Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
He Is Risen!!!!
One f my favorite parts of Easter is when, on Sunday morning, someone says to you, "He is risen!!" and then I get to reply back, "He is risen indeed!!!"
I have some very specific memories of Easter growing up that I want to share.
The church I went to growing up was fairly small...at least in relation to the church we go to now. I would say that we pretty much knew everyone in the congregation. Maybe I'm wrong, but from my child eyes, that's the way it seemed. Each Easter our church would have a sunrise service, outside in the parking lot/field area. Each family would bring a breakfast dish to share after the service. The pastor would preach outside, and my favorite part always took place. Peggy and Sue would sing, "He's Alive" I loved to hear them sing the song and simply looked forward to it each year. I loved having the church service outside and I loved looking forward to playing and eating afterwards. Even today, I feel like I need to listen to "He's Alive" each Easter Sunday, but the tape with them singing is long gone. It's the song of Jesus' resurrection from Peter's perspective. I'm quite certain this church no longer does the outside sunrise service, and I'm positive Peggy and Sue no longer sing. But, it is a memory etched in my mind from my childhood that I will not soon forget.
Like many people, we always dyed hard boiled eggs to hide and find. However, one year it went awry and to this day it is something our family talks about. Several months after Easter...I mean, like deep into the summer, maybe longer, my mom was sitting in the living room and started commenting on a gross smell she had just wift. Later, we discovered the smell...an unfound Easter Egg that had rotted. It was so horrible, that we had to throw away the couch!!! Needless to say, we never dyed eggs again after that, just used those plastic ones. And, today, our family of 5 hides the eggs outside, just in case one is forgotten again.
I feel like, yet again, I've failed by kids. I want so badly to have traditions, to have holidays that my children look forward to and remember...but it's simply not easy with three very little ones. I have all the stuff...18 eggs, Easter egg dye, stickers and basket....but, we have not yet dyed our Easter eggs, and it looks like there will be no time today to do it either. The good thing is, they don't really know any better, yet. Next year though...I HAVE to do it (I WANT to do it). We wanted to do resurrection cookies with them...but didn't get home in time enough before bed last night. I wanted to talk more about the story of Christ and teach them better about what this day symbolized, I wanted to burn this day into their minds...but I'm pretty sure I didn't. Not this year anyway. However, they did get an Easter basket this year...from us. And I'm excited about that. They are simple, some robins eggs and jelly beans scattered in the grass. A giant chocolate bunny, and a new Bible. But, I think they'll be excited when they wake up and see their goodies.
We are having everyone over to our house today for Baby Back Ribs....I sure hope we cook them well!!!!
Have an enjoyable Easter and remember.....HE IS RISEN!!!!
I have some very specific memories of Easter growing up that I want to share.
The church I went to growing up was fairly small...at least in relation to the church we go to now. I would say that we pretty much knew everyone in the congregation. Maybe I'm wrong, but from my child eyes, that's the way it seemed. Each Easter our church would have a sunrise service, outside in the parking lot/field area. Each family would bring a breakfast dish to share after the service. The pastor would preach outside, and my favorite part always took place. Peggy and Sue would sing, "He's Alive" I loved to hear them sing the song and simply looked forward to it each year. I loved having the church service outside and I loved looking forward to playing and eating afterwards. Even today, I feel like I need to listen to "He's Alive" each Easter Sunday, but the tape with them singing is long gone. It's the song of Jesus' resurrection from Peter's perspective. I'm quite certain this church no longer does the outside sunrise service, and I'm positive Peggy and Sue no longer sing. But, it is a memory etched in my mind from my childhood that I will not soon forget.
Like many people, we always dyed hard boiled eggs to hide and find. However, one year it went awry and to this day it is something our family talks about. Several months after Easter...I mean, like deep into the summer, maybe longer, my mom was sitting in the living room and started commenting on a gross smell she had just wift. Later, we discovered the smell...an unfound Easter Egg that had rotted. It was so horrible, that we had to throw away the couch!!! Needless to say, we never dyed eggs again after that, just used those plastic ones. And, today, our family of 5 hides the eggs outside, just in case one is forgotten again.
I feel like, yet again, I've failed by kids. I want so badly to have traditions, to have holidays that my children look forward to and remember...but it's simply not easy with three very little ones. I have all the stuff...18 eggs, Easter egg dye, stickers and basket....but, we have not yet dyed our Easter eggs, and it looks like there will be no time today to do it either. The good thing is, they don't really know any better, yet. Next year though...I HAVE to do it (I WANT to do it). We wanted to do resurrection cookies with them...but didn't get home in time enough before bed last night. I wanted to talk more about the story of Christ and teach them better about what this day symbolized, I wanted to burn this day into their minds...but I'm pretty sure I didn't. Not this year anyway. However, they did get an Easter basket this year...from us. And I'm excited about that. They are simple, some robins eggs and jelly beans scattered in the grass. A giant chocolate bunny, and a new Bible. But, I think they'll be excited when they wake up and see their goodies.
We are having everyone over to our house today for Baby Back Ribs....I sure hope we cook them well!!!!
Have an enjoyable Easter and remember.....HE IS RISEN!!!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Time with Mimi
My grandma, the kids' great- grandma, Mimi, just left to go back up to Ohio earlier this week. She's been down for a little over a month, since a few days before Justin's wedding. We have had a nice visit. I wanted to share a few pictures from the day before she left.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A few tips/tricks and resources
Click these links to see my first post and my second post on cloth diapers.
I never really explained what a wet bag was...
A wet bag is a waterproff bag that you can store your soiled diapers in...later in life, you can store wet bathing suits from the beach, undies that were accidentally peed in, etc. I think every diaper bag needs a wet bag in it, even if you don't cloth diaper.
Wet bags come in several sizes...the smaller ones will hold one or two diaper for when you are out, a medium size one is great for a little trashcan (like the one in my bathroom), and the large ones are good for you big diaper pail. They come in fun colors and designs too. I would suggest this brand for your diaper pail and this brand for your diaper bag.
I have bought my diapers from two online stores.
Cotton Babies and Nicki's Diaper. I really like both stores. Cotton babies will buy back your used, unstained diapers and then give them to missionaries in third-world countries. I buy from whichever has a sale going on.
You can buy diapers used for much cheaper than new. At first, I refused....I thought that would be gross and unclean, now though...I would buy used diapers if they still looked good. You can join a group like Diaperswappers where people sell or trade their diapers.
When I first started cloth, I didn't have any friends using them. I got almost all of my information from Pregnancy.org's cloth diaper boards. There is a ton of information. Start with their FAQ page and if you have questions, you can post on there and people will give you their advice.
I suggest having about 24 diapers, that's enough to wash every 3-4 days.
Ant other questions???
I never really explained what a wet bag was...
A wet bag is a waterproff bag that you can store your soiled diapers in...later in life, you can store wet bathing suits from the beach, undies that were accidentally peed in, etc. I think every diaper bag needs a wet bag in it, even if you don't cloth diaper.
Wet bags come in several sizes...the smaller ones will hold one or two diaper for when you are out, a medium size one is great for a little trashcan (like the one in my bathroom), and the large ones are good for you big diaper pail. They come in fun colors and designs too. I would suggest this brand for your diaper pail and this brand for your diaper bag.
I have bought my diapers from two online stores.
Cotton Babies and Nicki's Diaper. I really like both stores. Cotton babies will buy back your used, unstained diapers and then give them to missionaries in third-world countries. I buy from whichever has a sale going on.
You can buy diapers used for much cheaper than new. At first, I refused....I thought that would be gross and unclean, now though...I would buy used diapers if they still looked good. You can join a group like Diaperswappers where people sell or trade their diapers.
When I first started cloth, I didn't have any friends using them. I got almost all of my information from Pregnancy.org's cloth diaper boards. There is a ton of information. Start with their FAQ page and if you have questions, you can post on there and people will give you their advice.
I suggest having about 24 diapers, that's enough to wash every 3-4 days.
Ant other questions???
How to Cloth Diaper
To see my first post on the types of cloth diapers click here.
How To Use Your Diapers (although I'll be showing you my BG, you can use this same method with any type of cloth diaper, just adjust where/when needed)
1. Put the diaper on baby just like a disposable diaper.
2. When the diaper is soiled, change it. If you are exclusively breast feeding, don't worry about the poo. I'm not sure if it's a problem if you formula, sorry. Once you start giving the baby more solid food, his poo will become more solid too. Shake what you can off into the toilet. I have never used a sprayer or a scraper. I really don't feel like you need them...so I would not suggest buying them.
3. When I am home, I like to just use a washcloth as a wipe. It saves money, it is washes with the cloth diapers, and it's just as easy (my changing station is in the bathroom)
4. Remove insert at least 3/4 of the way (or all the way) and stick diaper in the dry diaper pail.
****Note**** Some people use a wet pail, but usually a dry pail is recommended. A wet pail is a bucket or trashcan filled with water that people place their diapers in to soak until wash day. A dry pail, simply has a lining of a "wet bag". I use a dry pail because I think a wet pail is unsanitary, gross, and could be a yucky place for small ones to play (my kids love the water, and I think I would get sick if I saw them playing in the diaper pail).
5. Wash diapers every 2-3 days (this is for two reasons...1. I run out of diapers during the fourth day, and 2. I think the diapers start to stink if they are unwashed for much longer.
6. Dry diapers either in a dryer or on a clothes line.
7. Stuff, fold and get ready to use the next time.
How To Care for you Cloth Diapers
I have a small trash can in the bathroom that holds the dirty diapers for the day.
At the end of the day, I empty the small trash can into a larger one in the garage. This system just works for me, but you really only need one trash can (don't buy the expensive cloth diaper trash cans...just get a cheap one from Walmart with a lid!) I originally purchased a flip top lid...don't do that, just get one that closes well....hence the tape.
When wash day comes, set your washer to the longest soak possible, and add in an extra soak/spin at the end. Use hot water and just a couple Tablespoons of free & clear laundry detergent. To much detergent can give your baby's sensitive skin a reaction and it can also lay a film over the diapers to make them less absorbent. Soak in hot water, rinse in cold, and then do a second rinse at the end (this is to get rid of all the soap). NEVER use bleach.
Dry your diapers either on a clothes line or in the dryer. I prefer a clothes line for a few reasons....the sun does all the work (so it's cheaper), the sun can also "bleach out" any stains left behind and the sun can also get rid of any stench that may be left behind. If you choose to use a dryer, make sure all of the inserts are pulled out. If not, it will wear on the elasticity of the diaper (I know this from experience). Dry on a low heat. It'll probably take longer than you are used to for drying...at least those thick inserts will.
Stuff your diapers, fold and put them away.
To see my last post on tips and tricks, click here
How To Use Your Diapers (although I'll be showing you my BG, you can use this same method with any type of cloth diaper, just adjust where/when needed)
1. Put the diaper on baby just like a disposable diaper.
2. When the diaper is soiled, change it. If you are exclusively breast feeding, don't worry about the poo. I'm not sure if it's a problem if you formula, sorry. Once you start giving the baby more solid food, his poo will become more solid too. Shake what you can off into the toilet. I have never used a sprayer or a scraper. I really don't feel like you need them...so I would not suggest buying them.
3. When I am home, I like to just use a washcloth as a wipe. It saves money, it is washes with the cloth diapers, and it's just as easy (my changing station is in the bathroom)
4. Remove insert at least 3/4 of the way (or all the way) and stick diaper in the dry diaper pail.
5. Wash diapers every 2-3 days (this is for two reasons...1. I run out of diapers during the fourth day, and 2. I think the diapers start to stink if they are unwashed for much longer.
6. Dry diapers either in a dryer or on a clothes line.
7. Stuff, fold and get ready to use the next time.
How To Care for you Cloth Diapers
I have a small trash can in the bathroom that holds the dirty diapers for the day.
At the end of the day, I empty the small trash can into a larger one in the garage. This system just works for me, but you really only need one trash can (don't buy the expensive cloth diaper trash cans...just get a cheap one from Walmart with a lid!) I originally purchased a flip top lid...don't do that, just get one that closes well....hence the tape.
When wash day comes, set your washer to the longest soak possible, and add in an extra soak/spin at the end. Use hot water and just a couple Tablespoons of free & clear laundry detergent. To much detergent can give your baby's sensitive skin a reaction and it can also lay a film over the diapers to make them less absorbent. Soak in hot water, rinse in cold, and then do a second rinse at the end (this is to get rid of all the soap). NEVER use bleach.
Dry your diapers either on a clothes line or in the dryer. I prefer a clothes line for a few reasons....the sun does all the work (so it's cheaper), the sun can also "bleach out" any stains left behind and the sun can also get rid of any stench that may be left behind. If you choose to use a dryer, make sure all of the inserts are pulled out. If not, it will wear on the elasticity of the diaper (I know this from experience). Dry on a low heat. It'll probably take longer than you are used to for drying...at least those thick inserts will.
Stuff your diapers, fold and put them away.
To see my last post on tips and tricks, click here
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Made with Love
Sometime last week, I was getting ready one morning in the bathroom. The girls were in my room, playing together and Nicole was giggling. I turned around and looked at her and she said....
I was speechless and blessed. I couldn't believe how thoughtful that was. I left it the rest of the day...it may not have been perfect, but it was made with love.
Look Mommy, we made your bed for you!
I was speechless and blessed. I couldn't believe how thoughtful that was. I left it the rest of the day...it may not have been perfect, but it was made with love.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Types of Cloth Diapers
I have spent a lot of time on several different occasions writing e-mails to people to teach them about how to use cloth diapers. So, I've finally decided to write a post about that. Now, if someone asks, I'll send them a link to these posts.
There are several types of cloth diapers. They range greatly in price and ease of use.
1. Chinese Prefolds - these are the flat white diapers that must be folded each time they are used. They are either secured with pins or with snappies. These are the least expensive diaper. You must use a diaper cover over them or else they will leak. I tried these at first (because I was looking to do the cheapest thing possible). I could not get the hang of folding them and you MUST change the diaper as soon as it is soiled.
2. Contour and Fitted diapers, I think, are similar. They both are shaped more "diaper-like" and both must be used with a diaper cover. I tried a contour diaper, and although it would give you a little more time to change a diaper than a pre-fold, I still didn't love them. I also didn't like using a diaper cover, just one more step. Although they say you can use a diaper cover over and over until some poo ends up on it, I didn't feel comfortable with that. I felt like I was putting dirty underwear on the baby, so I would have ended up buy a bunch of diaper covers....which would have made this option just as expensive, if not more, than the system I chose.
3. Pocket diapers - These diaper have elastic legs for a secure fit, and either snaps or velcro to secure it around the baby. You do not need a diaper cover with pocket diapers, the outer layer is water proof. You insert a large, thick absorbent pad into the diaper. I like these the best for a couple of reasons....1. They are easy to use. They go on like a disposable diaper (mine are velcro). 2. They dry quickly because you remove the insert before washing, so there are two separate pieces.
4. All-in-one diapers - These are the big bad cloth diapers that are the most similar to disposables. Like the pocket diapers, they have snap or velcro closures. But, there is no insert to remove, which means one less step. but it also means an incredibly long drying time.
Those are the four basic types of cloth diapers. There are a few others like g diapers and Flips out there, but I really don't know a lot about those.
My personal recommendation would be Bum Genius 3.0 one size pocket diapers. Here's what I like about these...
a. They are one size, which means I can use the same set of diaper from when the baby is about 10 lbs to 30 lbs. Other brands of pocket diapers (like the very popular fuzzi bunz) are sized. This means you need to buy a set of "small", "medium", and "larges". However, I have recently heard that fuzzi bunz now has a one size option.
b. I like the way Bum Genius feels over fuzzi bunz...this is probably just a preference.
c. I chose a pocket diaper of an all-in-one because they dry faster, either on the clothes line or in the dyer
d. They are cheaper than an all-in-one because of the extra step of stuffing the diapers. I don't find this a hindrance or problem. I actually like that I stuff them, because I can control how much absorbency my baby needs. Bum Genius gives you two inserts, a small, thin "newborn" insert, and a larger, thicker insert for when the baby is bigger. You can also double these to make the diaper more absorbent for night time.
e. My diapers are Velcro, which I thought would be easier than snaps, and I still think it is. The Velcro does wear a bit a faster, but I've used my diapers non-stop for over 2 years, and they are still going strong.
f. I think they are cute :-)
Stay tuned for the next post "How to..."
There are several types of cloth diapers. They range greatly in price and ease of use.
1. Chinese Prefolds - these are the flat white diapers that must be folded each time they are used. They are either secured with pins or with snappies. These are the least expensive diaper. You must use a diaper cover over them or else they will leak. I tried these at first (because I was looking to do the cheapest thing possible). I could not get the hang of folding them and you MUST change the diaper as soon as it is soiled.
2. Contour and Fitted diapers, I think, are similar. They both are shaped more "diaper-like" and both must be used with a diaper cover. I tried a contour diaper, and although it would give you a little more time to change a diaper than a pre-fold, I still didn't love them. I also didn't like using a diaper cover, just one more step. Although they say you can use a diaper cover over and over until some poo ends up on it, I didn't feel comfortable with that. I felt like I was putting dirty underwear on the baby, so I would have ended up buy a bunch of diaper covers....which would have made this option just as expensive, if not more, than the system I chose.
3. Pocket diapers - These diaper have elastic legs for a secure fit, and either snaps or velcro to secure it around the baby. You do not need a diaper cover with pocket diapers, the outer layer is water proof. You insert a large, thick absorbent pad into the diaper. I like these the best for a couple of reasons....1. They are easy to use. They go on like a disposable diaper (mine are velcro). 2. They dry quickly because you remove the insert before washing, so there are two separate pieces.
4. All-in-one diapers - These are the big bad cloth diapers that are the most similar to disposables. Like the pocket diapers, they have snap or velcro closures. But, there is no insert to remove, which means one less step. but it also means an incredibly long drying time.
Those are the four basic types of cloth diapers. There are a few others like g diapers and Flips out there, but I really don't know a lot about those.
My personal recommendation would be Bum Genius 3.0 one size pocket diapers. Here's what I like about these...
a. They are one size, which means I can use the same set of diaper from when the baby is about 10 lbs to 30 lbs. Other brands of pocket diapers (like the very popular fuzzi bunz) are sized. This means you need to buy a set of "small", "medium", and "larges". However, I have recently heard that fuzzi bunz now has a one size option.
b. I like the way Bum Genius feels over fuzzi bunz...this is probably just a preference.
c. I chose a pocket diaper of an all-in-one because they dry faster, either on the clothes line or in the dyer
d. They are cheaper than an all-in-one because of the extra step of stuffing the diapers. I don't find this a hindrance or problem. I actually like that I stuff them, because I can control how much absorbency my baby needs. Bum Genius gives you two inserts, a small, thin "newborn" insert, and a larger, thicker insert for when the baby is bigger. You can also double these to make the diaper more absorbent for night time.
e. My diapers are Velcro, which I thought would be easier than snaps, and I still think it is. The Velcro does wear a bit a faster, but I've used my diapers non-stop for over 2 years, and they are still going strong.
f. I think they are cute :-)
Stay tuned for the next post "How to..."
Friday, March 26, 2010
Happy Birthday Papa
My dad's birthday was this past Tuesday. He drove in that day from a quick trip to Ohio...so we didn't celebrate his birthday until Wednesday.
The week before, I helped the girls make a gift for their Papa...this was probably a mistake on my part, because ever since that day, several times a day, Hannah would walk around with her gift and try to sing Happy Birthday Papa. She was so excited to give him his present:-) She was even more excited to help blow out the cake candles (as was Nicole).
We had a fun evening eating fried food, cake and opening gifts.
Hannah came out of "their" room with bunny ears and Mr. Potato Head glasses on...what a silly girl!
Hannah and Papa have a little game they play with this mustache. She would get upset if Papa would put it on or put it on her...but she thinks it's funny on this picture (of Hannah when she was a baby).
The week before, I helped the girls make a gift for their Papa...this was probably a mistake on my part, because ever since that day, several times a day, Hannah would walk around with her gift and try to sing Happy Birthday Papa. She was so excited to give him his present:-) She was even more excited to help blow out the cake candles (as was Nicole).
We had a fun evening eating fried food, cake and opening gifts.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
There's a First Time for Everything
And of course with a baby around, there are lots of firsts.
Well it has been an exciting 24 hours for Mr. Nathan! He has had 3 "firsts" in just a few hours.
The First "First"
Last night was his first bite of "food" (if you can call it that).
I think he enjoyed sitting in the high chair.
I do not think he enjoyed the food
He pretty much gagged and choked every time I put the cereal in his mouth.
The Second "First"
Nathan got a new toy this morning. We've been storing this exersaucer for a few months now. I like it because it is smaller than the one the girl's had. I think he likes it (at least for a few minutes). I think he more likes the fact that the girls are able to play with him a little when he's in it.
The Third "First"
NATE ROLLED OVER!!!!! Yippee!!!!! I was a little concerned because I was looking back in my blog the other day and happened upon a post where Hannah rolled for the first time, and she was just under 4 months old. Of course I would never compare my kids:-) But...I was a little afraid that I haven't been working as much with him physcially as I did with the girls. So...I was THRILLED this morning when I went to get him from his nap and he was on his back! Woohoo!!!! Go Nate!!! (no picture of this sorry!) btw...Nathan turned 4 months old on Monday:-)
And...I thought this was a good picture of "Happy Hannah" and felt the need to share.
Well it has been an exciting 24 hours for Mr. Nathan! He has had 3 "firsts" in just a few hours.
The First "First"
Last night was his first bite of "food" (if you can call it that).
I think he enjoyed sitting in the high chair.
I do not think he enjoyed the food
He pretty much gagged and choked every time I put the cereal in his mouth.
The Second "First"
Nathan got a new toy this morning. We've been storing this exersaucer for a few months now. I like it because it is smaller than the one the girl's had. I think he likes it (at least for a few minutes). I think he more likes the fact that the girls are able to play with him a little when he's in it.
Nicole had fun showing Nathan how to use all of his toys. 
Hello!!!
Oh Yeah...I like this thing!
Anyone want to wager on who I find in this toy first...Nicole or Hannah?
NATE ROLLED OVER!!!!! Yippee!!!!! I was a little concerned because I was looking back in my blog the other day and happened upon a post where Hannah rolled for the first time, and she was just under 4 months old. Of course I would never compare my kids:-) But...I was a little afraid that I haven't been working as much with him physcially as I did with the girls. So...I was THRILLED this morning when I went to get him from his nap and he was on his back! Woohoo!!!! Go Nate!!! (no picture of this sorry!) btw...Nathan turned 4 months old on Monday:-)
And...I thought this was a good picture of "Happy Hannah" and felt the need to share.
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