Trip Update

Bags are packed, house is cleaned (okay, not really...but it's better then it was) and we are ready to go!

Baby J got tired of watching me pack and decided to take a nap

We leave bright and early tomorrow morning around 6:30am. I have been up since 4:30am this morning. I woke up with my mind in a whirlwind and have been cleaning, packing, and taking care of all the little details. I am excited! I can't wait.

We even got word that my husband's Grandma is making improvement. This is such good news. She is still in the hospital but it will be nice to visit with her feeling better. On this trip we also plan to visit friends in Olympia and are going to take a 2 day Seattle trip. Space Needle, Rain Forest Cafe, the ocean..... I can't wait.

I will try and let you all know that we arrived safe once we get settled in at my in-laws house. Until then, remember to pray for traveling mercies.

~Beth

Do You See The Resemblance?

Today I gave baby E a bath, washed his hair and then let him play. After a while I looked over at him and started to laugh. He looked like a Munchkin from the Wizard of Oz!!! I called my oldest son to bring the camera. We all got a good laugh.

1.29.2010

If You Think We're Cute Then Vote For Us!

I entered E & J in the Happy Heiney's Baby Of The Month photo contest this month. There is only 2 more days to vote after today. The way the voting works is you go to the link (below) click where it says "Cast Your Vote" and then rate each baby's picture. You rate them 1-5. Rating a 5 gives a vote, but you have to rate each baby for the vote to count. At the end it will say, "Thank you for voting". It really only takes 1 minute and there is not many pictures entered.

Click here to go vote:

http://www.happyheinys.com/contest/current_contests.php

Project 365- Day 27

With You Each Day Is Special....

1.27.2010

ERGO Baby Carrier, Back Pack and Front Pouch WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ORGANIC MOM!!

She was comment #183 and left this comment....

OrganicMom said...

I subscribe through feedburner #1

organicmom@rocketmail.com

January 2, 2010 9:07 PM

Winner has been notified by email and has 48 hours to claim
her prize or a new winner will be drawn.

Dad Gear Backpack WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOY!!

She was comment# 225 and left this comment...

Joy said...

We like the Concentric Circles the very best and he said these diaper bags are awesome.
maddclan5 at aol dot com

January 12, 2010 10:22 AM

Winner has been contacted by email and
has 48 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be drawn.

Wordless Wednesday

My babies are so smart...look at them giving the sign for "eat".
Just kidding, it's merely coincidence. I don't know why they found their hands so tasty, but I swear I did not put sugar on them!

1.26.2010

Can you believe how big baby J has gotten? He is catching up to his brother! E is tiny, only 18 pounds and 28 3/4 inches tall and he is almost 2. J is now almost 3 months and is 12 pounds and 22 inches long. *sigh* They grow up to fast!

Lily Padz Review

Lily Padz are the revolutionary alternative to traditional nursing pads combining such unique features as flexibility, breathability, invisibliity, and "sticks-to-you-ability" to provide the kind of protection every expectant and nursing mother needs.

How They Work:
LilyPadz apply a gentle pressure on the nipple to stop breast milk leakage while they are properly in place. LilyPadz have a unique and tacky lining so they adhere gently to your skin without the use of any adhesives.

Lily Padz History:
Lily Padz were invented by a young mother of three who knew there had to be an alternative to unsighlty, inconvienient and costly disposible nursing pads..and she was right!


My Experience:
I have never been a fan of nursing pads. They do not stop breast leakage, but only function by absorbing breast milk. I don't know about you, but I do not want to walk around with soggy pads in my bra. The other part I can't stand is the extra bulk. Most nursing moms feel a little embarrassed by their increased breast size while nursing. Do we really need padding as well?

When I first discovered Lily Padz I was so intrigued! Wouldn't it be nice to have a washable nursing pad that did not add bulk whatsoever and that actually prevented leaks??? I knew I had to try them.

Lily Padz sent me a pair of Lily Padz for review and I was thrilled. I was amazed at how thin and soft the Lily Padz are. They are simple to use and adhere well. One of the most impressive features of the Lily Padz is how light weight they are. Honestly when I wear them I forget I have them on. I have a funny story about this too.

I had on my Lily Padz one day when I took my two oldest children to their piano lessons. While I was there I needed to nurse my baby. I put on my nursing cover and proceeded to put baby J to my breast. Well, he was frantically moving his face back and forth and I was stumped as to why he could not get latched on. Then I remembered... I had on my Lily Padz!! It was pretty funny.

I have been so pleased with Lily Padz. I will not ever go back to traditional nursing pads again.

Features You Will Love:

• Lily Padz are washable. They dry fast and can be used again and again.
  
• You can swim with Lily Padz on! (How awesome is that)
• You can go braless with Lily Padz. Whoo-hoo!
• Lily Padz protect the nipple from excess moisture.

Where to Buy:

You can purchase Lily Padz directly from their site. Click here. You can also purchase them from many retailers. Find a store near you with Lily Padz store locater.

Project 365- Day 25

Yesterday I gave Mr. E a bath. Afterward I went to get a diaper and clean clothes. When I came back this is what I found....

A naked baby buzzing around
the living room with his push walker!
He was quite proud of himself too :-)

1.25.2010

A Solution

Last Thursday for my Fluff Talk Thursdays post, I wrote about how I was frustrated with my current cloth diaper storage method. One of my readers (Lynifer) left a comment and suggested I use one of the drawers of baby J's dresser for the diapers.

Why hadn't I thought of that? What a simple solution! After all.. I am using his dresser for a changing station. On top of this I already had a bunch of extra diaper liners, towels, etc in the bottom drawer.

I emptied out the bottom drawer, lowered everything by 1 drawer, filled the top drawer with both E & J's diapers and then put all the extra diaper liners in that cloth covered basket. I will put the bath towels, etc in our families linen closet. As for E's diaper stacker that hangs on his crib... I will use it for disposable diapers. We most always have those on hand, but they are not used as much.

Viola! This will work for now until I need the dresser space or until we actually have room for better storage. Thanks Lynifer!

Having to take a Bloggy Break

I wanted you all to know that beginning this Friday I am going to be taking a 2 week blog break. My family and I are flying to Washington state Saturday morning. My husband's 88 year old Grandma is very sick with Pneumonia and has been in the hospital the past few weeks. They are unsure if she will pull through this.

Grandma wrote in her Christmas card to us that she can't wait to meet her two new Grandsons. We are determined to make this happen! It may not be a quality visit we would hope to have, but seeing her face once more will make the trip all worth while.

We will return home on February 13th. Due to our current circumstances I am going to be ending the ERGO giveaway a bit early. It will now end on Wednesday the 27th at 8pm MST along with the Dad Gear backpack. I will make changes to my review post and sidebar as a reminder. I will have the winners for these two giveaways announced by Thursday.

As for the Contours mattress, I will announce the winner for that giveaway when I return home. I will have lots of updates, pictures, etc. to share with you all when I get back. I will also have a fun event to announce as well as a few great giveaways for you! So don't forget me while I am gone...I will be back!

PS- Please pray for safe travels for our family. We have to drive 4 hours over snowy mountains to get to the airport and then have a 3 hour flight. Also pray that we will all remain healthy. We cannot see Grandma if any of us are sick. And last but not least pray Grandma gets better! We would love this to happen more than anything.

Blessings,
Beth

Project 365- Day 24

Sunday was a day out with Mr. C
Lunch at Texas Road House,
to the movies to see Chipmunks,
and ending with a Frappaccino at Starbucks!
Fun Times.

1.24.2010

Project 365- Day 23

Saturday Baby J was feeling much better and gave me lots of adorable smiles!

1.23.10

Project 365- Day 22

Friday was another sick day at home.
See how miserable they look!

Trying to comfort my babies

1.22.10

Urban Fluff iCandy Cloth Diaper WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO GLENDA!!!

She left comment #157...

glenda09 said...

I earned the 5 extra entries for Grabbing your Blessed Event button #2

glenda.a.silva@gmail.com

January 12, 2010 10:36 AM

Winner has been notified by email and has 48 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be drawn. Thank you to all who entered!

Fluff Talk Thursday #14

How I Store My Cloth Diapers

To be honest with you, the reason I chose this topic was not because I have discovered the best way to store my cloth diapers and wanted to show you all. It is because I need help! We live in a small 1,300 square foot house that we out grew quite some time ago. My two babies do not have their own rooms. Right now we have baby J in his bassinet in our bedroom and Mr. E in his crib in his sisters room. I dream about the day when we are able to buy a bigger house and J & E have their very own cute little boys room. Until then... I am trying to figure out ways to be organized with very little space.

Here is how I am currently storing their diapers:

*Click on collage to enlarge*

How do you do it? Do you have any tips for me?

I suppose the part I do not like about our current system is that J's basket is on the floor making it hard to reach a diaper while changing and E's diapers are not in the same room as the changing table. It's not working for me.


Your Assignment For Today:

Topic is: "How I Store My Cloth Diapers"
Tell us all how you store your cloth diapers. We love to see pictures, so be sure to include some in your post. Don't forget to Grab my Fluff Talk Thursday Banner for your post (can be found at my right side bar) Then come back and link up your post for all to read.

Next Fluff Talk Thursday will be February 18th

Topic is: Miracle Diapers- ways we can help those in need

*Due to the fact that my family and I will be out of town for the first 2 weeks in February (more about that later) there will not be a Fluff Talk Thursday on the 4th of Feb.*



To see the last Fluff Talk Thursday Post click here.
Instructions for Fluff Talk Thursdays, click here.

Project 365- Day 19

Just Another Homeschool Day

1.19.10

Layla Grayce and Skip Hop Diaper Bag Review

Have you ever wished there was a store that carried all

the beautiful essentials for your home,
your children, and you all in one?

There is!

Let me introduce you to Layla Grayce.

Layla Grayce is an online boutique that carries a gorgeous selection of bedding, furniture, lighting, clothing, jewelry, diaper bags, pajamas and more. Everything you can possibly imagine!

How Layla Grayce Began:

(From their site)

Layla Grayce is the brainchild of Wendy Rossiter Estes and Tiffany Pyne Harris, lifelong friends with a passion for business and design and a love for discovering unique items. Traveling through Europe after college, they were inspired by the antiques, art and furnishings of the countries they visited. Years passed as they started families and worked on their individual careers, designing homes and interiors for clients, friends and family along the way. Encouraged to share their talents and finds with others, they created Layla Grayce.

Together they have selected a remarkable collection of items for home, women and children, carefully selecting every product, artisan and manufacturer to ensure their business philosophies and craftsmanship are worthy of your home and lifestyle. Never mainstream but always functional, Layla Grayce products are designed for longevity – everyday heirlooms that can be passed on to future generations. For everyone dedicated to creating an inspired haven that reflects a stylish, creative take on lifestyle, we bring you Layla Grayce.

Dwell Studio Crib Bedding

Isn't this the most adorable baby nursery?

Layla Grayce recently gave me the opportunity to try out one of their awesome Skip Hop diaper bags. I chose the Messenger Bag in Lime Color. I love this diaper bag! It is stylish yet casual enough for everyday use. It has a lot of convenient features that helps you stay organized. It has eighteen pockets for everything you need when your out with your baby. There are bottle pockets, compartments for food, cups, toys and more. There's also a special pocket protected by Agion antimicrobial lining which helps reduce odor-causing bacteria. This is nice for stashing away those clothes that were leaked or spit up on.

Additional features:

• Hangs neatly on a stroller & can be worn over the shoulder
• Patent pending Shuttle Clips make the VIA the ultimate stroller bag - either leave the shoulder strap attached or remove it for a cleaner look
• Two sets of hidden magnets allow the flap to close in different ways
• Pocket protected by Agion antimicrobial lining helps reduce odor-causing bacteria
• Shoulder strap includes soft, removable shoulder pad
• Cushioned changing pad
• Eighteen large pockets including seven zippered pockets and personal pocket with key fob
• Bottle pockets inside & out for up to four bottles or sippy cups
• Contrasting lining makes it easy to find everything inside
• Sturdy bottom and nickel feet keep it off the ground
• Dimensions (inches): 15" wide x 11.5" high x 5" deep
  

The Skip Hop Via Messenger Diaper Bags cost $79 at Layla Grayce and ships for free. You will not be disappointed in this bag, it is worth every penny!

What is your favorite Layla Grayce product?

Follow Layla Grayce on Twitter and tweet about it. You can also visit Layla Grayce's blog for updates on all the latest products, sales, and information. Click here.

Wordless Wednesday- When Husband's Do Laundry

When husband's do laundry (at least my husband), the clean clothes come out of the dryer and are thrown onto the bed forming a massive mountain of laundry. So much for no wrinkles!

Then they are sorted out on the bed....
Men can even multi-task!
Look here he watched the baby and separated laundry at the same time!

But the BEST thing about when husband's do laundry....
THEY GET THE JOB DONE!!!

My laundry closet hasn't been this clean in months!
I never seem to be caught up.
Thank You Honey! I love you ;-)

Project 365- Day 18

Today I dragged out our Baby Einstein mat and Baby J LOVED it.

1.18.2010

After awhile though... he was a bit freaked out!

Project 365- The Weekend

Our weekend was spent lounging around the house. Friday night our two oldest kids started to complain of soar throats and headaches and by Saturday morning were both coughing and looking awful. So we kicked back, watched movies, played games, and stayed in our pajamas far to long.

Day 16-

Mr. E all smiles.
He was in such a good mood.
Now he is sick and running a fever today. :-(

1.16.2010

He played with his little people for so long.
(And the Nutcracker too!)

1.17.2010
Baby J taking a Sunday nap with Daddy

Whole Wheat Banana Muffins Recipe and Day 15 of Project 365

Whole Wheat Banana Muffins
1.15.2010

The Recipe

• 1 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 3 Bananas, mashed (I use my hand mixer to get them extra smooth)
• 3/4 Cup Rapadura or Sucanat (natural sweetners) (I have been using Organic Blue Agave)
• 1 Egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup Butter or Coconut Oil, melted

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees . Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.

2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.

3. Sprinkle tops of muffins with cinnamon and sugar.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

These are the BEST muffins.
Super moist, easy to make and best of all good for you!

Wee Squeak Baby Shoes WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHELLEY!!!

She was comment # 181 and left this comment...

Shelley said...

I follow your blog publicly #2
sc_crocker at yahoo dot com

January 6, 2010 1:30 PM

Winner has been contacted and has 48 hours to respond
or a new winner will be drawn.

Daddy Diaper Event

Starting February 1st Annie at Mama Dweeb blog will be hosting a cloth diaper event. All reviews will be given by her husband and on camera! I am excited about this. Not only are cloth diaper events always so much fun, but I think it is a hoot that her husband is doing the reviews. I am sure it will be entertaining as well.

So, head over to Mama Dweeb...If you blog and grab her Daddy Diaper Event Banner you earn 10 extra entries per giveaway!!!

Let's Help Make A Difference!

Kolcraft is partnering with the charity KIDS who has a relief fund for Haitian children who are affected by the earthquake to raise funds through a silent auction. This silent auction features products from Kolcraft's Contours Line which are awesome products.

The silent auction is held on their Facebook Fan Page and will end Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 4:00 pm CST.Winning bidders will make their contribution to KIDS relief fund for the children of Haiti and product will then be shipped to them. http://www.kidsdonations.org/news_pr_011310.htm You can also fan KIDS on their Facebook page!


Please feel free to copy my post and post it on your blog as well and lets spread the word! Thank you!!

Friday Photo Flashback- Swimsuit Edition

Chari at Take Time To Smell The Rose blog posted about this fun meme today. I thought I would join in. I love looking back at our old photos and thought you might get a kick out of seeing some too. Here I am at age eight sporting a lovely hippopotamus swimsuit. ;-) The only picture of me in a swimsuit you will ever see!!

Project 365- Day 14 and a Recipe

1.14.2010
Our Dinner

Homemade Beef Stroganoff

It was delicious!! I love this stuff.
Here is the recipe...

1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak
1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (4 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups hot cooked noodles (I use egg noodles)

1. Trim fat from meat. Partially freeze beef. Thinly slice across the grain into bite-size strips. In a small mixing bowl stir together sour cream and flour. Stir in water, bouillon granules, and pepper. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet cook and stir half of the meat in hot margarine or butter over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or to desired doneness. Remove from skillet. Add remaining meat, mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cook and stir till meat reaches desired doneness. Drain off fat. Return all meat and vegetables to skillet.

3. Stir flour mixture into skillet. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Serve over noodles. Makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Recipe from: The Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book

*I double this recipe. My husband likes to take leftovers to work for lunch. I also cook a whole bag of egg noodles when making this recipe and mix the meat & sauce mixture with the noodles. I find that if I serve the sauce and noodles separate, everyone takes too much sauce. We then end up throwing away a whole bowl of extra noodles. This way you get more out of the recipe. You gotta think resourceful ladies! ~Beth*

Project 365

Tonight as I was browsing some blogs I saw the coolest idea! Project 365. I am unsure who started this project in the beginning but thought it would be so fun to join in. I know we are almost 2 weeks into January and I have missed the first part of this challenge, but looking through my pictures I actually did take a picture almost everyday.

What is Project 365 you ask? Well, apparently you take a picture and post it everyday for one whole year. I am real excited to do this. Not only will this help me touch up on my photography (and force me to learn how to use our Canon Rebel) but will also be so fun to look back on at the end of the year. Be warned though I may bore you all with a TON of baby pictures. ;-)

Here is my catch up photos....

1.1.2010
The Ergo

1.2.2010
A Trip To the Museum

1.3.2010
2 Months Old

1.6.2010
Dad Gear Photo Shoot

1.8.2010
No more pictures of my fluff butt, Mom!

1.9.2010
Eat your heart out Linus!!

1.10 2010
Modeling his Urban Fluff

1.12. 2010
A bear in his cave

1.13.10
Blogging at midnight!
Wait...does this make this tomorrows picture?? Dang it!

Okay, I'm off to bed..
Goodnight!

Want to join me on this? I dare you!
Let me know and I will add a link up box to my posts.