Hair Care

Back in the spring, I started using baking soda and apple cider vinegar for my hair instead of store bought shampoo and conditioner. I was a bit skeptical of how it would work since my hair is quiet long and thick. However, after a few tries, I decided it worked alright and I could do it since it would defiantly save money. Another unexpected benefit of this switch has been my hands. For years I have struggled with dry cracking hands that didn’t seem to be helped by any lotion or oil or supplements that I took. Amazingly my hands are all cleared up since I quit using shampoo and conditioner. For those who are interested it trying this hair wash, I use 1 Tbsp baking soda in 12 oz cup of warm water for my “shampoo” and 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar in another 12 oz cup of warm water for my “conditioner”. Don’t mix them in the same cup – unless you like science experiments or foaming messes. I just pour a little at a time on my hair and work it in until I have used up all that was in the baking soda cup, rinse it out and then do the same with the vinegar cup. I have to wait until my hair is dry before I try to comb or brush it. It doesn’t get as smooth as the store conditioner makes it, but once the hair dries it is manageable. I really love having my hands back to normal. I can do things I used to avoid, like making fry bread for my family or shaking hands at church.

Busy Days

In the past few weeks I’ve done a lot of canning and freezing, which is one of the reasons that I haven’t done much blogging. Other reasons are taking care of my family, new chicks, caring for teething baby (I'll be glad when the teeth come through), home schooling, etc.
We canned nectarines and jam. I got them on sale at a local orchard, and one of our bus riders came over to help. I froze green beans (from my garden) and green chili’s. The kids helped out some. I am happy to see them old enough to start helping with things like this. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of canning week when Grandma came to help us can and freeze. I love the way canned foods look in the pantry.

My husband’s work has slowed a bit and he is not getting as much overtime, so we have had time to do more hiking as a family. Here are a few photos from our most recent hike to Potato Lake. We told the kids that we were hiking to a lake so Robert carried a rock from the parking area to the lake (about a mile). There were plenty of rocks along the way, but he kept his rock!

Not much has been done in the way of official home schooling, but learning continues to happen throughout our day. I have gone to several yard sales this summer of teachers who were retiring or changing grades and I have bought games, visual aides and more – too much maybe, but they were a good deal! We are fairly well set with curriculum for first grade. I really enjoy using My Father’s World. It is very gentle, fun, and hands-on. The kids like it, too. They ask to do school, if I skip a few days. They are really enjoying art and continually ask to do more. I am having trouble staying ahead of them in reading the book.

Baby chicks

After we failed at hatching chicks in the incubator a few months ago, my dad offered to buy some chicks for us. After some time thinking about it, I finally decided to go ahead and get some chicks. We ordered them from this site. I like the way they describe the birds and how the site is organized. It was easy to use.
We now have 30+ chicks in my laundry room! They arrived yesterday. The majority are Red Star, the two black ones are Buff Orpingtons, and a few rare chicks that they added for free. The kids are all excited, and I am, too. I enjoy raising animals and my gardening. I used to tell my parents I wanted to live on a farm. My dad, who grew up on a farm, told me it was too much work and that I wouldn't like it. He is probably right. The animals and garden that I have now take enough of my time. I don't think I want much more right now. Here are pictures of the cute little fur balls.