since there is no TV allowed. I get up around 7:00 and shower and enjoy and nice quiet morning. The Princess usually gets up around 7:30, but we have snuggles and just enjoy the peace. The Artist and The Chocoholic usually get up around 8:00, and I wake The Teenager and The Doctor up at 9:00.
Breakfast is cold cereal, unless it's Fast Sunday. Then only The Princess gets to eat!
11:00-2:00: Church, but we have to get there by 10:30 so The Teenager can prepare the sacrament.
When we get home, we have a quick light lunch, and then The Princess, The Doctor and I go nap while the others play games or read the funnies or play outside.
Sunday evening is supper and family time.

I have started to hate Sunday evening because that means I have to go to work Monday. I just keep telling myself that I could have a much worse job.

Mother of the Year! NOT!

The Teenager was getting dressed for church yesterday and came upstairs at 10:05 (church starts at 11:00) and asked me if I knew where his white shirt was. Well, me being the keeper of the white shirts, informed him that I did not know where it was. He went back to his room, and soon came up with his white shirt.

Dirty.

Really dirty.

It was in the dirty clothes and when he did his laundry after scout camp, he didn’t do any of his regular laundry (I am making him do his own laundry because he put clean clothes all over the floor and then washed them all again). So I told him to figure out what he was going to do because I didn’t know and he WAS going to church.

Soon he came upstairs and said the only white shirt he had was his tuxedo shirt from his band uniform. I told him to put it on. He was TICKED at me!

When we were in the car going to church, he told us he was NOT going to pass the sacrament because he would "show everyone up" in his tux. I laughed(hmmm, probably shouldn't have done that) and informed him that yes, he was going to pass. He had the most sour look on his face all through church.

When church was over, it being the first Sunday of the month, we informed him to go get his route for Fast Offerings. He was mortified that he had to do them in his tux. Again, he tried to tell us he wasn’t going to do them. Again, I informed him that he had a Priesthood responsibility and he was going to fulfill it.

He really doesn’t like me very much right now!

Cleaning

So, I keep volunteering to have "events" at my house, i.e. book group, recipe swap, etc. I don't know why because spend 3 hours the morning of the event cleaning like a mad woman. And then I spend the rest of the day yelling at my kids (and my husband) to not make a mess or I will beat them all.

Is it worth it? Do the women who come even notice how immaculate it is and understand that it's not normal? 99% of the time they never even use the bathroom, but if I didn't clean it, someone would use it and I would be mortified. (Why can't men clean up after themselves?)

Anyway, we are having book group here at my house tonight and I finally finished cleaning. Have I read the book? No. I should have spent the last 3 hours reading it, but instead I will have a clean house tonight.

Let me know how the book was!