I was just contacted by a local children's store (Bev's Real Kids). They wanted to know if I have wholesale pricing for my diapers because one of their customers recommended me to them! So exciting on so many levels! So overwhelming! So...unsure!
I am the only face behind this fledgling diaper "company" and the idea of having a bigger demand for diapers on top of the other (growing) demands of everyday life is a little scary. It seems that the answer is obvious...we'll see...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
It turns out...
...bread really does need yeast to rise. Ok, I already knew that. But, I did learn that you have to include the yeast before you knead the dough.
The night before Easter, at around 9:00, I remembered that I had planned to serve cinnamon buns for breakfast. I have made them many times before and they are delicious and well worth the super effort to make them. Unfortunately, I took on this project after it was already too late. Being the optimist, though, I decided to just go for it. In the rush to get the dough rising, I forgot a few ingredients. Most importantly, the yeast. At about 10:30, when cleaning up the kitchen mess, I realized my mistake. Really wanting to save the cinnamon buns, I improvised. I mixed the yeast with a little warm water and tried to knead it into the dough, adding a little flour to counteract the extra water. Then, with fingers crossed, I went to bed to allow the dough to rise in privacy.
By morning, nothing had happened. I went ahead and continued the recipe. By the end, they tasted like cinnamon buns, but they were super dense. I suffered through eating more than my share. :)
Lesson learned: Don't take on more than I can reasonably do. And, don't forget the yeast!
The night before Easter, at around 9:00, I remembered that I had planned to serve cinnamon buns for breakfast. I have made them many times before and they are delicious and well worth the super effort to make them. Unfortunately, I took on this project after it was already too late. Being the optimist, though, I decided to just go for it. In the rush to get the dough rising, I forgot a few ingredients. Most importantly, the yeast. At about 10:30, when cleaning up the kitchen mess, I realized my mistake. Really wanting to save the cinnamon buns, I improvised. I mixed the yeast with a little warm water and tried to knead it into the dough, adding a little flour to counteract the extra water. Then, with fingers crossed, I went to bed to allow the dough to rise in privacy.
By morning, nothing had happened. I went ahead and continued the recipe. By the end, they tasted like cinnamon buns, but they were super dense. I suffered through eating more than my share. :)
Lesson learned: Don't take on more than I can reasonably do. And, don't forget the yeast!
Friday, April 2, 2010
First week of April
UPDATED! 3/9/10
Maybe if I make my to-do list public it will actually get done...
For the first week of April:
1. Make 3 diapers (two experimental and one normal)
2. Make more grandma buns for Easter dinner - DONE!
3. Make more tortillas (using new cooking method)
4. Sheatshirt project - DONE!
I wanted to do this but, I'm not sure I like it yet.
5. Start cutting out denim strips for my blanket project - DONE! (well, started! :))
Maybe if I make my to-do list public it will actually get done...
For the first week of April:
1. Make 3 diapers (two experimental and one normal)
2. Make more grandma buns for Easter dinner - DONE!
3. Make more tortillas (using new cooking method)
4. Sheatshirt project - DONE!
I wanted to do this but, I'm not sure I like it yet.
5. Start cutting out denim strips for my blanket project - DONE! (well, started! :))
6. Dye Easter eggs - DONE!
That is probably enough for now, but I will keep adding to it, I'm sure.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
New Skills
My mom bought her a real adult sewing machine. In order to make it a little safer for her, I took apart the foot pedal and fashioned a cardboard tube to just the right height to keep her from pressing the pedal down all the way. The machine is still fully functional, but she just can't send it into hyperspeed.
Her first lesson was just to get her comfortable with the machine and to experiment with the different stitches and stitch lengths. After a few attemps, she got used to going in a straight line and applying the right pressure to the fabric. I was so excited to see her sewing. I really almost cried.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Just in time
I have been working on this project (off and on) for a few weeks. I followed the directions, as far as I can tell, but mine turned out smaller. Eh, I like it anyway. It helps that it is for a 1yo. It was certainly a test of my patience. I am not the most patient when it comes to projects. It came together pretty slowly, but definitely worth it. Now, I just have to fill it with treats and mail it to Baby Kate.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Redwood Rabbit
At Easter-time, the local newspaper hides four eggs, each filled with $1000 worth of local gift certificates, in different areas on the northcoast. As far as I know they have done this for quite a few years, but I have never participated. This year, though, I have caught the fever. Based on the daily clues, we narrowed it down to the paved dog trail at Sequoia Park. So, this morning we packed up a backpack full of snacks, water and the ergo (just in case Walter got tired) and headed out on our hunt.
We even packed the kids' headlamps so they could look in all the crevices. They had a blast! We were out there for almost 2 hours.
Refueling. Look at how dirty they got!
Walter was climbing up a stump to check for the egg.
In searching for the egg, Olivia started stepping on all the clovers. I told her to stop because that is where the Leprechauns live. From then on we started hunting Leprechauns, too. This is a picture of Olivia checking out a hole in a stump to see if it was the entrance to the underground Leprechaun village.
So, no luck today. But, maybe tomorrow's clue will help. We are heading out again in the morning.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Connections
I am just asking for a little one.
Walter can tell me where he is supposed to go "tinkle" and "poop". We talk about it all the time. He can tell me what reward he gets for doing it, a sticker and a stamp on his hand. He can even tell me all about the agreement that we made that he is going to give his diapers to the Easter Bunny and, in turn, the Easter Bunny is going to bring him more cars and "man pants". (I know it sounds silly, but it totally worked with Olivia and Santa Claus.)
What we are missing is the connection. The one that connects all this talk to the actual act of using the potty without me forcing him to try every half-hour. The one that allows him to say YES when I ask him if he needs to go potty. The one that helps him to not tinkle in his pants and then, only after I have already changed his clothes, poop in them as well. The one that keeps him from going all morning (while we are away from the house) without an accident only to have one on the way to the bathroom when we return home.
I remember this same frustration with Olivia. I remember thinking that there was no way she was ever going to learn to use the bathroom. I remember having visions of driving to Kindergarten to change her diaper or bring a change of clothes daily. She was so stubborn. But then on Christmas she was done. She just decided to do it.
That is what I need now from Walter.
Walter can tell me where he is supposed to go "tinkle" and "poop". We talk about it all the time. He can tell me what reward he gets for doing it, a sticker and a stamp on his hand. He can even tell me all about the agreement that we made that he is going to give his diapers to the Easter Bunny and, in turn, the Easter Bunny is going to bring him more cars and "man pants". (I know it sounds silly, but it totally worked with Olivia and Santa Claus.)
What we are missing is the connection. The one that connects all this talk to the actual act of using the potty without me forcing him to try every half-hour. The one that allows him to say YES when I ask him if he needs to go potty. The one that helps him to not tinkle in his pants and then, only after I have already changed his clothes, poop in them as well. The one that keeps him from going all morning (while we are away from the house) without an accident only to have one on the way to the bathroom when we return home.
I remember this same frustration with Olivia. I remember thinking that there was no way she was ever going to learn to use the bathroom. I remember having visions of driving to Kindergarten to change her diaper or bring a change of clothes daily. She was so stubborn. But then on Christmas she was done. She just decided to do it.
That is what I need now from Walter.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
T minus 12 days
I know Easter is 12 days away, but that is not what I am talking about here.
I have decided that Walter is ready to be potty trained. He will be two-and-a-half on April 1st so as of Easter Sunday he is not going to be in diapers anymore. So says I.
We have tried this before...a trial run we'll call it. It was marginally successful, except for the fact that we need to do it again. So, starting today we are spending time diaperless and having regular, enforced potty-time. I hesitate to reward him with anything more than a high-five at this point. I know he would do anything for candy so I hope I don't get desperate.
He has always been a big nighttime wetter, so I am not sure how we are going to deal with that. I don't want to have to deal with bed changes (and the laundry that goes along with that) daily.
One day at a time, I guess.
I have decided that Walter is ready to be potty trained. He will be two-and-a-half on April 1st so as of Easter Sunday he is not going to be in diapers anymore. So says I.
We have tried this before...a trial run we'll call it. It was marginally successful, except for the fact that we need to do it again. So, starting today we are spending time diaperless and having regular, enforced potty-time. I hesitate to reward him with anything more than a high-five at this point. I know he would do anything for candy so I hope I don't get desperate.
He has always been a big nighttime wetter, so I am not sure how we are going to deal with that. I don't want to have to deal with bed changes (and the laundry that goes along with that) daily.
One day at a time, I guess.
Busy Monday
Made Grandma buns (delicious!)
Planted the strawberries and the last of the raspberries
Went to the park but I forgot the camera. We played for a while and then went on a nice hike to the duck pond and some trickling waterfalls.
I was too exhausted by the end of the day to make more tortillas. Maybe today...
Planted the strawberries and the last of the raspberries
Went to the park but I forgot the camera. We played for a while and then went on a nice hike to the duck pond and some trickling waterfalls.
I was too exhausted by the end of the day to make more tortillas. Maybe today...
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Family Day
Just some playing around outside on the first day of Spring (and the beautiful day before)!
She loves that she has figured out how to dig and I love that she likes to help.
I tried to teach Olivia to ride without training wheels, but she is still too short to touch the ground while sitting on the seat. Maybe when she is 5...
She loves that she has figured out how to dig and I love that she likes to help.
Walter was being a little whiny, but still managed to look cute.
Working on "fish-face".
Olivia knows how to pump the swing now! Yay!
We spent $5.85 at the garage sales this morning. Score!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Company
Nothing like an impending visit from a friend to really get your butt in gear in the morning. I have mentioned that I am trying to get my house back in order and routines reinstated. As much progress as I have made, my house was not in presentable condition this morning. I am relieved to know that I was only one hour of cleaning away from comfortably welcoming guests, though. Most of my effort went into picking up stray toys all over the floor.
**Mental Note: I must get the kids to clean up after themselves consistently.**
I also have to clean up after myself consistently!
After vacuuming, sweeping and mopping the floors the house looks much better.
Now onto something fun...like making tortillas! Mmmmm!
**Mental Note: I must get the kids to clean up after themselves consistently.**
I also have to clean up after myself consistently!
After vacuuming, sweeping and mopping the floors the house looks much better.
Now onto something fun...like making tortillas! Mmmmm!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Green Day
...at least that is what Olivia calls it.
The kids ate too many Skittles while they worked on this project.
She was so proud of the design and so full of hope that there would be a little leprechaun waiting for her in the morning. BUT....
He(?) escaped. A weakness in the design that we overlooked. Those little guys are strong!
Our little fashionista!
Getting this kid to wear anything but orange is always a fight.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
The kids ate too many Skittles while they worked on this project.
She was so proud of the design and so full of hope that there would be a little leprechaun waiting for her in the morning. BUT....
He(?) escaped. A weakness in the design that we overlooked. Those little guys are strong!
Our little fashionista!
Getting this kid to wear anything but orange is always a fight.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Berry Patch
Let's start this with a confession...
I am not a gardener. I don't find joy in planting, pulling weeds or watering. I have never kept a plant alive for longer than 3 months. Luckily, my kids can tell me when they are hungry or thirsty!
But, my kids love berries and I hate how expensive they are. So I wanted to set up an area in the yard to grow them. This year, the stars alligned and I found myself out in the back yard working my butt off to make it happen. I didn't take a true before picture, but you can get the idea of what I was starting with from this picture.
I am not a gardener. I don't find joy in planting, pulling weeds or watering. I have never kept a plant alive for longer than 3 months. Luckily, my kids can tell me when they are hungry or thirsty!
But, my kids love berries and I hate how expensive they are. So I wanted to set up an area in the yard to grow them. This year, the stars alligned and I found myself out in the back yard working my butt off to make it happen. I didn't take a true before picture, but you can get the idea of what I was starting with from this picture.
I had to cut down 5 volunteer apple trees...with a saw(!)...on my own! After the trees were gone I was left with a rolling patch of weeds. That is not grass in the picture and the only reason it is green is because it has been raining a lot lately (we are too cheap to worry about having a luscious green lawn).
This is the start of my row of raspberries -- more on why it isn't complete in a minute. My in-laws are awesome. They supplied me with the starts and reminded me that I need to be patient and cut them back this year. By keeping them from producing this year, their roots will grow stronger and they will produce better next year. So, this is an investment that will mature Summer 2011. Maybe by then I will have forgotten the muscle pains that I endured by turning all that soil by hand.
These are our three new blueberry bushes. We have three others in an awkward area of the yard that I hope to move over here next year. My son wasn't patient last year and ate them all while they were green. Hopefully, I can distract him long enough to let them ripen this year.
My next BIG hurdle:
Believe it or not, this pile has been the reason for more arguments than I would like to admit. Apparently, a wood pile is as importnat to my husband as a fabric stash is to me. I have come to accept it, but I would like to move it! He is ok with ME moving it. Once I have moved it, I can continue my row of raspberries and plant my strawberries. More pictures to come...
Monday, March 15, 2010
Commence life
Winter was particular dark this year. I didn't realize it until lately. My house is a mess and I have lost track of most routines that I used to hold sacred. Most of my energy has been put into merely surviving the seemingly daily onslaught of new illnesses and hurdles. It recently occurred to me that it has been almost six months since Mavis died and I haven't written about that experience at all. Yeah...maybe later. But with that "anniversary" comes the realization that my life has been slowly spiralling downward and inward for SIX MONTHS!! I have been less social and involved with my normal circle of friends and we haven't participated in as many activities as we normally do. Obviously, that has a lot to do with isolating the kids since they have been battling pink eye, h1n1, fevers, sore throats, ear infections, coughs and runny noses. Gee, am I forgetting anything? But, I have been WAY to comfortable with the isolation. It seems that whenever I do take the kids out to an activity I am confronted with awkward interactions from unsuspecting people with genuinely good intentions.
No more!
With Spring so close, I am committed to getting back out there. Today we are heading out to the park, fish hatchery and a picnic...with friends! I will get this house (and myself!) whipped back into shape. (Maybe with pictures to prove it?)
No more!
With Spring so close, I am committed to getting back out there. Today we are heading out to the park, fish hatchery and a picnic...with friends! I will get this house (and myself!) whipped back into shape. (Maybe with pictures to prove it?)
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