tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60525376572829115732024-03-06T12:02:34.147-08:003 Baby Boys and a BusinessJodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-13758634263136676102014-10-02T10:56:00.002-07:002014-10-02T11:30:22.454-07:00My Professional 2nd Grade Soccer PlayerAnother night of soccer. With three boys in our house, I expect to spend a large portion of my life near a field of one sport or another. I learned early on in my first year of soccer to get a lawn chair and sit away from the bleachers. I sat on the bleachers for the first game of my boys first "real" season. He was in the first grade. I wanted to socialize with the other parents, I wanted to belong with the group. I listened to the parents of both teams belittle the coaches. I listened to them berate the refs, and complain of calls that were both to strict and not strict enough. I left that game with more anxiety than I have felt in a very.long.time. I remember thinking I need to sit by myself, and now I do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGftRuYmavrUqejpt17K7wF4afsB_b2VsaTuJ8qZ-AmLOO9F3HSgg1iVmwFfZOpWglOI1Kiu5MUPmaqZzdl741leMjOd9ns-mvUFZdInJS94Fddqx8YJcn9qV9N3r-fg3wd7jpFGEBLTU/s1600/soccer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGftRuYmavrUqejpt17K7wF4afsB_b2VsaTuJ8qZ-AmLOO9F3HSgg1iVmwFfZOpWglOI1Kiu5MUPmaqZzdl741leMjOd9ns-mvUFZdInJS94Fddqx8YJcn9qV9N3r-fg3wd7jpFGEBLTU/s1600/soccer.jpg" height="228" title="Professional 2nd grade soccer" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do not pretend to know a single rule of soccer. Just today my 4 year old corrected my goal/corner kick reference. But, let me tell you what I do know. My oldest is now a second grader. He is seven years old. He will never be a professional soccer player. He is in his second year of organized soccer. <b>He is learning to be a team player.</b> He will pass the ball on occasion, but he will also be a ball hog. <b>He is learning to be a team player.</b> He is not as good as some players, he is better than others. <b>He is trying his best.</b> He does not need your approval, and I pray he can't hear your rantings about how weak his kicks are. <b>He is trying his best.</b> His teammates encourage him, and his coach allows him to play defense, offense and even goalie!<b> He loves to play soccer.</b> He is smiling when he steps on the field, and smiling when he steps off. <b>He loves to play soccer.</b><br />
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Let me tell you what else I know. This coach you are belittling, the one who can't coach his way out of a
paper bag. The one who should pull his kid and put yours in, he is
teaching our sons! He willingly volunteers his time. He has a full time job. He has kids of his own, and a family to care for. He takes time to know our boys and lifts them up when they fall. <b>He teaches them to be team players. He teaches them to try their best. He teaches them to love soccer. </b><br />
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Same for your refs. Do you think you can do a better job? Please contact the soccer association. I am sure they would love to have another volunteer to add to their small list. There are never enough coaches, refs, concession stand workers or field painters to get the job done.<br />
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What there are enough of are loud mouthed, upset and undermining parents. Don't join that group. If you have to, take a lawn chair and sit by yourself!<br />
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Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-52730557740313521412014-09-30T07:34:00.000-07:002014-09-30T07:34:52.471-07:00Crocheting from both ends!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G-t75XQFAPXoFrmHgvGN34Y7e8M1ACmk76oEeE44k_pX_jE-ST0USykNlhMKe3u_8Z1Xo3upHXz6YyDJN-Lo1UIE88R4NwIllzgT-Z0FWgri_L20Hb5g5fqSaG1t4nsIj8-oCe1HpvY/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G-t75XQFAPXoFrmHgvGN34Y7e8M1ACmk76oEeE44k_pX_jE-ST0USykNlhMKe3u_8Z1Xo3upHXz6YyDJN-Lo1UIE88R4NwIllzgT-Z0FWgri_L20Hb5g5fqSaG1t4nsIj8-oCe1HpvY/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" height="303" width="320" /> </a></div>
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To say life has been a bit hectic lately would be a gross understatement! We have been running crazy lately. Sort of burning the candle from both ends so to speak. I generally spend 20-30 minutes each day sitting in the car waiting. If I am alone, I enjoy the peace and quiet reading. But, if I have children in the car with me, reading is pointless not to mention frustrating.</div>
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Because I am an avid crocheter, and have been for almost 30 years, I can crochet while fielding any number of questions about frogs, pineapples, soccer and whatever else my kids can throw at me. What I cannot do is remember a pattern to save my life! I have made this same headband four times in the last month, and I still cannot remember how many rows it takes. So, you can understand my disappointment when I arrived at a 10 minute wait at school drop off this morning with my yarn and without my directions. I had picked up the directions for the flower, but failed to get the ones for the headband. So, I just started crocheting from the other end! I would not recommend this method of crocheting if you are making a large project, but for this small flower, it was the perfect solution.</div>
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By the way, the answer is 55. That is how many rows before the decrease starts! Maybe next time I can remember, but I won't hold my breath. </div>
<br />Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-31084568968361816682014-09-29T10:55:00.002-07:002014-09-29T10:55:14.123-07:00Balloon Money Pinata Tutorial<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97HxcbnNtR7f5yo4wlBTuF1sDG4dy5I8lHARuAl7zIjobqKP7wmi7cDFVuOCh0NrtabyRRrzjMsZQgCt5Fugu0oRiE4xNDsErt5zaeaeqoSvIsyT5j-szi_R9MrKErZG30qpLv5DTT6c/s1600/IMG_0717a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An awesome way to gift money!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97HxcbnNtR7f5yo4wlBTuF1sDG4dy5I8lHARuAl7zIjobqKP7wmi7cDFVuOCh0NrtabyRRrzjMsZQgCt5Fugu0oRiE4xNDsErt5zaeaeqoSvIsyT5j-szi_R9MrKErZG30qpLv5DTT6c/s1600/IMG_0717a.jpg" height="320" title="Balloon Money Pinata" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
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We celebrated two birthdays this weekend. Both my niece and nephew grew another year older. As is the case when kids get older, they just wanted money. The headphones my nephew wanted were almost $100! He decided to pool his birthday money for this special purchase. But, I really hated to show up with only a card. So, I decided a birthday "balloon money" pinata would be fun! It was a super simple craft & it was fun watching him bust the balloons for his cash reward. My niece pulled her pinata down & let my little guys help her stomp on them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMEEZd5EJzsnzdxhja4ur6e7k6kzFUT2Nh0ZbXaxiSXgJu247x9EoBVtVvtfZ_FbD3PySIoGrFqmvFT5DaGz4t1gTtMYZvkTVzap1pRdZc1LY9kswQZBsQsgUxqKXxlLKVYjVPtfu4fA/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMEEZd5EJzsnzdxhja4ur6e7k6kzFUT2Nh0ZbXaxiSXgJu247x9EoBVtVvtfZ_FbD3PySIoGrFqmvFT5DaGz4t1gTtMYZvkTVzap1pRdZc1LY9kswQZBsQsgUxqKXxlLKVYjVPtfu4fA/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
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Supplies needed: 12 Balloons, Money to fill the balloons, Needle, Yarn </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4fySGBcjYHbQnC6rt9l4fmHevZP2r6MGUjJ9hJBacSvnDLo-4BiRtI_8ECIh-iIFe72mpC_LJvL3eKY3GVXWcMiAa2oc1rErUOG2rJRY4C3MjAn3wIbYbZ0M3tAwknpLVYpavcwSD9g/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4fySGBcjYHbQnC6rt9l4fmHevZP2r6MGUjJ9hJBacSvnDLo-4BiRtI_8ECIh-iIFe72mpC_LJvL3eKY3GVXWcMiAa2oc1rErUOG2rJRY4C3MjAn3wIbYbZ0M3tAwknpLVYpavcwSD9g/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" height="213" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Step 1: Roll money tightly, stuff into balloon, blow & tie balloons </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FUszYCrVrGU5CrgCCkFJcdIyQE463oOVSqpTPFS5eoMaPvqLN2j0gPo3myBUje-v7iGg9c7qodyKB4VpVAcxVbg_2eDkH3eOKk4nrcBBFJsGovzpZNUVp8e4sxMsqQxxbZgLqu1Ta3A/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FUszYCrVrGU5CrgCCkFJcdIyQE463oOVSqpTPFS5eoMaPvqLN2j0gPo3myBUje-v7iGg9c7qodyKB4VpVAcxVbg_2eDkH3eOKk4nrcBBFJsGovzpZNUVp8e4sxMsqQxxbZgLqu1Ta3A/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" height="213" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Step 2: Very carefully thread balloons onto yarn. Push needle through just above the ring & be very careful to keep the needle away from the balloons at all times! Keep a long tail to hang the balloon pinata.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdH95hDRSB_3MupUJCzimkzQ86hiHlYWGSm0CDTYa7pNdszIdZkDUuZO3EU0kpB3_YWShFYmse8G0ukPp9JfpdVv3hYHKaUT-BDkjxTau-LdBrLMaFXPuVxFW0Z7n-2IYXSlSCqK4YVU/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdH95hDRSB_3MupUJCzimkzQ86hiHlYWGSm0CDTYa7pNdszIdZkDUuZO3EU0kpB3_YWShFYmse8G0ukPp9JfpdVv3hYHKaUT-BDkjxTau-LdBrLMaFXPuVxFW0Z7n-2IYXSlSCqK4YVU/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" height="320" width="213" /> </a></div>
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Step 3 - When all balloons are threaded onto the yarn, push them close together. Use the rings near the yarn to scoot the balloons toward one another. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou-o1cmzq7HN6NYJtyMu8U8MNHs84Nn9uCfd1qJnJcYEZcpIgbWI6zcxbFmGApCSSeAMoeYdABDD_iNT-qtYx-gBSPqO-xq2wq0i4nBYbwwCSGaA7h0-ZER4WRbEx6JaEAbf77QE9Z-s/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou-o1cmzq7HN6NYJtyMu8U8MNHs84Nn9uCfd1qJnJcYEZcpIgbWI6zcxbFmGApCSSeAMoeYdABDD_iNT-qtYx-gBSPqO-xq2wq0i4nBYbwwCSGaA7h0-ZER4WRbEx6JaEAbf77QE9Z-s/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" height="213" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Step 4: Leaving your tail long for hanging, tie a knot near the balloon rings to keep them together. Hang in the doorway!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97HxcbnNtR7f5yo4wlBTuF1sDG4dy5I8lHARuAl7zIjobqKP7wmi7cDFVuOCh0NrtabyRRrzjMsZQgCt5Fugu0oRiE4xNDsErt5zaeaeqoSvIsyT5j-szi_R9MrKErZG30qpLv5DTT6c/s1600/IMG_0717a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="An awesome way to gift money" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97HxcbnNtR7f5yo4wlBTuF1sDG4dy5I8lHARuAl7zIjobqKP7wmi7cDFVuOCh0NrtabyRRrzjMsZQgCt5Fugu0oRiE4xNDsErt5zaeaeqoSvIsyT5j-szi_R9MrKErZG30qpLv5DTT6c/s1600/IMG_0717a.jpg" height="320" title="Money Balloon Pinata Tutorial" width="259" /> </a></div>
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TA-DA! </div>
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<br />Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-25227177372340968602014-09-21T10:59:00.000-07:002014-09-21T10:59:00.802-07:00September Easter BunnyThe date is September 21st. It is a Sunday, and all 4 of my boys are napping. I couldn't nap. Ben & I made a hard decision last night. I won't disclose what is is right now, but I will soon. It is the best decision for our family, it is the best decision for me & yet I am sad. So, what is a girl to do? I am drowning my sorrows with the one and only...CHOCOLATE!<br />
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Not just any chocolate, the final of my boys Easter Bunnies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Grd9NU5CJ_wfQknLInSsAeEIq2pb7zyobw1U_G03y1OnYNRg5BRoBVMeSlOXt3cML1xSYnkElCTS8qTMZQPBs9kDyIu2cEYd0-v6XpTMf2xP6WjghrRJnxWlfgmIdTZcFFuiIUWTLY4/s1600/IMG_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Grd9NU5CJ_wfQknLInSsAeEIq2pb7zyobw1U_G03y1OnYNRg5BRoBVMeSlOXt3cML1xSYnkElCTS8qTMZQPBs9kDyIu2cEYd0-v6XpTMf2xP6WjghrRJnxWlfgmIdTZcFFuiIUWTLY4/s1600/IMG_0660.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Yep, I'm <i>that</i> mom! The day after Easter they handed over their Easter Baskets. I left about 10 small chocolate eggs and a handful of jelly beans. The rest, we got rid of. It was a little tough, because I know our family loves my children and I know they are allowed a bit of chocolate here and there, but my kids and sugar create a wildness I don't know how to handle. So, I put away some chocolate eggs, some small bags of M&Ms and the three chocolate bunnies in my "secret stash." My boys did not have a single bite, and they never once thought about them. <br />
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Today, the Easter Bunnies are gone. Just in time for the Halloween candy to fill the "secret stash" again!<br />
<br />Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-19067927459573559762014-09-15T11:21:00.003-07:002014-09-15T11:21:50.543-07:00Memorization with a Silly Cube!How do you get your little ones to memorize their Bible verses? Repeat, repeat, repeat. But, unless you put a little fun into that repeating, you are going to get some cranky kids. I ran across a brilliant idea while I was teaching this month.<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">A Silly Cube!</span> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 and 5 year olds memorizing Bible Verses with the Silly Cube!</td></tr>
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What is a silly cube you ask? It is a dice with silly motions on each side. This little idea took me about 5 minutes to create. I simply found a sturdy square box in my gift wrapping closet, some plain red wrapping paper and a permanent marker. My box was about 5"x5"x5" I wrapped the empty box. I used packing tape, so hopefully our cube will last for a couple of months. I teach 4 and 5 year olds, so I don't expect it to last a long time, but it will be fun to change up the silly motions in a couple months anyway. After it was wrapped, I just added the silly motions on each side. We used 1.Hands on head, 2.Jumping, 3.Whisper voice, 4.Touching toes, 5.Standing on one leg and 6.Standing still. It would be fun to have a little drawing so the kids knew what motion to do as soon as it landed, but I have a hard time drawing a stick figure, so I just had to read it for them.<br />
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As usual with little kids, don't over think it. They won't care, and you will only upset yourself. My cube was not completely square, and it wanted to land on one side a lot. Of course the side it liked was jumping, and the kids did not mind. We had 6 kids plus me, and we did 3 rounds before they got bored of the cube. So, all-in-all, we repeated our Bible Verse 21 times! You guessed it, all 6 had it memorized by the time we were done. We'll see if it sticks until next week.<br />
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What do you do to help your little ones memorize?<br />
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Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-63070701862784456202014-09-09T07:01:00.001-07:002014-09-09T07:31:09.547-07:00God's Creation Bingo game for kidsMy mom and I have been teaching the 4 and 5 year olds at our church this month. She had the first 2 weeks, and I had the last 2 weeks. Our little kids have been on a different curriculum than the rest of the classes, and it recently ended. The church is waiting to reorder so we can all be on the same schedule again. What that means is we have to find some miscellaneous lessons until the new curriculum arrives. Mom chose a 4 week course on creation from an old lesson book. The kids learned what God created each day, and although some supplies were still around, some have been lost over the years, causing us to fly by the seat of our pants!<br />
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Week 4 of this particular lesson was review. I thought it would be fun to go on a scavenger hunt, but the weather did not agree. So, on Saturday afternoon I sat down and made us some "Creation Bingo" cards. The kids loved it. I would call a picture, and they would shout BINGO if they had it. I don't think we ever got the directions right. I would remind them that God made whatever was on the picture, and then we would try to decide which day of creation that particular item was made. So, they were definitely getting reinforcement of the previous lessons. I forgot to get a photo since we were having so much fun. I do however have a PDF of the cards and master pictures I made. Please feel free to use to teach your little ones. <br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7fHPODvJoANRHVPRUlqSlhqTG8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7fHPODvJoANRHVPRUlqSlhqTG8/edit?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZVArSIWAk2hUgwxQ5CUTX-eLz1Pam7GkvUeabLneXsJ3H9Y3YIIuSFRMpKBmpHUphOKVjWSyUZjPx3j8Wvon6W_GTzTxKAJHUkHdyi8Zne8uhmf9mBJBkQU1PnHQsAfvdmGVdz_uyLw/s1600/temp.jpg" height="320" title="God's Creation Bingo Game Printable" width="224" /></a></div>
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All of the cards have exactly the same pictures. Because these were 4 and 5 year olds, I didn't want anyone getting upset if they didn't have a dog, or a banana when I called it. The last two pages of the printout are the master pictures. I printed these out, cut them, and put them in a paper bag to pull out one at a time.<br />
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Enjoy!Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-16270099304779969542014-08-28T08:24:00.001-07:002014-08-28T08:24:23.194-07:00Lunch box Jokes - A full year printable!I hate when I do this to myself. I start a little something for my
boys, not thinking about what it might turn into. I made an A-Z Babybook
for my first son. It was of the first year, and it was finished by his
18th month. My second son received his on his 4th birthday & my last
son....he turns 5 in December & I finally got the pictures printed
this month!<br />
<br />
Well, I did it again! I totally blame this
one on my addiction to Pinterest. A printable with kids jokes to add to
their lunchbox. I thought this would be fun for our first week back. My second grader asks every morning if I put a joke in his
bag, and we are well into our second week of school. Unfortunately, there were only 6 jokes on the Pinterest find. Oops! In the interest of sanity later this year, I am creating all of my
joke papers now, printing them, cutting them & putting them in a
secret place in the kitchen so they are ready to go! I didn't count, and
with the new laws in Ohio, I am not sure how many days my guys will be
in school, but I went with 180 just to be safe!<br />
<br />
I want to share them with you. You can thank me later that you didn't have to wade through the bad, bad, bad jokes to find these only slightly bad ones! Go Bless your children with the gift of laughter!<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7fHPODvJoANdXBLMkprVG5USmc/edit" target="_blank"><img alt="A full year of Lunchbox Jokes Printable" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWmIai431H3CH6ibPuOGiozA-e0KtdpviS_c_HhK9wyA6DbyIudh6MVPCNJtfUO6qFbG9k6FjNm9OHMg6KDj8RD7WzIhaAtcatRgGqfXYbd5rT0Gce5jJOKW-3D-fBOZI4y8dB8HBc0w/s1600/jokes.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
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CREDITS:<br />
The Pinterest post: www.thetaylor-house.com/back-school-lunch-box-jokes/<br />
Free frames from: the3amteacher.blogspot.com<br />
And... jokes from: www.ahajokes.com and: www.prongo.com/jokes/index.asp<br />
<br />Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-13682532456678655312013-01-11T10:41:00.001-08:002013-01-11T10:41:54.348-08:00Sometimes I get teary-eyed!Do your children ever make you cry? I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean do they ever make you so overwhelmed that tears just fill your eyes & leak out?<br />
<br />
I had that happen on the drive to school this morning. We have a Dodge Durango, so all 3 boys are on a bench seat together. We have a 6 disk changer CD player with slots 3,4,5 and 6 filled with permanent selections. There are 3 CDs of silly kids songs I got as a shower gift 6 years ago and the Classic Grease Soundtrack. We don't listen to the CDs all that often, maybe only once a week or so. I tend to keep the radio on KLOVE and we do a lot of talking and word games. Most mornings I like the boys to take in the beauty of nature and chit chat with me.<br />
<br />
But, my boys LOVE some of the songs from Grease. Let's be real, doesn't everyone love the songs from Grease. (Just a heads up, there are a lot of songs that are inappropriate for children on the Grease Soundtrack, so be careful.) Our favorite is "The Hound Dog," followed by "The Hand Jive" and lastly "The Silly Song" aka "We go together". So, we crank these up. Sometimes full blast! Our drive is mostly country roads, so we are pretty well alone for most of the drive. I do turn the music down to a descent level as we enter town! ;)<br />
<br />
This morning was one of those mornings. Everyone was buckled in and we were on our way out of town when Carson asked for The Hound Dog. So I found the song and turned it up. I get a little silly when we turn the music up, and true to my nature, I started some serious hand movements. I often wonder what the car behind me is thinking, but I really don't care. It helps the boys get silly and when I glanced in the review mirror, what I saw took my breath away and made my eyes tear up. All 3 boys with serious smiles were jammin' away! Singing to each another & laughing with each other!<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I don't care if they love the movie Grease when they are grown and I don't care if they still love the soundtrack. I love that they will remember when we drove to school in those early years that their mom would turn the music on full blast, clap, sing and act silly with them. I remember my dad doing the same thing with us when we were little. I wonder if we ever took his breath away. My theory is a fun memory stacked on a fun memory will create a happy, fun-filled life! Just what I have and what I want for my boys!<br />
<br />
So, what do you do to create those fun memories?Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-68217899633538153602013-01-07T13:00:00.002-08:002013-01-07T13:03:40.820-08:00The ABCs of Year 1 ~ Baby book #2<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"You have craft ADD!" </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This was a comment from my husband several weeks ago. I really couldn't take offense to it, as it's true. :) You know what else, I don't care! I have stacks of half finished crafts all over the place but, honestly, what serious crafter doesn't? I finish things now and then, but not on a real regular basis.<br />
<br />
So, I wanted to brag about the fact that I have finished the middle's baby book. I gave it to him back in October. It was on his 4th birthday, so really, I am only about 3 years late. (I finally added the last photo when I printed out our Christmas cards, because somehow I missed getting 1 printed in October). But you know the saying "Better late than never". I figure when he is 10 or 20 or even 30 showing his own little ones, he won't remember that it took me so long. He loves it already, and already the little guy is wondering when his is going to be done - I have until December before he turns 4, but I make no promises! <br />
<br />
Anyhow, without further ado... <b>The ABC's of Year 1</b><br />
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(& yes, I realize it has been since last October since I posted in my blog....) Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-44782129724634822632011-10-20T12:13:00.000-07:002013-01-07T13:01:13.660-08:00Charlie Banana One Size Pocket Cloth Diaper Overview<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Charlie Banana One Size Pocket Cloth Diaper Overview Video</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Only available in snap closure</li>
<li>Features a crossover snap for a snug fit on babies as small as 7 pounds</li>
<li>Pocket opening is in the front</li>
<li>Liner is 100% Polyester Fleece</li>
<li>Comes with 2 microfiber inserts</li>
<li>Adjusted by "bra-style" brackets and elastic in leg openings</li>
<li>Wide elastic in back waist area</li>
<li>Hybrid - Allows for disposable insert by Charlie Banana</li>
<li>Many colors and prints to choose from</li>
<li>Made by Winc, Inc. in China - donates 1% of all sales to Operation Smile</li>
</ul>
& now for the video...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x3WruT0Iul4?hl=en&fs=1" width="425"></iframe>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-55273397462943511172011-07-26T11:44:00.000-07:002011-07-26T15:46:23.471-07:00Fuzzibunz vs. bumGeniusI think it is safe to say the 2 most popular brands of One Size Pocket Diapers are <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/FuzziBunz_bymfg_23-3-1.html">Fuzzibunz</a> and <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/bumGenius_bymfg_1-3-1.html">bumGenius</a>, but what causes moms to choose one over the other? Let's take a look at the differences and similarities of the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/FuzziBunz-One-Size-Diapers--Bulk-Packs_p_136.html">Fuzzibunz One Size Pocket Diaper</a> and the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/bumGenius-40-Pocket-Diaper--Bulk-3-6-12-Packs_p_397.html">bumGenius 4.0 Pocket Diaper</a>...<br />
<br />
First of all, they look similar. Beyond the placement of the snaps which we will discuss later, they really look pretty much the same:<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnBw56PsQquWfEDcdnc7RKnkQWyzUfUWcj-yzl9uC2C2KP7GzV11IuyBpfRNBK3tfAg8AVSyD_pHwC4yepdCCNaKKSPVJ6Sdwoye-feBZlNMwFHhm-zv0yhDu0cjy9zIc_7UHWdplDbQ/s1600/fb-onesize-applegreen200_thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnBw56PsQquWfEDcdnc7RKnkQWyzUfUWcj-yzl9uC2C2KP7GzV11IuyBpfRNBK3tfAg8AVSyD_pHwC4yepdCCNaKKSPVJ6Sdwoye-feBZlNMwFHhm-zv0yhDu0cjy9zIc_7UHWdplDbQ/s200/fb-onesize-applegreen200_thumbnail.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxAM2HrlupZRjzn1S4zZ3XCG5hETIdRb4xu2E_mqzZ7RohaWju5SgFqTUKfjkryhhKoJLhSi7VT6pf-iixPDQc5FiWvRnn4ApUdOIMhrPSmMjczdUCNmDiRgHEtfSwnzmSqbnN0JgNY0/s1600/BG4_0SnapClementine_S400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxAM2HrlupZRjzn1S4zZ3XCG5hETIdRb4xu2E_mqzZ7RohaWju5SgFqTUKfjkryhhKoJLhSi7VT6pf-iixPDQc5FiWvRnn4ApUdOIMhrPSmMjczdUCNmDiRgHEtfSwnzmSqbnN0JgNY0/s200/BG4_0SnapClementine_S400x400.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Fuzzibunz bumGenius</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">But, don't be fooled by apperances, the only things these diapers share is being One Size, Pocket Diapers and having a Snap Closure! With a ton of small differences, you would think one would become more popular, but both diapers really are loved by all! Some moms prefer one over the other, and some moms have a nice stash of each! So, on to the differences:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Fuzzibunz is a snap only diaper, they do not come in a hook and look version. BumGenius, on the other hand, can be either a snap or hook and look closure. The hook and loop closure still has the snaps on the front for size adjustments, but closes at the waist with a hook and loop. The size adjustment is probably the biggest difference between the two. The Fuzzibunz uses the leg and back elastic to pull the diaper tighter for a little one. Then the lower "hip snap" can be snapped more or less tightly to allow for a snug fit at the thigh. All Fuzzibunz come with a replacement set of elastics which are easily changed out when the current set losses its stretch. The bumGenius use a 3x3 snap placement on the front of the diaper to fold down and snap for a smaller diaper. You can buy a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/bumGenius-Refresh-Kit_p_180.html">refresh kit</a> to replace both the elastic and hook and loop for $1.00, but as the elastic is not stretched like the Fuzzibunz, this is not a big deal.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="171px" name="pxuf1fl8oPZgRM:" 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" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="140px" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwMLttkc2WE-bqy5LDkOABKlKQhsXkO1eS3ugDA0jnqRnyilpGWrzMu6oOgkITJPxs6VwcFhOtI1Z9RQ9YBvxGpHQE-5gLCsOs9XxMNCdDgq-ld6VwKlTdDT3raUqWaJfmiXpGO-hr5g/s1600/bumgenius4_0onesizepocketdiaperdiagram1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwMLttkc2WE-bqy5LDkOABKlKQhsXkO1eS3ugDA0jnqRnyilpGWrzMu6oOgkITJPxs6VwcFhOtI1Z9RQ9YBvxGpHQE-5gLCsOs9XxMNCdDgq-ld6VwKlTdDT3raUqWaJfmiXpGO-hr5g/s1600/bumgenius4_0onesizepocketdiaperdiagram1.gif" t$="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Fuzzibunz bumGenius </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The pocket opening on the Fuzzibunz is all the way at the top of the diaper, and there is no flap to fold over the pocket opening. The bumGenius starts about an inch into the diaper and has a flap to fold over the pocket opening. The Fuzzibunz diaper is about an inch thinner in between the legs, which makes for a trimmer fit, but also makes it a bit more difficult to stuff the inserts. It is not hard, just not as easy to stuff as the bumGenius.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">With a polar-fleece inner, the Fuzzibunz is the softer of the two, but it is also thicker because of this inner. The fleece is also very stain resistant. The bumGenius is a microsuede which is a thinner material which is still very soft. The Fuzzibunz inner runs all the way from the front to back, while the bumGenius has a "waterproof insert stopper" at the front to help keep belly leaks at bay. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Both the Fuzzibunz and bumGenius One Size Pocket Diapers come in a variety of fun colors. At the present time (July 2011) Fuzzibunz has 14 colors. BumGenius has 12 colors and 5 fun prints. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N8JDfidiHky7meR71-LsY5tAnFu_WdQGRGLAOOTZmble9MZliVlo7Ayy9LjPfyASK7aBKDfWdDACnXxtgZ_sfSuwd9mAShTUEC5J4qASFQvdZW1yrJOax1HtPjOcfEIN2rd_BnBkayM/s1600/fuzzicolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N8JDfidiHky7meR71-LsY5tAnFu_WdQGRGLAOOTZmble9MZliVlo7Ayy9LjPfyASK7aBKDfWdDACnXxtgZ_sfSuwd9mAShTUEC5J4qASFQvdZW1yrJOax1HtPjOcfEIN2rd_BnBkayM/s1600/fuzzicolors.jpg" t$="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifahieeDPnJYP5uGrLZm-YOsJ2wdafgXq1i_mZq90sJXce7d4Q1-ULzWcCqQE_Wv2kO267u9ZbjFPP8XCHaJUSY-O3ok07718wqiVpyfSx3AaJM7tZ6bYWjsTX7TBtQbMuzoB4YliYUzE/s1600/bumGenius+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _prototypeuid="10" alt="" class="media" galleryimg="no" height="178px" id="fullSizedImage" src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee382/JodiHoltvogt/bumGeniuscolors.jpg?t=1311705004" style="height: 178px; width: 187px;" width="187px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Fuzzibunz bumGenius </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, there are quite a few subtle differences that make the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Fuzzibunz-One-Size-Pocket-Diaper_p_294.html">Fuzzibunz One Size Pocket Diaper</a> and the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/bumGenius-40-One-Size-Pocket-Diaper_p_396.html">bumGenius 4.0 Pocket Diaper</a> unique. Still, they run neck in neck for popularity, and many moms cannot pick one over the other. How do you decide? Put them both on that baby botton & see for yourself!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-82008293650177111082011-07-18T17:12:00.000-07:002011-07-18T17:12:25.089-07:00Cloth Diaper CakesAs you know, I am a WAHM. I do have the luxury of working a couple days a week alone while my boys spend time with their grandparents, but between running a business and running after 3 boys, my crafting days have come to an end! Occasionally I get to pull out my yarn or my scrapbooks & spend a little time doing what comes natural to me, but not very often. <br />
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So, it was with GREAT pleasure that I pulled out some supplies and assembled these <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Cloth-Diaper-Cake--Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds_p_529.html">cloth diaper cakes</a> using unbleached indian prefolds. The small one is 6 <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds-6-Pack_p_14.html">infant prefolds</a> & 3 <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Thirsties-Fab-Wipes-6-pack_p_111.html">Thirsties wipes</a>, perfect to introduce a new mom to cloth. The medium has 12 prefolds and 6 wipes which will start a nice stash of prefolds. The large is 24 prefolds, 6 wipes and 3 <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Thirsties-Duo-Wraps-Diaper-Cover_p_110.html">Thirsties duo wrap covers</a>, a good amount to get started in the world of cloth diapering. I am planning to continue my crafting with a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Kissaluvs-Fitted-Cloth-Diapers_p_4.html">Kissaluvs Cloth Diaper</a> Cake, a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/FuzziBunz-One-Size-Diapers--Bulk-Packs_p_136.html">Fuzzibunz Cloth Diaper</a> Cake, a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/bumGenius-40-One-Size-Pocket-Diapers--20-Pack_p_147.html">bumGenius Cloth Diaper</a> Cake and a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Flip_bymfg_30-3-1.html">Flip Cloth Diaper</a> Cake. Who knows where it will lead? If you are interested in a cake from a specific type of diaper or accessory, just let me know. I can always work up something special just for you!<br />
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Imagine how cute this prefold cloth diaper cake will look in the middle of the gift table at a baby shower. Or how much fun it would be to present this to a mom you know has been wanting to try cloth but has been hesitating! If you are already using cloth diapers or plan to do so when your baby is born, the cloth diaper cake makes a wonderful conversation starter, so why not get one to put on your table while you await your own bundle of joy?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Cloth-Diaper-Cake--Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds_p_529.html"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdf8vTq8hPeRYQtbm56kF84JHG4RS0KQGDTIYlBlEmtOdaseFmkM5nLeafEEGsL1wK9dIDKG4ROH1LRErNtV1SovECLudBUoFD_rGCENgLO463gRgd9yHydlm1K6ZwvM1N1JsUmAmRmAI/s320/cloth-diaper-cake-large-prefolds.jpg" width="239px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Large</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Cloth-Diaper-Cake--Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds_p_529.html"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqbKqtl3ifayM0LU49dWGmMFwaFhMkKdAUJkCcFRveQlgGuPUPGUbSUC52ZyC01XM1dPaWa7q_4Zuj3p9B-OjXCKeI8_nvwfHmXvvg4mukNacf0UrV9-PiGaJO_DuV74sPcjX0y23tRg/s320/cloth-diaper-cake-medium-prefolds.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Medium</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Cloth-Diaper-Cake--Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds_p_529.html"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURq53dBGhbr66gFQ0Of-YGi_4OpEj9KsVvkOUfIv-tpcOOkJxMAW1X-7HcsbIZazNMwMBtkZUhxjrYU-v79kG-6Dg2zlfnGChQBlhwC6HDTU11_p1Zw7CoeCvziT4MBqeVVoUDZ0sEl4/s320/cloth-diaper-cake-small-prefolds.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div align="center">Small</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-42390772145319911692011-07-14T11:53:00.000-07:002011-07-14T11:53:33.655-07:00The Benefits of BabywearingThere are tons of studies on the benefits of wearing your baby - from the day of birth on! Soon after baby is born, many moms feel they do not get a single minute to "do" anything. Don't mind we are always doing something! Snuggle your baby in a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Moby_bymfg_12-3-1.html">Moby Wrap</a> or <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Dolcino-Organic-Cotton-Baby-Carrier_p_249.html">Dolcino</a> and be hands-free. When you feel like you need to get something done, do it together. Experts suggest another great reason to start carrying early is to help ease your muscles into the extra weight of a toddler. <br />
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Studies seem to focus on the benefits of carring a newborn. I am one of those mama's who can't resist a newborn snuggled up against my chest, so it has always seemed natrual to me. And, with so many health benefits (see below), I had the perfect excuse if I needed one. I LOVE to wear my boys. But, I am only 5'1" and my littlest is getting to long. No to heavy, with my <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Moby_bymfg_12-3-1.html">Moby Wrap</a>, the weight is distributed so well, I do not have any trouble carring his 27 pounds - even for several hours at the hilly zoo.<br />
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While at the zoo, we turned our stroller into a sit & stand, meaning the 2 older boys can get in and out of the stroller by themselves, which makes the little one think he can too. Besides running him down or belting him in, both of which caused a major meltdown, the only other solution was to wear him. He loved it! He could see everything the big boys could see & then some. My husband loved the lightened stroller load & I loved the bonding time! WIN, WIN, WIN. In this video, you will see another reason why worn babies get to learn more. They just experience more. If I didn't have him in the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Moby_bymfg_12-3-1.html">Moby</a>, I would have left him belted in the stroller to stay with Dad. But, this way he went right up to the giraffe with us (check out the concentration on his face)!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mROocXTYBCU?hl=en&fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
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A few reasons why it is so healthy:<br />
<ol><li>Babies cry about 50% less on average. This benefit alone is worth it to me!</li>
<li>Babies spend more time in the quiet alert stage, ideal for learning.</li>
<li>Babies feel secure and become independent at an earlier age.</li>
<li>The upright position aids in babies digestion.</li>
<li>The upright position helps baby adapt to life in the real world.</li>
</ol>A few reasons why it is necessary:<br />
<ol><li>Mom actually has 2 hands to get things done.</li>
<li>You choose who touches your baby when you are out & about.</li>
<li>Helps curb post-partum depression by being close to baby but not having to interact</li>
<li>Allows for discreet nursing.</li>
<li>Created confidence as baby is calm and content</li>
</ol>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-88065278134035646052011-06-16T10:58:00.000-07:002011-06-16T10:58:10.902-07:00Testing the Affiliate ProgramJust wanting to test the affiliate program.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/?AffId=66"><img border=0 src="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/assets/images/affiliateBanners/affiliateBanner1.jpg"></a>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-73385615389620447872011-05-26T11:19:00.000-07:002011-05-26T11:19:53.901-07:00The Pool & Swim DiapersOK, Where did spring go? We are flip-flopping between 50 & 80! But, I am debating getting out our little pool for the hot days! My boys LOVE the pool. With pool weather, comes swim suits. I don't know about you, but I HATE disposable swim diapers. Even when I was a disposable mama, I hated swim diapers. They get all wet & droopy, and they have got to be one of the hardest things to put on a baby. So, when I started using a snap-on cloth swim diaper, I was in love with the benefits. Our 2 favorites are the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Bummis-Swimmi_p_76.html">Bummis Swimmi</a> & the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Apple-Cheeks-Swim-Diaper_p_441.html">Apple Cheeks Swim Diaper</a>. Let me also recommend the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Summer-Swim-Set-Swimmi-WetDry-Bag-Changing-Pad_p_525.html">Summer Swim Set</a> which includes a Wet/Dry bag and matching Changing Pad, and the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Swim-bag-Planet-Wise-WetDry-Bag_p_483.html">Planet Wise Swim Bag</a> which is a life saver at the pool!<br />
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First of all, let's discuss what a swim diaper is for. It is not to absorb urine or bowel movements the way a regular diaper does. This would weight your baby down in a pool full of water, creating a very unsafe situation. The only purpose is to keep the BMs contained long enough to remove your child from the water and change the diaper. I know, kind of gross, try not to focus on this part. Surfice it to say, cloth swim diapers are equal to disposable diapers with the task at hand.<br />
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Now, let me tell you the benefits of the cloth verison:<br />
<ol><li><u><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Money Savings.</span></strong></u> Aren't we all looking for ways to save money without doing less? Here you have it. A cloth swim diaper which will last 1-2 summers depending on the size of your child costs between $12.75-18.99. A pack of 9-11 disposable swim diapers is $11.99. Think about how many you use, especially on vacation when you use 3 or 4 in one day.</li>
<li><u><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Less bulk under a swim suit.</span></strong></u> Both disposable and cloth swim diapers can be worn alone, although many parents prefer a traditional swim suit over the top. With only 2 layers of fabric and no inner material, the cloth swim diaper does not create any bulk under your babies suit.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;"><u>Snap on for easy on/off action.</u></span></strong> We frequent the lake during the summer, and that means swimming morning, noon & night with naps and eating in between. Trying to pull an 'underwear' style diaper on and off a crawler is the worst! Cloth Swimmies closure is similar to regular diapers in snap or hook & loop style. This is especially important if you have ever tried to remove a soiled disposable swim diaper, even ripping the sides seems to make a huge mess! </li>
<li><u><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Always at the ready.</strong></span></u> Just like disposable diapers, you will eventually find yourself running to the store last minute to get the disposable swim diaper. With a cloth, just toss in the wash with your other pool laundry & it will be ready when you are.</li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;"><u>Cute, Cute, Cute!</u></span></strong> I will let this picture speak for itself. This is an <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Apple-Cheeks-Swim-Diaper_p_441.html">Apple Cheeks Swim Diaper.</a></div></li>
</ol><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvPhYGtkn0khQyIRbZBf4QUQZX_2RStjWAOKBnxSwX2vqziFCsAaX0_AOzlVLzJn1RIuBRWfCiUC9ECdjeYBo2CXiOscuhQJjme349c52mTjJy8DAZCzw1DoTKzv0-nrZxv7UY4dzRxw/s320/applecheeks_swim_diaper_pic_with_kid_and_floaties.jpg" t8="true" width="239" /></div><div align="left" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-69711434040172989562011-05-17T11:18:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:18:34.199-07:00Monkey Head Winner Is...<span id="true-random-integer-generator-title">True Random Number Generator</span> <span id="true-random-integer-generator-min-span"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-min">Min:</label> <input dpbho_ctype="2" id="true-random-integer-generator-min" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-min" value="2" /> </span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-span"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-max">Max:</label> <input dpbho_ctype="2" id="true-random-integer-generator-max" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-max" value="25" /> </span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-button-span"><input id="true-random-integer-generator-button" name="true-random-integer-generator-button" type="button" value="Generate" /> </span><label for="true-random-integer-generator-result">Result:</label> <span id="true-random-integer-generator-result">4 </span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits">Powered by <a href="http://www.random.org/" target="_blank">RANDOM.ORG</a></span><br />
<br />
<span>#4 ~ <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14907050277721670656" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #993322;">E</span></a> said... </span><br />
<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-6011774105453579796">Following Nell's Natural Baby with GFC</dd><dd class="comment-body"></dd><dd class="comment-body"><div style="text-align: left;">Congrats "E" and Thanks to you all for getting in on the fun. Hopefully I will find something else to give away soon! I would love to add a pick to your little one in his/her new hat.</div></dd>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-35857384450669088712011-05-16T09:28:00.000-07:002011-05-16T09:28:07.447-07:00Prefolds & Covers DetailedI got some great feedback about the Fuzzibunz post. So I thought I would continue to detail the types and brands of diapers for you. Let me know if you like it, or if you don't...I don't want to bore you with details you don't want.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Newborn-Cloth-Diaper-Package-PrefoldsKissaluvs-Deluxe_p_50.html" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Newborn Cloth Diaper Package: Prefolds/Kissaluvs Deluxe" border="0" src="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/assets/images/indian%20prefolds_thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Prefolds and Covers are the most inexpensive and versitile way to cloth diaper. These diapers will last child after child after child. With our <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Infant-Prefolds-Package-Up-to-15-pounds_p_49.html">Infant Prefold Package</a>, and our <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Baby-Prefolds-Package-15-30-Pounds_p_107.html">Baby Prefold Package</a>, you can have an entire cloth diapering carreer (for multiple children) for about $250. Think "Grandma's way", now, stop thinking that! Although this is the way that Grandma probably diapered your mom, it had come - A VERY LONG WAY! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let's start at the beginning. What is a prefold diaper? A prefold is a rectangular piece of cloth that is sewn with several layers of cloth, usually <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds-6-Pack_p_14.html">cotton</a> or <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Thirsties-Hemp-Prefold_p_524.html">hemp</a>, in such a way as to have twice as many layers in the middle as there are on the side. A 4x8x4 would have 4 layers on each side and 8 down the middle, right where absorbtion is most needed. This is an important number to consider, as all prefolds are not created equal. Just as an FYI, a flat is a cousin of the prefold, but with the same number of layers across the entire diaper.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We prefer Indian Prefolds, as opossed to Chinese. As the name suggests, these are made in India instead of China. <span class="PPStyle161-C">They generally are less pilly and shrink a bit more than Chinese prefolds. </span><span class="PPStyle151-C">Unbleached Indians are softer, especially after the first few washes. The fabric on the Chinese is woven a little denser, so they will shrink slightly less and feel less soft. They ‘quilt up’ a little less than the Indian Diapers, the Indian diapers get a more ‘quilted’ appearance. Indian diapers having a softer weave, tend to have a more frayed appearance at the ends of the diapers and an occasional loose thread. This is normal and expected and does not affect the diapers durability or usability. </span>Frayed edges do not make a defective diaper. We have heard many storys of Indian Diapers lasting through several children and then making the rounds as a cleaning rag for years after.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/assets/images/superbrite_green_bmprd_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/assets/images/superbrite_green_bmprd_lg.jpg" width="100" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bummis</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/image/DW_Mango_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/image/DW_Mango_web.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" width="100" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Thirsties</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now, lets talk covers. The two most popular are <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Thirsties-Duo-Wraps-Diaper-Cover_p_110.html">Thirsties</a> and <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Bummis-Super-Brite-Diaper-Cover_p_244.html">Bummis</a>. <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Flip-One-Size-Diaper-Cover_p_216.html">Flip Covers</a> are a somewhat new cover from Cotton Babies, and they are catching on very quickly too. A cover is needed with all prefolds.This is the waterproofing layer. Although the prefold/cover may be a little much for the new sitter, you will get the hang of a prefold & cover system very quickly. </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nellsnaturalbaby.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/flip/FlipS_Moonbeam_S400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="90" src="https://nellsnaturalbaby.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/flip/FlipS_Moonbeam_S400x400.jpg" src_iwe="http://www.cottonbabies.com/images/flip/100/flip-Small-Moonbeam.jpg" style="margin-top: 5px;" width="90" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flip Cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thirsties come in 2 sizes, and in both snap and hook and loop closure styles. Size 1 covers 6-18 pounds, and Size 2 is 18-40 pounds. Thirsties Duo Wrap Covers use only 2 sizes because they utilize the same snap structure on the front as a one-size. Bummis has 4 sizes. This is the cover I recommend for all preemies and tiny newborns. The newborn is 4-9 pounds, small 8-16 pounds, medium 15-30 pounds and large 27+ pounds. Bummis are only hook & loop closure. Flips Covers are one-size, and come in both snap and hook & loop closure syle. All covers wipe clean, meaning there is no cloth on the inside of the diaper. If it is wet or lightly soiled, it can be wiped clean and reused.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is the thing that scares most people off... There are tons of ways to fold a prefold. Don't panic! The simplest is to fold each side over the middle, lay it in the cover and snap onto baby. If you baby is tiny, fold in forths along the short side. But, if you are adventurous, and most of you will get there once you get the hang of prefolds, you can try different folds for different uses. You can find my blog on ways to prefold here: <a href="http://3babyboysandabusiness.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-fold-prefold-cloth-diaper.html">http://3babyboysandabusiness.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-fold-prefold-cloth-diaper.html</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nellsnaturalbaby.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/snappi1_thumbnail.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://nellsnaturalbaby.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/snappi1_thumbnail.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snappi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pins are a thing of the past! <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Snappi-Fastener-Double-Pack_p_108.html">Snappis</a> are used to secure prefolds on baby. But, these are optional! Some moms prefer to put on a prefold and allow the cover to keep it in place. Other moms like the security of the snappi holding the diaper in the correct position. Either way, pins are no longer needed with prefolds. If you choose to use a snappi, simply put on one side, stretch to the other and stetch the bottom down. That's it!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Overall, prefolds may be the most versitile and long-lasting way to cloth diaper. It is definately the most inexpensive. There is a huge following of devoted prefold parents out there, are you one?</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-14340820696930662322011-05-10T09:01:00.000-07:002011-05-10T09:01:48.755-07:00Daddy Time.I had all intentions of detailing another diaper today since I feel a little biased about giving Fuzzibunz a review all of it's own. <br />
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But...sometimes I feel compelled to share the blessings of my life! Yesterday I was out playing with the boys in our new sandbox. Ben came out with us and eventually I had to go in and start dinner. I got dinner started and looked out my kitchen window. This is the view that greeted me. (I couldn't zoom any further & didn't want to interrupt them by getting closer.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBpm12jcI6KMVT4ctdxUHsVjmcJXtgyv_zaFTGxmMK78af-U_rDF54gF9fntrdjdmJiT23QtUARDEBjsCQXHYAY7VD82r5gKi2FrKZgjMJ6aN9fUGaZjDpmlaDDvsFQt0goO7NTTTJM4/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBpm12jcI6KMVT4ctdxUHsVjmcJXtgyv_zaFTGxmMK78af-U_rDF54gF9fntrdjdmJiT23QtUARDEBjsCQXHYAY7VD82r5gKi2FrKZgjMJ6aN9fUGaZjDpmlaDDvsFQt0goO7NTTTJM4/s400/IMG_2106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband and my children are blessed with a loving father. I think this may turn out to be one of my all time favorite photos ~ all my boys.</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-75930973818152766732011-05-04T09:42:00.000-07:002011-05-04T09:42:23.151-07:00Details of the Fuzzibunz One Size Cloth Pocket Diaper<div class="art-PostContent">Since the announcment of the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Buy-5-Get-1-Free-Fuzzibunz-One-Size-Pocket-Diaper-Sale_p_520.html">Buy 5 Get 1 Free Fuzzibunz Sale</a> earlier this week, lots of questions have been coming our way about the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Fuzzibunz-One-Size-Pocket-Diaper_p_294.html">Fuzzibunz One Size Cloth Diaper</a>. I thought I would try to lay out all of the details to help unravel the mystery of Fuzzibunz One Size. </div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Watermelon" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-watermelon-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Buttercream" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-buttercream-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Grape" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-grape-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Choco Truffle" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-chocotruffle-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /></div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent">I think the first thing that confuses everyone is the snaps on the front (or the lack of). Unlike other one-size cloth diapers, Fuzzibunz does not use a snap-up system on the front of the diaper. They have created a unique way of adjusting the cloth diaper by changing the length of the elastic on the legs and back. Although there are guidelines for the weight of the baby, it generally takes some adjusting to get the perfect fit on your baby. Once you figure out that fit, you won't have to change it until baby gains several pounds. Each diaper comes with a replacement set of elastic, and it literally takes 5 minutes to change out if your first set of elastic gets to warn.</div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent">The next difference that throws people off is the hip snap. This allows the diaper to be snapped more (or less) snuggly at the leg hole. Got a baby with chicken legs, or one whose thighs could rival the fat lady? This diaper is perfect for you. The snaps on these diapers are super durable. Sometimes it takes me a few tries to get the snaps on other diapers lined up when my little guy is moving all around. Not true with the Fuzzibunz. I do have one of those chicken legged babies, so I do have a little trouble getting the hip snapped now and then since it is closer to the middle. I do however love the snug fit on his legs.</div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Cotton Candy" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-cottoncandy-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Mint" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-mint-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Big Sky" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-bigsky-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Crushed Berries" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-crushedberries-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /></div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent">So, they look a little different and they fit a little different. They also feel a little different. The Fuzzibunz One Size Pocket Diaper had got to be one of the softest fabrics I have ever felt. I am thinking maybe I need a blanket made out of this stuff. The pocket liner (the part that touches your baby) is made entirely of Polar Fleece. It is sooooo soft! Even the leg elastic is covered by the fleece, so no red marks on baby's legs. The fleece is also a stay dry material. I sometimes have to check the inserts to be sure they are not wet. No kidding - it feels that dry. Which also means baby feels that dry. Another great thing about polar fleece is that dirties do not stick. If you hold your diaper over the toilet, the solid will fall right off. No need to rince, swirl, dip or spray! The off color of a poo comes right off in the washer.</div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent">Absorbancy is great with this cloth diaper. They come with both a small and <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Fuzzibunz-Microterry-Cloth-Diaper-Insert_p_519.html">large insert</a>. Because they are so snug and so dry feeling, I love to use them at night. I put both inserts in at night to make sure my little one makes it through the night. I only have leak issues when I don't get the top fleece edge tucked in. That is probably my one complaint with the Fuzzibunz One Size Cloth Pocket Diaper. The pocket opens all the way at the top of the back and I am not always careful enough to make sure the extra fleece is not sticking out. But, because of this design, I can sometimes remove the inserts without having to touch them.</div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent">So, there you have it. We really like our Fuzzibunz!</div><div class="art-PostContent"><br />
</div><div class="art-PostContent" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Apple Green" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-applegreen-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Kumquat" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-kumquat-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> <img alt="FuzziBunz® Diaper in Tootie Frootie" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-TootieFrootie-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /><img alt="Mac N Cheese" border="0" height="120px" src="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/diapers/OS/FB-onesize-macncheese-sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="120px" /> </div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-48474299031027028522011-05-03T08:59:00.000-07:002011-05-04T05:15:31.362-07:00A "Monkey Head" Giveaway!I have gone back and forth about this giveaway, as I KNOW it is supposed to be Spring! But, the chilly, rainy season has kept me crocheting. I love the pattern for this super cute infant hat. My mother-in-law was cleaning out some yarn (she has an obession ;-) I snagged a bunch of schenes of thin cotton. The beautiful chocolate brown was one! <br />
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So, with all these events combined, I thought one of you would love to have my latest creation. When I finished, one of my little guys announced "Hey Mom, you made a Monkey Head!" So, it's for you... a Monkey Head. If you aren't expecting a little one anytime soon, this makes a great shower gift. Couple it with a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/bumGenius-All-in-One-Diaper--XS_p_174.html">bumGenius XS All-in-one diaper</a>, or a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Thirsties-Duo-Wraps-Diaper-Cover_p_110.html">Thirsties Duo Diaper Wrap</a> for an awesome newborn photo!<br />
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Here it is: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3ccO8wsvQj_SY30ZXSX4NsD8zG4IeV0enJWh9TCDVfKKyyAEHkJwTk-tp2MJjZNm7NYT49MnmgevAct69AFaVG0pc0agBZrGy6iJogiE9TT3nU5eN5l3bk9V6lJwQT45NcU3c-Ymq84/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3ccO8wsvQj_SY30ZXSX4NsD8zG4IeV0enJWh9TCDVfKKyyAEHkJwTk-tp2MJjZNm7NYT49MnmgevAct69AFaVG0pc0agBZrGy6iJogiE9TT3nU5eN5l3bk9V6lJwQT45NcU3c-Ymq84/s320/IMG_2091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
How to get it:<br />
<strong>Mandatory Entry:</strong> Follow this blog (3 Baby Boys and a Business) & leave a comment!<br />
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<strong>Extra Entries:</strong> (leave 1 comment per entry)<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> 1.) 'like' <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nells-Natural-Baby/57023305632">Nell's Natural Baby</a> on Facebook</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 2.) 'follow' <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/">Nell's Natural Baby</a> with Google Friend Connect (lower left)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 3.) blog about this giveaway</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 4.) 'follow' <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/nellsnatural">@nellsnatural</a> on Twitter</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<blockquote>Giveaway will end May 16th, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use Random.org to determine a winner. That winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. US entries only please. Good luck!</blockquote>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-84842742363536129612011-04-26T10:38:00.000-07:002011-04-26T10:39:23.797-07:00Review - Potty Bootcamp by S. Riffel<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Ryder is offically Potty Trained!</span></strong></div>I told you all several weeks ago that Ryder was on the path to Potty Training. After some investigation & many recommendations (some from you guys) to try <a href="http://www.thepottybootcamp.com/">The Potty Bootcamp</a>, I decided this was the way to go. I set off in search of the book and downloaded the ebook from <a href="http://www.thepottybootcamp.com/">http://www.thepottybootcamp.com/</a> for the low, low price of $5.95. It is a very quick read at only 41 pages. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWOwlQdsmsWgbZXBoqjaYMGpSpkeXc7Mx5sIAp3q7MvZz7tBD3MUwMC7glIkgOgoOkVIHNFvLvFZJVR3C0pEOIpFsbtlSB_nvC3HKLQMiVA8j_hPZELqD8ZNeq4_pZAG7D57U1PJ0jZQ/s1600/pottybootcamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWOwlQdsmsWgbZXBoqjaYMGpSpkeXc7Mx5sIAp3q7MvZz7tBD3MUwMC7glIkgOgoOkVIHNFvLvFZJVR3C0pEOIpFsbtlSB_nvC3HKLQMiVA8j_hPZELqD8ZNeq4_pZAG7D57U1PJ0jZQ/s1600/pottybootcamp.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I was completely game until I reached Chapter 4 "Prep Time - Enlistment" (page 12). I thought - Wait a minute, I am ready to start today and I don't have time to 'enlist' Ryder. I can't wait another week or 2 or however long it takes him to decide to 'enlist'. But, I kept reading...just in case. Although at this point I had already decided to go it on my own. Couldn't hurt to see what other techniques she recommends in case what I have in mind doesn't completely succeed. But, this 'enlistment time' just wasn't going to happen!<br />
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I have to say by the end of the book, I was back on board. Suzanne pointed out that 90% of the training is done in one day. After some thought, I decided a one day plan, even if it was days away, was better that the torture I was going to have to endure using the methods I had in mind.<br />
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This was a Wednesday 3 weeks ago. I started to formulate a plan. The boys stay with my mother-in-law on Thursdays, so I would give Ryder 1 week to 'enlist' and then keep him home the following Thursday while I sent the other two to Mimi's house. We stocked up on the rewards, the underwear and all other items the book recommended, making a big deal of this important day. I stocked up on my resolve, my patience and my prayers. It was only going to be 1 day, but it was going to be 1 LONG, HARD, FRUSTRATING Day! I printed out the flowchart the book provides to make sure I did all the right steps in the right order. I was only going to do this once, so I wanted to make sure I got it right. Quite honestly, the day came and went in a blur. I remember feeling frustrated, proud, even feeling sorry that I had to be "mean" so Ryder would get it. He was doing so well, I even chanced a run to McD (about a 10 minute trip) with only underwear and pants. I believe this is breaking the rules by the way. How disappointed I was when Ryder announced from the back seat "I no peeing" code words for "I wet my pants." But, when we got home, we rushed to the bathroom & he was still dry! At the end of day 1, the 90% day, I had no idea if any of it was working. The book indicated you will be in one of two categories at the end of day 1 - Your child self-initiated, or Your child did not self-initiate. I couldn't even decide which group we were in. Does "I no peeing" count as "I need to pee?" I was confused, but determined to see this through and I was not putting diapers on this child again! So... onward!<br />
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Day 2 was going to be harder, I had all 3 kids, and couldn't focus all of my time on Ryder. I went to bed feeling exhausted, confused, and worried, but also determined to see this through. Then it happened. About 10 minutes after we got up, Ryder stood at the end of the couch and proudly announced "I have to potty." WOOHOO!!!! We have had plenty of accidents since then, and really didn't leave the house for the next week & a half, but he is getting it. We have had several accident-free days!<br />
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I can't recommend <a href="http://www.thepottybootcamp.com/">The Potty Boot Camp</a> book enough! We give it 5 stars!Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-91443381491358072962011-04-21T10:31:00.000-07:002011-04-21T10:31:04.726-07:00Backing the Change 3 Things Challenge!I sell a LOT of <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/bumGenius_bymfg_1-3-1.html">bumGenius</a> & <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Flip_bymfg_30-3-1.html">Flips</a>. The woman behind the company, Jennifer Labit, is a very interesting and inspiring woman. She is out to change diapering one baby at a time. She has set out a challenge to diapering parents: <span class="profileName fsxl fwb"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/changethreethings?sk=info">Change 3 Things: 3 cloth diapers. One planet. Big impact.</a></strong></span><br />
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<span class="profileName fsxl fwb">I have taken the challenge and as a disposable convert myself, I understand the pros & cons of both sides. My child (we are down to 1 in diapers!!!) is not cloth diapered exclusively. Sometimes the convenience of disposables wins. But then I re-read facts about the chemicals, the environment and the cost...& can't imagine going back to disposables full time! </span><br />
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She has been tracking diaper changes calculated as 3 diapers * the number of 'like' on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/changethreethings">Change 3 things Facebook Page</a>. So, go like the page & tell her Nell's Natural Baby sent you. From early March to today<span class="messageBody">, more than 717,000 cloth diapers have been changed! That is the</span> equivalent to the number of disposable diapers 400 babies would have contributed to a landfill in a year's time.<br />
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<span class="profileName fsxl fwb">It's amazing what 3 diapers a day will do for the planet, for your wallet & for your child! You go Jennifer! I love how one persons vision can set the world on fire!</span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-64955741177232665572011-04-19T11:39:00.000-07:002011-04-19T11:40:17.223-07:00Our Pinecone Obsession - BunniesI hear a lot of moms comment about their kids collecting rocks. One friend of mine has 4 kids who routinely put rocks in their pockets to paint during the summer months. Another mom I know had to resort to a large flower vase to contain all the rocks her daughter brought home. For my boys, it's pine cones. We live in Ohio, so pine cones are plentiful! Every walk we take results in at least 1 pine cone per child & I bet we have come home with 20-25 in a single walk. I do not allow them in the house very often, they crunch up & make a terrible mess. Our dog also thinks they are a delectable treat, and I can't imagine they are great for her insides! We keep the pine cones in a box in the garage and generally use them start fires in the fall and winter. This serves several purposes. 1.) It works to help our fires get started 2.) the boys think it is neat that they catch fire first and 3.) It thins out the pine cone collection for next year!<br />
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But, I do try to incorporate them into crafts if I get the chance. The boys love to go out to the box and find the <em>"one"</em> they want to use. The hard work of finding the perfect pine cone will turn the day around for the boys! Their excitement for crafting turns the day around for me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwvPQdbw1LJdepC5sgQjj51yB6-nCog0XrVM5Ki808nmIHOrsj_Pztn7NI0jusDhmDqyKLGKCaxnYCsetA5NPMU1lCVoBOvCaOenp6SYB45Iz2spxfAuzsFDD4-7-qinmV-MeC13B9kQ/s1600/pinecone+bunnies+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwvPQdbw1LJdepC5sgQjj51yB6-nCog0XrVM5Ki808nmIHOrsj_Pztn7NI0jusDhmDqyKLGKCaxnYCsetA5NPMU1lCVoBOvCaOenp6SYB45Iz2spxfAuzsFDD4-7-qinmV-MeC13B9kQ/s320/pinecone+bunnies+2.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This week, Braden saw these Pine Cone Bunnies in our <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/">Disney Family Fun Magazine</a> (which we LOVE) & out came the craft supplies. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XLfg9F_IrN-GLqKKDlWE27FGOPdy8wNQi1sN1f3MA5KdY49ZqxYZVBgc0c0cgSGVL-lHsxe6k9ti-wfo6-Id9zqBBKAytB_JwG9q0fYJSefNZp4zC7AFXX8oRaYj_2H3Q57TdSFczAg/s1600/pinecone+bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XLfg9F_IrN-GLqKKDlWE27FGOPdy8wNQi1sN1f3MA5KdY49ZqxYZVBgc0c0cgSGVL-lHsxe6k9ti-wfo6-Id9zqBBKAytB_JwG9q0fYJSefNZp4zC7AFXX8oRaYj_2H3Q57TdSFczAg/s320/pinecone+bunnies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">They now grace our fireplace mantle. What a fun way to start Easter Week!</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-30026643239947882532011-04-18T06:39:00.000-07:002011-04-18T06:42:35.901-07:00How to: Fold a prefold cloth diaperWouldn't it be great if the term prefold meant that the diaper was already folded for you and ready to put on baby's bum? Sorry, prefold means that <em>you</em> must fold the diaper before putting it on baby's bum. Luckily, there are several ways to fold a prefold & all are quite simple! At different ages, you may find that different folds work better. Experiment and practice until you find the perfect fold! We have <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/cloth-diapering-discounts.html">prefold packages</a> available for <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Bummis-Preemie-Prefolds-Diaper-Package_p_248.html">Preemies</a>, <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Infant-Prefolds-Package-Up-to-15-pounds_p_49.html">Infants</a> and <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Baby-Prefolds-Package-15-30-Pounds_p_107.html">Older Babies</a>. We also have the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds-6-Pack_p_14.html">prefolds</a> and <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/diaper-covers-diaper-wraps-fasteners.html">covers</a> separately so you can personalize your own stash!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><strong><span style="color: red;">The Trifold Fold</span></strong>: <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>Good for newborns and infants. Lay out the prefold. Fold each side over the middle (trifold) and place in <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/diaper-covers-diaper-wraps-fasteners.html">diaper cover</a>. Put on baby. Fasten cover. For tiny babies, fold the prefold in fourths the short way instead of thirds the long way. Then place in cover. This shortens the prefold.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpP3OeCGZBPYvX_LILhox3WWBzHGpUyYHdc6lVvPU8pkQ1xkDtu0luwLeXp6TJwPMCmWDfLnasOnttlNVEmOqCBTvcFh7NpluOqgUTIIVHiF-zaeMWkTe7QoHAK62O7cLnjPI3lETHzc/s1600/trifold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpP3OeCGZBPYvX_LILhox3WWBzHGpUyYHdc6lVvPU8pkQ1xkDtu0luwLeXp6TJwPMCmWDfLnasOnttlNVEmOqCBTvcFh7NpluOqgUTIIVHiF-zaeMWkTe7QoHAK62O7cLnjPI3lETHzc/s400/trifold.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Bikini Twist Fold</span></strong>. <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>Lay the baby on the prefold. Twist the bottom portion of the prefold. Bring up the prefold between legs. Secure the sides of the cloth diaper with a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Snappi-Fastener-Double-Pack_p_108.html">Snappi</a>, adjusting the front rise as needed. Fasten the <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/diaper-covers-diaper-wraps-fasteners.html">diaper cover</a>. This is a great fold for babies with chunky legs. It maintains great absorbency while allowing a large opening for the legs. This is also a great fold if your diapers are a little large for your baby. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vWALqXD43no7UMF7c_3almchWtb2lR5ezd9qjDqT1hoClKIjCB2xFJU2mzjGH1EZS6UGs7xbDf4ah6XgVPNO31K24kM5MC3xP-VkSeJaW7_KcBRYI-QCNPfx7VQrG-0WMI-IpN3lxqM/s1600/bikini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vWALqXD43no7UMF7c_3almchWtb2lR5ezd9qjDqT1hoClKIjCB2xFJU2mzjGH1EZS6UGs7xbDf4ah6XgVPNO31K24kM5MC3xP-VkSeJaW7_KcBRYI-QCNPfx7VQrG-0WMI-IpN3lxqM/s400/bikini.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><strong><span style="color: red;">The Angel Wings Fold</span></strong>. Fold each side over the middle (trifold the prefold). Flare out both sides on the top of the diaper. Place baby on top of the prefold. Bring up the prefold between legs. Secure the "wings" of the diaper with a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Snappi-Fastener-Double-Pack_p_108.html">Snappi</a>, adjusting the rise as needed. Fasten <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/diaper-covers-diaper-wraps-fasteners.html">diaper cover</a>. This fold is wonderfully trim fitting while still wrapping the cloth diaper around your baby's body which allows it to catch more of the mess. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7jL5eNufzNaIKIfaRBzk-U84ceTRSW9Z23KTFtwxlB0NvTarg25LKD9aW31GSL6-T2_h3WkSEx1VA19W73hyUpEeecE5AbPpsXOw1ov1Ypj_M1ivoio5VPeg0JXQ21Ajk7-RnTp1ANU/s1600/angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7jL5eNufzNaIKIfaRBzk-U84ceTRSW9Z23KTFtwxlB0NvTarg25LKD9aW31GSL6-T2_h3WkSEx1VA19W73hyUpEeecE5AbPpsXOw1ov1Ypj_M1ivoio5VPeg0JXQ21Ajk7-RnTp1ANU/s400/angel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><strong><span style="color: red;">The Jelly Roll Fold</span></strong>. Also known as the <span style="color: red;"><strong>Sidewall Fold</strong></span>. Lay the baby on the prefold. Roll both sides in toward the middle making a taper. Bring up the prefold between legs. Secure sides of the diaper with a <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/Snappi-Fastener-Double-Pack_p_108.html">Snappi</a>, adjusting the rise as necessary. You can see how the roll around the legs helps to keep messes inside, especially great for runny newborn poo. Fasten <a href="http://www.nellsnaturalbaby.com/diaper-covers-diaper-wraps-fasteners.html">diaper cover</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gMFMf6rbT1MIUXGEiE0aWwhuS67wYnmh3UaIFbo3VD_LNMvq4cQePbLOwlvCcDaa4zlf4ZquBcd2RWLGS8myBN2DiFKjFefW0FyaDaOBhps-rifEws-FJ4vGLABHrXOdTL0mC4-mWHI/s1600/jelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gMFMf6rbT1MIUXGEiE0aWwhuS67wYnmh3UaIFbo3VD_LNMvq4cQePbLOwlvCcDaa4zlf4ZquBcd2RWLGS8myBN2DiFKjFefW0FyaDaOBhps-rifEws-FJ4vGLABHrXOdTL0mC4-mWHI/s400/jelly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 13.5pt 1.5in right 3.0in 5.5in;"><br />
</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052537657282911573.post-57182000162251808062011-04-13T17:11:00.000-07:002011-04-13T17:11:17.009-07:00I NEED a mom conversation!Do you ever feel like you are stuck in the kids world? You know the one...where the purple dinosaur and the flying tiger meet and have a battle with the legos and the winner gets their hotwheel of choice? (If you have girls, maybe you at least get to have a civilized tea party with purple dinosaur and flying tiger)? Where a tent is a bed sheet strung between the couch & the chair and you must use the secret password to enter? Where all questions must begin and end with the letters "W-H-Y"? And all answers must be repeated a minimum of 14 times?<br />
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That is the world I live in! I LOVE my boys, and I honestly LOVE their crazy, silly, loud nature...most of the time. But, there are those times when I crave the quiet, honest, sensible conversation of another mom. My husband is a wonderful listener, and I can talk to him about anything, if I want to do the talking. He just is not much of a talker himself. Thankfully, I have found the moms I need! <a href="http://www.mops.org/">Mothers of Preschoolers International (MOPS)</a>. Our group meets every other Wednesday at a great local church with a fun indoor playground and awesome childcare volunteers who plan a lesson, sing, snack and play with the kids. This provides me with 2 hours of much needed down time with other moms. Yes, we spend most of the time discussing how to be a better mom, and that is ok. Two weeks ago, we talked about our child's <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/">Love Language</a> and how to show love in whichever way our child would feel it best. After a wonderful presentation, we created this little window vase:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLiycGGTcbBnwFOMOO9Zb4712FyxYgAws4aD78ki4QpPmdEqO1jMRW8wZJDGX2x6IEmougKraj-00Du_54Pm-PFiZSiEe81WGZ4goK8UkpcvnTngZyz4dytok5tBZFFYTSuKHMR7C3Xg/s1600/IMG_2055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLiycGGTcbBnwFOMOO9Zb4712FyxYgAws4aD78ki4QpPmdEqO1jMRW8wZJDGX2x6IEmougKraj-00Du_54Pm-PFiZSiEe81WGZ4goK8UkpcvnTngZyz4dytok5tBZFFYTSuKHMR7C3Xg/s320/IMG_2055.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This vase may be quite tiny, but its importance is monumental and grand.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">For the love that went into each picked 'flower',</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">was carefully chosen by your child's small hand.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">How important these pesky 'flowers' become and how great they will make your day,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">when your child comes running across the lawn 'I picked these just for you,' they'll say.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">No other flower can show your child's love, that that of the dandelion in bloom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">For sometimes in the thicket of weeds, Gods love is revealed to you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">So each time you use this vase, remember how great the reason.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">For nothing can compare to the love of a child, when the dandelions are in season!</span></div><br />
Of course as soon as we got outside, the boys went dandelion hunting (not very hard at our house right now!) and brought me the sweetest 'flowers' to remind me that a child's world is right where I belong...most of the time!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjUOg53ECF4r1V0KB76BjqN9DcLRRLsWcK0edQBVT_KFtoV7t82edkWIuP5T2Yv4SXKdCjBgnGSnh43GjVk3JoVWo6xbFJo8p4Cet2huwZ9t7OGKsNt4ifLxINQl_lcF3zsgoYmygyDM/s1600/IMG_2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjUOg53ECF4r1V0KB76BjqN9DcLRRLsWcK0edQBVT_KFtoV7t82edkWIuP5T2Yv4SXKdCjBgnGSnh43GjVk3JoVWo6xbFJo8p4Cet2huwZ9t7OGKsNt4ifLxINQl_lcF3zsgoYmygyDM/s320/IMG_2054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16165836151872805562noreply@blogger.com0