Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The latest roster

I type out my first sentence "Finally slowing down a little" then delete it in correction, does my life ever slow down?

Tball is over. It was Giovanna's first year. She did great. I'm glad it's done. 3 days per week of tball + 3 days per week of baseball = 6 days per week of mommy running around like a chicken with her head cut off.

Isaac is in baseball, it's his first year of coach pitch. His games are still going. He's finally started to catch on to the concept of really watching and waiting for a good pitch - thus enjoying the game more since he isn't striking out.

Nora is anxious to play tball next year. I'm hoping she and Giovanna get the same set of coaches (I hope they do it again!)

Liam is still as much a destroyer as ever. Very very busy. On the potty training front we seem to have made some small progress. He's still mostly disinterested.

Shiloh is suddenly a toddler. I swear it happened over night. Sweet little baby giggles have transformed into shrieking tantrums. She's still smiley and so darn cute. She's constantly doing things that surprise me on a level of showing how intelligent she is. She has joined the ranks of destroyer with her brother. The 2 of them are exhausting me. I'm hoping I can find some kind of sport for Liam to participate in one he turns 3 so he can get tired out.

We have the month of July pretty open for right now. I'm hoping it stays low key. June has been real busy thus far. There will be no sports going on in July. In August football + cheerleading start up. But at least those are on the same day, so Isaac and Giovanna will be doing that together. I've noticed that while it feels hectic to be so involved in sports activities the kids are sleeping a lot better through the night and later into the morning. I'll take it :-)

Tonight I made Taco Soup which won over my dinner crowd. Deeeeelicious! Tomorrow I think I will be trying this recipe for the first time.

As always, I'm finding lots of things I'd like to do, read, participate in, etc that I have no time for ;-) Everyone fell asleep rather well tonight. I might indulge and watch a movie while eating chocolate chip cookies. MMmmm

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Shark

If I could, I would give every mom each one of these



And one of these


They have literally changed my life and that is NOT an overexaggeration. They are amazing. I love love love them. The steam mop does a fanastic job on the floors. I've used it on tile, laminate, hardwoods - all great. It's just as fast as a swiffer - without the overpowering scent of chemicals. It's definiltely the most efficient type of mop since the steam takes care of the elbow grease usually used with handwashing that a traditional mop lacks.

The handheld steamer is PERFECT. Ever find a spill that you weren't informed of? Or something sticky? Or... something all of use want to pretend we never find at our own homes? Yes, the steam is amazing for getting all that stuff up quickly. I used it to clean my refrigerator today, my least favorite of all chores. Not only was it so much quicker, but it made the job much more pleasent. I think my least favorite chore will be taking the trash out now because the steamers can't do that for me ;-).

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Selling the stash

So as much as I love cloth diapering, I just can't do it right now with some of the turns our path of life has taken. I pretty much haven't cloth diapered since my last post after getting all those diapers.

I went to go post on the cloth diaper swap board today and they've changed the forum! So while I wait until the next thursday that I'm approved to be a member of... here's what I have if anyone is interested. I have low, low, low prices because I just want the giant basket out of here. Feel free to make alternative offers, and I'd be willing to sell the whole lot together real cheap if you want to take everything. All prices include shipping costs.


1 wahmies diaper pail liner. I have a handful of citrus deodisks I'll toss in for free. I think the color is orchid. $10

1 XL Dream Eze cotton SQ fitted, natural color. Slightly discolored. $6

2 XL Dream Eze cotton SQ fitted, purple. $7 each, or $10 for both. 1 natural.

2 XL Dream Eze cotton SQ fitted, yellow. Slightly discolored $6 each or $9 for both.

*or $20 for all 5*

6 Baby Beehinds Bamboo one size fitteds. Best diaper EVER. 1 was bleached somehow. 1 is pretty worn. The rest are like new. blue, purple, 2 teal, 1 pink, and 1 orange. All come with 2 snap in bamboo doublers. $18 each, or $90 for all size (this is such a steal)

1 L periwinkle Thirsties cover. Some slight discoloration around the legs. $7

1 L Red Thirsties cover. Some slight discoloration around legs. $7

1 Kissaluvs size 2, blue. $5

1 M Blueberry Diapers cover in pink and green dots, snap closure. $9

1 M Aqua Thirsties cover. $9

1 M Dream Eze cotton, yellow. $6

2 kissaluvs size 1, 1 has some spots on it, still soft. $8 for both together.

1 size 1 little beetle pink cover (my all time favorite) $12

1 S pink thirsties cover. Very light discoloration on front aplix from me spilling coffee... almost came out $7

1 S fitted Little Beetle velour, white. Missing 1 snap - doesn't effect function $5

1 S AIO Rumpster diaper, burgundy, lots of pilling but in good condition with lots of life left. $6

1 Mother Eve 1 size pocket diaper in Raspberry with 4 layer hemp/microterry insert *New* $10

1 Wonder Works 1 size pocket diaper in light pink (almost white) snap closure $5

1 Small Tail Feather pocket diaper, butterflies (my favorite pocket.. so stinking cute) $8

2 pairs MOE breast pads $5.00 for both

1 pair of little beetle wool breast pads $5.00

3 snappis $1

1 Baby Beehinds Bamboo fold up booster $4.00

11 prefolds, not all were even used before. These are the best. Blue thread - so I believe regular size. $15

10 prefolds, not all were used in this size either. Green thread - so I believe the toddler size. $15

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Circular motion

There are days when I run in circles. The truth is, if I literally went outside and ran in a circle for hours even that would be more productive. At least I'd be reaching my target heart rate and burning calories.

It's the kind of day where multiple toddler disasters feels like I might as well throw in the towel, enjoy a cup of coffee, and hope tomorrow is better.

And yet I'm thankful for having older kids to know that this time period of life will pass and pass quickly. I remember when Isaac was 3 thinking that I was never going to accomplish anything of significance. And by significance I thought things like keeping up with laundry, having clean counters, and no food on the floor.

Is it so much to want all the beds to be made, the counters clear, and the floors clean? I think not. But an army of toddlers think otherwise.

The two littlest ones are napping and I laughed at myself when I realized I thought "I'm a few steps ahead now!! Bring it on little people!"

I raise my coffee cup to all you other mom's of lots of little ones out there.... to conquering the little people.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Like a baby

Driving along an ordinary stretch of road became immediately amusing as my 7 year old broke the silence (of course silence is aka no music, no dvd, but plenty of child chatter in the back) "Mom.. how old are you anyway?"

I think every mom knows that question is coming eventually. We just wonder how much time we'll get away with before it's asked.

I answered his question with a question, "How old do you think I am?" Dangerous, I know.

He said "Hmm.... 21?"

WOW

"Great guess buddy, but I'm not 21"

He tries again "20?" I shake my head. Then he comes out with this :

"Oh my gosh.. you're 17 aren't you? Wow you're like a baby still."

Monday, May 4, 2009

Giveaway

Well, it's been a little while since I've discovered a giveaway I was interested in.

I stumbled upon this blog from one of my favorites recently, and I know that you'll all be very interested to browse around $5 Dinners as much as I am right now!

Anyway, she's having a giveaway for a cute lunch tote! I'm thinking this is perfect for picnicing with my kids or for your mom's who do homeschool co-ops each week and bring lunches! Good luck!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Perfect Lemonade

So I tried making lemonade this afternoon. I found this recipe that explained how to make the perfect lemonade. And it came out tooooo sweet for me. The kids were happy of course :-)

Essentially you make a syrup of 1 c. sugar and 1 c. water, heat it up until all the sugar is disolved. Mix it with 1 c. of fresh squeezed lemon juice and then add 4 cups of water.

Do I just half the sugar? Or is there a better recipe out there? Any ideas on how to really make the perfect lemonade? Summer is coming... I think fresh homemade lemonade is a must!