Aug. 21, 2008 - Ooooo, look at this!

I was made aware of Snugglebottoms diapers and I think I'm going to buy half a dozen for the diaper bag.  They are super reasonably priced and have good reviews.  I prefer to have special dipes for the diaper bag so I don't have to keep switching things around.  I'm weird that way.  And if I like them I just may use them for the next size up diaper because they are so affordable.  I'm not sure yet because I really like the way flats wash up.  If I do go with the next size up, I will probably not go with velcro closing, and just use pins.

I have plenty of time to decide, lol. 

I really need to turn my mind away from baby planning to Christmas planning because it is really sneaking up on us.  And to afford it this year will take lots of creativity.  It's a good thing that is one of my gifts. Ha-ha.

Well, I need to try to get some rest this morning, because I keep falling asleep at 7:30.  Have a good day all.

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Aug. 19, 2008 - Crochet a toilet paper roll cover!

I made 4 of these to cover extra toilet paper to store in the bathroom.  I just put them on the back of the toilet and they look cute.  I chose to make smilie faces because I thought the children would have more fun with that and be encouraged to replace the toilet paper rolls.  Here is a pic of one completed:

You could do different things like using a prettier color and instead of a smilie face you could put a pom-pom on it.  Make them in seasonal colors etc.  Even find cute flowers or leaves to crochet to sew on top.

Here is the pattern that I worked out.  This fits our large rolls of Scott toilet paper.

Supplies:

Small amount of worsted weight yarn, yellow

Small amount of worsted weight yarn, black

H crochet hook

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

sl. st. = slip stitch

dc = double crochet

dc 2 tog = double crochet 2 together (decrease)

back loops only note

1. Row 1:  Using an H hook chain 5.  Slip stitch together to form ring.  Make 14 dc in ring.  Join with sl. st. to first dc.  (14 stitches)
2. Row 2:  Chain 2.  2 dc in each dc around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.  (28 stitches)
3. Row 3:  Chain 2.   dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, *dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * around, ending with 2 dc in stitch.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.   (35 stitches)
4. Row 4:  Chain 2.  dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  *dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch2.   (42 stitches)
5. Row 5:  Chain 2.  dc in back loops only of each stitch around.  Join with sl. st. to first dc. 
6. Rows 6-13:  Chain 2.  dc in each stitch around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2. 
7. Row 14:   Chain 2.  in back loops only, dc in each of next 2 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch.  *dc in next 3 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch.  Repeat from * around, dc 2 tog in last 2 stitches.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.   Finish off and weave in ends.

This is the first time that I have written out a crochet pattern that I have written.  So please forgive any mistakes.  I have made 4 and followed these instructions, but writing them is a whole different thing.  I tried to make them understandable.  I placed links of all the stitches required to make this so that even a beginner could make it.

Enjoy!

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Aug. 18, 2008 - How I currently plan menus/shopping

As a member of Momys, I get to benefit from the wisdom of many other mothers of many children.  Instead of struggling through certain areas on my own, I am blessed to be able to ask others that have gone before me and have had victory.  One very special Momy shared her menu/shopping system and I have latched onto it and it has saved me much sanity.

Here it is, have a repeating weekly menu that you use over and over.  Making the same basic things over and over takes the stress off, helps to get you into a predictable routine and makes shopping loads easier.  So I made a master menu and put it into my household binder, and I made a master shopping list for that menu, also in my binder.  I also took the recipes needed for the menu and put them in my binder for easy access.  Now, you may be thinking, isn't that boring?  But honestly it isn't for me.  It frees me up, by knowing that I have everything I need to make meals for the next two weeks.  Also, because I buy staples, I have the freedom to change things up a bit if I want to.  For instance, I don't always have to make the same type of pizza or cook the chicken in the same way.  But I know we'll be having pizza or chicken.

Here is my menu:

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Mon	Eggs, Hashbrowns	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Potato Soup, Bread
Tue	Oatmeal	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Mushroom Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Wed	Rice with Cinnamon/Sugar	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Bean Soup, Cornbread
Thu	Oatmeal	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Bean & Cheese Burritos, Mexican Rice
Fri	Rice with Cinnamon/Sugar	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Chicken Soup, Bread
Sat	Waffles, Hashbrowns	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Pizza, Salad
Sun	Eggs, Hashbrowns	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Leftovers

I just grab a list from my binder and highlight anything I am out of and write in any extra things that I don't buy regularly.  This has saved me a lot of time.  And I'm hoping to be able to eventually do my main shopping once a month and then just buy produce once a week.  But so far I haven't been able to swing it financially.  Hopefully soon.

So, this is how I am currently dealing with meals here.  Next year, I will re-write the menu and shopping list and we will have a different set, but the same system.

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Aug. 17, 2008 - I have been busy this weekend

I decided to pull out my sewing machine and get my sewing done before it was too hard because of my belly.

I made 5 nursing covers.  I used two batik prints, one pretty paisley print, a Mary Engelbret print, and an adorable snowman print:

My tips for making these are to make sure you hold the boning flat while you sew it.  That makes it much easier to get the boning in nicely.  They sew up really quickly once they are all cut out.

Next I made 8 Katrina Soakers, 4 newborn and 4 small.  I just used an old fleece blanket that we had.

The newborn only have one layer of fleece and the small each have two layers, both have the extra soaker sewn in.  It is much easier and faster to sew just with the one layer of fleece, it's much easier to catch all the layers of fleece in the seams.  Tip for sewing the tiny leg cuffs:  follow the instructions for sewing them, but stitch them from the inside, not the outside.  You don't get nearly as many pin pokes that way, lol.

Then I made two diaper/wipes cases.  These are to carry one or two diapers with you for instance at the grocery store, or into the pediatrician or even at church when baby is older and doesn't require so many changes.

The first one is made with the dimensions of the pattern as given on the website.  The second one is wider to accomodate cloth diapers.  I had trouble getting the patterns to print true to size, so I used the measurements given and made my own patterns.  I made them 3.75" wide and then cut them on the fold.  The larger one I made the pattern 4.5" wide and cut it on the fold.  I also made a couple changes.  I cut two front pieces out of the outside fabric and hemmed the top edge of one.  Then I sewed it together with the other pieces forming a pocket on the back.  I did this for both of them.  then with the larger one, I created a loop and sewed it into the outer fabric seam so that it could be looped onto a stroller or hooked onto my purse etc.  For both of them I made a pul changing cloth that folds and slides into the back pocket (you can see the light blue one peeking out).  And for the larger one, I made a wet wipes bag out of pul fabric.  It will hold 3-4 cloth wipes that are pre-moistened.  The larger version holds 1 BumGenius OS cloth dipe and the wet wipe bag.  I'm sure I could tuck in a tube of ointment if I wanted to.  Tip for sewing with pul:  use tissue paper over the pul so the fabric will move through and feed, then tear off the tissue paper.

I can include dimensions for the wet wipe bag if anyone is interested in making one.  One of the diaper/wipes cases are a gift, I hope the recipient likes it.

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Aug. 17, 2008 - I just finished making 8 Katrina Soakers!

They turned out really well and were super easy to make.  You can locate the pattern here, it's free.  Yesterday I made 4 in size small, which gives me a total of 12 diaper covers in that size.  I prefer to have a lot because that way if they get soiled I don't have to stress about getting them washed in time.  The smalls I made double layer and included the soaker panel because my fleece was thinner and I would rather err on the side of too much protection.

Then this morning I made 4 newborn size.  I made them with just one layer of the fleece with the added soaker panel.  It took me about an hour and a half the morning for the 4 newborn, so they are pretty quick to sew up. 

I didn't have any money to buy any fleece, so I used one of our old fleece blankets.  You know the kind that you can get really cheap?  It's not a cute print or anything, but they are cute anyway because they are small.

I haven't taken pics yet, but I will be doing that at some point today or tomorrow and posting them.

I also made nursing covers and am working on a diaper/wipe case.  After I finish my projects I'll post pics of everything at the same time.

So, if you need diaper covers but you can't afford them.  I highly reccomend the Katrina pattern.  You can use old fleece blankets that you have as long as they have a stretch (I had one that didn't stretch in any direction, couldn't use that one).  And you can make up several from one blanket.  Also, sometimes it's cheaper to buy the fleece blankets when they go on sale rather than buy the fleece at $8 a yard because the blankets can be purchased for around $7 usually and they are more than a yard.

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Aug. 14, 2008 - I had such fun this morning

This morning I printed off lots of patterns from Crochet Pattern Central.  I printed off play food patterns, to make for the girls kitchen set.  Christmas ornament patterns, and Christmas stocking patterns.  I have some handmade stockings for my children, but I would really like to have them all match so I would like to make them each new ones and one for the new baby.  And a couple other oddball patterns.  Now I will be super busy until baby comes with various crochet projects.  Yippee!

Oh I found a cute pattern for small stockings to hang on the tree.  I thought it would be neat to number them 1-25 and use them for our Christmas countdown.  A tiny treat can go inside each one for each of the children and a rolled up printed bible verse to read each day. 

Now to figure out the yarn colors I will need and squeeze out the money to buy the yarn, lol.  That's part of the fun, right?

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Aug. 12, 2008 - Which would you choose?

Would you choose a maid or full-time kitchen help?  If I had a choice I would choose full-time kitchen help.  Because really to do a good job on meal planning, cooking and being frugal you need to spend full days in there.  So, I would love to have a full-time kitchen worker that planned the meals using the budget I give them.  And they would do all the cooking and keeping the kitchen clean.  And all the meals would be nutritionally balanced.  Ahhhh, sweet relief.

I would choose this over a maid because I can't stand the thought of someone else cleaning up my families grunge.  I just feel like if we make the mess we should clean it.  And if I didn't have to spend so much time in the kitchen (doing a mediocre job I might add) I would have the extra time to spend on the cleaning details.

And the wonderful extra time I would have for my children.....

That is my silly dream-thought for today.  Now, if I suddenly came into a large sum of money to where it was doable would I actually do it?  Probably not because I'm such a control nut, lol. 

But the dream is nice....

Which would you choose?

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Aug. 11, 2008 - Okay I'm weird...

I get grossed out about used cloth diapers.  There I've said it.  It's out in the open.  I know that there are many who buy used cloth diapers to save money, or to get the fancy diapers for a more affordable price.  And if you are good with that, then great.  But honestly is just grosses me out.  I look at it in this way, I have no intention of buying used underwear at the thrift store for me or my children.  I just find it icky.  So why would I want to put used cloth diapers on my baby?  I mean diapers are lots grosser than underwear when you think about it.  Yes, I know you wash them and bleach them, but I just can't get past it.

So, there will be no used dipes on my little ones bum.  Not that I'm being a snob at all either.  Because there won't be any super cute fancy diapers on her either, lol.  Just the basic plain inexpensive cloth diapers.  And when I need to upsize I will be recycling my recieving blankets into the next size up of diapers to use as flats.  So, I'm not totally crazy.  I just can't get past the ick factor.

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Aug. 8, 2008 - Shopping at 4 a.m.

Shopping at 4 in the morning is lots of fun.  There are no other customers, and the Walmart employees are friendly....that is amazing to me, lol.  Each and every employee I passed greeted me cheerfully, I guess I could have been dressed funny, so I could have put them in good spirits....but I just think they were in general happier.

And what would normally take much longer because of other customer cart dodging, takes only a few minutes.  And it's soooo quiet you can actually think.  If you haven't gone shopping in the wee hours of the morning, then I highly reccomend it.

And today I was actually able to buy a printer cartridge.....finally.  So, I don't have to write out by hand my motivated moms daily planner....that was getting old.  I was writing each days list in a spiral notebook, lol.  I have the full size daily version with Bible readings in case you are wondering.  What a relief to not have to do that anymore.  And being the silly person that I am, I just respect a printed out list better than I do my handwritten lists.  Am I quirky or what???

Well, I had better finish printing out the patterns I am planning on making.  The nursing cover pattern, the lacy shell poncho pattern, and the fleece soaker diaper cover pattern.  I can now get started on these projects.

Yesterday I cut out the fabric pieces for my nursing covers, but somehow my bag of coordinating thread has gone missing.  So that will be on hold until I find my thread, because I'm too cheap to buy more.  I can make the fleece soakers, I have a fleece blanket that I can turn into an extra cover or two.  And I need to get started on the ponchos for Christmas gifts for my girls.

I love to keep my hands busy with creative things.

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Aug. 6, 2008 - I was super blessed today

A very special Momys sent me some adorable things for the baby and I recieved them today. 

An adorable dress, isn't it sweet?

And this beautiful blanket that I can bring baby home in.  It's so sweet and girlie pretty, lol.  The kitty likes it too.

And she also ordered me a special blanket from Bundled in Prayer.  Its so beautiful and soft and such a special blanket with the prayers that went along with the making of it.  isn't it the prettiest blanket?

It was such a treat to check the mail today and find these waiting for me.  My girls love the pretty girlie baby things and it makes them all the more excited for when baby is born.

Thank you to the special Momy that sent this to me.  You will never know how much you blessed me today.

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Aug. 6, 2008 - Okay, don't do this

Today I went to get gas in the car for my husband at 4:30 a.m.  I went so early because he leaves for work really early.  Well, today I happen to have a whole lot on my mind.  So, I figure I can put $12 of gas in the car to get my husband through until payday on Friday, then I'll have to get gas again.  Well, I'm standing there and pumping the gas and my mind wanders.  I awaken out of a daze and discover that I put in almost $26 worth of gas!  Uh-oh.  I come home and because money stuff totally stresses my husband out, I don't say anything about it.  Then I get on the computer and transfer over the money I have in another account to the one account.  Unfortunately it still isn't enough, so I will be running over to the bank today and depositing all the collected change from my purse to cover it, lol.

So, my advice to anyone getting up early in the a.m. to pump gas with limited funds?  Don't take your mind or eye off that pump!  If you do, then you too may get to do some humbling things, like deposit $2 in change to cover the difference.

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Aug. 5, 2008 - Desperation....brings good things

Today as I was dressing I couldn't find one scrunchie for my hair.  No headbands.  Nothing.  After a couple hours of pushing my long hair behind my ears I was ready to pull it all out.  So in desperation I looked in my handy crochet/knitting caddy.  Inside it I found some elastic thread that I had bought last year.  So I did a search at crochet pattern central and found lots of cute scrunchie patterns.  I chose to make myself the chain scrunchie in a nice soft pink shade.  I didn't have any ponytail elastics, so I cut my elastic thread 20", tied the ends together and then looped it until it was three strands thick.  For my daughter I chose to make the spiral scrunchie but I made the spirals shorter.  I made that one out of pink and white, also using the elastic thread.

They stay in the hair much better than the store-bought scrunchies that I have.....somewhere in this house.  This one isn't slipping out of my fine thinnish hair at all.

Now, if only I could find the title for the van that I've been looking for.....

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Aug. 3, 2008 - Today is an overtime day :)

When you are a mother, you have certain days of the year that are mandatory overtime.  Such as when the children are sick or you have to go to the ER with one of them.  Other mandatory overtime days are holidays and birthdays.  Oh, and anytime your family goes on a vacation, that is overtime too.

We all know that mothers work 24/7, but on these certain days all mothers have to step it up a notch.  We have to accomplish all of our regular things, but also have a whole extra list of things to add on.  These are our overtime days.  And we generally get paid well for our overtime days.  We get to see smiles and joy abound from all of our extra labors.

Now, I think that is well worth falling into bed twice as tired as normal.  My second daughter has a birthday today and I am determined that even without tons of money and a huge fancy party she will have happy memories.  I am going to embrace this overtime day....exhaustion and all....for the joyful memories she can cherish forever.

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Aug. 1, 2008 - My tip for today...

If you are struggling with serious fatigue as currently I am.  Then here is my tip for tackling your chore list or any mountain of a task you need to do.  Set your timer for 3-5 minutes (I can currently only do 3 minutes) and work diligently until the timer goes off.  Then take your timer, sit down somewhere to rest and set your timer for 15-25 minutes, whatever you think you need to recouperate.  I use 20 minutes.  After the timer goes off again, get up and work for another 3-5 minutes.  Do this until your chore list is complete or the project you need to do or all day whichever comes first, lol.

This helped me to tackle a mountain of a job yesterday and nearly complete it.  Today I will complete it and something extra I hope.

Just because you are suffering from something that knocks you down physically doesn't mean that the home still cannot be taken care of.  This something I'm learning as I walk through this exhaustion.  I have never in my life felt as awful as I do now, but God is good and He carries us through it and directs our steps.  Even in the midst of the fatigue He is teaching me to run my home.

The Lord is teaching me:

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

Even in the midst of health issues, I can still watch over my household and I don't have to be idle.

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Jul. 31, 2008 - Needle crafts with litte ones awake...

I have been working on some crochet projects recently and I just have to laugh when I realize how many times I have to pull something out because of interruptions.  Usually only my girls will interrupt me when I am counting out something, but occassionally my boys will too.  It's just funny how many times I have to restart something. 

I'm sure you are thinking, "why don't you just work on them when the children are asleep"?  Let me share with you my reasons.  First, sleep is a precious commodity to me lately, so when the children are sleeping you can bet I am too.  And second, when things get a little crazy or have been a little crazy some needle work keeps me calm.  And during school time, the needle work can help prevent me from being frustrated if I have to explain over and over the same thing 10 different ways  So, that is why I don't do it when the children are sleeping. 

I do find it amazing that anything gets completed at all.  And sometimes I start things that after multiple restarts I just scrap and don't bother to actually finish, lol.

So, do you restart your needle craft projects over and over?

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Jul. 30, 2008 - If the ax is dull...

If the ax is dull and it's edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.  Ecclesiastes 10:10

As I read this verse yesterday I couldn't help but think about what it meant.  It didn't mean, throw away the ax and go buy a new one.  It didn't mean just give up, it's hopeless.  It means it takes more strength and knowlege, but you can succeed, even with worthless tools.

As I read this verse I realized that there is no excuse for a home in disorder because it's small, or because it isn't arranged in a manner that makes sense.  There is no excuse because "my house makes it hard to keep clean".  No, it just means that I have to have more strength and diligence and that I have to learn more.  I need to seek out solutions to work with what I have. 

So my interpretations of this verse today is:

If my house is small and arranged poorly, more strength and energy is needed, but with skill I can have an orderly home.

What do you think?  Does God give us an excuse, or does He make it clear we need to stop whining

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Jul. 29, 2008 - Trying to get back into the swing of things

This pregnancy the morning sickness totally knocked me down.  I could barely function....I didn't cook and the children did most of the cleaning.  I kept enough clean laundry to keep everyone clothed.  I'm sure it was worse because of being anemic, but I didn't know that until the nausea was past.

Anyway, this past month I have gotten back into the swing of things as far as cooking and getting some laundry done daily, and getting school done.  But as far a my regular cleaning routine, I haven't gotten back into that yet.

So, this week I have a schedule written up and I'm bound and determined to follow it.  Each day has it's chores and menu planned out.  Now if I can stay awake (my iron pills have wandered off again...where DID I put them??), and keep my hands from getting bogged down in my crafts then I will be able to accomplish this.  I will be totally exhausted during the transition though, as it takes barely anything to wipe me out lately.

So, if you think of me this week, say a quick prayer that I will be able to be strong for my tasks and get myself back into a chore routine that will keep our home much more liveable, lol.

And I will remind myself that:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

I will abound in every good work

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Jul. 28, 2008 - What I made for the new baby...

I bought this pattern book and made these items from it:

Blanket and matching bear lovie

Bear lovie. 

The blanket I followed the pattern exactly, but the lovie I combined the teddy bear pattern and took what I learned in making the blanket.

My girlies all love it and want one for their very own.

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Jul. 28, 2008 - Sometimes silence is the best way to go

Marriage is great, good and......hard.  It wonderful to be loved, to spend time with your best friend and so good to bear children out of the love you share.  But marriage is also hard.

As my husband struggles with his own growing issues, it causes me to grow also.  It gives me oppurtunity to love even when it's maybe not reciprocated at the moment.  To learn to love my husband and bless him without receiving anything in return.  Because honestly sometimes I do something great for my husband and get absolutely no response for it.  And it shows me exactly how ugly my flesh really is, when it gets upset about it.  It causes me to realize that my motives weren't pure in blessing my husband....I wanted a reward.

Marriage also makes you realize that silence is sometimes the best option.  For instance, voicing irritation over trivial things does not bring the husband and wife closer.  Only overlooking minor and sometimes major irritations in grace and love will bring the husband and wife closer to one another. 

The common wisdom of the world says to "communicate".   If your husband says something insensitively or in anger that hurts you.  Talk about it, communicate.  If something he does irritates you....communicate.  I have to say that I disagree.  I think in most instances it's an oppurtunity to overlook an offense and keep peace.  How many large arguments are started over something truly trivial that doesn't really matter?  There is a right time to speak about hurts, but not constantly and only in the right setting.  Almost never in the heat of the moment.  And if it's something that you know your spouse isn't willing to change then why even bring it up?  Why beat a dead horse?  Let it go, give it to the Lord and move on.  The Lord can work in your heart about it.....don't worry about your husband's heart.

And what if you are the only one that is overlooking offenses and your husband isn't?  That's a hard place to be, and yet your responsibility before the Lord is still to overlook the offense and to focus on blessing the offender.

Marriage is wonderful.....an oppurtunity to learn to die to yourself on a more regular basis.  Let's not forget that in the day to day struggle for "me".  Let's remember our calling to die to our flesh and serve the Lord.  Let's remember the words of 1 Corinthian's 13.

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Jul. 25, 2008 - Now how about that?

Yesterday I checked the mail and received a package from Little-Lions again.  It wasn't a surprise as I was waiting for two remaining diaper covers that had been backordered.  What was a surprise was to open it and find a fitted diaper in addition to my two covers!  It was a nice surprise, lol.

I had been wondering about these because they are very affordable and I thought they would make great diaper bag dipes, or even overnight dipes.  But I wasn't sure because you can only tell so much from the picture and description.

Well, after holding one in my hand I think it's a great diaper.  It is soooo soft and cushy.  I have one leftover Motherease one-size diaper from previous babies, and this has more thickness than that diaper as a comparison, so I anticipate it being more absorbant.  My ME I never considered super absorbant for a heavy wetter.  It seems sized generous, so if you wanted them to fit your newborn you would totally need the newborn size.  Unless you wanted to do some creative folding and didn't mind the extra bulk.

And pricing is fantastic!  They have a special where you buy 2 you get one free.  That makes them $6 each.  Such a deal.  And if you want them a bit fancier they do have colored versions, but they aren't included in the sale.

My thoughts are that I think I will try to get some of these when I can afford it.  This paycheck it won't happen as we have a birthday coming.  Yay!  But next paycheck.....you never know

I have to say that my experience with Little-Lions this far has been excellent, and I highly reccomend them.

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