It's all coming together!

I've been working hard on my basement these last couple of weeks, and it has shown vast improvement. The two bedrooms are completely wall boarded, and now the Rec Room and hallway have a ceiling! Just two more walls full of doors, and I'll be done with the wallboard! Hooray!

I'll be stopping for about a month though as I start grading papers again, but hopefully in the few weeks prior to D day, I'll be able to tape, texture and paint. Sierra and Bailey could actually have their own rooms before their baby sister makes her appearance. Wish me luck!

Patterns, Patterns Everywhere! I have the itch to sew

As if working in the basement and homeschooling aren't enough to keep me occupied, I have acquired the bug for sewing this past month, and there is little end in sight.

It started with cloth wipes. Seemingly harmless little things. Just 2 pieces of flannel sewn together.

Ah, but once I started, I couldn't stop. Soon, I was making reusable snack bags for the kids' school lunches. I combined a number of pictures and patterns I found on the internet and eventually used ripstop nylon fused to preshrunk cotton. Basically, you cut the fused materials into rectangles, sew on velcro, then sew up sides envelope style.

Next was a zippered wetbag for transporting soiled cloth diapers in the diaper bag. I also made a large one with a Velcro strap to hang in my bathroom for dirty diapers and wipes. Here is the free tutorial I used for the smaller bag, and I simply improvised for the strap on the larger bag.

After that, I had to stop due to this and that, but my creative juices couldn't stop running. Now I'm looking at making a number of other baby items, from bibs to changing pads and more. It's amazing how many different free patterns there are out there on the internet. I've also been busy making patterns of my own from designs I like. Here are some of my intended projects:

Bibs:

I found a fun bib pattern with tutorial that is similar to the ones used in Japan. Think I'll try it out. I also love the Bumkins Super Bibs, but I thought I'd like to try making my own. I've found a picture on the web and majorly enlarged it to make a pattern. We'll see how it turns out. I plan to use PUL (polyurethane laminated cloth) and some sort of biased tape.

Sleep Sacks:

Another nice thing to have for baby that can be made relatively cheap. The armless ones are pretty easy too, and there are plenty of tutorials out there, as well as patterns to choose from.

Waterproof Changing Pads:

These are used to keep your baby from soiling whatever they are being changed on, as well as keeping their bottoms off of things you's rather they weren't touching. They also work really well as night and nap time leak stoppers in the crib (so you don't have to change the sheets). Here is a good tutorial. I plan to cut a good sized piece of waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric), cut another piece of soft/absorbent fabric such as terry, flannel, or fleece the same size. I'm thinking I might bind it together with biased tape. We'll see.

Cloth Diaper Soakers/Liners:

I really like the idea of the Best Bottom diaper system, but I thought I could improve their hemp/organic cotton liners some, and for less. I'm using a soaker of each size as a pattern, but instead of the 6 layers of hemp that they use, I am planning on doing 2 layers of heavy bamboo and only 3 layers of hemp. Bamboo absorbs wetness fast and is softer, while hemp absorbs slowly, is less soft, but holds more. The bamboo, of course, will go next to the baby with the hemp behind. I figure if I sew the two cloth types together separately, then only attach them together at the top and bottom, they will be able to dry more quickly (as both take a long time to dry when there are a lot of layers).

Nursing Pads:

Since I will be washing diapers frequently anyway, I figured I might as well use cloth nursing pads. However, the ones I am interested in most, Bamboobies, cost so much! So, I thought I would take their ideas and make my own. Their regular ones are super thin, with a layer of PUL, a couple layers hemp, and a layer of bamboo velour cut and sewn together in a heart shape. I can do that! Their overnight ones are made from several layers of hemp sandwiched between bamboo fleece. Since I'll be making diaper soakers anyway, I'll already have the material on hand. Why not make them myself?

Mama Cloth:

These are cloth feminine pads. I figure why not try them out, since I'm doing cloth diapers already anyway. Using a couple free patterns I found online, I plan to make the bottom layer of PUL, inner core layers of hemp, and the top layer from bamboo velour with KAM (plastic) snaps on the wings. I figure, if I like using them, I'll make more. If not, oh well.

For now, that's enough. I'm sure I'll find more things to make as time goes on.

Oh, and if you're wondering where I'm finding all of the hemp, bamboo, and PUL, they are sold online. You can find PUL in retail stores, but it is thicker and not as soft/flexible making it better for some projects, and not as good for others. The hemp and bamboo are only found online as of yet. My favorite online stores for these materials are Kids in the Garden and Diaper Sewing Supplies.

Hidden Benefits of Homeschooling

Most people who have looked at homeschooling are aware of the well known benefits that it brings. You get to make your own schedule, go at your child's pace, lots of one-on-one teaching, protect your kids from bad friends and other influences, go on vacations when you want, sleep in, etc. Thing is, after homeschooling for almost 5 years now, I've come to realize that there are a lot more hidden benefits. Here's a list to show what I mean:

* I have gotten to know my kids VERY well, in ways that I never would have if I didn't teach them. For example, I know how their brains work, how they learn best, how long their attention span really is, how much they really know, and the difference that lack/type of food and sleep can make.

* I get to learn things too. When my kids study different animals, Egyptians, storms, castles, planets, or mythology, I learn about them too. When they learn new math concepts, sometimes I discover things as well. When my daughter starts passing me on piano, I start learning to try and stay ahead. When they learn Latin, I learn Latin. If they read a book, I often read it too. And it's fun to learn along with my kids. It's turned into a family thing.

* My kids can still entertain themselves for hours on end. They don't need outside entertainment, TV, video games, computers, or whatever else. They find things for themselves to do without relying on me to figure it out for them. They still play pretend, create stories and art, build things, play with their siblings and friends, exercise, make their own food, and simply have fun without being plugged in or given a schedule. They could go all day like this if I let them.

* No homework. This is my favorite. Once we are done with school for the day, we are done. Finished. Nothing more. Go play (once you finish your chores that is). And it doesn't matter if school only took 2 hours that day. You're done!

* I decide what is important to learn (as long as I include what the law says I have to). If I think it is important to learn cursive so that my kids will be able to read it, then I can make sure we cover it. If I don't think my kids need "social studies", I can skip it. Sex ed, scripture study, evolution, the slide rule, you name it. I'm in charge. I decide. Not some outside entity with different priorities and beliefs.

* My kids aren't inundated and swayed with public opinion. If my boy likes pink, then he's welcome to like it. Just because it's the latest fad, doesn't mean my girls are interested. They are the ones who decide what they are interested in. Want more salad? Go ahead! You hate Harry Potter? Go right ahead. It's nice to not have to follow what the social norm says. this also makes them more open to new ideas because they are not concerned with what other will think. Definite bonus.

* My kids will play with anyone. They don't care what their age is, what gender they are, what clothes they wear, what TV programs or video games they play, or how popular (or not) they are. If someone is fun to play with, that's good enough. Baby or senior citizen, poor or rich, smart or slow, pretty or not, whatever. They will be your friend if you'll be their friend too.

* I have constant, on-hand, mother's help. They help clean, cook, take care of each other, teach each other, entertain each other, and so on. When my baby comes, they will help with diapers and feedings. A couple more years and I'll have constantly available babysitters. It's nice to have help, and they are there to give it.

* You are allowed to sleep in, and your kids can stay up late on a school night with no issues. There is no morning rush or stressed pick up time. It's very relaxed. You can have your daily structure as rigid or as flexible as you want it, and it can change as often as needed. Vacation time, doctor's appointments, zoo visits, grocery store, swimming at the rec center, library, they can all be done when the crowds are low. And if a baby comes or you get really sick, you can put things off for a while without having to do "make-up work".

* My kids don't get sick that much. What they do catch is usually mild, most often just a cold. Stomach flu and strep are practically unheard of around here, and even then, they can still do school because it's at home. No waiting for antibiotics to kick in or finding that they are perfectly healthy 2 hours after school starts. No missed classes or fake illnesses around here.

*My car has put on very low milage. I'm not driving to school twice a day, sometimes more. I am not driving all over for this activity and that. I can go for a week and have hardly stepped foot in my car. Sure saves on car maintenance and gas. That doesn't mean we don't go anywhere. We've just taken out the daily trips.

*It can save you lots of money. You only spend as much as you want to on school books and supplies. Your kids don't need nice clothes. There are no school fees. Sack lunches don't exist. Field trips are completely optional and tailored to your income. How much or little you spend is all up to you.

There are certainly more things that I haven't thought of yet. I'm sure I'll discover more as time goes on. In the mean time, I'm enjoying all of the advantages I've got.

Beans and Chips

We just tried a spur of the moment combination for snack today, and liked it quite a lot.

1 can Black Beans *, rinsed (or 1 1/2-2 cups cooked with a dash of salt)

1 Tbs Olive Oil

2 tsp Parsley **

Corn Chips

Heat the beans in microwave until warm, then stir in the oil and parsley (or add before heating if you wish). Scoop and eat with chips.

Serve with cherry tomatoes, sliced peppers, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, pickles, or whatever else sounds good and is on hand.

*You can use any type of bean. It doesn't have to be black. My kids also like Great Northern, Kidney, Small Red, and Chickpeas.

** Other spice options could be Italian, Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, whatever suits your fancy.

A Whole New World

While doing research on different cloth diapers and their care, I have come across a whole new world of things that I never knew existed. Here's a short list to show what I mean:

Tea Tree Oil: It is an essential oil often used in home made baby wipes solutions. It is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal, and used for treating things like nail fungus, ringworm, athletes foot, dandruff, acne, and many types of infestations including head lice, mites, and mosquitoes.

Wool Dryer Balls: Add these balls to your dryer to get faster drying, fluffier laundry. It also helps eliminate static, though not completely. They effectively do the job of dryer sheets, except they are reusable for years and don't leave any chemical residue on your clothes.

Cloth Feminine Pads: Um, pretty self explanatory. They're like cloth diapers, except for the purpose of, and shaped like, feminine hygiene products.

Eco-friendly Detergents and Cleaners: Maybe I'm just blind, but I never knew these were out there, and in such an abundance! They are made from all-natural materials such as grape seed and fruit extract, coconut and corn, and other essential oils, and according to reviews, they work just as well as synthetic cleaners.

Diaper Sprayers: I did know about these beforehand, but I still find it part of a different world. These attach to the water supply on your toilet and are used just like the sprayer in your kitchen sink. Except, of course, it sprays into your toilet. I can think of lots of things other then diapers this could be useful for, but they're all kinda gross. I'd rather not list them.

Diaper Cloths: I already knew about cotton and wool. Cotton is very absorbent, and wool is water repellent. What I didn't know was that there are cloths made from hemp and bamboo. Turns out they are thinner and even more absorbent and highly prized by the cloth diapering community then the old standbys. There is also a fabric caller PUL (polyurethane lining) that is waterproof but soft, typically used for the outside shell on diapers, and microfleece and suedcloth used to wick away the moisture.

Reusable Bags: These include sandwich bags, diaper pail liners, dirty diaper (wet) bags, and mini wet/dry bags. Makes sense for cloth diaper users. They can also be used for other things like swim gear, makeup, feminine products, wet wipes, sunscreen, lotion, towels, etc. Just launder with your diapers or other laundry.

It's quite possible that you already knew of these things and I was just obliviouse. Oh well. In either case, now we both know.

Diaper Days are Coming!

My ultrasound a couple weeks ago helped me realize I have a baby coming. Soon. Not too soon, but soon enough. And that realization jumpstarted a week + of figuring something out.

A couple years ago, while at the park with one of my friends, her little boy had his diaper changed. Exciting, I know, but it started a long conversation. You see, he was wearing a cloth diaper. And it was cute, not one of those hideous old-fassioned pre-folds with pins and plastic pants. I was interested. I've always been a bit of an environmentalist, but I also find frugality, aesthetics, and convenience important. My friend informed me that by using cloth diapers, I could actually obtain all four. Really?

Environmentally, cloth diapers are wonderful. They do not pile up in landfills, adding non-decomposing and toxic waste to the system. Instead, they get reused over and over, recycling for years, and putting the waste where it belongs (down the toilet).

Economically, it is also a winner. Over the period from birth to potty training, a typical child will go through over $2000 in disposable diapers. Seriously. Cloth diapering is much cheaper in the long run. It has it's up front costs (top diapering systems will run you close to $400), but then they are used over, and over, and over again. Those diapers are meant to last the entire 2-3 years and then some, often being passed down to younger siblings. That's even more savings!

As far as looks go, you can get some really cute cloth diapers now days. Just take a look at all the various kinds, from BumGenius, to FuzziBunz, to G Diapers, Flips, Best Bottoms. . . the list goes on and on. They aren't huge and majorly bulky like the old style cloth diapers, and some are even as trim as the current disposables.

As for convenience, there is slightly more work. You will have to do additional laundry 2-3 times a week, but is that really such a big deal? You're already going to be doing laundry for your little one and all of your other family members. Also, there are no more late night runs to the store in icy snow because you "ran out". As for putting the diaper on the baby, there isn't much more to it then disposables. For pocket diapers, you simply stuff a liner in the pocket, then snap or velcro it on. For all-in-2 (hybrid) diapers, you lay the liner in the shell, then snap or velcro it on baby. No more folding or pinning with these diapering systems. Easy. For clean up, pull the liner and cover apart, spray off pooh into the toilet with a toilet sprayer, and toss in the diaper pail to be washed later. Still pretty convenient.

So, with all of these facts and a baby looming in the horizon, I needed to decide if I was actually going try cloth diapering or not.

Lucky for me, my friend needed someone to watch her boys for almost a week, and her youngest is still in diapers. While watching them, I got to try out BumGenius, a pocket diaper, to see how I liked it. Well, I did. It was really no big deal to rinse the diapers, stuff a pocket, or put on her son. The laundering was easier then I thought (why I thought it would be any more difficult then normal laundry, I don't know). That tiny bit of extra work was way overshadowed by the economic difference, and the environmental and aesthetic ends were definitely an added boost.

In short, it looks like I'll be using cloth diapers this time around.

Five in the Snow

It snowed last night. A lot. We seem to be getting a lot of snow dumps this year, not that I mind. The schools in the district got closed, though ours still happened (have to finish as much as I can before the baby comes). Oh well. We still got snow time, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Anyway, I've been watching two little boys for a friend of mine this week while their parents move house. It's been fun having them. For Blake, it's been like a week long slumber party. He's so happy to have boys to play with.

Lucky for us, we happened to have enough snow boots, pants, and gloves to go around.

Say Cheese!

The kids even helped shovel the driveway. Not a small feat seeing how thick and heavy the snow was.

It's been a good snow day.