Make Your Own Swiffer "Refills"

I love the ease and convenience of the Swiffer Mop.

I do not, however, like the price of refills pads.

My mom discovered that you can run the "Wet Jet" pads through the washer and dryer and reuse them once or twice before they totally come apart....but I have been racking my brain to find a more permanent...cheap....solution.

Here's what the kiddos and I have come up with. It took about 15 minutes to make a big stash of these homemade Swiffer covers! I used what I had on hand, thick cloth diapers. (Reminders of my failed cloth diapering attempts!)

If you do not have cloth diapers on hand, you could use kitchen hand towels, old shirts, old blankets...whatever comes to mind. Remember, you will be scrubbing dirty floors with these puppies....use what you have!

Mark a big rectangle 6.5 inches wide and 12.5 inches long. This is a big larger than a mop head, but it needs to be a bit loose in order to slip it on.
Cut out the rectangle..

Snip off the corners so that you have the far ends of the rectangle left.

These will be the "pockets" to keep the pad on the mop.

Pin the "pockets" on the far ends of the rectangle. Be sure to place the finished ends of the cloth diaper to the inside so that they do not fray. If you are using something other than a cloth diaper, sew a zig-zag stitch on the inside of the "pocket" so that it will hold up in the wash.
Using a serger, stitch around all four edges of the rectangle.

If you don't have a serger...that is fine!

Sew a straight stitch around all four sides, then go back and finish off with a zig-zag stitch.

That's it!

Slip the pad on your mop...and you are ready to clean.

For the regular swiffer, you can wet the pad before mopping, or use a spray bottle of your favorite cleaning solution to spray the floor as you mop. For the wet jet, use a small funnel and refill the wet jet bottle with your favorite cleaning solution....or just water for the kids to do a quick "wipe up" after dinner!

When your pad is dirty....wash, dry and reuse!

Again, He has Reminded Me....

There are days when my heart is filled with awe at the great privilege and responsibility the Lord has bestowed upon us in our children. Today is one such day. Little lives to shape, to mold, to encourage, to instruct, to train in righteousness, to educate, to love, to pray with and for. Precious hearts, little souls whom we can not save, can not redeem, yet with whom we are commanded to teach them in the way they should go. The joy, the blessing, the responsibility is great. Praise the Lord for it!I recently heard it said, "If you are more concerned with your child learning their multiplication facts than you are them learning the scriptures, your priorities are not in check." I have had to remind myself of this truth often lately. Why is it, that is so easy, and seems so crucial, that I give my children the best education yet find it so easy to not have time for what is most important? Why, do I so easily focus on shaping their minds, rather than nurturing their hearts?

This week, for the gabillionth time this year, I found myself once again researching curriculum reviews. Am I using the best math curriculum..or should I switch to Singapore? Would Sonlight really be worth that money? Latin beginning in 2nd or 3rd grade? Wow....a logic program for 2 year olds...would that make calculus easier in the long run?

In the distance, through the open window, I could hear little Evangeline taking 2 year old Samuel on a bug hunt. "Come on Samuel, we need to catch some bugs quick before chilly weather comes." I listened to her instruct her little brother in how to catch bugs and where to best places are. Over the course of the past few days, I have watched Evangeline gently tend to her sick brother Landis, eagerly wanting to help put a cool rag on his head and take him pedialyte. She has happily, and without complaint, set the table, cleared the dishes, gotten Samuel dressed and folded clothes. My little girl, who only last week turned 7, has a precious heart which is turned towards home. A little heart who loves the Lord, and would sit in my lap all day and ask questions about the scriptures....if only I had time to listen and answer them.

I state and proclaim that my one desire for my kids is that they know the Lord, seek justice an love mercy. That is true...it is my prayer for them that they would walk in the truth! Yet many days it would appear that all I am more concerned about educating their minds than shepherding their hearts.

Today, as He has graciously done so many times before, the Lord is reminding me of what is most important. Yes, doing a good job of educating my children is an important responsibility I have....but not the most important.

Today, I am reminded I am called to teach the truths of God's Word to my children, to sit and answer their many questions....to pass the covenant of redemption on to the next generation.

Today, He has once again refreshed in my heart and mind what I want our home to be, how I desire and am called to serve my husband, how vital it is that I raise valiant, Godly boys and how important it is for me to train my little girl to be a keeper at home.

Evangeline means, "One who brings good news!" She does just that, in her gentle, kind, tenderhearted way. For years now, I have tried (oftentimes weak, feeble attempts!) to begin instilling in her how to run a home and the purpose of doing such. Many days, it seems like such work. Many days, it would just be faster, easier and more effective to do it all myself. But would I be equipping my children if I neglected training them?

This week, it has been a blessing to see that hard work is paying off. In spite of my many failures and shortcomings, my baby girl is transforming into a little lady....a daughter of the King.

When Evangeline notices that the carpet if dirty, and of her own accord gets the vacuum and cleans things up with a cheerful heart, I am reminded...

"she sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks." Proverbs 3:17

I am reminded that the most important job for a parent is to shepherd our children's' hearts, teach them the truth of the Savior and equip them for life.

I see glimmers of hope and a gentle voices whispers, "press on!" each day.

Since her birth, Evangeline has watched me grind wheat and make bread.
Yesterday, she made her own batch of bread, from start to finish.

Standing beside her, watching my little girl and giving her tips as she mixed the dough, kneaded the dough and braided the loaves was surreal. Where has the time gone?!? The little baby I just yesterday was carrying in the sling is now baking the bread!

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

Our time with our children is so limited!
It is a gift....one that is given for a time and cannot be reclaimed. May He continue to remind, encourage, equip and grant wisdom to those of us on this journey!

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

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***For those of you wondering, "How is the adoption going?"....still just waiting.
Waiting, praying for our little one and birthmother...and trying to remind ourselves that He is in control of this journey and one day that phone will ring!

SALE!!!!!

First Day of Fall Sale.....all in fun Autumn colors!

These are ready to ship and first come first serve.

Just $20 each....

shipping is included in that price.

Email me (jubug231@aol.com) or leave a comment if you would like to buy one!

(from left to right.....click on the picture to enlarge!)

Size 2- Charissma-SOLD!

Size 2- Woodland Flowers-SOLD!

Size 3- Tweet Tweet Birds-SOLD!

Size 3- Opulence-SOLD!

Size 4- Orange Swirls

Size 4 (1 inch longer that a regular 4!)- Poppy Pink-SOLD!

Size 5- Paisley Brown-SOLD!

Size 5- Gervias Rust-SOLD!

Size 6- Bohemian Dots

Please Pray!

Tracy and Dennis Siler have been such an encouragement to us on our adoption journey. Tracy and Dennis have 2 boys, and just welcomed home beautiful Ellie Grace from Ethiopia this summer. On Monday, Dennis totally unexpectedly passed away. Please pray for Tracy and the kids.....you can see more of this beautiful family and leave Tracy some encouragement HERE.

7 Years Ago Today......

I became a Momma.

God, in His great mercy, entrusted us with a precious little life.

Sweet Evangeline has lived up to her name thus far....

"one who brings good news."

Her tender heart is a joy and delight to watch unfold.

With each passing year I am reminded what a gift....a treasured gift she is.

I also become more aware, more in awe of the great responsibility and privilege the gift of Motherhood is. Oh, that He has chosen to put little lives in our hands......loaned these little souls to us for a time,

to teach, to correct, to instruct and to train in righteousness.

Little Evangeline Betsy, I am so proud of you, and so grateful to be your Moma.

My prayer for you is this: That you would know Him, that you would trust Him...that you would know His grace, forgiveness and redeeming love in your life. Oh, that you would act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Little one, I prayerfully await the day when we journey this life as sisters in Christ, and it is my single and foremost desire,

that I spend all of eternity with you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVANGELINE! WE LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

A year ago, we purchased our first dishwasher.

I L.O.V.E. it.

I do not, however, like shelling out for dishwasher detergent. With sales and a coupon, liquid soap to hand wash dishes is easy to find for free....but not so with the dishwasher stuff! After many sleepless hours swagbucks-ing the internet....I finally found a homemade recipe that works. The ingredients cost just under $12 total. This should make enough to last us for several months.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent:

~1Cup Borax

~1 Cup Baking Soda (or washing soda....find in the laundry detergent isle. Some ladies find the Washing soda works better....Baking soda has worked great for us!)

~1/2 Cup Kosher Salt

~1/2 Cup Citric Acid

(I use "Fresh Fruit" produce protector...which is basically citric acid. You can find it in the canning isle...or use 15 packets of unsweetened Lemon flavored Kool Aid...which has lots of citric acid! Guess that is why most detergents are lemon scented, the citric acid keeps the dishes from building up a cloudy residue)

*Put all ingredients into a container with a tight fitting lid, and shake up!

*Use about 1 TB per load

*****DON'T SKIP THIS STEP- Pour some white vinegar into the "rinse aid" compartment of your dishwasher. This will help to keep your dishes...especially plastic...from having a "cloudy" look!

Wa-Lah! Your own Detergent!

We have been using this for some time now, and love it!

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If you do a bit of research on homemade detergent, you will find lots of "controversy" as to how well it works. Apparently, much of this has to do with what type of water you have. Also, it is debated as to whether or not borax is "good" for the dishwasher, as it can build up in your plumbing. Dig a little deeper, and you will find that all commercial dishwashing detergents have a borax-like ingredient....they just also have a chemical to keep the plumbing clear. It is a good idea to every month or so use a regular detergent for just one cycle to clean out the buildup.

Enjoy!

Win A Flitterbug!

Would you like to win a Long Sleeved Flitterbug Dress?!?!?!

Once we reach 500 Flitterbug Followers on Facebook.......we will have the next giveaway. There are 384 fans so far.

Head on over to Flitterbugs on Facebook and invite your friends to follow!

I occasionally post sales and giveaways on FB that I do not post here.....so pop on over to join!

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Thank you for being a part of our adoption journey.....we are so eager to meet the baby and birthmother the Lord has for us...and can't wait to one day share pictures of our peanut in our arms. "To everything there is a season".....we are in the season of striving to wait patiently and confidently....knowing one day the phone will ring and that season will change to one of great joy!

One day......cool will come:)

The pumpkin candle is burning, and the fall wreath is on the door....but our afternoons are still sprinkler filled. The Johnston family is eager for the cool to come.

And hoping it will bring the stork with it:)

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How about a Long Sleeve Flitterbug for when autumn does arrive?!?!?!?!

(click on the pictures to enlarge)

Elastic sleeves with a little ruffle.....
A contrasting band on the hem........ choose two of your favorite fabrics here!

The Long Sleeve Flitterbug
Sizes 1 to 6....... $38
Sizes 7 and 8......$42

Just email me with your fabric choices..... I'll make your peanut's dress....and send you some wishful thinking on that cool weather!

Yummy for the Fall

I just posted several new fabrics......all yummy for the fall.

Perfect for both little girl's clothes and aprons for the ladies......

Pop on over to the fabrics page.....dream up something fun!

Stash of Flitterbugs.....anyone?

Little Evangeline is about to turn 7.....but she's a tiny one! She is finally outgrowing her size 5's.

I have her stash of size 5 Flitterbugs....wondering if any of you would like them.

Included are 11 Flitterbug items total.

I am just asking $75 for the whole stash.....shipping is included in that price!

First come first serve......just email me or leave a comment if you would like to buy them....I will mail them out immediately!

SOLD....THANK YOU! More sales to come!

On my heart today....

Sin, forgiveness, redemption....a pure heart....all on my heart today.

"I need thee, precious Jesus, for I am full of sin. My soul is dark and guilty, my heart is dead within. I need the cleansing fountain where I can always flee, the blood of Christ most precious, the sinner's perfect plea."

"Jesus! What a strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him; tempted, tried and sometimes failing, he my strength, my victory wins. Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end!"

"I am trusting thee for pardon; at they feet I bow, for they grace and tender mercy, trusting now."

"We will never fully appeciate what a deep and awesome thing conversion is until we own up to the fact that it is a miracle. It is a gft of God...we not only sin, but we are sinful- blind, hard, dead, unable to submit to the law of God. And so when we hear the gospel, we will never respond positively unless God performs the miracle of redemption." (John Piper)

"For it is by grce you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:5

"....let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our harts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. " Hebrews 10:18

What a mighty God we serve! One who holds out free, cleansing grace. One who rejoices in our repentance and seeks only the redemption of our hearts and purity of our lives. One who searches after us, pursues us at all costs and to every end. One whose blood can cover our sins, and immediately make a heart bound by sin pure....in an instant!

What a mighty, gracious, forgiving, patient and joyful God we serve!

Last day......just a few hours left!

Today is the last day to purchase the "Isabelle" dress at just $25.

Just send me an email (jubug231 @ aol.com) and let me know which fabric you would like.

I can make the sleeves out of the same fabric as the dress...or out of a contrast for a more "whimiscal' style!

Scroll down to see more pictures and a bit more info.