I thought it would be neat to have this section dedicated to all the moms out there. There are so many things lately that I've come across and I find myself saying "Why didn't I discover this 4 kids ago?" So, anytime I find something that I think is interesting, fun, or even dull, I'm going to add it here!
WINDOWS
If you are a mom that has boys, this info is for you. How many times have you told your boys not to play ball in the house? Well, it's eventually going to happen whether they are inside or out - a window is going to get broke. Some places can take up to a month to get a new window in. We recommend Corydon Glass & Mirror, especially if you are on a budget or in a hurry. They do an AWESOME job! Not only do they have great workmanship, they are also very reasonable priced, friendly, and lightning quick. If you need mirror or window repaired/replacement - they are the ones to call!
FACEBOOK
Hey - We're on facebook now! http://www.facebook.com
QUICK FLOOR CARE
I did love Swiffer, and I tried the new swiffer sweep-n-vac. It does awesome for dust and small particles. But, I'm a mom, and what about the smashed cereal and clumps of mud? If I have to sweep with a broom before I use it, what's the point? So I got a rechargable 2 speed Shark vaccum. It does a pretty good job, and its easy to grab - no cords. I still have trouble with ball cereal - like Kix and Cocoa Puffs, just because they roll away when you try to go over them. It doesn't take the place of my regular vaccum, but it is a very easy quick cleaner - I love it. I also use the Shark Steam mop - love it too. It really gets the grime up. The only down is the cord, but it is worth it, no more dunking and wringing in dirty water, and it only uses water - no chemicals. Even more: The vaccum uses no bags, and the mop has two machine washable pads with it. No buying accessories every week like with swiffer. Thumbs up Shark!
HEALTHCARE
Well, I know healthcare isn't just a mom thing. I just had to post something about it. I was folding my normal 5 loads of laundry in the living room, so I clicked on the TV. There was a documentary film on (I'm really not big on those), but I was busy and I never really watch TV anyhow. This film was called "Sicko" - it's about healthcare in America. When I was done folding laundry, I sat there and I watched the rest of this film because it was so interesting. Did you know that the US is 30 something on the list for healthcare? Did you know that in other countries (like France and Canada to name a few) they have FREE healthcare for EVERYONE. And the doctors are paid better (Government paid) with additional bonuses if their patients' health improves. WOW! If you live in France and got sick with cancer, and had to be off for 3-4 months for treatment, they will pay 100% of your salary while you are getting well (I think they said 60% gov and 40% employer to make it 100%). There is a miniumum of 5 weeks paid vacation at every job, and unlimited paid sick days. Now people in US cannot afford to take off when we get sick, because that's an additional (and high$$$$$) bill we have to pay. We work while we're sick to keep our head above water, and then we get sicker, and therefore we have a shorter life span than these other countries, and a more stressful life. We have limited sick days and we're lucky if we have 2 weeks paid vacation a year. Hmmm....I think we could learn something from this - this is a REAL eye opener for me. I've been proud of the US as much as anyone (God bless the soldiers, I am so thankful for them), but we are the land of the free .....and we take care of one another.....don't we?
LOTS OF KIDS - NO SPACE?
There is always room for more children. It dosen't matter if you live in a 2 bedroom or 12 bedroom home. We actually just built a unique bunk bed. It is four high. Besides taking up less space - the kids think it is SOOOO COOOL! We also made some shelves for laundry baskets. It is 3 baskets wide and 4 baskets high. We can organize the kids clothes in this instead of buying space consuming dressers. It was cheaper, and it saves space in the closet for clothes that need to be hung up!
BABY SOAP
Oh I love Burt's Bees! I have been using all the baby products for years and love them. I also like the cuticle cream. It smells good and really softens them - now to find time when I can use it more!
SIPPY CUPS/JUICE
For moms of toddlers: Are you tired of spill proof sippies that aren't spill proof? Or sippies that are too much like bottles? ME TOO! Last night at Paoli Walmart I came across a "tummytickler". The toppers really are spill proof and your child dosen't have to suck his jaw cheeks off to get the juice to come out. Augie loves them. Did I mention they are 100% juice with no artificial sweeteners? The containers are even reusable and dishwasher safe! See them in detail at http://www.tummytickler.com
Yeah - they really are that good!
SANITY
How do I keep my sanity? Two words. Trust God. He has a bigger plan for us then we have for ourselves. Oh, now I'm not saying I'm the perfect christian - I am nowhere near perfect. On another note, I have found some music that really helps me feel closer to God. It also helps me keep my sanity when I have 3 kids screaming, the phone and fax ringing, another needing help with homework, and one due at practice. My favorite song is "I will trust in You". You can find a sample of these scripture songs here: http://www.generationcedar.com
Parenting isn't always easy, but remember that children are a gift from the Lord!
SIBLING FIGHTS AT DINNER
Hey, that's my cup! Ughh - more fighting over cups and plates. Well, I got rid of all of the kids plates and cups. We went to walmart and purchased the cheap plastic cups/plates/bowls. Now each kid has their own color. Augie is light blue, Ken is pink, Dawson is green, Gunner is yellow, and Wyatt is navy blue. Lord, please give warning if You are going to bless us with more kids than there are colors!
FIGHTS OVER GAMEBOY/DS GAMES!
Ughhh - we were so tired of kids losing their games, or arguing over who has whose game. I took a 3 ring binder, baseball card sleeves, regular paper (with one game name per sheet printed at the top), and made a checkout system. When the kids want a new game, they have to sign it out. Simply crossout your name on the old one traded in. Voila - problem solved!
DISCIPLINE
Well, we're tired of the same old discipline methods. Take this away, stand in the corner, blah... blah... blah... We have had enough. Can we go on strike? Well, sort of! I have to giggle as I type this.....Wyatt and Gunner had backtalked for the upteenth time and would not follow instructions. Dwight was done with it, and so was I. We took a small spray bottle filled with water, waited until the next rude comment/backtalk, and BLAST - one squirt right in the face! Well, Gunner's reaction was a bellyroll laugh. Wyatt's was one of shock and disbelief, followed by giggling and trying to wrestle us down. It may not have been the nicest thing to do, but they listened after that, and we had a great time! It really broke the grumpy mood in the house for everyone! Although....maybe I should sleep with one eye open?
BEDTIME WETTERS
Bedtime Wetters out there? We had been using Pull-Ups for bedtime. I was tired of paying month after month for something I was going to throw away, and they still wet through to their bed. The pull-ups have kept our kids feeling dry, so they didn't even know they were going in their pants through the night - until they had completely soaked through. We bought some "All Night Nikkys". Gotta say we LOVE THEM! Yes, sometimes the kids still pee through - but no more than they did with the Pull-Ups. The only difference is that we can wash and reuse these, and the kids can feel when they have an "accident". Sissy hardly ever pees during the night now - it took about 2 weeks of wearing these. Dawson still has accidents about 1/2 the time, but it was EVERY night before we started using the Nikkys. You can find them at http://www.babyworks.com
Bye-bye Pull-Ups!
CLOTH DIAPERS
OK - I know there are not many cloth diapering mamas around this area. But after 5 years, I have finally found the PERFECT CLOTH DIAPER! They are called "rainforest babies". The liner snaps out, and if the cover isn't soiled you simply snap another liner in. These diapers are reasonable priced and dry so quickly. No more drying over and over, and then hanging to dry. Heavy wetter? Bedtime wetting? Simply use the wrap doubler. I've never had a softer, more trim diaper than Rainforest Babies. I truly love these more than disposables and no more diaper rash! These are GREAT! http://www.rainforestbabies.com
WINDOWS
If you are a mom that has boys, this info is for you. How many times have you told your boys not to play ball in the house? Well, it's eventually going to happen whether they are inside or out - a window is going to get broke. Some places can take up to a month to get a new window in. We recommend Corydon Glass & Mirror, especially if you are on a budget or in a hurry. They do an AWESOME job! Not only do they have great workmanship, they are also very reasonable priced, friendly, and lightning quick. If you need mirror or window repaired/replacement - they are the ones to call!
Hey - We're on facebook now! http://www.facebook.com
QUICK FLOOR CARE
I did love Swiffer, and I tried the new swiffer sweep-n-vac. It does awesome for dust and small particles. But, I'm a mom, and what about the smashed cereal and clumps of mud? If I have to sweep with a broom before I use it, what's the point? So I got a rechargable 2 speed Shark vaccum. It does a pretty good job, and its easy to grab - no cords. I still have trouble with ball cereal - like Kix and Cocoa Puffs, just because they roll away when you try to go over them. It doesn't take the place of my regular vaccum, but it is a very easy quick cleaner - I love it. I also use the Shark Steam mop - love it too. It really gets the grime up. The only down is the cord, but it is worth it, no more dunking and wringing in dirty water, and it only uses water - no chemicals. Even more: The vaccum uses no bags, and the mop has two machine washable pads with it. No buying accessories every week like with swiffer. Thumbs up Shark!
HEALTHCARE
Well, I know healthcare isn't just a mom thing. I just had to post something about it. I was folding my normal 5 loads of laundry in the living room, so I clicked on the TV. There was a documentary film on (I'm really not big on those), but I was busy and I never really watch TV anyhow. This film was called "Sicko" - it's about healthcare in America. When I was done folding laundry, I sat there and I watched the rest of this film because it was so interesting. Did you know that the US is 30 something on the list for healthcare? Did you know that in other countries (like France and Canada to name a few) they have FREE healthcare for EVERYONE. And the doctors are paid better (Government paid) with additional bonuses if their patients' health improves. WOW! If you live in France and got sick with cancer, and had to be off for 3-4 months for treatment, they will pay 100% of your salary while you are getting well (I think they said 60% gov and 40% employer to make it 100%). There is a miniumum of 5 weeks paid vacation at every job, and unlimited paid sick days. Now people in US cannot afford to take off when we get sick, because that's an additional (and high$$$$$) bill we have to pay. We work while we're sick to keep our head above water, and then we get sicker, and therefore we have a shorter life span than these other countries, and a more stressful life. We have limited sick days and we're lucky if we have 2 weeks paid vacation a year. Hmmm....I think we could learn something from this - this is a REAL eye opener for me. I've been proud of the US as much as anyone (God bless the soldiers, I am so thankful for them), but we are the land of the free .....and we take care of one another.....don't we?
LOTS OF KIDS - NO SPACE?
There is always room for more children. It dosen't matter if you live in a 2 bedroom or 12 bedroom home. We actually just built a unique bunk bed. It is four high. Besides taking up less space - the kids think it is SOOOO COOOL! We also made some shelves for laundry baskets. It is 3 baskets wide and 4 baskets high. We can organize the kids clothes in this instead of buying space consuming dressers. It was cheaper, and it saves space in the closet for clothes that need to be hung up!
BABY SOAP
Oh I love Burt's Bees! I have been using all the baby products for years and love them. I also like the cuticle cream. It smells good and really softens them - now to find time when I can use it more!
SIPPY CUPS/JUICE
For moms of toddlers: Are you tired of spill proof sippies that aren't spill proof? Or sippies that are too much like bottles? ME TOO! Last night at Paoli Walmart I came across a "tummytickler". The toppers really are spill proof and your child dosen't have to suck his jaw cheeks off to get the juice to come out. Augie loves them. Did I mention they are 100% juice with no artificial sweeteners? The containers are even reusable and dishwasher safe! See them in detail at http://www.tummytickler.com
Yeah - they really are that good!
SANITY
How do I keep my sanity? Two words. Trust God. He has a bigger plan for us then we have for ourselves. Oh, now I'm not saying I'm the perfect christian - I am nowhere near perfect. On another note, I have found some music that really helps me feel closer to God. It also helps me keep my sanity when I have 3 kids screaming, the phone and fax ringing, another needing help with homework, and one due at practice. My favorite song is "I will trust in You". You can find a sample of these scripture songs here: http://www.generationcedar.com
Parenting isn't always easy, but remember that children are a gift from the Lord!
SIBLING FIGHTS AT DINNER
Hey, that's my cup! Ughh - more fighting over cups and plates. Well, I got rid of all of the kids plates and cups. We went to walmart and purchased the cheap plastic cups/plates/bowls. Now each kid has their own color. Augie is light blue, Ken is pink, Dawson is green, Gunner is yellow, and Wyatt is navy blue. Lord, please give warning if You are going to bless us with more kids than there are colors!
FIGHTS OVER GAMEBOY/DS GAMES!
Ughhh - we were so tired of kids losing their games, or arguing over who has whose game. I took a 3 ring binder, baseball card sleeves, regular paper (with one game name per sheet printed at the top), and made a checkout system. When the kids want a new game, they have to sign it out. Simply crossout your name on the old one traded in. Voila - problem solved!
DISCIPLINE
Well, we're tired of the same old discipline methods. Take this away, stand in the corner, blah... blah... blah... We have had enough. Can we go on strike? Well, sort of! I have to giggle as I type this.....Wyatt and Gunner had backtalked for the upteenth time and would not follow instructions. Dwight was done with it, and so was I. We took a small spray bottle filled with water, waited until the next rude comment/backtalk, and BLAST - one squirt right in the face! Well, Gunner's reaction was a bellyroll laugh. Wyatt's was one of shock and disbelief, followed by giggling and trying to wrestle us down. It may not have been the nicest thing to do, but they listened after that, and we had a great time! It really broke the grumpy mood in the house for everyone! Although....maybe I should sleep with one eye open?
BEDTIME WETTERS
Bedtime Wetters out there? We had been using Pull-Ups for bedtime. I was tired of paying month after month for something I was going to throw away, and they still wet through to their bed. The pull-ups have kept our kids feeling dry, so they didn't even know they were going in their pants through the night - until they had completely soaked through. We bought some "All Night Nikkys". Gotta say we LOVE THEM! Yes, sometimes the kids still pee through - but no more than they did with the Pull-Ups. The only difference is that we can wash and reuse these, and the kids can feel when they have an "accident". Sissy hardly ever pees during the night now - it took about 2 weeks of wearing these. Dawson still has accidents about 1/2 the time, but it was EVERY night before we started using the Nikkys. You can find them at http://www.babyworks.com
Bye-bye Pull-Ups!
CLOTH DIAPERS
OK - I know there are not many cloth diapering mamas around this area. But after 5 years, I have finally found the PERFECT CLOTH DIAPER! They are called "rainforest babies". The liner snaps out, and if the cover isn't soiled you simply snap another liner in. These diapers are reasonable priced and dry so quickly. No more drying over and over, and then hanging to dry. Heavy wetter? Bedtime wetting? Simply use the wrap doubler. I've never had a softer, more trim diaper than Rainforest Babies. I truly love these more than disposables and no more diaper rash! These are GREAT! http://www.rainforestbabies.com
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