Friday Favorites: Items For A Good Night Sleep

It's Friday!

This week I am linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals and sharing my favorites for a goodnight sleep. Brian works a late shift and our sleep hours overlap but don't align. With our little ones run running around in the morning and odd sleeping hours we had to set the mood for sleep and we found a few favorite items to make our room restful for a good nights sleep.

There're are three ways we help create an environment for sleep. First, we don't have a TV in our room. We never have had a TV in our room in our 9 years of marriage because I go to bed earlier than Brian and both of us decided it would save us lots of arguments if we kept the TV out of the bedroom. Additionally, it is helpful for us to not watch TV before we go to sleep because it makes it harder for us to fall asleep.  

Secondly, we have a no talking when the lights go out. That mean that unless there is an emergency we don't talk to each other once that bedside table lamp is switched off. Really this rule is for me because my mind runs a mile a minute at night and I need to be reminded of the no talking rule a lot. What can I say, Brian married a talker! 

Lastly, we try and have a clean room. This is again a rule for me. I can't sleep when my bedroom, or my house, is a mess. Everything feels discombobulated to me when there is laundry strewn about and I have to climb into an unmade bed. This is not for everyone but if you have my personality a little order to the bedroom can calm and relax you into a good nights sleep. 

We have four favorite items that help us sleep our best. We use a noise machine, good bedding basics,       essential oil, and black out Shanes. After 8 years of odd sleep hours and lots of testing items these four a must to help us promote sleep.

White Noise Maker

When we had Shane I had  a Cloud B Sleep Sheep and it was a nice fit him. I liked that it traveled well and the noise was very soothing. Additionally, the lamb was adorable so if looked cute in his nursery.  The challenge was the the batteries died a lot and it only lasted 45 minutes. When Keith came along we switched to a white noise maker and now there is one in everyone's bedroom. The noise is soothing air blowing and I like that there are two speeds so I can set it to low and not worry about the decibel being to loud for my baby's ears or louder for my room. Some people don't want to get a noise maker into their babies sleep routine or their own but I found my kids and Brian and I sleep better when we can't hear talking in the next room or a loud car driving by. For me this is a must!

A Good Pillow, Mattress, and Sheets

Every year when Brian and I get a tax refund we take a small portion and get to purchase something for the house that we think we need. For us, this year, I got new pillows! We found these Allergy Wise pillows that are firm because Brian and I both have dust mite allergies and we are side sleepers. We made sure to find the right pillows for our sleeping positioning and finally purchased pillows that were dust mite safe. We also have great sheets that we wash every few days and are allergy safe and a mattress we recently replaced. 

Lavender Oil

About 8 months ago I started using essential oils and this little purple bottle has quickly become my favorite! It helps me sleep, heals skin and prevents scarring, and fights the sniffles. I don't use this every night but if I need to get to sleep and am struggling Brian and I will diffuse this in our room or rub in on the bottom of our feet and it helps aid in sleep so much.

Black out Shades

They cost a pretty penny but black out shades, not curtains, are the best investment we made in our home. All our bedrooms have these and they are amazing. Even in Washington the sun shines right into our bedroom during the summer and getting my kids to nap or my husband to sleep later in the morning to get the sleep he needs requires a bit of darkening. We purchased ours from Lowes in the spring when they run a great sale and out of all my tools this is the best!

Those are my favorite tips and tools for a good nights sleep! I hope you get lots of rest this weekend and are ready to tackle a new week that is just around your corner.

Thankful Thursday: Brothers

Today I am thankful for awesome brothers who...

help you weed, 

hang Christmas lights, 

and move heavy equipment upstairs.

Baking Soda Science

I have been letting Shane experiment with baking soda and vinegar from about the age of 18 months on. The baking soda reacts with the vinegar to form water and carbon dioxide gas but to a toddler the sound and visual change is memorizing even without the scientific explanation. Shane still gets excited when we get out the supplies for this experiment and I love watching him dive into learning about cause and effect, chemical reactions, and when combined with a bit of food dye there is an element of art too! This activity is great for fine motor skills and sensory play plus cleanup is a breeze. 

Supplies

medicine dropper, turkey baster, or teaspoons (basically anything that can be used to drop the liquid)

food coloring

baking soda

a plate, cookie sheet, or dish

vinegar

small bowl 

Directions

1. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda into the dish or plate. 

2. Combine the food coloring and vinegar in a small dish. You can use several colors for fun or just stick with one. 

3. Using the medicine dropper, teaspoon, or turkey baster suck or scoop up the vinegar and squirt or pour it into the pan of baking soda. 

4. For extended learning you can ask your child what they see, hear, and smell. Children can feel the different substances and describe what they are feeling. Children can also try the reverse effect and combine baking soda into a bowl of vinegar and compare and contrast the results. 

How We Got Engaged

Last week I shared how Brian and I met and out of all my blog posts that was the most read post to date. If you missed it, you can read about it here.  I was floored with how interested people were in how my honey and I met and where we went for our first date. I will say that I feel like I have a love story I could tell time and time again and still gush over. I simply love the chapters in my life that include Brian. Today I am sharing how we got engaged.

Brian and I had been dating about 6.5 months before we left college for summer break. By early May the dorms were empty and the campus was cleared. Brian went home to southern Washington and I spent a lot of my summer with my grandparents in the San Juan Islands that summer as well as some time working in my hometown. The time away gave us lots of chances to talk on the phone but as anyone knows time away can make you grow distant. We both tried to visit when we could on weekends or if work permitted we fit in an extended weekend. After 6 weeks apart I was starting to feel a strain in our relationship and it scared me to think of loosing someone that I had grown so close to.

Brian was my first date, boyfriend, and relationship but I knew he was the one for me. We had already talked about marriage and both felt we were on the same page. We knew after about 5 months of dating that we were stronger together than apart. Our weaknesses were strengthened by the other. We both had prayed and felt a peace from God that this was His plan for our lives and that we could do more for His eternal kingdom together than apart. Even after talks and promises I started to doubt our relationship slightly because of the sometimes dead conversations that were leading up to a visit that I had planned. I started to fear that my first breakup was on the horizon and spent many nights praying for God to guide us and to prepare my heart.

Brian had invited me to come and have dinner at a restaurant where his cousin was the chef. Apparently, it was a beautiful restaurant on the Colombian river and the seafood was amazing. I planned the visit and dinner for the 1st of July and drove down to see Brian. I stayed with his parents and Brian was living with his best friend Chris that summer in a home close by. I remember I pulled  up into the driveway of his parent's home and Brian walked out to greet me with a very cool, distant, and reversed hug. I remembered my  hear dropping into my stomach. I was utterly convinced that Brian was ending our relationship that night at dinner and I did all I could to put a smile on my face. That afternoon we chatted and walked around but something was not the same and I felt it.

I wore a black lace dress that my grandmother had gotten for me for Christmas that year. It had a A line skirt and thin straps. I curled my hair and put on some black high heals and went down to meet Brian. Just before we left, Brian told me he had invited his Aunt and her friend Kathy to join us for dinner. I was a little surprised that they were joining us for a nice dinner date but I found hope in the fact that at least during the meal there would be no talk of ending our relationship. 

The four of us drove to the restaurant and were seated at a beautiful table overlooking the river. Brian's cousin Jer came out and brought us some appetizers and talked us through the menu a bit. I settled on some sweet iced tea and a plank roasted king salmon filet with a cheery compote. Dinner was perfect and I was so full that when the offer of dessert came out I politely declined. I was stuffed.

Jer insisted I try some desserts and, being a lady, I could not protest a second time. Jer said he would bring out a small assortment for us to try so I did not need to pick anything out. In a moment a covered tray was brought out and placed directly in front of me and I knew right then that there was a ring hidden on that plate. All of a sudden the strange behavior made sense, the distance in talking about my senior year of college and the hesitation in Brian telling me his plans about life after college started to become clear. I suddenly saw why his Aunt had come because she already had a camera in hand to take pictures of the beautiful diamond ring that the waitress was unveiling. I was floored because our original plan of  becoming engaged in December had been moved up and here I was getting proposed to. 

Brian smiled at me for a long time as I clasped my hand over my mouth. I remember he was so happy he did not even ask me to marry him. He knew I was saying yes from the smile on my face but I waited until he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him which he did. I said yes slipped that ring on my finger with such joy. I was getting to marry Brian and I was over the moon!

Brian and I with our cousin Jer at the restaurant.

A picture of me with a very shocked look on my face because I really thought we were braking up that night.

I am still a bit stunned that Brian is asking me to marry him.

I was one surprised but very happy lady. After only 8 months of dating we were engaged!

The beautiful arrangement of desserts with an engagement ring in the center.

Paper House

As part of my undergraduate studies in Family and Child Psychology, I took a course focused upon the psychology of exceptional children. One day during class we were asked by our professor to draw a picture of our home. I spent 20 minutes drawing a perfect blueprint of my house, room by room, nearly to a T scaled down with a little key to show my estimate of square footage. When asked to present to the class first I proudly showed my detailed work. Then the rest of the class stood up to show colorful drawings of happy families, blue front doors, white picket fences, and flowers lining the pathway. I had grossly misunderstood the assignment for the day as was slightly embarrassed until my professor pointed out what it is that a drawing of a home can show about someone. Detail, structure, order are dominate areas in my personality that softened over the years and I have grown in grace but back them I fear they were headstrong. My professor, being her first year teaching this course, also assured me she would adapt her assignment for the next year and would ask students to draw a picture of their family and home because the purpose was to see personality as it relates to family as it can be very telling of a child's view of home life. 

Last week, just for fun, Shane and I made a paper house. In now way am I concerned that he would draw prison bars on his window and paint the sky black showing that his view of home life is horrendous but I was curious how he would illustrate his home. Right now, at the age of three, home is his world so I was so delighted to see that he picked happy colors, filled the house with pictures of our family members, and added baby Jesus and a plate of spaghetti inside. The outside had a big clock, a bug, and some trees. My mama heart was happy that our home is filled with God, good food, and people that love him. I loved this craft and hearing Shane talk about what makes up his home. 

Supplies

white graft glue

markers

magazines and pictures 

two sheets of construction paper

child safety scissors

Directions

1. Lay the two sheets of paper on top of each other. Use scissors to cup out the shape of a house from both sheets.

2. Cut out windows and a front door from only one sheet.

3. Select pictures from magazines or pictures that most represent your family to decorate the house with. Ideas might be faces of people, furniture, food, or pictures of an activity such as books for reading. 

3. Glue together the two paper houses and glue the cut out pictures into the windows and doorway of the house. Use markers to add details such as shutters, a roof, flowers, or doorknobs.

Sick Days

Last week Shane woke up around 8, came downstairs, and made a bed in his tent declaring "I don't feel good." It seems to be the common theme in our house. It is the common theme in most of my friend's homes. This winter has brought cold after cold, infection after infection, and a deep love of amoxicillin. 

With these sick days it has also brought a chance for us as a family to care for one another. I listened to Shane pray for healing spurred up in that own sweet heart of his. I have seen him take care of his baby brother even when he does not feel well by reading books or singing a song to help sooth Keith. Shane kisses us when we fall down, fetches water when we are thirsty, and has a look of concern when he hears anyone cry. I have been in awe at how my oldest has been a kindhearted care taker filled to the brim with love and empathy. 

Brian has equally been wonderful in his own way. Last night, after a 10 hour shift, he came home and rocked Keith, sick with fever and vomiting, until 1 in the morning so I could get some much needed sleep. Brian has an ability to put himself last for those he loves and last night was no exception. My husband drove to two pharmacies across town to get me a prescription because they were out at the first and I never heard a complaint only a word of care and compassion that I had a sinus and ear infection. As a husband and father Brian models what care-taking and selflessness looks like in our family. 

In addition to my sweet son and wonderful husband I am surrounded by neighbors, family, and friends who walk alongside me when life gets to be a bit weighted. I have been blessed to have my trash can wheeled out to the curb by a neighbor, a friend drop off dinner, and my parents run errands for me. My sister never hesitates to led a hand caring for my kids so I can take a nap from a night of little sleep or a day I need to focus on just one sick little one while the other is ready for an adventure I can't take off on. 

I am learning it's the sick days that bring out the best in people, that show the truly wonderful character of others. It's the sick days that make us stop and look for a way to fulfill the needs and lighten the loads of those around us. I am thankful for what I am watching blossom in Shane's heart and reminded of why I fell so hard for Brian. The sick days bring out the best in us all and that, along with lots and lots of baby snuggles, is my silver lining during these winter months.

Thankful Thursday: Health

The last couple of weeks we have had a few bugs hit our house including colds, croup, and the flu. This week we are back to being a healthy family and I am so thankful for our health. Everyone is sleeping through the night again, our energy levels are back, fevers are gone, and my boys are smiling again!

What are your joys this week?

Straw Paintings

Straw Painting

If you ever get tired of paint brushes and globs of paint using a straw to paint with is a great change in tools! The Brothers and I used this technique with our Valentine's Day cards this year and it has quickly become a favorite. We use less paint and the clean up is much easier. I also like that Shane can experience a different way to paint. Sometimes we use brunches, sometimes sponges, but lately we have been painting with paper straws and love it!

Supplies

paper straw (paper absorbs the paint better than a plastic straw and they are thicker)

washable paint

paper

wet wipe for clean up

plate or egg carton for paint pallet

Directions

1. Pour a small amount of pain in the individual egg carton spots or onto a plate. Using the straw, dip the tip into the paint and stamp the painted side onto the paper. 

2. To extend the activity you can use coloring pages, practice letters, and teach about others artist who use a dot technique in their work. 

Shane learned about George Seurat  and we studied A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,

How I Met Your Father

My sophomore year of college I had applied to be a resident adviser for my junior year. I got the job and started training that year by doing a hike with a weighted pack for our summer Walk About trip where we would backpack for 10 days. On March 24th I was hot and tired from the hike but I had a party to attend that night for a friend's 20th birthday. I rushed home from our mandatory hike, showered, let my hair air dry resulting in some wild, curly, mane and tossed on jeans and a white polka dot sleeveless top. I walked across the courtyard to my neighbors and into an Alice in Wonderland themed party. 

The party was for my friend Courtney whom I would live with next year and among her guest Brian showed up. I had heard about him but never seen him and I was completely smitten by the baseball cap, hazel eyes, smile, and his laugh. In truth, I hardly talked to him because I was shy when it came to boys but I remember instantly being attracted to him. Brian came in and left almost as quickly for a dinner with a friend. I saw him a couple more times that year in passing but for my sophomore year that was about all the interacted I had with man I was going to marry.

Fast forward to the start of junior year when I was recovering from an injury after spending the summer on crutches. I was on campus weeks before the arrival of other students and trying to unload a storage locker with furniture, dishes, you name it for three gals with just my mom, uncle, and my hobbling self. My roommate suggested I call Brian to ask for help with the move because he had a truck and was already in the area. I never called but I was reminded of Brian. A few days later he showed up at my door looking for my roommates who had not yet arrived. Brian and I chatted and a friendship blossomed. Over the next month he kept coming over to see all of us. 

Somewhere in September Brian asked to go get ice cream. I had NEVER dated, NEVER been asked out, and had NO Clue if ice cream constituted as a date. I went for ice cream, Brian paid. I thought it was a date but never really knew. We went to coffee a few times, Brian started coming to church with a group of friends and I, and I started to connect with this guy. We never talked about our relationship but I found I enjoyed spending time with Brian and liked having him around. 

In October our friend Courtney invited some friends to come to her home in Colorado over a long weekend. Being the studious and never spontaneous person I was I took a leap and bought a ticket. Brian was on the same flight which had a layover in Las Vegas. During our layover our plane broke. We were moved to another plan which also broke. A couple hours later we were moved to a third plane and it broke. I can recall tires not working well, bathrooms not functioning, and by the third plane I did not even hear what was wrong. I sat for over 7 hours in Las Vegas on the floor of an airport with Brian who was calm as ever while I fretted about getting to Colorado, where my luggage was, and why we were not getting on another flight. 

By nightfall Brian being a year older was given a room for the night while I was told to wait for a 5am flight to Arizona and get a connecting flight to Colorado because I was not 21. I felt a bit of panic but Brian talked with someone and managed to get them to give him a suit with two separate bedrooms (what a gentleman) so I could be comfortable and safe. That night I felt like Brian was such a kind, thoughtful, calming guy who had made me laugh all day and taken care of me. He asked me out and I agreed to a date the following night. Brian later told me he kept praying that we could stay just a little longer in Las Vegas so we could spend time together and he could finally ask me out. God was sure listening that night.

Brian took me to an old lighthouse for dinner on our first date.  He made hot chocolate and cookies for dessert and brought a blanket to sit on the beach. We talked, we held hands, and I was pretty sure then and there this guy was husband material. I felt loved and adored by Brian and listened to him recall meeting me with my wild lion hair last March and hearing me laugh my distinctive snorting laugh. It may not have been love at first sight but we each left that party with a mental note of each other and God kept our paths crossing and our relationship growing. 

I am linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals for her Show and Tell series. Today we are all sharing how we met our significant other! So fitting for a post Valentine's Day post!

Egg in a Heart

Egg in a Heart

Our heart shaped Valentine's Day breakfast was so yummy I wanted to share with you today. Along side a fruit salad with blood oranges, bananas, and strawberries we made Eggs in a Basket but cut a heart shape out instead of a circle to make breakfast festive for the holiday. With the extra heart I made toast for Shane because he has an egg allergy and Keith had toast with a scrambled egg. Brian and I enjoyed the breakfast above and it was perfectly simple and delicious!

Ingredients

1 slice of bread (we used a whole wheat Brioche)

1 egg

1/2 T butter

salt and black ground pepper to taste

Directions

1. Using a heart shaped cookie cutter, cut out the center of the slice of bread (make sure you keep the cut out to toast).

2. Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium-low heat.

3. Add the bread to the pan and crack the egg into the bread. Add the bread cutouts to the pan to toast. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the egg is almost set. Flip the pieces over and continue to toast until the egg is set and the bread it toasted. Add more butter if needed.

So simple and easy to take a classic and make it festive! You could do this with a shamrock for St. Patrick's Day, a pumpkin on Halloween, or a turkey for Thanksgiving morning! The options are endless!

Friday Favorites: Valentine's Day Traditions

Valentine's Day with little ones is such a fun day! I love the day of love! I try and keep the day simple but still make it special for The Brothers because I want them leaving this home filled with happy fun memories and traditions. My first year as a mama I did not really do a whole lot with my little two week old but the past two years I have been doing a couple fun traditions and am excited to share them with Keith this year! These are my favorite Valentine's Day traditions with The Brothers.

Heart Shaped Breakfast

Last year Shane got to enjoy some heart crossed buns! I made these egg free for my little man because of his food allergy and then found some natural food dye to make these holiday themed for the day!

Heart Attack

I started this last year and am going to keep on with this tradition as long as it delights The Brothers. I picked an area, the kitchen, and decorated it with hearts I had cut out. Shane came downstairs and saw our breakfast nook covered with three dozen large hearts and he was thrilled. He did not stop pointing at them and talked about them for days. I like doing something special the morning of so it's a bit like the joy and anticipation of Christmas morning. 

Valentine's Day Gift

Happy Valentine's Day Curious George!

Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!

This year The Brothers are getting books as their Valentine's Day gift. Shane loves Curious George and I was happy to find a Valentine's Day one. Keith is getting Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! because we loved If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and we found this one in a board book edition.

 I embrace the chance to teach my little men about showing affection and love. One day I pray the little ladies they will marry one will feel cherished, delighted in, and adored by the men I am raising. I want to make a HUGE deal of heart shaped meals and cards now to model what it looks like to dote upon those we love and to let my boys feel loved. I hope our Valentine's Day cards to friends, traditional heart shaped meals, decorations, and gifts teaches them two important things to The Brothers. First, I hope they learn that their mama is so glad they are her sons. I am blessed to be their mama and love them wholeheartedly. Secondly, I hope that they feel delighted in and adored and can mirror that to their leading lady one day. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

If you missed my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Rockin' Green make sure to enter here. 

Today I am linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals.

Thankful Thursday: Valentines Day

I am thankful for my Valentine! Brian and I have spent 10 Valentines Days together now and as my first and only love he still melts my heart.

How We Cloth Diaper and a Giveaway

 Today I am sharing a bit about our cloth diaper journey and have a giveaway from Rockin' Green at the end of the post! Even if you are past the diapering stage make sure to scroll down and read about what Rockin' Green has to offer and enter the raffle! A note that no one is paying me to pledge to their brand. I contacted Rockin' Green and they were nice enough to give a $25 dollar gift certificate to one luck reader but all brands and products are my personal choice from tried and true experience!

How We Started Cloth Diaper

Before I had Shane I looked into cloth diapers. I wanted to use less waist, I wanted to try and have something close to nature on his bum, and I wanted to save money. Convincing Brian was really hard but he agreed to give it a try as long as I washed them. My Grandmother and friend Kendra gifted us some newborn size diapers for a baby shower gift and thus started my little "trial" stash of cloth diapers. 

Shane was born with some complications and admitted into the NICU where he stayed for 6 days. While he was in the hospital we used the hospitals diapers, which were Pampers, and the nurses changed every diaper and weighed them so I was very hands off for the start of his life. During his stay Shane developed a bad bacterial diaper rash and we were told he might be allergic to either the wipes, diapers, or some of the cream. We were prescribed a medication and decided to start using the cloth diapers right away when we got home. 

When Shane came home with us we switched him immediately into cloth diapers. We were lucky to have been given some infant one size ones that worked for Shane who was only 5lbs 6oz when at one week. His diaper rash went away and we were committed. Though I intended to cloth diaper for the environment and to cut down on cost the main reason I cloth diaper is for my kids health because I saw the difference having natural cotton on my kids skin made compared to disposable diapers with chemicals. 

What We Use To Cloth Diaper

I tried out several types of cloth diapers to see what worked best with Shane and lucked out that the same brand worked for Keith. Both my kid were small when they were born but Shane is on the slender side and Keith is built thicker. Despite the difference in build we use Bumgenius  diapers and I love them! I like that I can customize the stuffing with various inserts to work for the stage my kids are or for the time of day. They are easy to use. The buttons stay put and my kids cant get them off. They wash well and I liked the feel of the diaper. In addition to cloth diapers I use cloth wipes while we are at home, a diaper sprayer, bottom cleaner, and wet bags for on the go diaper containers. We store the dirty diapers in a basic garbage can with a lid and use a diaper pail liner. I wrote about how we wash our diapers later in this post and there are a few other items needed to get started.

Bumgenius 4.0 Pocket Diaper

We have 26 diapers that last me about 3 days. I wash the diapers ever 3rd day.

Bumgenius Cloth Wipes

We have 3 packs of these.

Bumgenius Diaper Sprayer

I was luck to get this one use from a moms group and payed $20 for it. It makes the little unpleasant task of cleaning soiled diapers off in the toilet a snap.

Honest Company Soothing Bottom Spray

This was not what we used with Shane for a bottom spray. I am not sure that the product was around then but we have used this for Keith and after trying several brands this is my favorite. It smells so good, it is hydrating, and it works the best at cleaning my kids up. I have tried a handful of products from The Honest Company and always been impressed but this is my very favorite so far. As I have one kid with super sensitive skin I like using organic or chemical free products so the philosophy of this brand is right up my ally. I use I hope to try more of their products in the future. 

Planet Wise Wet Dry Bag

I love these bags and know I will use them long after my kids are done with diapers. They are great to store my dry diapers in or an extra outfit. They also hold my wet and dirty diapers but can be used for wet suits, wet and dirty clothing  (potty training or puddle stomping) and they come in several sizes. I have three small and two medium and use them almost every day. 

Planet Wise Pail Liners

I have two of these pail liners and use them in a basic garbage can that has a lid that opens with a food pedal. It works great to hold in the dirty diapers, I don't struggle with smell, and they wash up well right along with my dirty diaper load.

Where and Where We Use Cloth Diapers

I use cloth diapers all day long at home and on the go. When we are on a vacation I do switch to disposables but I am careful what brand I use. Shane used cloth diapers at night until he was potty trained. Keith, however, uses disposable diapers at night because they just worked better for him. I looked into finding diapers that did not leak at night but with a newborn who drank a lot and slept long stretch from the start and a toddler who started potty training at the same time we went with what worked. I was totally OK with using one at night on him if it was what he needed. I like cloth but its not flawless. Both cloth and disposable diapers have their pros and cons. We go with what works!

How We Wash Cloth Diapers

This is perhaps what people ask me and cringe about the most. How do you wash the diapers? We wash them in our washing machine and hang dry the covers and dry our inserts. I often laugh at the reactions because I think people have in their minds that I am contaminating my clean laundry with dirty diapers. First, we rinse the diapers off with the sprayer. Then I store the dirty diapers in a separate laundry pail with the pail liner. When I go to wash our diapers I just dump the whole bag out and drop the ban in. We do one rinse cycle to rinse the diapers again then do one cycle on high agitation. They I hand dry the diaper covers and toss the inserts into the dryer. I also use a few tricks on my diapers to keep them clean and fresh that require a few more items.

Rockin' Green Laundry Detergent

I have bounced around on a few different diaper detergents. I started with Bumgenius but I did not ever use that on my every day clothing. I also have used Mrs. Meyers on cloth diapers but the measuring was hard as it was not specifically formulated for cloth diapers. I really like Rock'in Green detergent for a couple of reasons. Shane has eczema and his skin can't hand anything harsh. We had to get rid of dryer sheets, start reading labels for ingredients that would irritate his skin, and get as close to nature as possible. This detergent works for us and has helped us with Shane's skin. I like that all of their scents come from a special fragrance house, that does everything from natural distillations and are 100% natural.  This brand is biodegradable, made from recycled materials and packaging, phosphate-free, SLS and Paraben free, and free of optical brightens. I could use if for Keith as a newborn, on Shane with his eczema, and I feel better knowing what I wash Brian and my clothing in is safe. Plus, I like using one bag for everything so when Brian does the laundry he does not need to figure out what to use. Lastly, they offer a 10% off first responded discount  and as a wife of an officer I am so thankful for a little perk that not only saves us money but lets me feel thanked for what my wonderful husband does. 

Rockin' Green Funk Rock Ammonia Bouncer

Every once in a while you need to freshen up cloth diapers, You can use bleach, Dawn soap, or soak your diapers in water but I found Funk Rock works so well to get the stink out. I have also used it a couple times on my towels when they smell a bit like mildew and need to be freshened up.

Dryer Balls

In place of dryer sheets I simply went without for years. Then I read about these dryer balls to help fluff up my laundry and cut down on drying time. I admit I just discovered them so I am not sure how they hold up over time but for now I am loving them! My inserts do dry faster and my towels are a bit more fluffy. If it saves me some money and allows me to get rid of dryer sheets with chemicals I am committed. I wish I had found these sooner but I am glad I have them now.

Why We Cloth Diaper

There are several reasons we use cloth diapers. I am saving some money. You can read about the cost of diapers here and just like anything it varies depending on brand, the child's needs, and even how much your garbage vs. water expenses are.  For my family, it was less expensive to use cloth. I also know I will be able to sell our cloth diapers when we are finished and get back some of the money we paid.  I knew we wanted more than one child so I save because I did not buy anything new for Keith aside from the bottom wash and detergent whereas if I had used disposable I would have paid for a whole new round of disposable diapers. I know I have spent less using cloth diapers.

Secondly, I have already talked about the need to not have any chemicals near Shane's skin. Dealing with a child that gets itchy and rashes is a challenge. He can flair up with so many other factors so taking laundry and diapers out of the equation makes life a little less complicated. I never wanted to use something that caused a secondary problem like diaper rash or eczema flair ups. I had to buy much more expensive disposable diapers to avoid a rash so by using cloth I know I saved lots of money and was giving Shane the best possible chance at healthy, comfortable skin.

Lastly, I like the environmentally friend factor. I personally like that I am not throwing 1000s of diapers into a land fill. I have used disposable on occasion but I threw a lot less out by mostly using cloth.. I say to each their own on this mater but I really like this point for myself.

Lastly, I found that cloth works so much better! I don't have blow outs with my kids unless they are really sick, they absorb so much better, and I like that I can change them as often as I want because I am not worried about running out of diapers. For me cloth diapers are a great fit for my families health, finances, and overall needs.

On to the giveaway! I contacted Rock in Green to see if they would be interested in giving away a little something to a reader and they were! This week you can enter to win a $25 gift certificate to their store. You can pick from the two products I mentioned or you can try other products for laundry, pet, household, baby, and for your athletic clothing. I am most excited to try their new Sport Funk which is coming soon because I think it would work great for my husbands work out gear. The giveaway runs all week so enter below and you could win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

2015 Valenites

For the past two years I have made Valentine with my sweet Shane. Unfortunately, I never took pictures of the past ones but this year I remembered to! We had a wonderful time and Keith even tried some straw painting! We mimicked our Christmas Cookie Cutter Cards this year and used a heart, everything pink, red, and white and discovered a new way to paint with straws!

Supplies

glue

white, pink, and red construction paper folded in half

pink, red, and white paint

a straw (not pictured)

heart shaped cookie cutter

glitter

plate

wet wipe or wet paper towel for cleanup

Directions

1. Spread the paint color or colors of choice out onto a plate. Dip the heart shape cookie cutter into the paint and stamp onto the constriction paper. 

2. Dip the tip of the straw into the paint and stamp onto the paper for decorations

3. Using the glue, decorate the hearts, around the hearts, write words like "love" or "you and me," then sprinkle with the glitter.

4. Allow to dry then write your Valentine a note!

Lunches for Mama

Today I am sharing the last of four posts on what our family eats for lunches. In November, I shared what I pack from Brian's lunch which he takes almost every day to work. In December I shared what I make for Keith who, at the time, was ten months old. Last month I shared what my picky eater Shane eats. He is the most challenging member of my family to feed. So much so that at the suggestion of our pediatrician we are meeting with a nutritionist next month to talk about more creative ways to expand Shane's food choices and get some protein in him. Today though, I am sharing what I eat for lunch. 

When I make my lunches it is normally 5pm, I am watching The Brothers on my own, and everyone is hungry! Being that the three of us that dine in all eat a bit of a different meal, I have found that simplicity and overlapping is key for our evening meal to run smoothly. In the winter I really like hot meals and quick meals so I try and keep extra or make extras that can be assembled during the rush of the evening. If I can make one item that everyone likes then I can supplement the rest with what I know each of us will eat. These days Keith and I are eating a lot of the same foods these days so most of the time I just need to cut things up a bit smaller and find a way to get fruit, veggies, and protein into Shane. Lunch runs most smoother these days and I have found a way to get a hot meal while avoiding PB and J!

Day 1

Chicken, tomato, cucumber, and ranch salad

cinnamon apple muffins

apple sauce

Day 2

German pancake

scrambled eggs with tomato

banana slices

Day 3

whole wheat tortilla 

refried beans

tomatoes

avocado

cheddar cheese

Day 4

fried egg

fried zucchini

fresh diced tomato

Day 5

whole milk yogurt with strawberries and coconut cashew granola

friend egg

baked tomato with green onion

Other Meal Ideas

apple butternut squash soup

chicken noodle soup

grilled cheese and tomato

taco salads

noodles with chicken, peas, and marinara sauce

caprese salad

leftovers

If you missed the other posts about lunches you can find them below.

Toddler Lunches

Infant Lunches

Husband Lunches