Udder Covers

I love Udder Covers! I loved having one when I was nursing Mac...so convenient and it covers what needs to be covered!

Anyway, for a limited time you can GET FREE merchandise (just pay shipping) on Nursing Covers, Baby Carriers/Slings and Breast Pads. Awesome!


It's as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Go to SevenSlings.com and/or UdderCovers.com.
2. Click on "Shop Now" and select any baby carrier, nursing cover and/or breast pads you like.
3. Once you have made your selection, you'll automatically be directed to the shopping bag.
Enter the promo code " Breastfeeding " and both companies have agreed to deduct 100% of
the cost of the carrier or nursing cover - all you pay are the shipping fees!

Remember: the promo code is " Breastfeeding" and you can use it more than once - just open a new browser window each time you do.


Have a Great World Breastfeeding Week, feel free to pass this promotion on to your friends!

Yum. Hobo Packets

This was SUCH a fun recipe. It was easy and quick and I am going to do it again and again. It is also a great idea for camping.

Ingredients:
Ground Beef *the amount depends on how many are eating and how the portions are
Potatoes-sliced or diced
Onion-slices
Foil-per person-Cut the foil (about 15 inches) or enough to fold the sides
Ice cube or butter
Seasoning

1.) Preheat oven to 375*
2.) Take the ground beef and season really well. I used seasoned salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. Using your hands, mix it well. Shape into hamburger patties.
3.) Place the patties in the middle of your foil piece.
4.) Put potato slices on top and season a little more.
5.) Place onion slices on top
6.) Stick an ice cube in for added moisture and steam. You could also do some butter.
7.) Fold the sides well. Make sure that no air can get through. Then fold down the top. Most of mine did NOT look like hobo bags, but it was sufficient.
**Make sure it is sealed tightly.

8.) Place in the oven for about 1 hour or until the meat is cooked and the potatoes are soft.

*I placed mine on a cookie sheet because I knew the juices would leak out. I also made an extra packet that was just potatoes and onions. It was great to have extra for those that were still hungry.

*Another idea: include some Campbell's soup, it makes a great gravy and gives the potatoes a good flavor --this was not my idea, but if you try it, let me know!

*Remember that the meat will shrink, so double the meat.

Summertime

As many of you have noticed, this blog hasn't been updated very frequently. SORRY! I will have to say that summertime isn't just for the kids :)

We will continue to have random posts here and there, but things should resume in the next month or so. DON'T give up on us!

binky advice.

 Lately I have been thinking about weaning my daughter from her most beloved "mi-mi".  Was your little one attached to their binky?  How did you get rid of it?  When did you get rid of it?

Please, do tell.

PVC Mister Sprinkler {tutorial}

Do you need a fun way to beat the summer heat? Well here is an easy and fun way to get the kids wet this summer.  I found this idea on Instructables.

First you will need to gather your materials.

What you will need:

 Head to your local hardware store for the following 3/4" pipe and fittings:

2 ten foot lengths of PVC

3 end caps

1 threaded female hose connector (slip fit)

2 elbow joints (90 degree)

2 T connections

1 pack quarter circle mister jets or raindrip jets

Next Find all your tools. 

Tools needed for this project are:

measuring device

pen or pencil

pvc cutter or saw

PVC cement and primer

drill

5/32" drill bit

Now it is time to cut your pipes.  

2 at 5 feet

1 at 4 feet

4 at 18 inches

Cut one of the 10' lengths in half so that you have two 5' sections.

Then, cut a 4' section from the second one. Cut the remaining 6' section in half and then each of the 3' sections in half.

Now make your center lines. 

To help keep your misters pointing in the same directions you will need a center line.  Take your three longest pipes and mark a line on them.  To do so, hold two pipes together, using one as a guide run your pen or pencil  along it to make the line. As long as you keep your pen or pencil angle the same you will get a straight line.

Make your drill markings. 

This step really depends on the amount of misters you have.  I had 10 in my package so I placed 4 on the top and 3 on the sides.  My markings were as followed.  9" from each end on the top and then every 10" for the other two.  For the sides I placed my holes every 12 inches from the top end for 3 holes on each side. 

Drill your holes for the jets. 

Make sure you check your jets, but for my jets the 5/32" drill bit worked the best.

Assemble upright poles.

When assembling you will need to for a "U" shape.  Each of the drilled holes will need to be facing up. Once you're satisfied glue up the "U", making sure the holes stay facing up. To do so you will prime it first and then glue.

Screw in the jets.

You can skip this part and just have streams of water shooting out all over the place, but the misters are lots of fun.

 

You will need to use some good pressure for this step.  However, once the jets begin to make their own threads into pipes it will become easier.  Face the jet holes toward the center.  My jets made it possible to move them around depending on how the kids wanted to you the sprinkler later.

Assemble and glue the base. 

Your "U" shape is up and the misters are installed so you are just about done.  Now it is time for the base.  Before you glue all parts together, MAKE SURE YOUR HOSE FITTING FITS YOUR HOSE, then glue.

Almost done...Attach your base. 

First assemble the "U" and the base without glue. Make sure the base pieces are parallel with each other, and perpendicular to the plane of the "U". The edge of a sidewalk is a great reference to make sure your base pieces are parallel with each other, and perpendicular to the plane of the "U". Once everything is lined up you are ready for glue.

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT

make sure everything is dried before turing on the water.  It doensn't take too long, just have patience.

Now it is time to turn on the water.

Finally after many windy days, the kids have been able to enjoy their new sprinkler. 

They can run through it.

They can ride through it.

Or they can just sit under it and enjoy the cool water.

Hope you enjoy your summer!  We Are!

{Peaches @ Positively Peaches}

7 ways to have a safe (and fun) summer

1. Keep an eye out. Not just adult supervision, BUT ACTIVE adult supervision. (guilty)
2. Join in the fun. Don't just send the kids out to play by themselves, go join them...and join in the fitness.
3. Be sun-smart. SUNSCREEN.
4. Helmets rule. Always wear a helmet when riding a bike/skateboard, etc.
5. Be prepared. Take a first aid kit and cell phone on long road trips.
6. Always use a seat belt or safety seats.
7. Beat the bugs. Wear protective clothing and insect repellent.

Modesty Matters

One thing that I do not like about summer is the amount of skin that is exposed. It really does frustrate me. There are some people that just should not be flaunting their bodies, even though they make me feel better about mine. But I feel that I even get more frustrated with the people that look amazing wearing very little clothing. I do not appreciate the fact that they leave little to the imagination and that my husband and four sons have to be exposed to their almost-naked bodies. I feel that string bikinis can be the worse and that much nudity should only be seen by one's spouse.
I have been fortunate that without much emphasis by me, my boys recognize and dislike immodesty. My four year-old will always point out to me a person (whether on TV or in person) that is being immodest. Going through Dick's Sporting Good store with my seven year-old is a riot as he slaps away the pictures and advertisements of immodest pictures, most of which show girls wearing sports bras and running shorts.
The other day I pulled behind a small gang of motorcyclist. On the back of a few were some women wearing typical summer clothing. My six year-old saw this and exclaimed, "They're riding their motorcycles to the beach!" He had assumed that their clothing was actually swimwear. I just hope that my boys can keep up their determination of avoiding immodesty and keep their innocence.
What do you do to teach your children about modesty and to avoid looking at pictures or people that are not being modest?

The 20 hour trip

Ideas needed. Please pass this post on...

We have a few 20 +/- hour car trips coming our way. Suggestions on what to do to keep children ages 7,5,2 entertained?

I am sure that the 7 year old will be reading most of the way. The 5 year old will be watching movies. But the 2 year old? I've got nothing.

He enjoys watching some movies, but not for very long periods of time. He loves eating, so that's an option..but I want him to fit in to his clothes by the time we reach our destination.

Here are some other ideas I have read about:

1.) books on tape.
2.) Coloring books and crayons
3.) Dollar Store random gifts. Wrap and give every few hundred miles.
4.) Here are some ideas I found for an airplane trip:
Magna-doodle
Lace-up cards or cotton reels
Dress up doll
Finger puppets
Small toy cars, diggers, planes
Bendy dolls or stretchy aliens
Wind-up walking toys.

Any other ideas/suggestions?

Straw Bale Gardening

Several months ago while reading a friend's blog, I came across this amazing idea! I have never heard of it, but I am intrigued by it. Most gardens are already planted and you are reaping the benefits, but for NEXT year, try it!

Straw Bale Gardening

little boy ties

go to http://www.ellieinspired.com/ for the FREE pattern!!! They only take about an hour to make...

How do you protect your children?

This Hot Topic isn't about shielding and hiding your children from the world. This post is about options and ideas.

What are some things that you can do to help protect your children from the world?
How do you guide them?

31 Days to less stress

Wow! Who wouldn't want a less-stressful life? I am not going to lie, life is stressful. It doesn't matter what or who or when we stress, it's the fact that we do.

Stress causes so many health issues: depression, sickness, eating more/less. If it gets too intense, stress can lead to more serious health problems.

Here are some ways to 'declutter' your life:
1. Exercise
2. Get a massage
3. Meditate
4. Sleep
5. Organize your life
6. Get rid of the stressors

For more ideas and a monthly plan: CLICK HERE!

4th of july goodness

Since I am the world's most creative mom {sarcasm}, I stole this idea from Meal Planning Mommies, which in turn stole it from another blog. All in the name of giving your kids a FUN 4th of July!



It is so simple, yet creative enough that they will think you are the COOLEST mom ever!



Do you have fun ideas you are doing for the 4th?

Prayer at Valley Forge

Never have I wanted a picture, more than this one. This was a great video to remind us of our founding fathers. Enjoy and Happy 4th of July!

Guardian Sleeper

Guardian Sleeper Giveaway

When first seeing this product, I wasn't quite sure how it worked. BUT, after viewing the video, it is BRILLIANT! After having a newborn, there is plenty to worry about without worrying about them sleeping safely. Enter...the Guardian Sleeper.

Click on the link above to check out the giveaway and the video.

Happy 4th of July!

What are some of your plans for the 4th?

-What's your food plan? Menu?

-Where do you go to watch the fireworks?

-Who do you spend your time with?

-How do you spend your day?

Picky Eaters

I have an extremely picky eater. Let's just say that our dinner-time conversation consists mostly of cajoling, sweet talking and threatening. It can get pretty ridiculous and honestly, I feel sorry for our other 2 children.

On the bright side: There is more food for the rest of us {haha!}.

But seriously, there are some things that have worked for us.

1.) No snacks before dinner. We don't starve him, but we make sure that he hasn't had any snacks or food right before dinner.

2.) Play a game. We have a special "magician" game we play. Luke turns around and by the time he counts to 10, the food has magically disappeared. It has turned a bit crazy in our house, but it can be effective.

3.) Make food that they like. Obviously not every single dinner needs to be a favorite, but every once in a while...

4.) Power struggle. Don't make it in to a power struggle. It's never a good thing to do this. If you force them to eat something, two things happen: 1.) Your relationship is based on who has more power and 2.) They aren't going to eat food you are forcing them to eat. Not going to happen.

5.)Let them help MAKE it. This one has proven to be a great tool. It has worked great in our home...and failed, but to have at least one win is wonderful!

6.) As a last resort I have tweaked their dinner. Having spaghetti? Instead of putting the sauce on top of the noodles; keep it separated. Our little man doesn't like them mixed. Come to think of it...HE HATES RED SAUCE! Honestly. So, I put just a little bit of sauce on the side and make him eat it.

Now, this isn't a science. Every single child is different. Good luck and let me know if you have any ideas of your own!