tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35603585778805357082024-03-12T14:04:09.090-04:00mile high mormon mamafollow our adventures in homeschooling, teaching our kids about christ, and trying all kinds of new things, from cooking and baking to science experiments to going new places. we embrace every day to the fullest so we can learn about the world around us, giving and receiving the best life has to offer!evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-27061403203366036602012-05-31T18:06:00.001-04:002012-05-31T18:07:03.166-04:00getting ready for the baby's arrival!i'm officially full term now - 37 weeks pregnant. it seemed to come out of nowhere; it seems like just yesterday we were getting the ultrasound where we learned that we're having ANOTHER boy, and all of a sudden, here we are, and i realized we haven't done ANYTHING to get ready for this baby. whoops. i guess things like that can sneak up on you when you've got other children to take care of - between homeschooling trevor, swim classes for both boys, and doing my best just to get through every day w/ the pain i've been having this pregnancy, i just haven't had the time or energy to do the things that needed to be done before this newest addition arrives.<br />
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well, that all changed this past weekend. i enlisted my husband's help in setting up the crib and rearranging the kids' room to make it fit. it took us a little while to remember how the crib is supposed to get put together, and i still need to find info on retrofitting it to make it so it's no longer a drop-side crib, since those aren't considered safe anymore. but the baby's "corner" is set up and ready for him now:<br />
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rather than buying yet another dresser and trying to find a place to put it, we decided to use the 9-cubby shelf we already had and just get more bins for storing clothes. i think it's gonna work really well, PLUS it's super cute. :) we also got a couple of under-bed bags for things like blankets and sheets to that we don't have to worry about finding a place to store those bulkier items. it was a smart move - i spent about $50 on things for this baby's room (5 canvas bins and 2 under-bed bags; we already had a few canvas bins for the shelf) instead of hundreds on a dresser that we don't actually have the room for. :)<br />
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the kids has a blast this last couple weeks w/ helping me make goodies to give to the nurses in the hospital when the time comes for me to actually have this baby. we forgot to get pictures of everything we made, but that's ok. i got all these recipes from pinterest - <a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/2012/04/monster-magic-cookie-bars.html">monster magic cookie bars</a> (though we didn't have any m&m's, so i doubled the amount of chocolate chips), <a href="http://www.shugarysweets.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6017791">nutella no bake cookies</a>, <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/jello-cookies/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Iheartnaptime1+%28I+heart+nap+time+%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">jello cookies</a>, and <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/05/04/self-frosting-nutella-cupcakes/">self-frosting nutella swirl mini cupcakes</a>.<br />
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we made up 5 plates of treats - 1 for the l&d nurses, and 4 for the nurses in the mother/baby unit - and stuck them in the freezer so they'll be ready to go when we need them. we made sure to put a little of everything on each plate - and we sure weren't disappointed when there were extras for us to enjoy! :) the kids weren't big fans of any of it except the jello cookies. i'm going to have to educate their tastebuds on the wonders of nutella. they just don't seem to know what they're missing!<br />
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last up on our preparations for this baby was a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.425164790849859.99058.114804961885845&type=1">maternity photo session</a> w/ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tamiepetersonphotography">tamie peterson photography</a>. i LOVE how these turned out! i was worried i'd end up looking like a giant magenta blimp, but i didn't. i just look happy and pregnant, which was what i wanted. i'm so glad to have talented friends to help capture these moments in our lives! :)<br />
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all that's left to do now is install the carseat and have the baby! :)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-71446126627713986532012-05-31T17:38:00.000-04:002012-05-31T17:38:05.791-04:00memorial day weekend!we had an AWESOME weekend - jon got friday AND monday off this year, so we had lots of time to spend as a family and enjoy the holiday.<br />
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of course, we made sure to remember what it's really about - not the bbq's or swimming or anything like that - it's to celebrate our veterans, the living and fallen heroes who've sacrificed so much to make our country what it is today: free! we have the freedom to choose our religion or no religion at all. we have the freedom to say what we want. we have the freedom to read/watch/listen to what we want. we have the freedom to support OR loathe our government and the leaders that have been elected. we have the freedom to vote for those leaders so we can find ways to make the changes we think are best. in all, we have the freedom to live our lives the way we see fit. and it's all thanks to our military, past, present, and future - those who's survived and those who haven't.<br />
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i'm so lucky to be able to say so many in my life have served their country. countless friends, cousins, an uncle, my dad, and my husband. we've faced war, last-minute deployments to the other side of the world, and so much more. i even gave birth to our 2nd son w/out my husband there b/c he was defending freedom in the middle east. we've made countless sacrifices, as have hundreds of thousands of other military families over the course of our country's history, but it's all been worth it b/c we believe in our freedom. we believe in our RIGHT to that freedom, and we believe in fighting to keep it after it was so hard-won back in the 18th century. we owe it to our predecessors, ourselves, and our children to keep working for a free nation so that we can give the generations to come the best life possible.<br />
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so what did we do to celebrate? we spent time together. we don't get that chance as often as we'd like, so we made the most of our weekend. after having been through 2 deployments, we make sure to treasure every moment we have together. my husband isn't in the military anymore, but we will always remember the lessons we learned while he was serving his country. we treasure our family above everything else in our lives, so we make sure that when we get to spend time together, we make the most of it.<br />
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friday, jon and the boys went for a ride on the train. they went downtown to see a little bit of the denver day of rock. the kids were SO excited when daddy took them to the dollar store to get glowsticks AND necklaces; they were over the moon when they stopped at mcdonalds for some fries before heading home.<br />
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on saturday, we spent some time getting things set up for the baby who's set to arrive any day now. i'll save that for a later post though. :)<br />
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as usual, we went to church on sunday and spent the afternoon at home, just enjoying each others' company.<br />
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monday morning was one of my favorite ward traditions: the memorial day picnic breakfast. they had eggs, bacon, pancakes, and fruit for everyone. after we had our fill, the kids got to play on the playground for a while before we headed home.<br />
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we rested for a while before the kids INSISTED they needed to go back to the park - jon took them while i took care of a few things at home.<br />
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when they got back, we decided to go bowling - <a href="http://funcitycolorado.com/">fun city</a> has bowling for $1/game on mondays, so we decided to take advantage of that. to be honest, i should have just watched; bowling at nearly 37 weeks pregnant was definitely NOT the smartest idea i've ever had. i grannied it most of the time, and that was fine. it was when i decided to try and bowl "properly" that i had issues - i lost my balance and almost fell. in trying to keep myself from falling, i hurt myself worse than if i'd just let gravity have its way w/ me. after that, i let the kids bowl most of my frames for me.<br />
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afterward, we headed over the food court at the mall for dinner. of course the kids LOVED that - chickfila is probably their favorite place in the world these days. when we'd finished dinner, we headed to nella's for some frozen yogurt.<br />
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at that point, it was time to head home and get the kids cleaned up - we'd had a long, but fun-filled weekend. a bubble bath and a good night's rest was exactly what the kids needed to finish off a great family weekend. :) </div>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-70330911374470776662012-05-31T17:06:00.002-04:002012-05-31T17:08:51.059-04:00container garden, learning about giving, and homemade fruit snacksi've been dying to have a garden since i got married. in south carolina, it was mostly laziness that prevented me from planting one. since we moved to denver though, we've been living in a garden level apartment - our windows are at ground level, so we don't really have anywhere that we could plant things have them grow well. this year i said, "enough!" i wanted a garden, so i planted one! granted, it's a container garden on the windowsill in my bedroom, but hey, it's better than nothing. i got a small strawberry plant and some sweet mint from home depot. them we planted basil, oregano, cilantro, green onions, and bibb lettuce. the mint LOVES the window and is growing like crazy! i've already had to cut off a bunch of leaves from it, and i'll have to do it again soon. my poor little strawberry plant is struggling b/c it just isn't getting the sunlight it needs to produce fruit. :( the other herbs are doing well, though growing slowly. the lettuce is frustrating me. it's supposed to be easy to grow, and yet, 3 of the 5 that i planted didn't even sprout! the 2 that sprouted are growing pretty well, i guess, but it's gonna be a while before we'll be able to eat any of it. i know things like this grow better outside in real dirt, but this is the best i can do - plastic containers w/ potting mix in my bedroom window. hopefully i'll get SOMETHING from all of them this summer, but only time will tell.<br />
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as part of a lesson in giving, sharing, and compassion, the kids helped me gather up all the food we had that we didn't need and likely wouldn't eat before it went bad to take to the <a href="http://theactioncenterco.org/">jeffco action center</a>. our stake has teamed up w/ them for the last couple years to help out where we can - making food and clothing donations, blankets in the winter, etc. several of the young men in the stake have focused their eagle scout projects on helping the action center as well, so i figured, why not contribute the things we have a surplus of as well? so we loaded up 2 rubbermaid totes full of non-perishables and made our way over to donate them to those less fortunate than us.<br />
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we talked about how even though we don't have a lot of money, we're very lucky b/c we have the food we need and a house to live in. i explained to the kids that not everyone has a house to live in or clean clothes to wear, so if we are able to help them, that's what heavenly father wants us to do. by taking our extra food to the action center, we were following jesus' example and helping those in need. it might seem small to us, but to someone who really needs it, it could change everything. the kids were very happy to help others and loved the idea of taking the things we don't need to those who do need them. they even asked to go back the next day to give more things! i'm so glad to have 2 such wonderful, compassionate children who can see things beyond themselves at such a young age. they are truly a blessing!<br />
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a little project i've been wanting to try for awhile and just never got around to was a recipe for homemade fruit snacks i found on pinterest. for the life of me, i CANNOT find the recipe online again, otherwise i'd post the link here for you, but it was pretty simple. they looked good, but were pretty flavorless.<br />
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here's the recipe i used: pour 1/3 c 100% fruit juice into small saucepan. sprinkle w/ 3 packages unflavored gelatin. let stand 5 minutes. heat over medium and stir till gelatin is completely dissolved (i also added about 3 drops of food coloring b/c it was a weird yellowish color and i wanted them to be purple). pour into molds (a measuring cup w/ a spout is great for minimizing messes) and let stand about 20 minutes to cool and set. for me, this recipe made 12 one inch fruit snacks w/ just a TINY bit left over.<br />
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i'll definitely try this again, but instead of using 100% fruit juice, i'll use juice concentrate. another option would be to use flavored jello instead of unflavored. these just didn't taste like ANYTHING. i used berry flavored juice, which was recommended by the person who'd posted the recipe, but i was very disappointed w/ the results. we ate them, but the kids didn't like them much. i figure, what's the point in making a treat that's healthy if no one LIKES it? so we'll try again, but i'm gonna tweak the recipe and let you know how it turns out next time.evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-83299817759915949192012-05-31T16:33:00.001-04:002012-05-31T16:38:18.222-04:00scott's birthday & our roadtripscott turned 3 on april 12! we went out for ice cream (and yes, even though it was in the 80's, scott decided he needed to wear his winter hat. he's also wearing his lightning mcqueen boots. silly boy!):<br />
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we ended up having to postpone his party though - we all came down w/ the flu the day after his birthday. :( when we were all feeling better, we went to chuck e. cheese to celebrate. i didn't get any pictures, sadly, but we had a good time. a few friends came w/ us, and we got to eat pizza, breadsticks, cake, and ice cream! we also got a ton of tokens to play games and win prizes,which was really fun as well. both kids got a mini styrofoam rocket and launcher; trevor also got an inflatable green crayon and some candy, and scott chose a mini basketball. overall, it was a good day. :)<br />
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oh, and scott LOVES the gift trevor picked out for him - check it out: GOGGLES! he put them on all by himself:<br />
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the following week, we took a roadtrip to utah to see my dad graduate from college w/ a degree in history education. for some reason, his camera didn't take ANY pictures, even though i <i>swear</i> i heard it make the picture-taking noises, so i dunno what happened. jon managed to get a video of him walking across the stage though, so it wasn't a total loss. i have issues w/ loading videos to photobucket though - it just never works - so oh well. we did get this picture of the boys w/ their grandpa:<br />
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and this one at a rest stop just outside glenwood sorings, colorado on the drive home (this rest stop actually doubles as the entrance to the place jon and i went horseback riding during our anniversary trip last summer!):<br />
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<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20spring/?action=view&current=43012reststop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20spring/43012reststop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-9848070350211444042012-04-10T02:15:00.001-04:002012-04-10T02:15:17.656-04:00twitter party + giveaway!<a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://ow.ly/a92mZ" href="http://t.co/urwpntK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://ow.ly/a92mZ">http://ow.ly/a92mZ</a> <a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" data-query-source="hashtag_click" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23abbeyslane" title="#abbeyslane"><s>#</s><b>abbeyslane</b></a> twitter party - they're giving away a limited edition <a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" data-query-source="hashtag_click" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23babyhawk" title="#babyhawk"><s>#</s><b>babyhawk</b></a>!evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-25746625466568912902012-04-09T14:45:00.002-04:002012-04-09T14:45:56.479-04:00diy maxi dress - easiest dress EVER!in a <a href="http://evelonies.blogspot.com/2012/03/snack-buckets-party-invitations-and.html">previous post</a>, i mentioned making <a href="http://sweet-verbena.blogspot.com/2011/07/boho-maxi-dress-tutorial.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SweetVerbena+%28Sweet+Verbena%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">this dress</a>. well, i did it! lessons learned: i should have gotten just a LITTLE more fabric so it would be longer, and i should have used 2 packets of dye instead of just 1. i have enough fabric to make a 2nd dress, so i'll at least try the 2 dye packets w/ that one so i hopefully get a deeper, richer color. if it works, i'm going to redye this one w/ the same color so it deepens too. i also want to cut the neckline a little lower b/c it felt just a tad too high for my preferences. lastly, the people at joann's insisted i needed to use ball point pins and a ball point needle on my sewing machine to keep the fabric from tearing, and they recommended using the stretch stitch instead of a straight or zigzag stitch or my serger. well, none of that worked out so well for me. i have little holes all along the side seams of my dress from the ball point needle, so for dress #2, i'm going to try using my serger instead. either way, here's a picture of my dress:<br />
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i got so many compliments on this dress when i wore it to church yesterday! everyone seemed impressed that i made it (even after i told them how easy it was). i was impressed w/ the fact that i was comfortable in it. normally i HATE wearing dresses and skirts. i'm just not comfortable AT ALL in them. i wore this dress all day (unheard of for me - usually i'm back in my jeans as soon as i get home from church) and felt great! i am definitely a fan of the maxi dress, this one in particular, since it's modest and i didn't have to fuss w/ it all day to get it to sit right on my body. double win!</div>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-2493430969214733332012-04-09T14:30:00.000-04:002012-04-09T14:31:25.246-04:00easter eggs hunts!normally we just do an easter egg hunt on our own. since we live in an apartment and have no yard, this generally means going to a local park and hiding eggs while the kids are playing and not paying attention. this year we were invited to hunt for easter eggs at 2 different friends' houses, and since they were on different days, we went to both. the kids had a BLAST and loved being able to play w/ other kids while doing their "egg hunt" (as trevor called it).<br />
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friday we got together w/ some other families from church and had an easter egg hunt for the toddlers and preschoolers:<br />
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on sunday, we went to visit another friend and had an easter egg hunt w/ their kids as well:<br />
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then, since it was SO HOT (forecast said it would be around 70. it was actually 85!), they broke out the slip'n slide and the hose:<br />
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overall, it was a great weekend, filled w/ fun and friends. i love getting to spend time outside w/ my family - i feel like it just brings us closer together while helping w/ the inevitable cabin fever we all get this time of year! :)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-76485018422927699512012-04-09T14:22:00.000-04:002012-04-09T14:22:20.538-04:00easter: resurrection rollsso yesterday was easter, as you all know. we had a GREAT weekend here, filled w/ fun and friends! :)<br />
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on thursday, jon took the day off work for my birthday. we went to ihop for breakfast - free meals for jon and i, wahoo! so we only paid $14 for all 4 of us to have breakfast (the kids split a meal, plus we all got drinks). then we got things for scott's birthday party that's coming up, and took trevor to swimming.<br />
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that afternoon, we made resurrection rolls. these are seriously my new favorite thing! it's a great object lesson on the real meaning of easter for kids, plus the end result is INCREDIBLY delicious! here's directions:<br />
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preheat the oven to 350 F. read st. john 19 (we paraphrased, since there was NO WAY our kids would sit through listening to it all any other way).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20spring/?action=view&current=4512resurrectionrolls1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20spring/4512resurrectionrolls1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reading st. john 19</td></tr>
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unroll a can of cresent rolls - the rolls represent the cloth used to wrap jesus' body.<br />
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hold up a large marshmallow (you'll need 8 per can of crescent rolls). explain that it represents jesus - white, clean, and pure.<br />
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dip the marshmallow in melted butter. the melted butter represents the oils used to annoint the body in preparation for burial.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dipping marshmallows in melted butter</td></tr>
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roll the marshmallow in cinnamon-sugar. the cinnamon-sugar represents the spices used to preserve the body prior to burial.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rolling in cinnamon-sugar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scott wanted a do all the marshmallows himself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trevor got to do a few too</td></tr>
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wrap the marshmallow in the crescent roll dough, making sure to pinch together all the edges so the marshmallow is completely covered. the dough represents the cloth used to shroud the body.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wrapping the marshmallows</td></tr>
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place dough-wrapped marshmallows on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. place the cookie sheet in the oven. the oven represents the tomb where jesus was buried. bake for 12 minutes.<br />
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while the rolls are baking, read st. john 20:1-18. open the "tomb" and remove the rolls. when the rolls are cool enough to handle, break one open and see what happened:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HE IS RISEN! HAPPY EASTER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-36368010605338245862012-03-19T13:12:00.002-04:002012-03-19T13:49:16.736-04:00snack buckets, party invitations, and projects to comethis has been a really hard pregnancy for me. until this go-round, i've always been one of those women who loved every second of pregnancy. i don't get morning sickness, and i feel great. feeling my baby move is the highlight of my days - WATCHING my belly move w/ the baby inside is even better. :) it all makes me so happy and just confirms to me that, as a woman, this is what i'm MADE to do. i am so blessed for this opportunity to grow and birth my babies. this pregnancy has tried my faith though. i still didn't get morning sickness, but i've had just about every other pregnancy discomfort a person can think of. i have gestational diabetes, which isn't a big deal, but makes me sad when i can't just eat whatever i'm craving. most women experience round ligament pain during pregnancy, and i'm no exception to that. however, the rlp i'm having this time around leaves me curled up in the fetal position for hours at a time some days. standing up is NOT an option when they strike. i've had migraines again this time too - not as bad as they were w/ scott, but bad enough. my doctor prescribed me tylenol w/ codeine, but of course, it makes me loopy enough that i can't take it unless i have someone here to help me w/ the kids, so 9 times out of 10, i just suffer through the pain and hope regular tylenol will be enough to get me through the day.<br />
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by far the worst though, is that i've been diagnosed w/ symphysis pubis dysfunction. basically, the joint at the front of my pelvis is loosening up too soon (it's supposed to loosen up to allow baby to come out during delivery, but i'm only 27 weeks, and i've been suffering w/ this for the last 6 weeks already), and it causes instability in the entire pelvis. my joints crack and pop painfully every time i move, and the muscles around those joints are incredibly sore. i spend most of my time sitting on my bed b/c it's the least uncomfortable place in my house. the only treatments are to take narcotics, which isn't an option b/c i have other kids to take care of, or seeing a chiropractor, which we don't really have the money for. i'm hoping that i can see a chiro once or twice toward the end, just to make labor and delivery a little easier, but i hold no delusions of seeing one sooner than that. the only cure is giving birth.<br />
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i feel worst for my kids b/c they're used to a mommy who can get up and run and play w/ them whenever they want. they're used to going to the park and the library and all kinds of fun places on a regular basis, and i just can't do it now. they watch a LOT of dvd's (we don't have tv service at all) and trevor's been playing a lot of video games on the wii. i hate that i can't do more w/ them. we do school every day, and i try to get them to turn off the tv for a couple hours every day and use their imaginations or play board games w/ me, but it doesn't always happen. on the days where i feel ok and can get up and move around some, i get tired really fast. last week, the weather was GORGEOUS - it felt more like may than march, so i wanted to take advantage. we went to the park 4 times in 5 days and had a picnic 3 of those times. it was fun, and the kids had a blast, but it took a severe toll on me - i spent all of sunday in bed feeling like i got hit by a truck.<br />
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so, all of this leads me to my first item from the title of this post: snack buckets.<br />
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we went to the dollar store and the kids each got to pick a plastic bin to keep in the fridge. trevor chose green; scott wanted pink. then we went home, labeled them w/ their names, and filled them w/ snacks for the day. it's great for me b/c i don't have to get up and make them food every 20 minutes all day long (seriously, these kids are HUNGRY! i'm sure part of it is boredom, but they also have both been going through a major growth spurt lately). even better though, is that it encourages independence for them. i put 4-6 snacks in each day, and that's all they get. if they choose to eat everything in there before lunch, that's their problem. they know i won't fill their buckets more than once a day, and i also won't get them things that aren't in their buckets for snacks. the ONLY exception to this is if i tell them to get something from their buckets for lunch. it teaches them to manage their snacks - budget them, if you will - so that they have enough for the day.<br />
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some day it works better than others. we're experimenting w/ a couple new snack things w/ which we've had varying degrees of success. we've learned that trevor HATES nutrigrain bars (he gagged when we tried to get him to eat 1 bite), while scott will tolerate them. same goes for granola bars. of course, they love the classics like animal crackers, goldfish, juice boxes, cookies, and fruit snacks. scott loves apples, but trevor is less inclined to eat them. same goes for cheese. i thought they'd love babybel cheeses, mostly b/c they're kid-sized. i was wrong. scott nibbled one and said he didn't like it. trevor wouldn't even try it. so jon and i ended up eating them all ourselves (we were happy about that though, we LOVE them).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scott's snack bucket</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">todays' snacks: cinnamon graham crackers, black grapes, fruit loops, cheese, and oreo cookies</td></tr>
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item #2 today is scott's birthday party. in a month, he'll turn 3, so i've been working on planning his party. he kept changing his mind as to what he wanted to do, so i decided to go w/ a theme i saw on pinterest: drive in movies. i'm SUPER excited about this party. basically, we'll get a bunch of boxes and decorate them to look like cars. then, the kids will sit in them while we watch a movie that scott will choose. in the last week, he's changed him mind about 10 times, so i'm not committing to a specific title till the week of the party. we'll have hot dogs, chips, fruit, veggies, and drinks, along w/ the obligatory cake. i'm debating whether it's worth it to make the cake myself, or if i should just order one from the grocery store. normally i'd do it myself, but w/ all my issues with this pregnancy (see above), i'm leaning toward having someone else do it this year.<br />
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anyway, since we haven't decided on a movie to watch at our "drive in," i couldn't go w/ movie-themed invites, and i didn't see any generic ones at the store that i liked or was willing to pay for, so i decided to make them myself. i think they turned out super cute! check them out:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/?action=view&current=31912scottspartyinvite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/31912scottspartyinvite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all the details of when, where, etc. are on the back. for obvious reasons, i'm not going to post a picture of that. i don't need random internet creepers stalking us and showing up uninvited.</td></tr>
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item #3: projects to come<br />
<br />
my next project is going to be making a couple of maxi dresses for myself. i saw a really easy tutorial on pinterest that i decided to try out. <a href="http://sweet-verbena.blogspot.com/2011/07/boho-maxi-dress-tutorial.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SweetVerbena+%28Sweet+Verbena%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">click here</a> to see it. i like it for 2 reasons:<br />
<br />
1) they're modest<br />
2) i can wear them during AND after pregnancy<br />
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i'm super excited about these dresses. i'm doing a pink one and a caribbean blue one. if i could find the dye, i'd also do lime green. :)<br />
<br />
i'm also planning for birthdays for myself and my husband. in a 2 week span, we have 3 birthdays in our family. my husband's is next week on friday, mine is the week after on thursday, and our son scott's is a week later. last year, we got totally CAKED OUT by the time we were done w/ all of them, so this year, we've been trying to think of alternatives. my husband wants to go out for frozen yogurt instead of having cake, which i'm totally ok w/. we've also hired a babysitter so he and i can go see the hunger games together. :) i'm planning to make a special dinner at home b/c he doesn't really want to go out. not 100% sure what we'll be having, but he mentioned steak. for my birthday, i don't really care what we do, but i decided i want <a href="http://catholicicing.com/2011/12/make-a-jewel-cake-for-st-basil-on-new-years/">this</a> for my cake, mostly b/c i'll be able to eat it. sugar-free jello + cool whip = almost NO carbs for my dessert. happy evelyn. :) it'd also be nice to either go out for dinner or have no responsibility to make it or clean up afterward.<br />
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lastly, i recently got the things i need to make <a href="http://www.alldayidreamaboutfood.com/2011/09/homemade-gummy-fruit-snacks-healthy.html">homemade fruit snacks</a> for the kids. i can't wait to see how they turn out! i'll be sure to post updates on all these projects when i finish them. :)<br />
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</div>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-18238126769836412422012-03-19T12:40:00.003-04:002012-03-19T13:29:53.052-04:00rock candy resultsi'm a couple days late on this, but on friday, we checked out what was going on w/ the rock candy we started the week before. it went better than expected - the whole stick was fused to the sides and bottom of the jar b/c there were SO MANY sugar crystals! even hacking away at it w/ a knife, i was only able to get a small portion of the stuff out for the kids to look at and taste. nonetheless, here are the pictures of our results:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/?action=view&current=31612rockcandy1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/31612rockcandy1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the jar, after draining the remaining syrup. there's about an inch worth of sugar crystals on the bottom of the jar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/?action=view&current=31612rockcandy2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/31612rockcandy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this was all i could get out w/out risking breaking the jar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/?action=view&current=31612rockcandy3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/31612rockcandy3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scott, enjoying his "lollipop." both the boys loved eating the results of our experiment. trevor lost interest in the candy long before scott did though. go figure. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-54074220113967501162012-03-19T12:32:00.001-04:002012-03-19T13:31:27.609-04:00blackout curtain!well, sort of. i didn't have quite enough fabric to do it right, but i worked w/ what i had. i think it turned out well, considering that when i measured the window, i must have done it wrong b/c i ended up being about 8 inches short for the width. oops.<br />
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i bought the fabric for this project almost a year ago, but i just never got around to doing anything w/ it. when daylight savings time started, my kids started waking up SUPER early. like, 6 am early. they normally sleep till 730-ish. i figured it probably had to do w/ extra light coming through their bedroom window b/c of the time change, so i knew it was time to get on this project.<br />
<br />
i have no doubt i didn't sew this curtain "properly," but again, i had to work w/ what i had on hand. i knew my piece of fabric wasn't big enough to cover the whole window, so i wanted to be able to cover it as much as possible. so instead of trying to figure out the "right" way to make a blackout curtain, i simply serged my blackout fabric and polka dot fabric together along the edges. then i folded down one of the long edges about 2 inches and sewed straight across to make a loop for the curtain rod.<br />
<br />
another thing i didn't do right: the curtain rod i got was one of those cheap, extendable ones. i didn't think about getting one thick enough to support the weight of my curtain - i just got one that was long enough and cost the least. so you'll see in the picture that it's weighing down in the middle - i could have made the curtain into 2 sections that met in the middle and used the center bracket to help support it, but i didn't want to lose any more window coverage than i already had due to my poor planning when i bought my fabric.<br />
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honestly, w/ all the issues w/ this curtain, it still does the job. it lets in a little light around the edges, and the curtain rod doesn't sit straight across the top b/c of the weight of the fabric, but whatever. it keeps out the majority of the sunlight so my kids would sleep longer in the mornings so they wouldn't be cranky fussybutts all day long, and that's what i needed it to do. so w/ all of that explanation, here's the finished project:<br />
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<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/?action=view&current=3912curtain2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/3912curtain2.jpg" width="400" /></a>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-584992585654273122012-03-09T13:48:00.003-05:002012-03-19T13:30:36.558-04:00rock candyi remember doing this for a science project when i was a kid, and thought it would be fun for my kids as well. trevor decided he wanted to make yellow rock candy, but since it hardens much lighter in color than the liquid, i made our syrup orange. worst case is we have orange candy instead of yellow, but i have a feeling we'll end up w/a golden yellow. here's our starting point:<br />
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to make your own rock candy, boil 1 c water. add sugar a little at a time till it won't dissolve any more (ours took about 2 1/2 cups). add food coloring if you want - make it darker than you want your candy; i'm expecting ours will harden as a very light orange or deep, golden yellow. let the syrup cool for about 20 minutes. put a clothespin on a skewer or other stick so that when rested across the top of your glass or jar, the end of the skewer is about 1 inch from the bottom. dip the skewer in the syrup, then roll in sugar (this is your "seed"). let it dry completely. pour syrup into your glass or jar till it's almost to the top, then place your skewer in the solution. make sure the skewer is completely vertical and doesn't touch the bottom or sides. leave the glass or jar undisturbed for a few days, and soon you'll see crystals starting to form!</div>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-25588032716858222322012-03-09T13:24:00.001-05:002012-03-09T13:29:30.539-05:00gluten free chocolate muffinsi found this recipe on pinterest and had to give it a try. best part? i can eat them even w/ my gestational diabetes! happy day! here's the recipe and <a href="http://healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com/post/6583755120/lessthan300kcal-triple-chocolate-chunk-muffin">link</a> to where i got it:<br />
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<b><big>Triple Chocolate Chunk Muffin </big></b><big>Knock-Offs of Whole Food’s 6 Dollar per 4 <b>Chocolate Chunk VitaTop Muffins</b></big><br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 3/4 c oats<br />
3 egg whites<br />
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain low fat yogurt)<br />
1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or 1-1/2 Tbsp. vinegar)<br />
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1 cup hot water<br />
1 cup sugar substitute (like Splenda granular) OR 1/4 cup + 2 tbs stevia<br />
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or use white chocolate or peanut butter chips!)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with
foil cupcake liners, or spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
Set aside.<br />
<br />
In a blender, (or food processor), mix all of the
ingredients together, except for the chocolate chips. Blend until oats
are ground and mixture is smooth.<br />
<br />
Place mixture in a bowl and gently
stir in 1/2 of the chocolate chips (set the rest aside). Scoop mixture
into prepared muffin pans.<br />
<br />
Place muffins tins in the oven for 10
minutes. After 10 minutes, remove muffins from the oven (but don’t shut
oven off), and distribute the other half of the chocolate chips on top
of each muffin.<br />
<br />
Place the muffins back into the oven and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. <i>*Note,
you could skip this step by putting all of the chips in the batter, and
baking the muffins for 12-15 min straight, but this method gives the
muffins the traditional ‘VitaTop Muffin’ look with the chocolate chips
on top!</i><br />
Cool muffins before removing from pan. ENJOY!!!<br />
<br />
Servings: 12 Big Muffins or 24 Smaller Muffins<br />
Calories: 116 Calories Per Muffin or <b>58 Calories Per Muffin</b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i>my notes: these didn't rise like i'm used to seeing muffins do. they were basically flat across the top and didn't rise at all - i filled my muffin cups 2/3 full and when i took them out at the end, they were still 2/3 full. next time i make these - and there will be a next time b/c they tasted AMAZING! - i'm gonna try baking them at 325 for a little longer and see if that makes a difference. it seems i have yet to master the whole baking-at-a-high-altitude thing. . . </i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/?action=view&current=3912chocolatemuffins4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/12%20winter/3912chocolatemuffins4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my results - see the difference between mine and the ones in the picture where i got the recipe?</td></tr>
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<b><i></i></b>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-59761496800712017192012-03-04T15:23:00.003-05:002012-03-04T15:23:49.857-05:00giveaway!there's a giveaway going on at bubba mack for a brand new diono radian xt (formerly known as sunshine kids radian xtsl)! check it out: http://bubbamack.com/diono-radian-xt-giveaway/evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-88049717333085691052011-10-13T16:00:00.012-04:002011-10-13T18:23:08.629-04:00Cloth Diapering 101: What you REALLY Need to Know<span style="font-weight: bold;">Why Choose Cloth?</span><br /><br />This is different for everyone, but my reasons were pretty simple. First of all, it’s MUCH less expensive to use cloth diapers than disposables. Yes, there’s a big cost up front for the initial purchase, but there are adjustable size diapers on the market, as well as the opportunity to buy/sell gently used cloth diapers that your child has outgrown. It also costs money to wash diapers, but it’s a nominal amount if you don’t use a coin-op laundry. Secondly, if you plan to have more than one child, they can use the same diapers your older child(ren) used with no additional cost. Third, there are no chemicals, so no allergies. The biggest thing you have to worry about is what kind of laundry detergent to use when you wash them (and we’ll get into that, don’t worry).<br /><br />I have a brother and sister who were born when I was 9 ½ and 12, respectively. My mom cloth diapered them part time, so I’ve always been around it. When I got married, I honestly didn’t know anyone did it any differently! It seemed so obvious to me, I couldn’t imagine using disposables all the time. Sure, I saw the benefit when we left the house, but at home, I didn’t understand why anyone would choose to go the more expensive route.<br /><br />That brings me to my next point, which is that it’s the green alternative – a disposable diaper will take around 500 YEARS to decompose, though no one knows for sure because they haven’t been around that long. Plus, you’re literally throwing your money in a landfill somewhere. According to Consumer Reports, you’ll spend $1500-$2000 per child on diapers alone before they’re potty trained – think how many diapers that equals, rotting in a landfill somewhere. That thought alone kind of makes me gag.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/10%20winter/?action=view&current=2810shortroundsdipe2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 533px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/10%20winter/2810shortroundsdipe2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My second son wearing a fitted diaper at about 10 months old<br /></div><br />Since I started cloth diapering, I’ve learned that disposables have been linked to problems like infertility. Wait a minute, say what? It’s true - have you ever noticed how many of our peers struggle to get pregnant these days? Studies have linked this trend to increased use of disposable diapers. The chemicals used to make them more absorbent can have horrendous effects on babies’ reproductive systems, plus the heat generated because they are not breathable makes baby boys more prone to problems as well. In fact, did you know that the key ingredient that makes disposables so super-absorbent has been BANNED BY LAW from use in feminine hygiene products? If I’m not going to put something on or in my body, I certainly shouldn’t put it on or in my child! That alone was reason enough for me. There are many factors that lead to this choice for my family, but the biggest one was a health issue.<br /><br />When I was pregnant with my first child, I brought up the idea of cloth diapering to my husband. I cited the many benefits: save money, no chemicals from disposables (or sposies, as I’ll call then from now on), no dirty diaper rot in my trashcans, no need for any kind of diaper disposal system, and so on and so forth. He adamantly refused to entertain the idea. He insisted they were gross, smelly, and old-fashioned, and that sposies were the wave of the future, both convenient and hygienic.<br /><br />Our son was born, and we started him off in sposies. He had sensitive skin, but we adapted his diaper changing routine to keep him from getting rashes. Everything seemed to be going well until we approached his first birthday. He developed a severe diaper rash that just would not go away. We tried everything we could think of – rash creams, ointments, powders, Vaseline, Mylanta, air drying, switching wipes, rinsing with plain water instead of wipes, switching diapers. . . we even went to the doctor for a prescription. Nothing helped. It kept getting worse. My poor baby was bleeding, blistered, and miserable. He ran away when he knew he needed a change. He cried as I carried him back. He screamed till he was blue in the face while I changed him as quickly and gently as I could.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/summer%2008/?action=view&current=72508diaper14.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 534px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/summer%2008/72508diaper14.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My oldest son in a pocket diaper when he was about 14 months old<br /></div><br />I was out of ideas to keep my husband happy with the diapering situation while still seeing that my child was happy and healthy. So I sat down and did the math: to keep our son – an only child at the time – in sposies for one more year, assuming he didn’t go up in size and that he used the same average number of diapers per day would cost $620. That’s not even including things like wipes, ointment, powder, and our son’s constant misery and pain. I knew cloth had to be cheaper than that, but the only cloth diapering I’d ever been exposed to were the prefolds, pins, and plastic pants my mom had me help put on my younger siblings.<br /><br />I started researching my options online and found that MUCH had changed in the cloth diapering world since my mom had started in the mid-80’s. Yes, there are still prefolds, pins, and plastic pants, but there are so many more options out there now too. There’s a LOT to try and make sense of, so here’s a run down of the basic styles of cloth diapers in use today. All of these will LOOK like a diaper once they’re on, they’re just made of cloth. They have Velcro or snap closures and elastic at the leg openings as well as along the back (usually). Some are front closure (like a sposie), while others have side closures. Neither is better or worse than the other, it's mostly a matter of the fit on a particular baby and your personal tastes. I like side snap diapers best, but only because I feel like I get the best fit on my son with them. I only have 2 or 3 side closing diapers, the rest of my 3 dozen or so diapers have front closures. Keep in mind there are many variations on these, and this list is likely not all-inclusive. It’s just what I’ve seen, heard about, and tried myself. Here it is:<br /><br />Fitteds<br /><br />These diapers are fitted to a specific size and have no waterproof layer. When you're home, you really don't NEED a cover, as long as your baby isn't wearing pants or shorts. If you're putting him down for a nap or leaving the house, use a cover. Fitteds usually have inserts that snap into the diaper for easier cleaning and faster drying, as well as adjustable absorbancy. These are the diapers most people like for the really cute prints.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=7-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/7-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://hyenacart.com/shortrounds/mt/2101/60234/Small-mmmwatermelon-bamboo-fitted">Short Rounds Diapers</a>)<br /></div><br />Pockets<br /><br />The most popular type of pocket diapers (which we own 18 of, though at one point we had 4 dozen) is the BumGenius One-Size 3.0 pocket diapers. About a year ago, BumGenius came out with a One-Size 4.0 Pocket Diaper, which is basically just a newer, better version of the 3.0. These diapers are basically a pocket - the outer layer is waterproof and generally a solid color (not always though, sometimes you can find some really fun prints), while the inner layer is microfleece or some other soft fabric that wicks moisture. Then you have liners you stuff into the pocket based on the baby's size and absorbancy needs. The nice thing about the ones we have is they're adjustable size – My 2 ½ year old wore them as a newborn and they still fit him now! They fit up to 35 lbs, give or take, which is really nice. There are other brands that are not one-size-fits-all, so keep an eye out for that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=11-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/11-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=98&products_id=2424">CottonBabies</a>)<br /></div><br />AOI's (All-In-Ones)<br /><br />These are exactly what they sounds like. These diapers have the waterproof cover, absorbent layers, and soft fabric against baby's skin in 1 piece. There are no separate covers, no snapping in or stuffing layers for more absorbancy - just put it on and go. These are the closest to a disposable diaper that you can get with cloth. However, they take FOREVER to dry - 2-3 times longer than other types of diapers - so they can be a hassle in that regard. They also cost more than other styles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=8-2.gif" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/8-2.gif" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.swaddlebees.com/Products/All-in-One-Diapers/Snap-AIO-Cloth-Diapers_10">Swaddlebees</a>)<br /></div><br />AI2's (All-In-Twos)<br /><br />These diapers combine all the convenience of AIO's with the drying time of a fitted by using a snap-in liner that you can remove for washing and drying purposes. However, these tend to be the most expensive type of diapers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=12-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/12-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photocredit: <a href="http://www.diaperjunction.com/grovia-one-size-cloth-diaper-try-it-package.html">Diaper Junction</a>)<br /></div><br />Prefolds and Flatfolds<br /><br />These are the cloth diapers your mom and grandma used. Prefolds are rectangular and usually have 2 lines sewn length-wise down the diaper, dividing it into thirds. There are as many ways to fold a prefold as there are babies. YouTube has a ton of videos to demonstrate the more popular techniques. Flatfolds are what a prefold would look like if it hadn’t been sewn into that nice, neat little rectangle. There’s more folding involved, and I’ve never personally used one, but everyone I’ve ever heard of that tried them absolutely loved them and never went back. They’re one of the most customizable diaper styles out there, so you can get the exact absorbency your baby needs exactly where they need it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=9-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/9-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/flat.htm">Green Mountain Diapers</a>)<br /></div><br />Hybrids<br /><br />Hybrid diapers are things like gDiapers. They combine a washable, waterproof cover with a disposable (generally flushable) insert. Many people who use them will use a prefold as an insert at home and save the disposable inserts for when they’re out and about.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=10-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/10-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />(photo credit: <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/shop-diapers/getting-started">gDiapers</a>)<br /></div><br />See what I mean? There are so many options! Now, you may have noticed, a few of these styles don’t have a water-proof layer (fitteds, prefolds, and flatfolds). There are nearly as many options for covers as there are for diapers. You’ll need 2-4 covers total - 1 to use, 1 to have ready. Just alternate throughout the day and wash when they get messy on the outside or it's time to wash the diapers (wool is a different story, but I’ll talk about that in a minute). Here’s a basic list:<br /><br />Plastic Pants<br /><br />This is what my mom used when her kids were in diapers. They’re vinyl with elastic at the legs and waist. They go on like a pair of pants. They’re cheap, they’re easy, and they wipe clean in a pinch. I haven’t used plastic pants with my kids, but I know they work. They’re also the cheapest option.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=13-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/13-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />(photo credit: <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=97">CottonBabies</a>)<br /></div><br />PUL<br /><br />PUL is a laminated polyester fabric. It’s popular because it’s much trimmer and cuter than the plastic pants of yesteryear, but it’s still affordable. There are many companies that make these kind of covers – some have snaps, some have Velcro. It’s all a matter of personal preference. Solid colors are most popular, but you can find prints if you look hard. PUL covers are nice because the inside is laminated, so if it gets messy, you can just wipe it off and hang it to dry.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=14-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 401px; height: 401px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/14-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />(photo credit: <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=92">CottonBabies</a>)<br /></div><br />Wool<br /><br />Wool is by far the most expensive, but also, in my opinion, the cutest. I have a few pairs of wool pants (also known as longies – there are shorties and skirties too) that I use on my toddler in the winter. I like them because they're just knitted pants that do double duty as a waterproof diaper cover as well. These require special care and HAND washing. They need to be lanolized after each washing to ensure they remain waterproof. Unless they get poop on them, you don’t need to wash these more than every 6th or 7th use. Lanolized wool has antibacterial properties, so not only are they waterproof, breathable, natural fibers, but they’re good for your baby or toddler as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=6-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/6-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />(photo credit: <a href="http://hyenacart.com/Crankypants/mt/1723/80512/Classic-Monster-Booty-12-18M">Cranky Pants</a>)<br /></div><br />Fleece<br /><br />Fleece covers are a great alternative to wool when you want something warm, but don’t have a ton of extra money to spend. They’re waterproof, though sometimes you’ll experience compression wicking (small amounts of leakage where something presses against a wet diaper, like a carseat buckle). I personally have never had this issue, as I buy only the highest quality fleece for diapering purposes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/Briar%20Patch/?action=view&current=112110fleececover1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 533px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/Briar%20Patch/112110fleececover1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: I made this myself!)<br /></div><br />Now that we’ve covered all the diaper and cover info, there are a few more things you’ll need to get started. Not all of these are a must, but they are nice and make things much easier:<br /><br />Diaper pail<br /><br />This is non-negotiable. You need somewhere to keep dirty diapers till it’s time to wash. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional. I use a plastic Sterlite trash can with a locking lid that I got at Target. I rarely use the lid because I’ve found that leaving it open actually makes things smell much less.<br /><br />Wetbag<br /><br />Some people prefer a wetbag to a diaper pail. You have to choose one – though you can do both – but you can’t do neither. A wetbag is a bag w/ either a drawstring or zipper at the top and is waterproof. They’re generally lined with PUL and have a fun print on the outside. They come in all sizes, and many places will do a custom size if you ask. One option I like is when the maker sews a small square of fleece or flannel to the INSIDE so you can put a couple drops of essential oil on it to keep things from smelling gross.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=15-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/15-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=1769">CottonBabies</a>)<br /></div><br />Sprayer<br /><br />In my opinion, this is an absolute MUST. Once your baby is eating/drinking anything other than breastmilk (even if it's only formula), you need to spray the poop off. I’ve tried every method I could think of to avoid buying a sprayer (they run about $50), and nothing worked. I tried the dunk and swish I remember my mom doing, I tried scraping (ew!), I tried using my shower sprayer. None of it did anything for poop. The sprayer hooks to the toilet (there are instructions included with the sprayer) and is pretty easy to install.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=5-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/5-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=1228">CottonBabies</a>)<br /></div><br />Pins or Snappis<br /><br />If you do prefolds or flatfolds (or certain brands of fitteds, like Bagshot Row Bamboo Fitteds), you'll also need diaper pins or snappis. Snappis are far less likely to stick a baby with a sharp end, and they're so much easier to get a good fit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=4-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/4-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/3-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />(photo credit: CottonBabies – <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=100">Snappis</a> and <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=1276">Pins</a>)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">How to Use a Snappi Video:<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2_r2K1d9WFM" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />(link: http://youtu.be/2_r2K1d9WFM)<br /></div><br />Cloth Wipes<br /><br />Cloth wipes are great when you cloth diaper. You don’t have to try and figure out what to do with a poopy wipe after you’re done changing a diaper, and when you make your own wipes solution, you know exactly what you’re putting on your baby’s most sensitive parts. Personally, I use baby washcloths and a spray bottle of water. I like to add a couple drops of tea tree oil and peppermint oil to my water b/c they have healing, cooling properties that are soothing for little butts. When we're out and about, I use disposable wipes, but I like the cloth ones when we're at home.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=2-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/2-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=339">CottonBabies</a>)<br /></div><br />Dye-Free, Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent<br /><br />You need to wash in a dye-free, fragrance-free detergent. Do NOT use dryer sheets or fabric softener. The perfumes in them will make the diapers smell worse. Hanging diapers to dry is popular (it saves energy, plus the sun will help bleach any stains and kill bacteria), but I just always use the dryer, mostly because we don’t have anywhere to hang them. You only need to use about half the amount of detergent you'd normally use, then do a 2nd rinse to make sure you get it all out. I like to rinse with no detergent before I wash, wash with detergent, plus white vinegar in the bleach dispenser, another rinse, then dry. The vinegar will help get out stink and stains without having to use bleach. The pre-wash rinse will get any junk off the diapers before the actual washing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/?action=view&current=1-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 345px; height: 431px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/random%20other%20stuff/1-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />(photo credit: <a href="http://www.charliesoap.com/laundry_liquid.html">Charlie’s Soap</a>)<br /></div><br />This seems like an awful lot of stuff to invest in without knowing if you’ll like it or if it’ll work for your family. Thankfully, there’s a solution for that: Jillian's Drawers. It's a trial program where you fill out the form online and pay $161.94. They send you enough diapers to last about a week, which you get to try for 21 days. Then, at the end of the 3 weeks, you send back whatever you don't want and they refund your money. If you send everything back, they'll refund you all but $10; you’re also free to keep everything and get no refund, or return a few things and get a refund on those items only. The diapers are all brand new, no previous users, so you need to prep them (wash and dry a few times), but otherwise that's it.<br /><br />What if you don’t have $160 just lying around? You still have options! You can start by buying 1 or 2 diapers per month off a site like DiaperSwappers (it’s free to join). It's mostly used diapers, though you can find new ones every now and then. They're generally a big discount off what you'd pay for them brand new. Then, if you decide you don't like cloth or a certain diaper just isn't working for you, you can put it back up for sale there. You just need a PayPal account for the buying/selling, and until you get feedback there, most people are happy with feedback from other places (like eBay or Amazon, as well as places like Etsy or Hyena Cart). We’ve gotten many of our diapers from DiaperSwappers, and I love them! I’ve also sold quite a bit of things we weren’t using anymore and gotten great deals. The best part is, the prices aren’t set in stone; if you see something listed for more than you’re willing to pay, make them an offer of what you are willing to pay. Many times, the seller will say yes! Sometimes they’ll also take a trade or a partial trade as payment.<br /><br />Here’s an idea of what we have in our house and what works for our family:<br /><br />My Diaper Stash<br /><br />18 BumGenius One-Size 3.0 Pockets that I had snap converted (when I bought them, they only had Velcro closures; BG has since added the option to get snap closures)<br />8 medium-sized fitteds from various companies (my favorites are the 3 Short Rounds fitteds I lucked into – 2 were free, and the 3rd was only $7 including shipping)<br />3 medium-sized thirsties PUL covers<br />4 woolies – 1 recycled (pants made from the arms of a sweater), 1 interlock, on crocheted, and one knitted. My favorite is the interlock.<br />3 wetbags - One holds 2 diapers or 1 diaper and a set of dirty clothes, one holds about double that, and the 3rd holds about 40 diapers (I got that one for when we drove to Maryland from Colorado last summer and knew I wouldn't have access to a washer for 3-4 days).<br />Diaper sprayer – hooked up to the toilet in the kids’ bathroom.<br />Diaper pail – really just a heavy-duty plastic trash can I got at Target.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/10%20winter/?action=view&current=2910tootietushiedipe7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 534px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/10%20winter/2910tootietushiedipe7.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />My second son in a fitted diaper when he was about 10 months old<br /></div><br />Flannel liners – I have a few dozen of these that I use occasionally. If your little one needs to us a diaper rash cream or ointment, these liners are really great for keeping the goop off the inside of the diaper and causing stains.<br />Baby washcloths – I have probably 4 or 5 dozen of these, and they’re perfect for wiping my son’s little butt. I had about a thousand of them anyway, and I never used them. It seemed like the perfect solution!<br />8 oz. spray bottle – I use this to spray my cloth wipes before using them. I just fill it up with tap water, add a couple drops each of tea tree oil and peppermint oil, and keep it next to my pile of wipes.<br />Newborn stuff: 24 unbleached Indian prefolds, 4 thirsties PUL covers, and 2 or 3 Snappis<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/09%20winter/?action=view&current=21609diapers1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/09%20winter/21609diapers1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />My Newborn Stash and BumGenius Diapers; I dyed the prefolds with Dylon dyes because I think white diapers are boring diapers.<br /></div><br />Stuff I’ve Tried and Hated<br /><br />* Flushable liners – some people love them and think they’re great, but my kids have sensitive skin and complained that it made them itchy. It wasn’t worth the money I was (quite literally) flushing away for the convenience. However, if they hadn’t had sensitivity issues, these would have been GREAT for dealing with poopy diapers without having to spray them off.<br />* Keeping cloth wipes wet – I haven’t personally tried this, but I’ve heard they get moldy in a day or 2, so I just never went there.<br />Closed diaper pail – can you say, “Pee-ew!” Yeah, that’s what I thought. Just don’t even try it.<br />* Wet diaper pail – it encourages mold and mildew.<br />* Rockin’ Green Cloth Diaper Laundry Products – soap residue builds up in your diapers (especially microfiber, yuck!) and makes them dingy, gray, and stinky. They make a product called “Funk Rock” which is supposed to help with this problem, but everyone I’ve heard of who’s tried it has told me it just made the problem worse.<br /><br />Tips & Tricks I Love<br /><br />* Baking soda in the diaper pail – just a little sprinkle of baking soda after each diaper addition will help absorb smells and moisture while keeping the rest of your house smelling great. This is also why I do a pre-wash rinse – I don’t want to find out what it would do to my washer if I added vinegar to the mix! I get all the baking soda off first, THEN add vinegar.<br />* No wetbags – once my son started having more solid poop, I stopped carrying a wetbag with me. If they don’t have liquid poo, you can just wrap the diaper up the same as you would w/ a sposie and stick it in the diaper bag. Some people like a wetbag anyway, but I’ve found the diapers are far easier to deal with (smell-wise) when they haven’t been in a waterproof bag for a couple hours.<br /><br />My Wash Routine<br /><br />This will vary from person to person. It’ll depend if you have a high efficiency or traditional washer and dryer, how many diapers you have vs. how many kids are using them, how much other laundry you have to do, and how much you hate doing said laundry. I only have 1 in diapers right now and we have a pretty large stash for him. I also own HE machines. I wash 3 times per week in addition to my regular laundry (I have 2 dedicated laundry days; I do NOT do my diapers on those days).<br /><br />1) Cold rinse, no detergent.<br />2) Sanitize cycle with detergent. I also add white vinegar to the bleach dispenser.<br />3) Cold rinse, no detergent<br />4) Dry<br /><br />Every now and then (generally every 2-3 months for me), you’ll notice your diapers aren’t absorbing well or look dingy or smell. . . funky. You’ll need to strip them when that happens. It’s pretty easy, just tedious. I’ve never stripped anything other than my BumGenius inserts, which are white, and I haven’t needed to do it since I got my HE washer. That being said, here’s what I did in my top-loader for my white inserts:<br /><br />1) Normal wash routine, but don’t dry.<br />2) Separate the inserts from the rest of the diaper laundry. Put all the non-insert things into the dryer.<br />3) Add ½ c bleach and 1 tablespoon blue Dawn dish soap and run the hottest cycle.<br />4) 2 additional very hot washes with not detergent, bleach, or anything else.<br />5) Dry<br /><br />I do not use cloth when my son has diarrhea, and I use sposies at night, mainly because his pee has a lot of ammonia in it, and when we’ve tried him in cloth at night, he wakes up with chemical burns every morning. My older son didn’t have this problem, so he wore cloth at night.<br /><br />I like to use prefolds with PUL covers or wool for newborns, simply because it’s the best way to get a good fit every time and prevent leaks while still protecting their little umbilical cord stump from getting bumped or irritated.<br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span><br />Helpful Links and Resources:<br /><br />www.cottonbabies.com<br />www.diapersetc.com<br />www.diaperswappers.com<br />www.greenmountaindiapers.com<br />www.hyenacart.com<br />www.jilliansdrawers.com<br />www.youtube.com (for tutorials on how to use cloth diapers and their accessories, as well as how to make your own diapers if you want)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-57859376353121721502011-03-30T23:13:00.004-04:002011-03-30T23:59:32.680-04:00paper crane tutorialtoday i found out about <a href="http://www.carters.com/Cranes-For-Kids/cranes-for-kids,default,pg.html?cm_mc_uid=62805800796413015412629&cm_mc_sid_90301777=1301541262">osh kosh's cranes for kids</a> program. for every paper crane you bring in or take a picture of to mail in or post to their facebook page, they'll donate an article of clothing for tsunami survivors in japan. so, in the spirit of giving, for anyone who doesn't know how to make a paper crane, i've put together a tutorial for you. all you need is a square piece of paper and your hands. once you get it down, they take less than 5 minutes to make.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />1) fold your paper diagonally so you have a triangle.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />2) fold the triangle in half, then do it again.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane3.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane4.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />3) open the last fold. now flatten the section that's on top so it forms a square.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane5.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />4) flip the whole thing over and flatten that triangle section into a square as well.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane6.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane7.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane8.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane8.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane9.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane9.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />5) there will be a crease running diagonally down the center of your square. fold one of the side corners in so the edge is flush w/ the crease. in this picture, the bottom of the paper is where all the corners are and you can see into the inside of the paper.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane10.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane10.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />6) repeat w/ the opposite side. then flip the whole thing over and repeat on the back side.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane11.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane11.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane12.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane12.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />7) it should look a little like an ice cream cone. fold the "ice cream" portion down over the "cone" portion. make sure to fold it BOTH ways, toward the front AND the back.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane13.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane13.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />8) open the "ice cream" and "cone" flaps on one side so you have a square again.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane14.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane14.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />9) pick up the TOP layer of paper only at the bottom of your square and make sure the paper bends where you made the crease from folding down the "ice cream."<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane15.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane15.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />10) flatten it out, making sure to carefully crease the edges so the paper doesn't rip.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane16.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane16.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane17.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane17.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />11) flip over and repeat steps 9 & 10 on the other side.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane18.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane18.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />12) you should have a very long, skinny diamond shape. fold the corner in so the edge is flush w/ the seam in the middle. there will be folds visible after you do this - make sure the folds are lined up like in the close up picture here.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane19.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane19.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane20.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane20.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />13) repeat this on the other flap of the diamond.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane21.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane21.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />14) flip over and repeat steps 12 & 13 on the 2nd side.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane22.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane22.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />15) you should have an ever skinnier diamond shape now. lift one flap and fold it completely over itself. after doing this, you should have 3 flaps on one half and 1 flap on the other half.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane23.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane23.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane24.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane24.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />16) flip over and fold the extra 3rd flap over itself so you again have 2 flaps on each half.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane25.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane25.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane26.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane26.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />17) fold each of the narrow flaps up toward the thicker flaps.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane27.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane27.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane28.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane28.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane29.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane29.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />18) again, fold one of the flaps completely over itself so you have 3 flaps on one half and 1 flap on the other half.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane30.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane30.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane31.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane31.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />19) flip it over and repeat so you again have 2 flaps on each half.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane32.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane32.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane33.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane33.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />20) the wider flaps are the wings - pull them GENTLY away from each other. the narrow flaps are the head and tail. it doesn't matter which is which. the side you choose for the head needs to have the tip bent down about 1/2 to 1 inch from the point (depending on how large a piece of paper you use). viola! you're done!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane34.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane34.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane35.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane35.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/?action=view&current=33011crane36.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/paper%20crane%20tutorial/33011crane36.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">note: this is NOT the kind that you can pull the tail and get the wings to flap. i never learned how to make that type, but i've heard it's much more complicated.<br /></div></div>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-78203717046863349972011-03-24T23:38:00.005-04:002011-03-25T00:33:24.510-04:00hooded towel tutorialok, so i've never done a tutorial before, but i hope i do a good job and it's easy to follow. please let me know if there's anything i need to change/improve/clarify.<br /><br />you know those flimsy, non-absorbent hooded towels you find in the baby section of stores like target and walmart? or the ones at babies r us? why pay $20 for something that won't really do anything when you can make a nice one for less than half the cost in any color combo you like? i say: DON'T! here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own hooded towel at home:<br /><br />1) you will need a sewing machine, a serger if you've got one (though the serger isn't necessary, it IS nice), 1 bath towel, 1 hand towel, 1 to 1 1/2 inch wide ribbon (optional; if you get by the yard ribbon, get 18-24 inches), and a pair of scissors.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 533px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />2) fold the hand towel in half and cut along the fold.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />3) cut a length of ribbon about 2-3 inches longer than the WIDTH of the half-hand towel.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel3.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />4) fold the ends of the ribbon under and pin them in place (these will be removed after the next step, so it doesn't need to look pretty).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 398px; height: 298px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel4.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />5) flip over and pin the ribbon in place, making sure to pin through the ribbon ends on the bottom side. remove pins from bottom side.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 534px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel5.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />6) sew both edges of the ribbon to the towel, making sure to keep the ribbon ends tucked under.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel6.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 534px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel7.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />7) fold the towel in half so the ribbon is on the inside and the raw edge is doubled over itself.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel8.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel8.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />8) serge (or use a zigzag stitch on a regular sewing machine) the raw edges together. i like to round the corner so it'll fit my kids' heads better, though this isn't necessary (if you're using a regular sewing machine for this step, trim the excess towel after you put in the seam, then use frayblock along the edges to keep it from fraying when you wash the towel). then, turn the hood right-side-out.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel9.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel9.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel10.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel10.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel11.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel11.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />9) find the middle of a long edge on your bath towel and mark it w/ a pin or fabric pencil.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel12.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel12.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />10) line up your serged/sewn seam on the hood w/ the marking on the bath towel and pin in place.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel13.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel13.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel14.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel14.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />11) pin down the rest of the hood edge to the towel edge. when it's pinned correctly, you will NOT be able to lay it completely flat.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel15.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel15.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />12) sew the pinned edges together. you will likely have to lift the sewing machine foot over the edges of the hood since it's quite a jump in fabric height.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel16.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 534px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel16.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />13) clip your strings - you're done!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/?action=view&current=32411towel18.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/evelonies/hooded%20towel%20tutorial/32411towel18.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div>evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-60808600986069888742010-09-19T12:08:00.003-04:002010-09-19T12:10:53.080-04:00rockin green giveaway!so i've recently fallen in love w/ rockin green cloth diaper and laundry detergent, and was PSYCHED to see a giveaway on survey junkie! to check it out, <a href="http://www.sjunkie.com/2010/09/rockin-green-review-giveaway.html">click here</a>. enjoy!evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-53733446889929993232010-05-21T22:12:00.004-04:002010-05-21T23:34:28.889-04:00enfamil is spreading lies again!so enfamil is at it again - claiming that their baby formula is superior to other brands, even though the proof is not there. their claim is that their formula is the one one w/ the "triple health guard" that improves growth, brain and eye health when compared to other formulas. this visual is used in their tv ads, as well as on their website:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qpV06Y4LWDM/S_dBCXog_1I/AAAAAAAAC28/Cl5g-VHFknQ/s1600/duck.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 199px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qpV06Y4LWDM/S_dBCXog_1I/AAAAAAAAC28/Cl5g-VHFknQ/s320/duck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473915381051621202" border="0" /></a><br />it basically says that if you use any other formula to feed your baby, they'll have crappy vision when they're a year old, but if you use enfamil w/ triple health guard, they'll have almost perfect vision. it's a load of crap b/c all formulas are THE SAME!<br /><br />but i almost forgot - enfamil DOES have something different! they have CHOCOLATE flavored formula! (and vanilla too, don't forget that!) as if we didn't already have an obesity epidemic in this country, we're now going to offer liquid candy to our babies!<br /><br />my question is this: what's so wrong w/ breastfeeding our babies? there are a very few select women who cannot produce enough, but MOST moms can have an ample supply if they never supplement, even in the beginning. there are medical conditions that make breastfeeding difficult, dangerous, or even impossible, but those cases are vastly outweighed by moms who simply choose not to nurse. there are so many misconceptions out there surrounding breastfeeding, and i hope that i can help to dispel some of those myths. even if i have to do it one mother at a time, i hope i can make a difference for someone. :)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-49466193735168753952010-03-07T17:57:00.004-05:002010-03-07T18:08:48.073-05:00recommittingok, i suck. a lot. i just realized i haven't posted anything in over 6 months! i'm promising to do better from now on, so here's my first entry in my new attempt. this is the story of what happened after trevor was born that made it necessary for me to pump for him:<br /><br />trevor was born june 7, 2007, at 41 weeks, 1 day. i'd known since before he was conceived that i wanted to breastfeed my kids, so my first reaction when they laid him on my chest was to nurse him. i couldn't get him to latch. the nurse couldn't get him to latch. they called in the hospital's lc, and SHE couldn't get him to latch. he had low blood sugar, so they gave him a bottle of formula when i'd tried, for an hour, to latch him w/out success.<br /><br />during our 2 day hospital stay, i tried again and again, with varying degrees of success. my nipples were red and raw, blistered and bleeding. i cried every time i was able to get him to latch b/c it hurt SO MUCH! but i was willing to do it b/c i knew it was best for my baby and everyone said it would hurt for a while. like an idiot, i believed them.<br /><br />we went home when trevor was 2 days old. on the way home, he started crying b/c he was hungry, so we stopped at a friend's house so i could try to nurse him. he wouldn't latch. my friend tried to help me, but she couldn't get him to do it either. she was baffled - she'd nursed 4 kids successfully and never had a problem like this!<br /><br />we got home and another friend came over to try to help, again with no success. while she was w/ me, my husband went to the airport to pick up my mom. neither of them were able to help me either. in the meantime, we were giving the baby formula, so my mom suggested stopping the formula to force him into nursing. so that's what we did.<br /><br />my milk came in that night and the baby would. NOT. NURSE! i became impossibly engorged and it HURT. trevor was hungry, so he wouldn't sleep, but he wouldn't nurse either. i knew the only way to relieve the pressure was to get the milk out, so i tried the manual pump i'd gotten second hand. it didn't work. i called the pediatrician because it was 4am and i hadn't slept in 21 hours, my baby wouldn't stop crying, and i couldn't get him to eat anything. the doc on call said to go buy a pump asap, pump, and get some rest. after all, my mom and husband were there, so why was i the one awake all night w/ a baby?<br /><br />when the store opened, my husband was there buying a new pump for me. i told him he'd better be there as they were unlocking the doors b/c i was in so much pain i couldn't sleep. when he got home, i tore the box apart and pumped w/out bothering to sterilize anything. i was desperate. i got maybe 1 oz. from both sides combined, but it was enough to relieve the pain and get some sleep. while i rested, my mom and husband gave the baby some more formula.<br /><br />after that horrible first night home, he started nursing a little bit. he's latch on, i'd cringe and cry while he sucked for a while, then we'd both be exhausted and fall asleep. this repeated every few hours for the first week.<br /><br />on friday morning, when trevor was 8 days old, my mom flew home and my husband went back to work. i gave my son a bath in the morning, snuggled w/ him, and nursed him throughout the day. he took a few naps, and i thought to myself, "i can do this. it's getting better."<br /><br />it was 2pm, and it'd been almost 3 hours since he'd nursed, so i tried to wake him up. he refused. i tried the things the nurses at the hospital has suggested - tap the bottoms of his feet, undress him, change his diaper, rub him tummy. nothing worked. i called my mom, who is an emt, and asked for more suggestions. she had me try cold water on his feet and a light sternum rub. he barely flinched. i was beside myself w/ fear b/c i couldn't get him to wake up! my husband came home for his "lunch" break during swing shift around 4pm and saw me crying on the phone w/ my mom. when i told him what was going on, he said to call the doctor.<br /><br />when i got in touch w/ the on-call doc, they started asking me about his schedule - when was the last time he ate? is he normally hard to wake? did he have a fever? when was his last wet diaper? that last question was what clinched it - he hadn't peed since his bath that morning at 8am. i knew b/c he peed on ME and though i'd checked his diaper several times during the day, it never needed to be changed. they said to go to the emergency room IMMEDIATELY.<br /><br />i grabbed my pump, the diaper bag, and some food for myself and my husband got the rest of the night off, then we rushed to the hospital we'd left only days before. when the triage nurses saw him in my arms, unconscious, they brought us to a room and immediately pulled a doctor in to see our little boy.<br /><br />they asked the same questions the on-call pediatrician had asked, plus a few others. i told them about his latching issues and how it hurt so much when he did. they decided to run some tests to figure out what was wrong w/ him.<br /><br />when they tried to get a needle in him to draw blood, he FINALLY reacted - it took myself, my husband, and 3 nurses to hold him down! they drew the blood they needed and sent it to the lab to be tested. the lab called back and said to redraw the blood b/c there was no serum in his blood. so we all held him down again for another blood draw. the same thing happened w/ this sample - no serum. the doc said to run the tests on what they had.<br /><br />when the results came back, we were shocked - he was severely dehydrated and jaundiced. his billirubin level was 26! 18 is considered critical and needs to be hospitalized. the doc told us if we'd waited any longer, he would have needed a blood transfusion!<br /><br />trevor's pediatrician was called w/ the results and they ordered an iv and billi lights. we were taken to a room in the pediatric wing and told to weigh all diapers we changed and to keep trying to nurse him, weighing him before and after each feeding.<br /><br />in the morning, they sent a lactation consultant to work w/ us again, but to no avail. they said he'd been latching incorrectly the whole last week, which was why he was so dehydrated and why i was in so much pain. the 3rd day we were in the hospital, when trevor was 10 days old, he was still losing weight from his birth weight. he weighed 9 lbs., 8 oz. at birth. at 10 days old, he weighed exactly 8 lbs. it was at that point that the doctor said he needed to have a bottle, and that my only choice was what to put in it - i could pump and give him breastmilk that way, or i could throw in the towel and give him formula.<br /><br />so i started pumping. i was devastated that i couldn't get my baby to nurse, but i knew this was best for all of us. my nipples could heal from the trauma they'd endured that first week, and more importantly, my child would be getting the nutrition he so desperately needed.<br /><br />i was lucky w/ pumping; my body responded well to it. when trevor was 6 weeks old, i was making 60 oz. daily! he had formula for the first month because his docs said he needed the extra calories b/c he'd lost so much weight, but after that, he only had breastmilk until it was time to wean. i continued to produce about double what he needed until i weaned at 10 1/2 months - i had stored enough in the freezer so that he had breastmilk until he was 13 months old AND i'd been lucky enough to donate over 4000 oz. privately to other moms in need. i suffered 2 bouts of mastitis and a never-ending round of thrush (it lasted for just over 5 months), and went through 2 pumps and thousands of breastmilk storage bags. it was the single hardest thing i've ever had to do.<br /><br />it was ALL worth it. trevor is now a happy, healthy, intelligent, wonderful little boy who is about to turn 3. he is an awesome big brother to my second son, scott, w/ whom i'm lucky enough to be able to have the nursing relationship i'd always dreamed of. trevor understands how important "mommy milk" is - he's excited for scott to nurse and likes to sit w/ me on the rare occasions that i choose to pump, pointing at the milk in the bottles, telling me all about the "mommy milk" that will go to his baby brother. sometimes, he'll even tell me when scott needs to nurse and i don't realize it. everything we went through during that first week and a half was worth it b/c of who he is now. :)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-53297860571283206652009-08-20T17:34:00.000-04:002009-08-20T17:35:18.153-04:00what it's like to be a kidi just saw this and had to share: <span></span><a href="http://www.pampers.co.uk/en_GB/video/babyseyes.jsp">http://www.pampers.co.uk/en_GB/video/babyseyes.jsp</a><br /><br />enjoy!evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-87136477517035334722009-08-19T00:16:00.002-04:002009-08-19T00:19:31.647-04:00oh yeahso in case it wasn't obvious already, we're moving to colorado. in a month. no, jon doesn't have a job yet, and yes, we're nervous, but we know it'll be ok in the end and that everything will work out. we have faith that this is what we need to do and that heavenly father will provide for us if we do what we're supposed to do. we're preparing as much as possible (saving $$, getting food storage, etc.) and crossing our fingers for the rest. if you need our new address, let me know and i'll make sure you get it. :)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-70953737627598518112009-08-19T00:13:00.003-04:002009-08-19T00:16:44.244-04:00all kinds of crazy ideas these days!so i had another idea yesterday. . . when we get settled in colorado next month, i'm thinking about opening an etsy shop. :) i figure that i can make things that people would probably pay decent $$ for, so why not? i would probably stick to jewelry and hairbows at first, but might also branch into cloth diapers if the ones i'm making for trevor turn out well. we'll see. no baby carriers though, i don't want to deal w/ the legal issues involved there! too much to worry about and have to protect myself from in case anything happens. i don't want that kind of stress. but yeah, i just wanted to let you all know! :)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-31621733600946959802009-07-29T11:35:00.001-04:002009-07-29T11:35:30.862-04:00it came out of NOWHERE!seriously. i woke up sunday morning and it hit me like a ton of bricks! ok, here's the deal. . .<br /><br />so, ever since i was a kid and discovered how much i loved to read, i've wanted to write a book of my own. i made a couple of attempts, but they all kinda fizzled out before they really ever got started. well, when my alarm went off sunday morning, it interrupted a dream i was having - that dream was the push i needed. in it was born the premise of the story. :) i've started writing, but it's slow going, since i have to do it in between chasing after trevor, taking care of scott, and all my other motherly and wifely duties. so far i've got the first chapter done. . .<br /><br />here's what i can tell you so far:<br /><br />zoe morgan is a 19 year old college junior w/ her whole life planned out - and everything's going exactly the way she wants. but you know what they say about the best-laid plans. . .<br /><br />ryan appears in class on the first day of the new semester. zoe doesn't know what it is about him that draws her to him, but she can't afford this right now. it isn't part of the plan. what she doesn't know is that he's a faerie prince, sent to the human world like a foreign exchange student, so he can learn the diplomacy skills every good leader needs.<br /><br />as if that weren't enough, she finds out she's actually 1/4 faerie herself, and as such, she learns she can never REALLY fit into the human world. all of zoe's plans come crashing down around her as she struggles to figure out if ANYTHING she ever believed was true and to figure out her place in the new world she finds herself a part of.evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560358577880535708.post-62168900589616868132009-07-17T16:23:00.004-04:002009-07-17T16:27:04.250-04:00new blogi just wanted to let you all know that since this page is getting overrun by my gratuitous deal-seeking/coupon-using/food-hording, i decided to start a whole new blog dedicated to my obsession. it's<a href="http://www.blogger.com/couponcrazymama.blogspot.com"></a> <a href="http://couponcrazymama.blogspot.com/">couponcrazymama.blogspot.com</a>. from now on, THIS blog will not have deals or savings info posted here. i WILL post a link to the other blog though! bye! :)evelonieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261669439658332438noreply@blogger.com1