Homemade Laundry Detergent

The crafter and homemaker inside of me has wanted to make homemade laundry detergent for a long time, but I just couldn't seem to find a recipe that I liked for my little guy's especially sensitive skin.  (I'm not kidding...just being in water makes the kid break out in a bright red, splotchy rash all over his body.)

I came across this recipe the other day, and decided to give it a go.  I did order the goat's milk soap from the Bend Soap Company.  My order shipped the same day I placed my order, and it arrived at my doorstep two days later.  Shipping was free because I ordered $50 worth of soap (eek!) and I got a 10% discount using the coupon code found on their website.  I ordered a variety of different soaps, but mostly the Oatmeal 'n Honey, because I heard that was one of the best soaps for eczema.  I used the shredded soap "milk bath" in the tub with Owen (he cried because the soap looked like bugs), and he didn't get a rash!

I have not had any problems with the detergent and I've been using it for about a week.  My clothes smell CLEAN...not like chemicals.  It is cost effective, and the added bonus is that it looks super cute in my glass jar.

Let the Games Begin...

...or at least the home study!

We met our social worker today.  She's awesome.  She noticed right away that I cleaned for her, so she made sure to conduct the safety audit today so that I wouldn't have to clean so much for her next visit.  ;)

She conducted the beginning of our interview as a couple, as well as my individual interview, and Jon's individual interview.  Jon was so sweet during his interview.  She asked him about school and friends.  He mentioned that ALL of the kids in his class are his friends.  He also told her that he NEVER gets into trouble, but was sure to mention the names of the kids who do!  He told her that he would really like a sister AND a brother, and if he gets a sister, he wants to paint her room pink.

Owen kindly told her about the mouse that I killed.  And he walked into the room holding a Ninja Turtle at one point and said, "Disgusting brain butt!"  Jonathan kept to himself for the most part, with the exception of his interview, but Owen was really interested in our social worker.  He tickled her and showed her his stuffed animals and blankets.  When I was asked to share about each boys' personality, she cut me off and asked if Owen is mischievous.  She hit the nail on the head with that one!

Overall, it was a great visit that lasted a little over three hours.  We'll hear from her next week to setup more interviews with her.  So excited to be on this journey with my family!