I love my Wayne!

Late Night Ramble

So for the past week [or so] I've had trouble sleeping... which is evident by the timing of this post. Yes, it is nearly 4 o'clock in the morning and my brain will not shut off.

Remember those little wind-up toys that looked like teeth with big red lips and would clack and hop all over the table? That's like my brain. It's clacking and hopping and if there was someone else up with me... I'm sure it would be talking. But there's not. So I'm blogging. [YAY.] {+10 extra rhyming points for the win. Yeeehaw.}



Anyway. Back to what's keeping me up. I've been thinking a lot about choices... and I've come to the conclusion that I like the ones I've made. Some I'm sure were a case of a little serendipidy... which I'll give God credit for those miracles, but over all... I'm quite satisfied with my picks of life. On the other hand... I'm amazed by how someone else's stupid/inconsiderate/idiotic/what.have.you choices can completely destroy someone elses. Philosophize that for a bit... and then you'll be in the same position I am... wide awake.

I guess it really all comes down to not letting yourself become the product of a single life experience [which is a subject that I have pondered and analyzed MANY times in my adult life]. There are so many people I know that live in this world of if-onlys, and remember whens. It's nice to look back on the past every now and then for a smile, or a quick cry... but if you can't move on... and the thing/person you keep looking back to becomes a drug and consumes your entirety ----- what a disservice you are doing to yourself, others, all. {tap your foot three times & sigh}.

I'd like to always be the kind of person that looks for signs of change. Not just in my own life, but in others -- because it's certain that they have changed... at least a little.

You know what drives me crazy?

When people tell me that they don't like someone that they haven't seen or talked to in years. You know, like they are the only person that has grown up or changed. There's this part of me (ok, it's my right hand) that just wants to slap them and then throw up all over their shoes. I mean really... are you that narrow and close minded to think that the only person in the universe who ever changes is you?

How silly some people are.

Life has its ebbs and flows and we learn to bend. Or at least we should... because when we don't give just a little, we break... and there's nothing worse than going from solid to broken so quickly.

Anywhooo, that's where I'm at tonight.

I love my daughter. I love my husband. I love our choices. I love our God. I love this blessed life.

Love,
Liz

Cloth Diapering: Favs, Q's & A's

A post about Cloth Diapering! Woooohoooo!

A short little review of my favorites so far. It's funny -- there are so many people who have so many questions. My friends who don't cloth diaper want to know why we switched. Others are curious about trying it. And then there's my fellow cloth diapering friends -- one thing I've learned is that moms who cloth diaper LOVE to talk about cloth diapering! There are so many options out there and it's a little overwhelming with how much info is online. We've officially been exclusively cloth diapering for 2 months and it's going great.

Here's why we switched: It's more eco-friendly, its cost efficient, and on top of Banner being allergic to the chemicals in Huggies & Pampers, there are lots of hidden dangers: cancer-causing chemicals, dangerous dyes, and synthetics that can cause discomforts like widespread rashes. The main reasons for rashes are due to chemicals, lack of air, and higher temperatures (because plastic retains body heat), and babies are probably changed less often because they feel dry when wet. There are also tons of synthetic materials used in creating the diaper itself which can cause skin irritations or worse.

As far as chemicals there are 3 major chemicals found in disposable diapers ("sposies"):

The first is called Sodium Polyacrylate. This chemical is what makes sposies so absorbent. Ever find little crystal looking gels on your baby's bottom after a diaper change? That's sodium polyacrylate. Not only can it cause severe allergic reactions, but it can absorb it's weight in water by 100x, it's also well known for causing staph infections. In animal testing, SP was injected into rats and caused severe hemorrhate, heart failure, and death. It has killed children after ingesting as little as 5 grams of it. And if you haven't already figured out that it was bad news... it was banned from tampons in 1985 because it was found to be linked to TSS (toxic shock syndrome).

The second chemical is called Dioxin. This chemical enters the diaper via the bleaching process. First and foremost, Dioxin is a carcinogenic. This is a proven CANCER CAUSING chemical. The EPA lists it as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. It's been known to cause birth defects, skin diseases, and has been banned in nearly all countries EXCEPT the good ol' USA.

Lastly, there is Tributyl Tin also known as TBT. It's toxic pollutant that has hormone-like effects in even small concentrations and is spread through the skin.

Don't believe me? You can happilly check my sources below!

SOURCES:

1. McConnell, Jane. "The Joy of Cloth Diapers."
2. Caldwell, Ginny. "Diapers. Disposable or Cotton?," Eco-Baby Catalogue (www.ecobaby.com).
3. "New Tests Confirm TBT Poison in Procter & Gamble's Pampers®: Greenpeace Demands World-Wide Ban of Organotins in All Products," 15 May 2000, ( www.diapersafari.com).
4. Allison, Cathy. "Disposable Diapers: Potential Health Hazards.," referring to: Hicks, R et al. "Characterization of toxicity involving hemorrhage and cardiovascular failure, caused by parenteral administration of a soluble polyacrylate in the rat," J Appl. Toxicol. 1989 June; 9(3): 191-8.
5. Peggy's Diapers, Slings N' Things, (www.peggysdiapers.com).
6. "Why Cloth Diapers?," (www.diapersafari.com).
7. "The Poop on Diapers.," (www.slonet.org/~scoward/poop.html).

Ok finally! I'm done preaching. Here's my list of favorites so far.

Favorite Pockets:

• BumGenius: They are one of the most popular for a reason. The organic/elemental line is wonderful (although not a pocket). They wash well, they are comfortable around my daughter chubby legs, they pull moisture away from Banner's bottom wonderfully and are so cute. I love how many snaps there are. This is a great OS "grows with baby" diaper.
• Happy Heinys: These are the workhorses of our Pockets. They absorb well and they dry so fast!! Since I prefer to sun my diapers rather than throw them in the dryer I really appreciate a speedy drying one. I just love these. They are great for the heavy wetter and are super adjustable since it’s on a hook & loop closure... plus they come in ADORABLE prints. Love, love, love.
• Charlie Banana: These are my husband’s favorites. They have adjustable leg gussets which is WONDERFUL. The micro fiber pads pull all moisture away from Banner's tooshie. They also come with 2 pocket soakers. We use both together for naps and overnights. They are ultra absorbant and we've never had a leak. Love all the snaps.

Favorite Hybrid:

• Flip: It’s my favorite simply because of the re-usability of the cover. You can use it with disposable liners, pre-folds or inserts and everything holds in its place.

Favorite Fitted:

• Green Scene: ADORABLE designs AND it's a super absorbent diaper. This diaper has duo inserts that can be snapped in. No extra stuffing needed for overnights or nap times. I love them.
• GoodMama: I love these. I need these. More, more, more. They are super pricey but are BEAUTIFUL. My only complaint is that you have to put a cover over them. They are so cute that you truly don't want to cover them up. Great diaper, but expensive -- although IMO it's worth it... they are just THAT cute.

Favorite Cover:

• Thirsties: Simple and functional. No leaks. :)
  
  So, that's it folks! There's my preachy diapering 101 information. Have a blessed day!
  
  Love,
  Liz

God's Majesty

If you have some time on your hands, you should really go over and check out my friend Kelli's Blog: Happily Ever After. She and I were never super close but I blame distance as that demominator.... however, her brothers Kris & Brandon were my best friends when I attended Harding University. Her family has always meant a lot to me and she has always been a person that I've looked up to in many ways, but her faith in the trials that she and her husband are facing has completely blown me away. In short, at full term in her pregnancy and during a routine ultrasound the doctors discovered that their daughter: Hanalei Faith, did not have a heartbeat anymore. She then had to deliver their daughter, and her husband and she said goodbye. They had a powerful moment while saying goodbye, a small funeral and are still healing.

Her words are beautiful and each time I read an entry I bawl my eyes out. I am amazed at her strength and vigor. I am encouraged by her dedication to the Lord. I feel so connected to her emotions and in turn, am mourning with her... despite the fact that my daughter is very much alive, and hers is waltzing in heaven with Jesus himself.

Her testimony is so beautiful. She is weaving the most beautiful life tapestry as an example for the rest of us. She is the dear reminder of how passionate we should all be about the ones we love, and to not take a day for granted. Her journey is not one that I would ever wish for anyone, but the way she has clung to our God: The Great Navigator, is inspiring.

Kelli & Scott, my family is praying for yours. I cannot wait to see how God guides the rest of your path. We are praying for blessings to rain down on your marriage, your hearts, and your future.

Thank you.

Love,
Liz

So, you ARE a baby genius! [I always knew it!]

Do you think it's purposeful or just ironic that the word genius is somewhat hard to spell?

Anyway, on another note... today Banner proved to me that she is, as I always expected (hehe), a total genius. The girl has done everything early. She craweled like a pro just before the end of 5 months. She could wave 'hi' & 'bye' on command at 6 months. She started cruising a 7 1/2 months. Climbed my stairs at 8 months. Walked at 9. Speed walked at 10. Now at nearly 11 months (tomorrow -- wahhhhh!) she, well, let me explain in detail. We have this little basket at our house. It has a lid on it and on that lid are little cut-outs... a star, a square, a rectangle, etc... you know that toy I'm talking about. The one with the pieces that you drop into it's coordinating shape. We also have this big push around/ride around airplane (thank you Auntie Babe!) and it also has cut outs along its side that you can push coordinating pieces through. Now, the pieces from both toys look practically the same. Same shapes, same colors, same sizes... the only difference is that the ones from the airplane have a graphic on them.

Today, my little genius child sat down in the middle of the floor with all of the pieces from both toys. She then proceeded to sort them... which ones go to the airplane, which ones go in the basket/lid toy. Then she (one by one) picked up the toys to the airplane and pushed the coordinating pieces through their coordinating cut-outs. After, she picked the other toy's pieces up and put them straight in the basket (I guess she figured it was a waste of her time to fiddle with putting them in the correct holes and just decided to bypass that step all together). Then she picked up Henry (her bear... he travels everywhere with her) and walked into the kitchen to mess with mommy's cabinets, ooooh joy - heh. But seriously... what 11 month old can do that? I was totally blown away. Isn't that a 18-24 month benchmark?

I'm not going to lie... I'm beaming. But just a little. :)

Spaghetti with marinera meets baby.

Here are a few pictures that might brighten up your day! The first one on the left is from dinner time when Banner had her first spaghetti with marinera sauce experience... I think you can tell it was hit. :) Hehe. Obviously a bath followed the taking of this picture!

The right picture is of my FAVORITE cookies... "Susan Cookies". Last night we got a flat tire so in the morning I needed to take it to the shop while Wayne was at work. Well he knows how much I dread auto repair places (other than the husband's work at Anderson Bros. Body Shop -- holllaaahh!)... so this morning he left these on the seat of my car as a surpise. In sharpie on top it says...
"To my AMAZING wife!
I know you don't want to start your day off at a tire shop. Hope this makes it better!! I ♥ U.
Love, Wayne"

Ummm... can you say "AWWWW!!!"???
Goodness gracious I love that man.

A big update (with more to come)

Welcome to the blog that never gets updated! My goal is to try and start writing at least a little more often... wish me luck.

So there's lots going on lately. Banner is turning ONE in a month and a half!!! I can't believe how fast this year has gone. It's hard to believe that I only get to do this 17 more time until she's an adult -- it just doesn't seem long enough.

Banner is the most laidback fascinating and advaced baby I've ever met. She craweled at 5 1/2 months. Walked well at 9 months and is now practically trying to run (slightly unsuccesfully with lots of bumps and falls) everywhere. She loves to talk on her play cell-phone that her Daddy bought her and is full of personality. She's definitely strong willed and likes to get her way. Her favorite thing these days is climbing up (yes all the way up) the stairs... so obviously we have safety gates now WHICH SHE HATES. When she sees me start to put them up she turns on the waterworks big time! I've got an independent little one -- that's for sure. Overall, she's amazing and the most beautiful curly haired, blue eyed, strawberry blonde child that you'll ever lay eyes on. Seriously, everyone says so... everyone loves her. Hehe.

Wayne is great. I've been so blessed with such a loving and gracious husband. He keeps the humor running strong in our house and is so selfless in everything he does. Other than the normal work stuff (which is going strong) he's been working on a side-job restoring a 1960's corvette. It looks great. He painted a dark green the other day and it's an eye catcher. I couldn't be prouder of him. He's incredible and what he does... and I love seeing the look on his face when a customer is pleased with him. If you need any work done on your car... let us know!!!

In other news, slowly but surely we are stepping down from the Teen Pastorship roll at our church. For now and throughout the summer we are hosting kickball nights once a week at the park but come the fall, things will likely be changing for us. The church has decided to try and make our job a paid position (FINALLY!) but unfortunatly, now we do not have the time to make the program what it deserves to be made. I think that's a normal thing that happens when you become parents. We are a little sad to be saying goodbye to it, but ultimately it is a good thing and will loosen the stress load in our house a lot. We still expect to be fully entertwined in the lives of the teens and will definitely still help out but as far as the brunt of it goes, I'm looking forward to having it off of our shoulders. 4 years later -- it's made us better leaders, teachers, and listeners but just like everything... it's time to move on.

In other news, we're house hunting... again. Truly we started this process about 3 years ago -- but God orchestrated that perfectly back then (as he always does) and we did not get any of the houses that we had offered on... which served us well condsidering I lost my accounting job at the law firm a few months later.

Fast forward a few years and here we are again. We have outgrown our little town house and although it has served us well and in itself is still such a blessing... we are ready to move on. The problem with that is location, and how much we want to spend, and how well will it serve our family so that we can serve others, etc, etc, etc...

We've bid on 3 homes in the past few months. The first 2 were snagged out from under us by cash paying investors. Bummer... but this last one was the real heartbreaker. Everything about it seemed wonderful... and I don't use that term lightly... I truly thought that that was the home that God wanted us in...but apparently, I was wrong! I know God is better with directions that I am and that His plan for our family will undoubtably be greater than any plan that I can dream up but let's just say... we were incredibly shocked and dumfounded the way our offer on this home fell through.

Essentially what happened is that the real estate agent representing the seller made some paperwork mixups and pushed through the wrong offer to the bank. Even though our offer had been accepted... the paperwork for another lucky family was processed instead and guess what...? Now they are in contract. I know that everyone makes mistakes but this one just seems so huge. Our realtor (who is a great man of God and a good friend) really chewed the lady out and we were heart broken and forced to move on. I didn't have peace about it at all until last night when I woke my husband up around 4am and asked him to pray with me. I just felt like we needed to pray -- in a unified way -- and ask God for direction. I don't know what His plans are for our family... but I know that currently and although we don't LOVE the way our needs are being met -- we are well taken care of. Wayne has a steady and good paying job, I have a few hours a week and the day care, we have a strong shelter, food in our fridge, wonderful family and supportive friends. I feel a little guilty asking God to bless us one more time with a home... all we can really do is wait and see what happens...

In other news, if you didn't know, we are trying to get pregnant. We would like Banner to have a sister or brother cooking in my belly sometime in the next few months. I loved having a sister 2 years apart. Heidi and Wayne are just under 2 years apart and I love how close they are as well... sooo, if you think of it, be praying for that.

I know this post was a bit of a ramble and I am terrible about updating this blog. Okay, I pretty much never update this blog, but I think I will try to be better about it in the next few months.

Mad love to all who read (And those who don't),

Publish Post

Liz