Thursday, June 28, 2012

Our Boat Ride on the Lake

Jamie surprised us with renting a Pontoon boat and taking us out to the lake.

Notice our son is missing, He was staying with his nanny and missed out.


It was nice letting the girls take over steering. It's rare getting to enjoy sitting next to Jamie, we are always, one way or the other.


Haven was a little nervous at first, but did great.
Alyssa had a blast.
Blixon really felt like a big girl when she was at the wheel.
Galal did surprising well. She asked if it was that easy driving a real car :-)
Even Hadassah Got a turn. It was actually very funny, we pulled up on shore and when it was time to go, she ran to the wheel and said "I'm ready to go Daddy"

Hadassah had a blast from start to end.

She had no fears of jumping right in to Daddy.

Syhven however was a different story. She did not like the loud throttle, and she did not like the water!

We searched and searched for the perfect spot for Jamie to jump. This wasn't high enough for him, geesh.


Blixon is taking right after her Daddy, and NO I don't like it ;-)

Syhven finally cheered up and started having fun, pushing my hat down on my face. At one point she even got down and walked around on the boat. We had alot of fun that day. We brought home a couple of clams for the fish tank, they are awesomely neat. I even jumped in, much to my surprise, Jamie talked me into it. I am not usually one for lakes. He was proud of my stepping out of my comfort zone. I can't help it, I just prefer to see what I am swimming in, and whats swimming around me. The girls had fun swimming, they are so brave :-)
    Thanks Jamie for the Fun filled day!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Fluffy Fourth of July Event

Welcome to the Fluffy Fourth of July sponsored by Gnome’s Naturals and hosted by Life With Levi!

Whether you’re just starting out using cloth diapers or already a fluffy pro, this giveaway prize offers something for everyone.

Fluffy Fourth Ultimate Starter Pack

One lucky winner will receive the ULTIMATE cloth diaper stash starter pack, valued at over $415!!!

This amazing prize prize pack includes:

  • THREE ones & twos All In One Diapers
  • ONE AppleCheeks Bamboo Little Bundle
  • ONE AppleCheeks Microterry Little Bundle
  • TWO Tots Bots Easy Fit or Tini Fit Diapers
  • TWO Rumparooz G2 Pocket Diapers or Little Joey Newborn All In Ones
  • ONE Bummis Beautiful BASIC Kit
  • SIX Organic Cotton Prefold Diapers
  • ONE Bummis Super Snap Wrap
  • ONE Bummis Super Lite Wrap
  • TWO Snappis
  • ONE AppleCheeks Storage Sac Pail Liner
  • ONE M Monkey Foot Designs Wet Bag for when you're on the go.
  • ONE KalmSkin Travel Size Cloth Diaper Safe Rash Stick
  • ONE Bag of Rockin' Green Laundry Detergent
  • ONE Clean Cheeks Wipes Concentrate
  • ONE 6 Pack of AppleCheeks Cloth Wipes
  • ONE Mini Shower Diaper Sprayer
  • ONE Pack of AppleCheeks Flushable Diaper Liners


That's all the diapers AND accessories you need for 18 diaper changes!!

Gnome's Naturals is a cloth diaper and natural parenting store owned & operated by Lori Whitlock. As a mom of a toddler, Lori is always searching for great natural products for herself and her family. When she finds products that she loves, she sticks with them. Lori created Gnome's Naturals to share those products with you. As a cloth diaper blogger, Lori has tried almost every cloth diaper on the market and strives to carry only the best of the best.

In addition to some well known brands that Lori loves, Gnome's Naturals also carries work at home mom (WAHM) made items in the store. Make sure you check out the WAHM Spotlight section for products that are handmade by moms in North America. Lori is a huge proponent of moms supporting moms and she hopes that by retailing some mom-made items, she can help support them financially as well.

If you’re new to cloth diapering, Gnome’s Naturals offers several different cloth diaper trial packages. Beyond cloth diapers, Gnome’s Naturals also carries a great selection of baby carriers, baltic amber teething necklaces, breastfeeding products, and more. 

Ready To Win?

Just enter using the easy Rafflecopter form below.
All entries are optional – be sure to come back often to complete the daily entries, since the more entries you have, the more chances you have to win!

Giveaway open to residents of the US & Canada. Contest ends Friday, July 6th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, June 23, 2012

The Ultimate Fluff Stash Giveaway $600 in Fluff

The Ultimate Fluff Stash Giveaway
Welcome to The Ultimate Fluff Stash Giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering and sponsored by Kebbie's Diaper Bag! We are giving away a huge cloth diaper prize pack valued at over $600 to one lucky winner!

You could win all of the following:

The Ultimate Fluff Stash Giveaway
30 Bubbz 3.0 Quadcore Anti-Leak Pocket Diapers Bubbz Ultimate Wet/Dry Bag Bubbz Super Cinch Pail Liner

For a total retail value of $634.40!

Winner chooses colors and prints!
Haven't heard of Bubbz 3.0 Cloth Diapers? These new one-size cloth diapers from Kebbie's Diaper Bag feature a waterproof TPU outer, super soft microfleece inner, color coded waist snaps, four rows of rise snaps, dual pockets, extra gentle leg gussets, and a Quadcore Anti-Leak Protection System complete with twin gussets, a back pocket gusset, and a front waterproof flap. Each diaper comes with 2 Deluxe Organic Bamboo Cotton Inserts for superior absorption. The inserts snap onto the diaper, and they can either be stuffed inside the dual pocket opening for a stay-dry feel or laid on top of the diaper against your baby's skin for a soft natural fiber layer. Read the Bubbz 3.0 diaper review at Daily Mothering for more details and pictures!

Want to win?

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway. This giveaway ends on June 30th at 11:59pm and is open to contestants in the US only, ages 18+. The more entries you submit, the better chances you have of winning!  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Summer Cloth Diaper Giveaway

I have tried alot of diapers in my time, but one of my favorites is Grovia. I love the way that the Hybrids fit. I love the snap ins and the design. I love that they sell organic snap ins. I just recently purchased my first couple of All In Ones, from Grovia and  I love them! Unlike the hybrids, there is no snapping the inserts in, now they do come with a booster insert that you can snap in, but everything else is already there and together. Best of all you don't have to be worried about whats up against baby's precious delicate skin-they are organic! They are a one size diaper so they will fit little ones
10-35 lbs
 I wanted to give you the opportunity to try them as well. Here is what you will win.
GroVia AIO Organic One-Size Diapers
Also you will get a Grovia Wet Bag. A necessity for on the go trips when cloth diapering. Just toss the dirty Grovia into the bag pull the strings and no need to worry about it until later. They are of course waterproof, so if you need to rinse out your Grovia you can with no fear of leaking through the wet bag. The Grovia wet bag folds up nice and small when not in use, to easily fit into any diaper bag, or even moms purse. measures 12x12
GroVia Wet Bags
Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now that you have entered my fantastic giveaway, hop on over to the other Blogs on the list for more fun cloth diapering giveaways. But before you leave, feel free to check out my other Giveaways, going on right now.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Snap-Ez

As you know I am currently potty training Hadassah. Thick underwear simply don't stand up through potty training in my opinion. I mean one could do it, but I do not enjoy changing underwear all day, on those days she just is not cooperating, and cleaning up puddles off of the floor. Whats the solution...Trainers!
   Snap-Ez makes a great Training Pant/Brief.
                                  AIO training pant in lavenderSnap-Ez carry three different trainers, one that is AIO (all in one) meaning it's waterproof. They carry a Pocket Trainer, allowing you to use the insert of your choice. And they carry the Natural Trainer, that is not waterproof, but it is still absorbent with a soaker sewn in.
  I choose Snap-Ez AIO Trainer for my little girl. Because she is still having those days, where she just doesn't want to "go" in the potty every time. All three types of Trainers have side snaps, which I appreciate during hose times she climbs under the table and makes a mess in her pants. The snaps make it simple to change and clean up is a breeze.

Snap-Ez are extremely easy for Hadassah to pull up and down, on potty breaks. They are big enough that I won't have to worry about her growing out of them right away, but small enough that they hold up on her and are not leaking. Yes she is still having an accident every now and then.

     I don't know why, but when ever she puts her Snap-Ezon she likes to pose, playing with the trainers themselves. She says, I like them.
Some of my favorite things about the Snap-Ez is the fact that they are made by Work At Home Momma's (who by the way are very sweet women)  right here in the Good old USA.
I love that they give you 3 options for the trainer of your choice, AIO, Pocket & or Natural.
I love that they are super easy to get on and off, and to pull up and down.
I love that I don't have to stuff anything, and that they are waterproof.
Things that aren't my favorite, is I would love to see the option of prints
and the price is a little high, but supporting WAHM's here in the US, I find it worth it.



taken from the Snap-Ez website




a Rafflecopter giveaway I did receive this Snap-Ez Trainer at no cost, however as always, the opinions and views are solely my own.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Kissa's Training Pants Review/Giveaway

 So the time has come has start potty trainng Hadassah. Yes I tried several months ago, but I soon gave up, in part because of the types of underwear she was in. You know the type, the thick panties, that really don't hold any type of accident. I kept telling my husband, their needs to be a training pant that she can pull up and down, but will hold in the pee if she does have an accident. So I set out on a quest to find such a thing. While searching I found Kissa's

   
                        Kissa's  are a pocket trainer made by Kissaluvs.

 Kissa's are waterproof, with a layer of PUL between the outlayer and the inner layer of super soft cotten flannel. They are super easy for Hadassah to pull up and down, yet they also have a snap in case of accidents (number 2) in which case they are easily cleaned. They have an opening in the back to place the insert of your choice for extra absorbancy, if needed. The Kissa's have 2 layers of microfiber sewn in, so for daytime use, I like for Hadassah to wear them without the insert. For naptime use though, you can add the extra inserts and not worry about a wet little one.
I love the cute prints on the cotten fannel inside. Kissa's carry several different prints, for both girls and boys. Including Owl's, Bicycles and Superhero's  and even Dinosaurs.
                                    with 2 microfiber inserts
                                  with 2 microfiber inserts

Some of my favorite things about the Kissa's Training Pants is the fit
without inserts (remember they already have 2 layers of microfiber)
                                     without inserts
I love the prints and how soft the flannel is against her skin.
I love that it is easy for her to pull up and down, like real  big girl panties.
I love how it holds her accidents, so there is not a big mess, yet she feels wet when she does tinkle so that she knows, "hey I don't like it"
I love that they come in 2T or 3T and are adjustable with 2 sets of side snaps.
And the price is great as well, at $14.95 a pair.

I'd say the only  thing, that is not so much my favorite, is the tight squeeze to put the extra inserts in place. I know this is to help keep a trim fit, butI almost thought that my hand was going to get stuck. Plus it is extremely difficult to get a prefold into the pocket and thats what I use most for inserts.
Overall I think that Kissa's Training Pants are a great training pant to help transition a cloth diaper toddler into big girl panties.

   Kissaluvs has been gracious enough to offer this adorable wet bag to one of my lucky readers. After all, even while potty training you need to carry extra training pants and wet bag while on the go.


a Rafflecopter giveaway While I was provided this Kissa's Pocket Training Pant free for review, all opinions and views are my own, as always.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day to the Dad's in My Life

                                     
I just want to say thank you to my Dad who worked hard, all of his life to provide for us kids.
and to my husband for always being willing to get down and dirty with the kids,
and for always being willing to bare the load, while getting poked in the eyes :-)
and for showing the kids new things,
for being willing to learn new things,
and for showing our kids the world beyond our front yard,
for helping out, even when the kids weren't cooperating,
for always being a soft place to lay our head when were beat,
for teaching our son how to be a man,
and for always being there in case any of us fall.


Thank you, Papaw and Grampy, for taking the time with our grandchildren, you will never know just how much this means to them.

and last but certainly not least, Thank you to my son, who I know will make a terrific Daddy some day.
            I LOVE You




Saturday, June 16, 2012

Co-Sleeping

  Co-Sleeping is something that came very natural to me. Even before I had ever heard of something called "attachment parenting" I was a very attached parent. From the moment I gave birth to my first child, I never wanted to put her down. I didn't want to share her with anyone. It pained me to even let my family hold her. Yet, when we left the hospital, I never thought I would be bringing her to bed with me. I had a crib right in the room next to my own and I thought she would sleep peacefully in her cute little crib. HA, was I ever wrong. 
  I don't think I even made it through the first night, without bringing her to bed with me. I can remember putting her in her crib, she was probably a month old. She looked adorable, sleeping there. I went back to my own room, and paced back between my bed and hers for probably fifteen minutes or so, before I realized, I couldn't sleep without her. Having her in bed with me, made me feel loved. It made me like she was safe. I loved to look at her, and hold her in my arms, it didn't matter if it was day or night!She was a year old before I felt like I should move her to her crib. I will tell you that was the worst two nights ever. Again she was in a room next to mine and she just cried and cried. I cried and cried. I even called my mom, sobbing my eyes out. I still to this day do not know why I thought she needed to be moved to a crib, but after two nights she slept in a crib from then on.
  After my second was born, I had a bassinet next to our bed. I was up so any times during the night, I would end up bringing her to bed to nurse her, because every time I would try to lay her back down, she would wake right up again. I didn't mind though, I loved having my babies with me. My husband wasn't to bothered by it, so I let it go.
                                               Blixon sleeping cuddled up next to daddy
                                                           
 I think she was two before I even started putting her in a big girl bed, with her siblings (remember I had 2 bonus children, whom I did not co-sleep with, they were used to sleeping through the night in a crib, their biological mom was one to let them cry it out until they get used to being alone) and it took awhile to convert her fully but it happened in a more peaceful way, because often I would go upstairs and sleep in her bed if she fussed to much. That, I am certain was a funny sight, me all round and pregnant, climbing into a bottom bunk with a safety bar :-)
   I think the only reason we had moved Blixon out of bed was to make room for Gala. I had a crib for her as well, though I don't know why. My husband even asked, why bother. I just thought the bedding was cute, silly huh. I knew I didn't want her in a crib, let alone in another room. We only had it up for a few months, never used it. There is just something in me that doesn't want ot let go. Not to mention I don't want to get out of bed, to nurse, only to have baby wake up when I am putting them down into a crib or bassinet or cradle. Jamie even got to the point where, if they were sick and not sleeping with us, he told me to get them to bring them to bed with us. So that we could keep a close eye on them. I just love him.
                                     Gala sleeping cuddled up next to daddy
 When Hadassah came around, I had bought an Amby Hammock, thinking this will work. I can have it super close to my bed, she will hang, as if I were holding her. Jamie said, as long as you try. Well I did try. Let me tell you. I think I watched every episode of Criminal Minds there were, in those wee hours. After about two months, he said just lay down, get some sleep. And that was the end of that. Can't say I am sorry either. I slept better and Hadassah did. I even got a couple of all nighter's before she turned one, not many but still.
  We did end up buying a crib and just taking the side off and butting it against my side of the bed so that she could just crawl into bed with us whenever she woke up, usually a couple of hours. This gave hubby and I some cuddle time and still let us co-sleep. I didn't really feel that the Amby Hammock served as well as I hoped so I didn't fool with it, when Syhven came along.
  Hadassah went upstairs to sleep with her "buddy" big sister Blixon. This was not something that I pushed, Blixon actually asked. I htink co-sleepers generally like to sleep with someone, as Gala still likes to sleep with Haven any chance she can get.  I have done the same thing with Syhven though. After the first month or so, I started putting her in the crib butted against my bed and if she doesn't wake right up, as soon as she does I pick her up and bring her to bed for the night. Jamie tends to get a little done with co-seeping at around 15 months or so. Once they start taking up the majority of our bed. I personally think it's cute. Syhven likes to roll over away from me and cuddle up next to him, just like all her sisters did. No matter what age our kids are weaned at, they still enjoy the comfort of momma and daddy's bed.
  I know the culture of today, so many Dr.s preaching against co-sleeping. Even as to go so far as that ridiculous ad, about the baby sleeping next to a knife. I mean come on thats beyond ridiculous. I mean granted, if you are  using drugs, drinking or pass out tired then you probably should not be sleeping with your baby. But for those of us who do not do these things (minus the extreme tiredness of course) I see nothing safer than co-sleeping. More babies have died from SIDS in a crib all alone then co-sleeping. I have even heard from a co-sleeping friendly Dr. that babies naturally stop breathing for moments at a time and a parents breathing actually helps remind them to take a breath. I never thought to much about that, until one night Syhven scared me. I was sleeping and she was laying on my arm as usual, and all of a sudden I heard her gasp in and her whole chest and half her body raised up completely off of the bed. What if she had been in her crib all alone and not taken that breath??? Not to make light of an infants passing, I sympathize with those families, it's just I take offense, when people tell me I am putting my child in danger, by doing something God put in my heart. At creations start, I highly doubt that Adam and Eve made little Cain and Able a crib, for in the Garden.
  I am not against cribs or hammocks or nurseries or any of that. I am pro-sleeping and comfort. If a mom or dad is not comfortable with co-sleeping then they shouldn't do it, however they also shouldn't tell me that I shouldn't sleep with my baby. I think every parent should do what their gut instincts tell them to do. I just know I do NOT at all agree with allowing a baby to cry for more than 20-30 minutes. It is proven that a babies blood pressure will begin to rise, to the point of brain damage if this happens to often. I know I can not physically listen to a baby cry for  that long, I just can not do it. A baby can not be manipulative, a baby can not lie just to be held, a baby can not be spoiled, if a baby is crying, even just to be held, then that's what she needs, pick her up and love her, because before you know it, she doesn't want held anymore...
 
 

Friday, June 15, 2012

Wear and Care Baby Event

All of us want the best for our babies. And for many of us, that means wearing them close our hearts and caring for their delicate skin with truly natural baby care products. So I’m pleased to be working with a group of fabulous bloggers to bring you the Wear & Care Baby Giveaway Event, hosted by Happy Mothering and the Green Moms Network, and sponsored by Onya Baby and Earth Mama Angel Baby! As part of this event, we’re giving away two amazing prizes to help one of our readers safely wear and care for your baby or toddler!

Onya Baby Carrier of your choice ($149 value)!

Onya Baby carriers have plenty of useful features, like two zippered pockets, a tuck-away sleep hood, toy loops, a d-ring for your key clip and a high body for support and backwards/sideways lean-control for an older baby. One of the most unique features of Onya Baby carriers is the integrated chair harness, which enables you to convert pretty much any adult chair into a seat for your baby. Onya Baby carriers are designed for babies who are 15 pounds and 3 months or older up to a maximum weight of 45 pounds.

Onya Baby Carriers are available in 2 styles:

  • The Cruiser is made from 100% cotton
  • The Outback has a nylon exterior and air-mesh lining
Read more about the Onya Baby Outback Carrier on Happy Mothering.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Full Size Birth & Baby Kit ($89.95 value)

Earth Mama Special The Earth Mama Angel Baby Full Size Birth & Baby Kit provides everything you need to naturally and safely care for baby and for you.

This gift set comes in a sturdy Cotton Tote Bag that includes:

For Baby:

  • Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash (5.3 oz)
  • Angel Baby Oil (4 oz)
  • Angel Baby Lotion (4 oz)
  • Angel Baby Bottom Balm (2 oz)

For Mama:

  • New Mama Bottom Spray (4 oz)
  • Mama Bottom Balm (2 oz)
  • Organic Monthly Comfort Tea (1 box)
  • Natural Nipple Butter (2 oz)
  • Postpartum Bath Herbs (1 box)
Read more about this Earth Mama Angel Baby Gift Set on Happy Mothering.

Enter to Win

One of our fabulous readers will win both prizes – a combined value of $240! To enter, please complete the Raffleopter form below.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway The sponsors provided Happy Mothering with free samples of these products to review, and we were under no obligation to review them if we so chose. Nor were we under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. Facebook is in no way affiliated with this contest, the Wear & Care Baby Giveaway Event, its hosts, its sponsors or its participating bloggers. Please note that Happy Mothering, Wear & Care Baby Event and the participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. Happy Mothering will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. Happy Mothering will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify Happy Mothering within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.