Show us Your Life- Money Saving Tips

Show us Your Life this week over at Kelly's Korner is Money Saving Tips. This is one of my favorite subjects lately. Since I am staying home with our two little ones, we are always on a budget. I have tried several different things over the years. My absolute favorite way to save money is by cloth diapering. I know it sounds crazy and old fashioned, but I really think it is one the smartest decisions I have made since having my second baby. I never have to worry about running out of diapers, and I just feel good about the money we save with each diaper change.

My husband was definitely not on board from the beginning. We needed to come up with the up front cost which was about $300 for us.  That's nothing compared to the $1500-$2000 we could have used on disposables. Add in the fact the we are helping the environment and it is a win win situation. They are also so much cuter than disposables.

So here is my system-

I mainly use prefolds and covers. Many people are scared of them. They are super easy to fold, and easily customized to fit the baby. When you are feeling lazy they can be tri-folded and laid in the cover. I started out with 24 prefolds which was just enough to do laundry every other day. Now I have about 50 prefolds and do laundry every few days. I have 4 PUL covers. They do not need to be washed with every use unless soiled. I would usually alternate 2 covers for the whole day. Now I have several wool covers. Wool is so amazing, and is considered the best diaper cover. Mine are all Woollybottoms, which my aunt makes and sells. She recycles old wool sweaters to make stylish diaper covers.We buy disposables for when we go to church, or if we have a babysitter. A small pack of them probably last a month or more.

Sorry for the bad quality phone pics :)

Here are a few cloth diaper resources that really helped me:
www.cottonbabies.com
www.greenmountaindiapers.com
http://allaboutclothdiapers.com

Great day!

I really didn't start this day off thinking it would be that great. I think Ethan is finally teething because he hasn't been sleeping well the past few nights.  I did my normal morning stuff, got Nathaniel some breakfast, and sat down at the computer to check Facebook while I ate breakfast.

I started talking on Facebook chat with a girl from our church. We are in the same Sunday School, but Stefan and I haven't been going very long and don't know anyone yet. I was so happy that we started talking. She and her husband are the only other couple in the class with a baby, and they are actually close to our age. Stefan and I have been struggling to find a church with people our age in it since we have lived in Memphis.

I talked to her about how I feel stuck at the house most of the time. She is the opposite and loves to get out. She invited me to a children's rummage sale with one of her friends. I was a little scared to go at first because I didn't figure Nathaniel would act very well. After talking to her for awhile I decided it was a good idea to at least go and meet a new friend. I'm so glad I went because I had a great time. We got to talk quite a bit, and the boys both acted really well. I had Ethan in the mei tai, and Nathaniel in the stroller. Her friend was wearing her six month old in an Action Baby Carrier. I was beyond excited to find another mother that likes to babywear. I feel like I actually have some mommy friends to hang out with now, and we are even going to another sale tomorrow. I also managed to get Dr. Sears discipline book for $3. I plan on reading it very soon in hopes to somehow get Nathaniel more under control.

I also got my birthday present from my sister-in-law in the mail today. She usually just sends money, but this year she sent me some Vera Bradley stuff. I'm not exactly sure how she knew I was planning to use the money for more Vera Bradley stuff, but it's really cool. She sent me the flat iron case, and ID zip case in the java blue print. She also sent some Vera Bradley flip flops, and I have to say they are pretty comfy.

A quick update on potty training
Nathaniel has learned faster than I ever imagined he could. He is completely trained at home. He doesn't need me to remind him to go or anything. He is staying dry through his naps, and most nights. He even manged to stay dry during the two outings we have had this week. Now I just need to work on getting him to use the regular potty in hopes that he will use public restrooms when needed.

I don't have many plans for the rest of the day. I need to clean the kitchen and start dinner before long. I am trying a new recipe tonight, and really hoping it turns out great. It's called Cheesy Bacon Hashbrown Bake. Just the title is enticing enough for me. No pictures today, but I am really working on taking more, and using them more in the blog.

Just some stuff

The past couple of days have seemed crazy. Yesterday started off with a quick filling at the dentist. I dropped the boys off with a lady we know from Mid-America around 9, and I was back before 10. They actually used a laser for the filling. It was completely painless, and took around 5 minutes. No shots only a bad taste from the stuff they used for the filling. When I picked up the boys I stayed we stayed and visited for a little while. I am usually pretty isolated most of the time, so I love to visit. 

I had Nathaniel wearing a pull-up during the morning because I didn't want to inconvenience someone who was doing me a favor with potty training. I thought for sure he would be wet when we got home, but to my amazement he was dry and asked to use the potty. He really is doing great with potty training now. It's hard to believe two weeks ago I thought he would never be trained. The rest of the day went pretty smooth. I did some cleaning, took a quick nap, and had dinner ready when Stefan got home. I stayed up late talking a wonderful lady on facebook. It was the highlight of my day, and so worth the loss of sleep.

Today has been the most productive day I have had in forever. I started by cleaning the kitchen and actually mopping the floor. Ethan was happy to ride on my back while I did all this. Then I managed to get the 1/2 bath clean and floor mopped in there. The boys were nice enough to play while I worked on that project. Then we went upstairs and cleaned the playroom. It looks a hundred times better in there, and the boys play so much better when there are only a few toys out. While Ethan took a morning nap I decided to move the bed in our room. This goes back to my need for regular change. I was also hoping that moving the bed would inspire me to get the room finally cleaned up. The master bedroom is our catch all room, and it really shouldn't be. I'm hoping to get another bookshelf for in there, and then the room will look pretty good. 

After all my hard work I tried to get a quick nap whiles the boys took their afternoon nap, but it just didn't happen today. I took the time to make a nice dinner, but it was a complete fail. I had everything ready only to find out that he had to work an hour late. Let's just say this didn't make me very happy, and I have been feeling pretty under appreciated. Stefan didn't even notice that I have done any cleaning. 

Sorry for such a boring post. On a good note, my friend and I are starting a new blog project that I am really excited about. We basically just want to put something out there to really encourage mothers. We are still mainly in the planning stages, but I think it is going to grow into something great. 

Here are a couple pictures from today. Ethan was being such a cutie. There are no recent pictures of Nathaniel because he doesn't like to wear clothes these days. haha

Sorry for the bad quality, they were phone pics.

Eight Months

Ethan, you are eight months old today. I truly can't comprehend how fast the past eight months have flown by, and how much joy you have brought to our family.

What are you up to these days?

You have your first bruises on your forehead from pulling up. It breaks my heart each time you fall, but you always recover so fast.  You have been pulling up for about a month now, and are starting to cruise the coffee table. You are also an expert at tearing apart the train table, and getting Nathaniel's toys.

You are always moving, and it takes all my energy to keep you out of trouble. I spend a lot of time trying to keep you safe. You always seem to be able to get into things you shouldn't have. Your Nana has always joked that you will be more trouble than your big brother. I'm starting to believe she might be right. haha

You have been eating solid food for a couple of months now. You like squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots. The green veggies are not your favorite so far. We let you have some pumpkin n pears food the other day, and it was by far your favorite. You just could not get enough of it. It just shows even more that you belong in this pumpkin loving family. You are still nursing every few hours right now. I love the closeness we have during mealtimes. 

Each month that goes by brings us a little closer to your birthday. Sometimes I wish that I could slow down time so you never have to turn one.  It is truly a blessing from God that you share a birthday with your Granddaddy. It will be a wonderful day of celebration of your life, but I know that I will also be a little sad thinking about your Granddad, and wishing he were here with us on that day. Your Granddad loved you so much, and was overjoyed that you were born on his birthday. I do wish he could have shared it with you for a long time, but we just thank God for the time that you did share together. I hope you always know how special you and your big brother are to me.

Great Monday!

I really think this has been the greatest day I have had in forever. It will probably sound pretty boring most people, but I don't get out much. I'm some of the day's greatness has to do with the fact that I actually got to have a nice quiet time this morning. I usually fail to get up early enough, or the boys wake up early. There is always something to distract me, but not this morning. Stefan headed off to work on time, and Nathaniel woke up and went straight to the potty. He didn't do anything, but at least it was on his mind. I had some nice mommy time with just Nathaniel while Ethan slept in. 

We have been out of groceries for a few days now, and I just had to get to the store. This is usually a huge chore because I have to wait until Stefan is home to either watch the boys, or all of us go out together. It is not ever fun to grocery shop with a 2 year old, but I really didn't have a choice. I decided to get brave and venture out by myself with them. I prayed several times that God would help Nathaniel to act well, and God definitely answered my prayers. We went straight in with out list, got our stuff, and got out without any problems. It always helps to go in the morning when there are fewer people. I always put Ethan in the mei tai when we shop, and he is never a problem so far. He just looks around at everyone, and even goes to sleep sometimes.

 This is from the zoo, but here is how we look in the mei tai. I know people wonder what I am wearing in Walmart, but wearing Ethan makes everything so much easier.

This afternoon was even better because Jennifer came to visit us. I love when she visits, and I actually get to talk to another adult. She watched Nathaniel for me the whole time I was pregnant, so we have gotten to know each other really well. I am so glad to have such a great friend. Nathaniel was so sweet with her today. He just sat on her lap and cuddled for the longest time. He also managed to use the potty twice with no accidents. It made me so happy and proud of him.

Tonight, I had my small group women's study. We are going through the book Becoming God's True Women. I was really blessed, and felt really comfortable even though I don't really know any of the other ladies in the group. I always get nervous meeting new people, but I was able to put that behind me tonight.

Now, I am home and both the boys are asleep.  Hopefully they will stay that way all night.

Potty Training!

Update!

We have made so much progress today. Nathaniel has used to potty several times today. He usually starts a little in his underwear, but he is able to stop and we go to the potty and finish. He made it one time while keeping his underwear completely dry. The last time he started, managed to stop, and ran to the potty saying "Uh Oh."  I love progress!

I have been slowly trying to introduce Nathaniel to potty training for awhile now. Usually I feel forced because he will go through a stage of not keeping diapers on. This always ends with him being completely uninterested, and me getting frustrated and giving up. I get jealous of all the kids younger than Nathaniel that are already training. I just tell myself you can't make them potty train, and as soon as he decides to go it will be a quick process.

Well, I finally decided Nathaniel is plenty old enough to use the potty, and I am not giving up anymore. We have been trying to go on an hourly schedule with still no success. I have tried pull-ups with no success. Using real underwear seems to be the only thing that gets him to notice what is going on. After a few accidents, I started putting the diapers back on him, but I guess now he hates them. This boy will not keep a diaper or pull-up on anymore. He even managed to take his diaper off sometime during the night, and woke up with a wet bed. At this point I have no choice but to get him trained.

Well, I'm pleased to say that after a very rough morning we are actually making progress with the potty training. He started out with the wet bed. I figured it would be a waste of time to put anything on him besides real underwear, so that is what we have used all day. He knows that he is supposed to use the potty, but is still very resistant to it. He went through several pairs of underwear this morning because he would start to pee in them, then I would take him straight to the potty and try to finish. After doing this several times, he finally finished and managed to stay dry 3  hours after that. I noticed him a little wet again, and this time it was much easier to get him to finish in the potty. I never thought I would be so happy to see his pee in the potty...lol The Three Day Method is what finally started working for us. I think it is going to take a little longer than 3 days, but overall I feel really good about this method. I will update later to say how we really like this method.

Big Project!

If you know me at all, you know that I love to rearrange things often. I guess I have need for regular change. This week I decided to fix the boys' rooms up. They have each had their own rooms, and I suddenly got the idea that it would be great to put in the same room to sleep, and use the larger room as a play room. I have been working on this all week and here is some of the progress.

Here is the new bedroom, previously Ethan's room. I really need to work on some wall decor.

 Small amount of progress in the new playroom. I have to work on fitting a large train table in here, and we need some wall storage.

I'm kind of proud of the playroom closet.

Now that I have their beds in the same room it is time to get them sleeping on a more regular schedule. Nathaniel has always been a great sleeper, but Ethan is a completely different story.

And some pics of the boys just because they are cute. Nathaniel is wearing real underwear, but that story is for a whole different post.

It's been a long time

It has been way too long since I last posted, but I am back with a new blog mindset. Of course, I want to use this as a way to keep memories of the family, but I also want to use this blog as a way to reach out to people. There has been a lot of changes in our lives over the past year, and I want to share how our family has adapted. My parenting style has also changed in a great way, and I want to share and encourage other moms about how great parenting can be. I hope this will be a fun place to come read about our adventures in cloth diapering, babywearing, and trying to live a more natural lifestyle in general.