*..Sunbaby Cloth Diaper..*

When I began cloth diapering... I only had three gDiaper brand cloth diapers and five Sweet Doll Baby brand cloth diapers (from Ebay) I received from a friend for my youngest son's baby shower. I fell in love with the Sweet Doll Baby diapers so I went online Ebay to find some more.

I noticed a brand that was very similar-- called Sunbaby. I found a great price at approximately $50 for 15 Sunbaby brand cloth diapers. I believe the ones I have are "Sunbaby 2.0". I noticed now on Ebay you can purchase the "4.0" type for around the same price. You really just have to look around if you want a cheaper price-- sometimes you can bid and wait or you can just settle with a price and "buy now" which is what I did.

The Sunbaby cloth diapers come in many different colors and designs and when you order you can choose which you want-- if you don't specify, they'll just give you a random assortment.

The Sunbaby diapers are a one-size pocket diaper. They have three rows of snaps in the front and two snaps on each strap. That way they can fit 7 lbs.-35 lbs. comfortably and is very easy to change the size by using the snaps. My oldest son wore them until he was potty trained-- and even used them as a 'pull up' while he was sure about not wetting the bed during the night. The one-size cloth diaper is nice because that way you don't have to purchase different sizes! These are extra small, small, medium, and large all in one!

There isn't a cover needed with Sunbaby-- they have a waterproof outer layer and the inner 'pocket' liner is made out of polyester.You can also adjust the absorbency with the separate liners by inserting them in the 'pocket'. The liners are three layers of absorbent microfiber and breath very well. Diaper rash is never a concern--the inside keeps the skin very dry. I put two liners in the inside of the pocket and I change every 2-3 hours or so-- that is the recommended time to change with these diapers with one liner but how much your baby or child urinates makes a difference of course. So having the ability to add more liners if you want is nice.

After each change-- shake off solid parts in the potty, remove liners and toss them in a pail. It is recommended on the website to use a dry pail or bag. Sometimes I use a small amount of vinegar water with tea tree oil in my pail to neutralize any odors that may occur.
The website also recommends to use a cold rinse or soak before washing in your washer then use a hot wash cycle with a cold rinse but I skip and use a hot wash cycle with a few shakes of baking soda and a cold rinse with about 1/4 C vinegar and about 6 drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils. Doing that, my diapers and liners come out white and smelling fresh (no they do not come out smelling like vinegar).
It is highly recommended you don't wash with any fabric softeners (it isn't needed anyways-- mine come out soft) and not to use fabric sheets in the dryer (use tumble dry setting if drying in the dryer). Using those affect the absorbency-- I've never had a problem with stiffness or static with my diapers anyway. When you can-- hang dry them in the sun. The sun helps "bleach" the fabric even more from using the vinegar in your rinse cycle. Mine still look brand new doing this.

In my personal situation-- I don't recommend using Sunbaby as a night time diaper for infants. I haven't had leaks when my oldest son was an older toddler but otherwise... I have had leaks about 75% of the time. You can play around with the liners to see how many work for your baby. For a boy, I think night time is a little more challenging because the pee tends to channel to one side (causing leaks in the "love handle" and belly area). I use a different diaper during nights.
Sunbaby is a GREAT day time diaper though-- I would recommend them. Do a search on Ebay and see what you think. There are quite a few different sellers that sell them so check out the different prices and good luck! =] Thanks for stopping!

*I Love You Rituals*

I Love You Rituals by Becky A. Bailey is a great book. It has 204 pages of fun activities for parents and children to do together to build that true connection that many families (without realizing it) lack. They are not only fun for both parent and child (grandmother, aunts, uncles, teachers, anyone involved with the child) but they boost the child's brain potential, encourage cooperation, builds bonds of unconditional love-- and even increases attention spans and decreases those frustrating power struggles that may occur in our daily life.

Before getting into the positive nursery rhymes and fun games and finger plays-- the author talks about the four vital goals of I Love You Rituals and includes a few real life examples that really make sense. A couple of them actually brought me to tears because I Love You Rituals can make a HUGE difference-- not only for children...but for adults, too (just tweak them a little for an older child, teenager, or adult). The second chapter talks about discipline and how you can easily fit I Love You Rituals into that. A parent doesn't have to get frustrated or yell at a child-- there are I Love You Rituals that can fit into many situations that may happen or will happen.
There is also a short chapter on ensuring success and positive encouragement for the parent/guardian as well. I also want to add that I love the positive quotes that are listed in the beginning of each chapter. =]

The rest of the book is packed with wonderful songs and easy to learn games to have that special connection and really do boost the child's mood, increases understanding, and plain and simple-- gets the child to listen AND be happy/fulfilled at the same time.

Just last night my three-year-old son was so tired and exhausted from his morning and afternoon at school-- he was unable to vocally put his feelings into words. All he was able to do was collapse to the floor and cry and dangerously flail around because he was so mentally exhausted. It was impossible for me to talk to him in the frame he was in--he didn't even want me to hug him. I remembered an I Love You Ritual for just this situation. A special song. I grabbed his teddy bear quick (we call it his makwa--"bear" in Ojibwe)... and I scooped him in to my arms and sat on the couch with him and sang the "Snuggle Up" song to him. The song ends with, "...just cuddle yourself..And the bear with a hug." Instead of 'bear' though-- I sang 'makwa'. I don't think I sang for five minutes before he was totally relaxed...he was able to return the hug I was giving him...his breathing returned to normal...and he fell asleep. It was an amazing feeling to be the one in control. Because the reality is...when a child is acting that way-- they are in control. You have to step in and be in control-- to help that child with his/her feelings. That song helped me do just that.

There have been I Love You Rituals to help both of my sons feel better about waking up, going to school/child care, going to sleep...and my youngest can stay still while I'm changing his diaper now. There is an I Love You Ritual for many things-- any sort of change that may occur, sadness, owies, transitions, etc. I Love You Rituals may even help those children that are labeled as problematic-- and children with special needs. They can be used great in the process of a family member's death, a divorce, even the birth of a new sibling.

Here is an example positive nursery rhyme from I Love You Rituals... which one would you rather share with your child?

There was an old lady
who lived in a shoe.
She had so many children,
she didn't know what to do.
She fed them some broth
without any bread,
And whipped them all soundly
and sent them to bed.

If you ask me, that sounds very hurtful and would no way calm my child if I shared that with him. Here's the positive replacement that is from I Love You Rituals...

A wonderful woman
lived in a shoe.
She had so many children,
she knew exactly what to do.
She held them, she rocked them,
and tucked them in bed.
"I love you, I love you,"
is what she said.

I did the game that is in I Love You Rituals that includes that last song with my children and they really enjoyed the connection we had. The squeal of delight they get and the big loving smile I see....it is worth the extra time to do these activities. And it definitely makes happier children.

There is an "Other Works by Dr. Becky Bailey" page which include CDs and Cassettes, Videotapes, Books, Audiotapes, and Keynotes and Lectures. The book even comes with two CDs that have over 70 songs on them! It is a miracle in the car-- =] !

So, over-all, I highly recommend this book. I'm also interested in her other works. I will definitely check them out. Thanks for stopping!

Life Changes

I have decided to take on, in my eyes, something big. Not in the sense of it being too difficult but to do something I feel that may make a big difference. Always trying to make things better for people—I do love that. But I've also been making some changes in my life. I was trying to help two of my family members out by having them stay with me for awhile… but that was getting to be too much on my children. There was a lot on my part for the two members that joined my household..I had forgot how to do the things –I- had to do…like keep up on my homework…take care of myself better…think.. And my son's moods are affected from my mood so it was getting to be too much for everyone. I wasn't happy all the time with the situation…I had to make some changes because the things I was trying to do in my own life were being negatively affected. In two separate situations—that was the case. So I had to make some hard decisions and not help those people anymore.

I have to pick my GPA back up because that dropped significantly in the past month… I'm facing the fact that I will have to ease up next semester because I have very important tests I have to take to continue in the School of Education (because my gpa…) and I've also been thinking about going to a totally different university altogether. The one I had eyes on recently is approximately nine hours away from my current position. That would be toooo much in my current situation…mostly with the life of my children's father. I don't want to make that more complicated than what it should be.

Anyways, on a happier note. I've picked up a few things that make me happy and help me finish the things that I am required to do. I've been attending all of the parenting meetings with my son's Head Start…and I also represent the center by being on the Parenting Policy Committee and my vote is counted towards making many decisions involving my son's school setting (and the many schools in the surrounding area). I've also decided that I'm going to become a consultant with Everything Birth doing Diaper Parties. I absolutely love cloth diapers and I can't believe how many myths there are out there about them.
They aren't your grandmother's cloth diaper—I love that saying. There aren't any pins required and they are very easy to clean. Work entailed… dump the poo in the potty (not as bad as it sounds—very easy especially when you have a routine!) then toss the diaper (and liners if have them) into your diaper pail or diaper bag. When it is full… dump them in the washer…add soap… voila! Oh yeah, close the washer lid! I love adding Tea Tree and Lavender oils into the rinse cycle (along with some vinegar) because it makes them smell so fresh and clean. The baking soda I add in the wash cycle also whitens them. I don't use any fabric softeners or sheets in the dryer (when I cannot hang dry them outside)—but they are not needed! They are soft, white, clean, and smell great!
You couldn't even tell that my baby poops in them. =]

But you definitely get your own routine that works for you on your and your baby's schedule. And you get that farm fuzzy feeling that you're truly making a difference in the world, too! It's been in the news that cloth diapering is becoming more of a trend these days. Here are
six reasons to cloth diaper!

So, if you're interested in cloth diapers—ask me. If you have doubts or a reason why you can't cloth diaper…still talk to me because I will help you see that cloth diapering is the best option for you and your children.
Even if you only use one cloth diaper a day…It makes a HUGE difference. Using one cloth diaper a day can save you between $200-$300 and keep around 300 POUNDS of diaper waste out of the landfills.

I don't know about you but that makes me feel good inside. =]

So, help me help you.
I am happy to. =] Interested in cloth diapers? I am your girl. Interested in just about anything I can probably have a conversation with you. Lol

Thanks for the visit. ;]

Title.

I am disappointed in quite a few people lately. I don't even know how to express my disabled understanding of some people's thought processes and actions.
First off.... Why can't people just be honest? Straight-forward and just plain honest. Even if it is a lame excuse as "I just didn't want to hurt your feelings..." or "I didn't think it was so bad.." or SOMETHING. It's all lame.
Just be honest and true to the people around you-- most importantly, to yourself.

I have about one million things on my mind lately...and I am unable to go through them all. So many choices I have to make...and no one to sit down with me to talk about it with-- get opinions... Or just.. hang-out. Relate. To be a friend with.
I am lacking in the friend department. Not only because lately-- it's hard for me to be social... but when I do TRY to be... I don't get much of a reaction.

I've been stressing so much lately that I'm actually getting OCD reactions. I need to do something out of town-- see some new people. Something.

My thinker is just going too fast...I don't even know what to say anymore.
My baby is asleep... seeing as it takes me forever to fall asleep and STAY asleep at night now... I'm going to go take a nap (try to). Good day.

..I want a little blue box*

DID YOU KNOW …

• The U.S. produces and uses 1/3 of the world's paper supply.
  
• Forests in the southeastern U.S. now supply a quarter of the total global amount of paper.
  
• Producing one ton of paper requires 2-3 times its weight in trees.
  
• Making paper from recycled content creates 74% less air pollution and 35% less water pollution.
  

 

I got that from my Traditional Medicinals tea box… and I had to stare at it for a long time just pondering why the state of Michigan, or rather, the U.S., doesn't make it easier to recycle. I mean, setting up more recycling centers and more pick-ups in cities would definitely increase recycling. Many don't recycle because it's "inconvenient" and isn't as easy and throwing everything in one bag… and off it goes to a landfill.

Honestly, currently, we don't "recycle"—I say that because it's all sitting in our basement right now. Why? Because in the city where I live—there isn't local pick-up like there are in surrounding cities in my area. We have about a years worth of cardboard, glass, aluminum cans, etc—in the basement, waiting to be recycled. It's so frustrating because now it's in such a mass amount that we don't know how to deal with it and it's taking over one side of our whole basement—which is the same size as our three-bedroom-house.

Anyways, my short rant on how much of an inconvenience it is that we don't have local pick-ups in our area… and the housing we live in—sure, they have a dumpster labeled "recycled cardboard only" but NO ONE in this area puts recycled products in there! They throw GARBAGE in there…and every time we WANT to put recycled stuff in there—it's packed full of trash. And my husband contacted the housing and waste management (where the dumpsters belong) and they can't enforce anything and they won't pick through the garbage to get to the recycled stuff. A couple of times we have waited until the truck comes so the dumpster is empty—than quickly fill it to the top with recycled stuff but then we noticed that people that live near us still put garbage ON TOP of that. What is wrong with people? Sigh… I just wish we can put our stuff in those cute little blue boxes by our mailbox…How awesome..AND CONVENIENT!

I've thought about SOMEHOW putting up some sort of…knowledge based thing here to educate the people living in housing…but I don't know where to start; any ideas? Do you have troubles recycling? How do you deal with it if it's an "inconvenience"?

Chocolate Avocado Pie..*

I posted a picture of this pie on my facebook and someone asked for the recipe so, why not. Here it is :) Enjoy!! It was loved in this house-- will definitely make again!

I used:

1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (I had Oreo sitting in my cupboard forever...lol)
2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1 small can (I think I used 5 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 TBS cocoa powder

You can also add a dash of any of the below for extra nutrition..

Wheat germ, flax meal (ground flax seeds), kelp powder...anything that your little heart desires. I tend to throw things like this in my recipes just for funsies. lol

Next time I want to try adding some cream cheese to the mix (1/2 - 1 block?)-- that would probably make it a lot creamier, you think?

What I did... After peeling and pitting your avocados-- put them in your blender and puree...I then added the lemon juice into the blender (I used a food mill and it likes extra liquid-- so adding the lemon juice while pureeing was just easier and seemed logical).
Put your mixture into a small bowl and then add the sweetened condensed milk and the cocoa powder (and any other ingredients...) then pour into your pie crust.
I had Oreos sitting in my cupboard as well so I crumbled those and put those on top. You can also use berries or any topping that you choose.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. I do mine overnight and it is a very nice consistency.

I topped mine with Soy Whip-- DELICIOUS! Enjoy :)

Try harder! Or be honest with yourself…

"But, I tried! I just couldn't make any milk!"
"So what leads you to believe that, after creating a whole person with
organs and tissue and a beating heart, that your body would call it
quits when it came time to feeding this thing?"

 

I've noticed lately that when I hear a woman claim she couldn't breastfeed because she wasn't making enough milk I have to take a deep breath. Then when I find out later that supplementing was going on because she wasn't making enough for her baby…I take yet another deep breath. Then when I hear that her mother, a friend, or whomever, told her that she should just give her baby formula because some women just can't make enough milk—I take an even bigger deep breath. The woman starts giving a little formula, a little more, than sooner than she thinks—her own milk is diminishing at a surprising rate then concludes to herself that everyone was right—she couldn't do it. Oh well.

This happens so often it actually irritates the hell out of me. Then women jump down my throat claiming that some women just can't breastfeed; some claim for medical reasons. Okay, I tell them. But what about these other women? Excuses after excuses. It would make me feel so much better if that woman were just HONEST about her choice in feeding her baby
instead of making it seem she "tried so hard" at breastfeeding her baby but just couldn't do it—couldn't make enough milk (that's the BIGGEST excuse out there!). Because, frankly, all those lame excuses are like a disease. Really, it is. It spreads like wild fire and makes other new mothers afraid of even trying to breastfeed their baby because the excuses flying around out there. All new mothers hear is: sore cracked (I've even heard "deformed" used before!) bleeding nipples, engorgement, unattractive, difficult, no free time, you don't have your body anymore, etc., etc., etc. The new mothers hear a whole lot of negative comments but how much positive information does she receive about breastfeeding? Sure, maybe her WIC advisor or whomever says breast is best—but who there is going to fully support her? Support is key. A strong woman may not need as much support—but most, especially being a NEW mother, need so much support. Any of those negative things can be avoided if you know what to do. Proper latch and feeding on demand can fix the nipple issue and engorgement. After the first two-three months—you are a professional and will have no problems (usually) with milk supply.

Okay, okay. I'm not saying it's the easiest thing to do. For some, it might be difficult…or it might be a breeze. It certainly wasn't a breeze for me in the beginning but it was something I wanted. I wanted it so badly. I didn't listen to people telling me that it's okay that he's not latching on because, here's the winner, some women can't breastfeed. WHAT? I would tell them. I'm making the milk, damnit. I just need him to latch on. I was so mad at myself for having "a lame boob" . That (haha) is what I call it. It's an inverted nipple and over 10-20% of all women have them. Is it possible to breastfeed with them? HELL YES! I was determined. I pumped constantly to keep the milk up—I got a nipple shield to help my baby latch on—which he hated even more…But I did not give up. Now, successfully, I am breastfeeding on both sides and SO proud. I succeeded because it was something I wanted to do for my baby and actually, I was fueled even more by the people telling me not to feel bad—a lot of women formula feed. Well, dears, I am not going to be one of them (Infant formula is called FORMULA for a reason—that is another topic, though…). I just kept offering the lame boob first without the shell, then with…if it was unsuccessful—I would switch him to the unlame boob. I would pump the other one. Every other feeding I would offer the lame one…if it didn't work—I would get up, walk him around after he calmed…and try again. After this so many times—he got it. He learned to latch on to both nipples—and now he is a pro (lol). I just wanted to tell that story because it is possible—if you want it. That goes for anything in life. Never give up, man. In the end—you will succeed. And you will feel damn good about it.

 

There are also things you can do to heighten your milk supply like certain herbs—Here is a website from Breastfeeding 101: Increasing Your Milk Supply. Drinking more fluids, eating a balanced diet… even prescriptions out there, too. Supplements, teas, and foods—many opportunities to help you give your milk supply a boost. There are also herbs that decrease your milk supply—sage, peppermint, and parsley.

Anyways, if you are reading this and are breastfeeding…or plan on breastfeeding contact a lactation consultant just to talk—get familiar with what's going on. La Leche League International is a great resource for breastfeeding questions of any kind. Find a local leader here to assist you in any questions or concerns you may have with breastfeeding.

The Feminist Breeder Blog's, When It Comes to Breastfeeding, We Can't Handle The Truth is the slap in your face truth about breastfeeding and that all women are basically being lied to. I love this entry. It really made me happy because it is exactly how I feel. Thank you TFB!!!!

 

Good luck to you and if you hear anyone say they didn't breastfeed or are nervous about breastfeeding—you tell them a story. Help them. And they will spread the news. Let's have the POSITIVE spread like wildfire…not the negative. The world would be a much better place. Really. It would be. J

 

 

 

Blog and Word

Just seeing if this works. J

..Fluoride* [YUK]

Getting fluoride swabbed all over your teeth at a hygienist appointment is routine. Why?
It doesn't do what it is "supposed" to do (which is prevent tooth decay, right?)
I do know that it does make your teeth gray and discolored and there were studies that there isn't even a significant difference between a child that takes fluoride supplements and a child that doesn't soooo why take it?

I found this link that has 50 reasons to stay away from fluoride basically. Right Here.

Fluoride is a chemical... do some research on it before you just say okay when they ask you what flavor you want at the dentist and when they tell you that your infant needs to take fluoride supplements (or you!)... and especially if you breastfeed... ALL your baby needs is your breastmilk- NOTHING else. Don't let any doctor tell you otherwise.
Oh, and fluoride is in most toothpaste... there are fluoride-free toothpastes out there. Choose those!

I don't drink my water (which not only has fluoride but a whole buttload of not-cool-chemicals) so my family and I don't get any fluoride and we are totally fine. Our son's teeth are white, plaque-free, and clean. He's never had fluoride.

As long as you brush and floss when you are supposed to... there shouldn't be tooth decay. No worries. Don't stress about fluoride. Just choose not to take it.

..Thoughts*

I have been OVERWHELMED with information lately. I feel my skin getting thinner and thinner and I just don't know what to do really.

First, I want to change my major.....Big thing in itself.

I've been thinking about living better-- food, cleaning, etc...
I DON'T want my family or myself to consume Bio engineered food (and I am SHOCKED on how much that is).
We've been label checking ALL THE TIME now. Cutting out High Fructose Corn Syrup...additives...bio engineered (most products that want to assure you that they DON'T use bio engineered food will put that on their labels)., CRAP basically...

I DON'T want my sons getting "vaccinated" anymore. I've learned that vaccines contain "minute traces" of MERCURY in them but about 10-50 OR EVEN MORE times of mercury that causes many different diseases, leads to Alzheimer's... and there IS PROOF I found online that it can lead to Autism. There are 1 out of 160 I think it is that get autism!?
I feel just horrible following the crowd just because vaccines are "required" to go to school.
Even though I've been thinking about homeschooling my children... I still need daycare so I can finish my own education.
I've discovered the possibility of Exempting Vaccines forms..I want to learn more about that for sure.
I've also learned..if you tell a doctor you don't want vaccines.... NEVER SIGN ANY FORMS! VERY important and will put you in a legal bind..Consult a lawyer before signing any forms you do not understand or even...don't wish to sign and they tell you you have to.

And I love the idea about just using vinegar, lemon juice, and pure castile soap to clean my counters and my house. I love the idea of using baking soda and/or lemon juice to "bleach" my clothes....Or just using lemon juice and salt to scrub coffee stains, rust/lime stains, soap scummish stuff....everything.
I have cleaning products that I don't want to use anymore. What do I do with that?

And I've been using cloth diapers for a long while now and I just love them. They are perfect for my almost four-month-old and my two-and-half-year-old. I don't want to add to the diaper waste. The diapers that were put on my mom and probably my grandma are STILL in the earth. They aren't going anywhere. They are there to stay for almost 100 years...and the plastics and chemicals in those diapers....those are there FOREVER.

My eyes are finally opening... and I do not like what I see. The place we live in (the USA)...it makes me sick. Everyone (the gov't, pharmaceutical companies, ETC.) is just out to make money-- what about our health??
My friend is right-- most do scoff and laugh at "organic". I know my dad tells me ALL the time that I am "too green". And I haven't even gotten started yet.

..bio engineered??????*

I'm in the middle of a movie called The Future of Food and I am just shocked.

Just the thought of eating bio engineered anything just gives me the willies. And I am sure I have eaten lots of it in my lifetime. The fruit...veggies...WHEAT...goodness!!! I am just SHOCKED.

I mean, they actually can go inside the foods DNA and cross different things into that food...I mean, to even DO THAT they need to get a bacteria-parasite-virus put inside of the ingredient they are changing...So not only are you eating fake food...but a virus DNA, too.... Icky. It's all just a very icky process and idea.

I love the idea though in Europe that they HAVE to put on their products if the ingredients are bio engineered or not. That should be done here, in America. A lot of things need to be done in America....Sigh.

I will post more on this after I get done watching the movie...but gosh, what do you think about eating food that has been MAN-MADE?? Ick.

..All Sugars Are NOT Created Equal*

The American population consumes so much sugar it is insane. But I don't want to talk about just white sugar-- I want to talk about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup.

Yes, the DANGERS. I'm sick of seeing those commercials on TV that are selling (not kidding!) high fructose corn syrup to the American population. "High fructose corn syrup is fine in moderation and is derived from corn. Which must make it good!" Okay, sure. FINE IN MODERATION but how can the American population moderate something when it is in practically EVERYTHING we eat!?

High fructose corn syrup is NOT like regular sugar. It is digested differently than regular sugar. There is Sucrose and Fructose in sugars....For those of you who don't know the difference...Basically the human body cannot properly digest high amounts of FRUCTOSE. (Always look on the nutrition label in foods on what kind of sugars are in that product.)
Fructose gets sent towards the liver which basically clogs that up causing high triglycerides, obesity, and different types of diseases.

Why is the American population obese, have high blood pressure, have diseases, (diabetes, heart diseases [the list goes oooonnnnn])???? BECAUSE HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP IS IN EVERYTHING AND IT IS PUT IN EVERYTHING TO SLOWLY MAKE US SICK.
WHY? Why do you think? Doctors, hospitals, the pharmaceutical companies, and all those people wouldn't make money.

Sad, isn't it?

So, face the facts, friends. If you want more info. on it.... Just google it. Don't be ignorant...please.

And don't listen to those silly commercials. Those make me sick. How far will companies go to keep us ill? *shivers*

..Before You Use a Microwave*!!!!

My good pal, ever so slightly, hinted in her blog that her good pal *clears throat* (ME [lol]) should post in her blog about the dangers of microwaves.

Ooooh how I love how she suggested a post for me. Because I have so much to say about so many things that I don't even know where to start. So, for future notice to my good pal...freely hint some more on other topics of discussion. (lol).

So, here it goes. If you are like most of the people I know, you own a microwave. You have one sitting in your kitchen right now. Gleaming with pride. Oooh that convenient little box that heats and cooks food up soooo much quicker than an oven ever would. Oooh, the time saver that precious little machine is.

When I ask my family and friends who own a microwave... Do you know what a microwave does? They usually say...Heats up food in a snap! Oh, of course it does! [I tell them] But do you also know.....

How a microwave works is it uses the water molecules in your food to rapidly heat/cook that food by causing friction within those molecules....shaking the crap out of it all...causing it to *VOILA* heat up! But what else does it do when that ELECTROMAGNETIC energy shakes the life out of your food (literally....it quickly sheds away all the nutrients in this *quick* heating process.)
When that electromagnetic energy surges through your food...and there you are- standing near- all excited that you will eat in about 30 seconds.... that energy is damaging your food. Putting radiation through your food, shedding all nutrients from it, AAAAND PULLING APART ALL OF THE MOLECULES IN YOUR FOOD.
When the magic box has stopped and it beeped letting you know...You smile a unknowing smile...sit down and begin to eat a food that you didn't put in that box. That's right. You're eating something totally different. Not only were all the nutrients of that food evaporated within that radiated little box.... when those molecules were violently shaking about getting enough friction to heat up and cook from the inside out....when that machine stopped...all those molecules were QUICKLY put back together.
If you ever read that HG WELLS (I think it was from him?) story about traveling through space/time and everytime that guy came back through that sparkely hole that brought him to another time and place...he was a little different. He was starting to miss patches from his clothes...Oh, no. He just noticed a piece of his jeans were sewn into his shirt. His molecules were rapidly dancing around in space while he stepped through that hole...and when he stepped out...He was quickly put together and sometimes....all of his molecules couldn't find their place and just jumped in where ever they could.... Soon, the guys skin was beginning to find his way into his clothes and vise versa...He was having problems breathing...Just think how his organs were beginning to look?

Anyways, that is exactly what goes on with your food... on a molecular level. It changes your food because the molecules just jump back together on a random level...You can't SEE the change. I can guarantee you will TASTE the change though.

I would prefer NOT to eat molecular changed, nutrient starved food...... And plus, yuck....electromagnetic energy...no thanks.
And just think this....
If you KNOW it's a "MICROWAVE"...even the name says it all...and you aren't supposed to stand before it when it is cooking your food....because of the radiation....Why would you put the food you're about to eat inside of it????

Just asking....lol

Have a great day...and I suggest you get RID of your microwave.
We gave ours to the place that fixed Cory's car. Hey, they overcharged so what they get....is radioactive food in the convenience of their business. That's what they get. hehehe....

..Get A Happy Bowl!*

I love going shopping with my whole family...sometimes (now with two little ones) it can be a challenge but last night's excursion was a treat for sure. hehe.

Rion, our eldest, just loves the car cart and that keeps him busy and we just stick the car seat with our youngest, Anen, in the basket of another cart. My husband, Cory, pushes Rion's cart....and I push Anen's. lol
It's also fun because sometimes we each go on a separate journey and pick up things which ends up making our shopping more exciting and we still get to pick what we all like. We might even call each other occasionally (Cory did it a few times last night) and see what we think about a certain product before sticking it in our cart.

So, I picked up some Wheat Germ and some Flax meal stuff because I've been wanting to put that more in my diet, Rion's diet, and well...Anen's, too, because he eats what I eat. hehe.

This morning I just went out and added the 2 tbs. each of the recommended to my oatmeal and a tbs. of each to Rion's oatmeal. Now his oatmeal was a different kind than mine and it masked the flavor much, much better and his actually tasted great. He must have still tasted the difference though because he struggled at first to eat it. Mine on the other hand....lol. I felt like a little kid at the table while I was slowly stirring my oatmeal waiting for that magical fairy to come along and quickly sneak bites before Rion could see so I could get a happy bowl (an empty bowl) quicker and be done.
But no, of course that little fairy didn't come. I put on my smile and spooned it in my mouth telling Rion to eat his, too.
Hahaha, next time. I'll only add one tbs. each to mine as well and somehow sneak the other 2 in other foods.

It's funny how Cory and I try to sneak things in our diet. We just bought these packs that you can add to your water..One is like "A salad bar in a bottle!" lol. It's all organic and natural and has soooo much stuff on them. Not the cheapest....we payed about 30 bucks/box (24 packs each) and we bought 3 different boxes. But they are packed with omegas, antioxidants, fruits, veggies, the works. Cory even got himself a Green Tea one packed with all sorts of nutrients. I don't drink Green Tea right now because (FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW) it lowers Folic Acid and I need that for our little man who drinks boob juice.

Now, I have come to the conclusion that Anen is teething ALREADY! Not only has he been fussy and chewing on his fingers like crazy while his spit runs down his little arms.... he broke out in a slight rash over his torso and face a little (Rion did this EVERY TIME he teethed) and he has been wanting to nurse before EVERY two hours which is unusual for him at 3 months old.

So, I will have a little baby with teeth already. lol I don't think Rion busted his first bottom teeth until he was around 5 months old. Could have been 4ish....I would have to look in his book but it definitely wasn't at 3 months old!

Hmmmm, those thoughts for now. Have a great Thursday!

4 grams of sugar= WHAT!?

This past weekend I went to the Anwebiwin Agaaming (Rest by the Lake) with my Aunt Kim; the tribe was putting it on. My wonderful mother and father watched my little babes, too, so I was able to go on this Women's Retreat without the offspring.
It definetely was an experience and my Aunt and I are going to make a thing out of it. It was located near where my sons were so it wasn't so traumatic (in case I needed to go home...lol)
Even having to pump every so often to keep my milk supply up (and in case my youngest needed more milk) it was still a nice experience.
There were crafts, wonderful food my Aunt and I didn't have to cook (haha), speakers from the community, and lots of women whom to socialize with.
I even sported my Hello Kitty jammies for the PJ Fashion Show and my aunt and I got a prize suited for this next Christmas (I got snowman bell ornaments).

My husband went on a spiritual journey himself with my Great Uncle and was gone a couple of days. Even though I missed him and our babies...I think a getaway is nice once in awhile. People need that. I needed that.

I don't know WHAT it is though...but my body is way tired!!! I am so exhausted and tired I just don't know what to do and it is making me VERY frustrated FOR SURE.
Now, at this retreat, I learned that grains, nuts, and all those (AND NO WHITE BREADS AND FLOURS!!!) are awesome in the AM. Now, a part of me knew that but hearing it all again is nice. There was Dan the Dietitian who spoke of Food for the Mood! Very good, indeed!
I also learned that for every 4 grams of sugar equals a whole friggin TEASPOON of white sugar. WHHHHAAAAAT!?!? Time to throw my Vitamin Water out the window. Just in that there's almost 4 TSP of sugar. Siiiiigh. Look at the label, people...You will be surprised...and probably disgusted.
It is nice to be knowledgeable though....sometimes, though, it sucks because it sure does limit what you eat. But it is better knowing what you eat than being ignorant about it all.

Now, about this time change that occurred yesterday. Phew.... I don't like it. lol
I think the schedule will slowly get back to the way it was soon...But waking up a hour "later" is strange...and the day yesterday just seemed to fly....and I'm so exhausted...no fun at all!
I also wanted to start getting up early but so far...that's hard. For me to get some alone time in the morning I would probably have to wake up around 6 or 6:30...Or I can just stay up after Anen's second nursing in the night which is around 6am... This morning though it was at 7 and I was still so tired I couldn't even walk straight or keep my balance. Rion woke me up around 8:30 but he was probably awake by himself for a half-hour. He gets up and helps himself to the TV...lol. He has his favorite morning shows. They help him learn so I'm okay with that.

But of course, everything is an hour off now which I do not like. So, we'll have to wait and see when that won't be such a "change".

Oh, but anyways, yes. Back to getting up early. Anen usually wakes up 2-3 times a night depending....But my parent's think he's teething already at 3 months-- and I do see something white under his gums on the bottom...and he's drooling like a St. Bernard...lol So who knows! So I think that's why he is waking up the way he is...but once he gets on a better schedule-- I will be more cognitive and motivated to get up on my own earlier in the morning. :)

Well, i'll cut this post off now. It's long enough. Have a great Monday!

Why frolic?

I decided to begin my journey as a blogger. I've always wanted to give it a wing but never really had the motivation to until I found out from a very close friend of mine that it can actually be pretty fulfilling so hey, I thought to myself, why not?

I do keep a journal. I've always kept one. I've wrote my thoughts, my dreams, poems, to-do lists, goals, secrets, fears-- just everything. Even daily goals sometimes.

Lately...I've been feeling a hole inside. I've been staring at myself in the mirror looking at this 23-year-old mother who wants to finish school while saving the world. I've been trying on different capes but I just can't find the right color. Haha, In other words... I'm confused about where I'm going in life.

I am very happy I have two young sons. I couldn't be happier about that fact. I'm married, I'm almost a junior at a university majoring in Elementary Special Education. I know I want to help people... I know I want to work with children and their families... I know all that about myself. But what I am confused about is... who am I...really?

Lol, well. I'm thinking writing down all my strewn thoughts will help myself figure that out. And hey, I can always use the thoughts of my peers, my friends, my family.

I apologize ahead of time if this doesn't make sense sometimes. My thoughts-- my thinker is pretty scattered. I got that term from a psychologist I used to see as a teenager. My "thinker" is that voice inside of my head that goes on and on and on...and on. One minute I'm listening to someone talk-- and a nanosecond later I'm wondering if the bananas in the other room are ripe yet.

So, bear with me and maybe help this lady out a little with a comment or two.

Why frolic? I see myself dancing in the rain. Well, that's how I would LIKE to see myself. I want to live that good life without all that nonsense of the world. All those negative things like alcohol, swearing, greed, and all those branches in my path that are saying, hey, you there. Come down this path and you'll have a good time! Or something like that....
I want to just stroll along my path and be the best person I can possibly be. I want to help people; I want to see the glass half full all the time. I also want world peace but hmmmm, i'll take one step at a time.

So, right now. Let's all hold hands and sit around the fire. Chat about recycling and roast some organic marshmallows. They may not be as gooey as the non-organic ones...but hey, I like to know what I eat.

..I Am..**

I am* a thoughtful mother of two boys
I wonder* if it's possible to become superwoman
I hear* all of my two-year-old's questions
I see* my boys grow before my eyes
I want* to better the world

I am* a thoughtful mother of two boys
I pretend* to know where I am going
I feel* the weight of the world
I touch* the earth beneath my feet
I worry* about everything
I cry* over 'spilt milk'

I am* a thoughtful mother of two boys
I understand* I am one person
I say* the wrong things sometimes
I dream* in color
I try* my very best
I hope* my babies' will have fulfilling lives
I am* a thoughtful mother of two boys