New Addition to the Kitchen

I have enjoyed this anonymous quote ever since I read it a year or so back. I have finally framed it and found it a home so that I can enjoy it daily.

Show and Tell Friday

Home and Family Friday

The Girls Room

First off...I just love Sarah Richardson's designs. Anything she decorates is classic and lovely and right down my alley.

Second... I am trying to decide between blue or green for the girls room. Right now I am leaning toward a blue similar to this blue here

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Although I do like green in a very playful and feminine color. I am still not sure. All the same, the girls are getting their room painted and organized. A long time coming, and I can't wait to get started- as soon as I get over this cold.

Home Economics

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"Most home economics texts stressed the science of homemaking, and they were not being cute. The homemaker had to know what vitamins and nutrients each member of her family needed, and which foods provided them for the least money. She learned that the tough cut of meat was as nutritious as the filet- and through scientific knowledge she could make it just as tasty."


Home Economics: Vintage Advice and Practical Science for the 21st-Century Household
complied by Jennifer McKnight Trontz

Home Remedies for the Cold

We have been battling the common cold in our house for over a week now. No one has been immune (except the dogs). Here are a few tricks I have learned that work for the children when they are stuffy and coughing.

• Nebulizer- use just like you would with albuterol, but instead of the medication, use SALINE. It works wonderfully for a cough and stuffy noses. You may have to do it several times a day, but works well right before bed. This is great for babies who cannot take any medication for stuffy noses and coughs. A friend of mine told me about this several years ago and I am so glad she did.

• Honey- this truly works great for coughs. You can add baking soda to it and it helps with a dry hacking cough (a trick from my great great grandmother). There are no real measurements, it just makes a light amber color. Honey is also much easier to get children to tolerate (the taste that is) than over the counter medicine.

• Honey and Lemon Tea- my mother always made this for me when I was sick. It is comforting too. Use one lemon (or lemon juice will work in a pinch) squeezed into a cup of hot water. Add 4-5 tablespoons of honey (as to your liking). I also will add this to Earl Grey or any other tea I am drinking, but it is good just with the lemon and honey.

• Humidifiers/Vaporizer- they go in all sick bedrooms at night. You can also add eucalyptus oil to the water to help with breathing.

• Hot washcloth- another trick my mother used for me when I was stuffy. Wet a washcloth as hot as you can stand, you can even put it in the microwave for a few seconds. Then place it over you nose with your head on a pillow. Of course, make sure it isn't scalding hot. It takes a while and may need to be repeated, but it works like holding your head over a steaming pot of water.

• Elderberry- another one of my mothers treatments, or really preventatives. We were late on this cold though, so I ran by the herb shop to pick up some gummy elderberry vitamins. The kids are doing much better, but I need to be more proactive next time.

Of course, I wash all sheets, toys, pillows, and blankets that have been used. I also try to air out the house, if the weather is right. Spraying all used items with Lysol is something I aim to do at night after the kids are in bed. And keeping the bathroom extra clean during this time is pretty important- just in case the toilet is needed for losing the last meal :)

To me, when the kids are ready to play outside, I let them. Fresh air and sunshine can cure a lot of ailments.

My diaper bag

About a year ago I purchased a great bag from Lands end. It holds all I need for my purse and diaper needs plus it is water proof! I keep an emergency diaper bag in the back of our van with a change of clothes for the three youngest. I am trusting that Katy doesn't need them anymore. I also keep extra diaper and wipes, a first aid kit, spoons, napkins, disinfectant, an extra towel and washcloth, and a few snacks (which are probably stale by now). Now Kris will tell you that it isn't always stocked appropriately, but I do make diligent attempts at keeping it stocked when something gets used.

So I keep as little as possible in my diaper purse. In a little removable zipper bag I keep 2 diapers for Jay and Klaire, wipes, and diaper cream. Klaire  and Karolines sippy cups usually make in the bag too. Now on Sundays, I do bring small take along bags for Jay and Klaire with the essentials.  Getting rid of the all the extra that never seems to get used has certainly lightened my load.

Update: 1/2012
I now only carry diaper items for Jay. I do have a small backpack for Jay when we are at church and I have to leave him, but that is all I carry. My purse works to house everything else I need when we are out and about. Having the arsenal of extra's in the car works best for me. The key it keep it stocked.





I mean do you really need 10 diapers, 3 changes of clothes, powder, bottom cream, baby wash, hairbrush, sunscreen, nail clippers, 4 paccies, and wipes to just go to the grocery store or church! It took me awhile, but I learned.