tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35068647834038563922024-02-18T19:37:44.571-08:00Moderately Green MomCam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-50297627948586314722013-09-17T10:33:00.003-07:002013-09-17T13:08:14.484-07:00Everyday I am loving essential oils just a little bit moreI just 'face-spaced' during nap time and was amazed at how many people posted about aches, pains, depression and other maladies. It was really eye opening to see! Each time I thought, "Oh! I have an oil for that!" <br />
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Cancer? Frankincense. <a href="http://whyfrankincense.com/Cancer.html" target="_blank">When in doubt, use Frank!</a> Just google those two words together and you'll find so many articles!<br />
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Cough that won't go away? Rosemary!<br />
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Autistic child or child that is out of control? <a href="http://www.peacefulchildblend.com/" target="_blank">http://www.peacefulchildblend.com/</a> I'm working on this one myself, but in the mean time, here's the original.<br />
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Immune system boost? On Guard! <a href="http://www.everythingessential.me/Blends/OnGuard.html" target="_blank">DoTERRA's blend</a><br />
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Come see my <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/camaronortiz/" target="_blank">website</a> and discover what doTERRA can do for you. If you look around and see some things you'd like I'd recommend just signing up for your own membership. Like a Costco membership you'll have discounted prices and freebies every month with a qualifying order. This month if you sign up for the <a href="https://www.iact1.com/doterra/ShoppingCart/Shop.cfm?CurrPage=FrontPage&NextPage=CategoryDetail&CategoryID=143&pid=3086083122883543" target="_blank">Family Physician's Kit</a> you'll also get a free Slim & Sassy (weight loss oil blend) and a free Wild Orange! Add on the free <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/cameronortiz/companyLoyaltyRewardsProgram.html" target="_blank">Loyalty Rewards Program</a> (monthly order of anything you want) and you'll receive a free <a href="https://www.aromatools.com/Modern_Essentials_Fourth_Edition_2012_p/1151.htm" target="_blank">Modern Essentials</a> book AND free <a href="https://www.iact1.com/doterra/ShoppingCart/Shop.cfm?CurrPage=FrontPage&NextPage=CategoryDetail&CategoryID=88&pid=3086083122883548" target="_blank">On Guard Beadlets</a>. Create an order of over $200 and get a free <a href="https://www.iact1.com/doterra/ShoppingCart/Shop.cfm?CurrPage=FrontPage&NextPage=CategoryDetail&CategoryID=73&pid=3086083122883549" target="_blank">Immortelle</a> this month too. <br />
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I'd love to have you on my team, and together learn more about the power of essential oils and their incredible healing properties. Want to learn more about the membership? Go <a href="https://www.iact1.com/doterra/Application/Apply.cfm?EnrollerID=309350&Theme=DefaultTheme&ReturnURL=www.mydoterra.com/cameronortiz&LNG=en_dot&iact=1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-22108178097077980402013-09-13T08:54:00.000-07:002013-09-13T08:54:06.450-07:00Joy in the JourneySo much has happened and changed in the years this blog has laid dormant. <br />
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A few months ago we moved our little family out of the desert and into the tropics. It has been so refreshing to see the ocean on a weekly basis! To enjoy the water and put our feet in the sand. <br />
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It is amazing how much has changed. <br />
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We now have two little babes and my lovely husband is in the throes of graduate school. We live near his parents and it has been interesting living where he grew up. Its one thing to come and visit and see the high school he went to and the stores he's told me about, but now they are my stores, and if we stay here my kids future high school. Fortunately that is many MANY years off!<br />
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I have changed so much on this path of crunchiness. I went from pro-circ, pro-vax, anti-organic (because its not that much better anyway) to very anti-circ, and mostly anti-vax. I word it that way because it is something I believe, but I don't (yet!) have the strong picket sign opinion that seems to be shared by most people with those beliefs. I don't even really know where it came from. I think for me I tried to lay out the risks and benefits FOR MY FAMILY and am presently in the camp of its not worth it and at least with my baby feel very uncomfortable about it. He had a welt on the spot after an injection at 9 months for over a month! I called and complained and got that that's a typical reaction. Really? That's why it was listed on the sheet? (Which if you couldn't guess it wasn't!) <br />
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I certified as a postpartum doula. I would love to move into birth doula, but don't feel like the hours are what my family needs right now. Between my husband's full course load in grad school and his full-time job I can't add more right now without becoming a circus performer. ;) <br />
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I aslo jumped into doTERRA essential oils! Which I love! I love the way I can feel good about my kids applying them solo, (something both of them really enjoy) and I truly believe in people making their family's health better. I believe that homes should be a haven from everything on the outside. Essential oils make my life simpler, more streamlined and definitely less filled with doctor's visits and co-pays! Soon I'll start posting some of my favorites and what they can do for you. <br />
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Comment below with what you'd like to see more!<br />
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<br />Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-34864509736169133452011-09-28T21:58:00.000-07:002011-09-28T21:58:03.328-07:00the part with the floods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So my dad has a really short commute. Like less than 10 minutes. When the hurricane hit on Thursday (the 8th) it took him over an hour and a half to get home. There were so many roads blocked off, people would drive down one, only to be turned away because of flooding and roads washed out. it was CRAZY! here are my photos to prove it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p4lRFuWbqHFRZPqW9NI6tXxi6t1hXbDjQm97engnSrbxHEMBHwecfyOtW8AOuyC3YmBRKiUrWptozuFMqIb8Q48HacQ7c3sTa7RTV3j-QGs74ngoBk5p4MJGKkAkf3Tfv3nbbpEft632/s1600/IMG_0729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p4lRFuWbqHFRZPqW9NI6tXxi6t1hXbDjQm97engnSrbxHEMBHwecfyOtW8AOuyC3YmBRKiUrWptozuFMqIb8Q48HacQ7c3sTa7RTV3j-QGs74ngoBk5p4MJGKkAkf3Tfv3nbbpEft632/s320/IMG_0729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">because I missed the memo of taking BEFORE pictures I don't have any. But where my sister is standing is the beginning of where you can hop across the<strike> stream </strike>river and make it safely to the other side. Not so now! There was a little boy her same age (same town too) who lost his life in the flood. A word to the wise: don't get in past your ankles because A. you don't know where the end is and B. the current might be just strong enough to sweep you downstream....a bad thing indeed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lk_pOtpMAIMoKM_sL4EPxzOt_VrASUXkNtZ8UpkP8h5sHJpfn-HXILPNqP52TbYcTB5g0NSKq1fW_S7cFjgJaOLrnjay46chy26tA1wMWs_0rc82dzaxWx-QZf_VxVFocFD4qAjLwzmA/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lk_pOtpMAIMoKM_sL4EPxzOt_VrASUXkNtZ8UpkP8h5sHJpfn-HXILPNqP52TbYcTB5g0NSKq1fW_S7cFjgJaOLrnjay46chy26tA1wMWs_0rc82dzaxWx-QZf_VxVFocFD4qAjLwzmA/s320/IMG_0737.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little bridge was once over a VERY TINY trickle of water and as you can see, the water moved the bridge and is a trickle no more....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">So there you have it. flooding. </div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-15934162720873484852011-09-20T21:58:00.000-07:002011-09-20T21:58:38.882-07:00The part when I was actually in VA*side note -- my hubby keeps point out to me that I call it V.A. lately instead of Virginia. Do you ever do something like that??*<br />
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The whole reason for my impromptu excursion was that my family was in desperate need of fresh meat for their move. (They moved to a new town 3 hours away.) This in and of itself isn't so terrible. What IS terrible is when out of 5 kids, (I'm <i>numero uno--</i>that means the best, most awesome one EVER in case you didn't know) my bro-ha is in college and who really brings ALL their childhood memories to college? thus not only unable to assist, but also with baggage. Then we have my sister, (<i>Hermana Lauren -- currently serving the good people of Spokane, WA and bringing them closer to God) </i>who again, for obvious reasons isn't going to bring all HER childhood memories to Spokane. Missionaries travel light, and this girl packs it in. Yes, many memories will be her job to sift through upon her return next fall. Then we have the second sister, who, you guessed it, is in the dorms and <b>obviously</b> can't be bothered with nostalgia and the <strike>crap</strike> stuff that comes with it. :) Then finally, you have the baby, the 11 year old. Who, although totally helpful and very eager to serve, (she's not a teenager....yet..) is tired from moving all summer. Plus the <i>padres</i> who are also very tired and like I said, in need of fresh meat. <br />
Thats where I came in. <b>ta-da! your fairy god mother, to make all your wishes and dreams come true!</b> and not to <i>put salsa on my tacos </i>(this is a Mexican phrase meaning that you're giving yourself airs or credit where it is probably deserved, but maybe not....but mine <b>totally</b> is.) So vansy-pansy and I hop on the little tiny 747 and make the house shine. Okay maybe not really, but ya know. <br />
The whole point to telling you about the family line-up is that if you know that you can understand how many other people's stuff we're dealing with and how much space all of that stuff takes up. Yes, you could say, well Cam DUH get a storage unit. But first you have to FIND all the stuff that the movers haphazardly put everywhere. Second problem: one box might contain things belonging in 3+ areas of the home. So you're CONSTANTLY bringing things up the stairs, or down the stairs all. day. long. yes, the back massages were many and in the end my knots had knots!<br />
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<i>tomorrow I'll tell you all about the flooding and hurricane that happened while I was there!!!</i>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-27819001743186765022011-09-19T21:17:00.000-07:002011-09-19T21:17:13.312-07:00Sorry everyone...I know, I know, I've been a terrible blogger. But I have some pictures to make up for it and some great stories to share. First up, my trip to VA with a 10 month old. (did I mention she was/is teething??)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48zuSzbGArTdkToz39OXLGtaDVwjvd13QeJSzeOuTZXLp_E0xIAjR40juSksw2_s_eU97Tki_AO37iYYxCboWEJg6YNr8HmqypZVeny9XqRLb3BiJ4EhkqFYltjHzuLUf_FkvWbI8G8Rw/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48zuSzbGArTdkToz39OXLGtaDVwjvd13QeJSzeOuTZXLp_E0xIAjR40juSksw2_s_eU97Tki_AO37iYYxCboWEJg6YNr8HmqypZVeny9XqRLb3BiJ4EhkqFYltjHzuLUf_FkvWbI8G8Rw/s200/IMG_0698.JPG" width="150" /></a></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3wc3NpOajeho1lPi61aJ2wO_zRpDhFnhXd7BI4xFRgta0jfJqDhu35VMxjVuQn5vO2VgmGzPTuPDdxyottfvngSBQbG5m1UcGZ5_439a0sgQe1dWEtq60hSxPEFVgViqtpowmpva8bWA/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3wc3NpOajeho1lPi61aJ2wO_zRpDhFnhXd7BI4xFRgta0jfJqDhu35VMxjVuQn5vO2VgmGzPTuPDdxyottfvngSBQbG5m1UcGZ5_439a0sgQe1dWEtq60hSxPEFVgViqtpowmpva8bWA/s200/IMG_0699.JPG" width="150" /></a> So our departure went like this: I handed the guy checking id's ours (yes, I brought her picture pool pass, totally not worth it as the guy didn't even crack a smile. "WHAT?!! she's flying, she has a picture id, what gives?!" And they made her take off her shoes. The leather bottom type that is practically nothing. Yes, because she could possibly have an explosive in that size two shoe. It's cool, I'm in a good mood, we're having fun, so off come the shoesies. I had her in the Bjorn the whole time at the 'port because I'm <i>that</i> mom. whatever <i>that</i> means. But obviously, they wanted her out at security. (FYI this isn't <i>law</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> if you look at the standards on the TSA website.) So when we make it through the metal detector I set her on the carry-on bag to suit back up. "BABY ON BELT!" *all action comes to a screeching halt.* 'cuz she was there all of 3 seconds too. Honestly, I thought it was nice, way to have my kid's safety first. I can handle that. :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">Then we get on the plane, mind you, I was PREPARED. I had sippy cups filled, in the little pocket in front of me for easy access, books, toys and every other needful item within hands reach and I KNEW where they were before anyone else even boarded. Once everyone is seated and patiently waiting we have a 'flap' issue. Whatever <i>that</i> is......so they let people <i>deplane</i> or wait for 45 to an hour. This is not okay. I had timed her nursing and napping PERFECTLY with the plane ride. Now she's mad, hungry and I have no choice but to do the necessary right there. I am not <i>that</i> type of mom. So she fell asleep before we'd even left the ground. (See above) And slept for about 20 minutes after we'd achieved the necessary altitude. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">Then I was left to entertain my child (who had NO interest in ANY of her stuff) with my stuff. (See below)</span><br />
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We made it only a few minutes late and had no other problems on the plane. <br />
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<i>more to come....from </i>that<i> mom....</i>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-2095486065524269442011-09-01T12:25:00.000-07:002011-09-01T12:25:17.208-07:00I'm a vocab snob<div style="text-align: center;">You may or may not know this about me, but I'm a word snob.</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Hi, Word Snob*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Allow me to explain...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't profess to know anything about punctuation. In fact it's a sad truth. Much like the fact that I can copy you when you play a song on the piano, but don't ask me to sight read anything. It will not happen. Even if you hold a gun to my head. So, like my love of music and dislike for sight reading, I love words and don't like the periods, semi-colons, commas, etc. I tell you this so you know that it is out of ignorance that I over-comma and under-hyphen or whatever. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">BUT, the real reason for this post. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">SINCE.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">it was originally a word used for time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merriam Webster defines 'since' as</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></div><div class="sblk"><div class="scnt" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="ssens"><strong>:</strong> from a definite past time until now <span class="vi"><has stayed there ever<em>since</em>></span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong> :</strong> before the present time <strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ago" style="color: #2965c7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">ago</a> <span class="vi"><long <em>since</em> dead></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><div class="sblk" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="sblk"><div class="scnt" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="ssens"><strong>:</strong> after a time in the past <strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsequently" style="color: #2965c7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">subsequently</a> <span class="vi"><has <em>since</em> become rich></span></span></div><div class="scnt" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(these are just the adverbs.) </span></div><div class="scnt" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, when you start a sentence with;</span></div><div class="scnt" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Since I felt like sharing this with you..." and making it synonymous with "because" it's not correct English. It drives me crazy!!!! So please, next time you use "since", use it correctly, use it wisely.</span></div><div class="scnt" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"You can look like the smartest person in the room until you open your mouth."~Anonymous </i></span></div></div></span>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-9744310357045887742011-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:002011-09-01T08:00:06.948-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">MGM asks;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>what have you done lately to simplify your life?</i></span></div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-77280324360679528702011-08-31T22:02:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:02:53.967-07:00The cloth diaper sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ObBGFjd8efgyh5HvssrSP28qiF542LO0E1Ak8g_-9F6H0BXtEhXY9CNd8kSF6v8d9xe6StLOeV6xUz3OG2DbgPYeYkS0Q-hHjqv9gmWjSL6MLBz6vm8DA6wKa9TxVh9lknqno9selnX/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ObBGFjd8efgyh5HvssrSP28qiF542LO0E1Ak8g_-9F6H0BXtEhXY9CNd8kSF6v8d9xe6StLOeV6xUz3OG2DbgPYeYkS0Q-hHjqv9gmWjSL6MLBz6vm8DA6wKa9TxVh9lknqno9selnX/s200/IMG_0586.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1Sk8-fTzDQrW6YEfF5L8bt3drC_2GP8UTRfNi18pord_RRgvy3MSH0dMNHBOmk1P7je0cSVmUp82B90KAFbdofoLYdX__PaU9P3f_6wyumRTo0Ljn3w3VIGbcRImWjHn9T0Fw-Kg2ewJ/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1Sk8-fTzDQrW6YEfF5L8bt3drC_2GP8UTRfNi18pord_RRgvy3MSH0dMNHBOmk1P7je0cSVmUp82B90KAFbdofoLYdX__PaU9P3f_6wyumRTo0Ljn3w3VIGbcRImWjHn9T0Fw-Kg2ewJ/s200/IMG_0600.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK3Y-k5L8U0UH7fxZHz_Q6ImjX0GOsGYYEOFKmqowZKmgVkI3CpRX7Ak2jA9mLuG_nuDC2nJ9-yHrbzT00sji3wjSRwZlKTdCaO8PBpGNrCC5wyJeFPyNaRPBH6M3_GEH5qqrx6MrDUuC/s1600/IMG_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK3Y-k5L8U0UH7fxZHz_Q6ImjX0GOsGYYEOFKmqowZKmgVkI3CpRX7Ak2jA9mLuG_nuDC2nJ9-yHrbzT00sji3wjSRwZlKTdCaO8PBpGNrCC5wyJeFPyNaRPBH6M3_GEH5qqrx6MrDUuC/s200/IMG_0605.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">These were taken a few months ago when AppleCheeks had a contest involving ways to use your diapers without being diapers. We didn't win, but I still had fun taking them!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In case you're interested there's some exciting stuff happening in the world of cloth diapering this month.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.applecheeks.com/shop/home.php">APPLECHEEKS</a> (my personal favorite brand) is having 10% off sale until Sept. 16th. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/">FUZZIBUNZ</a> (the Handsome Husband's favorite) is having a buy 6 get two free sale until Sept. 30th.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bumgenius.com/">BUMGENIUS</a> (another popular brand) is having a buy 5 get one free sale, but this one ends Aug 31.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, there you have it! Some great brands and great sales. </div><div style="text-align: center;">BTW, all of them can be found at Happy Cotton Tails in case you're wondering.</div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-6552724103141519412011-08-29T08:31:00.000-07:002011-08-31T10:04:06.358-07:00Simplifying: making people happy<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="Bs nH iY" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 1088px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="Bu" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="nH if" style="padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="nH"><div class="nH hx" style="color: black; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 4px;"><div class="nH"><div class="h7 ie nH oy8Mbf" style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(226, 226, 226); border-bottom-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; position: relative; width: 839px;"><div class="G3 G2" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-bottom-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-left-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-right-radius: 7px 7px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-top: 3px;"><div><div id=":zx"><div class="HprMsc"><div class="gs"><div class="ii gt" id=":zz" style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative; z-index: 2;"><div id=":zy"><div><div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Guest Post by Alicia from <a href="http://ldspearls.blogspot.com/">Pearls</a></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hey, I’m Alicia from <a href="http://ldspearls.blogspot.com/" style="color: #147dba;" target="_blank">Pearls</a>! Being the mother of three boys ages four and under, </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">having two, teenage brothers-in-law living with me, and being the wife of an </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">adoring, rock star of a husband - things around here can get a little hectic and our</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">general schedule seems full. My life is pretty good though. I’m generally easy going and </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">calm, though it definitely wouldn’t look that way if you were watching from the side lines</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(which you would be). I maintain my “inner peace” by keeping my life simple. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Simplicity keeps me balanced, and when I’m balanced I’m happier. When<i> I’m</i> happy,</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it’s easier for everyone else to be content, and the bumps and blocks along the way</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">are easier to deal with because I’m in a pretty good place. When my kids fight or things </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">get crazy (and they do!), I like to quote Kevin Flynn from <i>TRON: Legacy</i>, “You’re </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">messing with my Zen thing, man!” (Yes, I really say that). I also want my children to </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">realize that they don’t need the biggest or the best to be happy. <i>Things</i> do not bring </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">happiness.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’ve thought about some ways I keep my life simple and avoid excessiveness and thought </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’d share them in hopes that they will inspire you to look at your own lives and find areas </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that you can simplify by avoiding unnecessary headache and over-spending. <i>If mama ain't </i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>happy, ain't nobody happy</i>. =)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. <i>Toys</i>. My three and four year olds have a million toy cars in all shapes and sizes, at least </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">100 toy dinosaurs and 20 gazillion knick knacks. Star Wars costumes and weapons are </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">scattered in every room of our home (yes, we have <i>real</i> light sabers lying around). I hate </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">blocks (including Legos and our Jenga game). Personally, I love that they have such a </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">great collection of children’s books… but I don’t love that they pull every.single.one of them </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">out to decide which one to read before bed. I might despise you if you buy another card game </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for them, and who knew that little boys would have so many stuffed animals? Why did </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">my husband think it would be a good idea to buy them a bench and plastic tools? Is it </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">just me or do toys somehow reproduce? <i>Where did they all come from!?</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My four year old is a pretty good picker-upper. My three year old is an even better </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dumper-outer. My four year old sometimes asks me to kick the three year old out of the </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">family because he is always making huge messes in their room. My absolute least favorite </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">part of parenting is getting them to pick up those toys.<i> Simplify</i>: We now have three or four </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bins full of toys that we rotate. Now, the mess is tolerable, and it’s less traumatic for </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">everyone. When they get to the point that they are no longer willing to clean up their </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">toys, I threaten to <i>take them into the basement</i>… dun dun dun! If they won’t clean them </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">up, I will load ‘em up and off they go into the basement. They are then toyless until they </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">somehow earn a bin of toys back. It’s like Christmas every time they do, but I didn’t even </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">spend a penny.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. <i>I love to read</i>. Once upon a time, before we had any children and I had all the time in </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the world, I had an incredible library of books that I read once (maybe twice) and put up for </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">display… or in a pile. We have moved 12 times since we’ve been married (6 ½ years) </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and by move #5 my husband refused to haul another box of books (at least 4 boxes were </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">never even opened for 3 of the moves). I didn’t blame him. <i>Simplify</i>: I kept a few and got </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rid of the rest. I still love to read, but before I go out and buy the book, I borrow it from the </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">library or a friend. If I love it enough to own it, I’ll first look into buying it used. If you </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">really wanted to “go green”, you could even get a Kindle or something like it, but I’m </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pretty sure it still costs $$$. There’s something about holding the book that I love – </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">especially when I didn’t spend a penny!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3<i>. I love fresh produce</i>. I want my family to eat healthy and sometimes I go grocery </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">shopping and come home with 90% fresh stuff that I intent to cook with or simply enjoy </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">over the next few days. 90% of the time it doesn’t happen and I end up with rotting lettuce, </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">broccoli, tomatoes and celery in my refrigerator. I like to savor my strawberries and not eat </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">them all at once, but sometimes I wait too long to savor them and next thing I know their </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">nasty fuzz balls! We keep forgetting to cut open the cantaloupe for breakfast and now it’s </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mushy. You get the picture.<i> Simplify</i>: Now, I get freeze dried produce whenever I can. It </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">maintains the nutrition and I only reconstitute <i>when</i> I need it and only as <i>much</i> as I </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">need. Obviously, not everything comes freeze-dried, and I still get fresh produce, but this </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">way I avoid some last minute trips to the super market (hate those!) and am much less </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wasteful (goodbye soft celery!)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. <i>I really do want to be healthy</i>. I can’t afford the elliptical I want and even if I could, I have </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">no where to put it. I hate running along streets and trying to exercise with my kids around </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">totally messes with my Zen thing. <i>Simplify:</i> We got a family Recreation Center Pass. It may </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">not be free, but I get to exercise in peace (in a variety of ways), there are classes for the </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">kids, stuff for the teenagers and my husband, not to mention a daycare if I need it! We swim </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">there as a family in the summers and with all of us on the pass, it makes it worth it. It also </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">supports our city.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, take that for what it’s worth. You have to give and take in different areas, “pick your </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">battles” so to speak. There are so many ways to minimize the excess, stress, and </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">over-spending, but do what works best for you and your family!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Alicia is the mother of three adorable little boys and enjoys blogging about </i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>things that make her happy, photography and motherhood. </i></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div></div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-71130025764615303892011-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:002011-08-26T08:00:06.642-07:00A baby, 40,000 feet up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidedA2a65eqgMSMlh7ZGhYFmQHDYNHSpmoVWyZPf4HUbk-EBwQVJSNElKVTWHFWtH5ZlSE80GoZy6PNzR0sWOKCLuo6U9bkMX3mEP9zCForFMp7I37x0qFuwEJvBTN88ZjmxNtIWFANc9d/s1600/DSC_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidedA2a65eqgMSMlh7ZGhYFmQHDYNHSpmoVWyZPf4HUbk-EBwQVJSNElKVTWHFWtH5ZlSE80GoZy6PNzR0sWOKCLuo6U9bkMX3mEP9zCForFMp7I37x0qFuwEJvBTN88ZjmxNtIWFANc9d/s320/DSC_0907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As I mentioned yesterday little Vansey-pooh and I will be taking the air-route to Virginia next week to help my parents move. (This picture is from last Christmas with Santa/Grandpa in VA) True to form, taking an almost 11 month old is not the same as a just turned 2 month old on an airplane. However I did learn some things last time that I'm pocketing away for any future traveling.<br />
<br />
<b>Plan for the worst and then expect it.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Case in point: Last year even though weather was good in VA and Salt Lake there were many other flights that had been messed up due to bad weather and we didn't leave for almost 2 hours after we were supposed to take off. Therefore, Diego and I were both hungry because we'd forgone getting something before we touched the airport's marbled floors. They changed our connection (or actually, gave us one when it was supposed to be a direct flight) and we had to stop over in Atlanta. Because we left much later than expected the baby was thrown off. I had had it planned PERFECTLY for her to eat right at take-off and sleep the rest of the flight. Even when we landed in Atlanta it took them quite a while to find somewhere to let us all off the plane. Which in my experience is the most stressful part of a flight. Everyone wants off that plane. And everyone wants to be first. And my kid is screaming because she's just mad at the world. Diego and I were quietly snickering at the whole situation because there's nothing we can do and yes the poor passengers were the ones suffering, but who's fault is it that the plane didn't leave on time? Not mine I tell you! <br />
<br />
Then they gave us a voucher for a hotel (it ended up being a WHOLE PENNY cheaper than if we'd decided to stay there ourselves.) (and it was by far the dumpiest hotel of my life, but I'll keep that story for another day.) But we hadn't had room for her diapers in the carry-ons. And they wouldn't let us have them. Which is fine...I guess. But WHY OH WHY don't airports sell baby gear? I tell you they would make out like robbers in the Great American Frontier or pirates on the High Seas. Diapers, wipes, baby food and sippy cups, honestly, AND they could charge like 400% more than any store because you're stuck! You have no where to go! But they don't, so everyone suffers. <br />
<br />
We would've spent the night in the airport but getting up every 2-3 hours to feed the baby with no privacy and no where to get comfortable isn't my idea of an adventure! So next problem, diapers. We asked the shuttle to the "hotel" if there was an convenient store around. No such luck. I'm not going to tell you how we "roughed it" because this is a family friendly blog and not appropriate for tiny ears. But it goes without saying that I won't be caught in that situation again. We HAD enough diapers for the plane. If we hadn't had to spend the night. And lets pretend we'd packed an entire case of diapers in the carry-on. It wouldn't have mattered because there's ALWAYS something that happens. So my plan <i>de accion</i> for next time is to have a non-fleece cloth diaper or some rubber swim pants (they're not really rubber...maybe they were once upon a time) and then you could reuse it as often as you needed to and stuff it with whatever you have on hand. paper towels (don't use TP--it is really hard to clean off), pads...etc...anyway, you get my point. AND THEN you're not giving all your valuable carry-on real estate to your baby's bathroom needs. (I'm just sayin'...)<br />
<br />
So this time (wow that was a lot of back story, boy I feel better!) I'm packing the aforementioned diaper needs, lots of extra baby clothes, meds, a change of clothes for me (in case I don't have my bags and I get stuck somewhere OR if she feels the need to do any number of horrible things to my outfit, I'm not stuck wearing it for hours.) a baby carrier or stroller. (I opt for the baby wearing in this situation--if your baby is small enough--because I'm super paranoid about someone kidnapping my Prodigy.) and any feeding essentials. this time that is snacks, spoons, baby food, bib, and LOTS AND LOTS of wipes. Hopefully I'll have my bases covered. The only one I'm worried about is how to entertain/keep quiet a 10 month old. <br />
<br />
<i>Do you have any tips for me?? What are your baby traveling essentials? </i>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-53419170506989026112011-08-25T17:38:00.000-07:002011-08-25T17:38:28.496-07:00The Cash Envelope SystemThe Background: My Great Aunt (Aunt Carolyn) is an amazing woman. She's seen so many things come and go and has such great insight that going to her home is a great joy for me. I'm so glad that I am able to visit her and hear about her stories. <br />
<br />
Once she told me about how she and her late husband (my Great Uncle by blood) would budget with a cash envelope system. I've seen this circling the internet sites recently and it amazes me how the things that are tried and true keep coming back. <br />
<br />
I've never done this, and to be honest I'm a little scared to start....what if I cheat?!? What if I don't have enough money for something?? What if an emergency happens?? Especially with the upcoming months. <br />
<br />
In September I'm flying to VA with the Babe to help my parents out, October we're flying to FL to visit his parents and then you've got the holidays after that! <br />
<br />
But I'm committed to trying. So starting Sept. 1 we're going to try out a cash system and see how we do. <br />
<br />
Would you ever do this??Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-31115954461445645862011-08-18T10:47:00.001-07:002011-08-18T10:47:29.379-07:00The Great Debate<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">When the baby finally sleeps, what do you do?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">A. Relax (Veg) on the couch checking blogs, emails, etc.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">B. Actually get stuff done; cleaning, personal care, eating...etc.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Okay, now I feel super lazy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It's SO HARD to want to move when you're sooo tired! :-(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">But then I feel so guilty when she's awake because we don't really play/read books, etc..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It's more her follow me around the house while I do the things that I didn't do when she was sleeping...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Now I feel like a bad mom.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">WHY!?!? WHY can't she just sleep through the night, then I'd have more energy to take care of this stuff while she's sleeping and then we could play together during her waking hours!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">VANS, GO TO SLEEP!!!! its all HER fault! I'm the victim here!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Now I'm the victim in the clutches of my 10 month old! How did I get to this point??!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">How to retake my life.....ideas? anyone? please?</span>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-10504485383651140502011-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:002011-08-17T09:03:57.896-07:00Why is it important to have a budget?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6ZcKV_6BlQ7kX42aDUSWJ6hgCBwZMnEA1Djc0H1ILnmqnFvOEUx-6fOVgLEdULWG1Azy_tmZjh4Sbd8abnOfBFo0iS6kso6WyxvYEM4budbsnayMQxA17ZfkLvkp3X8YzynLFWPa2NV1/s1600/ws1607_sum08_piggybank_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6ZcKV_6BlQ7kX42aDUSWJ6hgCBwZMnEA1Djc0H1ILnmqnFvOEUx-6fOVgLEdULWG1Azy_tmZjh4Sbd8abnOfBFo0iS6kso6WyxvYEM4budbsnayMQxA17ZfkLvkp3X8YzynLFWPa2NV1/s320/ws1607_sum08_piggybank_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">from Martha Stewart</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div> <b> There are hundreds of reasons to have a budget.</b> Not to mention the ones in your bank account! You have earned every single cent in that account and it BELONGS to you. (YAY!) They're all yours. And you have the ability to make them work FOR YOU or you can work FOR THEM. (them being your money.) <br />
Now first a little about some of those budgeting reasons:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Having a budget gives you a clear picture as to how much money you have.</li>
<li>When the month/week/year is over you can see just how much money you spent in that amount of time and whether you're in the red or in the black. (Did you know that most retail companies are in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">RED</span> all year long? Not until BLACK Friday do they begin to be on the positive side for the entire year!!)</li>
<li>Having control of where your money is going is empowering.</li>
<li>People that are in debt are twice as likely to be overweight. <a href="http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-09-02/news/17932199_1_over-indebted-overweight-researchers">Story Here.</a></li>
</ul><div> That last one is enough for me to forever stay away from any unnecessary debt! To make money your slave there are some really great books out there. My favorites are <u>The Richest Man in Babylon</u> and anything by Dave Ramsey. I'd love to know what your favorites are. (Because we all have them!) </div><div> </div><div><b> Making your money work for you. </b> There are lots of ways to do this. For me the best way is to take the money I have and make it stretch as far as I can. Other ways might be investing, saving for something special/important or simply being able to do anything YOU WANT with YOUR MONEY. Ways you can know when it isn't working for you:</div><div><ul><li>When payday comes and you're already broke.</li>
<li>When you feel like a slave to your job.</li>
</ul><div> If this happens you need to do something about it. <b>I am no expert, nor do I profess to be. If you have questions about your financial situation, talk with a professional. </b></div></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div> Because I love lists (it's kind of a compulsion) I need to have my budget at my fingertips. The other day I was talking budget with my neighbor and he asked if I use Quicken or Excel for my budgeting. I told him just paper, and he looked so confused, (he is an accountant, so I'll forgive him). :O) But it's true, I'm a paper kind of gal. I know some people LOVE to use programs that allow you to scan receipts and everything is online or on your computer, and I sort of wish I could find something like this that works for me, but so far, I'm starting about 70 years behind the times. Has anyone tried any of these online systems and loves them?? </div><div><br />
</div><div> I'm going to be devoting the next little while to all things budget related, so pull out your papers and pencils and get ready to bring order to all the craziness!</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Please comment: I'm really interested to know what other people use to budget, and what your favorite financial books are!</i> </div><div><b><br />
</b></div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-28517653794637663782011-08-05T13:26:00.000-07:002011-08-05T13:27:26.146-07:00Practically AndroidPractically Android is about all things Android. These guys offer great tips for using your <s>phone/device</s> ANDROID in lots of different ways. The way I believe Android to be green is that with one tiny little ANDROID you don't need all the different things out there to keep your life sane and everyone happy. Check it out! I promise you'll learn something new. <a href="http://www.practicallyandroid.com/">www.practicallyandroid.com</a> <br />
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And if you're not into Androids, I'm sure you'll come away with a new found respect for them and you may just get a hankering to try them yourself. To the P.A. boys, this one is for you. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And please let me know if you're confused about the meaning of Domo Arigato. I can help you out there. Have a wonderful weekend!</div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-48884770231382553612011-08-04T11:49:00.000-07:002011-08-04T11:49:04.064-07:00Serving OthersFirst of all, I'm a Mormon (LDS). Second of all, I help with my congregation's Young Women (YW). Thirdly, each week on Wednesday we have Mutual (formerly MIA Mutual Improvement Association). Fourth, this month everyone in our congregation is encouraged to do 50 hours of service. So for example, the YW as a whole need 50 hours. So 10 people working for an hour would be 10 hours. Then the adult women's org. needs 50 hours, the children 50 hours, etc. (the only bonus the kids have is bodies to do hours, so I'm sure they'll accomplish theirs really fast!) <div><br />
</div><div>So now that you're all acronym-ed up, :O) last night was Mutual and we had previously asked some of the ladies expecting new additions (see baby) if they needed any help cleaning. (Yeah you try getting on your hands and knees and scrubbing the tub with a basketball in your way!) Some of them said yes and we made plans to get together. When we arrived last night I think our lady, Alicia, was a little bit timid about having us help and couldn't think of enough chores for each of us. :O) But after we got started, everyone enjoyed themselves. (its so easy when you're not alone!!) and then she kept thinking of new things! haha! </div><div><br />
</div><div>I think we're all like that sometimes. When people ask if we need help we're trained to say; "no, I got this in the bag!" When really we don't even take the time to think about things that they could do for us! Once they're there and helping and happy about it, everything is great! So the next time someone asks you if you need help, give it some thought and say yes!</div><div><br />
</div><div>When was the last time you helped someone else? </div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-23991527333224444682011-08-02T09:37:00.000-07:002011-08-02T09:37:48.801-07:00Be careful where you step!Yesterday was one of those trying days that no one wants to do over. The Handsome Husband has finals this week and spent most of the evening at the library. Because Vans and I dropped him off, we are also responsible for picking him up. So at 9 we drove up the the U (go Utes!) to retrieve our man. We got there a little early and surprised him in the library. (I was very pleased that the Prodigy made no noises while there.) He said he'd take a few more minutes and then meet up with us outside. <br />
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So we meandered around, looking at the fountain, touching the lavender plants, standing on construction sites, you know, exploring. When the Handsome Husband finally finished we were on one side that was closer to the car but to get to it quickly we'd have to go through a blocked off sidewalk due to construction. (WHY is everything under construction!?) He had the baby, I've got his computer and it's dark. After nine, and surrounded by big buildings casting long, dark shadows. Somehow, I stepped off the would-be-curb and instead of my feet hitting solid ground beneath them I <b>fell up to my knees</b> in Construction Water. Let me just say that, Construction Water is gross. Its cold, sandy, gravelly and just dirty. <br />
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It got me thinking though about how many times we step off something safe and *think* there's something underneath to catch us or someone and sometimes it works and sometimes you fall. Diego was very very happy I didn't drop the computer. I was too in shock to move. It took me a few heartbeats to realize where I was and what had happened. It also reminded me of movies with people hiking in snow and ice and one person is just standing there and the next they're gone. Dropped right off a cliff or hole that they couldn't see and didn't know existed. <br />
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There were so many small lessons in this. Don't walk through blocked off construction sites. Don't step in something that maybe doesn't quite look like a sidewalk. Listen to that Still, Small Voice that raises the flag of warning. You know. Lessons. Diego learned lessons too. He learned that I always to things that he thinks are really funny. He learned I won't let go of the computer in a moment of panic. I also learned I'm <b>never</b> living this down. I didn't mean for this to be spiritual, but that's what came out. But seriously, I wish you'd have been there. I'm sure you would've enjoyed it as much as the Handsome Husband did. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Have you ever done anything like that? What's your most embarrassing moment?</i></span>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-42566934142808992932011-08-01T12:46:00.000-07:002011-08-01T12:46:51.630-07:00Milk....it does a body good?<div style="text-align: center;">Let me preface this with:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love my dairy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A. Lot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think while I was pregnant I ate more of those little cow bell cheeses than I human should eat. But hey! Everything I read said that cheese was good for baby, so cheese I ate. (I ate other things too...)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think my baby came out being a cheese baby. She looked so good with her rolls and chubby cheeks. (they're a daily comment factor for new-comers.) So when I started to see non-normal diapers I made an appt. to see her doctor. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't believe what I heard when she said that Vans's diapers were non-normal because of the protein in the cow's milk that she was getting from me. (The Handsome Husband says I eat too much milk/dairy anyway...I think he was secretly pleased....although maybe not so pleased when he heard me whine for about 3 or 4 months.........) She [the doctor] said I should go on a strict no dairy diet until she's 6 months old. I secretly cheered. That was only 2 weeks away! Mwhahaha! You can't take the dairy out of me! (Yeah right...)Well I told her that was only 2 weeks away and she upped it to Vans being 8 months old. So I did it. For the sake of my baby I did it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">People asked me why I didn't just switch her to formula. (Because THEY couldn't do it.) I thought about it for .3 seconds and it didn't feel right. It didn't feel like something that was good for me or my baby. We'd already established a nursing habit, because I stayed home with her switching to formula wouldn't be easy (or cheap!) and she hates bottles. (yes, I've spoiled my child.) So, whatever, I can do this. About the same time I started reading more about being healthy and Go Veggies! and that lead to "maybe getting the dairy out isn't such a bad idea...." plus, it's cheaper. seriously. you try splitting EVERYTHING you eat up at the checkout line that has dairy and all the non-dairy items (yes, bread has dairy...check your labels!) (pss whey is dairy) and tell me how much you spend in dairy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">ANYWAY, I did it. I started bringing Dairy back in and she was good. Then her diapers looked non-normal again. So I decided to take myself out of the dairy game and wait for her 9 mo. appt. They said she was the picture of perfect baby health. And that I was over-thinking it and she was fine. (SO WISH I'D THOUGHT OF THAT a month earlier! but whatever!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what I learned: Milk is not for babies. Many babies have an "intolerance" to cow protein. This is different than being Lactose Intolerant. Dairy isn't cheap. Dairy isn't really good for you in the massive quantities we eat it in. (Think cheese, cream, butter and milk.) I lost over 30 pounds after I gave up the Cow. (You might argue, well you had a baby! duh you lost weight! And you'd be right, BUT I weigh less now than I did even BEFORE I got pregnant. so I'm just saying, I've been there, I feel for you people that wake up and find out you can't eat something anymore. ...you diabetics and lactose and gluten people! It made me more compassionate, healthier; I had to think more about my food options and put more effort into them, it got me out of meals I maybe didn't want to eat and was a conversation starter. :) Have you ever had to give up something love for your baby? or for yourself?</div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-63188821750950270322011-07-28T09:01:00.000-07:002011-07-28T09:01:27.288-07:00Is it hot where you live?If it is, I hope this video helps you. She's a 95 year old lady who grew up in the Great Depression. I love her candor and advice. And besides, everyone needs to beat the heat with Italian Ice once in a while! <br />
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</div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-48107292301237961872011-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:002011-07-27T12:22:14.428-07:00Happy Cotton Tails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkExEN2sdWubdmXvfbuG1tVSWVpUKTYWFVaexnAoPHoe-I4mtIevy8Ceg1YTf8fRe4XURhaZMcT-oA6FUZeQbKwLrEkvtW8bV_bMTVKeMap_pfVwffERrhfqBSLz2idrThr3ws4KSmmzrR/s1600/hct_button.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I started looking into cloth diapering (CD) I was overwhelmed by the choices. Diaper sprayers, boosters, aplix, snaps, liners, special soap, sizing, prices.....I could go on. I didn't know anyone who used CD's close to me. Sure, I had the {amazing} friend in Japan and {equally amazing} friend in Southern Utah, but that was about it. But I couldn't look at how they did it, I couldn't touch the different fabrics or smell the soaps, (very important to me...I'll save this for a later post) and I knew I needed someone closer to home. When I searched cloth diapering in Utah there weren't too many hits. I think the closest one was Happy Cotton Tails, just north of Salt Lake City and that worked perfectly for me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I emailed the company and asked if I could come and look at their stuff, (because they don't have a store front, you can't just walk in!) and was surprised how fast Laura answered me back. She seemed genuinely thrilled to hear from me and we set a date that worked for both of us. When I got there she showed me all of her products that pertained to me and my questions. She only sells the things that she's used and loved. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I immediately fell in love with the AppleCheeks brand based out of Canada and bought some that day. This was great for me because I knew that I was buying something I would love because it came so highly recommended. Plus, I'd never heard of AppleCheeks before, so it made it even better that I didn't feel like I was buying a major brand because it was the number one fav. (Root for the underdog!) Now I can't imagine going anywhere else for my CD's. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're considering CD's or want to add to your collection, you should definitely check out her website. Click on the button on the left, or check her out on Facebook.</div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-67252081814980476732011-07-25T21:07:00.000-07:002011-07-25T21:07:36.388-07:00Hydrogen Peroxide<div style="text-align: center;">I love this stuff. H2O2. </div><div style="text-align: center;">My husband thinks I'm a little tiny bit crazy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because if anyone might possible have any size cut, I want to put the 'oxide on them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But this week I discovered a NEW reason to love it! Maybe you knew this already.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Hooray for you!) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe you didn't, and now you'll learn something new...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">H2O2+blood on clothes=no STAIN.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I REPEAT, NO STAIN! </div><div style="text-align: center;">WOOHOO! </div><div style="text-align: center;">So next time you cut yourself chopping veggies and get some on that favorite shirt...</div><div style="text-align: center;">bada bing, bada boom.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The End.</div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-28361482867337896332011-07-25T08:34:00.000-07:002011-07-25T08:34:49.962-07:00Contain it, Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsqsMVB8KMBWXJjjesl9pg770HbRs0zR7zJeC7x55xKc61VVE4lXNtHlkZZnXrcRt9ipn3W8N4ZoT_WNuxVRTAlWpvt24yq6I564jXEn8dfwQcNFTJQ9G5OiijP-rXpSlL9LvL1I0L8c2/s1600/DSC05138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsqsMVB8KMBWXJjjesl9pg770HbRs0zR7zJeC7x55xKc61VVE4lXNtHlkZZnXrcRt9ipn3W8N4ZoT_WNuxVRTAlWpvt24yq6I564jXEn8dfwQcNFTJQ9G5OiijP-rXpSlL9LvL1I0L8c2/s320/DSC05138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the underbelly of my bathroom sink. Personally, I'm always surprised how crowded it looks. Mind you, I sincerely thought about cleaning it for you. But I'm not going to 'pose' and give you a less than real life me. Now, some other ways I thought of of reusing old stuff are </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. the microfiber cloth on top? It's a diaper booster. From the cloth diapers. We put the babe in disposables for the night, because being more absorbent I like to <u>think</u> she doesn't know she's sitting in a full diaper for most of the night. So we have the extra boosters and use them for dusting and cleaning. (They're not interchangeable here.) But hooray! Using what we have and not having to buy more stuff! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. the comet underneath said microfiber cloth. In an old parmesan cheese container from Sam's Club. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoRTefaOTUlWiw8-JsJbSkPRzf4SLX-jzlcmrLa0Q9cgSuNkWOWq4KmzSoFf1xUaIbfx_109l6kS6KXxRGhKHIVroo-XSkjGZtkZcFeEjPb5NTpObUM8hcm3DKlglOj_1jeDDEVDgDuZ-/s1600/DSC05140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoRTefaOTUlWiw8-JsJbSkPRzf4SLX-jzlcmrLa0Q9cgSuNkWOWq4KmzSoFf1xUaIbfx_109l6kS6KXxRGhKHIVroo-XSkjGZtkZcFeEjPb5NTpObUM8hcm3DKlglOj_1jeDDEVDgDuZ-/s320/DSC05140.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like this because if Vans gets into my sink area she can't do too much with this. It won't spill if it gets knocked over, stuff can't drip into it, it's not inhale-able, etc. Anyway, I came up with this one on my own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you use anything creative to contain your messes?</div><span id="goog_931212338"></span><span id="goog_931212339"></span>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-82491001148200000472011-07-21T08:56:00.000-07:002011-07-21T08:56:33.136-07:00Dept of Health is watching your vaccines<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It's true!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I wouldn't lie to you!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My sweet tiny baby turned 9 months last Wednesday. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And like the diligent mom I am took her to the doctor on Thursday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And she got her final Hep B shot. (the only one on the docket for the day.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">On Monday I got a call from Dept. of Health telling me that I was behind in my motherly duty of immunizing my Prodigy. I was needless to say; bugged. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I told the lady that she was mistaken and explained the situation. She said that the pediatrician had probably sent in her updates before our visit. Okay, fine. BUT that's dumb because Vans didn't even turn 9 months until last week. So even if they had been turned in she wasn't legitimately old enough to get said shot. Annoying.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But that's not the point of this story. The point is that the Dept. of Health is playing Big Brother and watching your vaccine schedule for you. (how nice! right? ...) The lady I spoke to said if I wanted to have my child removed I needed to talk to my pediatrician. What bugs me is A. no one ever ASKED me or TOLD me that this was happening. What else aren't they telling me? B. It is no one's business but mine whether my child gets stabbed in the leg each time we go to the doc. Why does the Dept. of Health need to know that anyway? (I feel bad for the parents who don't and have to get guilt trips for it ALL. THE. TIME. so not fair. I mean, I get the school's sort-of reasons. But not a 9 month old.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">and C. why waste precious state and federal funding on this!? This is where my tax dollars go? to the dept. of health's big brother sub-dept.? Sad. I don't think I voted for that...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What do you think? Do you think it's the government's business or not?</span></div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-85612301833640126282011-07-18T10:04:00.000-07:002011-07-25T08:25:15.523-07:00Contain your happiness<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvtxp_WUomh96FT-GW3Jkk4atyvSahHnyWc1enpqFO6jhRYrhJhNExUvg9HeghwYmnvNq44ZWGFb42os8oPWRgZtgt1udVw7Z4OqK-yL3X76YYbdZSv_eXI1kR9l_-OhlryAj2jovl73K/s1600/DSC05143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvtxp_WUomh96FT-GW3Jkk4atyvSahHnyWc1enpqFO6jhRYrhJhNExUvg9HeghwYmnvNq44ZWGFb42os8oPWRgZtgt1udVw7Z4OqK-yL3X76YYbdZSv_eXI1kR9l_-OhlryAj2jovl73K/s320/DSC05143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">No, I'm not talking about your kids or your pets. But your stuff! Specifically, your kitchen. A few months ago I had an epiphany. I don't know if I was nudged along towards said epiphany, or if I came up with it all on my own, BUT! did you know that all the stuff you buy comes in its own container?? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I know! Right? </div><div style="text-align: center;">So you have three choices when you finish that marshmallow creme. Or that cute jam jar. Or...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ol><li style="text-align: left;">Throw it out. ("Hooray, for no clutter in your home!" or "Boo! You bought it fair and square, you should keep it!")</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Recycle it. ("Yay! You're de cluttering AND earth conscience! woohoo!")</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Keep it. ("Yay! You've already paid for it anyway!")</li>
</ol><br />
Did you know that some companies will charge more for the glass option than the plastic?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I was throughly disappointed the other day when I went to buy more marshmallow creme, (for the container of course) and lo and behold! It comes soft plastic --probably melt in the microwave -- container. I was so saddened I walked away without the white fluff. (I'm sure that the plastic is cheaper, but they didn't even lower the price for the product. Boo.) Personally, I love the glass option. I can put leftovers in the pickle jar and not worry about it being stained like plastic and tupperware and therefore, much more washable. They come in great sizes and shapes! My point is that you're paying for your containers. So, before you throw them to the curb, maybe there's something you could use it for and not have to buy more tupperware. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm just sayin'. What about you? Is this something you do or would consider? </div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-78223798569910495712011-07-16T09:27:00.000-07:002011-07-20T10:16:59.390-07:00Two by landHistorically this was "One if by land, two if by sea." But that doesn't work in this instance. If you'd like to learn more about Paul Revere's ride and those early American Patriots, go <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_North_Church">here</a>. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyKaJyAgOHLW-MftRHs0CHxlkYWABuQN6rSc5-CLtLkFJ2pX73CLO2gazE2zgk7dKIsbKYsmjcKnkCrI3BmRf-I1IRk_-MAlmLj40RahTTncF5fEXX-G_qU91suciG2qrpAhYoGZycGR7/s1600/DSC00141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyKaJyAgOHLW-MftRHs0CHxlkYWABuQN6rSc5-CLtLkFJ2pX73CLO2gazE2zgk7dKIsbKYsmjcKnkCrI3BmRf-I1IRk_-MAlmLj40RahTTncF5fEXX-G_qU91suciG2qrpAhYoGZycGR7/s200/DSC00141.JPG" width="170" /></a></div><div>My daughter Vans, (pulling a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196229/">Zoolander </a>face)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well Vans and I are preparing for an exciting road trip adventure. The Handsome Husband is staying behind to man & protect the castle from intruders and score high marks on his finals. So we're doing it alone. One: I've never gone on an 8 hour RT alone before. Especially with a 9 month old in tow. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Some things I'm planning to do are; instead of buying new toys for her to entertain herself with, I'm asking other moms to borrow a few. Then we'll return them at trip's end. Hooray for money saving! I'm planning on preparing enough food before departure so I won't have to stop and by fast food at inflated prices that won't make me feel good anyway. (Once I had to make a special trip from Vienna to Frankfurt and back with a hired driver and he told me he never eats anything en route because food makes you sleepy.) </div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you have any ideas for safe and fun baby travel? What are some things you do to save money or "green" your trip?</div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3506864783403856392.post-16346322923038797182011-07-16T08:58:00.000-07:002011-07-20T10:17:24.479-07:00Issues to cover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I've been thinking a lot about different issues that people would like to read about. Some ideas I have revolve around babies, home-making, budgeting, kids, cooking, travel(by air</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> and land)and gardening. What are your thoughts my faithful readers?</span></div>Cam E. O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08393742984506407863noreply@blogger.com1