Women Living Well Book Review!

   I follow Courtney Josephs blog Women Living Well fairly regularly for awhile now. I read one of her blog posts that seemed to go "viral" in the Christian mom facebook realm. Then another and...When I first started to look at her stuff I watched her Rachel Ray segment in the side bar.                                  

I then went on to watch her Videos- see here. Honestly, my first thoughts were, too perfect, she hasn't learned the value of real yet when she talks about marriage and parenting,she was too happy. I was sorely WRONG. The Joy Courtney shows comes from her love of God and through that is where her happy serving of her family comes from! I watched some of her Good Morning Girls videos and was curious as to how she was always so bubbly and excited about things I was so tired of (serving your children,husband, and trying to juggle keeping the house clean, exercising,nursing and waking with baby etc). I have been so very blessed to have found her and you know you found a great person to glean wisdom from when they are one of the few blogs you keep going back to read and waiting for a new post. She is just a born encourager! So naturally when she was looking for bloggers to be part of the launch team for her book, I signed up assuming I would not be chosen and I was*happy dance!* So i got a free pdf version to read and review here.

Women Living Well: Finding your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home- fabulous book! It is not so much another "how to" book, more of a refocus type. I loved reading it as a mom because it was easily broken up in sections that were quick enough to read in one nursing or rocking session;-). I truly really fully enjoyed this book and HIGHLY recommend it!

Here are a few of my favorite quotes as she talks about Your walk with God,Your Marriage,Your Parenting,Your Homemaking and Media:

" Do you want to be a better wife? Study your Bible. Do you want to be a better mother? Study your Bible. Do you want to be a better homemaker? Study your Bible.”

 “Why is it noble to help men in the workplace, help orphans, help widows, help your pastor, help the neighbors, or help your parents, but degrading to help your husband?”

 “Ask yourself, ‘If the pastor of my church put up on a large screen all the comments, status updates, and pictures I’ve posted for the entire congregation to see…is there anything that would embarrass me?”
 “Yelling at the bud won’t make it bloom.”

 "Take hope in this: it was flawed mamas who raised the greatest world changers. Abraham Lincoln reportedly said, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” The Statue of Liberty was modeled after the sculptor’s mother. Hundreds of people each day go and visit Lady Liberty and look up at the sculptor’s greatest influencer: his mom! Do Super Bowl football players look into the camera and say, “Hi, Dad!”? No! They say, “Hi, Mom!” We know of many famous women who have accomplished much in this world. Their names are in lights, but think of the many unnamed women who rocked the cradle of great men and women who changed the world. They will forever be unnamed, but their influence is forever with us.Dear mamas, do not lose heart. Do not grow weary of doing good (Gal. 6:9). We are raising the next generation, and we can’t do it alone. We need to daily be on our knees in prayer, not just for our husband and children, but for ourselves! Walk with the King!"

 "As I looked at my little guy, I saw a mirror. So many of my son’s flaws were my own flaws. It was painful. I would tell him to be patient with his sister while I was impatient with him. I would tell him to use self-control while steam was pouring out my own ears when he got into trouble. But each year as he grew older, I noticed that I also had grown one year older. As he matured, I matured. It was during the preschool years that I realized together we were growing in our walk with the Lord and becoming more like Christ as God revealed our flaws through the flow of family life. "

So, what makes Courtney's book so much different than all the other christian "self help" books. Courtney is very clear that there is no cookie cutter answer and that our foundations should all be the same Biblical principles but how they are applied in our different marriages and homes may look differently depending on the people who are in them. For example some things are disrespectful to all men,whereas each husband has his specific things that he may say are disrespectful and those get to be defined by him,not you or anyone else. 

Another thing I loved that she talked about was school choices. Normally when I think about Deuteronomy 6:7 which says "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." I think of homeschooling, for our family that is the way I see I can BEST accomplish diligently teaching my children. My husband and I agree on it and although my kids can " drive me bonkers" I LIKE being home with them, I want them in my care, I enjoy teaching them things and for now as long as we feel lead that is what we are going to be doing. However Courtney actually has some very encouraging words on the schooling. She herself home schools but she speaks about her parents and how they diligently taught her and that they worked their best to protect her and her siblings and put their foot down when necessary with friends and just really had some good things to say about school choices. She is not judgmental, she is not rigid or legalistic.  Here is a quote" I faced spiritual warfare in school, and my parents joined me in the battle. When we moved from our old house years ago I stumbled across this note from fifth grade that my mom had written to my teacher..." It goes on to talk about a film that was PG rated and how her mother did not want her to watch it, that the note made her squirm and she did sit in the hallway but that her parents made that decision for her when she was too young to stand for herself/needed help.

The other part I really enjoyed was how she talked about her parents in regards to media and other "strict" rules and something I found which explains why there was probably no rebellion in the house is that her parents followed the same rules for themselves as they gave to them in regards to media. Here is a exert of their movie standards:

1. If an unmarried couple came into your home, would you allow them to make love on your couch? Certainly not!....
2. If you were taking Jesus in the flesh with you to the theater, would you take Him to see this movie? Or would you be embarrassed about the sin displayed, for which Hew as beaten and then nailed on a cross?
3. Your eyes take in images that your mind cannot erase....(Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true,whatever is honorable,whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is any worthy of praise,think on these things." 

Courtney talks about the Media revolution and its affects our parenting, she talks about changing the atmosphere of your home, she talks about submission in marriage, just so much that is beneficial. I love that  in each section she has a little list of overview points, I am tempted to print them all out and put them around my house;-). Really though, this book has been so helpful to me and I highly recommend it. You know how we talk about women being empowered with the women's movement, birth control, womens rights of all sorts and that type of thing? Courtney's book is true empowering a little more counter cultural-frankly its more CHRIST cultural-finding empowerment through what Christ intended for us as women. If we want something to empower us and make us feel great about our roles, maybe we should stop looking elsewhere for our fulfillment and start looking at Christ and what HE values. He values us having a relationship with him, and serving.

  And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

The Affects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Interview Series (Part 1)

This series includes questions asked to 26 women mostly across the U.S., the answers chosen were based on the most variety of answers provided.

Diagnosing Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Before you got pregnant, did you have any complications, what did your life look like? (were you able to do things normally and healthy)

Before HG, I wasn't in perfect health - I've had fibromyalgia since high school and migraines for as long as I can remember. I also had a bad bout with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) about five years ago that had me vomiting three to four times every day (if I only knew then what I know now - that would be a good day for me this pregnancy!) I could function normally most days, and before I got pregnant I was feeling better than I had in years.~Alicia


Before I was pregnant I was an aspiring CNA. I was able to take care of four patients with special needs (which was a very hard job physically and mentally). I walked a lot and did 4 mile trails. Everything was easier because I had my health.-Jessie


My husband and I had decided a year, prior to trying to get pregnant, that we should be as healthy as possible. We spent 2012 getting in the best shape of our lives exercising daily both cardio and strength training, eating incredible healthy, doctors appointments, vitamins, and tests tests and more tests. Before getting pregnant not only were we healthier than ever but also sure to have no medical deficiencies. -katelyn


Before I fell pregnant I was a normal healthy girl, trips to the beach and the movies and just everyday activities were done with ease. - Tahlea



 Were you planning/excited to be a mom before finding out?

Yes, my husband and I planned our daughter and were shocked and excited since it only took us one month to conceive and I always wanted kids.- Mary

My pregnancy was a wish come true, 1st time trying after my wedding day & I was blessed to be carrying. - Kelly

My husband and I were married in August. We weren't totally ready for a baby, but decided to go off birth control because my doctor told me I would most likely have difficulty getting pregnant, and we would have to be trying for two years before insurance would pay for any fertility treatments. So we decided to try for the two years, then discuss whether we wanted to pursue fertility treatments, adoption or just not be parents.- Alicia

I was very excited to become a mom, due to our circumstances we actually waited a year longer than we wanted so it was long overdue -katelyn


How long did it take to diagnose that you had Hg and how did you feel about it?

I knew something was seriously wrong because I couldn't intake anything at all and was affecting my ability to do everyday task such as just brush my teeth. I called my ob and the nurse and they just said it's just your first trimester it will end soon, that happened all SIX TIMES! I finally went to the ER where I was diagnosed with Hg at about 9 or 10 weeks after my 2nd trip. I felt a relief like ok I'm glad there is a name to this and that someone actually is taking this serious and not stamping it as just "morning sickness". -Eva

4 weeks to be diagnosed with all 4 HG pregnancies, survived 4, mixed emotions as if weather I can do it or not, terminated 2 cause of HG. - Brandy

 First pregnancy: undiagnosed, 2nd pregnancy: about 3 months despite me losing 40lbs in 3 months, and being hospitalized due to dehydration, malnutrition, etc. I eventually lost that baby not long after being diagnosed. With my daughter we knew going in and started IV 's and medication immediately. I felt challenged with DD but I was determined to battle it out and win. After losing our last pregnancy after our daughter, I feel slightly helpless but still determined. I almost just quit and went with adoption but my husband is supportive through it all and I couldn't do it again without him. I'm also very glad there's protocol's in place to get me through the next one if my resolve can withstand the difficulties.- Mary

My Love for "Accidental Parenting"

 I love me some parenting books, seriously, I crave learning when it comes to this parenting thing. Well, I did when I had a difficult baby and I needed sleep. Iv read a lot of books, I have a lot more I'd like to read. Something I noticed though, I would not pick up a new baby sleep book anymore, I just wouldn't right now. Iv read all the different methods, things either hit me good or hit me real bad. When they hit me real bad, I feel depressed, and like a failure. Sometimes it's WORSE if it is a christian author. I feel I NEED to do it their way, because- psh obviously, they are a christian and know better than I do (because I fall to the lie that EVERYONE knows more than I and somehow I am less than- A lie that is easy to fall into as a parent). I know I am not the only one. Iv heard it several times from several new parents,particularly ones who have babies that DO NOT SLEEP.( I just told a story to someone today about how I walked around outside trying to collect myself to deal with my screaming 10 month old firstborn).

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5

 One particular book, I liked the method and routine of teaching a baby to sleep, I used the advice, she was in favor of gently teaching, but the words used were condescending to me . The words" accidental parenting" were used to describe parents who choose to rock their babies to sleep, cuddle them, co sleep etc. It fell under the idea that if you do any of these things your making a mistake.I still used some of her methods, and routines and such, my baby didn't sleep too bad, but you know what-I craved him sometimes. I wanted him in my arms. This book would have told me that I was doing what was in HIS best interest, that's what parents do,whats best for their child. Here's where we need some true deciphering. Here is where we should look deep and pray when it comes to the very little things in parenting. What someone else thinks is right for all babies, is not always what is right for YOUR baby. They are speaking as a expert on the subject but they have NEVER had your child in their bellies, they have most likely never prayed for your baby. They were not entrusted with him/her. Your baby is unique, God made him or her unique. Here is the second part, your baby was given by God to You- because YOU are who is right for this child,personality and all. I might think differently right now with my 2 yr old sometimes, but for some reason God choose ME to be his mom, whether that is for my benefit to learn or his *grin*

  
So before you go and follow a formula for your baby (or toddler or teenager etc). Remember, Formulas are generalizations, not christian law. These books have some truth and their formulas may help but they are not set in stone-God did not sign off on them.

God MADE us to crave our babies in our arms I feel, there is a reason they are formed in the bodies of mothers and not fathers, God MADE us women to nurture. (This does not mean fathers never nurture, it also doesn't mean you always have to pick your baby up, but there is freedom in Biblical parenting).

For me personally I have learned, I don't need a spa day, I don't need a vacation from my children(not that I feel this way every day!). However,right now I am happy with a dark room, air conditioner, ocean white noise, glider and a sleeping baby, tonight was totally worth " accidental parenting", I am making great mommy memories :-).

  "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; And you will be comforted in Jerusalem." 
                               Isaiah 66:13

Hyperemesis Awareness Day 2013! Plus Video

Today is the 2nd Annual Hyperemesis Awareness Day!! This is one of my absolute favorite" holidays", because each one is going to bring us closer to the world knowing hyperemesis and working harder for treatment/cure. I put together a video of my most recent journey,there is more to hg than even what I put in the video but for timing purposes I put the basics of what we went through. If you are looking to use flyers or brochures, My sister- in- law and I made them last year, they can be found on last years HG post HERE along with awareness pictures you can post on facebook or pinterest:-D

Pregnant? You Need the Real Options.

Today I want to share one of my favorite Christian ministries/charities. I have a few favorites,in different categories. In regards to Women and children, Save the Storks is one I am passionate about. Save the Storks is a non profit newer pro-life organization who work to provide Women with REAL CHOICES. You can't make a good choice without knowing/seeing all the information- and they do that! They are working to put buses outside of abortion clinics. Women are offered,salvation through Christ, a ultrasound, and the truth about abortion procedures, they are told they have real choices and there are crisis pregnancy centers willing to help them. The way the organization works is that when you give money to them, your not just supporting their bus, and equipment, you are supporting women's choices to care for their babies-whether through adoption or parenting. Money given goes to the pregnancy centers so that they can handle providing resources such as diapers, clothing, classes, formula, and in some cases helping women find jobs and a safe place to stay if needed. 

So, Why are they great? Save the storks focuses on the MOTHERS. It is there for the mothers, and by saving the mothers from desperation and helplessness, you save the child.Another great thing about this organization- It is started with mostly young adults who have a passion for ministry.

Often times a woman makes the choice of abortion mostly out of fear, and helplessness, you don't go for a abortion because you feel empowered- that is what planned parenthood wants you to believe, its your choice- feel empowered, don't let anyone tell you what to do with YOUR body. I rarely hear someone speaking out on how glad they are that they were empowered to go through with abortion, planned parenthood is not offering you abortion recovery counseling when your left to pick up the pieces of your broken heart. It is not that the pro life people don't care about women, its because we DO. We know a life is a life, no matter how that life comes to be. It doesn't matter if my baby is a newborn or 30 years old- a life is a life,so it does not matter if my child is a newborn or 12 weeks in my body. A life is a Life, no exceptions, its not that we don't care if you were raped, its not that we don't have compassion, its that we do. We have compassion for what this means for your life, and the death it means for your child. We know that that child is a human being, loved in immeasurable ways by God.Your child's life has a purpose and so does yours. We want you to know that, when you devalue the life of your child-you are devaluing your own life, your helping create a culture where life is cheap and murder is ok. Your saying- I can't do this, God can't fix this, I need find a way to make this go away. What if you could survive this,take a step back from thoughts of what it would do to your own life , what if life would be far beyond what you ever imagined for yourself in a great way- God can and He does do that. I will give thanks to you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Psalm139:14a

 I have never experienced getting pregnant in high school, I have never experienced being left by a boyfriend upon becoming pregnant, I have never experienced the extreme physical,mental and emotional pain of rape and the impact it has on your life. Still, a life is a life. Children are hard, they do cost money, they cost time, they cost energy,they cost letting go of selfish desires, however, I have experienced motherhood. I can tell you- it's worth the sacrifice of what you, yourself had planned for your life. When you start seeing your life as God sees it, you will start seeing your child's life as He sees it, and things might just start to look a little bit different. There is also a amazing option of open adoption, you could still see your child and get pictures of your child,but you will not have to raise him/her and they will be in the type of environment you would wish for them. Thousands of people are hoping and praying for a baby, you could give the greatest gift any one person could give to another human being- the gift of motherhood and fatherhood. That is something a person will always feel they cannot repay you for-because giving life, is the best gift you can give someone.

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

While I didn't intend on this post going towards the mothers, I planned on it going towards the Christians  to encourage them to support this ministry, I did pray about this post- I feel this is where God lead it, and I will not mess with His message.

Save the stork website
save the stork store-help by purchasing items
http://savethestorks.com/give/
Adoption choices
   If you would like to talk to me in a private email for encouragement, options,what being a Christian is all about, or any other concerns you can contact me at itsybitsylittleblessings@gmail.com

Easter Is Coming!

 The foundation of Christianity, knowing that the world was created by God, it was perfect, Adam and Eve disobeyed, sin entered the world and we are in need of a savior. We celebrate christmas because Christ came in the form of a baby to be our savior, on good friday he died for our sin, and three days later he rose. Because of what we celebrate today- that is the core of our Christian faith. That is why we have freedom in Christ and we have the perfect gift of spending eternity in Heaven.So it is very important to us as a family that our children understand this, and don't get to trampled by bunnies:-). There was some debating that went on between Aaron (husband) and I when we had our first( it was friendly communication;-)..i think) on whether or not we wanted to do Easter baskets. Here is how I decided to do the Easter basket thing this year.

For This Child I Prayed

Natalie Joy was born two weeks ago a few days before her due date, weighing a healthy 7 lbs 9oz, 20 1/2 inches long. We are both doing very well and I am so relieved and blessed to be a 3 time survivor of hyperemesis gravidarum and the complications that came with it. Words cannot express how happy we are to have her in our lives, she's so precious and a fairly easy newborn. Thank you to all who have prayed daily for Natalie and me, as well as for my husband and children who sacrificed time away from me/had to complete my tasks on top of their own. Thank you to those who visited me in the hospital various times, drove me home from the hospital, picked up my medicine and coke, and those who were sympathetic to and cared for my boys. It's been a very long journey but I am so happy to be on the other side. I know God has great things planned for Natalie and I can't wait to watch them unfold.

 Photo credit:http://www.sweetmemoriesbycarolyn.com/

"For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him."

1 Samuel 1:27

Life Keeps Moving

In case you thought I forgot I have a blog, I have not- just been extremely busy with life:-) and happy to be able to enjoy it after being bedridden the first part of pregnancy. So much has happened in the last couple months! I guess you could say 2012 has been mostly" good to us" besides having hyperemesis-the real reason for it is awesome- we are having a baby and  for those of you who don't know, we have recently bought our first house/home and we LOVE it. So many little small things have made this change worth it, a dishwasher next to the sink- as small as that may sound it feel as though it has changed my life,because doing dishes is so quick and easy-which will come in hand with the baby:-).

 A warmer house has been a very appreciated change, as well as doing my wash in the warm house and not having to go out on the back porch with a jacket:-). My third favorite thing is that my children have a school/play room which means my kitchen and living room are generally much easier to keep clean. Moving to a new area has been an adjustment, not knowing where ANYTHING is, has been very odd to me- since the last places we have lived we have been around/grown up near, but today I braved the roads WHILE my gps was not working and I had no cell phone service, and managed to find my way until I got the gps up and working-yay!.. ok it might not have been the fastest route but it was not too off :-D. Overall we are very blessed and enjoying our new home , there is still some regular hanging up things and such to do, but I am almost done our "baby cove" in our room which I am very excited about:-). I will have blog post with pictures of that and baby items I am making soon.

 Which brings me to the next tid bit you would not know if you were not a friend or family member..drum roll please....we are having............................ our first baby Girl!- at least that's what they told me and they were positive so hopefully "they" (the doctor, intern and sonogram tech) are right:-D. My family and friends had a beautiful baby girl shower for me a few weeks ago before we moved. I was so blessed and thankful to be given a baby shower,being it was my first baby- but I really was in need of some GIRL things as everything I have is blue:-) Very much appreciated- thank you to everyone who made the day awesome:-)

O

 Photos by Carolyn: Sweet memories facebook
Cake by Amber:Amber's website
Elephant onesies by Keilah:Thread of Life facebook

My Favorite Homemade Sandwich

This is my favorite homemade sandwich right now.

 

I love kaiser rolls:-)...

I like to toast the kaiser rolls in the toaster with cheddar cheese, add red onion, turkey(fresh if pregnant;-)), and claussen sandwich pickles,submarine dressing, romaine lettuce, and parmigiana cheese. It was one of the first real food I was able to eat after being sick and it was so exciting:-)

I Will Not Leave You as Orphans, I Will Come to You

Orphan Sunday is November 4th, 2012 this year. Orphan Sunday is a day where Christians come together to support, encourage and promote adoption, foster care, and other ways of caring for orphans.

There is a full range of resources for Orphan Sunday here. Which includes bulletin inserts, ideas for orphan sunday, posters, flyers and a lot more. You can get badges for your blog as well. It is getting late as we have 2 weeks(one Sunday) before Orphan Sunday, but there is also speakers for your church,you can find for orphan Sunday(keep that in mind for next year). You can also contact christian agencies such as Bethany Christian Services (they are now working hard for foster care in many countries as well as adoption) and AWAA- America World Adoption Agency (which just started up doing domestic adoptions as well as international) for information on how your church can help/programs that they need the most financial support for. Also Show Hope is a christian organization that financially helps christian families adopt through grants and fundraising as well as caring for orphans needs.


Orphan Sunday 2012 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

  Steven Curtis Chapman from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.


Financial support is so very,very needed, but it is not just about that. It is about helping those families who have adopted get the spiritual and emotional help and support as well. For the adoptive families it may be, sending them a card letting them know you are praying for them, being graceful and compassionate (without judgement) when their child is throwing a "fit" or not being responsive or polite-realizing that there is much more going on than what you may see and that discipline may look very different for these children and care for them may look different as well, the rules of caring for a adopted child are not as cut and dry as they may be for biological children who have from the beginning been given the love and attention they need- so try your best not to judge or offer opinions. It may be picking up their other children from school or activities, or taking them for a few hours. Different families need different things, and I think some things may be more harm than good- so just ASK what you can do, and be open that you truly want to help- your not just asking to be polite, but also give them space if they just came home with their child. I am sure there is so, so much more that could be added to this and having never adopted myself  I cannot say what is truly needed- but I do know that everyone needs prayer.

As you read and watch webinars/videos on adoption you may realize how many things can "go wrong" in adoption when you hear about disorders and fetal alcohol syndrome, aids etc.- which seems to be what I hear most if I am causally talking about adoption, people talking about everything that can go wrong as a reason why no one should adopt unless they want to put themselves in a bad situation. While, yes these kids can come from very terrible situations- not to downplay the very true fact that you might have a really really rough road, and no one can be fully prepared for what your child may need. I think it is important to remember that- if you are called to something by God- the fact that it is hard does not change the fact that you are called. It's not about who else is or is not adopting and what their reasoning is, its about your relationship with your creator and what He has for your life/your family.A little side note on the "horror adoption stories", you also hear numerous terrible stories when your pregnant about birth- but the fact is many many people have very healthy babies and perfectly fine labors. I would know the same to be true of those who have adopted- things can go wrong but over all that child is totally "worth it".

Russell

Lastly, Yes- everyone is NOT called to adopt, but please do not assume you are not just because it is not in your life plan. Pray about it, and pray about how you can help since as Christians we ARE called to care for orphans and widows(not just one or the other- both) and you can find some ways to help through the links above. So don't just talk about how you would "like to adopt someday", do something to care for the least of these Now, you don't have to have a ton of money, you can do a garage sale and give the money to Show hope or a family in need- or even choose to support a child from Compassion International- these children are often not orphans but they are some of the "least of these" and need basic need to be met and to learn about God.

In writing this post, I was starting to wonder- as more days have gone by since I had planned on writing it, and with all I have to do with projects and preparing for my baby coming( in about 3 months) and possibly moving soon- I wondered if maybe God did not want me to write it. Maybe I just don't have the time, it won't make any difference- who is going to read it etc. Then it hit me- it is not God who did not want it written, it is the enemy. I am in no way a amazing writer or a miracle worker, but I know someone who is and He helped me write this- when I wasn't sure where to start. (This is my disclaimer) Although this post may not be perfectly written, or maybe something is not politically correct etc. Please know that it is only with good intentions that it is written, to promote something that is very important to me and I feel the churches of America need some help with- and here is a great way to help.

Romans 8:14-16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God

DIY Wool Dryer Balls & Projects in the making

First off, there is a new burp cloth set in my Etsy shop Here.  I also had a custom order for a boyish crinkle square this past week :-) Here is a picture.

Recently I have a lot of projects in the works and a gigantic list planned. The Ones I am working on right now are a Wool soaker pants(aka longies) for my almost 19 month old, so that I can cloth diaper him at night without any fears of leaks. Wool is supposed to be amazing for absorption, keeps the babies feeling dry, and breathable. It has been a lot of work and this was my second go around(with a different pattern the second time), long drawn out single crochet(boring) but I appreciated the boring over- is this going to turn out?:-) sorry no pictures till its done:-).

My second project in the works is a big one as well -two identical Dr. Suess quilts for my little boys for christmas (which will be appliqued with their names in a square on the back). I am so excited to have it all cut out and started :-), cutting it out was a huge project in itself- I am enjoying finally sewing something!

My third project( on the side, something I do while the kids are watching a show or I have a few min) winding wool dryer balls, another great use for wool- dryer balls, they dry your cloth diapers quicker- and work as a natural fabric softener (since dryer sheets and fabric softener are a no- no with cloth diapers. they also help the diapers/inserts to separate and not stick to each other making them more musty if they dont get thrown in for a second dry cycle right away. What is allowed is tea tree oil- so i put a few drops of that on each ball. I had 3 dryer balls before and noticed an improvement bust still needed quite a bit of drying and I was uncertain. Then i read you really should have 6-8 to really notice a difference- so I made (with the help of my sister in law, several more- now I will have 8 :-).. it also worked out that I used my yarn from that first soaker that did not turn out and the yarn was cut in a ton of pieces cuz I had to yank it out(i could have cried,pregnancy hormones and crafts don't always mix :-D).

Make sure the wool yarn you choose says 100% wool on back (and good for felting) 2 of this size will give you 3 large dryer balls(or 6 smaller)

First I wound it until it was HALF the size of what I desired(left one)

Then put it in a large sock with ties of yarn in between(make it snug), throw it in for HOT wash cycle and dry cycle (kept in sock)

Cutt the yarn off the outside

Add on winding the ball until desired size or just slightly bigger(since it will felt)

It helps to tie the yarn under other layers of yarn for when you throw it in the sock

After your done winding, repeat the process of putting it in a sock (ties in between the different balls) and  HOT wash, dry

Add a few drops of tea tree oil if preferred and keep them in your dryer.

Please note, if you decide to use regular fabric sheets or fabric softener on your clothing-take your dryer balls out of the dryer as to keep them free of fabric softener for your cloth diapers. Also, tea tree oil is safe for cloth diapers because of what it is - all scents are not equal or compatible with cloth diapers.
Disclamer: This is not at all something new, there are many different methods to making these and with other types of wool, I originally made my first ones nearly a year ago I believe but cannot find the original tutorial- I prefer a wash dry, add on wash dry method, but some only do the process once and make smaller wool balls. Let me know which ones are your favorite:-)- i still love my colorful ones  best I think but they didn't have them in stock when I got my new yarn:-(.
Other wool dryer tutorials/methods:
http://www.earthycrunchymama.com/2012/04/how-to-make-and-use-wool-dryer-balls/
http://goodmama.typepad.com/goodmama/2008/05/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html

DIY Kids Wall Decor/ Dr. Suess Room

For my sons 3rd birthday my mom gave him a gift card to Amazon. We bought him a few Dr. Seuss books to read and two books we bought the same of for wall decor ideas ( The are you my mother book we were able to find used on amazon so I did not feel bad "ruining" a book) I had found online/decided on. I admit not a original idea, but planning the boys Dr. Suess room I had looked online for all things Dr. Suess and wall decor. I couldn't afford to buy most (or would not spend the money;-) ) of it and many was not exactly what I wanted anyways. So I folded and rolled the pages, scotch tape where needed and hot glued each page into the seam of the book-I am very happy with how it turned out and my son loves it. It is hot glued on to a canvas I bought at Michael s, they had a special where you buy 7 for $14 bucks I believe, which was cheaper than buying 2 by themselves!

The next one I just finished last night, it really takes maybe a hour?! However, I have been rather distracted with life;-), getting my home under control after HG and spending time with the kids. It is 3 canvases with pages from "Are You My Mother" it was Isaac's favorite book when he was 18 months, and now it is one of  Levi's favorites(although Hop on Pop definitely tops it- I may make one with that for Levi) The boy's will be sharing the Dr. Seuss room when we move.

This one is my favorite, I love the little bit of red color, it was actually quite fun to make!

For this one, you need :
A paper back(used for cheaper) book
Scissors
Modge Podge (can be found at walmart) or watered down Elmer's glue may do the trick
Paper towel, or paint brush brush (don't use sponge)

You want to pick the phrases from the book and pictures that your child will recognize/loves the most, we always read from the beginners book so it does not have the plane and boat and car in it like in the regular Are You My Mother. I mainly focused on what the kids like and would notice. Try to cut out the paper in different ways, circles,squares, snip the corners etc. to make everything fit the best. I decided what I wanted on each canvas, I wanted it to go in the general story line of the book. Then I cut everything out so it would fit in a way that looks best( try to cut in different ways, squares, circles, snip ends etc),and then put just a little Modge Podge on top where the pictures that were going on top would be, the great thing about Modge Podge is its thin- so often times people will put it over top of fabric a paper and it will not leave that glossy glue look and it will be clear( as long as you don't use too much), I would do that as well for tough edges-it helped :-). I let it dry and then put sticky tack on the back of the canvases.
Tip: Do whatever you can to not move any of the paper after it is placed, a little sliding might be ok but only if you have just the right amount of glue as to not have the paper tear or be ripply (my first canvas you can see a bit of bubbling)

Enjoy:-)

If you are looking to buy something like the first one, there is a someone on Etsy who has one with Cat in the Hat and may take custom orders( I can't find it now but I am sure if you type in the right words you could:-) ).

Miniming to Maximize Your Life and Home

First-Health Update- I am much much better than I have been, I am back to watching my kids 24/7 by myself, and amazingly do NOT vomit most days-with help from medicine, at this point in my past pregnancies I was still puking a once-three times a day- so this pregnancy that has started terrible is turning out quite well :-D I regularly have nausea, and will gag and occasionally vomit but really nothing compared to what Iv been through and how so many others with HG are going through. My 20 week ultrasound is this coming this weds:-) and we are so excited! and I also have a little bit of anxiety about it- so please pray for the baby and that everything looks great, this little one does not move nearly as much as my others and the movements are not as strong.

So I have been on a mission , I am finally well enough to start handling everything, meals,kids and cleaning,driving etc. I wanted a house overhaul, this may be somehow do to nesting as Im almost half way:-). I love to take advantage of this drive to have organization. I have been over the past few months, reading various blogs on being a minimalist and have decided- being a complete minimalist (the extreme of living without a couch etc) is not right for me at all-but living more productively, living with less, going against consumerism/materialism, and not needing the 3 pizza cutters I have somehow acquired - is indeed for me:-).

Although its not a great looking drawer(we rent), my junk drawer was packed to where I could not shut it, i dumped everything in a box and the items i used I put back, I will eventually throw out everything I don't use/need in a month(doesn't make it back in the drawer)

Since Iv been feeling better physically-I have been feeling more stressed mentally. Nothing has a place it feels like, no amount of cleaning is enough- most days I feel like I am moving all day and not getting anywhere(and yes part of that is because I have 2 very active boys who tend to walk around behind me dumping their toys or picking up things and dropping them right back down)but some of it is just too much STUFF and unorganized wash that really isnt helping me in anyway. For instance-the spice rack I have, it looks so nice(sorry to whoever bought it for me when I got married) but I realized, I only use a few spices and rarely make anything with the others-and both my boys as young toddlers have liked to come over to the side of the counter and grab at the spices, open them up and dump them on the floor- it is not blessing me anymore, so I am hoping to give it to someone whom it will bless- and will use it. I have some sets of things that go together, while it looks nice I may not use all the items, I have a set of about 15 or so saw knives but I never have that many people over and I certainly would not be serving steak if I was(too expensive,not that I wouldn't like to;-))

  So I finally let go of these " unspoken rules" that my brain has-of sets and needing to stay together- I  picked out items I never use(whether or not they belong to a set) and put them in a box to go to good will. I feel so much better:-). I am back to following my Fly lady plan(which I majorly altered since the last time I used it was when Isaac was still taking late afternoon naps which means he was 4-6months) and I am also going through this 7 day organizational program by Alejandra Costello (she seems a little OCD to me, but her tips and ideas and the basic core of this 7 day program is good). One of the biggest things I learned that is a huge problem, which although simple and I "knew it", it really registered with me when she said it a certain way. " Stop serving mail for dinner" meaning, if your not cooking/preparing food etc. with it, it does not belong in your kitchen. Everything needs a place(closet is the best place for keys and purse, not your counter), mail belongs on a desk/near a desk etc. So between the two systems things are looking SO much better- and it only took 2-3 days so far :-), ok and a LOT of my time when you have toddler interruptions-but well worth it.

The best part of my new schedule- all my work, ALL my housework is to be done before my kids are in bed- think of all the free time- and this includes naps(no house work during nap time) its all solely my time*squeals*  (In order to accomplish this, I make my 3 yr old do ALOT more cleaning up of his own things-sometimes I forget I have been sick for a long time and He has grown up 4-5 more months in that time and is much more capable of doing things-and correctly-not perfect but thats ok). Also, although I spent a lot more time intentionally/actively cleaning,instead of just trying to keep up- I actually have taken my kids outside twice a day for 30 min at a time(before it was embarrassingly hardly ever), and spent more time intentionally with them instead of just "uh huh, uh huh, ok stop making messes, no i cant do that right now I have to clean this up"- I have specific times to do things with them in my schedule,you might think it sounds sad to "schedule" times with your kids to really teach and play with them,but it makes it more intentional and face to face time.

 One day (hopefully soon) when I am not paying medical bills;-). I will buy myself some fancy organizational products that will keep things looking more organized but for now, a combination of putting things back and getting rid of what I do not use will suffice.

 Flylady- Routines and Emails that tell you what to do each day
Alejandra Costello- Free 7 day course on organization basics(the root problems)